Page:Brinkley - China - Volume 3.djvu/100

right. A wise man regards the moral worth of a man; a fool only his position. A wise man expects justice; a fool expects favours. A wise man never fails to be slow in speech and diligent in deed.

Living upon the poorest fare with cold water for drink and with my bended arm for pillow, I could yet be happy; whereas riches and honours acquired by the sacrifice of what is right would be to me as unreal as a mirage.

A wise and good man makes it a point to be always exact in the words he uses, for if names of things are not properly defined, words will not correspond to facts.

A wise man is dignified, but not proud; a fool is proud, not dignified.

A wise man is ashamed to say much; he prefers rather to act.

A wise and good man makes right the substance of his being. He carries it out with judgment and good sense. He speaks it with modesty. He attains it with sincerity.

Men who when they see what is good and honest try to act up to it, and when they see what is bad and dishonest try to avoid it as if it were scalding water,—such men I have known, and the expression of such principles I have heard.

A wise and good man has his hatreds. He hates those that love to expatiate on the evil doings of others. He hates those who, themselves living low, disreputable lives, try to disparage those that are trying to live a higher life. He hates those that are blusterers without judgment or manners. He hates those that, though pushing and bold, are narrow-minded and selfish.

A wise and good man hates to die without having done anything to distinguish himself.