Don't let us make imaginary evils, when you know we have so many real ones to encounter. - Oliver Goldsmith

The genteel thing is the genteel thing any time, if as be that a gentleman bees in a concatenation accordingly.

It has been a thousand times observed, and I must observe it once more, that the hours we pass with happy prospects in view are more pleasing than those crowned with fruition.

As aromatic plants bestow
No spicy fragrance while they grow;
But crush'd or trodden to the ground,
Diffuse their balmy sweets around.