the law and the prophets, which our
Saviour inculcates, "love God above all, thy neighbour as thyself:" and
"whatsoever you would that men should do unto you, so do unto them," which
Alexander Severus writ in letters of gold, and used as a motto, [4035]
Hierom commends to Celantia as an excellent way, amongst so many
enticements and worldly provocations, to rectify her life. Out of human
authors take these few cautions, [4036]"know thyself. [4037]Be contented
with thy lot. [4038]Trust not wealth, beauty, nor parasites, they will
bring thee to destruction. [4039]Have peace with all men, war with vice.
[4040]Be not idle. [4041]Look before you leap. [4042]Beware of 'had I
wist.' [4043]Honour thy parents, speak well of friends. Be temperate in
four things, _lingua, locis, oculis, et poculis_. Watch thine eye.[4044]
Moderate thine expenses. Hear much, speak little, [4045]_sustine et
abstine_. If thou seest ought amiss in another, mend it in thyself. Keep
thine own counsel, reveal not thy secrets, be silent in thine intentions.
[4046]Give not ear to tale-tellers, babblers, be not scurrilous in
conversation: [4047]jest without bitterness: give no man cause of offence:
set thine house in order: [4048]take heed of suretyship. [4049]_Fide et
diffide_, as a fox on the ice, take heed whom you trust. [4050]Live not
beyond thy means. [4051]Give cheerfully. Pay thy dues willingly. Be not a
slave to thy money; [4052]omit not occasion, embrace opportunity, lose no
time. Be humble to thy superiors, respective to thine equals, affable to
all, [4053]but not familiar. Flatter no man. [4054]Lie not, dissemble not.
Keep thy word and promise, be constant in a good resolution. Speak truth.
Be not opiniative, maintain no factions. Lay no wagers, make no
comparisons. [4055]Find no faults, meddle not with other men's matters.
Admire not thyself. [4056]Be not proud or popular. Insult not. _Fortunam
reverentur habe_. [4057]Fear not that which cannot be avoided. [4058]
Grieve not for that which cannot be recalled. [4059]Undervalue not thyself.
[4060]Accuse no man, commend no man rashly. Go not to law without great
cause. Strive not with a greater man. Cast not off an old friend, take heed
of a reconciled enemy. [4061]If thou come as a guest stay not too long. Be
not unthankful. Be meek, merciful, and patient. Do good to all. Be not fond
of fair words. [4062]Be not a neuter in a faction; moderate thy passions.
[4063]Think no place without a witness. [40