Virtue is more clearly shown in the performance of fine actions than in the nonperformance of base ones.

Virtue is more clearly shown in the performance of fine actions than in the nonperformance of base ones.

Virtue is not malicious; wrong done her
Is righted even when men grant they err.

Virtue is not malicious; wrong done her
Is righted even when men grant they err.

Ah, Eugénie, have done with virtues! Among the sacrifices that can be made to those counterfeit divinities, is there one read more

Ah, Eugénie, have done with virtues! Among the sacrifices that can be made to those counterfeit divinities, is there one worth an instant of the pleasures one tastes in outraging them?

If you can be well without health, you may be happy without virtue.

If you can be well without health, you may be happy without virtue.

Better keep yourself clean and bright. You are the window through which you must see the world.

Better keep yourself clean and bright. You are the window through which you must see the world.

Certainly virtue is like precious odours, most fragrant when they
are incensed or crushed.

Certainly virtue is like precious odours, most fragrant when they
are incensed or crushed.

That which leads us to the performance of duty by offering
pleasure as its reward, is not virtue, but read more

That which leads us to the performance of duty by offering
pleasure as its reward, is not virtue, but a deceptive copy and
imitation of virtue.
[Lat., Nam quae voluptate, quasi mercede aliqua, ad officium
impellitur, ea non est virtus sed fallax imitatio simulatioque
virtutis.]

Virtue does not come from wealth, but. . . wealth, and every other good thing which men have. . . read more

Virtue does not come from wealth, but. . . wealth, and every other good thing which men have. . . comes from virtue.

The virtues, like the Muses, are always seen in groups. A good principle was never found solitary in any breast.

The virtues, like the Muses, are always seen in groups. A good principle was never found solitary in any breast.