Non sien le genti, ancor, troppo sicure
a giudicar, sì come quei che stima
le biade in campo pria che sien mature;

ch'i' ho veduto tutto 'l verno prima
lo prun mostrarsi rigido e feroce;
poscia portar la rosa in su la cima;

So let men not be too confident
in judging those who, in the field,
count the ears before the corn is ripe;

for I have seen, all winter through, the brier
display itself as stiff and fierce,
and later, on its summit, bear the rose;

Probabilities do not
preclude possibilities
the finest achievements

are always as roses in winter