Chance generally favors the prudent.

Chance generally favors the prudent.

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

Let those deplore their doom,
Whose hope still grovels in this dark sojourn:
But lofty souls, who read more

Let those deplore their doom,
Whose hope still grovels in this dark sojourn:
But lofty souls, who look beyond the tomb,
Can smile at Fate, and wonder how they mourn.

Fate chooses our relatives, we choose our friends.

Fate chooses our relatives, we choose our friends.

Every one is the architect of his own fortune.

Every one is the architect of his own fortune.

The wine is poured, you should drink it.
[Fr., Le vin est verse, il faut le boire.]

The wine is poured, you should drink it.
[Fr., Le vin est verse, il faut le boire.]

What fates impose, that men must needs abide; It boots not to resist both wind and tide

What fates impose, that men must needs abide; It boots not to resist both wind and tide

Fate steals along with silent tread,
Found oftenest in what least we dread;
Frowns in the storm read more

Fate steals along with silent tread,
Found oftenest in what least we dread;
Frowns in the storm with angry brow,
But in the sunshine strikes the blow.

What need I fear of thee? But yet I'll make assurance double sure, and take a bond of fate: thou read more

What need I fear of thee? But yet I'll make assurance double sure, and take a bond of fate: thou shalt not live; That I may tell pale-hearted fear it lies, And sleep in spite of thunder