How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds
Makes ill deeds done!
_King John, Act iv. Sc. 2_. SHAKESPEARE.
O opportunity, thy guilt is great!
'T is thou that executest the traitor's treason;
Thou sett'st the wolf where he the lamb may get;
Whoever plots the sin, thou 'point'st the season;
'T is thou that spurn'st at right, at law, at reason.
_The Rape of Lucrece_. SHAKESPEARE.
Sometimes we are devils to ourselves,
When we will tempt the frailty of our powers,
Presuming on their changeful potency.
_Troilus and Cressida, Act iv. Sc. 4_. SHAKESPEARE.
In part to blame is she.
Which hath _without consent_ bin only tride;
He comes _too neere_, that comes to be _denide_.
_A Wife_. SIR T. OVERBURY.
Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As to be hated needs but to be seen;
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace.
_Essay on Man. Epistle II_. A. POPE.
Temptations hurt not, though they have accesse;
Satan o'ercomes none but by willingnesse.
_Hesperides' Temptations_. R. HERRICK.