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THE GOLDEN VERSES OF PYTHAGORAS.
[1]Be this thy first, thy best, and fondest care,
Th' immortal Gods to worship and revere.
[2]Thy vows keep sacred; rightful rev'rence pay
To Heroes clad in Glory's bright array.
Then solemn rites with due regard bestow,
To Gods that dwell in Hades' realms below.
[3]To sire and blood be due distinction giv'n;
Such is the Law, the sov'reign will of heaven.
For all men else,—to him thy faith extend.
- ↑ See note A, page 171.
- ↑ If thou hast vowed any thing to God, defer not to pay it for an unfaithful and foolish promise displeaseth him: but whatsoever thou hast vowed, pay it. Ecclesiastes, 5 ch., 4 ver.
- ↑ Honour thy father, in work and word, and all patience, that a blessing may come upon thee from him, and his blessing may remain in the latter end. Ecclesiasticus, 3 ch., 9, 10 ver.
- ↑ But be continually with a holy man, whomsoever thou shalt know to observe the fear of God, whose soul is according to thy own soul: and who, when thou shalt stumble in the dark, will be sorry for thee. Ecclesiasticus, 37 ch., 15 ver.
