Fall not into the hand of thine appetite; That it should consume thy strength like an ox (?).

It shall eat thy leaves and uproot thy fruit; And leave thee like a dry tree.

For fierce appetite corrupteth them that have it; And the joy of an enemy overtaketh (H) them.

Many a friend doth a sweet palate make; And gracious lips that greet (?) with peace.

Be they that are at peace with thee many; But he that hath thy secret one of a thousand.

Hast thou gotten a friend? get him in trial (?); And be not in haste to trust on him.