Couplet 1091 A double witchery have glances of her liquid eye;One glance is glance that brings me pain; the other heals againExplanationThere are two looks in the dyed eyes of this (fair one); one causes pain, and the other is the cure thereof
Couplet 1092 The furtive glance, that gleams one instant bright,Is more than half of love's supreme delightExplanationA single stolen glance of her eyes is more than half the pleasure (of sexual embrace)
Couplet 1093 She looked, and looking drooped her head:On springing shoot of love 'its water shedExplanationShe has looked (at men) and stooped (her head); and that (sign) waters as it were (the corn of) our love
Couplet 1094 I look on her: her eyes are on the ground the while:I look away: she looks on me with timid smileExplanationWhen I look, she looks down; when I do not, she looks and smiles gently
Couplet 1095 She seemed to see me not; but yet the maidHer love, by smiling side-long glance, betrayedExplanationShe not only avoids a direct look at me, but looks as it were with a half-closed eye and smiles
Couplet 1096 Though with their lips affection they disown,Yet, when they hate us not, 'tis quickly knownExplanationThough they may speak harshly as if they were strangers, the words of the friendly are soon understood
Couplet 1097 The slighting words that anger feign, while eyes their love revealAre signs of those that love, but would their love concealExplanationLittle words that are harsh and looks that are hateful are (but) the expressions of lovers who wish to act like strangers
Couplet 1098 I gaze, the tender maid relents the while;And, oh the matchless grace of that soft smileExplanationWhen I look, the pitying maid looks in return and smiles gently; and that is a comforting sign for me
Couplet 1099 The look indifferent, that would its love disguise,Is only read aright by lovers' eyesExplanationBoth the lovers are capable of looking at each other in an ordinary way, as if they were perfect strangers
Couplet 1100 When eye to answering eye reveals the tale of love,All words that lips can say must useless proveExplanationThe words of the mouths are of no use whatever, when there is perfect agreement between the eyes (of lovers)
Couplet 1081 Goddess? or peafowl rare? She whose ears rich jewels wear,Is she a maid of human kind? All wildered is my mindExplanationIs this jewelled female a celestial, a choice peahen, or a human being ? My mind is perplexed
Couplet 1082 She of the beaming eyes, To my rash look her glance replies,As if the matchless goddess' hand Led forth an armed bandExplanationThis female beauty returning my looks is like a celestial maiden coming with an army to contend against me
Couplet 1083 Death's form I formerly Knew not; but now 'tis plain to me;He comes in lovely maiden's guise, With soul-subduing eyesExplanationI never knew before what is called Yama; I see it now; it is the eyes that carry on a great fight with (the help of) female qualities
Couplet 1084 In sweet simplicity, A woman's gracious form hath she;But yet those eyes, that drink my life, Are with the form at strifeExplanationThese eyes that seem to kill those who look at them are as it were in hostilities with this feminine simplicity
Couplet 1085 The light that on me gleams, Is it death's dart? or eye's bright beams?Or fawn's shy glance? All three appear In form of maiden hereExplanationIs it Yama, (a pair of) eyes or a hind ?- Are not all these three in the looks of this maid ?
Couplet 1086 If cruel eye-brow's bow, Unbent, would veil those glances now;The shafts that wound this trembling heart Her eyes no more would dartExplanationHer eyes will cause (me) no trembling sorrow, if they are properly hidden by her cruel arched eyebrows
Couplet 1087 As veil o'er angry eyes Of raging elephant that lies,The silken cincture's folds invest This maiden's panting breastExplanationThe cloth that covers the firm bosom of this maiden is (like) that which covers the eyes of a rutting elephant
Couplet 1088 Ah woe is me my might, That awed my foemen in the fight,By lustre of that beaming brow Borne down, lies broken nowExplanationOn her bright brow alone is destroyed even that power of mine that used to terrify the most fearless
Couplet 1089 Like tender fawn's her eye; Clothed on is she with modesty;What added beauty can be lent; By alien ornamentExplanationOf what use are other jewels to her who is adorned with modesty, and the meek looks of a hind ?
