Fondly we think we honor merit then, When we but praise ourselves in other men.

Fondly we think we honor merit then, When we but praise ourselves in other men.

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

To what base ends, and by what abject ways,
Are mortals urg'd through sacred lust of praise!

To what base ends, and by what abject ways,
Are mortals urg'd through sacred lust of praise!

A refusal of praise is a desire to be praised twice.

A refusal of praise is a desire to be praised twice.

I can live for two months on a good compliment.

I can live for two months on a good compliment.

Of whom to be disprais'd were no small praise.

Of whom to be disprais'd were no small praise.

Praise me not too much,
Nor blame me, for thou speakest to the Greeks
Who know me.

Praise me not too much,
Nor blame me, for thou speakest to the Greeks
Who know me.

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.

Self - praise is no recommendation

Self - praise is no recommendation