When needs he must, yet faintly then he praises;
Somewhat the deed, much more the means he raises:
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When needs he must, yet faintly then he praises;
Somewhat the deed, much more the means he raises:
So marreth what he makes, and praising most, dispraises.

Solid pudding against empty praise.

Solid pudding against empty praise.

Delightful praise!--like summer rose,
That brighter in the dew-drop glows,
The bashful maiden's cheek appear'd,
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Delightful praise!--like summer rose,
That brighter in the dew-drop glows,
The bashful maiden's cheek appear'd,
For Douglas spoke, and Malcolm heard.

I praise loudly, I blame softly

I praise loudly, I blame softly

I am pleased to be praised by a man so praised as you, father.
[Words used by Hector.]
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I am pleased to be praised by a man so praised as you, father.
[Words used by Hector.]
[Lat., Laetus sum
Laudari me abs te, pater, laudato viro.]

Censure is often useful, praise is often deceitful

Censure is often useful, praise is often deceitful

To please great men is not the last degree of praise.
[Lat., Principibus placuisse viris non ultima laus est.]

To please great men is not the last degree of praise.
[Lat., Principibus placuisse viris non ultima laus est.]

Praise from a friend, or censure from a foe,
Are lost on hearers that our merits know.

Praise from a friend, or censure from a foe,
Are lost on hearers that our merits know.

Of whom to be disprais'd were no small praise.

Of whom to be disprais'd were no small praise.