1792, in three books), would cut a respectable figure in any literature.

A few specimens of his _Mishle_, or maxims, follow:

"Truth springs from research, justice from intelligence. The
beginning of research is curiosity, its essence is discernment,
and its goal truth and justice" (7: 5, 6).

"On the day of thy birth thou didst weep, and those about thee
were glad. On the day of thy death thou wilt laugh, and those
about thee will sigh. Know then, thou wilt one day be born anew
to rejoice in God, and matter will no longer hinder thee" (15: 5,
6). [Footnote: A play upon words: _Geshem_ in Hebrew means
both "matter" and "rain."]

"Rule thy spirit lest others rule thy body" (24:2).

"Pincers are made by means of pincers; work is helped on by work,
and science by science" (34:23).

"Think not what is sweet to thy palate is sweet to thy neighbor's
palate. Not so; for many are the beautiful wives that are hated
by their husbands, and many the ill-featured wives that are
beloved" (43:6,7).

"Every living being leaves off reproducing itself in its old age;
but falsehood plays the harlot even in her decrepitude. The older
she grows, the deeper she strikes root in the ground, the more
numerous becomes her lying progeny, the further does it spread
abroad. Her lovers multiply, and those who pay respect to the old