[A] smile is hovering about her lips, as if some playful speech were awaiting the right hearer. – George Eliot, “Another Love-Scene,” The Mill on the Floss, 1860
The object of all the former voyages to the South Seas undertaken by the command of his present majesty, has been the advancement of science and the increase of knowledge. – William Bligh
In these circumstances I think we must take the bull by the horns… and, making due allowances, quote whenever we feel that the allusion is interesting or helpful or amusing. – Clifton Fadiman, c.1955
