We do what we must, and call it by the best names.

We do what we must, and call it by the best names.

Thanne is it wysdom, as thynketh me,
To maken vertu of necessite,
And take it weel, that read more

Thanne is it wysdom, as thynketh me,
To maken vertu of necessite,
And take it weel, that we may not eschu,
And namely that that to us alle is due.

Stern is the visage of necessity.
[Ger., Ernst ist der Anblick der Nothwendigkeit.]

Stern is the visage of necessity.
[Ger., Ernst ist der Anblick der Nothwendigkeit.]

Men try to run life according to their wishes; life runs itself according to necessity.

Men try to run life according to their wishes; life runs itself according to necessity.

Looking good and dressing well is a necessity. Having a purpose in life is not.

Looking good and dressing well is a necessity. Having a purpose in life is not.

Learn on how little man may live, and how small a portion nature
requires.
[Lat., Discite quam parvo read more

Learn on how little man may live, and how small a portion nature
requires.
[Lat., Discite quam parvo liceat producere vitam,
Et quantum natura petat.]

Necessity never made a good bargain

Necessity never made a good bargain

My steps have pressed the flowers,
That to the Muses' bowers
The eternal dews of Helicon have read more

My steps have pressed the flowers,
That to the Muses' bowers
The eternal dews of Helicon have given:
And trod the mountain height,
Where Science, young and bright,
Scans with poetic gaze the midnight-heaven.
Yet have I found no power to vie
With thine, severe necessity!

The art of our necessities is strange, That can make vile things precious.

The art of our necessities is strange, That can make vile things precious.