Do not go because thou wilt embitter his life also.
For the needful for which thou appliest, go with a fresh and smiling face.
The man of joyful countenance will not be unsuccessful in his affairs.
It is related that the great man augmented his stipend a little but considerably diminished his familiarity towards him and when he perceived after some days that it was not as usual, he recited:
‘Evil is the food which the time of degradation acquires.
The kettle is indeed placed but the dignity is lowered.’
He increased my bread but diminished my honour.
Poverty is better than the degradation of asking.