Top 15 Oliver Goldsmith Quotes

The best-humour'd man, with the worst-humour'd Muse.

When he talked of their Raphaels, Correggios, and stuff,
He shifted his trumpet and only took snuff.

Who peppered the highest was surest to please.

He cast off his friends as a huntsman his pack,
For he knew when he pleased he could whistle them back.

On the stage he was natural, simple, affecting;
'Twas only that when he was off he was acting.

As a wit, if not first, in the very first line.

Here lies David Garrick, describe me, who can,
An abridgment of all that was pleasant in man.

A flattering painter, who made it his care
To draw men as they ought to be, not as they are.

His conduct still right, with his argument wrong.

Here lies our good Edmund, whose genius was such,
We scarcely can praise it, or blame it too much;
Who, born for the universe, narrow'd his mind,
And to party gave up what was meant for mankind;
Though fraught with all learning, yet straining his throat
To persuade Tommy Townshend to lend him a vote.
Who too deep for his hearers still went on refining,
And thought of convincing while they thought of dining:
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!

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

Baw! Damme, but I'll fight you both, one after the other!
With baskets.

Oh sir! I must not tell my age. They say women and music should never be dated.