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.

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.

One big vice in a man is apt to keep out a great many smaller ones.

One big vice in a man is apt to keep out a great many smaller ones.

Vice gets more in this vicious world
Than piety.

Vice gets more in this vicious world
Than piety.

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

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

Every vice is only an exaggeration of a necessary and virtuous function.

Every vice is only an exaggeration of a necessary and virtuous function.

Many without punishment, none without sin.

Many without punishment, none without sin.

If individuals have no vices, their virtues may be of use to us.

If individuals have no vices, their virtues may be of use to us.

And last the Vice and Follies of the Age.

And last the Vice and Follies of the Age.