Proverbial Wisdom

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

583. Great men do not play stage tricks with the doctrines of life and death: only little men do that.

John Ruskin (1819-1900)

Sesame and Lilies, Lecture I, 20

584. These are the English arts, these we profess,
To be the same in misery and success;
To teach oppressors laws, assist the good,
Relieve the wretched, and subdue the proud.

Charles Montagu, Earl of Halifax (1661-1715)

The Man of Honour

585. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ’em.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Twelfth Night (Malvolio, Letter), Act II, Scene V

586. The cord breaketh at the last by the weakest pull.

Old Spanish Proverb

Quoted by Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626).
Essay XV, Of Seditions and Troubles

587. Beggars must not be choosers.

Colley Cibber (1671-1757)

The Provok’d Husband (Sir Francis), Act IV, Scene I

588. A penny for your thought.

John Lyly (?1553-1606)

Euphues, the Anatomy of Wit