I have heard people eat most heartily of another man's meat, that is, what they do not pay for.

- William Wycherley

Thy books should, like thy friends, not many be, yet such wherein men may thy judgment see.

- William Wycherley

He's a fool that marries, but he's a greater that does not marry a fool; what is wit in a wife good for, but to make a man a cuckold?

- William Wycherley

Bluster, sputter, question, cavil; but be sure your argument be intricate enough to confound the court.

- William Wycherley

Mistresses are like books; if you pore upon them too much, they doze you and make you unfit for company; but if used discreetly, you are the fitter for conversation by em.

- William Wycherley

Your women of honor, as you call em, are only chary of their reputations, not their persons; and 'Tis scandal that they would avoid, not men.

- William Wycherley

Women serve but to keep a man from better company.

- William Wycherley

Women of quality are so civil, you can hardly distinguish love from good breeding.

- William Wycherley

Wit is more necessary than beauty; and I think no young woman ugly that has it, and no handsome woman agreeable without it.

- William Wycherley

Good fellowship and friendship are lasting, rational and manly pleasures.

- William Wycherley

Poets, like friends to whom you are in debt, you hate.

- William Wycherley

Next to the pleasure of finding a new mistress is that of being rid of an old one.

- William Wycherley

Marrying to increase love is like gaming to become rich; alas, you only lose what little stock you had before.

- William Wycherley

Go to your business, pleasure, whilst I go to my pleasure, business.

- William Wycherley

I weigh the man, not his title; 'tis not the king's stamp can make the metal better.

- William Wycherley

Hunger, revenge, to sleep are petty foes, But only death the jealous eyes can close.

- William Wycherley

Come, for my part I will have only those glorious, manly pleasures of being very drunk, and very slovenly.

- William Wycherley

A mistress should be like a little country retreat near the town, not to dwell in constantly, but only for a night and away.

- William Wycherley