Events of all sorts creep or fly exactly as God pleases.
Accomplishments have taken virtue's place, and wisdom falls before exterior grace.
But, oh, Thou bounteous Giver of all good, Thou art, of all Thy gifts, Thyself thy crown!
The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.
Thus happiness depends, as nature shows, less on exterior things than most suppose.
[My kitten] is dressed in a tortoise-shell suit, and I know you will delight in her.