Pietro Metastasio

High birth is an accident, not a virtue.

— Pietro Metastasio

The pilot who is always dreading a rock or a tempest must not complain if he remain a poor fisherman. We must…

— Pietro Metastasio

If our inward griefs were written on our brows, how many who are envied now would be pitied. It would seem that…

— Pietro Metastasio

The canker which the trunk conceals is revealed by the leaves, the fruit, or the flower.

— Pietro Metastasio

An old warrior is never in haste to strike the blow.

— Pietro Metastasio

The aged oak upon the steep stands more firm and secure if assailed by angry winds; for if the winter bares its…

— Pietro Metastasio

The eye that gazes upon the sun sees not the orb it looks upon, confounded by the excess of its brightness.

— Pietro Metastasio

We are like vessels tossed on the bosom of the deep; our passions are the winds that sweep us impetuously forward; each…

— Pietro Metastasio

Cowards' weapons neither cut nor pierce.

— Pietro Metastasio

It is the just decree of Heaven that a traitor never sees his danger till his ruin is at hand.

— Pietro Metastasio

The bee and the serpent often sip from the selfsame flower.

— Pietro Metastasio

If the internal griefs of every man could be read, written on his forehead, how many who now excite envy would appear…

— Pietro Metastasio

It is by no means a fact that death is the worst of all evils; when it comes it is an alleviation…

— Pietro Metastasio

Love is a feeling that comes into our hearts of our own choice for neither force nor harshness can limit the heart's…

— Pietro Metastasio

How full of error is the judgment of mankind! They wonder at results when they are ignorant of the reasons

— Pietro Metastasio

Every noble acquisition is attended with its risks; he who fears to encounter the one must not expect to obtain the other.

— Pietro Metastasio

Sharp and fell remorse, the offspring of my sin! Why do you, O God, lacerate my heart so late? Why, O boding…

— Pietro Metastasio

Though the Indian ocean abounds in rich and rare gems, it does not boast a clearer sky nor more unruffled sea. If…

— Pietro Metastasio

Of all faults the greatest is the excess of impious terror, dishonoring divine grace. He who despairs wants love, wants faith; for…

— Pietro Metastasio

If our inward griefs were seen written on our brow, how many would be pitied who are now envied! [It., Se a…

— Pietro Metastasio

If you wish to behold God, you may see Him in every object around; search in your breast, and you will find…

— Pietro Metastasio

Fortune is the best school of courage when she is fraught with anger, in the same way as winds and tempests are…

— Pietro Metastasio

If every man's internal care Were written on his brow, How many would our pity share Who raise our envy now?

— Pietro Metastasio

Prepare thy soul calmly to obey; such offering will be more acceptable to God than every other sacrifice.

— Pietro Metastasio