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.

A bad ending follows a bad beginning.

A bad ending follows a bad beginning.

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.

So holy writ in babes hath judgment shown
When judges have been babes; great floods have flown
read more

So holy writ in babes hath judgment shown
When judges have been babes; great floods have flown
From simple sources, and great seas have dried
When miracles have by the greatest been denied.

From little spark may burst a mighty flame.

From little spark may burst a mighty flame.

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.

Thou marvell'st at my words, but hold thee still;
Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.

Thou marvell'st at my words, but hold thee still;
Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.

That from small fires comes oft no small mishap.

That from small fires comes oft no small mishap.

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.