Jonathan Swift

A favour is half granted, when graciously refused.

A favour is half granted, when graciously refused.

Men are happy to be laughed at for their humor, but not for their folly.

Men are happy to be laughed at for their humor, but not for their folly.

An old miser kept a tame jackdaw, that used to steal pieces of
money, and hide them in a read more

An old miser kept a tame jackdaw, that used to steal pieces of
money, and hide them in a hole, which a cat observing, asked,
"Why he would hoard up those round shining things that he could
make no use of?" "Why," said the jackdaw, "my master has a whole
chestfull, and makes no more use of them that I do."

Walls have tongues, and hedges ears.

Walls have tongues, and hedges ears.

'Tis an old maxim in the schools,
That flattery's the food of fools;
Yet now and then read more

'Tis an old maxim in the schools,
That flattery's the food of fools;
Yet now and then your men of wit
Will condescend to take a bit.