Couplet 1041
You ask what sharper pain than poverty is known;
Nothing pains more than poverty, save poverty alone
Explanation
There is nothing that afflicts (one) like poverty
Couplet 1042
Malefactor matchless! poverty destroys
This world's and the next world's joys
Explanation
When 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 fame
Explanation
Hankering 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 disgrace
Explanation
Even in those of high birth, poverty will produce the fault of uttering mean words
Couplet 1045
From poverty, that grievous woe,
Attendant sorrows plenteous grow
Explanation
The 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 away
Explanation
The 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 face
Explanation
He 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 away
Explanation
Is 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 repose
Explanation
One 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 die
Explanation
The destitute poor, who do not renounce their bodies, only consume their neighbour's salt and water
