Consider that where there are common men who are ready to lay down their lives Cf. Isoc. 5.135 . that they
 may be praised after they are dead, it is shameful for kings not to have the courage to
 pursue a course of conduct from which they will gain renown during their lives. Prefer to
 leave behind you as a memorial images of your character rather than of your body. Put
 forth every effort to preserve your own and your state’s security, but if you are
 compelled to risk your life, choose to die with honor rather than to live in shame. Cf. Isoc. 1.43 . 
 In all your actions remember that you are a king, and take care never to do anything
 which is beneath the dignity of your station. Do not suffer your life to be at once wholly
 blotted out, but since you were allotted a perishable body, seek to leave behind an
 imperishable memorial of your soul. Cf. Isoc. 5.134 ; Isoc. 1.39 and
 note. 
 Make it your practice to talk of things that are good and honorable, that your thoughts
 may through habit come to be like your words. Whatever seems to you upon careful thought
 to be the best course, put this into effect. If there are men whose reputations you envy,
 imitate their deeds. Whatever advice you would give to your children, consent to follow it
 yourself. Make use of the precepts which I have given you or else seek better counsel.
 Regard as wise men, not those who dispute subtly about trifling matters, but those who
 speak well on the great issues; Cf. Isoc. 4.188-189 and note. and not those who, being themselves in sorry
 straits, hold forth to others the promise of a prosperous fortune, but those who, while
 making modest claims for themselves, are able to deal with both affairs and men, and are
 not upset by the vicissitudes of existence, but have learned to bear moderately and
 bravely both the good and the evil chances of life. Cf.
 Isoc. 1.42 and note. 
 And do not be surprised that in what I have said there are many things which you know as
 well as I. This is not from inadvertence on my part, for I have realized all along that
 among so great a multitude both of mankind in general and of their rulers there are some
 who have uttered one or another of these precepts, some who have heard them, some who have
 observed other people put them into practice, and some who are carrying them out in their
 own lives.