222 Quotes by John Gay

Fools may our scorn, not envy, raise. For envy is a kind of praise.

If the heart of a man is depressed with cares, The mist is dispelled when a woman appears.

An open foe may prove a curse, but a pretended friend is worse.

Variety's the source of joy below, From whence still fresh-revolving pleasures flow, In books and love the mind one end pursues, And only change the expiring flames renews.

On the choice of friends, Our good or evil name depends.

To friendship every burden's light.

What then in love can woman do? If we grow fond they shun us. And when we fly them, they pursue: But leave us when they've won us.

When if or chance or hunger's powerful sway Directs the roving trout this fatal way, He greedily sucks in the twining bait, And tugs and nibbles the fallacious meat. Now, happy fisherman; now twitch the line! How thy rod bends! behold, the prize is thine!

She who has never loved has never lived.