In vaine is the mill-clacke, if the Miller his hearing lack.

In vaine is the mill-clacke, if the Miller his hearing lack.

Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale,
Vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man,
And read more

Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale,
Vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man,
And bitter shame hath spoiled the sweet world's taste,
That it yields nought but shame and bitterness.

With what knot shall I bind this Proteus, who is ever shifting
his ground?

With what knot shall I bind this Proteus, who is ever shifting
his ground?

Vulgarity of manners defiles fine garments more than mud.

Vulgarity of manners defiles fine garments more than mud.

The best bred have the best portion.

The best bred have the best portion.

At Court, every one for himselfe.

At Court, every one for himselfe.

Who will sell the Cow, must say the word.

Who will sell the Cow, must say the word.

Whose wit in the combat as gentle as bright
Ne'er carried a heartstain away on its blade.

Whose wit in the combat as gentle as bright
Ne'er carried a heartstain away on its blade.

Give assistance, and receive thanks lighter than a feather:
injure a man, and his wrath will be like lead.

Give assistance, and receive thanks lighter than a feather:
injure a man, and his wrath will be like lead.