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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.
Where Young must torture his invention
To flatter knaves, or lose his pension.
Where Young must torture his invention
To flatter knaves, or lose his pension.
Nobody can describe a fool to the life, without much patient self-inspection.
Nobody can describe a fool to the life, without much patient self-inspection.
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.
'Tis an old maxim in the schools,
That flattery's the food of fools;
Yet now and then read more
'Tis an old maxim in the schools,
That flattery's the food of fools;
Yet now and then your men of wit
Will condescend to take a bit.
Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.
Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.
I can spot empty flattery and know exactly where I stand. In the end it's really only my own approval read more
I can spot empty flattery and know exactly where I stand. In the end it's really only my own approval or disapproval that means anything.
Flattery is telling the other person precisely what he thinks about himself
Flattery is telling the other person precisely what he thinks about himself
