Use almost can change the stamp of nature,

And master the devil, or throw him out
With wondrous potency.

Virtue is beauty; but the beauteous-evil
Are empty trunks, o'erflourish'd by the devil.

Value dwells not in particular will;

It holds his estimate and dignity,

As well wherein 'tis precious of itself,
As in the prizer.

Virtue and cunning* are endowments greater
Than nobleness and riches: careless heirs
May the two latter darken and expend;
But immortality attends the former,
Making a man a god.

Violent delights have violent ends,

And in their triumph die: like fire and powder, Which as they kiss consume.

Virtue itself scapes not calumnious strokes.

*

Knowledge, skill.