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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.
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.
Our faith comes in moments; our vice is habitual.
Our faith comes in moments; our vice is habitual.
He hadn't a single redeeming vice.
He hadn't a single redeeming vice.
Men wish to be saved from the mischiefs of their vices, but not from their vices.
Men wish to be saved from the mischiefs of their vices, but not from their vices.
Vice may be learnt, even without a teacher.
Vice may be learnt, even without a teacher.
Ill habits gather by unseen degrees,As brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas.
Ill habits gather by unseen degrees,As brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas.
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?
Who has a book of all that monarchs do,
He's more secure to keep it shut than shown;
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Who has a book of all that monarchs do,
He's more secure to keep it shut than shown;
For vice repeated is like the wand'ring wind,
Blows dust in others' eye, to spread itself;
And yet the end of all is bought thus dear,
The breath is gone, and the sore eyes see clear
To stop the air would hurt them.