Couplet 1090 The palm-tree's fragrant wine, To those who taste yields joys divine;But love hath rare felicity For those that only seeExplanationUnlike boiled honey which yields delight only when it is drunk, love gives pleasure even when looked at
Couplet 1071 The base resemble men in outward form, I ween;But counterpart exact to them I've never seenExplanationThe base resemble men perfectly (as regards form); and we have not seen such (exact) resemblance (among any other species)
Couplet 1072 Than those of grateful heart the base must luckier be,Their minds from every anxious thought are freeExplanationThe low enjoy more felicity than those who know what is good; for the former are not troubled with anxiety (as to the good)
Couplet 1073 The base are as the Gods; they tooDo ever what they list to doExplanationThe base resemble the Gods; for the base act as they like
Couplet 1074 When base men those behold of conduct vile,They straight surpass them, and exulting smileExplanationThe base feels proud when he sees persons whose acts meaner than his own
Couplet 1075 Fear is the base man's virtue; if that fail,Intense desire some little may availExplanation(The principle of) behaviour in the mean is chiefly fear; if not, hope of gain, to some extent
Couplet 1076 The base are like the beaten drum; for, when they hearThe sound the secret out in every neighbour's earExplanationThe base are like a drum that is beaten, for they unburden to others the secrets they have heard
Couplet 1077 From off their moistened hands no clinging grain they shake,Unless to those with clenched fist their jaws who breakExplanationThe mean will not (even) shake off (what sticks to) their hands (soon after a meal) to any but those who would break their jaws with their clenched fists
Couplet 1078 The good to those will profit yield fair words who use;The base, like sugar-cane, will profit those who bruiseExplanationThe great bestow (their alms) as soon as they are informed; (but) the mean, like the sugar-cane, only when they are tortured to death
Couplet 1079 If neighbours clothed and fed he see, the baseIs mighty man some hidden fault to traceExplanationThe base will bring an evil (accusation) against others, as soon as he sees them (enjoying) good food
Couplet 1080 For what is base man fit, if griefs assail?Himself to offer, there and then, for saleExplanationThe base will hasten to sell themselves as soon as a calamity has befallen them. For what else are they fitted ?
Couplet 1061 Ten million-fold 'tis greater gain, asking no alms to live,Even from those, like eyes in worth, who nought concealing gladly giveExplanationNot to beg (at all) even from those excellent persons who cheerfully give without refusing, will do immense good
Couplet 1062 If he that shaped the world desires that men should begging go,Through life's long course, let him a wanderer be and perish soExplanationIf the Creator of the world has decreed even begging as a means of livelihood, may he too go abegging and perish
Couplet 1063 Nothing is harder than the hardness that will say,'The plague of penury by asking alms we'll drive away.'ExplanationThere is no greater folly than the boldness with which one seeks to remedy the evils of poverty by begging (rather than by working)
Couplet 1064 Who ne'er consent to beg in utmost need, their worthHas excellence of greatness that transcends the earthExplanationEven the whole world cannot sufficiently praise the dignity that would not beg even in the midst of destitution
Couplet 1065 Nothing is sweeter than to taste the toil-won cheer,Though mess of pottage as tasteless as the water clearExplanationEven thin gruel is ambrosia to him who has obtained it by labour
Couplet 1066 E'en if a draught of water for a cow you ask,Nought's so distasteful to the tongue as beggar's taskExplanationThere is nothing more disgraceful to one's tongue than to use it in begging water even for a cow
Couplet 1067 One thing I beg of beggars all, 'If beg ye may,Of those who hide their wealth, beg not, I pray.'ExplanationI beseech all beggars and say, "If you need to beg, never beg of those who give unwillingly."
Couplet 1068 The fragile bark of beggaryWrecked on denial's rock will lieExplanationThe unsafe raft of begging will split when it strikes on the rock of refusal
Couplet 1069 The heart will melt away at thought of beggary,With thought of stern repulse 'twill perish utterlyExplanationTo think of (the evil of) begging is enough to melt one's heart; but to think of refusal is enough to break it
Couplet 1070 E'en as he asks, the shamefaced asker dies;Where shall his spirit hide who help deniesExplanationSaying "No" to a beggar takes away his life. (but as that very word will kill the refuser) where then would the latter's life hide itself ?
