We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.
A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him.
It is easier to become entangled with an enemy than to disentangle oneself afterwards.
Better beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear.
Adversity tests the sincerity of friends
We often give our enemies the means for our own destruction.