Can it be
That modesty may more betray our sense
Than woman's lightness? Having waste ground enough,
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Can it be
That modesty may more betray our sense
Than woman's lightness? Having waste ground enough,
Shall we desire to raze the sanctuary
And pitch our evils there?

Nothing is more amiable than true modesty, and nothing more contemptible than the false

Nothing is more amiable than true modesty, and nothing more contemptible than the false

Modesty may make a fool seem a man of sense.

Modesty may make a fool seem a man of sense.

Nothing can atone for the lack of modesty; without which beauty is ungraceful and wit detestable.

Nothing can atone for the lack of modesty; without which beauty is ungraceful and wit detestable.

I met the youthful lord at Laurence' cell
And gave him what becomed love I might,
Not read more

I met the youthful lord at Laurence' cell
And gave him what becomed love I might,
Not stepping o'er the bounds of modesty.

Like the violet, which alone
Prospers in some happy shade,
My Castara lives unknown
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Like the violet, which alone
Prospers in some happy shade,
My Castara lives unknown
To no looser eye betrayed.

Her modest looks the cottage might adorn,
Sweet as the primrose peeps beneath the thorn.

Her modest looks the cottage might adorn,
Sweet as the primrose peeps beneath the thorn.

With people of only moderate ability modesty is mere honesty; but with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy.

With people of only moderate ability modesty is mere honesty; but with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy.

Modesty is the only sure bait when you angle for praise.

Modesty is the only sure bait when you angle for praise.