Dictionary of Quotations from Ancient and Modern, English and Foreign Sources / Including Phrases, Mottoes, Maxims, Proverbs, Definitions, Aphorisms, and Sayings of Wise Men, in Their Bearing on Life, Literature, Speculation, Science, Art, Religion, and Morals, Especially in the Modern Aspects of Them

by Rev. James Wood

Vellem nescire literas!—I wish I never knew how to read or write! Nero on signing a death-warrant.

Velocem tardus assequitur—The slow overtakes the swift. Pr.

Velocius ac citius nos / Corrumpunt vitiorum exempla domestica, magnis / Cum subeant animos auctoribus—The examples of vice at home more easily and more quickly corrupt us than others, since they steal into our minds under the highest authority. Juv.

Velox consilium sequitur pœnitentia—Repentance generally follows hasty counsels. Pub. Syr.

Veluti in speculum—As if in a mirror. 5

Velvet paws hide sharp claws. Pr.

Vendere fumos—To sell smoke, or make empty pledges.

Vendetta boccon di Dio—Revenge is a sweet morsel for a god. It. Pr.

Veneering oft outshines the solid wood. Burns.

Venerable to me is the hard hand—crooked, 10 coarse—wherein, notwithstanding, lies a cunning virtue, indefeasibly royal, as of the sceptre of this planet. Venerable, too, is the rugged face, all weather-tanned, besoiled, with its rude intelligence; for it is the face of a man living manlike. Carlyle.