He deserves praise who does not what he may, but what he ought.
[Lat., Id facere laus est quod read more

He deserves praise who does not what he may, but what he ought.
[Lat., Id facere laus est quod decet, non quod licet.]

An expert is someone called in at the last minute to share the blame.

An expert is someone called in at the last minute to share the blame.

Praise from a friend, or censure from a foe,
Are lost on hearers that our merits know.

Praise from a friend, or censure from a foe,
Are lost on hearers that our merits know.

Join voices, all ye living souls: ye birds,
That singing up to heaven-gate ascend,
Bear on your read more

Join voices, all ye living souls: ye birds,
That singing up to heaven-gate ascend,
Bear on your wings and in your notes his praise.

Any party which takes credit for the rain must not be surprised if its opponents blame it for the drought.

Any party which takes credit for the rain must not be surprised if its opponents blame it for the drought.

Sweet is the scene where genial friendship plays The pleasing game of interchanging praise.

Sweet is the scene where genial friendship plays The pleasing game of interchanging praise.

When needs he must, yet faintly then he praises;
Somewhat the deed, much more the means he raises:
read more

When needs he must, yet faintly then he praises;
Somewhat the deed, much more the means he raises:
So marreth what he makes, and praising most, dispraises.

The search for someone to blame is always successful.

The search for someone to blame is always successful.

We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised read more

We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess