The true adventurer goes forth aimless and uncalculating to meet and greet unknown fate. A fine example was the Prodigal Son—when he started back hom… - O. Henry

The true adventurer goes forth aimless and uncalculating to meet and greet unknown fate.

The magi, as you know, were wise men — wonderfully wise men — who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. O all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.

"We are grown stiff with the ramrod of convention down our backs.

Наша спина, вечно подпираемая железным каркасом условностей, давно закостенела.

(O. Henry, "The Green Door")"

But when a sick person begins to feel that he’s going to die, half my work is useless.