I know, when they prove bad, they are a sort of the vilest
creatures: yet still the same reason read more

I know, when they prove bad, they are a sort of the vilest
creatures: yet still the same reason gives it: for Optima
corrupta pessima: the best things corrupted become the worst.

Power corrupts. Knowledge is power. Study hard. Be evil.

Power corrupts. Knowledge is power. Study hard. Be evil.

So true is that old saying, Corruptio optimi pessima.

So true is that old saying, Corruptio optimi pessima.

'Tis the most certain sign, the world's accurst
That the best things corrupted, are the worst;
'Twas read more

'Tis the most certain sign, the world's accurst
That the best things corrupted, are the worst;
'Twas the corrupted Light of knowledge, hurl'd
Sin, Death, and Ignorance o'er all the world;
That Sun like this (from which our sight we have)
Gaz'd on too long, resumes the light he gave.

When rogues like these (a sparrow cries)
To honours and employments rise,
I court no favor, ask read more

When rogues like these (a sparrow cries)
To honours and employments rise,
I court no favor, ask no place,
For such preferment is disgrace.

The accomplice to the crime of corruption is frequently our own indifference

The accomplice to the crime of corruption is frequently our own indifference

At length corruption, like a general flood
(So long by watchful ministers withstood),
Shall deluge all; and read more

At length corruption, like a general flood
(So long by watchful ministers withstood),
Shall deluge all; and avarice, creeping on,
Spread like a low-born mist, and blot the sun.

If something can corrupt you, you're corrupted already.

If something can corrupt you, you're corrupted already.

Corruption is a tree, whose branches are
Of an immeasurable length: they spread
Ev'rywhere; and the dew read more

Corruption is a tree, whose branches are
Of an immeasurable length: they spread
Ev'rywhere; and the dew that drops from thence
Hath infected some chairs and stools of authority.