Quotes by Provocation Ask you what provocation I have had? The strong antipathy of good to bad. Alexander Pope provocation asks strong A gentlemen is one who never strikes a woman without provocation. H. L. Mencken provocation strikes gentleman Much is said about English severity, but not a word about Irish provocation. Robert Peel northern-ireland provocation said Many need no other provocation to enmity than that they find themselves excelled. Samuel Johnson provocation enmity needs