I have heard that nothing gives an Author so great Pleasure, as to find his Works respectfully quoted by other learned Authors. – Benjamin Franklin, “Preface,” Poor Richard Improved, wording verified by Respect

[B]ut in literature, it should be remembered, a thing always becomes his at last who says it best, and thus makes it his own. – James Russell Lowell

Besides, it happens (how, I cannot tell) that an idea launched like a javelin in proverbial form strikes with sharper point on the hearer’s mind and leaves implanted barbs for meditation… – Desiderius Erasmus, Adages