82	ONE THOUSAND FAMOUS THINGS
Five Things from Long Ago
w
hat is that which is most beautiful ?
The Universe, for It is the work of God.
What is most powerful ?
Necessity, because it triumphs over all things,
What is most difficult ?
To know oneself.
What is most easy ?
To give advice.
What is necessary to happiness f
A sound body and a contented mind.
Thales of Miletus, Seventh Century B.C.
The Friend Who Puts Us to Shame
m
an Is the god of the dog.   He knows no other ;  he can under-
stand no other.	. "
And see how he worships him—with what reverence he crouches
at his feet, with what love he fawns upon him, with what dependence
he looks up to him, with what cheerful alacrity he obeys him. His
whole soul is wrapt up in his god. All the powers of his nature are
devoted to his service, and are ennobled by the intercourse. Divines
tell us that it just ought to be so with the Christian, but the dog
puts the Christian to shame*	Robert Burns
A Prayer in the Prospect of Death
/-\ thou unknown Almighty Cause
vJ Of all my hope and fear !
In whose dread presence, ere an hour.
Perhaps I must appear!
If I have wandered in those paths
Of life I ought to shun ;
As something, loudly in my breast,
Remonstrates I have done ;
Thou know'st that Thou hast formed me
With passions wild and strong;
And listening to their witching voice
Has often led me wrong.
Where human weakness has come short,
Or frailty stept aside*
Do thou, All-Good I for such Thou art*
In shades of darkness hide.
Where with intention I have erred,
No other plea I have,
But Thou1 art good; and Goodness still
Defighteth to forgive,     Bofa* Bum*