I hate the man who builds his name On ruins of another's fame. Thus prudes, by characters o'erthrown, Imagine that they raise their own. Thus Scribblers, covetous of praise, Think slander can transplant the bays. John Gay More Quotes by John Gay More Quotes From John Gay Whoever heard a man of fortune in England talk of the necessaries of life? . . . Whether we can afford it or no, we must have superfluities. John Gay england men life But his kiss was so sweet, and so closely he pressed, that I languished and pined till I granted the rest. John Gay kissing sweet life 'T is woman that seduces all mankind; By her we first were taught the wheedling arts. John Gay taught art firsts No retreat. No retreat. They must conquer or die who've no retreat. John Gay retreat conquer victory Give me, kind heaven, a private station, a mind serene for contemplation. John Gay mind giving heaven If the heart of a man is depressed with cares, The mist is dispelled when a woman appears. John Gay caring heart depression 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. John Gay flames joy book I must have women - there is nothing unbends the mind like them. John Gay women mind A rich rogue nowadays is fit company for any gentleman; and the world, my dear, hath not such a contempt for roguery as you imagine. John Gay rogues gentleman world Of all mechanics, of all servile handycrafts-men, a gamester is the vilest. But yet, as many of the quality are of the profession, he is admitted amongst the politest company. John Gay gambling quality men By outward show let's not be cheated; An ass should like an ass be treated. John Gay cheated ass should Envy's a sharper spur than pay: No author ever spar'd a brother; Wits are gamecocks to one another. John Gay spurs envy brother What will not luxury taste? Earth, sea, and air, Are daily ransack'd for the bill of fare. Blood stuffed in skins is British Christians' food, And France robs marshes of the croaking brood. John Gay luxury christian air I never, with important air, In conversation overbear. . . . . My tongue within my lips I rein; For who talks much must talk in vain. John Gay tongue important air To friendship every burden's light. John Gay burden friends light Envy's a sharper spur than pay. John Gay spurs envy pay The fly that sips treacle is lost in the sweets. John Gay treacle lost sweet When we risk no contradiction, It prompts the tongue to deal in fiction. John Gay tongue risk fiction The careful insect 'midst his works I view, John Gay flower journey views If the heart of a man is depressed with cares, The mist is dispell'd when a woman appears; Like the notes of a fiddle, she sweetly, sweetly Raises the spirits, and charms our ears. John Gay ears heart men