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.

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

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

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.

The willing contemplation of vice is vice.

The willing contemplation of vice is vice.

To sanction Vice, and hunt Decorum down.

To sanction Vice, and hunt Decorum down.

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.

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.

Vice may be learnt, even without a teacher.

Vice may be learnt, even without a teacher.