Sweet are the uses of adversity, which, like the toad, ugly and… — William Shakespeare · Smartyfair

Sweet are the uses of adversity, which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head.

William Shakespeare1564–1616 · playwright · 1500s-1600s EnglandWilliam Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet widely considered the greatest writer in the English language, author of plays like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and A Midsummer Night's Dream.7 quotes

Source foundPerseveranceAncient

In plain words

Hard times look ugly, like a toad, and still leave you something precious.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: As You Like It, Act 2 Scene 1, spoken by Duke Senior, living in exile in the Forest of Arden, reflecting on the hidden good in hard times.
Work: As You Like It
Occasion: c. 1599 · Duke Senior speaking to his lords in the Forest of Arden about the good found in exile's hardship
Sources checked: shakespeare.mit.eduChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026MIT Complete Works of Shakespeare, As You Like It Act 2 Scene 1

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More on perseverance

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Confucius Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Lao Tzu Slow and steady wins the race.

Aesop Patience is the key to relief.Arabic proverb Drops of water hollow out a stone.

Ovid Few things are impossible to diligence and skill.