Not in the warning by experience bought, doth highest wisdom lie; but to be forewarned, and not to fall, this is true wisdom.

The man of understanding who hath his heart directed well, discerneth that which is far from right, and keepeth himself therefrom; and knowing, though regretfully, in what his strength is weak, he resteth content, and moveth not beyond the limits of his power.

No man's faith can be secure, whose perception is not sure; he will not open his mouth to speak, if he doth not understand the trend.

Abide thy opportunity, and keep thy tongue on guard; give attention to thy subject, and consider well thy task.

In a clever man's writing and talk thou wilt see a proof of his faculties, of his spirit and mind; so also a gift, and the way the gift comes, will show a man's nature, his motive, and thought.

Take care of the good things found in creation; beware of the evil and bad.

In truth, man's body and soul have taints in them both; why expect, then, that either be perfect or whole?

Wouldst thou o'er people rule with delight, deal with them kindly, and not with brute force; if respect and all honour thou wouldst from them win, then see that thou fail not their love to obtain. If thou but draw their hearts with a thin silken cord, their bodies and chattels thou'lt gain without fail.

As long as thou rulest with decency and ease, thou wilt sway the good folk, the best among men; at thy word of command they'll encamp, or move on; but if thou wouldst know how with the baser and rougher to act, I say, thou wilt only subdue them by keeping them under the heel.

Before I can gauge another man's worth, it behoves me to know my own back-bone¹ =19, the number of lines in this section.] and strength, and to conduct myself towards men with a kindness that alone is able to win.

footnotes: ¹ ["My back"