fisted. Give is a good girl, but Take is bad and she brings
death. For the man who gives willingly, even though he gives a
great thing, rejoices in his gift and is glad in heart; but
whoever gives way to shamelessness and takes something himself,
even though it be a small thing, it freezes his heart. He who
adds to what he has, will keep off bright-eyed hunger; for if you
add only a little to a little and do this often, soon that little
will become great. What a man has by him at home does not
trouble him: it is better to have your stuff at home, for
whatever is abroad may mean loss. It is a good thing to draw on
what you have; but it grieves your heart to need something and
not to have it, and I bid you mark this. Take your fill when the
cask is first opened and when it is nearly spent, but midways be
sparing: it is poor saving when you come to the lees.

(ll. 370-372) Let the wage promised to a friend be fixed; even
with your brother smile -- and get a witness; for trust and
mistrust, alike ruin men.

(ll. 373-375) Do not let a flaunting woman coax and cozen and
deceive you: she is after your barn. The man who trusts
womankind trusts deceivers.

(ll. 376-380) There should be an only son, to feed his father's
house, for so wealth will increase in the home; but if you leave
a second son you should die old. Yet Zeus can easily give great
wealth to a greater number. More hands mean more work and more
increase.

(ll. 381-382) If your heart within you desires wealth, do these