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INFLCTENCE OF THE ASA-FAITH. 311
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What these rules of life, which are uttered in
•apothegms, mainly inculcate, is briefly, as follows
The recognition of man's imperfection, which
should challenge in him a struggle against his own
evil propensities and forbearance toward the weak-
ness of others.
" Vices and virtues are borne by the sons of men
blended in the breast ; no man is so good that his
faults do not follow him ; no one so bad that he is
good for nothing."
Courage and strength, both in bearing the hard
decrees of fate, and in fighting against enemies.
"The unwise man lies awake all night, and
ponders over all things : then he is weary when the
morning comes, yet his sorrow remains as it was."
"Silent and thoughtful should be the sons of
princes, and bold in battle."
"The timid man thinks he shall live forever if
he keeps away from battle; but age gives him
no peace even though the spear may spare him."
The struggle for independence in life with regard
to knowledge as well as fortune, an independence
which should, therefore, be earned by a love of
learning and by industry.
"A friend more trusty can no man ever have
than a good understanding."
"Happy he who has law and understanding of
himself while he lives; for evil counsel has been
often found in the breast of another."
" One's own home is the best though little it may
be ; every man is master in his own house. Though
he have but two goats and a cottage thatched with
boughs, is it better than begging,"
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