Men are sponges, which, to pour out, receive;Who know false play, rather than lose, deceive.For in best understandings sin began,Angels sinn'd first, then devils, and then man.Only perchance beasts sin not ; wretched weAre beasts in all but white integrity.

Summary

This quote suggests that human beings have a tendency to absorb and imitate the behaviors and actions of those around them. It implies that people are more inclined to engage in deceitful actions instead of accepting losses. It also points out that even the most intelligent individuals are capable of sinning, with the idea that angels, who are portrayed as highly intelligent beings, were the first to sin followed by devils and then humans. The quote indicates that humans are the most wretched creatures because they lack the purity and innocence found in animals.

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