CARDAN'S COUNSEL TO HIS CHILDREN. 31 



Chapter the Second. ON THE OBSERVANCE DUE TO 

 PRINCES. 



Next to God, you must take thought of princes that 

 you give them no offence. 



Be gentle before them, or be silent. 



Passionate or jealous princes do not serve, and do not 

 live within their reach. Power joined to anger or sus- 

 picion, begets lightning. 



Do not wilfully court princes or governors ; such prac- 

 tice is suspicious. He who is pleased with more than 

 ought to please him, wants more than he ought to want. 



* Do not resist princes, or men in great power, or the 

 populace, even though you are on the side of justice. 



* Never do what will displease a prince. If you have 

 done it, never fancy that you are forgiven. 



* Time governs princes, princes govern men. Look 

 for the end to time. 



Chapter the Third. ON LIFE. 



After these two, study most your way of life, for that 

 lies at the beginning of all. 



Sleep should precede labour, labour should precede 

 food, food should precede drink and exceed it. 



Be content with food of one kind at a time, lest you 

 become gluttonous. 



Prefer water to wine; and among wines prefer the white. 



