One who has read his Thomas Hardy and learned from that pessimistic author's works

It is not too much to say that at this point in his progress Lord Emsworth was feeling calm, confident and carefree; but a wise friend, one who has read his Thomas Hardy and learned from that pessimistic author's  works how often and how easily human enterprises are ruined by some unforeseen Act of God, would have warned him against any premature complacency. One never knew, he would have pointed out, around what corner fate might not be waiting with the stocking full of sand, 'Watch your step, Emsworth,' he would have said.

P.G. Wodehouse, A Pelican at Blandings (1969), 171