PART II WEALTH
CHAPTER 45
COURTING THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORTHY
441. Esteem thou the men that have grown old in righteousness, and acquire their friendship.
442. Behold the men who can cure the evils that have already befallen thee and who can guard thee from future ones : cultivate thou their friendship with ardour.
443. It is the rarest of rare good fortunes if a man can secure to himself the devotion of men of worth.
444. If those that are worthier than thyself have become thy intimates, thou hast acquired a strength before which all other strength paleth.
445. As the eyes of the prince are his own ministers, let him use his discretion and choose them wisely.
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