Avoid inquisitive persons, for they are sure to be gossips, their ears are open to hear, but they will not read more

Avoid inquisitive persons, for they are sure to be gossips, their ears are open to hear, but they will not keep what is entrusted to them.

I heard the little bird say so.

I heard the little bird say so.

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.

So live that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.

So live that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.

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.

For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?

For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?

Truth is not exciting enough to those who depend on the characters and lives of their neighbors for all their read more

Truth is not exciting enough to those who depend on the characters and lives of their neighbors for all their amusement.

Even doubtful accusations leave a stain behind them.

Even doubtful accusations leave a stain behind them.

There isn't much to be seen in a little town, but what you hear makes up for it.

There isn't much to be seen in a little town, but what you hear makes up for it.