A Fabis abstineto.

Abstain from beans, was an admonition of Pythagoras to his followers; meaning by that to exhort them not to interfere in the election of magistrates, in which, it should seem, there was the same heat and contention, the same violence and confusion as too often occur among us, when persons are elected to places of honour, or profit. The electors among the Athenians were used to poll, or give their suffrages, by putting beans, instead of white or black stones as on other occasions, into a vase placed for the purpose. Pythagoras also admonishes," when the wind rises, to worship the echo," that is in times of tumult and dissension, to retire into the country, the seat of the echo.

Arctum Anulum ne gestato.

Do not wear a ring, or a shoe, we say, that is too tight, which may impede you in walking, or in any other actions. Metaphorically, do not by imprudence waste your property,

and

and contract debts, which will lead to the loss
of
your liberty; neither pay so much defe-
rence to the opinions of others, as to embrace
them implicitly, without first submitting them
to a careful examination. Persons who are
so tractable are said "to be led by the nose,"
and of such, artful men do not fail to take
advantage. Also, be not ready to bind your-
selves by vows, or oaths, to do, or to refrain
from any act. If the thing be proper in it-
self, you will have sufficient incentive to do
it, without laying such obligations or restric-
tions upon yourself; the necessity for which
can only arise from imbecility, or inconstancy
of mind, which you should rather endeavour
to cure than to indulge.

Tollenti Onus auxiliare, deponenti nequaquam.

Assist those who are willing to receive instruction, and aid those who endeavour, but have not strength, to bear the load that is imposed on them. First put thy shoulder to the wheel, and should thy utmost exertions prove

ineffectual, then call upon the Gods, and they

will help thee.

"But they're not wishings, or base womanish prayers Can draw their aid, but vigilance, counsel, action, Which they will be ashamed to forsake.

'Tis sloth they hate, and cowardice."

"A quien madruga, Dios le ayouda," the Spaniards say, God assists those who rise early in the morning, that is, those who are industrious; and the French to the same purport, "Aide toi et Dieu t'aidera," help yourself and God will help you. Industry," we say, "is Fortune's right hand, and frugality her left."

Quæ uncis sunt unguibus ne nutrias.

Do not feed, or take under your roof animals of ferocious and savage dispositions, that have sharp and crooked claws. Do not cherish a snake in your bosom, or enter into friendship with crafty and deceitful persons. "Otez un vilain du gibet, il vous y mettra,' save a thief from the gallows, and he will cut your throat. "Cria el cuervo, y sacarte ha los ojos," breed up a crow and he will tear out

your

your eyes. Ingratitude and the unyielding bent of nature were typified by the Greeks under the elegant representation of a goat giving suck to the whelp of a wolf, with a subscription, which has been thus rendered.

"A wolf reluctant with my milk I feed,
Obedient to a cruel master's will;

By him I nourish'd, soon condemned to bleed,
For stubborn nature will be nature still."

We may add two familiar lines to these,
"The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long,
That she had her head bit off by her young."

Cibum in Matellam ne immittas.

"Cast not the children's provision to the dogs." Talk not on moral or religious subjects before persons of loose manners, who are disposed to ridicule every thing that is grave and serious; neither enter into arguments with persons who are obstinate, or ignorant; who are either incapable of understanding, or predetermined not to adopt what you advise.

Ad

Ad Finem ubi perveneris, ne velis reverti.

When you have nearly completed any business in which you are engaged, do not through weariness, or inconstancy, leave it unfinished, but persist to the end; else all the time, labour, and expense that have been bestowed upon the work, will be lost, and you will lose your character likewise; or when you perceive yourself about to die, with patience and courage submit to your fate, and do not weakly and foolishly wish for an extension of your life, in the vain hope that you should live more rationally. "Hell," we say, " is full of good meanings and wishes.

"O mihi præteritos referat, si Jupiter annos !" You knew that the term of your life was uncertain, and should long since have entered on the course you now propose to begin, but which, if the opportunity were given, you would probably neglect as heretofore.

Adversus