This _Figure_ warnes us, that wee meddle not With matters, whereby nothing may bee got, Save _harme_ or _losse_; and, such as once begun, Wee may, nor safely _doe_, nor leave _undone_. I should bee loath to meddle in the strife Arising 'twixt a _Husband_, and his _Wife_; For, _Truth_ conceal’d, or spoke, on either side, May one or th’other grieve, or both divide. I would not with my most familiar _Mate_, Be _Partner_ in the whole of my estate; Lest I, by others errors, might offend, Or, wrong my Family, or, lose my _Friend_. I would not, willingly, in my distresse, From an unworthy hand, receive redresse; Nor, when I need a _Suretie_, would I call An _Vnthrift_, or a roaring _Prodigall_: For, either these I thanklesly must shun, Or, humour them, and be perhaps undone. I would not heare my _Friend_ unwisely prate Those things, of which I must informe the _State_: And, seeme unfriendly; or, else leave to doe, That, which a stronger _Band_ obligeth to. Nor would I, for the world, my heart should bee Enthrald by one, that might not _marry_ mee; Or, such like _passions_, bee perplexed in, As hang betwixt a _Vertue_, and a _Sinne_; Or, such, as whether way soe’re I went, Occasion’d guilt, or shame, or discontent: For, howsoe’re wee mannage such like things, Wee handle winding _Vipers_, that have stings. _The gaining of a rich Estate, Seemes, many times, restrain’d by =Fate=._ [Illustration: FATA OBSTANT. ILLVSTR. XL. _Book. 4_]