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.
Women serve but to keep a man from better company.
Women of quality are so civil, you can hardly distinguish love from good breeding.
Thy books should, like thy friends, not many be, yet such wherein men may thy judgment see.
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.
Marrying to increase love is like gaming to become rich; alas, you only lose what little stock you had before.
I weigh the man, not his title; 'tis not the king's stamp can make the metal better.
I have heard people eat most heartily of another man's meat, that is, what they do not pay for.
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?
Good fellowship and friendship are lasting, rational and manly pleasures.
A mistress should be like a little country retreat near the town, not to dwell in constantly, but only for a night and away.