That from small fires comes oft no small mishap.

That from small fires comes oft no small mishap.

Contentious fierce,
Ardent, and dire, spring from no petty cause.

Contentious fierce,
Ardent, and dire, spring from no petty cause.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

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.

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.

Consequences are unpitying. Our deeds carry their terrible
consequences, quite apart from any fluctuations that went
before--consequences that read more

Consequences are unpitying. Our deeds carry their terrible
consequences, quite apart from any fluctuations that went
before--consequences that are hardly ever confined to ourselves.

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.

It will be seen in the frying of the eggs.
[Sp., Al freir de los huevos lo vera.]

It will be seen in the frying of the eggs.
[Sp., Al freir de los huevos lo vera.]

The thorns which I have reap'd are of the tree
I planted--they have torn me--and I bleed!
read more

The thorns which I have reap'd are of the tree
I planted--they have torn me--and I bleed!
I should have known what fruit would spring from such a seed.