Aesop

Better poverty without a care than wealth with its many obligations.

Do not waste your pity on a scamp.

All men are more concerned to recover what they lose than to acquire what they lack.

Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.

Once a wolf, always a wolf.

It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard.

No one believes a liar even when he tells the truth

...convinced that in trying to please all, he had pleased none, and had lost his ass into the bargain.

We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.

An Ass put on a Lion's skin and wentAbout the foreset with much merriment,Scaring the foolish beasts by brooks and rocks,Till at last he tried to scare the Fox. But Reynard, hearing from beneath the mane That Raucous voice so petulant and vain,Remarked. O' Ass, I too would run away,But that I know your old familiar bray'.That's just the way with asses, just the way.

A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him.

Better beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Betray a friend, and you'll often find you have ruined yourself.

Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.

Please all, and you will please none.

Appearances are often deceiving.