2.
The man who of his words is sparing
His strength and weakness hidden keeps;
Think not every thicket empty,
Perchance in one a tiger sleeps.
3.
If thou would’st ruin ’scape, and blackest woe,
Unto these words, these precious words attend:
Never be heedless of a mortal foe,
Nor choose a proud and envious man for friend.