Shakespeare, 7th August
O, that estates, degrees and offices
Were not derived corruptly, and that clear honour
Were purchased by the merit of the wearer!
. Â Â . Â Â . Â Â . Â Â . Â Â . Â Â .
How much low peasantry would then be glean'd
From the true seed of honour! and how much honour
Pick'd from the chaff and ruin of the times
To be new-varnish'd!
Merchant of Venice, Act ii., Sc. 9.