What does this quote mean?

“The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief.”

Preserving some inward freedom after a loss denies the wrongdoer complete control over what the loss becomes.

Source note: Othello, Act 1, Scene 3; the Duke urges Brabantio not to compound an irreversible loss by continuing to feed it with fresh grief.

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

Peacemaking is treated as active moral work: reducing conflict and restoring relationship rather than simply avoiding disagreement.

Source note: Matthew 5:9, King James Version.

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you.”

Love is presented as an active obligation shaped by example, not merely a private feeling.

Source note: John 13:34, King James Version.

“They are upheld by hope”

Hope functions as support even before the characters fully understand what they are hoping for, separating sustaining expectation from complete intellectual certainty.

Source note: Lilith: A Romance; Project Gutenberg #1640. Mr. Raven speaks the line within MacDonald’s symbolic Christian fantasy, so it remains fictional and theological in context.

“God bless us, every one!”

Tiny Tim’s blessing widens goodwill beyond one household and turns a family scene into an inclusive wish for others.

Source note: A Christmas Carol; Tiny Tim’s blessing.

“Sweet are the uses of adversity.”

Adversity is presented as capable of yielding insight or value even when the experience itself is unwelcome.

Source note: As You Like It, Act 2, Scene 1; Duke Senior reflects on what adversity can reveal while living in exile.