The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

passes for current payment; and therefore we never amend them.
‘Camilla’ (1796) bk. 6, ch. 2
No man is in love when he marries. He may have loved before; I have even heard he has
sometimes loved after: but at the time never. There is something in the formalities of the
matrimonial preparations that drive away all the little cupidons.
‘Camilla’ (1796) bk. 6, ch. 10
Travelling is the ruin of all happiness! There’s no looking at a building here after seeing Italy.
‘Cecilia’ (1782) bk. 4, ch. 2
‘True, very true, ma’am,’ said he, yawning, ‘one really lives no where; one does but vegetate,
and wish it all at an end.’
‘Cecilia’ (1782) bk. 7, ch. 5
‘The whole of this unfortunate business,’ said Dr Lyster, ‘has been the result of pride and
prejudice.’
‘Cecilia’ (1782) bk. 10, ch. 10
‘Do you come to the play without knowing what it is?’ ‘O yes, Sir, yes, very frequently; I have
no time to read play-bills; one merely comes to meet one’s friends, and show that one’s alive.’
‘Evelina’ (1778) Letter 20
The freedom with which Dr Johnson condemns whatever he disapproves is astonishing.
‘Diary and Letters...1778-1840’ 23 August 1778
The delusive seduction of martial music.
‘Diary and Letters...1778-1840’ 5-6 May 1802
Such a set of tittle tattle, prittle prattle visitants! Oh dear! I am so sick of the ceremony and
fuss of these fall lall people! So much dressing—chit chat—complimentary nonsense—In short, a
country town is my detestation.
‘Journal’ 17 July 1768 in ‘The Early Journals and Letters of Fanny Burney’ (ed. L. E. Troide, 1988) vol. 1
O! how short a time does it take to put an end to a woman’s liberty!
‘Journal’ 20 July 1768 in ‘The Early Journals and Letters of Fanny Burney’ (ed. L. E. Troide, 1988) vol. 1
(referring to a wedding)
2.256 John Burns 1858-1943
The Thames is liquid history.
To an American who had compared the Thames disparagingly with the Mississippi, in ‘Daily Mail’ 25
January 1943
2.257 Robert Burns 1759-96
O thou! whatever title suit thee,
Auld Hornie, Satan, Nick, or Clootie.
‘Address to the Deil’ (1786)
Ye high, exalted, virtuous dames,
Tied up in godly laces,