Calumny is like the wasp which worries you, and which it is not best to try to get rid of unless you are sure of slaying it; for otherwise it returns to the charge more furious than ever.
Calumny is only the noise of madmen.
Calumniators are those who have neither good hearts nor good understandings. We ought not to think ill of any one till we have palpable proof; and even then we should not expose them to others.
Calumniate, calumniate; there will always be something which sticks.
To persevere in one's duty, and be silent is the best answer to calumny
Calumny is a monstrous vice: for, where parties indulge in it, there are always two that are actively engaged in doing wrong, and one who is subject to injury. The calumniator inflicts wrong by slandering the absent; he who gives credit to the calumny before he has investigated the truth is equally implicated. The person traduced is doubly injured--first by him who propagates, and secondly by him who credits the calumny.
I am beholden to calumny, that she hath so endeavored to belie me. -It shall make me set a surer guard on myself, and keep a better watch upon my actions.
There are calumnies against which even innocence loses courage.
It is often better not to see an insult than to avenge it.
I have much to say why my reputation should be rescued from the load of false accusation and calumny which has been heaped upon it.
Calumny is the offspring of Envy.
A man calumniated is doubly injured -- first by him who utters the calumny, and then by him who believes it.
If thou dost marry, I'll give thee this plague for thy dowry: be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny.
Neglected, calumny soon expires, show that you are hurt, and you give it the appearance of truth.
Calumny is a vice of curious constitution; trying to kill it keeps it alive; leave it to itself and it will die a natural death.
Our credulity is greatest concerning the things we know least about.
His calumny is not only the greatest benefit a rogue can confer on us, but the only service he will perform for nothing.
It is harder to kill a whisper than even a shouted calumny.
Our credulity is greatest concerning the things we know least about. And since we know least about ourselves, we are ready to believe all that is said about us. Hence the mysterious power of both flattery and calumny.
Calumny is like counterfeit money; many people who would not coin it circulate it without qualms.