The Importance of Being Earnest

Act I
ALGERNON. My dear fellow, the way you flirt with Gwendolen is perfectly disgraceful. It is almost as bad as the way Gwendolen flirts with you.

ALGERNON. You have always told me it was Ernest. I have introduced you to everyone as Ernest. You are the most earnest-looking person I ever saw in my life. It is perfectly absurd your saying that your name isn't Ernest.

ALGERNON. The truth is rarely pure and never simple.

ALGERNON. All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his.

ALGERNON. I hope tomorrow will be a fine day, Lane.
LANE. It never is, sir.
ALGERNON. Lane, you're a perfect pessimist.
LANE. I do my best to give satisfaction, sir.

Act III
GWENDOLEN. If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.

JACK. Gwendolen, it is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can you forgive me?

LADY BRACKNELL. My nephew, you seem to be displaying signs of triviality.
JACK. On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I've now realized for the firs time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest.