Surfeit begets insolence, when prosperity comes to a bad man.

Even to a wicked man a divinity gives wealth, Cyrus, but to few men comes the gift of excellence.

Adopt the character of the twisting octopus, which takes on the appearance of the nearby rock. Now follow in this direction, now turn a different hue.

One finds many companions for food and drink, but in a serious business a man's companions are few.