25 Quotes by Elizabeth Montagu

I am sorry to say the generality of women who have excelled in wit have failed in chastity.

I endeavor to be wise when I cannot be merry, easy when I cannot be glad, content with what cannot be mended, and patient when there be no redress.

She kindly laments that I am not of the party, and to be sure I honour great ladies, and I admire great wits, but I am of the same opinion in regard to assemblies that is held concerning oysters, that they are never good in a month that has not the letter R in it.

To judge therefore of Shakespeare by Aristotle's rule is like trying a man by the Laws of one Country who acted under those of another.

Wit in women is apt to have bad consequences; like a sword without a scabbard, it wounds the wearer and provokes assailants.

I never invite idiots to my house.

I always wish to find great virtues where there are great talents, and to love what I admire ...

it is more to my personal happiness and advantage to indulge the love and admiration of excellence, than to cherish a secret envy of it.

The outrages of the powerful, the insolence of the rich, scorn of the proud, and malice of the uncharitable, all beating against the broken spirit of the unfortunate.