The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

1940s saying, in Paul Dickson ‘The Official Rules’ (1978) p. 21
I’ll sing you twelve O.
Green grow the rushes O.
What is your twelve O?
Twelve for the twelve apostles,
Eleven for the eleven who went to heaven,
Ten for the ten commandments,
Nine for the nine bright shiners,
Eight for the eight bold rangers,
Seven for the seven stars in the sky,
Six for the six proud walkers,
Five for the symbol at your door,
Four for the Gospel makers,
Three for the rivals,
Two, two, the lily-white boys,
Clothed all in green O,
One is one and all alone
And ever more shall be so.
‘The Dilly Song’, in G. Grigson ‘The Faber Book of Popular Verse’. Revd S. Baring-Gould and Revd H.
Fleetwood Sheppard ‘Songs and Ballads of the West’ (1891) no. 78 for a variant version
I’m armed with more than complete steel—The justice of my quarrel.
‘Lust’s Dominion’ (1657) act 4, sc. 3
I met wid Napper Tandy, and he took me by the hand,
And he said, ‘How’s poor ould Ireland, and how does she stand?’
She’s the most disthressful country that iver yet was seen,
For they’re hangin’ men an’ women there for the wearin’ o’ the Green.
‘The Wearin’ o’ the Green’ (famous street ballad, later added to by Boucicault)
I saw my lady weep,
And Sorrow proud to be exalted so
In those fair eyes where all perfections keep.
Her face was full of woe;
But such a woe, believe me, as wins more hearts,
Than Mirth can do with her enticing parts.
Lute song set by John Dowland, in ‘Oxford Book of 16th Century Verse’
It became necessary to destroy the town to save it.
Statement by unidentified US Army Major, referring to Ben Tre in Vietnam, in Associated Press Report,
‘New York Times’ 8 February 1968
It is positively dangerous to sit to Sargent. It’s taking your face in your hands.
Referring to the painter, John Singer Sargent, in W. Graham Robertson ‘Time Was’ (1931) ch. 21
It’s finger lickin’ good.