Couplet 221
Call that a gift to needy men thou dost dispense,
All else is void of good, seeking for recompense
Explanation
To give to the destitute is true charity All other gifts have the nature of (what is done for) a measured return
Couplet 222
Though men declare it heavenward path, yet to receive is ill;
Though upper heaven were not, to give is virtue still
Explanation
To beg is evil, even though it were said that it is a good path (to heaven) To give is good, even though it were said that those who do so cannot obtain heaven
Couplet 223
'I've nought' is ne'er the high-born man's reply;
He gives to those who raise themselves that cry
Explanation
(Even in a low state) not to adopt the mean expedient of saying "I have nothing," but to give, is the characteristic of the mad of noble birth
Couplet 224
The suppliants' cry for aid yields scant delight,
Until you see his face with grateful gladness bright
Explanation
To see men begging from us in disagreeable, until we see their pleasant countenance
Couplet 225
'Mid devotees they're great who hunger's pangs sustain,
Who hunger's pangs relieve a higher merit gain
Explanation
The power of those who perform penance is the power of enduring hunger It is inferior to the power of those who remove the hunger (of others)
Couplet 226
Let man relieve the wasting hunger men endure;
For treasure gained thus finds he treasure-house secure
Explanation
The removal of the killing hunger of the poor is the place for one to lay up his wealth
Couplet 227
Whose soul delights with hungry men to share his meal,
The hand of hunger's sickness sore shall never feel
Explanation
The fiery disease of hunger shall never touch him who habitually distributes his food to others
Couplet 228
Delight of glad'ning human hearts with gifts do they not know.
Men of unpitying eye, who hoard their wealth and lose it so
Explanation
Do the hard-eyed who lay up and lose their possessions not know the happiness which springs from the pleasure of giving ?
Couplet 229
They keep their garners full, for self alone the board they spread;-
'Tis greater pain, be sure, than begging daily bread
Explanation
29 Solitary and unshared eating for the sake of filling up one's own riches is certainly much more
Couplet 230
'Tis bitter pain to die, 'Tis worse to live.
For him who nothing finds to give
Explanation
Nothing is more unpleasant than death: yet even that is pleasant where charity cannot be exercised
