If a gem falls into mud it is still valuable. If dust ascends to heaven, it remains valueless.

He who is intoxicated with wine will be sober again in the course of the night, but he who is intoxicated by the cupbearer will not recover his senses until the day of judgement.

A friend whom you have been gaining during your whole life, you ought not to be displeased with in a moment. A stone is many years becoming a ruby - take care that you do not destroy it in an instant against another stone.

It is safer to be silent than to reveal one's secret to any one, and telling him not to mention it.

Independence is of more value than any gifts; and to receive gifts is to lose it.

He will deal harshly by a stranger who has not been himself often a traveller or stranger.

Be not so severe as to cause shyness, nor so clement as to encourage boldness.