La Rochefoucauld §laroch_320: To praise princes for virtues they do not possess is but to reproach them wit...

To praise princes for virtues they do not possess is but to reproach them with impunity. ["Praise undeserved is satire in disguise," quoted by Pope from a poem which has not survived, "The Garland," by Mr. Broadhurst. "In some cases exaggerated or inappropriate praise becomes the most severe satire."-- Scott, Woodstock.]