Couplet 1051 When those you find from whom 'tis meet to ask,- for aid apply;Theirs is the sin, not yours, if they the gift denyExplanationIf you meet with those that may be begged of, you may beg; (but) if they withhold (their gift) it is their blame and not yours
Couplet 1052 Even to ask an alms may pleasure give,If what you ask without annoyance you receiveExplanationEven begging may be pleasant, if what is begged for is obtained without grief (to him that begs)
Couplet 1053 The men who nought deny, but know what's due, before their faceTo stand as suppliants affords especial graceExplanationThere is even a beauty in standing before and begging of those who are liberal in their gifts and understand their duty (to beggars)
Couplet 1054 Like giving alms, may even asking pleasant seem,From men who of denial never even dreamExplanationTo beg of such as never think of withholding (their charity) even in their dreams, is in fact the same as giving (it oneself);
Couplet 1055 Because on earth the men exist, who never say them nay,Men bear to stand before their eyes for help to prayExplanationAs there are in the world those that give without refusing, there are (also) those that prefer to beg by simply standing before them
Couplet 1056 It those you find from evil of 'denial' free,At once all plague of poverty will fleeExplanationAll the evil of begging will be removed at the sight of those who are far from the evil of refusing
Couplet 1057 If men are found who give and no harsh words of scorn employ,The minds of askers, through and through, will thrill with joyExplanationBeggars rejoice exceedingly when they behold those who bestow (their alms) with kindness and courtesy
Couplet 1058 If askers cease, the mighty earth, where cooling fountains flow,Will be a stage where wooden puppets come and goExplanationIf there were no beggars, (the actions done in) the cool wide world would only resemble the movement of a puppet
Couplet 1059 What glory will there be to men of generous soul,When none are found to love the askers' roleExplanationWhat (praise) would there be to givers (of alms) if there were no beggars to ask for and reveive (them)
Couplet 1060 Askers refused from wrath must stand aloof;The plague of poverty itself is ample proofExplanationHe who begs ought not to be angry (at a refusal); for even the misery of (his own) poverty should be a sufficient reason (for so doing)
Couplet 1041 You ask what sharper pain than poverty is known;Nothing pains more than poverty, save poverty aloneExplanationThere is nothing that afflicts (one) like poverty
Couplet 1042 Malefactor matchless! poverty destroysThis world's and the next world's joysExplanationWhen cruel poverty comes on, it deprives one of both the present and future (bliss)
Couplet 1043 Importunate desire, which poverty men name,Destroys both old descent and goodly fameExplanationHankering poverty destroys at once the greatness of (one's) ancient descent and (the dignity of one's) speech
Couplet 1044 From penury will spring, 'mid even those of noble race,Oblivion that gives birth to words that bring disgraceExplanationEven in those of high birth, poverty will produce the fault of uttering mean words
Couplet 1045 From poverty, that grievous woe,Attendant sorrows plenteous growExplanationThe misery of poverty brings in its train many (more) miseries
Couplet 1046 Though deepest sense, well understood, the poor man's words convey,Their sense from memory of mankind will fade awayExplanationThe words of the poor are profitless, though they may be sound in thought and clear in expression
Couplet 1047 From indigence devoid of virtue's grace,The mother e'en that bare, estranged, will turn her faceExplanationHe that is reduced to absolute poverty will be regarded as a stranger even by his own mother
Couplet 1048 And will it come today as yesterday,The grief of want that eats my soul awayExplanationIs the poverty that almost killed me yesterday, to meet me today too ?
