Gossip needn't be false to be evil - there's a lot of truth that shouldn't be passed around.

Gossip needn't be false to be evil - there's a lot of truth that shouldn't be passed around.

None are so fond of secrets as those who do not mean to keep them.

None are so fond of secrets as those who do not mean to keep them.

Conversation should be pleasant without scurrility, witty without affectation, free without indecency, learned without conceitedness, novel without falsehood.

Conversation should be pleasant without scurrility, witty without affectation, free without indecency, learned without conceitedness, novel without falsehood.

A good memory and a tongue tied in the middle is a combination which gives immortality to conversation.

A good memory and a tongue tied in the middle is a combination which gives immortality to conversation.

An expert gossiper knows how much to leave out of a conversation

An expert gossiper knows how much to leave out of a conversation

I don't at all like knowing what people say of me behind my back. It makes me far too conceited.

I don't at all like knowing what people say of me behind my back. It makes me far too conceited.

Gossip is what no one claims to like -- but everyone enjoys.

Gossip is what no one claims to like -- but everyone enjoys.

It is perfectly monstrous the way people go about nowadays saying things against one, behind one's back, that are absolutely read more

It is perfectly monstrous the way people go about nowadays saying things against one, behind one's back, that are absolutely and entirely true.

I never, with important air,
In conversation overbear.
. . . .
My tongue read more

I never, with important air,
In conversation overbear.
. . . .
My tongue within my lips I rein;
For who talks much must talk in vain.