I praise loudly, I blame softly

I praise loudly, I blame softly

To what base ends, and by what abject ways,
Are mortals urg'd through sacred lust of praise!

To what base ends, and by what abject ways,
Are mortals urg'd through sacred lust of praise!

Sweet is the scene where genial friendship plays The pleasing game of interchanging praise.

Sweet is the scene where genial friendship plays The pleasing game of interchanging praise.

Anything in any way beautiful derives its beauty from itself and asks nothing beyond itself. Praise is no part of read more

Anything in any way beautiful derives its beauty from itself and asks nothing beyond itself. Praise is no part of it, for nothing is made worse or better by praise.

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

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

Long open panegyric drags at best,
And praise is only praise when well address'd.

Long open panegyric drags at best,
And praise is only praise when well address'd.

He was a great patriot, a humanitarian, a loyal friend - provided, of course, that he really is dead.

He was a great patriot, a humanitarian, a loyal friend - provided, of course, that he really is dead.

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.]

Good people all, with one accord,
Lament for Madame Blaize,
Who never wanted a good word--
read more

Good people all, with one accord,
Lament for Madame Blaize,
Who never wanted a good word--
From those who spoke her praise.