THE KURAL
876. Whether thou hast decided to make a neighbour thy friend or thine enemy, do not make him either when thou art embarrassed, but leave him alone.
877. Reveal not thy troubles to men who know it not : neither expose thy weaknesses to thine enemies.
878. Form a wise plan, consolidate thy resources, and provide for thy defences : if thou do this, it will not be long before the pride of thy enemies is humbled to the dust.
879. Fell down thorn-trees while yet they are young : for when they are overgrown they will themselves cut the hand that attempteth to fell them.
880. Verily thy shall not last long, those who humble not the pride of men who defy them.
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