32 JEROME CARDAN. 



Avoid war, plague, and famine, for they spare few and 

 slay many. 



Do not eat mushrooms, snakes, or frogs, or anything 

 that grates upon the teeth ; and do not drink two kinds 

 of wine. 



Eat only twice a day, and only once of meat. 



* Never take choice morsels from strangers, or without 

 knowing whence they come. 



* When you are invited to a feast, if you must go, 

 take heed of the faith of those who bring the cup to you. 



Never sleep on feathers. 



Dismiss all careful thoughts when you retire to bed. 



* Hold hyacinth 1 in your hand to promote sleep and 

 protect you against plague and lightning. 



Chapter the Fourth. ON JOURNEYS. 



* Never leave the public road except of necessity, for 

 safety or for any useful purpose. 



* Never spend much time in a lonely inn, or ride into 

 it at night. 



* Avoid travelling alone, or walking through a town, 

 for many things may happen to you. 



* When you are on the road, think of the road and 

 nothing else. 



* Never walk under the eaves of houses ; acting upon 



1 Or jacinth the mineral, a gem of a fine purple red, the original 

 of Milton's " hyacinthine locks." 



