oyster (n.)

oyster (v.)

An oyster may be crossed in love.

Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816): The Critic. Act iii. Sc. 1.

He was a bold man that first eat an oyster.

Jonathan Swift (1667-1745): Polite Conversation. Dialogue ii.

It is unseasonable and unwholesome in all months that have not an R in their name to eat an oyster.—Butler: Dyet's Dry Dinner. (1599.)

Rich honesty dwells like a miser, sir, in a poor house; as your pearl in your foul oyster.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): As You Like It. Act v. Sc. 4.

Why, then the world's mine oyster,

Which I with sword will open.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): The Merry Wives of Windsor. Act ii. Sc. 2.

There, take (says Justice), take ye each a shell:

We thrive at Westminster on fools like you;

'T was a fat oyster,—live in peace,—adieu.

Alexander Pope (1688-1744): Verbatim from Boileau.

"There, take," says Justice, "take ye each a shell;

We thrive at Westminster on fools like you.

'T was a fat oyster! live in peace,—adieu."

Nicholas Boileau-Despreaux (1636-1711): Epître ii.