An old warrior is never in haste to strike the blow.

The canker which the trunk conceals is revealed by the leaves, the fruit, or the flower.

If our inward griefs were written on our brows, how many who are envied now would be pitied. It would seem that they had their deadliest foe in their own breast, and their whole happiness would be reduced to mere seeming.

The aged oak upon the steep stands more firm and secure if assailed by angry winds; for if the winter bares its head, the more strongly it strikes its roots into the ground, acquiring strength as it loses beauty.

If every man's internal care Were written on his brow, How many would our pity share Who raise our envy now?

If our inward griefs were seen written on our brow, how many would be pitied who are now envied! [It., Se a ciascun l'interno affanno Si leggesse in fronte scritto, Quanti mai, che invidia fanno, Ci farebbero pieta!].

Fortune is the best school of courage when she is fraught with anger, in the same way as winds and tempests are the school of the sailorboy.