A lost good name is ne'er retriev'd.

A lost good name is ne'er retriev'd.

It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it

It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it

Should envious tongues some malice frame; to soil and tarnish your good name; Live it Down!

Should envious tongues some malice frame; to soil and tarnish your good name; Live it Down!

And reputation bleeds in ev'ry word.

And reputation bleeds in ev'ry word.

I see my reputation is at stake;
My fame is shrewdly gored.

I see my reputation is at stake;
My fame is shrewdly gored.

Convey a libel in a frown.
And wink a reputation down!

Convey a libel in a frown.
And wink a reputation down!

Glass, china, and reputation are easily cracked, and never mended well.

Glass, china, and reputation are easily cracked, and never mended well.

For a strolling damsel a doubtful reputation bears.
[Ger., Denn ein wanderndes Madchen ist immer von schwankendem
Rufe.]

For a strolling damsel a doubtful reputation bears.
[Ger., Denn ein wanderndes Madchen ist immer von schwankendem
Rufe.]

If you can't get rid of the skeleton in your closet, you'd best
teach it to dance.

If you can't get rid of the skeleton in your closet, you'd best
teach it to dance.