Virtue and Vice
‹ 6 · Outline · 8 ›
7.Humility, sincerity, truthfulness and modesty
7a.Humility and its reward
Confucius, The Sayings of ConfuciusVol. 44
- p. 24Confucius disclaims holiness, love, and even gentlemanliness, being only an unflagging teacher.read · scan
- p. 25A gentleman is one no crisis can corrupt, and who is humble despite knowledge and gainsayers.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 400–401Pride versus humility: those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and the humble exalted.read · scan
Plutarch, AlcibiadesVol. 12
- p. 110–111Luxury and pride mislead him; Socrates makes him humble and modest.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 63–64Pride and curiosity are condemned, with humility and contrition praised.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 183Examples of humility, as the Annunciation, engraved to counter pride.read · scan
- p. 183Humility exemplified by David dancing before the ark and Trajan, contrasted with the proud souls bowed under stones.read · scan
- p. 189–190Provenzano's self-abasement, begging ransom for a friend, atoned for his ambition.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 207Humility and low self-judgment are great wisdom; do not think oneself better than a sinning neighbour.read · scan
- p. 211–212Humility against pride: do not boast of riches, strength, skill or good works, and place yourself below others.read · scan
- p. 212–213Obedience and humility over pride and wilfulness.read · scan
- p. 240Impure love of created things defiles the heart; humility is aided when others rebuke our faults.read · scan
- p. 250–251Humility and gratitude: the highest saints are lowliest in their own sight and seek not vainglory.read · scan
- p. 267–268True merit lies in humility and charity, not in visions, learning or high station; pride is the danger.read · scan
- p. 274–275Humility and obedience overcome pride; submit to superiors for God's sake, as Christ humbled Himself.read · scan
- p. 284–285The greater man is he who ascribes least to himself; humility and gratitude make one fit for greater gifts.read · scan
- p. 286–287Humility: choose less rather than more, the lowest place, subject to all.read · scan
- p. 317Humility and obedience to all men urged; rejoice in self-contempt rather than praise.read · scan
- p. 332–333Humility, recognizing one's sins and small virtues, pleases God more than disputing the saints' greatness; saints grow humbler as exalted.read · scan
- p. 339–340Humility, self-abasement before God's goodness, is the best meditation.read · scan
- p. 345–346Unworthiness makes the disciple tremble, aware of his own vileness before God's dignity.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 159Humility and patience are praised as unconquerable virtues; pride and wickedness blacken the knights.read · scan
- p. 159–160Humility, chastity, charity and abstinence are contrasted with pride and unchastity as conditions of attaining the Grail.read · scan
Martin Luther, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German NationVol. 36
- p. 275–276Humility and sanctity, not pride, should mark the pope's office.read · scan
William Roper, The Life of Sir Thomas MoreVol. 36
- p. 91More's meekness: he yields arguments so as not to discourage scholars, seeking not his own glory.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Mr. George HerbertVol. 15
- p. 386He aims to make humility lovely by following Christ's meek example.read · scan
- p. 396Her innate humility earns unfeigned love and respect from all.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 163–164Imitating outward discourse without the humble state is empty; humility is what God loves.read · scan
- p. 171–172Two kinds of men: the righteous who think themselves sinners, and sinners who think themselves righteous.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 75–76Humility contrasted with pride, arrogancy, conceit and worldly glory, personified as kin he has disowned.read · scan
- p. 241–242Humility rewarded: God resisteth the proud but gives grace to the humble; the humble valley is fruitful.read · scan
- p. 243–244Humility of a poor and contrite spirit is prized by the King.read · scan
- p. 255–256In the Valley of Humiliation he cares not how mean he is, if happy at last.read · scan
John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning EducationVol. 37
- p. 119Good breeding defined as neither thinking meanly of ourselves nor of others.read · scan
William Penn, More Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 382–383Humility is a virtue but affected humility is none; vanity and resentment lose us ground.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 87Franklin adds Humility after being told he is proud and overbearing; cures pride in appearance if not reality.read · scan
- p. 154–155Shirley shows modesty about his displacement: 'I find a low seat the easiest.'read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 174–175Seeks humility and self-denial and avoids libertine company.read · scan
