A long Vindication is seldom a skilful one.
Long doth at least imply Doubtful in such a Case.
A Fool should avoid the making an Excuse, as much as the committing a Fault; for a Fool’s Excuse is always a second Fault: and whenever he will undertake either to hide or mend a thing, he proclaimeth and spoileth it.
Of Malice and Envy.
Malice is a greater Magnifying-Glass than Kindness.
Malice is of a low Stature, but it hath very long Arms. It often reacheth into the next World, Death itself is not a Bar to it.
Malice, like Lust, when it is at the Height, doth not know Shame.
If it did not sometimes cut itself with its own Edge, it would destroy the World.
Malice can mistake by being keen as well as by being dull.