Now let us thank th eternal power, convincd That Heaven but tries our virtue by affliction: That oft the cloud which wraps the present hour, Serves but to brighten all our future days! John BrownBarbarossa. Act V. Sc. 3.
Crede mihi, miseris clestia numina parcunt; Nec semper læsos, et sine fine, premunt. Believe me, the gods spare the afflicted, and do not always oppress those who are unfortunate. OvidEpistolæ Ex Ponto. III. 6. 21.
With silence only as their benediction, Gods angels come Where in the shadow of a great affliction, The soul sits dumb! WhittierTo my Friend on the Death of his Sister.
Affliction is the good mans shining scene; Prosperity conceals his brightest ray; As night to stars, woe lustre gives to man. Young. Night Thoughts. Night IX. L. 415.