It is perfectly monstrous the way people go about nowadays saying things against one, behind one's back, that are absolutely read more

It is perfectly monstrous the way people go about nowadays saying things against one, behind one's back, that are absolutely and entirely true.

Gossip is a sort of smoke that comes from the dirty tobacco-pipes
of those who diffuse it; it proves read more

Gossip is a sort of smoke that comes from the dirty tobacco-pipes
of those who diffuse it; it proves nothing but the bad taste of
the smoker.

The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.

The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.

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

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

An expert gossiper knows how much to leave out of a conversation

An expert gossiper knows how much to leave out of a conversation

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.

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?

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

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

You do not know it but you are the talk of all the town.
[Lat., Fabula (nec sentis) tota read more

You do not know it but you are the talk of all the town.
[Lat., Fabula (nec sentis) tota jactaris in urba.]