There are several good protections against temptations, but the
surest is cowardice.

There are several good protections against temptations, but the
surest is cowardice.

Know'st thou not any whom corrupting gold
Will tempt unto a close exploit of death?

Know'st thou not any whom corrupting gold
Will tempt unto a close exploit of death?

O cunning enemy that, to catch a saint,
With saints dost bait thy hook: most dangerous
Is read more

O cunning enemy that, to catch a saint,
With saints dost bait thy hook: most dangerous
Is that temptation that doth goad us on
To sin in loving virtue.

But something may be done that we will not;
And sometimes we are devils to ourselves
When read more

But something may be done that we will not;
And sometimes we are devils to ourselves
When we will tempt the frailty of our powers,
Presuming on their changeful potency.

Things orbidden have a secret charm.

Things orbidden have a secret charm.

Honest bread is very well--it's the butter that makes the
temptation.

Honest bread is very well--it's the butter that makes the
temptation.

I may not here omit those two main plagues, and common dotages of
human kind, wine and women, which read more

I may not here omit those two main plagues, and common dotages of
human kind, wine and women, which have infatuated and besotted
myriads of people: they go commonly together.

'Tis one thing to be tempted, another thing to fall.

'Tis one thing to be tempted, another thing to fall.

How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds
Makes deeds ill done!

How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds
Makes deeds ill done!