Success, the mark no mortal wit,
Or surest hand, can always hit:
For whatsoe'er we perpetrate,
read more

Success, the mark no mortal wit,
Or surest hand, can always hit:
For whatsoe'er we perpetrate,
We do but row, we're steer'd by Fate,
Which in success oft disinherits,
For spurious causes, noblest merits.

Fate is not an eagle, it creeps like a rat.

Fate is not an eagle, it creeps like a rat.

Destiny has two ways of crushing us -- by refusing our wishes and by fulfilling them.

Destiny has two ways of crushing us -- by refusing our wishes and by fulfilling them.

Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the read more

Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the spirit of enterprise, for the result is waste of time and general stagnation.

Stern fate and time
Will have their victims; and the best die first,
Leaving the bad still read more

Stern fate and time
Will have their victims; and the best die first,
Leaving the bad still strong, though past their prime,
To curse the hopeless world they ever curs'd
Vaunting vile deeds, and vainest of the worst.

Each man is the architect of his own fate.

Each man is the architect of his own fate.

But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up
another.

But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up
another.

Chance generally favors the prudent.

Chance generally favors the prudent.

There is no fate that cannot be surmounted by scorn.

There is no fate that cannot be surmounted by scorn.