Maxim 56

  Anyone associating with bad people, although their nature may not

infect his own, is supposed to follow their ways to such a degree that

if he goes to a tavern to say his prayers, he will be supposed to do

so for drinking wine.

        Thou hast branded thyself with the mark of ignorance,

        When thou hast selected an ignoramus for thy companion.

        I asked some scholars for a piece of advice.

        They said: 'Connect thyself not with an ignorant man,

        For if thou be learned, thou wilt be an ass in course of time

        And if unlearned thou wilt become a greater fool.'