It only remains to add that, bearing in mind that a great collection of gravities commonly proves quite as wearisome reading as a large compilation of gaieties, or facetiæ, I have confined my selection of “sayings of the wise” within the limits of a pocket-volume. W. A. C. BOOK OF WISE SAYINGS. 1. The enemies which rise within the body, hard to be overcome—thy evil passions—should manfully be fought: he who conquers these is equal to the conquerors of worlds. _Bhāravi._ 2. If passion gaineth the mastery over reason, the wise will not count thee amongst men. _Firdausī._ 3. Knowledge is destroyed by associating with the base; with equals equality is gained, and with the distinguished, distinction. _Hitopadesa._ 4. Dost thou desire that thine own heart should not suffer, redeem thou the sufferer from the bonds of misery. _Sa’dī._ 5. To friends and eke to foes true kindness show; No kindly heart unkindly deeds will do; Harshness will alienate a bosom friend. And kindness reconcile a deadly foe. _Omar Khayyām._ 6. There is no greater grief in misery than to turn our thoughts back to happier times.[1] _Dante._ [1] Cf. Goldsmith: O Memory! thou fond deceiver, Still importunate and vain; To former joys recurring ever, And turning all the past to pain. 7. We in reality only know when we doubt a little. With knowledge comes doubt. _Goethe._ 8. In the hour of adversity be not without hope, for crystal rain falls from black clouds. _Nizāmī._ 9. One common origin unites us all, but every sort of wood does not give the perfume of the lignum aloes. _Arabic._ 10. I asked an experienced elder who had profited by his knowledge of the world, “What course should I pursue to obtain prosperity?” He replied, “Contentment—if you are able, practise contentment.” _Selman._ 11. Every moment that a man may be in want of employment, than such I hold him to be far better who is forced to labour for nothing. _Afghan._ 12. The foolish undertake a trifling act, and soon desist, discouraged; wise men engage in mighty works, and persevere. _Māgha._ 13. Those who wish well towards their friends disdain to please them with words which are not true.