Small communities grow great through harmony, great ones fall to pieces through discord.

For harmony makes small states great, while discord undermines the mightiest empires.

Get good counsel before you begin; and when you have decided, act promptly.

By the wicked the good conduct of others is always dreaded.

In victory even the cowardly like to boast, while in adverse times even the brave are discredited.

All who consult on doubtful matters, should be void of hatred, friendship, anger, and pity.

It is not only spirits who punish the evil, the soul brings itself to judgment: and also it is not right for those who endure for ever to attain everything in a short time: and also, there is need of human virtue. If punishment followed instantly upon sin, men would act justly from fear and have no virtue.