Quotations by Butler

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

The truest characters of ignorance Are vanity, pride, and arrogance; As blind men use to bear their noses higher Than those that have their eyes and sight entire.

Butler · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 103

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

An ass will with his long ears fray The flies that tickle him away; But man delights to have his ears Blown maggots in by flatterers.

Butler · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 251

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

All love, at first, like generous wine, Ferments and frets until 'tis fine; But when 'tis settled on the lee, And from th' impurer matter free, Becomes the richer still the older, And proves the pleasanter the colder.

Butler · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 314

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

Most virgins marry, just as nuns The same thing the same way renounce; Before they've wit to understand The bold attempt, they take in hand; Or, having stayed and lost their tides, Are out of season grown for brides.

Butler · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 333

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

In all the world there is no vice Less prone t'excess than avarice; It neither cares for food nor clothing: Nature's content with little, that with nothing.

Butler · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 364

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

All smatterers are more brisk and pert Than those who understand an art; As little sparkles shine more bright Than glowing coals that gave them light.

Butler · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 384

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

Hypocrisy will serve as well To propagate a church as zeal; As persecution and promotion Do equally advance devotion: So round white stones will serve, they say, As well as eggs, to make hens lay.

Butler · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 403

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

All wit and fancy, like a diamond, The more exact and curious 'tis ground, Is forced for every carat to abate As much of value as it wants in weight.

Butler · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 555

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

A man of quick and active wit For drudgery is more unfit, Compared to those of duller parts, Than running nags are to draw carts.

Butler · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 86