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.

Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.

It is easy to despise what you cannot get

If you don't want to lose, you should wait for the right opportunity

If you choose bad companions, no one will believe that you are anything but bad yourself.

Plodding wins the race.

Good things come in small packages.