Euripides
Greek playwright.
The gods do nothing until they have blinded the minds of the wicked.
Nothing has more strength than dire necessity.
quem (or quos) Deus perdere vult, dementat prius.
Modern derivatives:
The proverb's meaning is changed in many English versions from the 20th and 21st centuries that start with the proverb's first half (through "they") and then end with a phrase that replaces "first make mad" or "make mad." Such versions can be found at Internet search engines by using either of the two keyword phrases that are on Page 2 and Page 4 of the webpage "Pick any Wrong Card." The rest of that webpage is frameworks that induce a reader to compose new variations on this proverb.
Old men's prayers for death are lying prayers, in which they abuse old age and long extent of life. But when death draws near, not one is willing to die, and age no longer is a burden to them.
I hold that mortal foolish who strives against the stress of necessity.
Those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad.
I think,
Some shrewd man first, a man in judgment wise,
Found for mortals the fear of gods,
Thereby to frighten the wicked should they
Even act or speak or scheme in secret.
Ares (The God of War) hates those who hesitate.
Try first thyself, and after call in God; For to the worker God himself lend aid.
In case of dissension, never dare to judge till you've heard the other side.
Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.
Sweet is the remembrance of troubles when you are in safety.
There is in the worst of fortune the best of chances for a happy change.
The fountains of sacred rivers flow upwards.
Whom Fortune wishes to destroy she first makes mad.
The man who melts with social sympathy, though not allied, is more worth than a thousand kinsmen.
God helps him who strives hard.
When a god plans harm against a man,
he first damages the mind of the man he is plotting against.