If all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would read more

If all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be contented to take their own.

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.

Prosperity getteth friends, but adversity trieth them ...

Prosperity getteth friends, but adversity trieth them ...

diamonds shine more brightly foiled by black velvet.

diamonds shine more brightly foiled by black velvet.

In the adversity of our best friends we often find something
which does not displease us.
[Fr., Dans read more

In the adversity of our best friends we often find something
which does not displease us.
[Fr., Dans l'adversite de nos meilleurs amis nous trouvons
toujours quelque chose ne nous deplaist pas.]

We become wiser by adversity; prosperity destroys our appreciation of the right.

We become wiser by adversity; prosperity destroys our appreciation of the right.

Great men rejoice in adversity just as brave soldiers triumph in
war.
[Lat., Gaudent magni viri rebus adversis read more

Great men rejoice in adversity just as brave soldiers triumph in
war.
[Lat., Gaudent magni viri rebus adversis non aliter, quam fortes
milites bellis.]

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.

. . . it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

. . . it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.