This is the essential evil of vice, that it debases man.

This is the essential evil of vice, that it debases man.

The heart resolves this matter in a trice,
"Men only feel the smart, but not the vice."

The heart resolves this matter in a trice,
"Men only feel the smart, but not the vice."

One big vice in a man is apt to keep out a great many smaller ones.

One big vice in a man is apt to keep out a great many smaller ones.

There is no vice so simple but assumes
Some mark of virtue on his outward parts.

There is no vice so simple but assumes
Some mark of virtue on his outward parts.

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.

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.]

Vice gets more in this vicious world
Than piety.

Vice gets more in this vicious world
Than piety.

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.

Ill habits gather by unseen degrees,As brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas.

Ill habits gather by unseen degrees,As brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas.