Vicissitudes of fortune, which spares neither man nor the
proudest of his works, which buries empires and cities in read more

Vicissitudes of fortune, which spares neither man nor the
proudest of his works, which buries empires and cities in a
common grave.

Just for a handful of silver he left us,
Just for a ribbon to stick in his coat;
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Just for a handful of silver he left us,
Just for a ribbon to stick in his coat;
Found the one gift of which Fortune bereft us,
Lost all the others she lets us devote.

Ill fortune seldom comes alone.

Ill fortune seldom comes alone.

Too poor for a bribe, and too proud to importune,
He had not the method of making a fortune.

Too poor for a bribe, and too proud to importune,
He had not the method of making a fortune.

If fortune favors you do not be elated; if she frowns do not
despond.
[Lat., Si fortuna juvat, read more

If fortune favors you do not be elated; if she frowns do not
despond.
[Lat., Si fortuna juvat, caveto tolli;
Si fortuna tonat, caveto mergi.]

Every man is the architect of his own fortune.

Every man is the architect of his own fortune.

Good luck is the willing handmaid of a upright and energetic character, and conscientious observance of duty.

Good luck is the willing handmaid of a upright and energetic character, and conscientious observance of duty.

The day of fortune is like a harvest day,
We must be busy when the corn is ripe.
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The day of fortune is like a harvest day,
We must be busy when the corn is ripe.
[Ger., Ein tag der Gunst ist wie ein Tag der Ernte,
Man muss geschaftig sein sobald sie reift.]

To attract good fortune, spend a new penny on an old friend, share an old pleasure with a new friend read more

To attract good fortune, spend a new penny on an old friend, share an old pleasure with a new friend and lift up the heart of a true friend by writing his name on the wings of a dragon.