The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

A year whose days are long.
‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol’ (1898) pt. 5, st. 1
How else but through a broken heart
May Lord Christ enter in?
‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol’ (1898) pt. 5, st. 14
All her bright golden hair
Tarnished with rust,
She that was young and fair
Fallen to dust.
‘Requiescat’
And yet, and yet,
These Christs that die upon the barricades,
God knows it I am with them, in some things.
‘Sonnet to Liberty’
O Singer of Persephone!
In the dim meadows desolate
Dost thou remember Sicily?
‘Theocritus’
A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of it is absolutely fatal.
‘The Critic as Artist’ pt. 2 in ‘Intentions’ (1891)
Ah! don’t say that you agree with me. When people agree with me I always feel that I must be
wrong.
‘The Critic as Artist’ pt. 2 in ‘Intentions’ (1891)
As long as war is regarded as wicked, it will always have its fascination.
When it is looked upon as vulgar, it will cease to be popular.
‘The Critic as Artist’ pt. 2 in ‘Intentions’ (1891)
There is no sin except stupidity.
‘The Critic as Artist’ pt. 2 in ‘Intentions’ (1891)
Art never expresses anything but itself.
‘The Decay of Lying’ in ‘Intentions’ (1891)
Really, if the lower orders don’t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?
‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ (1895) act 1
It is very vulgar to talk like a dentist when one isn’t a dentist. It produces a false impression.
‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ (1895) act 1
The truth is rarely pure, and never simple.
‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ (1895) act 1
I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to
go down into the country whenever I choose.
‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ (1895) act 1
In married life three is company and two none.