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.

But that your royal pleasure must be done,
This act is as an ancient tale new told,
read more

But that your royal pleasure must be done,
This act is as an ancient tale new told,
And in the last repeating troublesome,
Being urged at a time unreasonable.

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.]

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.

(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.

The things most people want to know about are usually none of their business.

The things most people want to know about are usually none of their business.

One who is too wise an observer of the business of others, like one who is too curious in observing read more

One who is too wise an observer of the business of others, like one who is too curious in observing the labor of bees, will often be stung for his curiosity.

Even doubtful accusations leave a stain behind them.

Even doubtful accusations leave a stain behind them.