Becomes obedient and shows friendship

RULE XI.

A weak enemy, who becomes obedient and shows friendship, does so with no other design but to become a more powerful adversary: as they have said, “liven the sincerity of friends is not to be 1‘clied on, what then is to be expected from the flattery of enemies? ” He who despises a weak enemy, resembles him who neglects a spark of fire. Extinguish it to-day, whilst you are able, for when it issues into a flame it destroys a world. Permit not your enemy to string his bow, whilst you are able to.pierce him with an arrow.

Speak in such manner between two enemies, that, should they afterwards become friends, you may not be put to the blush. Hostility between two people is like fire; and the evil-fated backbiter supplies fuel: afterwards, when they are reconciled ‘together, the backbiter is hated and despised by both parties. To kindle a flame between two persons, is to burn yourself inconsiderately in the midst. Whisper to your friends, in order that your blood-thirsty enemy may not overhear you. Take care what you say before a wall, as you cannot tell who may be behind it.

RULE XIII.

Whosoever formeth an intimacy with the enemies of his friends, does so to injure the latter. 0 wise man! wash your hands of that friend who associates with your enemies.

RULE XIV.

When, in transacting business, you are under any hesitation, make choice of that side which will produce the least injury. Speak not harshly to a man of placid manners; and with him who knocks at the door of peace, seek not hostility.

RULE XV.

As long as an affair can be compassed by money, it is not advisable to put one’s life in danger. When the hand has failed in every trick, it is lawful to draw the sword.

RULE XVI.

Show’ not mercy to a weak enemy; for if lie becomes powerful, he will not spare you. When you see an enemy weak, twrist not your whiskers in boasting: there is marrow in every bone, and every coat covers a man. Whosoever killeth a wicked man, relievctk the wrorld from his injuries, and1 de- livereth himself from the wrath of God. Forgiveness is commendable, but apply not ointment to the wound of an oppressor. Knoweth he not, that whosoever spareth the life of a serpent committeth injury towards the sons of Adam.