Virtue is like a rich stone, best plain set.

Virtue is like a rich stone, best plain set.

As far as I'm concerned, I prefer silent vice to ostentatious virtue.

As far as I'm concerned, I prefer silent vice to ostentatious virtue.

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.

Virtue, the strength and beauty of the soul,
Is the best gift of Heaven: a happiness
That read more

Virtue, the strength and beauty of the soul,
Is the best gift of Heaven: a happiness
That even above the smiles and frowns of fate
Exalts great Nature's favourites: a wealth
That ne'er encumbers, nor can be transferr'd.

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

Virtue is indeed its own reward.
[Lat., Ipsa quidem pretium virtus sibi.]

Virtue is indeed its own reward.
[Lat., Ipsa quidem pretium virtus sibi.]

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.]

The path of a good woman is indeed strewn with flowers; but they rise behind her steps, not before them

The path of a good woman is indeed strewn with flowers; but they rise behind her steps, not before them

Virtue is the only true nobility.

Virtue is the only true nobility.