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.

We make a ladder for ourselves of our vices, if we trample those
same vices underfoot.
[Lat., De read more

We make a ladder for ourselves of our vices, if we trample those
same vices underfoot.
[Lat., De vitiis nostris scalam nobis facimus, si vitia ipsa
calcamus.]

Music is the only sensual pleasure without vice

Music is the only sensual pleasure without vice

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As to be hated need but to be seen;
read more

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As to be hated need but to be seen;
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace.

What maintains one vice would bring up two children.

What maintains one vice would bring up two children.

Those vices [luxury and neglect of decent manners] are vices of
men, not of the times.
[Lat., Hominum read more

Those vices [luxury and neglect of decent manners] are vices of
men, not of the times.
[Lat., Hominum sunt ista [vitia], non temporum.

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.

Vices are often habits rather than passions.

Vices are often habits rather than passions.