Explore Quotes by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Good reading makes for damn hard writing.

Sheer necessity,-the proper parent of an art so nearly allied to invention.

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 open with a clock striking, to beget an awful attention in the audience - it also marks the time, which is four o clock in the morning, and saves a description of the rising sun, and a great deal about gilding the eastern hemisphere.

A progeny of learning.

An oyster may be crossed in love.

A life spent worthily should be measured by a nobler line,-by deeds, not years.

Death's a debt; his mandamus binds all alike- no bail, no demurrer.

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.

Certainly nothing is unnatural that is not physically impossible.

I'm called away by particular business - but I leave my character behind me

Fertilizer does no good in a heap, but a little spread around works miracles all over.

Believe not each accusing tongue, _x000D_ As most weak persons do; _x000D_ But still believe that story wrong, _x000D_ Which ought not to be true!

Our memories are independent of our wills.

The most threatened group in human societies as in animal societies is the unmated male: the unmated male is more likely to wind up in prison or in an asylum or dead than his mated counterpart. He is less likely to be promoted at work and he is considered a poor credit risk.

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

Justice-august and pure, the abstract idea of all that would be perfect in the spirits and the inspirations of men!-where the mind rises; where the heart expands; where the countenance is ever placid and benign; where her favorite attitude is to stoop to the unfortunate; to hear their cry and to help them; to rescue and relieve; to succor and save; majestic, from its mercy; venerable, from its Lutility; uplifted, without pride; firm without obduracy; beneficent in each preference; lovely, though in her frown!

We will not anticipate the past; so mind, young people,-our retrospection will be all to the future.

Ay, ay, the best terms will grow obsolete: damns have had their day.

Humanity is composed but of two categories, the invalids and the nurses

Nay, but Jack, such eyes! such eyes! so innocently wild! so bashfully irresolute! Not a glance but speaks and kindles some thought of love! Then, Jack, her cheeks! her cheeks, Jack! so deeply blushing at the insinuations of her tell-tale eyes! Then, Jack, her lips! O, Jack, lips smiling at their own discretion! and, if not smiling, more sweetly pouting - more lovely in sullenness! Then, Jack, her neck! O, Jack, Jack!