O, what a mansion have those vices got
Which for their habitation chose out thee,
Where beauty's read more

O, what a mansion have those vices got
Which for their habitation chose out thee,
Where beauty's veil doth cover every blot
And all things turns to fair that eyes can see!

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.

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

It is but a step from companionship to slavery when one associates with vice.

It is but a step from companionship to slavery when one associates with vice.

We do not despise all those who have vices, but we despise all
those who have not a single read more

We do not despise all those who have vices, but we despise all
those who have not a single virtue.

Virtue, I grant you, is an empty boast;
But shall the dignity of vice be lost?

Virtue, I grant you, is an empty boast;
But shall the dignity of vice be lost?

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.]

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.

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

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