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.
"The law condemns and punishes only actions within certain definite and narrow limits; it thereby justifies, in a way, all similar actions that lie outside those limits"