Quotes from work
The Old Bachelor

The Old Bachelor

The Old Bachelor is the first play written by British playwright William Congreve, produced in 1693. Henry Purcell set it to music.


William Congreve photo

“Thus grief still treads upon the heels of pleasure;
Married in haste, we may repent at leisure.”

Act V, scene viii. Compare: "Who wooed in haste, and means to wed at leisure", William Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew, Act iii, scene 2
The Old Bachelor (1693)

William Congreve photo

“Eternity was in that moment.”

Act IV, scene vii
The Old Bachelor (1693)

William Congreve photo

“I find we are growing serious, and then we are in great danger of being dull.”

Act II, scene vii
The Old Bachelor (1693)

William Congreve photo
William Congreve photo

“Hannibal was a very pretty fellow in those days.”

Act II, scene 2
The Old Bachelor (1693)

William Congreve photo

“Men are apt to offend ('tis true) where they find most goodness to forgive.”

Act IV, scene xi
The Old Bachelor (1693)

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