The modesty's a candle to thy merit.

The modesty's a candle to thy merit.

It rarely adds anything to say, "In my opinion" -- not even modesty. Naturally a sentence is only your opinion; read more

It rarely adds anything to say, "In my opinion" -- not even modesty. Naturally a sentence is only your opinion; and you are not the Pope.

Some are made modest by great praise, others insolent.

Some are made modest by great praise, others insolent.

Immodest words admit of no defence;
For want of decency is want of sense.

Immodest words admit of no defence;
For want of decency is want of sense.

At least I have the modesty to admit that lack of modesty is one of my failings

At least I have the modesty to admit that lack of modesty is one of my failings

Modesty is the only sure bait when you are fishing for praise.

Modesty is the only sure bait when you are fishing for praise.

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

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

When one remains modest, not after praise but after blame, then
is he really so.
[Ger., Wenn jemand read more

When one remains modest, not after praise but after blame, then
is he really so.
[Ger., Wenn jemand bescheiden bleibt, nicht beim Lobe, sondern
beim Tadel, dann ist er's.]

Can it be
That modesty may more betray our sense
Than woman's lightness? Having waste ground enough,
read more

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?