And these vicissitudes come best in youth;
For when they happen at a riper age,
People are apt to blame the Fates, forsooth,
And wonder Providence is not more sage.
Adversity is the first path to truth:
He who hath proved war, storm, or woman's rage,
Whether his winters be eighteen or eighty,
Has won experience which is deem'd so weighty.
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Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.
Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.
Sweet are the uses of adversity,
Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous,
Wears yet a precious read more
Sweet are the uses of adversity,
Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous,
Wears yet a precious jewel in his head.
The Good are better made by Ill,
As odours crushed are sweeter still.
The Good are better made by Ill,
As odours crushed are sweeter still.
We survive on adversity and perish in ease and comfort.
We survive on adversity and perish in ease and comfort.
Beware of the friend who was once your foe.
Beware of the friend who was once your foe.
Sweet are the uses of adversity,
Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous,
Wears yet a precious read more
Sweet are the uses of adversity,
Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous,
Wears yet a precious jewel in his head;
And this our life, exempt from human haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything.
Adversity reminds men of religion.
[Lat., Adverse res admonent religionum.]
Adversity reminds men of religion.
[Lat., Adverse res admonent religionum.]
Adversity makes men, and prosperity makes monsters.
Adversity makes men, and prosperity makes monsters.
Kites rise highest against the wind; not with it.
Kites rise highest against the wind; not with it.
