There is no man whose friendship you can trust,
Nor is there true friend in adversity.
Then live alone and lean for help on none.
Let his advice of mine your lesson be.
Be careful and restrain your hasty wish;
Be merciful to all, and they will mercy show.
The hand of God is above every hand.
And every tyrant shall another know.
Silence is fair, safe taciturnity,
So, if you speak, do not a babbler be.
For if your silence may once bother you,
Your uttered words you will forever rue.
I have all wine forsworn
And joined its many detractors,
For wine leads man astray
And opens all the evil doors.
When my wealth dwindles, all friends disappear;
When it increases, all are friends to me.
How many men for money were my friends,
And when it went, how many left my company!
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