The story is told of a British soldier who had broken every rule of the
army and on whom every form of punishment had been inflicted without
avail. He sinned again. His commanding officer was in despair as to what
should be done. A fellow officer said, "Suppose you try forgiveness."
The guilty soldier was summoned. On being asked what he had to say in
palliation of his offense, he hung his head and replied: "Nothing,
except I'm very sorry." "Well," said the officer, "We have decided to
forgive you." The culprit looked dazed, burst into tears, saluted, and
went out to become one of the best soldiers in the army.
--_From The Rise of a Soul._
By James I. Vance.
626
Individuals sometimes forgive, but bodies and societies never do.
627
Nothing is more dangerous to men than a sudden change of fortune.
--_Quintilian._
628
The continuance of good fortune forms no ground of ultimate security.
629
Fortune gives too much to many, but to none enough.
--_Martial._
630
Good-fortune comes to some people while they are asleep, i. e., without
their seeking it.
631
Good fortune that comes seldom, comes more welcome.
--_Dryden._
632
How often it is, in the twinkling of an eye one vicissitude of fortune
follows another.
--_Horatius._
633
That which we acquire with most difficulty, we retain the longest; as
those who have earned a fortune are usually more careful of it than
those who have inherited one.
--_Cotton._
634
Fortune knocks once at least at every one's door.
635
If fortune favors you, do not be too elated; if she frowns, do not
despond too much.
636
Manners often make fortunes.
637
Fortune sometimes makes quick despatch, and in a day
May strip you bare as beggary itself.
--_Cumberland._
638
_The Result of Fortune_:--The generality of men sink in virtue as they
rise in fortune.
--_Sir J. Beaumont._
639
Don't live in hope with your arms folded. Fortune smiles on those who
roll up their sleeves and put their shoulders to the wheel.
640
Whil'st fortun'd favour'd; friends, you smil'd on me:
But, when she fled, a friend I could not see.
--_Burton._
641