Like a young eagle who has lent his plume

To fledge the shaft by which he meets his doom,

See their own feathers pluck'd to wing the dart

Which rank corruption destines for their heart.

Thomas Moore (1779-1852): Corruption.

After my death I wish no other herald,

No other speaker of my living actions,

To keep mine honour from corruption,

But such an honest chronicler as Griffith.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King Henry VIII. Act iv. Sc. 2.

Blest paper-credit! last and best supply!

That lends corruption lighter wings to fly.

Alexander Pope (1688-1744): Moral Essays. Epistle iii. Line 39.

Love thyself last: cherish those hearts that hate thee;

Corruption wins not more than honesty.

Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace,

To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not:

Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy country's,

Thy God's, and truth's; then if thou fall'st, O Cromwell,

Thou fall'st a blessed martyr!

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King Henry VIII. Act iii. Sc. 2.