English
Number 9
Though kindness toward the worthless is a waste,
now and then, for your own good, it must be done.
When a snarling dog bares its teeth,
toss it a bone right there and then.
By common measure, nothing in the world is worse than a dog,
yet showing it kindness is not against wisdom.
For if you throw a stone at it, it turns to fight;
but if you care for it, it will guard your flock.