fate

"Caution," said the captive vulture, "availeth not with Destiny." When the decrees of past eternity are brought to action, the keenest eyes are rendered blind by Fate. In the ocean, where no shore-line appears, the swimmer strives in vain.

Saadi, Bustan

Fate is the helmsman of the ship of life, no, matter though the owner rend his clothes. O Sadi! look not for aid from any man. God is the giver, and He alone. If thou worship Him, the door of His mercy sufficeth thee; if He drive thee away, no one will ease thee. If He make thee to wear a crown, raise thy head; if not, bow thy head in despair.

Saadi, Bustan

Since one cannot escape the arrows of Fate, resignation is the only shield

Saadi, Bustan

Our wills and fates do so contrary run That our devices still are overthrown.

Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 2

O God, that one might read the book of fate And see the revolution of the times O, if this were seen, The happiest youth, viewing his progress through, What perils past, what crosses to ensue, Would shut the book, and sit him down and die.

Shakespeare, Henry IV Part 2, Act 3, Scene 1

What fates impose, that men must needs abide; It hooks not to resist both wind and tide

Shakespeare, Henry VI Part 3, Act 4, Scene 3

Men at some time are masters of their fates.

Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Act 1, Scene 2

In love the heavens themselves do guide the state; Money buys lands, and wives are sold by fate.

Shakespeare, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Act 5, Scene 5

When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes, I all alone beweep my outcast state, And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries, And look upon myself and curse my fate, Wishing me like to one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man's art and that man's scope, With what I most enjoy contented least; Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising, Haply I think on thee, and then my state, (Like to the lark at break of day arising From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven's gate; For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

Shakespeare, Sonnet 29 <3