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

The two most precious things this side of the grave are our reputation and our life. But it is to read more

The two most precious things this side of the grave are our reputation and our life. But it is to be lamented that the most contemptible whisper may deprive us of the one, and the weakest weapon of the other.

One can survive everything nowadays, except death, and live down anything, except a good reputation.

One can survive everything nowadays, except death, and live down anything, except a good reputation.

Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without
merit and lost without deserving.

Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without
merit and lost without deserving.

That man is thought a dangerous knave,
Or zealot plotting crime,
Who for advancement of his kind
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That man is thought a dangerous knave,
Or zealot plotting crime,
Who for advancement of his kind
Is wiser than his time.

A good reputation is more valuable than money.

A good reputation is more valuable than money.

One can survive everything, nowadays, except death, and live down everything except a good reputation.

One can survive everything, nowadays, except death, and live down everything except a good reputation.

And reputation bleeds in ev'ry word.

And reputation bleeds in ev'ry word.

Until you've lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was or what freedom really is.

Until you've lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was or what freedom really is.