In all distresses of our friends
We first consult our private ends;
While Nature, kindly bent to read more

In all distresses of our friends
We first consult our private ends;
While Nature, kindly bent to ease us,
Points out some circumstance to please us.

Friendship is a plant of slow growth and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is read more

Friendship is a plant of slow growth and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

The good things of prosperity are to be wished; but the good things that belong to adversity are to be read more

The good things of prosperity are to be wished; but the good things that belong to adversity are to be admired.

Let me embrace thee, sour adversity,
For wise men say it is the wisest course.

Let me embrace thee, sour adversity,
For wise men say it is the wisest course.

A wretched soul, bruised with adversity,
We bid be quiet when we hear it cry.
But were read more

A wretched soul, bruised with adversity,
We bid be quiet when we hear it cry.
But were we burd'ned with like weight of pain,
As much or more we should ourselves complain:
So thou, that hast no unkind mate to grieve thee,
With urging helpless patience wouldst relieve me;
But if thou live to see like right bereft,
This fool-begged patience in thee will be left.

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.

Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man; but for one man who can
stand prosperity, there are a hundred read more

Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man; but for one man who can
stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity.

His overthrow heaped happiness upon him;
For then, and not till then, he felt himself,
And found read more

His overthrow heaped happiness upon him;
For then, and not till then, he felt himself,
And found the blessedness of being little.