Well, I don't know if the origin was in a Chinese Proverb, as Q states, or something else, but I am going to pass on another version. The "Old Ranger" who hosted a program called Death Valley Days back in the 50s, (some old B movie actor named Reagan did a stint on that program,too) but it was the Old Ranger who once recited: "If thou of fortune be bereft, and in thy store two loaves are left, Sell one and with the dole, sell hyacinths to feed the soul." Later I heard that originated with verses from the Koran. I have no idea if that is true or not.
John Denver sang Bread and Roses or one version of it. He probably recorded it. I heard him sing it in a concert and found it very affecting. I'm a sucker for a good song anytime.