Couplet 411
Wealth of wealth is wealth acquired be ear attent;
Wealth mid all wealth supremely excellent
Explanation
Wealth (gained) by the ear is wealth of wealth; that wealth is the chief of all wealth
Couplet 412
When 'tis no longer time the listening ear to feed
With trifling dole of food supply the body's need
Explanation
When there is no food for the ear, give a little also to the stomach
Couplet 413
Who feed their ear with learned teachings rare,
Are like the happy gods oblations rich who share
Explanation
Those who in this world enjoy instruction which is the food of the ear, are equal to the Gods, who enjoy the food of the sacrifices
Couplet 414
Though learning none hath he, yet let him hear alway:
In weakness this shall prove a staff and stay
Explanation
Although a man be without learning, let him listen (to the teaching of the learned); that will be to him a staff in adversity
Couplet 415
Like staff in hand of him in slippery ground who strays
Are words from mouth of those who walk in righteous ways
Explanation
The words of the good are like a staff in a slippery place
Couplet 416
Let each man good things learn, for e'en as he
Shall learn, he gains increase of perfect dignity
Explanation
Let a man listen, never so little, to good (instruction), even that will bring him great dignity
Couplet 417
Not e'en through inadvertence speak they foolish word,
With clear discerning mind who've learning's ample lessons heard
Explanation
Not even when they have imperfectly understood (a matter), will those men speak foolishly, who have profoundly studied and diligently listened (to instruction)
Couplet 418
Where teaching hath not oped the learner's ear,
The man may listen, but he scarce can hear
Explanation
The ear which has not been bored by instruction, although it hears, is deaf
Couplet 419
'Tis hard for mouth to utter gentle, modest word,
When ears discourse of lore refined have never heard
Explanation
It is a rare thing to find modesty, a reverend mouth- with those who have not received choice instruction
Couplet 420
His mouth can taste, but ear no taste of joy can give!
What matter if he die, or prosperous live
Explanation
What does it matter whether those men live or die, who can judge of tastes by the mouth, and not by the ear ?
