Page:Rules of Life, Johan Amos Comenius.djvu/21

Rh should express himself in few words, and request that any other who may wish to address him, should brieﬂy deliver himself. The discourse of the wise is short—talk beyond what is necessary, appertains to idleness.

3. Whatever can be expedited more quickly by the aid of others, fail not to employ them; thus business will proceed more quickly—more hands more work—provided that order be preserved, so that your fellow-labourers may not impede or disturb you or themselves.

4. However, that you may be more active for labours, occasionally relax the mind, or change the occupation. That which is deprived of alternate rest, is not durable—an over-stretched bow, snaps.

 

If life happens to be free from labours, it is not necessary to do nothing—that is, to be torpid, and uselessly destroy time—neither is it requisite to have recourse to unproﬁtable games, such as cards, dice, &c. Something ought to be done which may refresh the body as well as the mind. This may be done by walking, by conversing with friends, by transacting affairs connected with your household.

 

I see you have a desire for travelling, and it has been proposed by your friends; what, therefore, you should especially attend to I will state in few words:—

1. Above all things you will reﬂect, why you undertake the labour of travelling—certainly not to see new 