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Chance Quote by John Harington

“A tailor, though a man of upright dealing,-- True but for lying,--honest but for stealing,-- Did fall one day extremely sick by chance And on the sudden was in wondrous trance.” quote by John Harington
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“A tailor, though a man of upright dealing,-- True but for lying,--honest but for stealing,-- Did fall one day extremely sick by chance And on the sudden was in wondrous trance.”

John Harington

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Anatomy of a Tailor, 1580

A seemingly honest man can be undone by unexpected illness and a sudden, bewildering experience.

In simple terms: Even the upright can be overwhelmed by fate.

Key Takeaway

Beware of overconfidence; accept vulnerability.

Themes

honesty frailty unexpected change

Mood

reflective somber

Type

literary cautionary

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • health emergencies
  • psychological shock
  • spiritual awakening

Key Concepts

human nature fragility fate

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this say about trust in others?
  • How can we prepare for sudden life shifts?
A Different Perspective

The quote may romanticize misfortune, ignoring personal responsibility.

2.1 out of 5 (5 ratings)

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