e implies either a mean opinion of ourselves, or a
contempt for our company; and it is the more provoking, as others do
not know to which of these causes to attribute it--whether humility
or pride.

_Hazlitt._

245.

If thou desire not to be poor, desire not to be too rich. He is
rich, not that possesses much, but he that covets no more; and he is
poor, not that enjoys little, but he that wants too much. The
contented mind wants nothing which it hath not; the covetous mind
wants, not only what it hath not, but likewise what it hath.

_Quarles._

246.

Those noble men who falsehood dread
In wealth and glory ever grow,
As flames with greater brightness glow
With oil in ceaseless flow when fed.

But like to flames with water drenched,
Which, faintly flickering, die away,
So liars day by day decay,
Till all their lustre soon is quenched.

_Sanskrit._

247.

Watch over thy expenditure, for he who through vain glory spendeth
uselessly what he hath on empty follies, will receive neither return
nor praise from anyone.

_Firdausi._

248.

If thou art a man, speak not much about thine own manliness, for not
every champion driveth the ball to the goal.

_Sa'di._

249.

The potter forms what he pleases with soft clay, so a man
accomplishes his works by his own act.

_Hitopadesa._

250.

No man of high and generous spirit is ever willing to indulge in
flattery; the good may feel affection for others, but will not
flatter them.

_Aristotle._

251.

An ass will with his long ears fray
The flies that tickle him away;
But man delights to have his ears
Blown maggots in by flatterers.

_Butler._

252.

Books are pleasant, but if by being over-studious we impair our
health and spoil our good humour, two of the best things we have,
let us give it over. I, for my part, am one of those who think no
fruit derived from them can recompense so great a loss.

_Montaigne._

253.

He is happiest, be he king or