- p. 209–210Humility, meekness and gentle wisdom are rewarded with quietness.read · scan
- p. 253–254Obedience to conscience in small matters of dress, accepting singularity for duty's sake, shows humility and meekness of wisdom as virtue.read · scan
- p. 280The humility of Jesus Christ is opened as a pattern for all to walk by.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 312His humility and obedience: he chides himself for supposing he was necessary to anything.read · scan
- p. 350–351Federigo used talent, wealth and rank in pursuit of highest principles, embracing self-denial and humility against pride and worldly vanity.read · scan
- p. 352–353Professions of humility may be hypocrisy, but a life of disinterested self-sacrifice proves them worthy of admiration.read · scan
- p. 395–396The Unnamed's countenance is now subdued without weakness and humble without dejection, contrasting with his former fearsome repute.read · scan
- p. 422–423The Cardinal's humility contrasts with the Pharisees; he confesses his own weakness and invites frank reproof.read · scan
- p. 594His humility and foremost toil in service of the infected show virtue.read · scan
- p. 637The Marquis is humble enough to serve them but not to sit as an equal; humility has limits.read · scan
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Household TalesVol. 17
- p. 173The princess's humble patience contrasts with the waiting-maid's haughty disobedience.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, WorshipVol. 5
- p. 287–288Humility is the test of genuine holiness; hypocrisy is perceived even by children.read · scan
- p. 289–290The faithful student learns humility and welcomes adversity as the prosperity of the great.read · scan
7b.Sincerity, truth and fidelity
Confucius, The Sayings of ConfuciusVol. 44
- p. 6Keeping promises within right and courtesy avoids shame.read · scan
- p. 8–9Careful speech and heed to conduct lessen error and regret.read · scan
- p. 17Not recalling past wickedness, honesty without pretence, condemning flattery and hidden ill-will as shameful.read · scan
Aesop, FablesVol. 17
- p. 33Inconsistency and unreliability are condemned.read · scan
The Book of JobVol. 44
- p. 117–119Job protests his integrity: a covenant with his eyes, no falsehood, no deceit, willing to be weighed.read · scan
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 181Keep the tongue from evil and lips from guile; seek peace.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, On FriendshipVol. 9
- p. 30–32Loyalty, constancy and sincerity are marks of the good man, who neither pretends feeling nor credits accusations against friends.read · scan
Paul, The Second Epistle of Paul to the CorinthiansVol. 45
- p. 516–517Boasts of a conscience clear, behaving in holiness and sincerity rather than fleshly wisdom.read · scan
Epictetus, The Golden Sayings of EpictetusVol. 2
- p. 120Fidelity and modesty are what men are born for.read · scan
Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of Marcus AureliusVol. 2
- p. 208Value nothing that makes you break promises, lose self-respect, hate or act the hypocrite; honor your own intelligence.read · scan
- p. 217–218Serious pains belong to just thoughts, social acts and truthful words, accepting what happens as necessary.read · scan
- p. 288Sincerity: character shows in the eyes; affected simplicity and false friendship are disgraceful.read · scan
- p. 297Truth, justice and temperance should not be extinguished like a lamp before death.read · scan
Hymns of the Christian Church: Latin HymnsVol. 45
- p. 547–549Peace goes to the guileless who keep the ranks and mean what they say.read · scan
Songs from the Elder EddaVol. 49
- p. 368–370Be guiltless and true to oaths, keep honest witness, avoid adultery and seduction.read · scan
- p. 374–377Treachery and oath-breaking contrasted with loyalty to sworn brotherhoodread · scan
The Story of the Volsungs and NiblungsVol. 49
- p. 303–305Brynhild counsels kindness to kin, forbearance, avoiding drunken quarrels, keeping oaths and caring for the dead.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 432Rogues break their promised word; the arbitrator, a man 'of delicate honour', deceives him by concealing kinship.read · scan
Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and MoralVol. 3
- p. 18Bacon calls secrecy a virtue like the confessor's, and holds a habit of secrecy both politic and moral.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King LearVol. 46
- p. 230Kent professes honesty, loyalty and plainness against Goneril's scheming ingratitude.read · scan
- p. 269–270Edgar's moral catalogue: keep your word, do not swear, avoid adultery and vanity.read · scan
Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher, Philaster, or Love Lies A-BleedingVol. 47
- p. 682–684Bellario's loyalty and honesty are set against possible craft; Philaster trusted him unknown.read · scan
Molière, Tartuffe, or The HypocriteVol. 26
