The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

‘Rule of Conduct’ in ‘Letters’ (1915)
Let it be observed, that slovenliness is no part of religion; that neither this, nor any text of
Scripture, condemns neatness of apparel. Certainly this is a duty, not a sin. ‘Cleanliness is,
indeed, next to godliness.’
‘Sermons’ no. 93 ‘On Dress’
Beware you be not swallowed up in books! An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge.
In R. Southey ‘Life of Wesley’ (1820) ch. 16
We should constantly use the most common, little, easy words (so they are pure and proper)
which our language affords.
Of preaching to ‘plain people’, in R. Southey ‘Life of Wesley’ (1820) ch. 16
11.51 Revd Samuel Wesley 1662-1735
Style is the dress of thought; a modest dress,
Neat, but not gaudy, will true critics please.
‘An Epistle to a Friend concerning Poetry’
11.52 Mae West 1892-1980
It’s better to be looked over than overlooked.
‘Belle of the Nineties’ (1934 film)
A man in the house is worth two in the street.
‘Belle of the Nineties’ (1934 film)
I always say, keep a diary and some day it’ll keep you.
‘Every Day’s a Holiday’ (1937 film)
Beulah, peel me a grape.
‘I’m No Angel’ (1933 film)
I’ve been things and seen places.
‘I’m No Angel’ (1933 film)
When I’m good, I’m very, very good, but when I’m bad, I’m better.
‘I’m No Angel’ (1933 film)
It’s not the men in my life that counts—it’s the life in my men.
‘I’m No Angel’ (1933 film)
Give a man a free hand and he’ll try to put it all over you.
‘Klondike Annie’ (1936 film)
Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.
‘Klondike Annie’ (1936 film)
I’ve been in Who’s Who, and I know what’s what, but it’ll be the first time I ever made the
dictionary.
Letter to the RAF, early 1940s, on having an inflatable life jacket named after her, in Fergus Cashin ‘Mae
West’ (1981) ch. 9
‘Goodness, what beautiful diamonds!’ ‘Goodness had nothing to do with it, dearie.’