The willow which bends to the tempest, often escapes better than the oak which resists it; and so in great calamities, it sometimes happens that light and frivolous spirits recover their elasticity and presence of mind sooner than those of a loftier character. Sir Walter Scott on adversity
O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive! Sir Walter Scott on deceit
To all, to each, a fair good-night, And pleasing dreams, and slumbers light. Sir Walter Scott on dreams
How pleasant it is for a father to sit at his child's board. It is like an aged man reclining under the shadow of an oak which he has planted. Sir Walter Scott on family
Love rules the court, the camp, the grove, And men below, and saints above: For love is heaven, and heaven is love. Sir Walter Scott on love
He that climbs the tall tree has won right to the fruit, He that leaps the wide gulf should prevail in his suit. Sir Walter Scott on success
O! many a shaft, at random sent, Finds mark the archer little meant! And many a word, at random spoken, May soothe or wound a heart that's broken! Sir Walter Scott on words