Betrayed and wronged in everything, I'll flee this bitter world where vice is king, And seek some spot unpeopled and apart Where I'll be free to have an honest heart.
I become quite melancholy and deeply grieved to see men behave to each other as they do. Everywhere I find nothing but base flattery, injustice , self-interest, deceit and roguery. I cannot bear it any longer; I'm furious; and my intention is to break with all mankind.
There is nothing I detest so much as the contortions of these great time-and-lip servers, these affable dispensers of meaningless embraces, these obliging utterers of empty words, who view every one in civilities
You may plainly perceive the traitor through his mask; he is well-known everywhere in his true colors; his rolling eyes and his honeyed tones impose only on those who do not know him.
You may plainly perceive the traitor through his mask; he is well known every-where in his true colors; his rolling eyes and his honeyed tones impose only on those who do not know him. People are aware that this low-bred fellow, who deserves to be pilloried, has, by the dirtiest jobs, made his way in the world; and that the splendid position he has acquired makes merit repine and virtue blush. Yet whatever dishonourable epithets may be laun..
If perchance a friend should betray you; if he forms a subtle plot to get hold of what is yours; if people should try to spread evil reports about you, would you tamely submit to all this without flying into a rage?
Those who have greatest cause for guilt and shame Are quickest to besmirch a neighbour's name. When there's a chance for libel, they never miss it; When something can be made to seem illicit They're off at once to spread the joyous news, Adding to fact what fantasies they choose. By talking up their neighbour's indiscretions They seek to camouflage their own transgressions, Hoping that other's innocent affairs Will lend camouflage to their..
That any gentleman should always keep In stern control this writing itch we're seized with; That he must hold in check the great impatience We feel to give the world these idle pastimes; For, through this eagerness to show our works, 'Tis likely we shall cut a foolish figure.
Good sense avoids all extremes, and requires us to be soberly rational. This unbending and virtuous stiffness of ancient times shocks too much the ordinary customs of our own; it requires too great perfection from us mortals; we must yield to the times without being too stubborn; it is the height of folly to busy ourselves in correcting the world.
Monsieur, c'est trop d'honneur que vous me voulez faire; Mais l'amitie demande un peu plus de mystere, Et c'est assurement en profaner le nom Que de vouloir le mettre a toute occasion. Avec lumiere et choix cette union veut naitre; Avant que nous lier, il faut nous mieux connaitre, Et nous pourrions avoir telles complexions, Que tous deux du marche nous nous repentirions.
A shoemaker, in making a pair of shoes, cannot spoil a scrap of leather without having to bear the loss; but in our business we may spoil a man without its costing us a farthing. The blunders are never put down to us, and it is always the fault of the fellow who dies. The best of this profession is, that there is the greatest honesty and discretion among the dead; for you never find them complain of the physician who has killed them.
Trahi de toutes parts, accable d'injustices, Je vais sortir d'un gouffre ou triomphent les vices ; Et chercher sur la terre un endroit ecarte Ou d'etre homme d'honneur, on ait la liberte.
He quoi ? vous ne ferez nulle distinction Entre l'hypocrisie et la devotion? Vous les voulez traiter d'un semblable langage, Et rendre meme honneur au masque qu'au visage, Egaler l'artifice a la sincerite, Confondre l'apparence avec la verite, Estimer le fantome autant que la personne, Et la fausse monnaie a l'egal de la bonne ? Les hommes la plupart sont etrangement faits ! Dans la juste nature on ne les voit jamais ; La raison a p..