British Poet and Playwright, john Gay is best known for ‘The Beggar’s Opera’, a ballad opera. Orphaned at the age of 10, John studied at a local school and at the age of 17 he started working as a silk dealer in London. ‘Wine’ was the first poem published by him. Later he published his first prose titled ‘The Present State of Wit’. During 1712-1714 he is said to have published most of his work. In the year 1713, Gay published two essays, six poems and a play. His poem ‘the Arts of Walking the Streets of London’ was published in three books. John had a close association with Alexander Pope, another prominent writer of the time, who helped him in producing a skit titled ‘What d’ye calls it? One of his most noted works was ‘The Beggar’s Opera’, which was a ballad opera. This play became so popular that it ran for more than sixty nights. His work and poery are a great source of wise, funny and serious thoughts about life, love, friendship, God, happiness, and other things. His words are famous as his quotes and people often quotes these to this day. We have collected some of his most famous quotes from his works.
Lions, wolves, and vultures don't live together in herds, droves or flocks. Of all animals of prey, man is the only sociable one. Every one of us preys upon his neighbor, and yet we herd together.
MRS. PEACHUM
How the mother is to be pitied who has handsome daughters! Locks, bolts, bars and lectures of morality are nothing to them – they break through them all.
John Gay
On the choice of friends, Our good or evil name depends.
John Gay
The comfortable estate of widowhood is the only hope that keeps up a wife's spirits.
John Gay
No retreat. No retreat. They must conquer or die who've no retreat.
John Gay
But money, wife, is the true Fuller's Earth for reputations, there is not a spot or a stain but what it can take out.
John Gay
I must have women - there is nothing unbends the mind like them.
Variety's the source of joy below, From whence still fresh-revolving pleasures flow, In books and love the mind one end pursues, And only change the expiring flames renews.