- p. 222–224A wife's fidelity depends on a husband worth loving; forcing marriage makes the father answerable.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 175Pascal describes his ethics: just, true, sincere, faithful to all, returning no evil for wrong, acting always in God's sight.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 251–252Honest wishes his nature to agree with his name, not honesty in the abstract.read · scan
- p. 305–306Honesty and steadfastness recognized in a fellow pilgrim; 'Blessed is the man that feareth always.'read · scan
William Penn, Some Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 336–337Secrecy, not slandering, refusal to assent merely to please; servility and flattery are base.read · scan
- p. 340Fidelity, truth and diligence are virtues of the servant; carelessness is unjust.read · scan
- p. 341–342Truth and fidelity are servant's virtues; defrauding master in time, care, money is vice.read · scan
William Penn, More Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 389Fidelity and honesty define the true servant; fraud and disloyalty are vices.read · scan
Jonathan Swift, On the Death of Esther Johnson [Stella]Vol. 27
- p. 122–124Praises her civility, freedom, sincerity and dignity, and her severity only toward rudeness and conceit.read · scan
- p. 125–126Her indignation at broken truth and honour in high station shows moral character valued above lesser faults.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 41–42Franklin judges Keith's false promises and his own neglect of Miss Read as faults, calling his own an erratum.read · scan
- p. 56Franklin resolves that truth, sincerity and integrity are vital to life's felicity; actions are bad by nature, not merely because forbidden.read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 309–310Concealing dirt with dyes strengthens a spirit of concealment; real cleanliness accords with sincerity and holiness.read · scan
Charles Dibdin, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 502Tom praised as faithful, kind, true to his word and dutiful.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 46–48Nanie praised as true, spotless, without artful wiles; flattering tongues condemned.read · scan
James Hogg, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 758–759Truth, prayer and the praise of virtue from beauty's mouth are dear to Heaven; minds should be as fair as bodies.read · scan
William Ellery Channing, On the Elevation of the Laboring ClassesVol. 28
- p. 345True politeness unites self-respect with regard for others' rights; false refinement is hollow and insincere.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 98Lucia and Agnese praise Cristoforo as a man without equal who keeps his promises.read · scan
Thomas Carlyle, Inaugural Address at EdinburghVol. 25
- p. 361Honesty in study is a moral duty; a dishonest man can do nothing real and only darkens counsel.read · scan
George Darley, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 913–914Prizes loyalty and a mind free of error over beauty, which brings ruin, as with Helen.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, MannersVol. 5
- p. 205Fashion rests on reality, hates pretenders, and values self-reliance and strong will.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, English TraitsVol. 5
- p. 376They value honesty, conviction and adherence to one's objects in public men, and fear humbug.read · scan
John Stuart Mill, AutobiographyVol. 25
- p. 116–118Her unselfishness, generosity, modesty, sincerity and scorn of meanness and cowardice; intrinsic badness versus mere violation of convention.read · scan
7c.Modesty, simplicity and freedom from display
Confucius, The Sayings of ConfuciusVol. 44
- p. 26Yü is flawless: frugal himself, lavish to ancestral spirits, spending strength on dikes for the people.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 232Praise of virtuous poverty in Fabricius and the plowman consul.read · scan
Epictetus, The Golden Sayings of EpictetusVol. 2
- p. 158The true Cynic needs no concealment, wrapping himself in modesty, lest he shame himself.read · scan
- p. 160A good man's simple life should be shown to harm neither body nor character.read · scan
Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9
- p. 250Confidence strengthens vice while modesty cripples virtue; Regulus's energy is misapplied to bad ends.read · scan
Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of Marcus AureliusVol. 2
- p. 209A purified mind has nothing corrupt, servile or affected.read · scan
- p. 247Adorn thyself with simplicity and modesty; love mankind and follow God.read · scan
- p. 281–282Let no one truly say you are not simple or good; it is in your power, and reason forbids living otherwise.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20
- p. 66Gualdrada's resolute modesty pleases the Emperor; Rusticucci is noted for generosity of spirit.read · scan
William Caxton, Prefaces and EpiloguesVol. 39
- p. 9Lists womanly virtues: humble, discreet, sober, chaste, true, steadfast.read · scan
