34 Quotes by Ernest Bramah

Better a dish of husks to the accompaniment of a muted lute than to be satiated with stewed shark's fin and rich spiced wine of which the cost is frequently mentioned by the provider.

When an alluring woman comes in at the door," warningly traced the austere Kien-fi on the margin of his well-known essay, "discretion may be found up the chimney". It is incredible that beneath this ever-timely reminder an obscure disciple should have added the words: "The wiser the sage, the more profound the folly.

There are those who collect the refuse of the public streets, but in order to be received into the band it is necessary to have been born one of the Hereditary Confederacy of Superfluity Removers and Abandoned Oddment Gatherers.

One cannot live for ever by ignoring the price of coffins.

The wise duck keeps his mouth shut when he smells frogs.

He who has failed three times sets up as an instructor.

One may ride upon a tiger's back but it is fatal to dismount.

When struck by a thunderbolt it is unnecessary to consult the Book of Dates as to the precise meaning of the omen.

The province of philosophy is not so much to prevent calamities befalling as to demonstrate that they are blessings when they have taken place.