Be a good son, just brother, spouse tender and good father (4) Choose for thy friend, the friend of virtue; Yield to his gentle counsels, profit by his life, And for a trifling grievance never leave him (5); If thou canst at least: for a most rigid law Binds Power to Necessity (6). Still it is given thee to fight and overcome Thy foolish passions: learn thou to subdue them (7). Be sober, diligent, and chaste; avoid all wrath. In public or in secret ne’er permit thou Any evil; and above all else respect thyself (8). Speak not nor act before thou hast reflected. Be just (9). Remember that a power invincible Ordains to die (10); that riches and the honours Easily acquired, are easy thus to lose (11). As to the evils which Destiny involves, Judge them what they are: endure them all and strive, As much as thou art able, to modify the traits: The Gods, to the most cruel, have not exposed the Sage (12). Even as Truth, does Error have its lovers: With prudence the Philosopher approves or blames; If Error triumph, he departs and waits (13). Listen and in thine heart engrave my words; Keep closed thine eye and ear ’gainst prejudice; Of others the example fear; think always for thyself (14): Consult, deliberate, and freely choose (15). Let fools act aimlessly and without cause. Thou shouldst, in the present, contemplate the future (16). That which thou dost not know, pretend not that thou dost. Instruct thyself: for time and patience favour all (17). Neglect not thy health (18): dispense with moderation, Food to the body and to the mind repose (19). Too much attention or too little shun; for envy Thus, to either excess is alike attached (20). Luxury and avarice have similar results. One must choose in all things a mean just and good (21). [231] PERFECTION