The voices / 52 fragments

John Gay

1688 AD — 1732 AD

Listed in the author section of Bartlett’s ninth-edition anthology, in the linked 1905 printing. Dates reflect that historical edition and may differ from modern scholarship.

Author and source reference ↗

▷ Play this voice Search within this voice ↗Place in time ↗happiness learning life knowledge mind character friendship love

Historical source references

The What d' ye call it
The Beggar's Opera
Sweet William's Farewell to Black-eyed Susan
Fables
My own Epitaph
Printed citation: Gay
Number 1092 · printed citation: Gay
Number 1099 · printed citation: Gay
Page 171 · printed citation: Gay · subject: DEATH
Page 199 · printed citation: Gay · subject: ENVY
Page 255 · printed citation: Gay · subject: GOLD
Page 277 · printed citation: Gay · subject: HAPPINESS
Page 137 · printed citation: Gay · subject: Jealousy

Archive entries

01c. 1710 AD

'T was when the sea was roaring With hollow blasts of wind, A damsel lay deploring, All on a rock reclin'd.

John Gay / quote

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02c. 1710 AD

So comes a reckoning when the banquet 's o'er,— The dreadful reckoning, and men smile no more.

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03c. 1710 AD

'T is woman that seduces all mankind; By her we first were taught the wheedling arts.

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04c. 1710 AD

Over the hills and far away.

John Gay / quote

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05c. 1710 AD

If the heart of a man is depress'd with cares, The mist is dispell'd when a woman appears.

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06c. 1710 AD

The fly that sips treacle is lost in the sweets.

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07c. 1710 AD

Brother, brother! we are both in the wrong.

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08c. 1710 AD

How happy could I be with either, Were t' other dear charmer away!

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09c. 1710 AD

The charge is prepar'd, the lawyers are met, The judges all ranged,—a terrible show!

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10c. 1710 AD

All in the Downs the fleet was moor'd.

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11c. 1710 AD

Adieu, she cried, and waved her lily hand.

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12c. 1710 AD

Remote from cities liv'd a swain, Unvex'd with all the cares of gain; His head was silver'd o'er with age, And long experience made him sage.

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13c. 1710 AD

Whence is thy learning? Hath thy toil O'er books consum'd the midnight oil?

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14c. 1710 AD

Where yet was ever found a mother Who 'd give her booby for another?

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15c. 1710 AD

No author ever spar'd a brother.

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16c. 1710 AD

Lest men suspect your tale untrue, Keep probability in view.

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17c. 1710 AD

In ev'ry age and clime we see Two of a trade can never agree.

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18c. 1710 AD

Is there no hope? the sick man said; The silent doctor shook his head.

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19c. 1710 AD

While there is life there 's hope, he cried.

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20c. 1710 AD

Those who in quarrels interpose Must often wipe a bloody nose.

John Gay / quote

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21c. 1710 AD

That raven on yon left-hand oak (Curse on his ill-betiding croak!) Bodes me no good.

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22c. 1710 AD

And when a lady 's in the case, You know all other things give place.

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23c. 1710 AD

Give me, kind Heaven, a private station, A mind serene for contemplation: Title and profit I resign; The post of honour shall be mine.

John Gay / quote

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24c. 1710 AD

From wine what sudden friendship springs!

John Gay / quote

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John Gay

Archive entries

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Meditations

The Republic

The Prophet