The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Quotations (4 page)

Adamson, Harold
1906–80

1
Comin' in on a wing and a pray'r.
words derived from the contemporary comment of a war pilot, speaking from a disabled plane to ground control

title of song (1943)

 
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Addison, Joseph
1672–1719

1
And, pleased th' Almighty's orders to perform,
Rides in the whirlwind, and directs the storm.

The Campaign
(1705) l. 291

2
'Tis not in mortals to command success,
But we'll do more, Sempronius; we'll deserve it.

Cato
(1713) act 1, sc. 2, l. 43

3
The woman that deliberates is lost.

Cato
(1713) act 4, sc. 1, l. 31

4
What pity is it
That we can die but once to serve our country!

Cato
(1713) act 4, sc. 1, l. 258

5
When vice prevails, and impious men bear sway,
The post of honour is a private station.

Cato
(1713) act 4, sc. 1, l. 320

6
From hence, let fierce contending nations know
What dire effects from civil discord flow.

Cato
(1713) act 5, sc. 1, closing lines

7
Sir Roger told them, with the air of a man who would not give his judgement rashly, that much might be said on both sides.

The Spectator
no. 122 (20 July 1711)

8
I have often thought, says Sir Roger, it happens very well that Christmas should fall out in the Middle of Winter.

The Spectator
no. 269 (8 January 1712)

9
If we may believe our logicians, man is distinguished from all other creatures by the faculty of laughter.

The Spectator
no. 494 (26 September 1712)

10
"We are always doing", says he, "something for Posterity, but I would fain see Posterity do something for us."

The Spectator
no. 583 (20 August 1714)

11
See in what peace a Christian can die.
dying words to his stepson Lord Warwick

Edward Young
Conjectures on Original Composition
(1759)

 
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Ade, George
1866–1944

1
After being turned down by numerous publishers, he had decided to write for posterity.

Fables in Slang
(1900)

2
It is no time for mirth and laughter,
The cold, grey dawn of the morning after.

The Sultan of Sulu
(1903) act 2

 
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see
Sikh Scriptures

 
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Adler, Alfred
1870–1937

1
The truth is often a terrible weapon of aggression. It is possible to lie, and even to murder, for the truth.

The Problems of Neurosis
(1929) ch. 2

 
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Adler, Polly
1900–62

1
A house is not a home.

title of book (1954)

 
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