Praise from a friend, or censure from a foe,

Are lost on hearers that our merits know.

Alexander Pope (1688-1744): The Iliad of Homer. Book x. Line 293.

Your name is great

In mouths of wisest censure.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Othello. Act ii. Sc. 3.

Beware

Of entrance to a quarrel; but being in,

Bear 't that the opposed may beware of thee.

Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice;

Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment.

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,

But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy;

For the apparel oft proclaims the man.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Hamlet. Act i. Sc. 3.