His mind seemed older than theirs: it shone coldly on their strifes and happiness and regrets like a moon upon a younger earth.

Judged by the highest standard of those nearest to God, the thought of self-pride and self-righteousness had to be washed off from him [King David] by his own act of self-realisation and repentance.

As he was a persistent lobbier for his case, this was often embarrassing.

As sweet a plant, as fair a flower, is faded / As ever in the Muses' garden bladed.