Everything is hard before it is easy.

To act is easy, to think is hard; to act according to our thought is troublesome.

With little wit and ease to suit them, They whirl in narrow circling trails, Like kittens playing with their tails.

Napoleon affords us an example of the danger of elevating one's self to the absolute, and sacrificing everything to the carrying out of an idea.

Ah! my poor brain is racked and crazed, My spirit and senses amazed!

Do thine own task, and be therewith content.

We amuse ourselves painting our prison-walls with bright figures and brilliant landscapes.