Is not this a lamentable thing, that of the skin of an innocent
lamb should be made parchment? that read more

Is not this a lamentable thing, that of the skin of an innocent
lamb should be made parchment? that parchment, being scribbled
o'er, should undo a man? Some say the bee stings, but I say 'tis
the bee's wax; for I did but seal once to a thing, and I was
never mind own man since.

Consequences are unpitying. Our deeds carry their terrible
consequences, quite apart from any fluctuations that went
before--consequences that read more

Consequences are unpitying. Our deeds carry their terrible
consequences, quite apart from any fluctuations that went
before--consequences that are hardly ever confined to ourselves.

Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a
stone, it will return upon him.

Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a
stone, it will return upon him.

What dire Offence from am'rous Causes springs,
What mighty Contests rise from trivial Things.

What dire Offence from am'rous Causes springs,
What mighty Contests rise from trivial Things.

As thou sowest, so shalt thou reap.
[Sp., Ut sementem feceris, ita metes.]

As thou sowest, so shalt thou reap.
[Sp., Ut sementem feceris, ita metes.]

Perfection of means and confusion of ends seem to characterize
our age.

Perfection of means and confusion of ends seem to characterize
our age.

The thorns which I have reap'd are of the tree
I planted--they have torn me--and I bleed!
read more

The thorns which I have reap'd are of the tree
I planted--they have torn me--and I bleed!
I should have known what fruit would spring from such a seed.

How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell;
Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.

How far your eyes may pierce I cannot tell;
Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.

So comes a reck'ning when the banquet's o'er,
The dreadful reckn'ning, and men smile no more.

So comes a reck'ning when the banquet's o'er,
The dreadful reckn'ning, and men smile no more.