Poems List

I … chose my wife, as she did her wedding gown, not for a fine glossy surface, but such qualities as would wear well.

The Vicar of Wakefield (1766) ch. 1

The first blow is half the battle.

She Stoops to Conquer (1773) act 2

1

This is Liberty-Hall, gentlemen.

She Stoops to Conquer (1773) act 2

The very pink of perfection.

She Stoops to Conquer (1773) act 1

Measures not men, have always been my mark.

The Good Natured Man (1768) act 2; see Burke 75:30, Canning 84:9

Let schoolmasters puzzle their brain,

With grammar, and nonsense, and learning,

Don’t let us make imaginary evils, when you know we have so many real ones to encounter.

The Good-Natured Man (1768) act 1

The true use of speech is not so much to express our wants as to conceal them.

The Bee no. 3 (20 October 1759) ‘On the Use of Language’

1

How small, of all that human hearts endure,

That part which laws or kings can cause or cure!

2

And honour sinks where commerce long prevails.

The Traveller (1764) l. 92

1

Comments (0)

Log in to post a comment.

NoComments

Oliver Goldsmith was a prolific and versatile writer of the 18th century, whose works span poetry, drama, fiction, and essayism. Born in Ireland, he pursued a literary career in London, where he quickly gained recognition for his witty style and his ability to portray human nature with humor and compassion. "The Vicar of Wakefield" is one of his most celebrated works, exploring themes of virtue, misfortune, and redemption. "She Stoops to Conquer" remains a classic of English theater, known for its memorable characters and lively dialogues. Goldsmith was admired for his generosity and his loyalty to friends, despite his own financial difficulties.