IT is the forerunner of the cavalcades of our desires; and the finisher of our enterprises and pursuits. To no individual among princes, without the aid of a firm resolu­tion, have the reins of the conquest of kingdoms ever fallen into the grasp of controul: and without the perseverance of extreme exertion he has never reached the throne of royalty, nor the seat of empire.

Now a firm resolution is this: that, when a man has bound up his loins in the design of any affair; and is occupied in the performance of any pursuit; he should not be hindered by the resistance of any impediment, nor give way to weakness and languor in his resolution. They asked a philosopher, “In what circumstance does the resolution of princes appear excellent?—and at what time is it profit­able?” He said, “In repelling the enemies of his country, it is applauded to the utmost; for, whenever a king, from a motive of resignation (for, when thou hast formed a design, place thy reliance on God), brings the foot of pur­pose into the stirrup of resolution, certainly the army of victory and conquest turns with celerity to meet him: for a firm resolution is a token of success and good fortune.

They have related that a certain prince was accustomed to the eating of clay; and although the learned men and the physicians forbade it, and set forth the evil of it, he did not turn from that practice. One day a Man of God came to see him, and found him extremely feeble and lean; his ruddy complexion had become saffron; and his vigorous and strong body reduced to debility. He asked an explanation of the state of the case: The prince related the truth of the circumstance; saying, “To me, by eating clay, the foot of distress is in the mire; and the hand of sorrow on the heart.” The Dervise said, “Since thou knowest that, by what has passed, evil is come to thee, why dost thou not give it up?” he answered, “Although I make great efforts, yet I cannot master myself.” The Dervise replied, “(Where is the resolution of the designs of princes?) Where is that resolution that belongs to kings; from which it is not possible by any means to withhold them?” The Prince was affected by these words, and made a resolution that he would not again eat clay; and in reward for his resolution he escaped from the danger.