There is merit without elevation, but there is no elevation
without some merit.
[Fr., Il y a du read more

There is merit without elevation, but there is no elevation
without some merit.
[Fr., Il y a du merite sans elevation mais il n'y a point
d'elevation sans quelque merite.]

Nothing is so difficult that diligence cannot master it.

Nothing is so difficult that diligence cannot master it.

Few things are impossible to diligence and skill ... Great works are performed, not by strength, but perseverance.

Few things are impossible to diligence and skill ... Great works are performed, not by strength, but perseverance.

Diligence is the mother of good fortune.

Diligence is the mother of good fortune.

Every noble work is at first impossible.

Every noble work is at first impossible.

Charm strikes the sight, but merit wins the soul.

Charm strikes the sight, but merit wins the soul.

The secret of success is constancy of purpose.

The secret of success is constancy of purpose.

Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving.

Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving.

True merit, like a river, the deeper it is, the less noise it makes.

True merit, like a river, the deeper it is, the less noise it makes.