Top quotes by Tobias Smollett

A mere index hunter, who held the eel of science by the tail. Index-hunter is a term used mockingly, meaning one who acquires superficial knowledge merely by consulting indexes. The '[holding] the eel of science by the tail' allusion was used in 1728 by Alexander Pope (q.v.). Votes: 13

The Highlanders regale themselves with whisky. They find it an excellent preservation against the winter cold. It is given with great success to the infants in the confluent smallpox. Votes: 6

The great Cham of literature. (Samuel Johnson) Votes: 6

Thy fatal shafts unerring move; I bow before thine altar, Love! Votes: 6

Who bravely dares must sometimes risk a fall. Votes: 3

A man's opinion of danger varies at different times, in consequence of an irregular tide of animal spirits; and he is actuated by considerations which he dares not avow. Votes: 3

Deep in the frozen regions of the north, A goddess violated brought thee forth, Immortal Liberty! Votes: 3

Glory is the child of peril. Votes: 3

I think for my part one half of the nation is mad - and the other not very sound. Votes: 3

Number three is always fortunate. Votes: 3

Of this diversion the Scots are so fond, that, when the weather will permit, you may see a multitude of all ranks, from the senator of justice to the lowest tradesman, mingled together, in their shirts, and following the balls with utmost eagerness. Votes: 3

Opposition is the very spur of love. Votes: 3

Ridiculous modes, invented by ignorance, and adopted by folly. Votes: 3

Some folks are wise and some are otherwise. Votes: 3

The capital is become an overgrown monster; which, like a dropsical head, will in time leave the body and extremities without nourishment and support. Votes: 3

Thy spirit, Independence, let me share! Lord of the lion-heart and eagle-eye thy steps I follow with my bosom bare, nor heed the storm that howls along the sky. Votes: 2

A mere index hunter, who held the eel of science by the tail. Votes: 2

And hearts resolved and hands prepared The blessings they enjoy to guard. Votes: 2

Every shot has its commission, d'ye see? We must all die at one time, as the saying is. Votes: 0

False as the fowler's artful snare. Votes: 0

I find that the old Roman baths of this quarter, were found covered by an old burying ground, belonging to the Abbey; through which, in all probability, the water drains in its passage; so that as we drink the decoction of the living bodies at the Pump-room, we swallow the strainings of rotten bones and carcasses at the private bath - I vow to God, the very idea turns my stomach! Votes: 0

Nature and wisdom are not, but should be, companions. Votes: 0

Nature I'll court in her sequester'd haunts, By mountain, meadow, streamlet, grove, or cell; Where the pois'd lark his evening ditty chants, And health, and peace, and contemplation dwell. Votes: 0

On Leven's banks, while free to rove, And tune the rural pipe to love, I envied not the happiest swain That ever trod the Arcadian plain. Pure stream! in whose transparent wave My youthful limbs I wont to lave; No torrents stain thy limpid source, No rocks impede thy dimpling course, That sweetly warbles o'er its bed, With white, round, polish'd pebbles spread. Votes: 0

One wit, like a knuckle of ham in soup, gives a zest and flavour to the dish, but more than one serves only to spoil the pottage. Votes: 0

The bread I eat in London, is a deleterious paste, mixed up with chalk, alum, and bone ashes: insipid to the taste, and destructive to the constitution. Votes: 0

There is not room to swing a cat. Votes: 0

To the valiant actions speak alone. Votes: 0

True courage scorns to vent her prowess in a storm of words; and to the valiant action speaks alone. Votes: 0

Writing is all a lottery -- I have been a loser by the works of the greatest men of the age. Votes: 0