Couplet 1049 Amid the flames sleep may men's eyelids close,In poverty the eye knows no reposeExplanationOne may sleep in the midst of fire; but by no means in the midst of poverty
Couplet 1050 Unless the destitute will utterly themselves deny,They cause their neighbour's salt and vinegar to dieExplanationThe destitute poor, who do not renounce their bodies, only consume their neighbour's salt and water
Couplet 1031 Howe'er they roam, the world must follow still the plougher's team;Though toilsome, culture of the ground as noblest toil esteemExplanationAgriculture, though laborious, is the most excellent (form of labour); for people, though they go about (in search of various employments), have at last to resort to the farmer
Couplet 1032 The ploughers are the linch-pin of the world; they bearThem up who other works perform, too weak its toils to shareExplanationAgriculturists are (as it were) the linch-pin of the world for they support all other workers who cannot till the soil
Couplet 1033 Who ploughing eat their food, they truly live:The rest to others bend subservient, eating what they giveExplanationThey alone live who live by agriculture; all others lead a cringing, dependent life
Couplet 1034 O'er many a land they 'll see their monarch reign,Whose fields are shaded by the waving grainExplanationPatriotic farmers desire to bring all other states under the control of their own king
Couplet 1035 They nothing ask from others, but to askers give,Who raise with their own hands the food on which they liveExplanationThose whose nature is to live by manual labour will never beg but give something to those who beg
Couplet 1036 For those who 've left what all men love no place is found,When they with folded hands remain who till the groundExplanationIf the farmer's hands are slackened, even the ascetic state will fail
Couplet 1037 Reduce your soil to that dry state, When ounce is quarter-ounce's weight;Without one handful of manure, Abundant crops you thus secureExplanationIf the land is dried so as to reduce one ounce of earth to a quarter, it will grow plentifully even without a handful of manure
Couplet 1038 To cast manure is better than to plough;Weed well; to guard is more than watering nowExplanationManuring is better than ploughing; after weeding, watching is better than watering (it)
Couplet 1039 When master from the field aloof hath stood;Then land will sulk, like wife in angry moodExplanationIf the owner does not (personally) attend to his cultivation, his land will behave like an angry wife and yield him no pleasure
Couplet 1040 The earth, that kindly dame, will laugh to see,Men seated idle pleading povertyExplanationThe maiden, Earth, will laugh at the sight of those who plead poverty and lead an idle life
Couplet 1021 Who says 'I'll do my work, nor slack my hand',His greatness, clothed with dignity supreme, shall standExplanationThere is no higher greatness than that of one saying I will not cease in my effort (to raise my family)
Couplet 1022 The manly act and knowledge full, when these combineIn deed prolonged, then lengthens out the race's lineExplanationOne's family is raised by untiring perseverance in both effort and wise contrivances
Couplet 1023 'I'll make my race renowned,' if man shall say,With vest succinct the goddess leads the wayExplanationThe Deity will clothe itself and appear before him who resolves on raising his family
Couplet 1024 Who labours for his race with unremitting pain,Without a thought spontaneously, his end will gainExplanationThose who are prompt in their efforts (to better their family) need no deliberation, such efforts will of themselves succeed
Couplet 1025 With blameless life who seeks to build his race's fame,The world shall circle him, and kindred claimExplanationPeople will eagerly seek the friendship of the prosperous soul who has raised his family without foul means
Couplet 1026 Of virtuous manliness the world accords the praiseTo him who gives his powers, the house from which he sprang to raiseExplanationA man's true manliness consists in making himself the head and benefactor of his family
Couplet 1027 The fearless hero bears the brunt amid the warrior throng;Amid his kindred so the burthen rests upon the strongExplanationAmid his kindred so the burthen rests upon the strong
Couplet 1028 Wait for no season, when you would your house uprear;'Twill perish, if you wait supine, or hold your honour dearExplanationAs a family suffers by (one's) indolence and false dignity there is to be so season (good or bad) to those who strive to raise their family
Couplet 1029 Is not his body vase that various sorrows fill,Who would his household screen from every illExplanationIs it only to suffering that his body is exposed who undertakes to preserve his family from evil ?
Couplet 1030 When trouble the foundation saps the house must fall,If no strong hand be nigh to prop the tottering wallExplanationIf there are none to prop up and maintain a family (in distress), it will fall at the stroke of the axe of misfortune
Couplet 1011 To shrink abashed from evil deed is 'generous shame';Other is that of bright-browed one of virtuous fameExplanationTrue modesty is the fear of (evil) deeds; all other modesty is (simply) the bashfulness of virtuous maids
Couplet 1012 Food, clothing, and other things alike all beings own;By sense of shame the excellence of men is knownExplanationFood, clothing and the like are common to all men but modesty is peculiar to the good
Couplet 1013 All spirits homes of flesh as habitation claim,And perfect virtue ever dwells with shameExplanationAs the body is the abode of the spirit, so the excellence of modesty is the abode of perfection
Couplet 1014 And is not shame an ornament to men of dignity?Without it step of stately pride is piteous thing to seeExplanationIs not the modesty ornament of the noble ? Without it, their haughtiness would be a pain (to others)
