Quotes from Retaliation — Oliver Goldsmith
1728–1774 Ireland
← All quotes by Oliver Goldsmith
17 quotes
His conduct still right, with his argument wrong.
As a wit, if not first, in the very first line.
A flattering painter, who made it his care
To draw men as they ought to be, not as they are.
The best-humour'd man, with the worst-humour'd Muse.
Though equal to all things, for all things unfit;
Too nice for a statesman, too proud for a wit.
Who mix'd reason with pleasure, and wisdom with mirth:
If he had any faults, he has left us in doubt.
Our Garrick's a salad; for in him we see
Oil, vinegar, sugar, and saltness agree!
Who, born for the universe, narrow'd his mind,
And to party gave up what was meant for mankind.
On the stage he was natural, simple, affecting;
'Twas only that when he was off he was acting.
Here lies David Garrick, describe me, who can,
An abridgment of all that was pleasant in man.
Who peppered the highest was surest to please.
When he talked of their Raphaels, Correggios, and stuff,
He shifted his trumpet and only took snuff.
Attribution
Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Oliver Goldsmith (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.