Better sit still, men say, than rise to fall

Quote byEdward Fairfax · 1580–1635

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered (1600), Book II, stanza 79.

English (original)

Better sit still, men say, than rise to fall.

— Edward Fairfax

Patience, a praise; forbearance is a treasure; Sufferance, an angel is; a monster, rage.

The throne of Cupid had an easy stair; His bark is fit to sail with every wind; The breach he makes no wisdom can repair.

The golden sun rose from the silver wave, And with his beams enamelled every green.

Aurora bright her crystal gates unbarred, And bridegroom-like forth stept the glorious sun.

The rose within herself her sweetness closed.

The rosy-fingered morn with gladsome ray Rose to her task from old Tithonus' lap.