…the excellence of the mental entertainment consists less in the…

…the excellence of the mental entertainment consists less in the subject than in the author’s skill in well dressing it up.

Sourced, The History of Tom Jones
(1749)

Book I, Chapter 1

Dancing begets warmth, which is the parent of wantonness. It is, Sir, the great grandfather of cuckoldom. - View Quote Details on Dancing begets warmth, which is the parent of wantonness. It…
I am as sober as a judge. - View Quote Details on I am as sober as a judge.
Love and scandal are the best sweeteneers of tea. - View Quote Details on Love and scandal are the best sweeteneers of tea.
All Nature wears one universal grin. - View Quote Details on All Nature wears one universal grin.
Much may be said on both sides. - View Quote Details on Much may be said on both sides.
Distinction without a difference. - View Quote Details on Distinction without a difference.
Guilt has very quick ears to an accusation. - View Quote Details on Guilt has very quick ears to an accusation.
I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he to whom that is given need ask no more. - View Quote Details on I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches;…
It hath been often said, that it is not death, but dying which is terrible. - View Quote Details on It hath been often said, that it is not death,…
His designs were strictly honorable, as the phrase is; that is, to rob a lady of her fortune by way of marriage. - View Quote Details on His designs were strictly honorable, as the phrase is; that…