Men's Evil Manners live in brass :

their virtues we write in water






Phrases from Shakespeare



Men's Evil Manners live in brass :

their virtues we write in water





Meaning:

Literal Meaning.



Example:







Origin:

From Shakespeare's Henry VIII, 1633:

GRIFFITH:

Noble madam,
Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues
We write in water. May it please your highness
To hear me speak his good now?

The line was alluded to on Keats' tombstone - Here lies one whose name was writ in water.








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