By gold all good faith has been banished; by gold our rights are
abused; the law itself is influenced read more

By gold all good faith has been banished; by gold our rights are
abused; the law itself is influenced by gold, and soon there will
be an end of every modest restraint.
[Lat., Auro pulsa fides. auro venalia jura,
Aurum lex sequitur, mox sine lege pudor.]

'Tis pleasant purchasing our fellow-creatures;
And all are to be sold, if you consider
Their passions, and read more

'Tis pleasant purchasing our fellow-creatures;
And all are to be sold, if you consider
Their passions, and are dext'rous; some by features
Are brought up, others by a warlike leader;
Some by a place--as tend their years or natures;
The most by ready cash--but all have prices,
From crowns to kicks, according to their vices.

Too poor for a bribe, and too proud to importune,
He had not the method of making a fortune.

Too poor for a bribe, and too proud to importune,
He had not the method of making a fortune.

But here more slow, where all are slaves to gold,
Where looks are merchandise, and smiles are sold.

But here more slow, where all are slaves to gold,
Where looks are merchandise, and smiles are sold.

Judges and senates have been bought for gold;
Esteem and love were never to be sold.

Judges and senates have been bought for gold;
Esteem and love were never to be sold.

There is gold for you. Sell me your good report.

There is gold for you. Sell me your good report.

Every man has his price.

Every man has his price.

Our supple tribes repress their patriot throats,
And ask no questions but the price of votes.

Our supple tribes repress their patriot throats,
And ask no questions but the price of votes.

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.