Richard Brinsley Sheridan

To smile at the jest which plants a thorn in another's breast is to become a principal in the mischief.

Conscience has no more to do with gallantry than it has with politics.

I open with a clock striking, to beget an awful attention in the audience - it also marks the time, which is four o clock in the morning, and saves a description of the rising sun, and a great deal about gilding the eastern hemisphere.

He is indebted to his memory for his jests and to his imagination for his facts.

Remember that when you meet your antagonist, to do everything in a mild agreeable manner. Let your courage be keen, but, at the same time, as polished as your sword.