For unconsciously old age perceived—she cannot be my rival.
These are of the deep things of flattery: and many a shallow sycophant
Hath marvelled ill that praise of children seldom won their parents.
This therefore note, unto detection: flattery can sneer as well as smile;
And a master in the craft wotteth well, that his oblique thrust is surest.
Flattery sticketh like a burr, holding to the soil with anchors,
A vital, natural, subtle seed, everywhere hardy and indigenous.
Go to the storehouse of thy memory, and take what is readiest to thy hand,—
The noble deed, the clever phrase, for which thy pride was flattered: