“For of fortunes sharp adversitee
The worst kynde of infortune is this,
A man to han ben in prosperitee,
And it remembren, whan it passed is.”

“The bird, the best, the fisch eke in the see,
They live in fredome, everich in his kynd.
And I a man, and lakkith libertee.”

“There is in the worst of fortune the best of chances for a happy change.”

“The sharp employ the sharp; verily, a man may be known by his attorney.”

“The worst takes its time to come, and then to pass.”

“He was gifted with the sly, sharp instinct for self-preservation that passes for wisdom among the rich.”

“This is certain, that a man that studieth revenge, keeps his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal, and do well.... vindictive persons live the life of witches; who, as they are mischievous, so end they infortunate...”

“Gineral C. is a dreffle smart man;
He’s ben on all sides thet give places or pelf;
But consistency still wuz a part of his plan,—
He’s ben true to one party, an’ thet is himself.”

“You are a sick, sick man,” I told him.
“Thank you,” Ben replied, looking modest.”

“Nimble finger and nimble wits will take you a good deal further than a sword and muscles. Sharp eyes help as well, but fortunately, I have these things.”