Richard Brinsley Sheridan Quotes

LADY SNEERWELL. I’m not disappointed in Snake, I never suspected the fellow to have virtue enough to be faithful even to his own Villany.

SURFACE. The license of invention some people take is monstrous indeed. MARIA. ’Tis so but in my opinion, those who report such things are equally culpable.

An apothecary should never be out of spirits.

Had I a heart for falsehood framed, I ne'er could injure you.

Believe not each accusing tongue, As most weak persons do; But still believe that story wrong, Which ought not to be true!

An unforgiving eye, and a damned disinheriting countenance.

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

If it is abuse,—why one is always sure to hear of it from one damned goodnatured friend or another!

She’s as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of the Nile.

Graced by those signs which truth delights to own, The timid blush, and mild submitted tone: Whate’er she says, though sense appear throughout, Displays the tender hue of female doubt; Deck’d with that charm, how lovely wit appears,

<small>THEY</small>, by a strange Frenzy driven, fight for Power, for Plunder, and extended Rule—<small>WE</small>, for our Country, our Altars, and our Homes.—<small>THEY</small> follow an <small>ADVENTURER</small>, whom they fear—and obey a Power which they hate—<small>WE</small> serve a Monarch whom we love—a God whom we adore...They call on us to barter all of Good we have inherited and proved, for the desperate Chance of Something better which they promise.—Be our plain Answer this: The Throne <small>WE</small> honour is the <small>PEOPLE'S CHOICE</small>—the Laws we reverence are our brave Fathers' Legacy—the Faith we follow teaches us to live in bonds of Charity with all Mankind, and die with Hope of Bliss beyond the Grave. Tell your Invaders this; and tell them too, we seek no Change; and, least of all, such Change as they would bring us.

CHARLES. And there are two brothers of his, William and Walter Blunt, Esquires, both members of Parliament, and noted speakers; and, what’s very extraordinary, I believe, this is the first time they were ever bought or sold. SIR OLIVER. That is very extraordinary, indeed! I’ll take them at your own price, for the honour of Parliament.

I own the soft impeachment.

Through all the drama — whether damned or not — Love gilds the scene, and women guide the plot.