“Cecily. This is no time for wearing the shallow mask of manners. When I see a spade I call it a spade.Gwendolen. [Satirically.] I am glad to say that I have never seen a spade. It is obvious that our social spheres have been widely different.”

“When I see a spade I call it a spade.I'm glad to say I have never seen a spade!”

“I hate vulgar realism in literature. The man who would call a spade a spade should be compelled to use one.”

“The man who could call a spade a spade should be compelled to use one.”

“Jack: [Slowly and hesitatingly] “Gwendolen–Cecily–it is very painful for me to be forced to speak the truth. It is the first time in my life that I have ever been reduced to such a painful position, and I am really quite inexperienced in doing anything of the kind.”

“You have not realized how I have developed. I was a schoolboy when you knew me. I am a man now. I have new passions new thoughts new ideas. I am different but you must not like me less. I am changed but you must always be my friend.”

“Cecily is the sweetest, dearest, prettiest girl in the whole world. And I don't care twopence about social possibilities.”