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.

They do not abuse the king that flatter him.
For flattery is the bellows blows up sin;
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They do not abuse the king that flatter him.
For flattery is the bellows blows up sin;
The thing the which is flattered, but a spark
To which that blast gives heat and stronger glowing;
Whereas reproof, obedient and in order,
Fits kings as they are men, for they may err.

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.

Flattery was formerly a vice; it has now become the fashion.
[Lat., Pessimum genus inimicorum laudantes.]

Flattery was formerly a vice; it has now become the fashion.
[Lat., Pessimum genus inimicorum laudantes.]

If you can't love, learn how to flatter.

If you can't love, learn how to flatter.

Avoid flatterers, for they are thieves in disguise.

Avoid flatterers, for they are thieves in disguise.

Flattery is from the teeth out. Sincere appreciation is from the heart out.

Flattery is from the teeth out. Sincere appreciation is from the heart out.

Let flattery, the handmaid of the vices, be far removed (from
friendship).
[Lat., Assentatio, vitiorum adjutrix, procul amoveatur.]

Let flattery, the handmaid of the vices, be far removed (from
friendship).
[Lat., Assentatio, vitiorum adjutrix, procul amoveatur.]

A woman's flattery may inflate a man's head a little; but her criticism goes straight to his heart, and contracts read more

A woman's flattery may inflate a man's head a little; but her criticism goes straight to his heart, and contracts it so that it can never again hold quite as much love for her