The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

An improper mind is a perpetual feast.
‘Afterthoughts’ (1931) ‘Life and Human Nature’
People say that life is the thing, but I prefer reading.
‘Afterthoughts’ (1931) ‘Myself’
Those who set out to serve both God and Mammon soon discover that there is no God.
‘Afterthoughts’ (1931) ‘Other People’
Most people sell their souls, and live with a good conscience on the proceeds.
‘Afterthoughts’ (1931) ‘Other People’
All Reformers, however strict their social conscience, live in houses just as big as they can pay
for.
‘Afterthoughts’ (1931) ‘Other People’
What I like in a good author is not what he says, but what he whispers.
‘All Trivia’ (1933) ‘Afterthoughts’ pt. 5
There is one thing that matters—to set a chime of words tinkling in the minds of a few
fastidious people.
Said shortly before his death, in ‘New Statesman’ 9 March 1946, obituary notice by Cyril Connolly
7.115 Samuel Francis Smith 1808-95
My country, ’tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing:
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountain-side
Let freedom ring.
‘America’ (1831)
7.116 Stevie Smith (Florence Margaret Smith) 1902-71
Oh I am a cat that likes to
Gallop about doing good.
‘The Galloping Cat’
Why does my Muse only speak when she is unhappy?
She does not, I only listen when I am unhappy
When I am happy I live and despise writing
For my Muse this cannot but be dispiriting.
‘My Muse’ (1964)
Oh, no no no, it was too cold always
(Still the dead one lay moaning)
I was much too far out all my life
And not waving but drowning.