Michel de Montaigne, Of the Institution and Education of ChildrenVol. 32
- p. 40Avoid ostentation and pretense of being other than one is; be wise without pomp or envy.read · scan
Abraham Cowley, Of AgricultureVol. 27
- p. 63Husbandmen's innocence contrasts with those living by craft and rapine, like wolves and foxes; freedom from temptations of iniquity.read · scan
Jonathan Swift, On the Death of Esther Johnson [Stella]Vol. 27
- p. 129–130Her modesty, gentle behaviour and inoffensiveness earned universal good report despite wit and knowledge.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 75Vanity and envy weighed against modesty as a practical social virtue.read · scan
Samuel Johnson, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 503–504Levet's unassuming virtues, sincere and useful, contrasted with the heir's dissipation and waste.read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 272Humility and plainness gave way to worldly conformity and show.read · scan
Oliver Goldsmith, She Stoops to ConquerVol. 18
- p. 209–210Hardcastle says modesty seldom dwells in a breast not enriched with nobler virtues.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 353His frugality and simplicity are shown as true virtue, not mere pettiness, given his noble magnificence elsewhere.read · scan
- p. 392Disgrace lies in doing evil, not in being poor; the preacher lives as he teaches, unlike hypocrites.read · scan
Thomas Carlyle, Inaugural Address at EdinburghVol. 25
- p. 384Counsels loyalty, modesty and purity of high thoughts against proud vulgar ambition.read · scan
Frank Aretas Haskell, The Battle of GettysburgVol. 43
- p. 328–329Haskell praises Meade as honest, modest and clear-headed, free of noisy self-promotion and hankering for newspaper fame.read · scan
7d.Chastity, purity and innocence
Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22
- p. 323–325Agamemnon contrasts constant Penelope's lasting fame for virtue with Clytemnestra's infamy, which shames womankind.read · scan
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 166–169Clean hands, pure heart, and no deceit qualify one to ascend God's hill.read · scan
Euripides, HippolytusVol. 8
- p. 304–307Hippolytus prizes purity and a clean life; the old huntsman counsels against pride and for courtesy to all.read · scan
- p. 345–346Hippolytus asserts his purity, chaste life, worship of God and honest friendships as proof against the charge.read · scan
- p. 358–359Hippolytus's righteousness and purity contrasted with Theseus's hasty, evil belief in a lying accusation.read · scan
- p. 362–365He dies for his own nobleness and chastity, scorned by Cypris.read · scan
- p. 365–367Theseus sees his son's nobleness and god-fearing heart.read · scan
Euripides, The BacchaeVol. 8
- p. 379–381Teiresias argues chastity depends on a woman's own heart, not on compulsion by the god.read · scan
- p. 399Messenger says the women slept in purity, contradicting tales of wine, music and lust.read · scan
Hippocrates, The Oath of HippocratesVol. 38
- p. 3Vows to abstain from mischief, corruption and seduction, living with purity and holiness.read · scan
Tacitus, GermanyVol. 33
- p. 102–103Marital fidelity is the most praiseworthy of their manners; polygamy by nobles is for alliance, not lust.read · scan
- p. 103Chastity, rare adultery and uncorrupted morals; vice not turned to mirth or called the custom of the age.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 923–924Joseph resists his master's wife's seduction, taking refuge in God; the wrong-doers shall not prosper.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 188–189The brother, fearing God, keeps decorum with the Bedouin's wife yet is falsely accused and mutilated.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 239–240Nella is praised as eminent in virtue amid the immodest women of Florence; Forese denounces their unblushing dress.read · scan
- p. 246–250Examples of chastity, Diana and Callisto and virtuous married couples, are recited as models against lust.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, ParadiseVol. 20
- p. 402Faith and innocence are found only in babes; cupidity corrupts humans.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 242–243A pure heart sees all things aright; inner state governs outward judgment.read · scan
Traditional BalladsVol. 40
- p. 57–59The robber murders two sisters for refusing to be his wife; they choose death over dishonor.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 126–128Gawaine neglected knightly deeds and virtuous living, while Galahad, a maid and sinless, achieves what such men cannot.read · scan
- p. 146–147Percivale laments nearly losing his virginity, which can never be recovered once lost.read · scan
- p. 152–154White betokens virginity and chastity; pride and vainglory are vices.read · scan
- p. 184The girdle can be undone only by a maid who stays a virgin in will and deed, on pain of villainous death.read · scan
