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.

It is but a step from companionship to slavery when one associates with vice.

It is but a step from companionship to slavery when one associates with vice.

Search others for their virtues, thy self for thy vices

Search others for their virtues, thy self for thy vices

This is the essential evil of vice, that it debases man.

This is the essential evil of vice, that it debases man.

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?

Our faith comes in moments; our vice is habitual.

Our faith comes in moments; our vice is habitual.

The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices
Make instruments to plague us.

The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices
Make instruments to plague us.

Vices of the time; vices of the man.
[Lat., Vitia temporis; vitia hominis.]

Vices of the time; vices of the man.
[Lat., Vitia temporis; vitia hominis.]

Wild oats make a bad autumn crop.

Wild oats make a bad autumn crop.