Ridicule is often harder to bear than self-denial.
I'm perfectly miserable; but if you consider me presentable, I die happy.
But, Polly, a principle that can't bear being laughed at, frowned on, and cold-shouldered, isn't worthy of the name.
it was easier to do a friendly thing than it was to stay and be thanked for it.
...for love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.
It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.