- p. 187–189Percivale's sister made the girdle from her hair, which she loved in the world, in God's name.read · scan
- p. 205Galahad's virginity is praised as flower of all virtues and quenches the boiling well, a sign of lechery.read · scan
- p. 211–213Joseph says Galahad resembles him in seeing the Grail's marvels and in being a clean maiden.read · scan
Martin Luther, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German NationVol. 36
- p. 332–333Public brothels are condemned as heathen practice inconsistent with baptismal vows of chastity.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 257Her honesty and integrity oppose his unjust pursuit.read · scan
- p. 259She has tied her mind fast with virtuous desires against his inordinate design.read · scan
- p. 265–266Her chastity and resistance contrast with the villainy of servant and master who assail her.read · scan
- p. 316–317Chastity is compared to the ermine's whiteness, a crystal mirror and a garden; it must be protected from temptation.read · scan
- p. 325Camilla's modesty restrains Lothario's tongue, yet her virtues prove harmful; Lothario struggles between loyalty and desire.read · scan
- p. 499The daughter's virtue and discretion are praised; a maiden's best guard is her own wariness.read · scan
Edmund Spenser, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 238–239Within her dwell love, constant chastity, faith, modesty and honour; virtue reigns as queen over base affections.read · scan
Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and MoralVol. 3
- p. 21Great works of virtue or mischief come from unmarried men; chaste women are often proud.read · scan
Francis Bacon, The New AtlantisVol. 3
- p. 168Praises the chastity of Bensalem against the impurity of Europe's brothels, courtesans and libertine single life.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46
- p. 114–117Virtue stays unmoved though lewdness courts it; lust, even linked to an angel, feeds on garbage.read · scan
Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher, Philaster, or Love Lies A-BleedingVol. 47
- p. 668–669Dion sketches the ladies: modest Galatea versus the lascivious Megra who serves the state's diplomacy.read · scan
- p. 688The prince's lechery and Megra's ready compliance contrast with the chaste ladies; Pharamond scorns Arethusa's modesty.read · scan
Philip Massinger, A New Way to Pay Old DebtsVol. 47
- p. 896–898Overreach urges learning anything even from the devil to become great; Margaret holds to chastity and modesty.read · scan
- p. 898–901Chastity is set against worldly policy and lust.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Mr. George HerbertVol. 15
- p. 378Herbert consecrated his early age to virtue and serious study; the lady is urged to add innocence to devotion.read · scan
Pierre Corneille, PolyeucteVol. 26
- p. 90Severus admires Pauline's constancy and spotless virtue; she guards it by sending him away.read · scan
- p. 90–93Pauline fears Severus's worth may inflame her; she guards virtue and fame and avoids danger.read · scan
John Milton, Poems Written at Horton, 1632-1638Vol. 4
- p. 48–49Comus plots deceit against the chaste Lady, who is armed by conscience, faith, hope and chastity.read · scan
- p. 54The Elder Brother argues chastity is a hidden strength that protects a maiden from savage and evil things.read · scan
- p. 54Chastity is armed: Diana and Minerva tame beasts and foes, while lust clots and brutalizes the soul.read · scan
- p. 62–66Chastity's sublime doctrine is set against Comus's dissolute wit; Comus fears her words yet tries to tempt her with the cup.read · scan
- p. 66–67Sabrina, a pure virgin, is invoked because she loves maidenhood and aids virgins in need against the enchanter.read · scan
- p. 67–69Sabrina frees the Lady from the vile enchanter's spell, helping insnared Chastity.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 249Eve's innocence, virgin modesty and sense of honour are shown in her manner.read · scan
Richard Crashaw, Wishes for the Supposed Mistress; Upon the Book and Picture of the Seraphical Saint TeresaVol. 40
- p. 359–362Her smiles warm without harming chastity; joys confess virtue their mistress.read · scan
Jonathan Swift, On the Death of Esther Johnson [Stella]Vol. 27
- p. 129She rebukes a coxcomb's indecent talk, upholding modesty and refusing corrupt conversation.read · scan
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Profession of Faith of a Savoyard VicarVol. 34
- p. 233–234The priest seeks to restore the youth to virtue, who was saved by disgust at vice and natural modesty.read · scan
Oliver Goldsmith, She Stoops to ConquerVol. 18
- p. 244–246Hastings questions Marlow's plan to rob the supposed barmaid of her honour; Marlow professes not to corrupt her virtue if she has any.read · scan
- p. 249–250Marlow refuses to seduce trusting simplicity, calling her a modest woman.read · scan
William Cowper, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 533–535A stream is emblem of a virtuous maid, silent, chaste, graceful and useful.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The Tragedy of Faust, Part IVol. 19
