Here may men see how sin hath his merit.

Be it known, that we, the greatest, are misthought
For things that others do; and when we fall,
We answer other's merits in our name.

Reputation is . . . oft got without merit, and lost without deserving.

To him the wit of Greece and Rome was known,
And every author's merit, but his own.

Those laurel groves, the merits of thy youth.