That man is thought a dangerous knave,
Or zealot plotting crime,
Who for advancement of his kind
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That man is thought a dangerous knave,
Or zealot plotting crime,
Who for advancement of his kind
Is wiser than his time.

The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.

The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.

Many a man's reputation would not know his character if they met on the street.

Many a man's reputation would not know his character if they met on the street.

No book was ever written down by any but itself.

No book was ever written down by any but itself.

And reputation bleeds in ev'ry word.

And reputation bleeds in ev'ry word.

To be pointed out with the finger.

To be pointed out with the finger.

Reputation is rarely proportioned to virtue.

Reputation is rarely proportioned to virtue.

Convey a libel in a frown.
And wink a reputation down!

Convey a libel in a frown.
And wink a reputation down!

My dear dear lord,
The purest treasure mortal times afford
Is spotless reputation. That away,
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My dear dear lord,
The purest treasure mortal times afford
Is spotless reputation. That away,
Man are but gilded loam or painted clay.