in the least in the
way.

_La Bruyere._

580.

The man of first rate excellence is virtuous in spite of
instruction; he of the middle class is so after instruction; the
lowest order of men are vicious in spite of instruction.

_Chinese._

581.

Not to attend at the door of the wealthy, and not to use the voice
of petition--these constitute the best life of a man.

_Hitopadesa._

582.

What a man can do and suffer is unknown to himself till some
occasion presents itself which draws out the hidden power. Just as
one sees not in the water of an unruffled pond the fury and roar
with which it can dash down a steep rock without injury to itself,
or how high it is capable of rising; or as little as one can suspect
the latent heat in ice-cold water.

_Schopenhauer._

583.

Comprehensive talkers are apt to be tiresome when we are not athirst
for information; but, to be quite fair, we must admit that superior
reticence is a good deal due to lack of matter. Speech is often
barren, but silence also does not necessarily brood over a full
nest. Your still fowl, blinking at you without remark, may all the
while be sitting on one addled nest-egg; and, when it takes to
cackling, will have nothing to announce but that addled delusion.

_George Eliot._

584.

The sage who engages in controversy with ignorant people must not
expect to be treated with honour; and if a fool should overpower a
philosopher by his loquacity it is not to be wondered at, for a
common stone will break a jewel.

_Sa'di._

585.

Success is like a lovely woman, wooed by many men, but folded in the
arms of him alone who, free from over-zeal, firmly persists and
calmly perseveres.

_Bharavi._

586.

A feverish display of over-zeal,
At the first outset, is an obstacle
To all success; water, however cold,
Will penetrate the ground by slow degrees.

_Hitopadesa._

587.

Treat no one with disdain; with patience bear
Reviling language; with an angry man
Be never angry; blessings give for curses.[31]