Page:Littell's Living Age - Volume 129.djvu/69

Rh says it is too hot, and does not work; he says it is too early, and does not work; he says it is too late, and does not work; he says, I am hungry, and does not work; he says, I am full, and does not work; and while he thus lives ever neglecting his duties, he both fails to acquire new property, and that which he possesses dwindles away.

Some friends are only boon companions, some are hollow friends; the true friend is the friend in need.

Sleeping after the sun has risen, adultery, revenge, malevolence, evil communications, and avarice — these six things bring a man to ruin.

He who has sinful friends and sinful companions, who is devoted to sinful practices, the same is ruined in this world and the next.

Gambling, debauchery, dancing and singing, sleeping by day and wandering about at night, bad companions, and avarice — these six things bring a man to ruin.

Woe to the dicers, to them that drink strong drink, that go in unto their neighbour's wife: whoso follows wickedness and honours not the wise, he shall fade like the waning moon.

He that drinks strong drink is needy and destitute, ever thirsting with unquenchable thirst; he plunges into debt as one plunges into water, and will quickly bring his family to nothing.

He who sleeps by day and rises at night, who is ever full of whoredoms, is unfit to maintain a family.

Poverty overtakes him who says, 'Tis too cold, 'tis too hot, 'tis too late, and neglects his daily work; but he who, performing his manly duties, recks not a straw for heat or cold, his happiness shall not decay.

There are four, young man, who, seeming to be friends, are enemies in disguise — the rapacious friend, the man of much profession, the flatterer, and the dissolute companion.

In four ways the rapacious man may be known to be a false friend: he enriches himself at your expense; he expects much in return for little; he does what is right only under the impulse of fear; and he serves you from self-interested motives.

In four ways the man of much profession may be known to be a false friend: he boasts of what he meant to have done for you; he boasts of what he means to do for you; he is profuse in unprofitable compliments, but in the hour of need he protests his inability to serve you.

In four ways the flatterer may be known to be a false friend: he assents when you do wrong; he assents when you do right; he praises you to your face, and speaks ill of you behind your back.

In four ways the dissolute companion may be known to be a false friend: he is your friend if you follow after strong drink, if you wander about the streets at night; he is your companion in theatre-going, he is your companion in dicing.

The rapacious friend, the insincere friend, the friend who speaks only to please, and he who is a companion in vicious pleasures — recognizing these four to be false friends, the wise man flies far from them as he would from a road beset with danger.

These four, young man, are true friends — the watchful friend, the friend who is the same in prosperity and adversity, the friend who gives good advice, and the sympathizing friend.

In four ways the watchful friend may be known to be a true friend: he protects you when you are off your guard; he watches over your property when you are careless; he offers you an asylum in time of danger; and when work has to be done, he gives you the means of doubling your wealth.

In four ways the friend who is the same in prosperity and adversity may be known to be a true friend: he confides to you his own secrets; he faithfully keeps yours; he forsakes you not in trouble; and he will lay down his life for your sake.

In four ways the good counsellor may be known to be a true friend: he restrains you from vice; he exhorts you to virtue; he imparts instruction, and points the way to heaven.

In tour ways the sympathizing friend may be known to be a true friend: he grieves over your misfortunes; he rejoices in your happiness; he restrains those who speak ill of you; he applauds those who speak well of you.

The watchful friend, the steadfast friend, the good counsellor, and the sympathizing friend — recognizing these four to be true friends, the wise man cleaves to them as the mother cleaves to her infant son.

The wise man, endowed with righteousness, shines like a flaming fire. He who gathers wealth as the bee gathers honey, his wealth shall accumulate as the ant's nest is built up; and with wealth thus acquired, he will bring no dishonour upon his family. Let him apportion his property into four, and so let him cement friendships. With one portion let him 