Maxim 

  Fortunate men are admonished by the adventures and similes of

those who have preceded them, before those who follow them can use the

event as a proverb, like thieves who shorten their hands, lest their

hands be cut off.

        The bird does not go to the grain displayed

        When it beholds another fowl in the trap.

        Take advice by the misfortunes of others

        That others may not take advice from thee.