With people of only moderate ability modesty is mere honesty; but with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy.

With people of only moderate ability modesty is mere honesty; but with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy.

The modesty's a candle to thy merit.

The modesty's a candle to thy merit.

Immodest words admit of no defence;
For want of decency is want of sense.

Immodest words admit of no defence;
For want of decency is want of sense.

Her modest looks the cottage might adorn,
Sweet as the primrose peeps beneath the thorn.

Her modest looks the cottage might adorn,
Sweet as the primrose peeps beneath the thorn.

He takes the greatest ornament from friendship, who takes modesty
from it.
[Lat., Maximum ornamentum amicitiae tollit, qui read more

He takes the greatest ornament from friendship, who takes modesty
from it.
[Lat., Maximum ornamentum amicitiae tollit, qui ex ea tollit
verecudiam.]

Modesty is to merit, what shade is to figures in a picture; it
gives it strength and makes it read more

Modesty is to merit, what shade is to figures in a picture; it
gives it strength and makes it stand out.

It rarely adds anything to say, "In my opinion" -- not even modesty. Naturally a sentence is only your opinion; read more

It rarely adds anything to say, "In my opinion" -- not even modesty. Naturally a sentence is only your opinion; and you are not the Pope.

Modesty is the conscience of the body.

Modesty is the conscience of the body.

There's a lot to be said for the fellow who doesn't say it himself.

There's a lot to be said for the fellow who doesn't say it himself.