Dictionary of Quotations from Ancient and Modern, English and Foreign Sources / Including Phrases, Mottoes, Maxims, Proverbs, Definitions, Aphorisms, and Sayings of Wise Men, in Their Bearing on Life, Literature, Speculation, Science, Art, Religion, and Morals, Especially in the Modern Aspects of Them

by Rev. James Wood

Gewinnen ist leichter als Erhalten—Getting is easier than keeping. Ger. Pr.

Gewöhne dich, da stets der Tod dir dräut, / 15 Dankbar zu nehmen, was das Leben beut—Accustom thyself, since death ever threatens thee, to accept with a thankful heart whatever life offers thee. Bodenstedt.

Gewöhnlich glaubt Mensch, wenn er nur Worte hört, / Es müsse sich dabei doch auch was denken lassen—Men generally believe, when they hear only words, that there must be something in it. Goethe.

Ghosts! There are nigh a thousand million walking the earth openly at noontide; some half-hundred have vanished from it, some half-hundred have arisen in it, ere thy watch ticks once. Carlyle.

Giant Antæus in the fable acquired new strength every time he touched the earth; so some brave minds gain fresh energy from that which depresses and crushes others. Murphy.

Gibier de potence—A gallows-bird. Fr.

Gie a bairn his will and a whelp his fill, an' 20 neither will do well. Sc. Pr.

Gie a beggar a bed, and he'll pay you with a louse. Sc. Pr.

Gie him tow enough and he'll hang himsel', i.e., give him enough of his own way. Sc. Pr.

Gie me a canny hour at e'en, / My arms about my dearie, O, / An' warl'ly cares an' warl'ly men / May a' gang tapsalteerie, O. Burns.