Laurels

Famous quotes containing the word laurels:

“How difficult the task to quench the fire and the pride of private ambition, and to sacrifice ourselves and all our hopes and expectations to the public weal! How few have souls capable of so noble an undertaking! How often are the laurels worn by those who have had no share in earning them! But there is a future recompense of reward, to which the upright man looks, and which he will most assuredly obtain, provided he perseveres unto the end.”
—Abigail Adams (1744–1818)

“Mourn, hapless Caledonia, mourn
Thy banished peace, thy laurels torn.”
—Tobias Smollett (1721–1771)

“People who refuse to rest honorably on their laurels when they reach “retirement” age seem very admirable to me.”
—Helen Hayes (1900–1993)