Contention.

Words beget anger; anger brings forth blows;
Blows make of dearest friends immortal foes.
For which prevention, sociate, let there be
Betwixt us two no more logomachy.
Far better 'twere for either to be mute,
Than for to murder friendship by dispute.

Fortune no higher project can devise
Than to sow discord 'mongst the enemies.

The same who crowns the conqueror, will be
A coadjutor in the agony.

In things a moderation keep:
Kings ought to shear, not skin their sheep.

If accusation only can draw blood,
None shall be guiltless, be he ne'er so good.

He that will live of all cares dispossess'd,
Must shun the bad, aye, and suspect the best.