John Quincy Adams Digital Diary

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There is a small choice in rotten apples.

He had the whole theory of war in the knot of his scarf, and the practice in the chape of his dagger.

She bore a mind, that envy would not but call fair.

Some are born great, some atchieve greatness, & some have greatness thrust upon them.

Hang like an icicle on a dutchman’s beard.

it is as flat and fulsome to mine ear

As howling after music.

What Time hath scanted men in hair, he hath given them in wit.

thanks, the exchequer of the poor.

A fair hot wench in flame-colour’d taffata.—

and resolution thus fobb’d as it is, with the rusty end of old father antic, the law?

I would to God thou and I knew where a commodity of good names were to be bought.

It would be argument for a week, laughter for a month, and a good jest forever.

There’s no better sign of a brave mind than a hard hand.

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Foolish curs that run winking into the mouth of a Russian bear, and have their heads crush’d like rotten apples.

Honour’s train is longer than his fore-skirt.

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You swear like a comfit-maker’s wife; not you in good sooth; and as true as I live; and as God shall mend me; and as sure as day; and givest such sarcenet surety for thy oaths, as if thou never walkedst further than Finsbury,

Swear me Kate, like a Lady, as thou art,

A good mouth-filling oath, and leave in sooth,

And such protest of pepper-ginger bread,

To velvet guards, and Sunday citizens.

He will not swagger with a barbary hen, if her feathers turn back in any shew of resistance.

good phrases, surely, are, and ever were, very commendable.

his apparel is built upon his back; and the whole frame stands upon pins.

Thou wilt be as valiant as the wrathful dove, or most magnanimous mouse.

In very truth, Sir, I had as lief be hang’d, Sir, as go; and yet, for my own part, Sir, I do not care, but rather because I am unwilling, and, for mine own part, have a desire to stay with my friends; else, Sir, I did not care for mine own part so much.

If I had a thousand sons, the first human principle, I would teach them, should be to forswear thin potations and to addict themselves to sack.

He never broke any man’s head but his own, and that was against a post when he was drunk. They will steal any thing & call it purchase.

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Some will ask, why should music be pitched upon, preferable to any other entertainment? It is, because of all sensual pleasures there is none that less corrupts the soul.

The good sense and happiness of individuals depend greatly on the mediocrity of their talents and fortunes. negatur

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1. Dined with Mr: Parsons. Eve at Coll: Wigglesworth’s.