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.

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.

Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.

Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.

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.

From little spark may burst a mighty flame.

From little spark may burst a mighty flame.

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

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

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.

The ends must justify the means.

The ends must justify the means.

That from small fires comes oft no small mishap.

That from small fires comes oft no small mishap.