POWERS



But, my son, think not that it is necessary for thee to be excellent
if thou wouldst be powerful. Observe how the lighter substance in
nature riseth by its own levity and overtoppeth that which is the
more grave. Even so, my son, mayest thou be light and worthless,
and yet make a goodly show above those who are of a more intrinsic
value than thyself. But as much circumspection will be necessary
for thee to attain this glorious end, and as by reason of thy youth
thou art liable to miss many of the most able and effective means of
becoming possessed of it, hear the words of an old man and treasure
them in thy heart. The required qualities, my son, are easily
procured; many are naturally gifted with them. In order, however,
that thou mayest keep them in set form in thy mind commit to memory
the following list of requisites: Love of self, love of show, love
of sound, reserve, openness, distrust.

The love of self, which shall chiefly manifest itself in the
obtaining the best of all things for thyself to the exclusion of
another, be he who he may; and as meal-times are the fittest
occasion for the exercise of this necessary quality, I will even
illustrate my meaning that thou mayest the more plainly comprehend
me. Suppose that many are congregated to a breakfast and there is a
dish of kidneys on the table, but not so many but what the greater
number must go without them, cry out with a loud voice, immediately