34. Long is and indirect the way To a bad friend’s, Though by the road he dwell; But to a good friend’s The paths lie direct, Though he be far away. 35. A guest should depart, Not always stay In one place: The welcome becomes unwelcome If he too long continues In another’s house. 36. One’s own house is best, Small though it be; At home is every one his own master. Though he but two goats possess, And a straw-thatched cot, Even that is better than begging. 37. One’s own house is best, Small though it be; At home is every one his own master. Bleeding at heart is he Who has to ask For food at every meal-tide. 38. Leaving in the field his arms, Let no man go A foot’s length forward; For it is hard to know When on his way A man may need his weapon. 39. I have never found a man so bountiful Or so hospitable That he refused a present; Or of his property So liberal That he scorned a recompense. 40. Of the property Which he has gained, No man should suffer need; For the hated oft is spared What for the dear was destined: Much goes worse than is expected. 41. With arms and vestments Friends should each other gladden, Those which are in themselves most sightly. Givers and requiters Are longest friends, If all else goes well. 42. To his friend A man should be a friend, And gifts with gifts requite; Laughter with laughter Men should receive, But leasing with lying. 43. To his friend A man should be a friend, To him and to his friend; But of his foe No man shall His friend’s friend be. 44. Know if thou hast a friend Whom thou fully trustest, And from whom thou would’st good derive; Thou should’st blend thy mind with his, And gifts exchange, And often go to see him. 45. If thou hast another Whom thou little trustest, Yet would’st good from him derive, Thou should’st speak him fair, But think craftily, And leasing pay with lying.