Nothing can atone for the lack of modesty; without which beauty is ungraceful and wit detestable.

Nothing can atone for the lack of modesty; without which beauty is ungraceful and wit detestable.

Modesty and unselfishness: These are the virtues which men praise, and pass by

Modesty and unselfishness: These are the virtues which men praise, and pass by

Immodest words admit of no defence;
For want of decency is want of sense.

Immodest words admit of no defence;
For want of decency is want of sense.

I met the youthful lord at Laurence' cell
And gave him what becomed love I might,
Not read more

I met the youthful lord at Laurence' cell
And gave him what becomed love I might,
Not stepping o'er the bounds of modesty.

With people of only moderate ability modesty is mere honesty; but with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy.

With people of only moderate ability modesty is mere honesty; but with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy.

So great is the modesty of your mind and face, Sophronius that I wonder you should ever have become a read more

So great is the modesty of your mind and face, Sophronius that I wonder you should ever have become a father

The modesty's a candle to thy merit.

The modesty's a candle to thy merit.

Some are made modest by great praise, others insolent.

Some are made modest by great praise, others insolent.

At least I have the modesty to admit that lack of modesty is one of my failings

At least I have the modesty to admit that lack of modesty is one of my failings