Before the tyrant or ruler shed not thy tears, for not alone will he mock thee, but he will also despise thee; so to the man without troubles reveal not thy sorrow, askance he'll look at thee, or he may not even regard thee.

Be ready to seek advice from all, whether they be young or old; at times thou mightest think it well to act on advice that cometh from a boor.

Reside in the place where thy fathers have dwelt, and set up thy dwelling in their old habitation; there's a place in the world for all who would dwell in it; e'en the bird nestles best in its own favourite nest.

To a woman a secret thou shouldst never disclose, lest for thy pains it bring thee derision; if thou dost prize dearly the life that is thine, quaff not the poison,—it's too great a trial.

He who entrusteth his possessions to his child or to his wife, will sure come to beggary, having first come to shame.

He that chideth him who refuseth to take sound advice, who speaketh to hearts that are closed, is like one who singeth a song to the dead, or crieth in prayer to the shades.

The man of sense needs but few words whereby he may profit, and be corrected; understanding well, he will see the purpose of things; he will fix them deep within his heart, and grasp them from end to end.

The man always laughing is a fool, and for his folly there is no cure and relief; at the time when he showeth his teeth, he loseth his dignity and honour.

Take a long time to make up thy mind, and then shall thy actions be perfectly sound; for the garden-fruit that is late in appearing will always be sweeter and far more mature.

Spend not thy strength, O wise one, in the attempt to overcome the wicked; but being strong and all-daring, oppose a bold front; for oft in his net the victor will fall, and the conquered will truly the conqueror be named.

In speaking, a stupid man will send his tongue in advance of his good sense; but a man of sense will check his tongue, and let prudence keep it back.

The fool in mischief findeth his sport; hence his reason cometh after his tongue; but the man of sense delayeth his words, and beginneth no matter until he hath grasped it.

He who promiseth a gift from day to day, sickeneth the heart with hope deferred; as the lowering clouds, that rainless pass, cover the face of the earth with gloom.

If thy soul shall fulness have, and poverty thou dost fear, then turn about, and take advice, and show thyself truly wise: of food take less, and duly shun the vice of gluttony; how little meat for proper folk will readily suffice! Too many wives, in the next place, see that thou dost avoid, and be on thy guard, lest thou dost sin, and thy strength unto strangers give. Whene'er thy soul desireth some object to attain, think, is not the price thou pay'st for it much too high and dear? Surely it is better by far to leave of thy riches to thy foes, than, recklessly spending all that thou hast, to beg cold charity of the wealthy.

When kindly fortune waiteth on man, the very stones on the road shall yield him bdellium and gold; and if it be destined that he shall succeed, the branch that is dry shall blossom in his hand; be assured and believe that on the day he doth sow, beautiful branches will bud and spring forth.

If thou listen to counsel, thou'lt shine forth bright, and thy soul shall be at ease *with herself,*¹ =35, the number of lines in this section.] finding favour with all.

footnotes: ¹ ["With herself"

Finished with the help of God. Blessed be He who giveth power to the weary, and to him who hath no strength He increaseth strength.