The rose and thorn, the treasure and dragon, joy and sorrow, all mingle into one.

Kings stand more in need of the company of the intelligent than the intelligent do of the society of kings.

A man is insensible to the relish of prosperity until he has tasted adversity.

Great God, have pity on the wicked, for thou didst everything for the good, when thou madest them good!

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.

Expose not the secret failings of mankind, otherwise you must verily bring scandal upon them and distrust upon yourself.

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