He gossips habitually; he lacks the common wisdom to keep still that deadly enemy of man, his own tongue

He gossips habitually; he lacks the common wisdom to keep still that deadly enemy of man, his own tongue

Truth is not exciting enough to those who depend on the characters and lives of their neighbors for all their read more

Truth is not exciting enough to those who depend on the characters and lives of their neighbors for all their amusement.

Gossip is what no one claims to like -- but everyone enjoys.

Gossip is what no one claims to like -- but everyone enjoys.

Ah, well, the truth is always one thing, but in a way it's the other thing, the gossip, that counts. read more

Ah, well, the truth is always one thing, but in a way it's the other thing, the gossip, that counts. It shows where people's hearts lie.

For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?

For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?

Rumor, than which no evil flies more swiftly. She flourishes as she flies, gains strength by mere motion. Small at read more

Rumor, than which no evil flies more swiftly. She flourishes as she flies, gains strength by mere motion. Small at first and in fear, she soon rises to heaven, Walks upon land and hides her head in the clouds.

And all who told it added something new, and all who heard it, made enlargements too.

And all who told it added something new, and all who heard it, made enlargements too.

He's gone, and who knows how may he report
Thy words by adding fuel to the flame?

He's gone, and who knows how may he report
Thy words by adding fuel to the flame?

I don't at all like knowing what people say of me behind my back. It makes me far too conceited.

I don't at all like knowing what people say of me behind my back. It makes me far too conceited.