Instructions Left by Ieyasu
Life is like a long journey made with a heavy load. Slow and steady be your steps lest you should stumble. No complaints or despair there will be if you take it the way of mortals to bear personal discomforts.
When excessive desires are harbored in your heart look back upon the days of extremity you have passed through. Bear in mind that patience leads to a long life of security, while wrath is your own enemy.
To think much of your conquering and little of your stooping -- that will fare ill for you. Blame yourself and not others. It is better to be deficient than to exceed.
15 January 1603
'Tis all to a man to know himself,
To weigh and consider his ability:
Dew pearls sparkling on the grass,
Will ne'er stay long, alas!
When they are too weighty.
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