155. Men who have not observed proper discipline, and have not gained
treasure in their youth, perish like old herons in a lake without
fish.

156. Men who have not observed proper discipline, and have not gained
treasure in their youth, lie, like broken bows, sighing after the
past.


Chapter XII
Self

157. If a man hold himself dear, let him watch himself carefully;
during one at least out of the three watches a wise man should be
watchful.

158. Let each man direct himself first to what is proper, then let him
teach others; thus a wise man will not suffer.

159. If a man make himself as he teaches others to be, then, being
himself well subdued, he may subdue (others); one's own self is indeed
difficult to subdue.

160. Self is the lord of self, who else could be the lord? With self
well subdued, a man finds a lord such as few can find.

161. The evil done by oneself, self-begotten, self-bred, crushes the
foolish, as a diamond breaks a precious stone.

162. He whose wickedness is very great brings himself down to that