Be mild to others, to thyself severe,
So truth shall shield thee or from hurt or fear.
Think not of binding all things to thy will,
Nor vainly hope that fortune shall befriend;
Inconstant she, but be thou constant still,
Whate’er betide, into an honest end.
Yet needless dangers never madly brave;
Kick not thy naked foot against a nail;
Or from experience the solution crave,
If wall and pitcher strive which shall prevail.