Whoever keeps an open ear
For tattlers will be sure to hear
The trumpet of contention.

Whoever keeps an open ear
For tattlers will be sure to hear
The trumpet of contention.

What some invent, the rest enlarge.

What some invent, the rest enlarge.

(Salerio:) . . . if my gossip Report be an honest woman of her
word.
(Solanio:) I would read more

(Salerio:) . . . if my gossip Report be an honest woman of her
word.
(Solanio:) I would she were as lying a gossip in that as ever
knapped ginger or made her neighbors believe she wept for the
death of a third husband.

And all who told it added something new, And all who heard it made enlargements too.

And all who told it added something new, And all who heard it made enlargements too.

Foul whisp'rings are abroad.

Foul whisp'rings are abroad.

Gossip is sometimes referred to as halitosis of the mind

Gossip is sometimes referred to as halitosis of the mind

And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to
house; and not only idle, but tattlers read more

And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to
house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies,
speaking things which they ought not.

But that your royal pleasure must be done,
This act is as an ancient tale new told,
read more

But that your royal pleasure must be done,
This act is as an ancient tale new told,
And in the last repeating troublesome,
Being urged at a time unreasonable.

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.