THE KING'S MIRROR 231 



XLI 



THE SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED 



Son. It was clearly well-advised to continue this in- 

 quiry, for now I have gotten both useful and precise 

 information; and this speech will surely help every man 

 who is at least somewhat intelligent to more definite 

 ideas than he had before. Moreover, those who have 

 received only slenderw^md^frnrn th^ boughs of wisdom 

 are more numerous than those whaliave_xeceived_ large 

 branches^some gettingjjut^the tiniesrt twigs, and some_ 

 a mere leaf, while those who get nothing must indeed 

 be few. Therefore I wish to ask you to instruct me fur- 

 ther in the art of choosing and laying hold on those 

 branches which may prove useful to myself and others. 



Father. The virtues that I have just enumerated grow 

 especially on the boughs of wisdom, but they ramify 

 into a great many good branches and twigs. Now these <r 



N/O 



are the branches which are most useful : a rational out- " 

 look, a temperate mind, and the capacity to determine 

 judiciously what one owes to every other man. "If you v 

 are angry with any man because of a law suit or some 

 evil deed, take careful thought before seeking revenge, 

 as to how important the matter really is and how great 

 a retribution it is worth ./When you hear things in the 

 speech of other men which offend you much, be sure to 

 investigate with reasonable care whether the tales be 

 true or false; but if they prove to be true and it is proper 

 for you to seek revenge, take it with reason and modera- 

 tion and never when heated or irritated! YE ven though 

 you hear tidings which seem damaging to yourself or 



