That which the palmer-worm hath left, hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left, hath the canker-worm eaten; and that which the canker-worm hath left, hath the caterpillar eaten. Joel, Chap. i. Ver. 4.
So far from sounding and discovery As is the bud bit with an envious worm, Ere he can spread his sweet leaves to the air, Or dedicate his beauty to the sun. Shakespeare.Romeo and Juliet, Act I. Scene 1. (Montagu to Benvolio.)
The canker-blooms have full as deep a dye, As the perfumed tincture of the roses, Hang on such thorns, and play as wantonly When summers breath their masked buds discloses. Shakespeare.Sonnet 54.
And but hes something staind With grief, thats beautys canker, thou mightst call him A goodly person. Shakespeare.Tempest, Act I. Scene 2. (Prospero to Miranda.)