28 Quotes by Pietro Metastasio

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

The aged oak upon the steep stands more firm and secure if assailed by angry winds; for if the winter bares its head, the more strongly it strikes its roots into the ground, acquiring strength as it loses beauty.

Though the Indian ocean abounds in rich and rare gems, it does not boast a clearer sky nor more unruffled sea. If there be a shore that dreads not the fury of the faithless billows, it is some poor and narrow inlet unknown to the winds.

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

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

If our inward griefs were seen written on our brow, how many would be pitied who are now envied! [It., Se a ciascun l'interno affanno Si leggesse in fronte scritto, Quanti mai, che invidia fanno, Ci farebbero pieta!].

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

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

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