25
Fodder and a stick and burdens for a donkey;
bread and discipline and work for a slave.
26
Set your slave to work, and you will find rest;
leave his hands idle, and he will seek liberty.
27
Yoke and thong will bow the neck,
and for a wicked slave there are racks and tortures.
28
Put him to work, in order that he may not be idle,
29
for idleness teaches much evil.
30
Set him to work, as is fitting for him,
and if he does not obey, make his fetters heavy.
Do not be overbearing toward anyone,
and do nothing unjust.
31
If you have but one slave, treat him like yourself,
because you have bought him with blood.
If you have but one slave, treat him like a brother,
for you will need him as you need your life.
32
If you ill-treat him, and he leaves you and runs away,
33
which way will you go to seek him?