The rolling fictions grow in strength and size,
Each author adding to the former lies.

The rolling fictions grow in strength and size,
Each author adding to the former lies.

What some invent the rest enlarge.

What some invent the rest enlarge.

The rumor forthwith flies abroad, dispersed throughout the small
town.
[Lat., Fama volat parvam subito vulgata per urbem.]

The rumor forthwith flies abroad, dispersed throughout the small
town.
[Lat., Fama volat parvam subito vulgata per urbem.]

Rumor is a pipe
Blown by surmises, jealousies, conjectures,
And of so easy and so plain a read more

Rumor is a pipe
Blown by surmises, jealousies, conjectures,
And of so easy and so plain a stop
That the blunt monster with uncounted heads,
The still-discordant wavering multitude,
Can play upon it.

Rumor does not always err; it sometimes even elects a man.

Rumor does not always err; it sometimes even elects a man.

Trying to squash a rumor is like trying to unring a bell.

Trying to squash a rumor is like trying to unring a bell.

Rumor is not always wrong

Rumor is not always wrong

What is this the sound and rumor? What is this that all men hear, Like the wind in hollow valleys read more

What is this the sound and rumor? What is this that all men hear, Like the wind in hollow valleys when the storm is drawing near, Like the rolling of the ocean in the eventide of fear? 'Tis the people marching on

Enemies carry a report in form different from the original.
[Lat., Nam inimici famam non ita ut nata est read more

Enemies carry a report in form different from the original.
[Lat., Nam inimici famam non ita ut nata est ferunt.]