"Unless above himself he can
Erect himself, how poor a thing is man!
—DANIEL.
"Character is moral order seen through the medium of an individual
nature—Men of character are the conscience of the society to
which they belong."
—EMERSON.
The purest treasure mortal times afford,
Is—spotless reputation; that away,
Men are but gilded loam, or painted clay,
A jewel in a ten-times-barr'd-up chest
Is—a bold Spirit in a loyal breast.
—SHAKESPEARE.