Scandal is what one half of the world takes pleasure inventing, and the other half in believing.

Scandal is what one half of the world takes pleasure inventing, and the other half in believing.

How awful to reflect that what people say of us is true.

How awful to reflect that what people say of us is true.

Her mouth is a honey-blossom, No doubt, as the poet sings; But within her lips, the petals, Lurks read more

Her mouth is a honey-blossom, No doubt, as the poet sings; But within her lips, the petals, Lurks a cruel bee that stings.

And though you duck them ne'er so long,
Not one salt drop e'er wets their tongue;
On read more

And though you duck them ne'er so long,
Not one salt drop e'er wets their tongue;
On eagles' wings immortal scandals fly,
While virtuous actions are but borne to die.

Scandal dies sooner of itself, than we could kill it.

Scandal dies sooner of itself, than we could kill it.

Scandal is the press agent of old age

Scandal is the press agent of old age

Dead scandals form good subjects for dissection.

Dead scandals form good subjects for dissection.

The mind conscious of innocence despises false reports: but we
are a set always ready to believe a scandal.
read more

The mind conscious of innocence despises false reports: but we
are a set always ready to believe a scandal.
[Lat., Conscia mens recti famae mendacia risit:
Sed nos in vitium credula turba sumus.]

Assail'd by scandal and the tongue of strife,
His only answer was a blameless life;
And he read more

Assail'd by scandal and the tongue of strife,
His only answer was a blameless life;
And he that forged, and he that threw the dart,
Had each a brother's interest in his heart.