Lesson 9 – Of Power, Honour, Virtue, and Strength.

Of Power, Honour, Virtue, and Strength.

1. Only Virtue attains the Everlasting Blessedness.
2. He is not to be counted strong, that cannot endure labor.
3. It is a sign of a noble and mighty courage to set little by great and mighty things.
4. Virtue is shut up from no man; but is ready for all that desire her. She receives all men gladly. She calls all men; both Servants, Kings, and Banished Men. She requires neither house nor substance; but is contented with the naked man.
5. They that be perfectly wise, despise worldly honour.
6. Where Riches are honoured; good men are despised.
7. He that honours rich men, despises Wisdom.
8. He that to his noble Lineage adds Virtue and Good Conditions is to be praised.
9. Honour is the fruit of Virtue and Truth; and for the Truth a man shall be worshipped.
10. He is worthy to be honoured that wills good to every man.
11. The just man rests in surety.
12. He that vanquishes his lusts is a great Conqueror.
13. Nobility, Honour, and Riches, are the cloaks of Maliciousness.
14. Pleasure perishes lightly; but Honour is immortal.
15. Virtue alone performs the everlasting felicity.
16. Immortal Honour is better than transitory Riches.
17. It is a shame for a man to desire Honour because of his noble progenitors; and not to deserve it through his own virtue.
18. The glory of the ancestors is a goodly treasure to their children.
19. He is very valiant, which neither rejoices much, nor sorrows out of measure.
20. Honour ought to be given to Virtue; and not to Riches.
21. It is better to suffer Shame for virtuous living, than to win Honour for vicious living.
22. To use Virtue is perfect blessedness.