- p. 132–135Faust praises simplicity, innocence, meekness and humility as nature's loftiest dower.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Hermann and DorotheaVol. 19
- p. 378–379Marauders' savage desire contrasts with the maiden's high-hearted virtue.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 19–21Virtue, modesty and untarnished reputation are praised as what makes a woman worth loving.read · scan
James Hogg, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 757–758Kilmeny's spotless purity of mind and body is exalted as rare virtue.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 129–130Lucia's innocent modesty, ashamed of being alone with Renzo before marriage, fearing for a purity ignorant of evil.read · scan
- p. 375He contrasts Don Rodrigo's vile folly of molesting women with his own uneventful honest life.read · scan
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Household TalesVol. 17
- p. 116The pious girl's purity defeats the devil, who has no power over her.read · scan
George Gordon, Lord Byron, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 787–789Her smiles tell of days in goodness spent, a mind at peace and an innocent heart.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 266–267Eliza's goodness and innocence make sorcery powerless, turning the toads into poppies, while the Queen's spite disfigures her.read · scan
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1000–1002Sir Galahad's strength is ascribed to his purity of heart.read · scan
- p. 1002–1003Purity of heart kept through faith and prayer, a virgin heart in work and willread · scan
John Ruskin, Sesame and LiliesVol. 28
- p. 139Women depicted as just, pure and self-sacrificing; the few wicked women are frightful exceptions.read · scan
Walter Bagehot, John MiltonVol. 28
- p. 173–174Milton deplores poets who speak unchastely after extolling, and prefers Dante and Petrarch for pure thoughts without transgression.read · scan
7e.Industry, frugality and diligence
See also: Labor 2b
Marcus Tullius Cicero, On Old AgeVol. 9
- p. 64–65Curius's frugality and high spirit exemplify the virtue of the older age.read · scan
William Caxton, Prefaces and EpiloguesVol. 39
- p. 5Idleness is called nourisher of vices; virtuous occupation is the remedy.read · scan
- p. 13Idleness quenches virtue and is stepmother of virtues.read · scan
William Harrison, A Description of Elizabethan EnglandVol. 35
- p. 236Frugality and painfulness were abandoned for idleness, excess and vanity.read · scan
- p. 237–238Neglect of native produce is blamed on countrymen's negligence and idleness.read · scan
- p. 309Idleness, dissoluteness and stealing in Wales and Scotland have been largely relinquished.read · scan
- p. 314–315Countrymen are called negligent and careless of their own profit.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 255–257Her modest, industrious, recollected life, compared to a religious one, is contrasted with the idleness through which love found her.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 58–59He records his industry so posterity may know the use of that virtue.read · scan
- p. 63–64Industry and frugality practiced in reality and in appearance bring success while Keimer declines.read · scan
- p. 68–69Urges publishing his life to promote industry, frugality and temperance among American youth.read · scan
Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of NationsVol. 10
- p. 263Capital-maintained people are industrious and sober; revenue-maintained people idle and dissolute.read · scan
- p. 263–265Idleness of those living on revenue corrupts the industry of others.read · scan
- p. 266–267Contrasts frugality with prodigality as moral dispositions with public effects; prodigal feeds the idle with the industrious' bread.read · scan
- p. 558Private frugality and industry can repair the waste and extravagance of government.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Hermann and DorotheaVol. 19
- p. 380They wish to learn whether she is honest, virtuous and housewifely.read · scan
- p. 390–391Selflessness and tireless labor are named as virtues a mother needs.read · scan
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Household TalesVol. 17
- p. 104–105Industry and idleness are contrasted; the girl helps bread and apple tree and serves Mother Holle.read · scan
- p. 105–106The industrious, faithful girl is rewarded with golden rain; the mother envies and sends the lazy daughter to copy.read · scan
- p. 106–107Laziness and selfishness toward bread and apples, and idleness in service, are contrasted with the sister's diligence.read · scan
Thomas Carlyle, Inaugural Address at EdinburghVol. 25
- p. 361Diligence includes all the virtues a student can have.read · scan
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1271–1273The smith's honest, independent industry is held as a moral lessonread · scan
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