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?

Vice itself lost half its evil, by losing all its grossness.

Vice itself lost half its evil, by losing all its grossness.

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.

Men wish to be saved from the mischiefs of their vices, but not from their vices.

Men wish to be saved from the mischiefs of their vices, but not from their vices.

Many without punishment, none without sin.

Many without punishment, none without sin.

If you don't want anyone to know it, don't do it.

If you don't want anyone to know it, don't do it.

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

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

If individuals have no vices, their virtues may be of use to us.

If individuals have no vices, their virtues may be of use to us.

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.