John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919. Douglas William Jerrold. (1803–1857)
1 He is one of those wise philanthropists who in a time of famine would vote for nothing but a supply of toothpicks. Douglas Jerrold’s Wit. 2 The surest way to hit a woman’s heart is to take aim kneeling. Douglas Jerrold’s Wit. 3 That fellow would vulgarize the day of judgment. A comic Author. 4 The best thing I know between France and England is the sea. The Anglo-French Alliance. 5 The life of the husbandman,—a life fed by the bounty of earth and sweetened by the airs of heaven. The Husbandman’s Life. 6 Some people are so fond of ill-luck that they run half-way to meet it. Meeting Troubles half-way. 7 Earth is here [Australia] so kind, that just tickle her with a hoe and she laughs with a harvest. A Land of Plenty. 8 The ugliest of trades have their moments of pleasure. Now, if I were a grave-digger, or even a hangman, there are some people I could work for with a great deal of enjoyment. Ugly Trades. 9 A blessed companion is a book,—a book that fitly chosen is a life-long friend. Books. 10 He was so good he would pour rose-water on a toad. A charitable Man. 11 As for the brandy, “nothing extenuate;” and the water, put nought in it malice. Shakespeare Grog. 12 Talk to him of Jacob’s ladder, and he would ask the number of the steps. A matter-of-fact Man. 13 That questionable superfluity—small beer. The Tragedy of the Till.
