If you wish me well, do not stand pitying me, but lend me some succour as fast as you can; for pity is but cold comfort when one is up to the chin in water, and within a hair’s breadth of starving or drowning.
Trust not your security to one who puts his own interests first.
The wicked always finds an excuse for wrongdoing.
Wealth not used is of no value at all.
The most dangerous enemy is the one within.
It is no use being your own master unless you can stand up for yourself.
False confidence often leads to disaster.
If you attempt what is beyond your power, your trouble will be wasted and you court not only misfortune but ridicule.
One winter a Farmer found a Viper frozen and numb with cold, and out of pity picked it up and placed it in his bosom. The Viper was no sooner revived by the warmth than it turned upon its benefactor and inflicted a fatal bite upon him; and as the poor man lay dying, he cried, “I have only got what I deserved, for taking compassion on so villainous a creature.” Kindness is thrown away upon the evil.
Utility is most men’s test of worth.
Those who strive are often watched by others who will take advantage of their defeat to benefit themselves.
The Flea, terrified, whimpered in a weak little voice, “Oh, sir! pray let me go; don’t kill me! I am such a little thing that I can’t do you much harm.” But the Man laughed and said, “I am going to kill you now, at once: whatever is bad has got to be destroyed, no matter how slight the harm it does.” Do not waste your pity on a scamp.
The Lion was much amused to think that a Mouse could ever help him.
Perseverance is surer than swiftness.
When you hit back make sure you have got the right man.
Those who will not work deserve to starve.
Think twice before you act.
Be content with your lot.
What’s bred in the bone is sure to come out in the flesh.
Wolf on his rambles came to a field of oats, but, not being able to eat them, he was passing on his way when a Horse came along. “Look,” said the Wolf, “here’s a fine field of oats. For your sake I have left it untouched, and I shall greatly enjoy the sound of your teeth munching the ripe grain.” But the Horse replied, “If wolves could eat oats, my fine friend, you would hardly have indulged your ears at the cost of your belly.” There is no virtue in giving to others what is useless to oneself.
The weak will sometimes find ways to avenge an insult, even upon the strong.