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!

The sweeter sound of woman's praise.

The sweeter sound of woman's 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

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.

Join voices, all ye living souls: ye birds,
That singing up to heaven-gate ascend,
Bear on your read more

Join voices, all ye living souls: ye birds,
That singing up to heaven-gate ascend,
Bear on your wings and in your notes his praise.

I can live for two months on a good compliment.

I can live for two months on a good compliment.

I praise loudly, I blame softly

I praise loudly, I blame softly

Think not those faithful who praise all thy words and actions; but those who kindly reprove thy faults.

Think not those faithful who praise all thy words and actions; but those who kindly reprove thy faults.

Self - praise is no recommendation

Self - praise is no recommendation