Life and Literature Part 114

1572

_Enjoy the Present._--Our advantages fly away: Gather flowers while ye may.

1573

YESTERDAY, TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW.

We cannot change yesterday--that is clear,-- Or begin on to-morrow until it is here; So all that is left for you, and me, Is to make to-day as sweet as can be.

1574

Many delight more in giving of presents than in paying their debts.

--_Sir Philip Sidney._

1575

People who strive to appear to be what they are not, only succeed in being nothing.

1576

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

1577

Thou art proud; believest thou thyself to be one of the more exalted beings?

1578

Proud people seldom have friends. In prosperity they know n.o.body; in adversity n.o.body knows them.

1579

Never be too much elated.

--_From the Latin._

1580

How little do they know of human nature, who imagine, that pride is likely to be subdued by adversity.

--_Sir Arthur Helps._

1581

Be unable at all times to forsake your principles.

1582

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PRINCIPLES.

Mrs. Campbell, a Scotch lady, was recommended as sub-governess to the Princess Charlotte, and the old King George III formed a high opinion of her. She felt reluctant to accept the post, urging her deficiency in the necessary accomplishments. "Madame," said the king, "I hope we can afford to purchase accomplishments, but we cannot buy principles."

1583

What may be dune at ony time, will be dune at nae time.

--_Scotch._

1584

Professing, without practising, will never do us any good.

1585

Honor and profit do not always lie in the same sack.

--_George Herbert._

1586

_Lord Chatham_: "I would have inscribed on the curtains of your bed, and the walls of your chamber, this:--If you do not rise early, you can make progress in nothing."

1587

My deeds, and speeches, sir, Are lines drawn from one centre; what I promise To do, I'll do.

--_Shakespeare._

1588

There is no piety in keeping an unjust promise.