Book 2 Intellectual Life
the Archetype of the Mother, the suit of Swords which builds our continence
2.
Reverence the oath.
6.
Of others make the virtuous thy friend :
Yield to his gentle words, his timely acts ;
Nor for a petty fault take back thy love.
10.
Next practise justice in thy word and deed
And learn to act unreasonably in naught ;
But know that all must die. Wealth comes and goes.
14.
And practise ever this that now
I say. Let no man's word or deed seduce thee
To do or say aught not to thy best good.
18.
Decent, without vain show, thy way of life :
Look well to this, that none thou envious make
By unmeet expense, like one who lacks good taste.
Nor niggard be : in all the mean is best
Do that which cannot harm thee. Think, then act.
22.
Begin thy work, first having prayed the Gods
To accomplish it.
26.
Thou shalt know Self-chosen are the woes that fall on men--
How wretched, for they see not good so near,
Nor hearken to its voice--few only know
The pathway of deliverance from ill.
30.
Didst Thou but show what Genius works in each!
34.
Eat not the foods proscribed, but use discretion
In lustral rites and the freeing of thy soul :
