A Modern Polonius Advises his son

            Dr. K. S. Yadurajan

 

My son, if thou wouldst advance high in life

And live in comfort, keep these few maxims

Well in mind.  Give thy thoughts no tongue

But if thou must, speak in a two-fold voice

Saying one thing and intending another.

Be thou familiar, as occasion requires.

Stand not on ceremony but cultivate everyone

Who matters, and ditch them when thy purpose is served.

Beware of entrance to a quarrel; never quarrel;

But like the mole that in the dark burrows

And undermines, cut the ground under

Your opponents by subtle, devious means.

And this above all: to thine own self be true.

Mark else; the ripe fruit falls to the ground

But a balloon filled with hot air rises high.

So waste not time in study.  Keep your head light.

It is not what you know that matters

But whom you know.

 

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