Hoyt & Roberts, comps. Hoyts New Cyclopedia of Practical Quotations. 1922.
Vice
De vitiis nostris scalam nobis facimus, si vitia ipsa calcamus. We make a ladder for ourselves of our vices, if we trample those same vices underfoot. St. AugustineSermon 3. De Ascensione.
Omne animi vitium tanto conspectius in se Crimen habet, quanto major qui peccat habetur. Every vice makes its guilt the more conspicuous in proportion to the rank of the offender. JuvenalSatires. VIII. 140.
Saint Augustine! well hast thou said, That of our vices we can frame A ladder, if we will but tread Beneath our feet each deed of shame. LongfellowThe Ladder of St. Augustine. St. 1.
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. PopeEssay on Man. Ep. II. L. 217.
O, what a mansion have those vices got Which for their habitation chose out thee, Where beautys veil doth cover every blot, And all things turn to fair that eyes can see! Sonnet XCV.