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 Clashing with an equal foe,
 * Crumbles like an earthen pot.

Land and friends and gold at most
 * Have been won when battles cease;

If but one of these should fail,
 * It is best to live in peace.

When a lion digs for moles
 * Hiding in their pebbly house,

He is apt to break his nails,
 * And at best he gets a mouse.

Therefore, where no prize is won
 * And a healthy fight is sure,

Never stir a quarrel, but
 * Whatsoe'er the cost, endure.

By a stronger foe assailed,
 * Bend as bends the river reed;

Do not strike, as serpents do,
 * If you wish your luck to speed.

Imitators of the reed
 * Slowly win to glory's peak;

But the luckless serpent-men
 * Only earn the death they seek.

Shrink like turtles in their shells,
 * Taking blows if need there be;

Raise your head from time to time
 * Like the black snake, warily.

To sum it up: