Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished read more

Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded, because they flatter the people in order to betray them.

Of praise a mere glutton, he swallow'd what came,
And the puff a dunce, he mistook it for fame;
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Of praise a mere glutton, he swallow'd what came,
And the puff a dunce, he mistook it for fame;
Till his relish grown callous, almost to displease,
Who pepper'd the highest was surest to please.

If you can't love, learn how to flatter.

If you can't love, learn how to flatter.

By God, I cannot flatter, I do defy
The tongues of soothers! but a braver place
In read more

By God, I cannot flatter, I do defy
The tongues of soothers! but a braver place
In my heart's love hath no man than yourself.
Nay, task me to my word; approve me, lord.

What really flatters a man is that you think him worth
flattering.

What really flatters a man is that you think him worth
flattering.

Nobody can describe a fool to the life, without much patient self-inspection.

Nobody can describe a fool to the life, without much patient self-inspection.

Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.

Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.

Flattery will get you everywhere.

Flattery will get you everywhere.

Flattery is the worst and falsest way of showing our esteem

Flattery is the worst and falsest way of showing our esteem