The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

‘We are always doing’, says he, ‘something for Posterity, but I would fain see Posterity do
something for us.’
‘The Spectator’ no. 583, 20 August 1714
There is sometimes a greater judgement shewn in deviating from the rules of art, than in
adhering to them; and...there is more beauty in the works of a great genius who is ignorant of all
the rules of art, than in the works of a little genius, who not only knows but scrupulously
observes them.
‘The Spectator’ no. 592, 10 September 1714.
I remember when our whole island was shaken with an earthquake some years ago, there was
an impudent mountebank who sold pills which (as he told the country people) were very good
against an earthquake.
‘The Tatler’ no. 240, 21 October 1710
See in what peace a Christian can die.
Dying words to his stepson Lord Warwick, in Edward Young ‘Conjectures on Original Composition’ (1759)
1.19 George Ade 1866-1944
After being Turned Down by numerous Publishers, he had decided to write for posterity.
‘Fables in Slang’ (1900) p. 158
r-e-m-o-r-s-e!
Those dry Martinis did the work for me;
Last night at twelve I felt immense,
Today I feel like thirty cents.
My eyes are bleared, my coppers hot,
I’ll try to eat, but I cannot.
It is no time for mirth and laughter,
The cold, gray dawn of the morning after.
‘The Sultan of Sulu’ (1903) act 2, p. 63
‘Whom are you?’ he asked, for he had attended business college.
‘The Steel Box’ in ‘Chicago Record’ 16 March 1898
1.20 Alfred Adler 1870-1937
The truth is often a terrible weapon of aggression. It is possible to lie, and even to murder, for
the truth.
‘The Problems of Neurosis’ (1929) ch. 2
1.21 Polly Adler 1900-62
A house is not a home.
Title of book (1954)
1.22 AE (A.E., ‘) (George William Russell) 1867-1935
In ancient shadows and twilights