401.

Like those at draughts would play without the checquered square,

Men void of ample lore would counsels of the learned share.

402.

Like those who doat on hoyden's undeveloped charms are they,

Of learning void, who eagerly their power of words display.

403.

The blockheads, too, may men of worth appear,

If they can keep from speaking where the learned hear!

404.

From blockheads' lips, when words of wisdom glibly flow,

The wise receive them not, though good they seem to show.

405.

As worthless shows the worth of man unlearned,

When council meets, by words he speaks discerned.

406.

'They are': so much is true of men untaught;

But, like a barren field, they yield us nought!

407.

Who lack the power of subtle, large, and penetrating sense,

Like puppet, decked with ornaments of clay, their beauty's vain pretence.

408.

To men unlearned, from fortune's favour greater evil springs

Than poverty to men of goodly wisdom brings.

409.

Lower are men unlearned, though noble be their race,

Than low-born men adorned with learning's grace.

410.

Learning's irradiating grace who gain,

Others excel, as men the bestial train.