He that does a base thing in zeal for his friend burns the golden thread that ties their hearts together

Zealous men are ever displaying to you the strength of their belief, while judicious men are showing you the grounds of it.

But zeal moved thee; To please thy gods thou didst it!

But his zeal None seconded, as out of season judged, Or singular and rash.

Blind zeal can only do harm. [Ger., Blinder Eifer schadet nur.]

I remember a passage in Goldsmith's "Vicar of Wakefield," which he was afterwards fool enough to expunge: "I do not love a man who is zealous for nothing."