Chapter 88: Knowing the Quality of Hate

871.
For Hate, that ill-conditioned thing, not e'en in jest,
Let any evil longing rule your breast.

872.
Although you hate incur of those whose ploughs are bows,
Make not the men whose ploughs are words your foes!

873.
Than men of mind diseased, a wretch more utterly forlorn,
Is he who stands alone, object of many foeman's scorn.

874.
The world secure on his dexterity depends,
Whose worthy rule can change his foes to friends.

875.
Without ally, who fights with twofold enemy o'ermatched,
Must render one of these a friend attached.

876.
Whether you trust or not, in time of sore distress,
Questions of difference or agreement cease to press.

877.
To those who know them not, complain not of your woes;
Nor to your foeman's eyes infirmities disclose.

878.
Know thou the way, then do thy part, thyself defend;
Thus shall the pride of those that hate thee have an end.

879.
Destroy the thorn, while tender point can work thee no offence;
Matured by time, 'twill pierce the hand that plucks it thence.

880.
But breathe upon them, and they surely die,
Who fail to tame the pride of angry enemy.