Colley Cibber Quotations

Wit is the most rascally, contemptible, beggarly thing on the face of the earth.

Then let not what I cannot have My cheer of mind destroy. Whilst thus I sing, I am a king, Although a poor blind boy!

Possession is eleven points in the law.

A weak invention of the Enemy.

The happy have whole days, and those they choose. The unhappy have but hours, and those they lose.

We shall find no fiend in hell can match the fury of a disappointed woman; scorned, slighted, dismissed without a parting pang.

Oh! How many torments lie in the small circle of a wedding ring.

You know, one had as good be out of the world, as out of the fashion.

Banish that fear; my flame can never waste, For love sincere refines upon the taste.

What have I done? What horrid crime committed? To me the worst of crimes-outliv'd my liking.

So mourn'd the dame of Ephesus her love.

The happy have whole days,

Faint is the bliss, that never past thro' pain.

Oh, say! what is that thing call'd light, Which I must ne'er enjoy? What are the blessings of the sight? Oh, tell your poor blind boy!

When we are conscious of the least comparative merit in ourselves, we should take as much care to conceal the value we set upon it, as if it were a real defect; to be elated or vain upon it is showing your money before people in want.

Who fears t' offend takes the first step to please.

The wretch that fears to drown, will break through flames; Or, in his dread of flames, will plunge in waves. When eagles are in view, the screaming doves Will cower beneath the feet of man for safety.

The aspiring youth that fired the Ephesian domeOutlives in fame the pious fool that rais'd it.

Words are but empty thanks.

Stolen sweets are best.

I've lately had two spiders Crawling upon my startled hopes-- Now though thy friendly hand has brushed 'em from me, Yet still they crawl offensive to mine eyes: I would have some kind friend to tread upon 'em.

Losers must have leave to speak.

Old houses mended, Cost little less than new before they're ended.

Prithee don't screw your wit beyond the compass of good manners.

Tea! thou soft, sober, sage and venerable liquid;- thou female tongue-running, smile-smoothing, heart-opening, wink-tippling cordial, to whose glorious insipidity I owe the happiest moment of my life, let me fall prostrate.

Tea! Thou soft, thou sober, sage, and venerable liquid, thou innocent pretence for bringing the wicked of both sexes together in a morning; thou female tongue-running, smile-smoothing, heart-opening, wink-tipping cordial, to whose glorious insipidity I owe the happiest moment of my life, let me fall prostrate thus, and adore thee.

Off with his head - so much for Buckingham.

One had as good be out of the world, as out of the fashion

It takes time for the absent to assume their true shape in our thoughts. After death they take on a firmer outline and then cease to change.