A doubtful throne is ice on summer seas.
More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.
The vow that binds too strictly snaps itself.
Those who depend on the merits of their ancestors may be said to search in the roots of the tree for those fruits which the branches ought to produce.
Better not be at all than not be noble.
Some full-breasted swan That, fluting a wild carol ere her death, Ruffles her pure cold plume, and takes the flood With swarthy webs.