Couplet 1015 As home of virtuous shame by all the world the men are known,Who feel ashamed for others, guilt as for their ownExplanationThe world regards as the abode of modesty him who fear his own and other's guilt
Couplet 1016 Unless the hedge of shame inviolate remain,For men of lofty soul the earth's vast realms no charms retainExplanationThe great make modesty their barrier (of defence) and not the wide world
Couplet 1017 The men of modest soul for shame would life an offering make,But ne'er abandon virtuous shame for life's dear sakeExplanationThe modest would rather lose their life for the sake of modesty than lose modesty for the sake of life
Couplet 1018 Though know'st no shame, while all around asha med must be:Virtue will shrink away ashamed of theeExplanationVirtue is likely to forsake him who shamelessly does what others are ashamed of
Couplet 1019 'Twill race consume if right observance fail;'Twill every good consume if shamelessness prevailExplanationWant of manners injures one's family; but want of modesty injures one's character
Couplet 1020 'Tis as with strings a wooden puppet apes life's functions, whenThose void of shame within hold intercourse with menExplanationThe actions of those who are without modesty at heart are like those of puppet moved by a string
Couplet 1001 Who fills his house with ample store, enjoying none,Is dead Nought with the useless heap is doneExplanationHe who does not enjoy the immense riches he has heaped up in his house, is (to be reckoned as) dead, (for) there is nothing achieved (by him)
Couplet 1002 Who giving nought, opines from wealth all blessing springs,Degraded birth that doting miser's folly bringsExplanationHe who knows that wealth yields every pleasure and yet is so blind as to lead miserly life will be born a demon
Couplet 1003 Who lust to heap up wealth, but glory hold not dear,It burthens earth when on the stage of being they appearExplanationA burden to the earth are men bent on the acquisition of riches and not (true) fame
Couplet 1004 Whom no one loves, when he shall pass away,What doth he look to leave behind, I prayExplanationWhat will the miser who is not liked (by any one) regard as his own (in the world to come)?
Couplet 1005 Amid accumulated millions they are poor,Who nothing give and nought enjoy of all they storeExplanationThose who neither give (to others) nor enjoy (their property) are (truly) destitute, though possessing immense riches
Couplet 1006 Their ample wealth is misery to men of churlish heart,Who nought themselves enjoy, and nought to worthy men impartExplanationHe who enjoys not (his riches) nor relieves the wants of the worthy is a disease to his wealth
Couplet 1007 Like woman fair in lonelihood who aged grows,Is wealth of him on needy men who nought bestowsExplanationThe wealth of him who never bestows anything on the destitute is like a woman of beauty growing old without a husband
Couplet 1008 When he whom no man loves exults in great prosperity,'Tis as when fruits in midmost of the town some poisonous treeExplanationThe wealth of him who is disliked (by all) is like the fruit-bearing of the etty tree in the midst of a town
Couplet 1009 Who love abandon, self-afflict, and virtue's way forsakeTo heap up glittering wealth, their hoards shall others takeExplanationStrangers will inherit the riches that have been acquired without regard for friendship, comfort and charity.
Couplet 1010 'Tis as when rain cloud in the heaven grows day,When generous wealthy man endures brief povertyExplanationThe short-lived poverty of those who are noble and rich is like the clouds becoming poor (for a while)
Couplet 991 Who easy access give to every man, they say,Of kindly courtesy will learn with ease the wayExplanationIf one is easy of access to all, it will be easy for one to obtain the virtue called goodness
Couplet 992 Benevolence and high born dignity,These two are beaten paths of courtesyExplanationAffectionateness and birth in a good family, these two constitute what is called a proper behaviour to all
Couplet 993 Men are not one because their members seem alike to outward view;Similitude of kindred quality makes likeness trueExplanationResemblance of bodies is no resemblance of souls; true resemblance is the resemblance of qualities that attract
Couplet 994 Of men of fruitful life, who kindly benefits dispense,The world unites to praise the 'noble excellence.'ExplanationThe world applauds the character of those whose usefulness results from their equity and charity
Couplet 995 Contempt is evil though in sport They who man's nature know,E'en in their wrath, a courteous mind will showExplanationReproach is painful to one even in sport; those (therefore) who know the nature of others exhibit (pleasing) qualities even when they are hated
Couplet 996 The world abides; for 'worthy' men its weight sustainWere it not so, 'twould fall to dust againExplanationThe (way of the) world subsists by contact with the good; if not, it would bury itself in the earth and perish
Couplet 997 Though sharp their wit as file, as blocks they must remain,Whose souls are void of 'courtesy humane'ExplanationHe who is destitute of (true) human qualities (only) resembles a tree, though he may possess the sharpness of a file
Couplet 998 Though men with all unfriendly acts and wrongs assail,'Tis uttermost disgrace in 'courtesy' to failExplanationIt is wrong (for the wise) not to exhibit (good) qualities even towards those who bearing no friendship (for them) do only what is hateful
Couplet 999 To him who knows not how to smile in kindly mirth,Darkness in daytime broods o'er all the vast and mighty earthExplanationTo those who cannot rejoice, the wide world is buried darkness even in (broad) day light
Couplet 1000 Like sweet milk soured because in filthy vessel poured,Is ample wealth in churlish man's unopened coffers storedExplanationThe great wealth obtained by one who has no goodness will perish like pure milk spoilt by the impurity of the vessel.
