{"id":2320,"date":"2013-07-13T01:40:50","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:40:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=2320"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:40:50","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:40:50","slug":"21-bhartrihari-century-of-life-vol-05-translations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/03-cwsa\/05-translations\/21-bhartrihari-century-of-life-vol-05-translations","title":{"rendered":"-21_Bhartrihari – Century of Life.html"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n <\/td>\n\n

\n
\nSection Four<\/font><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nBhartrihari<\/font><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThe Century of Life<\/font><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\n
\nThe Nitishataka of Bhartrihari<\/i><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\nfreely rendered into English verse<\/i><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n

\nI had at first entitled the translation “The Century of Morals”, but the Sanskrit word Niti has a more complex sense. It includes also policy and worldly wisdom, the rule of successful as well as the law of ideal conduct and gives scope for observation of all the turns and forces determining the movement of human character and action.  <\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Shataka or “century” should normally comprise a hundred epigrams, but the number that has come down to us is considerably more. The excess is probably due to accretion and the mistaken ascription to Bhartrihari of verses not of his making but cast in his spirit and manner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSRI<\/font> AUROBINDO<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nInvocation<\/font><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nTo the calm Light inviolable all hail<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhom Time divides not, nor Space measures, One,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBoundless and Absolute who Is alone,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe eternal vast I Am immutable!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nOn Fools and Folly<\/font><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nLove’s Folly <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nShe with whom all my thoughts dwell, is averse, \u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe loves another. He whom she desires<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTurns to a fairer face. Another worse<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor me afflicted is with deeper fires.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFie on my love and me and him and her!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFie most on Love, this madness’ minister!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Middle Sort<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nEasily shalt thou the ignorant appease;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe wise more easily is satisfied;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut one who builds his raw and foolish pride<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn a little lore not God himself can please.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nObstinacy in Folly<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nGo, with strong violence thy jewel tear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom the fierce alligator’s yawning jaws;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSwim the wild surges when they lash the air<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBillow on billow thundering without pause;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr set an angry serpent in thy hair<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor garland! Sooner shalt thou gain their ruth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThan conquer the fool’s obstinate heart with truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nOn the Same<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNay, thou wilt find sweet oil in the sea-sands,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPress them but firmly in thy strenuous hands:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe desert-born mirage shall slake thy thirst,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr wandering through the earth thou shalt be first<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo find the horns of hares, who thinkst to school<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith reason the prejudgments of the fool.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nObstinacy in Vice<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nYea, wouldst thou task thy muscles then the dread<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStrength of the mammoth to constrain with thread?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCanst thou the diamond’s adamant heart disclose<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith the sweet edge and sharpness of a rose?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith a poor drop of honey wondrously<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWilt thou make sweetness of the wide salt sea?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho dreamst with sugared perfect words to gain<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe unhonest to the ways of noble men!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nFolly’s Wisdom<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nOne cloak on ignorance absolutely fits;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nJustly if worn, some grace is even lent;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSilence in sessions of the learned sits<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn the fool’s brow like a bright ornament.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nA Little Knowledge<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nWhen I was with a little knowledge cursed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike a mad elephant I stormed about<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd thought myself all-knowing. But when deep-versed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRich minds some portion of their wealth disbursed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy poverty to raise, then for a lout<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd dunce I knew myself, and the insolence went<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOut from me like a fever violent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPride of Littleness<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe dog upon a meatless bone and lank,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHorrible, stinking, vile, with spittle wet,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFeasts and with heaven’s nectar gives it rank.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen though the ambrosial God should by him stand,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe is not awed nor feels how base his fate,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut keeps his ghastly gettings more in hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe little nature deems its small things great<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd virtue scorns and strength and noble state.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nFacilis Descensus<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIn highest heavens the Ganges’ course began;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom Shiva’s loftiest brow to the white snows<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe tumbles, nor on the cold summits can,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut headlong seeks the valley and the rose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThence downward still the heaven-born waters ran.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nSay not, “Is this that Ganges? can her place<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe now so low?” Rather when man at all<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom heavenly reason swerves, he sinks from grace<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSwiftly. A thousand voices downward call,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA thousand doors are opened to his fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nThe Great Incurable<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nFor all ill things there is a cure; the fire’s<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRed spleen cool water shall at once appease,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd noontide’s urgent rays the sunshade tires,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd there are spells for poison, and disease<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFinds in the leech’s careful drugs its ease.