Proverbial Wisdom

Express the idea behind each of these proverbs using different words as much as you can.

217. Alas! we make
A ladder of our thoughts, where angels step,
But sleep ourselves at the foot: our high resolves
Look down upon our slumbering acts.

Letitia Elizabeth Landon (1802-1838)

A History of the Lyre

218. The man who does all he can, in a low station, is more a hero than he who omits any worthy action he is able to accomplish in a great one.

Sir Richard Steele (1672-1729)

Spectator, No. 248

219. Throw no gift againe the giver’s head;
For better is halfe a lofe than no bread.

John Heywood (?1497-?1580)

Proverbs, Bk I, Ch. XI

220. War is honourable
In those who do their native rights maintain;
In those whose swords an iron barrier are
Between the lawless spoiler and the weak.

Joanna Baillie (1762-1851)

Ethwuld (Hereulf), Act I, Scene III

221. Like master, like man.

Old Proverb

222. Full many a gem of purest ray serene
The dark unfathom’d caves of ocean bear;
Full many a flow’r is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air.

Thomas Gray (1716-1771)

Elegy in a Country Churchyard