Never oppose the decision reached by a man who keeps low company and is in the habit of consulting everyone he meets. Never say to him, "I do not trust you" -- rather, having named some reason, dismiss him under that pretext. An overly compassionate king, a woman of dissolute character, a king's servant, a son, a brother, a widow with a young son, and a soldier who has suffered heavy losses -- none of these should ever engage in the business of lending or borrowing money. These eight qualities give men their brilliance, namely: wisdom, high birth, knowledge of the scriptures, self-restraint, valor, moderation in speech, giving according to one's means, and gratitude. These noble qualities, O sovereign, are joined together only through gifts. When a king shows favor to some man, that mark of royal favor draws all others to him and unites them. He who bathes gains these ten: strength, beauty, a clear voice, the ability to pronounce every sound of the alphabet, refinement of touch, refinement of smell, purity, grace, softness of limb, and beautiful women.