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Giambattista Basile Quotes

Truly, a command of gall cannot be obeyed like one of sugar. A man must require just and reasonable things; if he would see the scales of obedience properly trimmed. From orders which are improper, springs resistance,

Truly, a command of gall cannot be obeyed like one of sugar. A man must require just and reasonable things; if he would see the scales of obedience properly trimmed. From orders which are improper, springs resistance, which is not easily overcome.

Giambattista Basile
Spring, Men, Order
Giambattista Basile, John Edward Taylor, George Cruikshank (1850). “The Pentamerone, Or the Story of Stories Fun for the Little Ones Translated from the Neapolitan by John Edward Taylor”, p.168

Ingratitude is a nail which, driven into the tree of courtesy, causes it to wither; it is a broken channel, by which the foundations of the affections are undermined; and a lump of soot, which, falling into the dish of friendship, destroys its scent and flavor.

Giambattista Basile
Fall, Broken, Tree

It has always been more difficult for a man to keep than to get; for, in the one case, fortune aids, which often assists injustice; but, in the other case, sense is required. Therefore, we often see a person deficient in cleverness rise to wealth; and then, from want of sense, roll head over heels to the bottom.

Giambattista Basile
Men, Want, Injustice
Giambattista Basile, John Edward Taylor, George Cruikshank (1850). “The Pentamerone, Or the Story of Stories Fun for the Little Ones Translated from the Neapolitan by John Edward Taylor”, p.338

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