Richard Brinsley Sheridan Quotes

A man may surely be allowed to take a glass of wine by his own fireside.

Never say more than is necessary.

As headstrong as an allegory on the banks of the Nile.

Since, however, Sheridan’s biographers, from Moore to Fraser Rae, have shown that no authorised or correct edition of THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL was published in Sheridan’s lifetime, there seems unusual justification for reproducing the text of the play itself with absolute fidelity to the original manuscript

The Spanish fleet thou canst not see, because—it is not yet in sight!

Enter LIEUTENANT O’CONNOR, disguised. Just. So, a tall — Efacks! what! has lost an eye? Rosy. Only a bruise he got in taking seven or eight highwaymen.

Here’s to the maiden of bashful fifteen
Here’s to the widow of fifty
Here’s to the flaunting, extravagant queen;
And here’s to the housewife that’s thrifty.
Let the toast pass—
Drink to the lass—
I’ll warrant she’ll prove an excuse for the glass!

I ne'er could any luster see In eyes that would not look on me.

The number of those who undergo the fatigue of judging for themselves is very small indeed!

... if Charles is undone, he'll find half his acquaintance ruined too, and that, you know, is a consolation.

Steal! to be sure they may; and, egad, serve your best thoughts as gypsies do stolen children,—disfigure them to make 'em pass for their own.

Won’t you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you.

There's no possibility of being witty without a little ill-nature.

LADY TEAZLE. O to be sure she has herself the oddest countenance that ever was seen — ’tis a collection of Features from all the different Countries of the globe. SIR BENJAMIN. So she has indeed — an Irish Front — — CRABTREE. Caledonian Locks — — SIR BENJAMIN. Dutch Nose — — CRABTREE. Austrian Lips — — SIR BENJAMIN. Complexion of a Spaniard — — CRABTREE. And Teeth a la Chinoise — — SIR BENJAMIN. In short, her Face resembles a table d’hote at Spa — where no two guests are of a nation — — CRABTREE. Or a Congress at the close of a general War — wherein all the members even to her eyes appear to have a different interest and her Nose and Chin are the only Parties likely to join issue.

Just. Why, zounds! will you hear me or no?