They, like unobtrusive violets, love the shade; like them are sustained by dew; and though, like them, they make little show, they shed a sweet odour on all around." [176] And again he said: "If you would fall into any extreme, let it be on the side of gentleness.

The human mind is so constructed that it resists rigour, and yields to softness.

A mild word quenches anger, as water quenches the rage of fire; and by benignity any soil may be rendered fruitful.

Truth, uttered with courtesy, is heaping coals of fire on the head--or rather, throwing roses in the face.

How can we resist a foe whose weapons are pearls and diamonds ?" [177] Meeting evils by anticipation is not the way to overcome them.