Trying to squash a rumor is like trying to unring a bell.

Trying to squash a rumor is like trying to unring a bell.

Rumor doth double, like the voice and echo,
The numbers of the feared.

Rumor doth double, like the voice and echo,
The numbers of the feared.

The rolling fictions grow in strength and size,
Each author adding to the former lies.

The rolling fictions grow in strength and size,
Each author adding to the former lies.

Every rumor is believed against the unfortunate.
[Lat., Ad calamitatem quilibet rumor valet.]

Every rumor is believed against the unfortunate.
[Lat., Ad calamitatem quilibet rumor valet.]

Idle rumors were also added to well-founded apprehensions.
[Lat., Vana quoque ad veros accessit fama timores.]

Idle rumors were also added to well-founded apprehensions.
[Lat., Vana quoque ad veros accessit fama timores.]

It (rumour) has a hundred tongues, a hundred mouths, a voice of
iron.
[Lat., Linguae centum sunt, oraque read more

It (rumour) has a hundred tongues, a hundred mouths, a voice of
iron.
[Lat., Linguae centum sunt, oraque centum
Ferrea vox.]

Some report elsewhere whatever is told them; the measure of
fiction always increases, and each fresh narrator adds something read more

Some report elsewhere whatever is told them; the measure of
fiction always increases, and each fresh narrator adds something
to what he has heard.
[Lat., Hi narrata ferunt alio; mensuraque ficti
Crescit et auditus aliquid novus adjicit auctor.]

Rumor does not always err; it sometimes even elects a man.

Rumor does not always err; it sometimes even elects a man.

What some invent the rest enlarge.

What some invent the rest enlarge.