It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.
It is always in season for old men to learn.
Be bold and boast, just like the cock beside the hen.
Bronze in the mirror of the form, wine of the mind.
The anvil of justice is planted firm, and fate who makes the sword does the forging in advance.
And though all streams flow from a single course to cleanse the blood from polluted hand, they hasten on their course in vain.
To mourn and bewail your ill-fortune, when you will gain a tear from those who listen, this is worth the trouble.
Alas for the affairs of men! When they are fortunate you might compare them to a shadow; and if they are unfortunate, a wet sponge with one dash wipes the picture away.
Ah, lives of men! When prosperous they glitter – Like a fair picture; when misfortune comes – A wet sponge at one blow has blurred the painting.
It is an easy thing for one whose foot is on the outside of calamity to give advice and to rebuke the sufferer.
Only when a man’s life comes to its end in prosperity dare we pronounce him happy.