Tis an old saying, the Devil lurks behind the cross. All is not gold that glitters. From the tail of the plough, Bamba was made King of Spain; and from his silks and riches was Rodrigo cast to be devoured by the snakes. – Miguel de Cervantes

This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper. – TS (Thomas Stearns) Eliot

At last is Hector stretchd upon the plain,
Who feard no vengeance for Patroclus slain:
Then, Prince! You should have feard, what now you feel;
Achilles absent was Achilles still:
Yet a short space the great avenger stayed,
Then low in dust thy strength and glory laid. – Homer