Necessity, the mother of invention.
—William Wycherley
Topics: One liners, Necessity
He’s a fool that marries, but he’s a greater that does not marry a fool; what is wit in a wife good for, but to make a man a cuckold?
—William Wycherley
Topics: Marriage, Wives
Women serve but to keep a man from better company.
—William Wycherley
Topics: Men, Men & Women, Women
Your virtue is your greatest affectation.
—William Wycherley
Topics: Affectation
Good fellowship and friendship are lasting, rational and manly pleasures.
—William Wycherley
Topics: Friends and Friendship
Have as much good nature as good sense since they generally are companions.
—William Wycherley
Topics: Goodness
Marrying to increase love is like gaming to become rich; alas, you only lose what little stock you had before.
—William Wycherley
Topics: Marriage
I have heard people eat most heartily of another man’s meat, that is, what they do not pay for.
—William Wycherley
Hunger, revenge, to sleep are petty foes, But only death the jealous eyes can close.
—William Wycherley
Mistresses are like books; if you pore upon them too much, they doze you and make you unfit for company; but if used discreetly, you are the fitter for conversation by em.
—William Wycherley
Topics: Lovers, Love
A mistress should be like a little country retreat near the town, not to dwell in constantly, but only for a night and away.
—William Wycherley
Money makes up in a measure all other wants in men.
—William Wycherley
Topics: Money
Women of quality are so civil, you can hardly distinguish love from good breeding.
—William Wycherley
Topics: Women
Thy books should, like thy friends, not many be, yet such wherein men may thy judgment see.
—William Wycherley
Topics: Books, Reading
Your women of honor, as you call em, are only chary of their reputations, not their persons; and ‘Tis scandal that they would avoid, not men.
—William Wycherley
Topics: Reputation
I weigh the man, not his title; ’tis not the king’s stamp can make the metal better.
—William Wycherley
Topics: Class
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