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe raging elephant yet feels the goad,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd the dull ass and obstinate bullock rule<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCudgel and stick and force upon their road.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor one sole plague no cure is found \u2014 the fool.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBodies without Mind<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nSome minds there are to Art and Beauty dead,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMusic and poetry on whose dull ear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFall barren. Horns grace not their brutish head,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTails too they lack, yet is their beasthood clear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat Heaven ordained not upon grass their feasts,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGood fortune is this for the other beasts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Human Herd<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nWhose days to neither charity nor thought<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre given, nor holy deeds nor virtues prized,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor learning, such to cumber earth were brought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow in the human world as men disguised<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis herd walk grazing, higher things unsought!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nA Choice<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBetter were this, to roam in deserts wild,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn difficult mountains and by desolate pools,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA savage life with wild beasts reconciled,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThan Paradise itself mated with fools.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nOn Wisdom<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nPoets and Princes<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nUnhonoured in a State when poets dwell<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhose fames range wider than its strong-winged birds,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhose utterance is for grace adorable<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf chosen speech and art of noble words,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhose wisdom hundreds come to hear and tell;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe world that nation’s chief for dullness blames,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor poets without wealth are rich and kings:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen values low depreciate costly things,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis the appraiser’s shame and not the gem’s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nTrue Wealth<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nKnowledge is truest wealth, not this which dies, \u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt cherishes a strange deep peace within<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnutterably, nor the robber’s eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEver shall find it out; to give it is gain,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt then grows most when parted with, and poured<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith sleepless hand fills gloriously its lord.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWorlds perish may, Knowledge survives their fall;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis wise men cherish; O Kings, your pride recall,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou have but wealth, they inner royalty<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf lordliest wisdom. Who with these shall vie?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nThe Man of Knowledge<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nScorn not the man of knowledge to whose eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe secrets of the world have been revealed!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou canst not hold his spirit from the skies<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy fortune light nor all that earth can yield.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe furious tusker with new dark rut stained<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWere sooner by a lotus-thread detained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nFate and Wisdom<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nWhat can the extreme wrath of hostile Fate?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe swan that floats in the cool lotus-wood<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe from his pleasant mansion can exclude.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis fame remains, in food adulterate1<\/font><\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho could the better choose, the worse discern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFate cannot touch glory that mind can earn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Real Ornament<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIt is not armlets that adorn a man,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor necklaces all crammed with moonbright pearls, <\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor baths, nor ointments, nor arranged curls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis art of excellent speech that only can<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAdorn him: jewels perish, garlands fade;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis only abides and glitters undecayed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n1 The swan was supposed to have the power of separating milk from water, when the two were mixed.<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nThe Praises of Knowledge<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nKnowledge is nobler beauty in a man<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThan features: ’tis his hidden hoard of price;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis the long roll of Masters first began;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPleasure it brings, just fame and constant bliss,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd is a helping friend in foreign lands,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd is a very god with puissant hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nKnowledge, not wealth in great men is adored,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor better than a beast the mind unstored.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nComparisons<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMen cherish burning anger in their hearts,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet look without to find if they have foes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho sweet forbearance has, requires no arts<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf speech; persuading silently he goes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy fear the snake when in thy kindness bask<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMen evil, or a fire while kinsmen jar<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBurning thy house! From heaven no medicines ask<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo heal a troubled mind, where true friends are.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor seek for ornaments, noble modest shame<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeing with thee, nor for wealth when wisdom’s by.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho needs a kingdom when his mind can claim<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA golden realm in sweetest poetry?