Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.

Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.

Calamity is virtue's opportunity.
[Lat., Calamitas virtutis occasio est.]

Calamity is virtue's opportunity.
[Lat., Calamitas virtutis occasio est.]

Calamity is man's true touch-stone.
- Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher,

Calamity is man's true touch-stone.
- Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher,

As if Misfortune made the Throne her Seat,
And none could be unhappy but the Great.

As if Misfortune made the Throne her Seat,
And none could be unhappy but the Great.

Fortune knocks but once, but misfortune has much more patience.

Fortune knocks but once, but misfortune has much more patience.

It has been my misfortune to be engaged in more battles than any other general on the other side of read more

It has been my misfortune to be engaged in more battles than any other general on the other side of the Atlantic; but there was never a time during my command when I would not have chosen some settlement by reason rather than the sword.

Fallen, fallen, fallen, fallen,
Fallen from his high estate,
And welt'ring in his blood;
read more

Fallen, fallen, fallen, fallen,
Fallen from his high estate,
And welt'ring in his blood;
Deserted at his utmost need,
By those his former bounty fed;
On the bare earth expos'd he lies,
With not a friend to close his eyes.

He went like one that hath been stunn'd,
And is of sense forlorn:
A sadder and a read more

He went like one that hath been stunn'd,
And is of sense forlorn:
A sadder and a wiser man,
He rose the morrow morn.

I never knew any many in my life, who could not bear another's
misfortunes perfectly like a Christian.

I never knew any many in my life, who could not bear another's
misfortunes perfectly like a Christian.