In various talk th' instructive hours they past,
Who gave the ball, or paid the visit last;
read more

In various talk th' instructive hours they past,
Who gave the ball, or paid the visit last;
One speaks the glory of the British queen,
And one describes a charming Indian screen;
A third interprets motions, looks, and eyes;
At every word a reputation dies.

I consider him of no account who esteems himself just as the
popular breath may chance to raise him.
read more

I consider him of no account who esteems himself just as the
popular breath may chance to raise him.
[Ger., Ich halte nichts von dem, der von sich denkt
Wie ihn das Volk vielleicht erheben mochte.]

Many a man's reputation would not know his character if they met on the street.

Many a man's reputation would not know his character if they met on the street.

It is easier for a woman to defend her virtue against men than her reputation against women.

It is easier for a woman to defend her virtue against men than her reputation against women.

And reputation bleeds in ev'ry word.

And reputation bleeds in ev'ry word.

It is generally much more shameful to lose a good reputation than never to have acquired it.

It is generally much more shameful to lose a good reputation than never to have acquired it.

A man's reputation is what other people think of him; his character is what he really is.

A man's reputation is what other people think of him; his character is what he really is.

A reputation once broken may possibly be repaired, but the world will always keep their eyes on the spot where read more

A reputation once broken may possibly be repaired, but the world will always keep their eyes on the spot where the crack was.

I have offended reputation,
A most unnoble swerving.

I have offended reputation,
A most unnoble swerving.