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nWorldly Wisdom<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nHave mercy for all men, for thy own race<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave kindness, for the cunning cunning have,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAffection for the good, and politic ways<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor princes: for thy foes a spirit brave,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPatience for elders, candour for the wise:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave skilful ways to steal out women’s hearts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho shine here, masters in these social arts,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn them the human scheme deep-rooted lies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nGood Company<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nCompany of good men is a very soil<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf plenty, yielding all high things to man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe dull weight of stupidity it can<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLift from the mind and cleanse of falsehood vile,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSprinkling truth’s fragrance sweet upon the speech;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd it can point out greatness’ rising path,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd drive out sinful lust and drive out wrath,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd a calm gladness to the senses teach;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGlory that to the very stars would climb,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCan give thee, conquering thy heart and time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Conquests of Sovereign Poetry<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nWho are the conquerors? Not mere lords of land,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut kingly poets, whose high victories<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre perfect works; men’s hearts at their command<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre wholly; at their will the passions rise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGlory their body is, which Death’s pale fear<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nAfflicts not, nor abhorred Age comes near. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nRarities<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nWhatever most the soul on earth desires,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre rarities, as, a virtuous son; a wife<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho wholly loves; Fortune that never tires;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA friend whose sweet affection waters life;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA master pleased; servants that ne’er deceive;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA charming form; a mind no sorrows grieve;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA mouth in wisdom proved that makes not strife.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThese to his favourites being pleased allows<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHari, of whom the world grows amorous.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe Universal Religion<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAll varying Scriptures that the earth divide,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave yet one common rule that need o’erride<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDogma nor rite, nor any creed offend;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll to their heavens by one sole path intend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis this: \u2014 Abstain from slaughter; others’ wealth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo covet cease, and in thy speech no stealth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf falsehood harbour; give in season due<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAccording to thy power; from ribald view<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr word keep far of woman, wife or maid;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe mild obedience to thy elders paid;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDam longing like a river; each act beneath<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShow mercy and kindness to all things that breathe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nGreat and Meaner Spirits<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nSome from high action through base fear refrain;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe path is difficult, the way not plain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOthers more noble to begin are stayed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy a few failures. Great spirits undismayed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAbandon never what once to do they swore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBaffled and beaten back they spring once more,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBuffeted and borne down, rise up again<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd, full of wounds, come on like iron men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Narrow Way<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nKind to be, yet immutably be just;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo find all baser act too hard to do, \u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYea, though not doing shatter our life to dust; \u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

\nContempt that will not to the evil sue;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot to the friend that’s poor our need to state;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBaffled by fortune still erect to stand;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeing small to tread in footprints of the great;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho for weak men such rugged path has planned,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHarder to tread than edge of this sharp brand?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nOn Pride and Heroism<\/font><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nLion-Heart <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe maned lion, first of kingly names,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMagnanimous and famed, though worn with age,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWasted with hunger, blunted his keen edge<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd low the splendid spirit in him flames,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot therefore will with wretched grass assuage<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis famished pangs as graze the deer and bull.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRather his dying breath collects desire,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLeaping once more from shattered brows to pull <\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf the great tusked elephants mad with ire<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis sovereign banquet fierce and masterful.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Way of the Lion<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe dog with a poor bone is satisfied,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMeatless, with bits of fat and sinew greased,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor is his hunger with such remnants eased.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot so the kingly lion in his pride!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe lets the jackal go grazed by his claw <\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd slays the tusked kings. Such Nature’s law;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEach being pitches his high appetite<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAt even with his courage and his might.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nA Contrast<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe dog may servile fawn upon the hand<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat feeds him, with his tail at wag, nor pain<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn crouching and his abject rollings bland<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith upward face and belly all in vain:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe elephant to countless flatteries<\/span><\/p>\n

