So comes a reck'ning when the banquet's o'er,
The dreadful reckn'ning, and men smile no more.

So comes a reck'ning when the banquet's o'er,
The dreadful reckn'ning, and men smile no more.

Perfection of means and confusion of ends seem to characterize
our age.

Perfection of means and confusion of ends seem to characterize
our age.

Is not this a lamentable thing, that of the skin of an innocent
lamb should be made parchment? that read more

Is not this a lamentable thing, that of the skin of an innocent
lamb should be made parchment? that parchment, being scribbled
o'er, should undo a man? Some say the bee stings, but I say 'tis
the bee's wax; for I did but seal once to a thing, and I was
never mind own man since.

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind:
it hath no stalk: the bud shall read more

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind:
it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it
yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.

How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell;
Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.

How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell;
Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.

Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a
stone, it will return upon him.

Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a
stone, it will return upon him.

What dire Offence from am'rous Causes springs,
What mighty Contests rise from trivial Things.

What dire Offence from am'rous Causes springs,
What mighty Contests rise from trivial Things.

That from small fires comes oft no small mishap.

That from small fires comes oft no small mishap.

From hence, let fierce contending nations know,
What dire effects from civil discord flow.

From hence, let fierce contending nations know,
What dire effects from civil discord flow.