We are double-edged blades, and every time we whet our virtue the return stroke straps our vice.

We are double-edged blades, and every time we whet our virtue the return stroke straps our vice.

Our faith comes in moments; our vice is habitual.

Our faith comes in moments; our vice is habitual.

Vices are often habits rather than passions.

Vices are often habits rather than passions.

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

Vices of the time; vices of the man.
[Lat., Vitia temporis; vitia hominis.]

Vices of the time; vices of the man.
[Lat., Vitia temporis; vitia hominis.]

And last the Vice and Follies of the Age.

And last the Vice and Follies of the Age.

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As to be hated need but to be seen;
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Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As to be hated need but to be seen;
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace.

To sanction Vice, and hunt Decorum down.

To sanction Vice, and hunt Decorum down.

Ne'er blush'd, unless, in spreading vice's snares,
She blunder'd on some virtue unawares.

Ne'er blush'd, unless, in spreading vice's snares,
She blunder'd on some virtue unawares.