Flattery is all right if you don't inhale.

Flattery is all right if you don't inhale.

It is easy to flatter; it is harder to praise.

It is easy to flatter; it is harder to praise.

Avoid flatterers, for they are thieves in disguise.

Avoid flatterers, for they are thieves in disguise.

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.

Knavery and flattery are blood relations.

Knavery and flattery are blood relations.

Music, even in situations of the greatest horror, should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm read more

Music, even in situations of the greatest horror, should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it, and thereby always remain music.

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

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

Mine eyes
Were not in fault, for she was beautiful;
Mine ears, that heard her flattery; nor read more

Mine eyes
Were not in fault, for she was beautiful;
Mine ears, that heard her flattery; nor my heart,
That thought her like her seeming. It had been vicious
To have mistrusted her.

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.