The path to paradise begins in hell.

... Nessun maggior dolore Che ricordarsi del tempo felice Nella miseria. (There is no greater pain than to remember a happy time when one is in misery.)

The heaven that rolls around cries aloud to you while it displays its eternal beauties, and yet your eyes are fixed upon the earth alone.

No sorrow is deeper than the remembrance of happiness when in misery.

The devil is not as black as he is painted.

He who sees a need and waits to be asked for help is as unkind as if he had refused it.

Three things remain with us from paradise: stars, flowers and children.