People are crying up the rich and variegated plumage of the peacock, and he is himself blushing at the sight of his ugly feet.

Every person thinks his own intellect perfect, and his own child handsome.

Were the diver to think on the jaws of the shark, he would never lay hands on the precious pearl.

If thou tellest the sorrows of thy heart, let it be to him in whose countenance thou mayst be assured of prompt consolation.

Avoid that which an enemy tells you to do; for if you follow his advice, you will smite your, knees with the hand of sorrow. If he shows you a road straight as an arrow, turn from it and go the other way.

If a piece of worthless stone can bruise a cup of gold, its worth is not increased, nor that of the gold diminished.

O Contentment, make me rich! for without thee there is no wealth.