The Good are better made by Ill,
As odours crushed are sweeter still.

The Good are better made by Ill,
As odours crushed are sweeter still.

diamonds shine more brightly foiled by black velvet.

diamonds shine more brightly foiled by black velvet.

When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the read more

When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest.

And these vicissitudes come best in youth;
For when they happen at a riper age,
People are read more

And these vicissitudes come best in youth;
For when they happen at a riper age,
People are apt to blame the Fates, forsooth,
And wonder Providence is not more sage.
Adversity is the first path to truth:
He who hath proved war, storm, or woman's rage,
Whether his winters be eighteen or eighty,
Has won experience which is deem'd so weighty.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a
man's character, give him power.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a
man's character, give him power.

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

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

A wise man struggling with adversity is said by some heathen
writer to be a spectacle on which the read more

A wise man struggling with adversity is said by some heathen
writer to be a spectacle on which the gods might look down with
pleasure.

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

In all distresses of our friends
We first consult our private ends;
While Nature, kindly bent to read more

In all distresses of our friends
We first consult our private ends;
While Nature, kindly bent to ease us,
Points out some circumstance to please us.