Mankind suffer more evils from their own imprudence, than from events
which it is not in their power to controul; but they are ever ready
to complain of the perverseness of chance, and the capriciousness of
fortune, and to impute the blame to her for whatever mischiefs may
befal them, when these clearly arise from their own misconduct. Few
men pass through life without having had reason at one time or another
to thank Fortune for her favours; and great is the number of those who
have, through their own folly, indolence, or inattention, neglected
to profit by her kindness. Prudent people take every care not to put
themselves in the power of accidents; but those who carelessly give
up all their concerns to the guidance of blind chance, must not be
surprised if by some of the revolutions of Fortune’s wheel, they feel
the punishment due to their negligence and folly.
[Illustration: BLOODO ET GUTTO
_The Butchers Coat
of Arms_
]
[Illustration] [Page 155]