Vice is its own reward

Vice is its own reward

Saint Augustine! well hast thou said,
That of our vices we can frame
A ladder, if we read more

Saint Augustine! well hast thou said,
That of our vices we can frame
A ladder, if we will but tread
Beneath our feet each deed of shame.

The willing contemplation of vice is vice.

The willing contemplation of vice is vice.

Every vice is only an exaggeration of a necessary and virtuous function.

Every vice is only an exaggeration of a necessary and virtuous function.

Many without punishment, none without sin.

Many without punishment, none without sin.

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices
Make instruments to plague us.

The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices
Make instruments to plague us.

Music is the only sensual pleasure without vice

Music is the only sensual pleasure without vice

A vice is a failure of desire.

A vice is a failure of desire.