John Gay

Birth: 1685-06-30 , Barnstaple

Death: 1732-12-04 , Londres

John Gay (1685-1732) was an English poet and playwright. He is best known for his ballad opera, 'The Beggar's Opera', which became a landmark in British musical theatre. Gay was a member of London's literary circle, which included figures like Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift. His work is often characterized by a satirical tone and keen observation of the society of his time.

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Envy’s a sharper spur than pay.

Wine is like rain: when it falls on the mire it but makes it the fouler, / But when it strikes the good soil wakes it to beauty and bloom.

There are three species of creatures who when they seem coming are going, / When they seem going they come: Diplomats, women, and crabs.

Man is practised in disguise; / He cheats the most discerning eyes.

Try not to beat back the current, yet be not drowned in its waters; / Speak with the speech of the world, think with the thoughts of the few.

By keeping men off, you keep them on.

Praising all alike is praising none.

Noble souls, through dust and heat, rise from disaster and defeat the stronger.

A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.

We only part to meet again.

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John Gay was born in Barnstaple, Devonshire. He was educated at Bideford Grammar School. After a period as an apprentice silk merchant, Gay turned to writing. His first significant publication was the poem 'Rural Sports' in 1713. He gained considerable fame with 'The Beggar's Opera' in 1728, a scathing satire of Britain's political and social system, which also popularized the ballad. Other important works include 'Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London' and the farce 'The Rehearsal at Gotham'. Despite his success, Gay frequently struggled with financial difficulties. He died on December 4, 1732, in London and was buried in Westminster Abbey.