Careful Words

news (n.)

Yet the first bringer of unwelcome news

Hath but a losing office, and his tongue

Sounds ever after as a sullen bell,

Remember'd tolling a departing friend.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King Henry IV. Part II. Act i. Sc. 1.

For evil news rides post, while good news baits.

John Milton (1608-1674): Samson Agonistes. Line 1538.

  As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

Old Testament: Proverbs xxv. 25.

For evil news rides post, while good news baits.

John Milton (1608-1674): Samson Agonistes. Line 1538.

Where village statesmen talk'd with looks profound,

And news much older than their ale went round.

Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774): The Deserted Village. Line 223.

  I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following; but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you. What news on the Rialto?

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): The Merchant of Venice. Act i. Sc. 3.

I saw a smith stand with his hammer, thus,

The whilst his iron did on the anvil cool,

With open mouth swallowing a tailor's news.

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