At the lowest ebb, of a person or a nation, the first seeds of later glory may sometimes be seen...

"At the lowest ebb, of a person or a nation, the first seeds of later glory may sometimes be seen, looking back with a careful eye. At the absolute summit of accomplishment the insects chewing from within at the most extravagant sandalwood may be heard, if the nights are quiet enough."

Guy Gavriel Kay, Under Heaven