Gold gives to the ugliest thing a certain charming air,
For that without it were else a miserable affair.
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Gold gives to the ugliest thing a certain charming air,
For that without it were else a miserable affair.
[Fr., L'or donne aux plus laids certain charme pour plaire,
Et que sans lui le reste est une triste affaire.]

Gold does not rust on the ground, and rocks don't get soaked in the rain.

Gold does not rust on the ground, and rocks don't get soaked in the rain.

I see, the jewel best enamelled
Will lose his beauty; yet the gold bides still
That others read more

I see, the jewel best enamelled
Will lose his beauty; yet the gold bides still
That others touch, and often touching will
Wear gold; and no man that hath a name,
By falsehood and corruption doth it shame.

An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.

An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold.

You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of
thorns--you shall not crucify mankind upon read more

You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of
thorns--you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold!

Truth comes to us from the past, then, like gold washed down from the mountains.

Truth comes to us from the past, then, like gold washed down from the mountains.

Accursed thirst for gold! what dost thou not compel mortals to
do?
[Lat., Quid non mortalia pectora cogis,
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Accursed thirst for gold! what dost thou not compel mortals to
do?
[Lat., Quid non mortalia pectora cogis,
Auri sacra fames?]

Though wisdom cannot be gotten with gold, still less can it be gotten without it.

Though wisdom cannot be gotten with gold, still less can it be gotten without it.

Gold is a vain and foolish fancy.
[Fr., L'or est une chimere.]

Gold is a vain and foolish fancy.
[Fr., L'or est une chimere.]