When a mean wretch cannot vie with another in virtue, out of his wickedness he begins to slander. The abject envious wretch will slander the virtuous man when absent, but when brought face to face his loquacious tongue becomes dumb.

The bird alighteth not on the spread net when it beholds another bird in the snare. Take warning by the misfortunes of others, that others may not take example from you.

Keep belly lightly loaded, if mind would wisdom see;For bodies crammed to bursting, make empty souls to be.

He who learns, and makes no use of his learning, is a beast of burden with a load of books. Does the ass comprehend whether he carries on his back a library or a bundle of faggots?

In the faculty of speech man excels the brute; but if thou utterest what is improper, the brute is they superior.

That knave preserves the pearl in his purse who considers all people purse-cuts.

God preserve us! If men knew what is done in secret, no one would be free from the interference of others.