891 The chiefest care of those who guard themselves from ill, Is not to slight the powers of those who work their mighty will.

892 If men will lead their lives reckless of great men's will, Such life, through great men's powers, will bring perpetual ill.

893 Who ruin covet, let them shut their ears, and do despite To those who, where they list, to ruin have the might.

894 When powerless men 'gainst men of power will evil deeds essay, 'Tis beck'ning with the hand for Death to seize them for its prey.

895 Who dare the fiery wrath of monarchs dread, Where'er they flee, are numbered with the dead.

896 Though in the conflagration caught, he may escape from thence; He 'scapes not who in life to great ones gives offence.

897 Though every royal gift, and stores of wealth your life should crown, What are they, if the worthy men of mighty virtue frown?

898 If they, whose virtues like a mountain rise, are light esteemed; They die from earth who, with their households, ever-during seemed.

899 When blazes forth the wrath of men of lofty fame, Kings even fall from high estate and perish in the flame.

900 Though all-surpassing wealth of aid they boast, If men in glorious virtue great are wrath, they're lost.