Saint Augustine! well hast thou said,
That of our vices we can frame
A ladder, if we read more

Saint Augustine! well hast thou said,
That of our vices we can frame
A ladder, if we will but tread
Beneath our feet each deed of shame.

Virtue, I grant you, is an empty boast;
But shall the dignity of vice be lost?

Virtue, I grant you, is an empty boast;
But shall the dignity of vice be lost?

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As to be hated need but to be seen;
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Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As to be hated need but to be seen;
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace.

We are double-edged blades, and every time we whet our virtue the return stroke straps our vice.

We are double-edged blades, and every time we whet our virtue the return stroke straps our vice.

Assume a virtue if you have it not.

Assume a virtue if you have it not.

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

I prefer an interesting vice to a virtue that bores

Wickedness is always easier than virtue, for it takes a short cut to everything.

Wickedness is always easier than virtue, for it takes a short cut to everything.

What maintains one vice would bring up two children.

What maintains one vice would bring up two children.

People with virtue must speak out; People who speak are not all virtuous.

People with virtue must speak out; People who speak are not all virtuous.