[12:2] The origin of the word "sleveless," in the sense of unprofitable, has defied the most careful research. It is frequently found allied to other substantives. Bishop Hall speaks of the "sleveless tale of transubstantiation," and Milton writes of a "sleveless reason." Chaucer uses it in the Testament of Love.—Sharman.
[12:3] At their wit's end.—Psalm cvii. 27.
[12:4] Thomas Heywood: If you know not me, etc., 1605. Tarlton: Jests, 1611.
[12:5] A relic of the Sumptuary Laws. One of the earliest instances occurs, 1530, in the interlude of Godly Queene Hester.
[12:6] Qui est près de l'église est souvent loin de Dieu (He who is near the Church is often far from God).—Les Proverbes Communs. Circa 1500.
Rather to bowe than breke is profitable;
Humylite is a thing commendable.
The Morale Proverbs of Cristyne; translated from the French (1390) by Earl Rivers, and printed by Caxton in 1478.
[12:8] Fair words never hurt the tongue.—Jonson, Chapman, Marston: Eastward Ho, act iv. sc. 1.