Spirits are not finely touch'd / But to fine issues, nor Nature never lends / The smallest scruple of her excellence / But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines / Herself the glory of a creditor, / Both thanks and use. Meas. for Meas., i. 1.
Spirits, when they please, / Can either sex 45 assume, or both. Milton.
Spiritual music can only spring from discords set in unison; but for evil there were no good, as victory is only possible by battle. Carlyle.
Spite of all the criticising elves, / Those who would make us feel must feel themselves. Burke.
Spite of cormorant devouring Time, / The endeavour of this present breath may buy / That honour which will bate his scythe's keen edge, / And make us heirs of all eternity. Love's L.'s Lost, i. 1.
Splendida vitia—Splendid vices. Tertullian, of Pagan virtues.
Splendide mendax—Nobly false or disloyal. 50 Hor.
Spolia opima—The richest of the spoil.
Sport is the bloom and glow of perfect health. Emerson.
Sprechen ist silbern, Schweigen ist golden—Speech is silvern, silence golden. Swiss M.