Wisdom is the only thing which can relieve us from the sway of the passions and the fear of danger, and which can teach us to bear the injuries of fortune itself with moderation, and which shows us all the ways which lead to tranquillity and peace. Yonges Cicero.De Finibus, Book I. Div. 14; Proverbs, Chap. viii. and ix.
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this. Solomon.Ecclesiastes, Chap. vii. Ver. 10.
Vain man would trace the mystic maze With foolish wisdom, arguing, charge his God, His balance hold, and guide his angry rod; New-mould the spheres, and mend the skies design, And sound th immense with his short scanty line. Do thou, my soul, the destind period wait, When God shall solve the dark decrees of fate, His now unequal dispensation clear, And make all wise and beautiful appear. Tickell.Thoughts on King Charless Picture.
Thy form benign, O goddess! wear, Thy milder influence impart, Thy philosophic train be there, To soften, not to wound, my heart: The generous spark extinct revive; Teach me to love and to forgive; Exact my own defects to scan; What others are to feel, and know myself a man. Gray.Hymn to Adversity, Verse 6.