38
Through avarice a man loses his understanding, and by his thirst for wealth he gives pain to the inhabitants of both worlds.
Hitopadesa.
39
Men soon the faults of others learn,
A few their virtues, too, find out;
But is there one—I have a doubt—
Who can his own defects discern?
Sanskrit.
40
In learning, age and youth go for nothing; the best informed take the precedence.
Chinese.
41
Mention not a blemish which is thy own in detraction of a neighbour.
Talmud.
42
Affairs succeed by patience, and he that is hasty falleth headlong.
Sa’dī.
43
A man who has learnt little grows old like an ox: his flesh grows, but his knowledge does not grow.
Dhammapada.
44
Unsullied poverty is always happy, while impure wealth brings with it many sorrows.
Chinese.
45
Both white and black acknowledge women’s sway,
So much the better and the wiser too,
Deeming it most convenient to obey,
Or possibly they might their folly rue.*
Persian.
Notes
* Cf. Pope:
Would men but follow what the sex advise,
All things would prosper, all the world grow wise.