'For everything there is a bane: the bane of knowledge is forgetfulness; the bane of worship is showing-off; the bane of the conscience is self-admiration; the bane of nobility is pride; the bane of humour is lack of shame; the bane of liberality is wastefulness; the bane of bashfulness is weakness; the bane of clemency is submissiveness; and the bane of stamina is degeneracy.'