Grocott & Ward, comps. Grocott’s Familiar Quotations, 6th ed. 189-?.
Affliction
Had it pleased Heaven
To try me with affliction; had he rain’d
All kinds of sores and shames on my bare head;
Steep’d me in poverty to the very lips;
Given to captivity me and my utmost hopes;
I should have found in some place of my soul
A drop of patience.
Shakespeare.—Othello, Act IV. Scene 2. (The Moor to Desdemona.)
When Providence, for secret ends,
Corroding cares, or sharp affliction, sends;
We must conclude it best it should be so,
And not desponding or impatient grow.
Pomfret.—To his Friend under Affliction.
Heaven is not always angry when he strikes,
But most chastises those whom most he likes.
Pomfret.—To his Friend under Affliction.
Affliction is not sent in vain—
From that good God who chastens whom he loves!
Southey.—Madoc, Part III. 27.
Are afflictions aught
But mercies in disguise? th’ alternate cup,
Medicinal though bitter, and prepar’d
By love’s own hand for salutary ends.
Mallet.—Amyntor and Theodora, Canto III. Line 176.
There is healing in the bitter cup.
Southey.—Madoc, Part III. 27.
’Tis a physic
That’s bitter to sweet end.
Shakespeare.—Measure for Measure, Act IV. Scene 6. (Isabella to Mariana.)
Thy pleasure points the shaft, and bends the bow;
The cluster blasts, or bids it brightly glow.
Dr. Young.—The Last Day, Book II. Line 349.