Whoever keeps an open ear For tattlers will be sure to hear The trumpet of contention.

(Salerio:) . . . if my gossip Report be an honest woman of her word. (Solanio:) I would she were as lying a gossip in that as ever knapped ginger or made her neighbors believe she wept for the death of a third husband.

Foul whisp'rings are abroad.

There is a lust in man no charm can tame: Of loudly publishing his neighbor's shame: On eagles wings immortal scandals fly, while virtuous actions are born and die.

But that your royal pleasure must be done, This act is as an ancient tale new told, And in the last repeating troublesome, Being urged at a time unreasonable.

Many a man's tongue shakes out his master's undoing.