Long ago, a friend and I used to refer to this verse, now and then--especially when things were not going quite right and we just needed a pick-me-up. We might buy some little thing that didn't cost much, but it was a "hyacinth" for our souls. Not necessarily good money management, but it seemed to help us cope.
If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft,
and from thy slender store
Two loaves alone to thee are left,
Sell one, and with the dole
Buy Hyacinths to feed thy Soul.
SADI
