once upon a time all the rivers combined to protest against the action of the sea in making their waters salt. "When we come to you," sad they to the sea, "we are sweet and drinkable; but when once we have mingled with you, our waters become as briny and unpalatable as your own." The sea replied shortly, "Keep away from me, and you'll remain sweet.

Facts speak plainer than words

Wealth unused might as well not exist.

Appearances may be deceiving.

Never trust advice from a man in the throes of his own difficulty.

The smaller the mind the greater the conceit.

Great determination can overcome most odds.