This quote by Thomas Fuller is a warning about the power of chatter and scandal. It suggests that lies, no matter how convincing, will eventually be exposed and have no enduring power. On the other hand, scandals have a tendency to spread quickly and extensively, like wings, and can cause enduring damage. This quote is a pointer that it is necessary to be conscious of what we state and how we act, as the effects of our words and actions can have far-reaching effects. It is also a pointer that it is very important to be mindful about what we believe, as reports and chatter can be harmful and often have no basis in truth.
"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time"