O sovereign, there is nothing more conducive to happiness, and nothing more fitting for a man who is strong and vigorous, than forgiveness in every place and at all times. He who is weak should forgive under all circumstances. He who holds power should show forgiveness out of regard for virtue; and he for whom success and failure in his aims are alike naturally forgives. That pleasure the pursuit of which does not harm a man's virtue and gain should certainly be pursued to the full. Yet one should not act foolishly by giving free rein to the senses. Prosperity is never found in one who torments himself with grief, who is addicted to evil ways, who denies the Divine, who is lazy, who does not govern his senses, and who is devoid of effort. A man who is humble and modest out of true humility is regarded as weak and is preyed upon by men of faulty understanding. Prosperity never approaches, out of fear, a man who is excessively generous, who gives without measure, who possesses extraordinary bravery, who keeps the strictest vows, and who takes great pride in his own wisdom.