The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together: our virtues would be proud if our faults whipped them not; and our crimes would despair if they were not cherished by our virtues. Shakespeare.Alls Well that Ends Well, Act IV. Scene 3. (First Lord.)
Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against The deep damnation of his taking-off; And pity, like a naked new-born babe Striding the blast, or heavens cherubim horsed Upon the sightless couriers of the air, Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye, That tears shall drown the wind. Shakespeare.Macbeth, Act I. Scene 7. (Macbeth contemplating the effect of his Assassination of Duncan.)
This spot for dwelling fit Eulogius chose, And in a month a decent homestall rose, Something between a cottage and a cell, Yet virtue here could sleep, and peace could dwell. Dr. Walter Harte.Eulogius.
Be to her virtues very kind; Be to her faults a little blind. Prior.An English Padlock, last Lines but two. In Isaac Bickerstaffs Farce of The Padlock, these lines are transposed.
Or give to life the most you can, Let social virtue shape the plan, For does not to the virtuous deed, A train of pleasing sweets succeed? Shenstone.Progress of Taste, Part IV.
How oft is virtue seen to feel The woful turn of Fortunes wheel, While she with golden stores awaits The wicked, in their very gates? William Combe.Dr. Syntax, Tour to the Lakes, Chapter X.
Sneering at public virtue, which beneath their pitiless tread lies torn and trampled, where honour sits smiling at the sale of truth. Shelley.Queen Mab, Stanza 4.