Couplet 981 All goodly things are duties to the men, they sayWho set themselves to walk in virtue's perfect wayExplanationIt is said that those who are conscious of their duty and behave with a perfect goodness will regard as natural all that is good
Couplet 982 The good of inward excellence they claim,The perfect men; all other good is only good in nameExplanationThe only delight of the perfect is that of their goodness; all other (sensual) delights are not to be included among any (true) delights
Couplet 983 Love, modesty, beneficence, benignant grace,With truth, are pillars five of perfect virtue's resting-placeExplanationAffection, fear (of sin), benevolence, favour and truthfulness; these are the five pillars on which perfect goodness rests
Couplet 984 The type of 'penitence' is virtuous good that nothing slays;To speak no ill of other men is perfect virtue's praiseExplanationPenance consists in the goodness that kills not , and perfection in the goodness that tells not others' faults
Couplet 985 Submission is the might of men of mighty acts; the sageWith that same weapon stills his foeman's rageExplanationStooping (to inferiors) is the strength of those who can accomplish (an undertaking); and that is the weapon with which the great avert their foes
Couplet 986 What is perfection's test? The equal mindTo bear repulse from even meaner men resignedExplanationThe touch-stone of perfection is to receive a defeat even at the hands of one's inferiors
Couplet 987 What fruit doth your perfection yield you, say!Unless to men who work you ill good repayExplanationOf what avail is perfect goodness if it cannot do pleasing things even to those who have pained (it) ?
Couplet 988 To soul with perfect virtue's strength endued,Brings no disgrace the lack of every earthly goodExplanationPoverty is no disgrace to one who abounds in good qualities
Couplet 989 Call them of perfect virtue's sea the shore,Who, though the fates should fail, fail not for evermoreExplanationThose who are said to be the shore of the sea of perfection will never change, though ages may change
Couplet 990 The mighty earth its burthen to sustain must cease,If perfect virtue of the perfect men decreaseExplanationIf there is a defect in the character of the perfect, (even) the great world cannot bear (its) burden
Couplet 971 The light of life is mental energy; disgrace is hisWho says, 'I 'ill lead a happy life devoid of this.'ExplanationOne's light is the abundance of one's courage; one's darkness is the desire to live destitute of such (a state of mind.)
Couplet 972 All men that live are one in circumstances of birth;Diversities of works give each his special worthExplanationAll human beings agree as regards their birth but differ as regards their characteristics, because of the different qualities of their actions
Couplet 973 The men of lofty line, whose souls are mean, are never greatThe men of lowly birth, when high of soul, are not of low estateExplanationThough (raised) above, the base cannot become great; though (brought) low, the great cannot become base
Couplet 974 Like single-hearted women, greatness too,Exists while to itself is trueExplanationExists while to itself is true
Couplet 975 The man endowed with greatness true,Rare deeds in perfect wise will doExplanation(Though reduced) the great will be able to perform, in the proper way, deeds difficult (for others to do)
Couplet 976 'As votaries of the truly great we will ourselves enroll,'Is thought that enters not the mind of men of little soulExplanationIt is never in the nature of the base to seek the society of the great and partake of their nature
Couplet 977 Whene'er distinction lights on some unworthy head,Then deeds of haughty insolence are bredExplanationEven nobility of birth, wealth and learning, if in (the possession of) the base, will (only) produce everincreasing pride
Couplet 978 Greatness humbly bends, but littleness alwaysSpreads out its plumes, and loads itself with praiseExplanationThe great will always humble himself; but the mean will exalt himself in self-admiration
Couplet 979 Greatness is absence of conceit; meanness, we deem,Riding on car of vanity supremeExplanationFreedom from conceit is (the nature of true) greatness; (while) obstinacy therein is (that of) meanness
Couplet 980 Greatness will hide a neighbour's shame;Meanness his faults to all the world proclaimExplanationThe great hide the faults of others; the base only divulge them
Couplet 961 Though linked to splendours man no otherwise may gain,Reject each act that may thine honour's clearness stainExplanationActions that would degrade (one's) family should not be done; though they may be so important that not doing them would end in death
