Oliver Goldsmith Quotes

To what happy accident is it that we owe so unexpected a visit?

Hope, like the gleaming taper's light,
Adorns and cheers our way;
And still, as darker grows the night,
Emits a brighter ray.

Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway,
And fools, who came to scoff, remained to pray.

As writers become more numerous, it is natural for readers to become more indolent.

The only art her guilt to cover, To hide her shame from every eye,
To give repentance to her lover, And wring his bosom——is to die.

Turn, gentle Hermit of the Dale,
And guide my lonely way
To where yon taper cheers the vale
With hospitable ray.

The first blow is half the battle.

For just experience tells; in every soil,
That those that think must govern those that toil.

Where'er I roam, whatever realms I see,
My heart untraveled fondly turns to thee;
Still to my brother turns with ceaseless pain,
And drags at each remove a lengthening chain.

Conscience is a coward, and those faults it has not strength enough to prevent it seldom has justice enough to accuse.

No flocks that range the valley free
To slaughter I condemn;
Taught by that Power that pities me,
I learn to pity them:
But from the mountain’s grassy side
A guiltless feast I bring;
A scrip with herbs and fruits supplied,
And water from the spring.

I'll be with you in the squeezing of a lemon.

He calls his extravagance, generosity; and his trusting everybody, universal benevolence.

We modest Gentlemen don't want for much success among the women.

Well had the boding tremblers learn'd to trace
The day's disasters in his morning face;
Full well they laugh'd with counterfeited glee
At all his jokes, for many a joke had he;
Full well the busy whisper circling round
Convey'd the dismal tidings when he frown'd.
Yet was he kind, or if severe in aught,
The love he bore to learning was in fault;
The village all declar'd how much he knew,
'T was certain he could write and cipher too.