opportunity is the martingale of man. The more we have ventured the more we gain, when we know how to wait.
 Alexandre Dumas, The Three Musketeers (1844). copy citation

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Author Alexandre Dumas
Source The Three Musketeers
Topic opportunity waiting
Date 1844
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1257/1257-h/1257-h.htm

Context

“and if you are acquitted, well, by the faith of a gentleman, I will kill you at the corner of some wall, as I would a mad dog.’” “I like the means well enough,” said d’Artagnan, “but where and how to meet with her?” “Time, dear friend, time brings round opportunity; opportunity is the martingale of man. The more we have ventured the more we gain, when we know how to wait.” “Yes; but to wait surrounded by assassins and poisoners.” “Bah!” said Athos. “God has preserved us hitherto, God will preserve us still.” “Yes, we. Besides, we are men; and everything considered, it is our lot to risk our lives;” source