61. Fed and washed should one ride to court though in garments none
too new; you should not shame yourself for shoes or breeks, or even
for a sorry steed.
Present yourself well, but don’t go to great pains. Don’t shame yourself
begging.
62. Like an eagle swooping over the old ocean, snatching after his
prey, so comes a man into court who finds there are few to defend his
cause.
A person with few supporters often gets desperate when making an
attempt to prove their point to someone else.
63. Each man who is wise and would be called wise must ask and
answer aright. Let one know your secret, but never a second, -- if
three a thousand shall know.
You must learn to ask the right questions and be able to answer what
others ask. Be cautious with information you want kept hidden.
64. A wise counseled man will be mild in bearing and use his might in
measure, lest when he meets his fierce foes he find others fiercer than
he.
Don’t use your full power constantly in every battle or your enemies will
learn how to defeat you. Instead, use only what is needed to win.
65. Each man should be watchful and wary in speech, and slow to put
faith in a friend. Through the words which one to another speaks he
may win reward of ill.
Choose very carefully what you say and to whom you say it.
66. At many a feast I was far too late, and much too soon at some;
drunk was the ale or not yet served: never hits he the joint who is
hated.
Pick your times wisely to visit people and don’t go where you are not
welcome.
67. Here and there to a home I had haply been asked and I needed no
meat at my meals, so there were two hams left hanging in the house of
that friend where I had partaken of one.
When dining with a friend, eat your fill. However, always make certain
your friend has plenty of food left for themselves.
68. Most dear is fire to the sons of men, most sweet the sight of the
sun; good is health if one can but keep it, and to live a life without
shame.
Live your life enjoying your surroundings, staying warm and keeping
yourself healthy. Live honorably.
69. Not worst of all is he who is ill, for some are blessed in their
children, some in their kin and some in their wealth, and some in
working well.
Simply because someone is sick does not make them evil. They may have
things they value more than their health.
70. More blessed are the living than the lifeless, It is the living who
come by the cow; I saw the hearth-fire burn in the rich man's hall and
himself lying dead at the door.
It is better to be alive than dead because the living can actively seek
enlightenment. Money and shelter are no use to the dead.