Be not so severe as to cause shyness, nor so clement as to encourage boldness.
To be over much facetious is the accomplishment of courtiers and blemish of the wise.
If a piece of worthless stone can bruise a cup of gold, its worth is not increased, nor that of the gold diminished.
A man of virtue, judgment, and prudence speaks not until there is silence.
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.
Be generous, and pleasant-tempered, and forgiving; even as God scatter favors over thee, do thou scatter over the people.