Even doubtful accusations leave a stain behind them.

Even doubtful accusations leave a stain behind them.

That which is everybody's business is nobody's business.

That which is everybody's business is nobody's business.

(Salerio:) . . . if my gossip Report be an honest woman of her
word.
(Solanio:) I would read more

(Salerio:) . . . if my gossip Report be an honest woman of her
word.
(Solanio:) I would she were as lying a gossip in that as ever
knapped ginger or made her neighbors believe she wept for the
death of a third husband.

I heard the little bird say so.

I heard the little bird say so.

Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.

Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.

Knowledge is power if you know about the right person.

Knowledge is power if you know about the right person.

And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to
house; and not only idle, but tattlers read more

And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to
house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies,
speaking things which they ought not.

Report, that which no evil thing of any kind is more swift,
increases with travel and gains strength by read more

Report, that which no evil thing of any kind is more swift,
increases with travel and gains strength by its progress.
[Lat., Fama, malum quo non aliud velocius ullum,
Mobilitate viget, viresque acquirit eundo.]

Live that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.

Live that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.