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The skilful class of flatterers praise the discourse of an
ignorant friend and the face of a deformed one.
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The skilful class of flatterers praise the discourse of an
ignorant friend and the face of a deformed one.
[Lat., Adulandi gens prudentissima laudat
Sermonem indocti, faciem deformis amici.]
By God, I cannot flatter, I do defy
The tongues of soothers! but a braver place
In read more
By God, I cannot flatter, I do defy
The tongues of soothers! but a braver place
In my heart's love hath no man than yourself.
Nay, task me to my word; approve me, lord.
Nay, do not think I flatter.
For what advancement may I hope from thee,
That no revenue read more
Nay, do not think I flatter.
For what advancement may I hope from thee,
That no revenue hast but thy good spirits
To feed and clothe thee? Why should the poor be flattered?
No, let the candied tongue like absurd pomp,
And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee
Where thrift may follow fawning.
When Fortune flatters, she does it to betray.
When Fortune flatters, she does it to betray.
Of praise a mere glutton, he swallow'd what came,
And the puff a dunce, he mistook it for fame;
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Of praise a mere glutton, he swallow'd what came,
And the puff a dunce, he mistook it for fame;
Till his relish grown callous, almost to displease,
Who pepper'd the highest was surest to please.
If you can't love, learn how to flatter.
If you can't love, learn how to flatter.
Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.
Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.
Always let your flattery be seen through for what really flatters a man is that you think him worth flattering.
Always let your flattery be seen through for what really flatters a man is that you think him worth flattering.
Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished read more
Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded, because they flatter the people in order to betray them.