The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

‘The Scornful Lady’ (1616) act 3
It would talk: Lord how it talk’t!
‘The Scornful Lady’ (1616) act 4
See also John Fletcher (6.45)
2.59 Lord Beaverbrook (William Maxwell Aitken, first Baron Beaverbrook) 1879-1964
The Flying Scotsman is no less splendid a sight when it travels north to Edinburgh than when it
travels south to London. Mr Baldwin denouncing sanctions was as dignified as Mr Baldwin
imposing them.
‘Daily Express’ 29 May 1937
[Lloyd George] did not seem to care which way he travelled providing he was in the driver’s
seat.
‘The Decline and Fall of Lloyd George’ (1963) ch. 7
With the publication of his Private Papers in 1952, he committed suicide 25 years after his
death.
‘Men and Power’ (1956) p. xviii (of Earl Haig)
Our cock won’t fight.
Said to Winston Churchill, of Edward VIII, during the abdication crisis of 1936, in Frances Donaldson
‘Edward VIII’ (1974) ch. 22
2.60 Carl Becker 1873-1945
The significance of man is that he is that part of the universe that asks the question, What is the
significance of Man? He alone can stand apart imaginatively and, regarding himself and the
universe in their eternal aspects, pronounce a judgment: The significance of man is that he is
insignificant and is aware of it.
‘Progress and Power’ (1936) ch. 3
2.61 Samuel Beckett 1906-89
It is suicide to be abroad. But what is it to be at home, Mr Tyler, what is it to be at home? A
lingering dissolution.
‘All That Fall’ (1957) p. 10
We could have saved sixpence. We have saved fivepence. (Pause) But at what cost?
‘All That Fall’ (1957) p. 25
Clov: Do you believe in the life to come?
Hamm: Mine was always that.
‘Endgame’ (1958) p. 35
Let us pray to God...the bastard! He doesn’t exist!
‘Endgame’ (1958) p. 38
Personally I have no bone to pick with graveyards, I take the air there willingly, perhaps more
willingly than elsewhere, when take the air I must.