It never occurs to fools that merit and good fortune are closely united

It seems to never occur to fools that merit and good fortune are closely united.

Fortune rarely accompanies anyone to the door.

The day of fortune is like a harvest day, We must be busy when the corn is ripe. [Ger., Ein tag der Gunst ist wie ein Tag der Ernte, Man muss geschaftig sein sobald sie reift.]

It is the fortunate who should extol fortune. [Ger., Das Gluck erhebe billig der Begluckte.]

Confronted by outstanding merit, there is no way of saving one's ego except by love