Colley Cibber
Colley Cibber
Colley Cibberwas an English actor-manager, playwright and Poet Laureate. His colourful memoir Apology for the Life of Colley Cibberdescribes his life in a personal, anecdotal and even rambling style. He wrote 25 plays for his own company at Drury Lane, half of which were adapted from various sources, which led Robert Lowe and Alexander Pope, among others, to criticise his "miserable mutilation" of "crucified Molière hapless Shakespeare". He regarded himself as first and foremost an actor and had great...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionPlaywright
Date of Birth6 November 1671
Oh, say! what is that thing call'd light, Which I must ne'er enjoy? What are the blessings of the sight? Oh, tell your poor blind boy!
When we are conscious of the least comparative merit in ourselves, we should take as much care to conceal the value we set upon it, as if it were a real defect; to be elated or vain upon it is showing your money before people in want.
Who fears t' offend takes the first step to please.
The wretch that fears to drown, will break through flames; Or, in his dread of flames, will plunge in waves. When eagles are in view, the screaming doves Will cower beneath the feet of man for safety.
The aspiring youth that fired the Ephesian domeOutlives in fame the pious fool that rais'd it.
Wit is the most rascally, contemptible, beggarly thing on the face of the earth.
Words are but empty thanks.
Stolen sweets are best.
I've lately had two spiders Crawling upon my startled hopes-- Now though thy friendly hand has brushed 'em from me, Yet still they crawl offensive to mine eyes: I would have some kind friend to tread upon 'em.
Losers must have leave to speak.
Old houses mended, Cost little less than new before they're ended.
Prithee don't screw your wit beyond the compass of good manners.
Tea! thou soft, sober, sage and venerable liquid;- thou female tongue-running, smile-smoothing, heart-opening, wink-tippling cordial, to whose glorious insipidity I owe the happiest moment of my life, let me fall prostrate.
One had as good be out of the world, as out of the fashion