Careful Words

talking (n.)

The hawthorn bush, with seats beneath the shade,

For talking age and whispering lovers made.

Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774): The Deserted Village. Line 13.

  A Frenchman must be always talking, whether he knows anything of the matter or not; an Englishman is content to say nothing when he has nothing to say.

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784): Life of Johnson (Boswell). Vol. vii. Chap. x.

  A good old man, sir; he will be talking: as they say, When the age is in the wit is out.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Much Ado about Nothing. Act iii. Sc. 5.

Oft has it been my lot to mark

A proud, conceited, talking spark.

James Merrick (1720-1769): The Chameleon.