Turning into stones

"Wisely said, Mark," cried Martin. "We must look forward."

"In all the story-books as I ever read, sir, the people as looked backward was turned into stones," replied Mark; "and my opinion always was, that they brought it on themselves, and it served 'em right. I wish you good night, sir, and pleasant dreams."

Charles Dickens, Martin Chuzzlewit

Mark is Sam Weller's true heir (Pickwick Papers) and I always brighten up when he appears in the pages. His notion of "jollity" resonates with Catholic sensibilities, maintaining that "jollity" isn't worth anything unless you maintain it under trying circumstances.