Envy will merit as its shade pursue,
But like a shadow, proves the substance true.

Envy will merit as its shade pursue,
But like a shadow, proves the substance true.

As iron is eaten away by rust, so the envious are consumed by their own passion.

As iron is eaten away by rust, so the envious are consumed by their own passion.

No man likes to be surpassed by those of this own level.
[Lat., A proximis quisque minime anteire vult.]

No man likes to be surpassed by those of this own level.
[Lat., A proximis quisque minime anteire vult.]

Envy depreciates the genius of the great Homer.
[Lat., Ingenium magni detractat livor Homeri.]

Envy depreciates the genius of the great Homer.
[Lat., Ingenium magni detractat livor Homeri.]

Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief
That read more

Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief
That thou her maid art far more fair than she.
Be not her maid, since she is envious.
Her vestal livery is but sick and green,
And none but fools do wear it. Cast it off.

They that envy others are their inferiors.

They that envy others are their inferiors.

Envy's a sharper spur than pay:
No author ever spar'd a brother;
Wits are gamecocks to one read more

Envy's a sharper spur than pay:
No author ever spar'd a brother;
Wits are gamecocks to one another.

With that malignant envy which turns pale,
And sickens, even if a friend prevail.

With that malignant envy which turns pale,
And sickens, even if a friend prevail.

Whoever feels pain in hearing a good character of his neighbor, will feel a pleasure in the reverse. And those read more

Whoever feels pain in hearing a good character of his neighbor, will feel a pleasure in the reverse. And those who despair to rise in distinction by their virtues, are happy if others can be depressed to a level of themselves.