Couplet 962 Who seek with glory to combine honour's untarnished fame,Do no inglorious deeds, though men accord them glory's nameExplanationThose who desire (to maintain their) honour, will surely do nothing dishonourable, even for the sake of fame
Couplet 963 Bow down thy soul, with increase blest, in happy hour;Lift up thy heart, when stript of all by fortune's powerExplanationIn great prosperity humility is becoming; dignity, in great adversity
Couplet 964 Like hairs from off the head that fall to earth,When fall'n from high estate are men of noble birthExplanationThey who have fallen from their (high) position are like the hair which has fallen from the head
Couplet 965 If meanness, slight as 'abrus' grain, by men be wrought,Though like a hill their high estate, they sink to noughtExplanationEven those who are exalted like a hill will be thought low, if they commit deeds that are debasing
Couplet 966 It yields no praise, nor to the land of Gods throws wide the gate:Why follow men who scorn, and at their bidding waitExplanationWhy follow men who scorn, and at their bidding wait?
Couplet 967 Better 'twere said, 'He's perished!' than to gainThe means to live, following in foeman's trainExplanationIt is better for a man to be said of him that he died in his usual state than that he eked out his life by following those who disgraced him
Couplet 968 When high estate has lost its pride of honour meet,Is life, that nurses this poor flesh, as nectar sweetExplanationFor the high-born to keep their body in life when their honour is gone will certainly not prove a remedy against death
Couplet 969 Like the wild ox that, of its tuft bereft, will pine away,Are those who, of their honour shorn, will quit the light of dayExplanationThose who give up (their) life when (their) honour is at stake are like the yark which kills itself at the loss of (even one of) its hairs
Couplet 970 Who, when dishonour comes, refuse to live, their honoured memoryWill live in worship and applause of all the world for ayeExplanationThe world will (always) praise and adore the fame of the honourable who would rather die than suffer indignity
Couplet 951 Save in the scions of a noble house, you never findInstinctive sense of right and virtuous shame combinedExplanationConsistency (of thought, word and deed) and fear (of sin) are conjointly natural only to the high-born
Couplet 952 In these three things the men of noble birth fail not:In virtuous deed and truthful word, and chastened thoughtExplanationThe high-born will never deviate from these three; good manners, truthfulness and modesty
Couplet 953 The smile, the gift, the pleasant word, unfailing courtesyThese are the signs, they say, of true nobilityExplanationA cheerful countenance, liberality, pleasant words, and an unreviling disposition, these four are said to be the proper qualities of the truly high-born
Couplet 954 Millions on millions piled would never winThe men of noble race to soul-degrading sinExplanationThough blessed with immense wealth, the noble will never do anything unbecoming
Couplet 955 Though stores for charity should fail within, the ancient raceWill never lose its old ancestral graceExplanationThough their means fall off, those born in ancient families, will not lose their character (for liberality)
Couplet 956 Whose minds are set to live as fits their sire's unspotted fame,Stooping to low deceit, commit no deeds that gender shameExplanationThose who seek to preserve the irreproachable honour of their families will not viciously do what is detrimental thereto
Couplet 957 The faults of men of noble race are seen by every eye,As spots on her bright orb that walks sublime the evening skyExplanationAs spots on her bright orb that walks sublime the evening sky
Couplet 958 If lack of love appear in those who bear some goodly name,'Twill make men doubt the ancestry they claimExplanationIf one of a good family betrays want of affection, his descent from it will be called in question
Couplet 959 Of soil the plants that spring thereout will show the worth:The words they speak declare the men of noble birthExplanationAs the sprout indicates the nature of the soil, (so) the speech of the noble indicates (that of one's birth)
Couplet 960 Who seek for good the grace of virtuous shame must know;Who seek for noble name to all must reverence showExplanationHe who desires a good name must desire modesty; and he who desires (the continuance of) a family greatness must be submissive to all
