831 What one thing merits folly's special name? Letting gain go, loss for one's own to claim!

832 'Mid follies chiefest folly is to fix your love On deeds which to your station unbefitting prove.

833 Ashamed of nothing, searching nothing out, of loveless heart, Nought cherishing, 'tis thus the fool will play his part.

834 The sacred law he reads and learns, to other men expounds,— Himself obeys not: where can greater fool be found?

835 The fool will merit hell in one brief life on earth, In which he entering sinks through sevenfold [gates of Hell].

836 When fool some task attempts with uninstructed pains, It fails; nor that alone, himself he binds with chains.

837 When fools are blessed with fortune's bounteous store, Their foes feed full, their friends are prey to hunger sore.

838 When folly's hand grasps wealth's increase, 'twill be As when a madman raves in drunken glee.

839 Friendship of fools is very pleasant thing; Parting with them will leave behind no sting.

840 Like him who seeks his couch with unwashed feet, Is fool whose foot intrudes where wise men meet.