William Congreve Quotes

Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life.

Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.

If there's delight in love, 'Tis when I see that heart, which others bleed for, bleed for me.

I know that's a secret, for it's whispered everywhere.

Courtship to marriage, as a very witty prologue to a very dull play.

Blessings ever wait on virtuous deeds, and though a late, a sure reward succeeds.

A wit should no more be sincere, than a woman constant;

one argues a decay of parts, as to other of beauty.

I find we are growing serious, and then we are in great danger of being dull.

Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.N.B.: This quote is commonly misquoted as savage beast.

Men are apt to offend ('tis true) where they find most goodness to forgive.

She likes herself, yet others hates, For that which in herself she prizes;

And while she laughs at them, forgets She is the thing that she despises.

They come together like the Coroner's Inquest, to sit upon the murdered reputations of the week.

In my conscience I believe the baggage loves me, for she never speaks well of me herself, nor suffers any body else to rail at me.

Grief walks upon the heels of pleasure; married in haste, we repent at leisure.

'Tis well enough for a servant to be bred at an University.

But the education is a little too pedantic for a gentleman.

Invention flags, his brain goes muddy, and black despair succeeds brown study.

If this be not love, it is madness, and then it is pardonable.

Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life. Security is an insipid thing.

Music has charms to sooth a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.

They are at the end of the gallery; retired to their tea and scandal, according to their ancient custom.

I know that's a secret, for it's whispered every where.

Say what you will, 'tis better to be left than never to have been loved.