The worst is not
So long as we can say, This is the worst.
King Lear, Act iv. Sc. 1. SHAKESPEARE.
ADVICE.
The worst men often give the best advice.
Our deeds are sometimes better than our thoughts,
Festus: Sc. A Village Feast. P.J. BAILEY.
I pray thee cease thy counsel.
Which falls into mine ears as profitless
As water in a sieve.
Much Ado About Nothing, Act v. Sc. 1. SHAKESPEARE.
O Life! how pleasant in thy morning.
Young Fancy's rays the hills adorning!
Cold-pausing Caution's lesson scorning,
We frisk away,
Like schoolboys at th' expected warning,
To joy and play.
Epistle to James Smith. B. BURNS.
Know when to speake; for many times it brings
Danger to give the best advice to kings.
Hesperides' Caution in Councell. R. HEBRICK.
AGE.
I'm growing fonder of my staff;
I'm growing dimmer in the eyes;
I'm growing fainter in my laugh;
I'm growing deeper in my sighs;
I'm growing careless of my dress;
I'm growing frugal of my gold;
I'm growing wise; I'm growing,—yes,—
I'm growing old.
I'm Growing Old. J.G. SAXE.
And his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound.
As You Like It, Act ii. Sc. 7. SHAKESPEARE.
Time has laid his hand
Upon my heart, gently, not smiting it,
But as a harper lays his open palm
Upon his harp, to deaden its vibrations.
The Golden Legend, IV. H.W. LONGFELLOW.