NOTE: 140

Prattle not after the manner of the vainglorious; speak little, [that] thy words may be held in honor. Ever deem of great worth the gift of grace, which [others] willingly bestow upon thee. Be thou ever watchful in thy life, to work harm unto none at all. Bring not distress upon thy debtor, who hath no substance whatsoever. Leave not unrewarded him who is worthy of hire; repay [him] fully with an ungrudging will. Be thou diligent; learn that which is needful; flee utterly from sloth. Conduct thyself urbanely, according to the laws of reason; be not ill-bred like a savage. Shrink thou from drunkenness of thine own accord; let no frantic passion hold sway over thee. Be a lover of thy fatherland unto the day of [thy] end, striving for the good of thine own nation. If the strokes of fortune increase for thee, conduct thyself ever with sobriety among them. At the prosperity of a stranger’s goods, be not thou brought unto deadly envy. Praise no man with immoderate words, who hath done naught but some trifling deed. Reveal not thy secrets unto anyone, and thereby shalt thou be a perfect man.