From ignorance our comfort flows.

The only wretched are the wise.

Matthew Prior (1664-1721): To the Hon. Charles Montague.

A wretched soul, bruised with adversity.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): The Comedy of Errors. Act ii. Sc. 1.

The wretched souls of those who lived

Without or praise or blame.

Dante (1265-1321): Hell. Canto iii. Line 34.

Careless their merits or their faults to scan,

His pity gave ere charity began.

Thus to relieve the wretched was his pride,

And even his failings lean'd to Virtue's side.

Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774): The Deserted Village. Line 161.