Couplet 981
All goodly things are duties to the men, they say
Who set themselves to walk in virtue's perfect way
Explanation
It 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 name
Explanation
The 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-place
Explanation
Affection, 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 praise
Explanation
Penance 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 sage
With that same weapon stills his foeman's rage
Explanation
Stooping (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 mind
To bear repulse from even meaner men resigned
Explanation
The 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 repay
Explanation
Of 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 good
Explanation
Poverty 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 evermore
Explanation
Those 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 decrease
Explanation
If there is a defect in the character of the perfect, (even) the great world cannot bear (its) burden
