RULE XXVII.

He who gives advice to a self conceited man, stands himself in need of counsel from another.

Be not caught by the deceit of an enemy, nor be proud of the praise of a flatterer; for that has spread the thin net, and this has opened the palate of avarice. A blockhead is pleased with praise; like a corpse, whose inflated heel has the appearance of plumpness. Take care how you listen to the voice of the flatterer, who in return for his little stock expects to derive from you considerable advantage. If one day you do not comply with his wishes, he imputes to you two hundred defects instead of perfections.

RULE XXIX.

Unless some one points to an orator his defects, his discourse will never be correct. Be not vain of the elegance of your discourse from the commendation of an ignorant person, neither upon the strength of your own judgment.

RULE XXX.

Every one thinks his own wisdom perfect, and his own child beautiful. A Jew and a Mahomme- dan were disputing in a manner that made me launch. The Mahommedan said in wrath, "If this deed of conveyance is not authentic, may God cause me to die a Jew! " The Jew said, "I make oath on the Peutateuch, that, if I swear falsely, I am a Mahommedan like you." If wisdom was to cease throughout the world, no one would suspect himself of ignorance.

RULE XXXI.

Ten men will sit at one table, but two dogs will not be satisfied with one carcase. The avaricious man, with the whole world at his command, is hungry; whilst he who is contented, satisfied with a loaf of bread. The narrow belly is filled with a loaf of bread without meat; but the narrow sight is not satisfied with all the riches on the face of the earth. My father, when the term of his life was expired, gave me this one advice and departed: "Lust is a fire, shun it; precipitate not yourself into the flames of hell: since you will not have strength to support that burning, quench the present flame with the water of patience."

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