Quote#Speech
In arguing too, the parson owned his skill
Quote byOliver Goldsmith · 1728–1774
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Deserted Village (1770), Line 211..
English (original)
In arguing too, the parson owned his skill, For e'en though vanquished, he could argue still; While words of learned length, and thundering sound Amazed the gazing rustics ranged around; And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew, That one small head could carry all he knew.
— Oliver Goldsmith
More from Oliver Goldsmith
Such dainties to them, their health it might hurt; It's like sending them ruffles, when wanting a shirt.
There is no arguing with Johnson: for if his pistol misses fire, he knocks you down with the butt end of it.
A nightcap decked his brows instead of bay, A cap by night — a stocking all the day!
Laws grind the poor, and rich men rule the law.
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
[To Mr. Johnson] If you were to make little fishes talk, they would talk like whales.