Polonius’ Advice to His Son

Paraphrased From Hamlet

Beware of the spoken word! Be wise; Bury thy thoughts in thy breast; Nor let thoughts that are unnatural Be ever in acts expressed. Be thou courteous and kindly toward all — Be familiar and vulgar with none; But the friends thou hast proved in thy need Hold thou fast till life’s mission is done! Shake not thy faith by confiding In every new-begot friend, Beware thou of quarrels — but in them Fight them out to the bitter end. Give thine ear unto all that would seek it But to few thy voice impart; Receive and consider all censure But thy judgment seal in thy heart. Let thy habit be ever as costly As thy purse is able to span; Never gaudy but rich — for the raiment Full often proclaimeth the man. Neither borrow nor lend — oft a loan Both loseth itself and a friend, And to borrow relaxeth the thrift Whereby husbandry gaineth its end. But lo! above all set this law: UNTO THYSELF BE THOU TRUE! Then never toward any canst thou The deed of a false heart do.