“As for myself I kept on puzzling to think how I could best save my own life and those of my companions; I schemed and schemed, as one who knows that his life depends upon it, for the danger was very great. In the end I deemed that this plan would be the best; the male sheep were well grown, and carried a heavy black fleece, so I bound them noiselessly in threes together, with some of the withies on which the wicked monster used to sleep. There was to be a man under the middle sheep, and the two on either side were to cover him, so that there were three sheep to each man. As for myself there was a ram finer than any of the others, so I caught hold of him by the back, esconced myself in the thick wool under his belly, and hung on patiently to his fleece, face upwards, keeping a firm hold on it all the time.Odyssey 9.32 · Odyssey · 9
Odyssey 9.32
Odyssey · translated by Samuel Butler
Themes in this passage
Patience in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism address it.
And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.Hebrews 6:15 · Bible · Hebrews
But be patient (O Muhammad) with a patience fair to see.Quran 70:5 · Quran
The pious king, with grief distressed, The noble hundred thus addressed: "With patience, daughters, bear your fate, Yours was a deed supremely great When with one mind you kept from shame The honour of your father's name. Patience, when men their anger vent, Is woman's praise and ornament; Yet when the Gods inflict the blow Hard is it to support the woe. Patience, my girls, exceeds all price: 'Tis alms, and truth, and sacrifice. Patience is virtue, patience fame: Patience upholds this earthly frame. And now, I think, is come the time To wed you in your maiden prime. Now, daughters, go where'er you will: Thoughts for your good my mind shall fill."Ramayana 1.140 · Ramayana · 1
Silently shall I endure abuse as the elephant in battle endures the arrow sent from the bow: for the world is ill-natured.Dhp 23.320 · Dhammapada · The Elephant
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