No might nor greatness in mortality
Can censure 'scape; back-wounding calumny
The whitest virtue strikes. What king read more

No might nor greatness in mortality
Can censure 'scape; back-wounding calumny
The whitest virtue strikes. What king so strong
Can tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue?

To seek a laurel wreath from a bride-cake. [To seek glory by
some trifling performance. A carpet knight.]

To seek a laurel wreath from a bride-cake. [To seek glory by
some trifling performance. A carpet knight.]

To give importance to trifling matters.

To give importance to trifling matters.

Within a stone's throw of it.

Within a stone's throw of it.

Make ducks and drakes with shillings.

Make ducks and drakes with shillings.

Made no more bones.

Made no more bones.

To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

As clear as a whistle.

As clear as a whistle.

As leopard feels at home with leopard.

As leopard feels at home with leopard.