George Etherege

Sir George Etherege (c. 1635 – c. May 10 1692) was an English dramatist who helped to create the genre of Restoration comedy.

The Man of Mode (1676)

 * Next to the coming to a good understanding with a new mistress, I love a quarrel with an old one.
 * Act I


 * When love grows diseased, the best thing we can do is to put it to a violent death. I cannot endure the torture of a lingering and consumptive passion.
 * Act II, sc. ii


 * Writing, madam, is a mechanic part of wit. A gentleman should never go beyond a song or a billet.
 * Act IV, sc. i


 * I know all beyond High Park's a desert to you.
 * Act V, sc. ii
 * Often misquoted as "Beyond Hyde Park all is a desert".