Nature magically suits a man to his fortunes, by making them the fruit of his character.

Nature magically suits a man to his fortunes, by making them the fruit of his character.

Fortune rarely accompanies anyone to the door.

Fortune rarely accompanies anyone to the door.

Just for a handful of silver he left us,
Just for a ribbon to stick in his coat;
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Just for a handful of silver he left us,
Just for a ribbon to stick in his coat;
Found the one gift of which Fortune bereft us,
Lost all the others she lets us devote.

If hindrances obstruct the way,
Thy magnanimity display.
And let thy strength be seen:
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If hindrances obstruct the way,
Thy magnanimity display.
And let thy strength be seen:
But O, if Fortune fill thy sail
With more than a propitious gale,
Take half thy canvas in.

Good luck is the willing handmaid of a upright and energetic character, and conscientious observance of duty.

Good luck is the willing handmaid of a upright and energetic character, and conscientious observance of duty.

The day of fortune is like a harvest day,
We must be busy when the corn is ripe.
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The day of fortune is like a harvest day,
We must be busy when the corn is ripe.
[Ger., Ein tag der Gunst ist wie ein Tag der Ernte,
Man muss geschaftig sein sobald sie reift.]

Alas! by what slight means are great affairs brought to
destruction.
[Lat., Eheu! quam brevibus pereunt ingentia fatis.]

Alas! by what slight means are great affairs brought to
destruction.
[Lat., Eheu! quam brevibus pereunt ingentia fatis.]

Fortune is a great deceiver. She sells very dear the things she seems to give us.

Fortune is a great deceiver. She sells very dear the things she seems to give us.

Fortune truly helps those who are of good judgment.

Fortune truly helps those who are of good judgment.