LXIII.—The Daily War.

Thou seekest to wage war, O fool, as if wars were at peace.  From the first formed day in the end you fight.  Lust precipitates you, there is war; fight with it.  Luxury persuades, neglect it; thou hast overcome the war.  Be sparing of abundance of wine, lest by means of it thou shouldest go wrong.  Restrain thy tongue from cursing, because with it thou adorest the Lord.  Repress rage.  Make thyself peaceable to all.  Beware of trampling on thy inferiors when weighed down with miseries.  Lend thyself as a protector only, and do no hurt.  Lead yourselves in a righteous path, unstained by jealousy.  In thy riches make thyself gentle to those that are of little account.  Give of thy labour, clothe the naked.  Thus shalt thou conquer.  Lay snares for no man, since thou servest God.  Look to the beginning, whence the envious enemy has perished.  I am not a teacher, but the law itself teaches by its proclamation.  Thou wearest such great words vainly, who in one moment seekest without labour to raise a martyrdom to Christ.