_Of the Nobility of Generosity_
O thou who dost enumerate carefully the advantages of success, and dost
consider the spectacle of refusals and welcomes, throw not a look of
indifference on thy neighbor! Turn with interest to the unfortunate.
Observe the rights of thy neighbors with justice; let the expression of
thy countenance wound no one. Be not so parsimonious with thy food that
thou canst not share it with others. Provide for their needs as much as
possible. Let all the weak take refuge in the shadows of thy generosity!
Do not entertain sentiments of hate and enmity against anyone; do not
acquire the habit of tumult and agitation. Beware of anger, rage, and
revenge; show to no one a countenance furrowed with discontent.
Live on good terms with all the world and be always of an equable
disposition. Do not annoy thy inferiors, nor impose upon them the
constraint of cold formalities. Let not the expression of thy
countenance grieve anyone; captivate everyone with thy good-nature. Let
no one be a victim of thy injustice, never return evil for evil. Be not
a burden on thy friends, do not make thyself insupportable by thy bad
disposition. Let no soul be in anguish for thee; rather labor to elevate
those who are desperate. Bring no lawsuit against anyone, that God may
preserve thee in turn from litigants. Do not compromise thy honor in
this world and in the next for strange interests. Be neither guardian,
counsellor, nor trustee.
Fly the domain of chicanery; do not rush into profitless agitation with
lowered head. He who enters into quarrelling and strife with others
brings down upon himself trouble and anxiety. Never follow the road of
disputes and strife, for they provoke the flames of hatred! Raise not a
finger to do evil: let one of thy hands be always busy in doing good.
Carry not thy complaints to the door of the prince; refer to God’s
tribunal him who hath wronged thee. However great be thy weakness and
impotence, will the Lord therefore be less zealous for thy defence?
Resigned and modest, be without care and without anxiety.