The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

‘Fireflies’ (1928) p. 29
8.3 Nellie Talbot
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam.
Title of hymn (1921), in ‘CSSM Choruses’ No. 1
8.4 Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand 1754-1838
Surtout, Messieurs, point de zéle.
Above all, gentlemen, not the slightest zeal.
In P. Chasles ‘Voyages d’un critique á travers la vie et les livres’ (1868) vol. 2, p. 407
Qui n’a pas vècu dans les annèes voisines de 1789 ne sait pas ce que c’est que le plaisir de
vivre.
He who has not lived during the years around 1789 can not know what is meant by the pleasure
of life.
In M. Guizot ‘Mèmoires pour servir á l’histoire de mon temps’ (1858) vol. 1, ch. 6
Ils n’ont rien appris, ni rien oubliè.
They have learnt nothing, and forgotten nothing.
Attributed to Talleyrand by the Chevalier de Panat in a letter to Mallet du Pan, January 1796, in A. Sayons
(ed.) ‘Mèmoires et correspondance de Mallet du Pan’ (1851) vol. 2, p. 196.
Quelle triste vieillesse vous vous prèparez.
What a sad old age you are preparing for yourself.
Addressed to a young diplomat who boasted of his ignorance of whist in Talleyrand’s presence, in J. J. M. C.
Amèdèe Pichot ‘Souvenirs Intimes sur M. de Talleyrand’ (1870) ‘Le Pour et le Contre’
Voilá le commencement de la fin.
This is the beginning of the end.
Attributed; on the announcement of Napoleon’s defeat at Borodino, 1812, in Sainte-Beuve ‘M. de
Talleyrand’ (1870) ch. 3
8.5 Booth Tarkington 1869-1946
There are two things that will be believed of any man whatsoever, and one of them is that he
has taken to drink.
‘Penrod’ (1914) ch. 10
8.6 Nahum Tate 1652-1715
When I am laid in earth my wrongs create.
No trouble in thy breast,
Remember me, but ah! forget my fate.
‘Dido and Aeneas’ (1689) act 3 (‘Dido’s Lament’)
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,