Francis Bacon

Cleare and round dealing [in civill businesse] is the honour of man's nature; and mixture of falshood is like allay in coyne of gold and silver, which may make the metall worke the better, but it embaseth it.

• The Effayes
  • (Easton Press, 1980)

There is no man doth a wrong for the wrong's sake; but therby to purchase himselfe profit, or pleasure, or honour, or the like. Therfore why should I be angry with a man for loving himselfe better than mee?

• The Effayes
  • (Easton Press, 1980)

A man that studieth Revenge keepes his owne wounds greene, which otherwise would heale and doe well.

• The Effayes
  • (Easton Press, 1980)