Couplet 1091 A double witchery have glances of her liquid eye; One glance is glance that brings me pain; the other heals again Explanation There 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 delight Explanation A 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 shed Explanation She 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 smile Explanation When 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 maid Her love, by smiling side-long glance, betrayed Explanation She 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 known Explanation Though 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 reveal Are signs of those that love, but would their love conceal Explanation Little 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 smile Explanation When 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' eyes Explanation Both 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 prove Explanation The 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 mind Explanation Is 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 band Explanation This 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 eyes Explanation I 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 strife Explanation These 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 here Explanation Is 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 dart Explanation Her 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 breast Explanation The 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 now Explanation On 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 ornament Explanation Of 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 see Explanation Unlike 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 seen Explanation The 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 free Explanation The 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 too Do ever what they list to do Explanation The 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 smile Explanation The 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 avail Explanation (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 hear The sound the secret out in every neighbour's ear Explanation The 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 break Explanation The 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 bruise Explanation The 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 base Is mighty man some hidden fault to trace Explanation The 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 sale Explanation The 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 give Explanation Not 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 so Explanation If 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.' Explanation There 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 worth Has excellence of greatness that transcends the earth Explanation Even 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 clear Explanation Even 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 task Explanation There 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.' Explanation I beseech all beggars and say, "If you need to beg, never beg of those who give unwillingly." Couplet 1068 The fragile bark of beggary Wrecked on denial's rock will lie Explanation The 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 utterly Explanation To 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 denies Explanation Saying "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 deny Explanation If 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 receive Explanation Even 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 face To stand as suppliants affords especial grace Explanation There 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 dream Explanation To 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 pray Explanation As 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 flee Explanation All 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 joy Explanation Beggars 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 go Explanation If 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' role Explanation What (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 proof Explanation He 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 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
Couplet 1031 Howe'er they roam, the world must follow still the plougher's team; Though toilsome, culture of the ground as noblest toil esteem Explanation Agriculture, 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 bear Them up who other works perform, too weak its toils to share Explanation Agriculturists 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 give Explanation They 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 grain Explanation Patriotic 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 live Explanation Those 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 ground Explanation If 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 secure Explanation If 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 now Explanation Manuring 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 mood Explanation If 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 poverty Explanation The 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 stand Explanation There 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 combine In deed prolonged, then lengthens out the race's line Explanation One'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 way Explanation The 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 gain Explanation Those 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 claim Explanation People 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 praise To him who gives his powers, the house from which he sprang to raise Explanation A 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 strong Explanation Amid 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 dear Explanation As 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 ill Explanation Is 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 wall Explanation If 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 fame Explanation True 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 known Explanation Food, 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 shame Explanation As 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 see Explanation Is 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 own Explanation The 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 retain Explanation The 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 sake Explanation The 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 thee Explanation Virtue 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 prevail Explanation Want 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, when Those void of shame within hold intercourse with men Explanation The 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 done Explanation He 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 brings Explanation He 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 appear Explanation A 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 pray Explanation What 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 store Explanation Those 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 impart Explanation He 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 bestows Explanation The 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 tree Explanation The 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 forsake To heap up glittering wealth, their hoards shall others take Explanation Strangers 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 poverty Explanation The 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 way Explanation If 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 courtesy Explanation Affectionateness 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 true Explanation Resemblance 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.' Explanation The 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 show Explanation Reproach 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 sustain Were it not so, 'twould fall to dust again Explanation The (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' Explanation He 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 fail Explanation It 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 earth Explanation To 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 stored Explanation The 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 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
Couplet 971 The light of life is mental energy; disgrace is his Who says, 'I 'ill lead a happy life devoid of this.' Explanation One'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 worth Explanation All 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 great The men of lowly birth, when high of soul, are not of low estate Explanation Though (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 true Explanation Exists while to itself is true Couplet 975 The man endowed with greatness true, Rare deeds in perfect wise will do Explanation (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 soul Explanation It 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 bred Explanation Even 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 always Spreads out its plumes, and loads itself with praise Explanation The 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 supreme Explanation Freedom 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 proclaim Explanation The 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 stain Explanation Actions 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 name Explanation Those 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 power Explanation In 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 birth Explanation They 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 nought Explanation Even 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 wait Explanation Why follow men who scorn, and at their bidding wait? Couplet 967 Better 'twere said, 'He's perished!' than to gain The means to live, following in foeman's train Explanation It 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 sweet Explanation For 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 day Explanation Those 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 memory Will live in worship and applause of all the world for aye Explanation The 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 find Instinctive sense of right and virtuous shame combined Explanation Consistency (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 thought Explanation The high-born will never deviate from these three; good manners, truthfulness and modesty Couplet 953 The smile, the gift, the pleasant word, unfailing courtesy These are the signs, they say, of true nobility Explanation A 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 win The men of noble race to soul-degrading sin Explanation Though blessed with immense wealth, the noble will never do anything unbecoming Couplet 955 Though stores for charity should fail within, the ancient race Will never lose its old ancestral grace Explanation Though 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 shame Explanation Those 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 sky Explanation As 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 claim Explanation If 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 birth Explanation As 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 show Explanation He who desires a good name must desire modesty; and he who desires (the continuance of) a family greatness must be submissive to all
