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.

diamonds shine more brightly foiled by black velvet.

diamonds shine more brightly foiled by black velvet.

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.

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.

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.

Prosperity doth best discover vice, but adversity doth best discover virtue.

Prosperity doth best discover vice, but adversity doth best discover virtue.

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.

It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.

It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a
man's character, give him power.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a
man's character, give him power.