Richard Brinsley Sheridan was one of the most successful playwrights of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
His works include The Rivals, School for Scandal, The Critic and The Rehearsal.
Sheridan was born in Dublin but moved to England with his family when he was still a child. He was a colourful character and twice fought a duel in London with a man who insulted his fiancé.
His success as a writer enable him to buy the thriving Drury Lane Theatre in London, He also became a member of the British Parliament in 1780.
He enjoyed a wealthy lifestyle for most of his life but got into financial trouble when he lost his parliamentary seat and when his theatre burnt down in 1809.
He is remembered as one of the major dramatists of the 18th century and his work is still being performed today.
Here are some of his best quotes.
* * *
A bumper of good liquor will end a contest quicker than justice, judge or vicar.
* * *
A fluent tongue is the only thing a mother doesn’t like her daughter to resemble her in.
* * *
I open with a clock striking, to beget an awful attention in the audience — it also marks the time, which is four o clock in the morning, and saves a description of the rising sun, and a great deal about gilding the eastern hemisphere.
* * *
I mean, the question actors most often get asked is how they can bear saying the same things over and over again, night after night, but God knows the answer to that is, don’t we all anyway; might as well get paid for it.
* * *
The glorious uncertainty of the law was a thing well known and complained of, by all ignorant people, but all learned gentleman considered it as its greatest excellency.
* * *
* * *
To smile at the jest which plants a thorn in another’s breast is to become a principal in the mischief.
Fertilizer does no good in a heap, but a little spread around works miracles all over.
* * *
My valour is certainly going, it is sneaking off! I feel it oozing out as it were, at the palms of my hands!
* * *
Those that vow the most are the least sincere.
* * *
* * *
Be just before you’re generous.
* * *
Conscience has no more to do with gallantry than it has with politics.
* * *
Certainly nothing is unnatural that is not physically impossible.
* * *
More on Richard Brinsley Sheridan
quotes.html