When you see contention amongst your enemies, go and sit at ease with your friends; but when you see them of one mind, string your bow, and place stones upon the ramparts.

There is no great difficulty to separate the soul from the body, but it is not so easy to restore life to the dead.

To be over much facetious is the accomplishment of courtiers and blemish of the wise.

Tell no one the secret that you want to keep, although he may be worthy of confidence; for no one will be so careful of your secret as yourself.

If thou covetest riches, ask not but for contentment, which is an immense treasure.

That sorrow which is the harbinger of joy is preferable to the joy which is followed by sorrow.

Shut the door of that house of pleasure which you hear resounding with the loud voice of a woman.