Chapter 13: The Possession of Self-Restraint

121.
Controul of self does man conduct to bliss th' immortals share;
Indulgence leads to deepest night, and leaves him there.

122.
Guard thou as wealth the power of self-controul;
Than this no greater gain to living soul!

123.
If versed in wisdom's lore by virtue's law you self restrain,
Your self -repression known will yield you glory's gain.

124.
In his station, all unswerving, if man self subdue,
Greater he than mountain proudly rising to the view.

125.
To all humility is goodly grace; but chief to them
With fortune blessed, — 'tis fortune's diadem.

126.
Like tortoise, who the five restrains
In one, through seven worlds bliss obtains.

127.
Whate'er they fail to guard, o'er lips men guard should keep;
If not, through fault of tongue, they bitter tears shall weep.

128.
Though some small gain of good it seem to bring,
The evil word is parent still of evil thing.

129.
In flesh by fire inflamed, nature may throughly heal the sore;
In soul by tongue inflamed, the ulcer healeth nevermore.

130.
Who learns restraint, and guards his soul from wrath,
Virtue, a timely aid, attends his path.