What is the source of sadness, but feebleness of the mind? What giveth it power but the want of reason? Rouse thyself to the combat, and she quitteth the field before thou strikest. The lips of the wise are as the doors of a cabinet; no sooner are they opened, but treasures are poured out before thee. The higher the sun ariseth, the less shadow doth he cast; even so the greater is the goodness, the less doth it covet praise; yet cannot avoid its rewards in honours. Scorn also to depress thy competitor by any dishonest or unworthy method; strive to raise thyself above him only by excelling him; so shall thy contest for superiority be crowned with honour, if not with success. Say not that honor is the child of boldness, nor believe thou that the hazard of life alone can pay the price of it: it is not to the action that it is due, but to the manner of performing it. Indulge not thyself in the passion of anger; it is whetting a sword to wound thine own breast, or murder thy friend. If thou be industrious to procure wealth, be generous in the disposal of it. Man never is so happy as when he giveth happiness unto another. Honor is the inner garment of the Soul; the first thing put on by it with the flesh, and the last it layeth down at its separation from it. Be thou incapable of change in that which is right, and men will rely upon thee. Establish unto thyself principles of action; and see that thou ever act according to them. First know that thy principles are just, and then be thou. As a rock on the seashore he standeth firm, and the dashing of the waves disturbeth him not. He raiseth his head like a tower on a hill, and the arrows of fortune drop at his feet. In the instant of danger, the courage of his heart here, and scorn to fly. | 
