FEAR God, and await His mercies, and hope for His continuous help. Hope deferred, 'tis true, maketh a man sick; but there is healing in hoping unto Him, for it is in His power to bring the thing to pass, which is ordered and held in reserve by Him.

Have fear, and do thy work with deliberation, and ride not upon the cloud of haste. Will that man be ensnared who directs his steps aright in accord with perfect equity, walking uprightly? But a man who is in haste to have the tip of his ear bored, can he escape? Will he go forth to his freedom?

Do with deliberation that which thou hast not yet attempted; for why wilt thou tear down the height of what has been built already? If thou be in a hurry to begin some undertaking, always look to the end at its beginning; plough violently the furrows of thy thought and ideas, and then thou wilt be able to produce timely and seasonable fruit.

See what an advantage it is to be deliberate, for in this case the end of a thing brings not its regret with it. It is right to think a matter well out, and to give it full consideration, whether it be a case of doing or speaking; for how good a thing it is when the conception be perfect; whilst hurried action may be compared to a birth that goes prematurely to the oblivion of the grave.

Two made a start from their resting-place, and betook themselves on the way. The one who proceeded cautiously reached the goal, whilst he who ran felt his feet slipping. Before the winged bird has mounted on high, the hawk without wing soars aloft, and is destroyed.