If thou takest virtue for the ...

If thou takest virtue for the rule of life, and valuest thyself upon acting in all things comfortably thereto, thou wilt have no cause to envy lords and princes; for blood is inherited, but virtue is common property, and may be acquired by all; it has, moreover, an intrinsic worth, which blood has not.

If thou takest virtue for the rule of life, and valuest thyself upon acting in all things comfortably thereto, thou wilt have no cause to envy lords and princes; for blood is inherited, but virtue is common property, and may be acquired by all; it has, moreover, an intrinsic worth, which blood has not.

Miguel de Cervantes

Quotes from the same author

Be slow of tongue and quick of eye.

Miguel de Cervantes

Those who will play with cats must expect to be scratched.

Miguel de Cervantes

I believe there's no proverb but what is true; they are all so many sentences and maxims drawn from experience, the universal mother of sciences.

Miguel de Cervantes

Liberty, as well as honor, man ought to preserve at the hazard of his life, for without it life is insupportable

Miguel de Cervantes

There are but few proverbial sayings that are not true, for they are all drawn from experience itself, which is the mother of all sciences.

Miguel de Cervantes