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!

You do ill to praise, but worse to censure, what you do not understand

You do ill to praise, but worse to censure, what you do not understand

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

I can live for two months on a good compliment.

I can live for two months on a good compliment.

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

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

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.

I praise loudly, I blame softly

I praise loudly, I blame softly

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.

And touch'd their golden harps, and hymning praised
God and his works.

And touch'd their golden harps, and hymning praised
God and his works.