Wit must be foiled by wit: cut a diamond with a diamond.

Quote by William Congreve

Topics: William Congreve Quotes

Nature, to each allots his proper Sphere, But, that forsaken, we like Comets err: Toss'd...

Nature, to each allots his proper Sphere, But, that forsaken, we like Comets err: Toss'd...

Courtship is to marriage, as a very witty prologue to a very dull play.

Courtship is to marriage, as a very witty prologue to a very dull play.

Say what you will, 'tis better to be left than never to have been loved.

Say what you will, 'tis better to be left than never to have been loved.

Fear comes from uncertainty. When we are absolutely certain, whether of our worth or worthlessness,...

Fear comes from uncertainty. When we are absolutely certain, whether of our worth or worthlessness,...

Believe it, Men have ever been the same, And all the Golden Age is but...

Believe it, Men have ever been the same, And all the Golden Age is but...

There is in true beauty, as in courage, something which narrow souls cannot dare to...

There is in true beauty, as in courage, something which narrow souls cannot dare to...

Blessings ever wait on virtuous deeds, and though a late, a sure reward succeeds

Blessings ever wait on virtuous deeds, and though a late, a sure reward succeeds

Grief walks upon the heels of pleasure; married in haste, we repent at leisure.

Grief walks upon the heels of pleasure; married in haste, we repent at leisure.

Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life. Security is an insipid thing.

Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life. Security is an insipid thing.

A hungry wolf at all the herd will run, In hopes, through many, to make...

A hungry wolf at all the herd will run, In hopes, through many, to make...

A little disdain is not amiss; a little scorn is alluring.

A little disdain is not amiss; a little scorn is alluring.

They come together like the Coroner's Inquest, to sit upon the murdered reputations of the...

They come together like the Coroner's Inquest, to sit upon the murdered reputations of the...

Beauty is the lover's gift

Beauty is the lover's gift

She likes herself, yet others hates, For that which in herself she prizes; And while...

She likes herself, yet others hates, For that which in herself she prizes; And while...

If this be not love, it is madness, and then it is pardonable.

If this be not love, it is madness, and then it is pardonable.

Come, come, leave business to idlers, and wisdom to fools: they have need of 'em:...

Come, come, leave business to idlers, and wisdom to fools: they have need of 'em:...

In my conscience I believe the baggage loves me, for she never speaks well of...

In my conscience I believe the baggage loves me, for she never speaks well of...

Music has charms to sooth a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted...

Music has charms to sooth a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted...

I confess freely to you, I could never look long upon a monkey, without very...

I confess freely to you, I could never look long upon a monkey, without very...

Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a...

Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a...