\nReturns a quiet look in steadfast eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Wheel of Life<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe world goes round and, as returns the wheel,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll things that die must yet again be born:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis birth is birth indeed by whose return<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis race and country grandeur’s summits scale.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nAut Caesar aut Nullus<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nTwo fates alone strong haughty minds endure,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf worth convinced; \u2014 on the world’s forehead proud<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSingly to bloom exalted o’er the crowd,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr wither in the wilderness obscure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nMagnanimity<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMy brother, exalt thyself though in o’erthrow!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFive noble planets through these spaces roll,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nJupiter is of them; \u2014 not on these he leaps,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRahu,1<\/font><\/sup> the immortal demon of eclipse,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn his high magnanimity of soul.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSmit with God’s thunders only his head he keeps,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet seizes in his brief and gloomy hour<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf vengeance the great luminous kings of heaven,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDay’s Lord and the light to whom night’s soul is given;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe scorns to strive with things of lesser power.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Motion of Giants<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nOn his wide hood as on a painted shield <\/span><\/p>\n

\nBears up the ranged worlds, Infinite, the Snake;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHim in the giant midmost of his back<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe eternal Tortoise brooks, whom the great field<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf vague and travelling waters ceaselessly<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEncompass with the proud unfathomed sea.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO easy mights and marvellous of the great,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhose simplest action is yet vast with fate!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n1 Rahu, the Titan, stole or seized part of the nectar which rose from the world-ocean at the churning 
\nby the Gods and Titans and was appropriated by the  Gods. For this violence he was smitten in two by the discus of Vishnu; but as he had drunk the nectar, 
\nhe remains immortal and seeks always to revenge himself  by swallowing the Sun and Moon who had detected his theft. The Tortoise mentioned in the next epigram upheld  the mountain Mandar, which was the stick of the churning. The Great Snake Ananta was the rope of the churning, he on whose hood the earth now rests.
\n<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nMainak<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nO child of the immortal mountains hoar,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMainak,2<\/font><\/sup> far better had this been to bear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe bleeding wings that furious Indra tore,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe thunder’s scars that with disastrous roar<\/span><\/p>\n

\nVomiting lightnings made the
\nheavens one flare, \u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot, not this refuge in the cool wide sea<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhile all thy suffering people cried to thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nNoble Resentment<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe crystal hath no sense disgrace to know,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet blazes angry when the sun’s feet rouse;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall man the high-spirited, the orgulous,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBrook insult vile from fellow or from foe?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nAge and Genius<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNature, not age is the high spirit’s cause<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat burns in mighty hearts and genius high.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLo, on the rutting elephant’s tusked jaws<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe infant lion leaps invincibly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n2 The mountains had formerly wings and could move about,
\n\u2014 to the great inconvenience of everybody: Indra, attacked by them, smote off their wings with the thunderbolt. Mainak, son of Himalaya, took refuge in the sea.
\n<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nOn Wealth<\/font><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Prayer to Mammon<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nCast birth into the nether Hell; let all<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe useless tribe of talents farther fall;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThrow virtue headlong from a rock and turn<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHigh nobleness into the fire to burn;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe heroic heart let some swift thunder rive,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOur enemy that hinders us to live;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWealth let us only keep; this one thing less,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll those become as weeds and emptiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nA Miracle<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBehold a wonder mid the sons of men!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe man is undiminished he we knew,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnmaimed his organs and his senses keen<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEven as of old, his actions no-wise new,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nVoice, tone and words the same we heard before,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe brain’s resistless march too as of yore;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOnly the flattering heat of wealth is gone,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd lo! the whole man changed, his praises done.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nWealth the Sorcerer<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nHe who has wealth, has birth; gold who can spill,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs scholar, doctor, critic, what you will;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor who has golden coin, has golden tongue,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs glorious, gracious, beautiful and young;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll virtues, talents, fames to gold repair<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd lodge in gold leaving the poor man bare.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nTwo Kinds of Loss<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThese things are deaths, ill-counsel ruining kings,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe son by fondling spoiled, by him the race,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAttachment, to the sage’s heart that clings,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd natural goodness marred by company base,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Brahman by scant study unbrahminised,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSweet shame by wine o’erthrown, by wandering long<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAffection waning, friendship true unprized,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTillage uncared, good fortune follies wrong;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut wealth in double way men may reject,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNobly by giving, poorly by neglect.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Triple Way of Wealth<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThree final roads wealth takes and only three,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo give, enjoy or lose it utterly:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd his whose miser hand to give is slow<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor yet enjoys, the worst third way shall go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nThe Beauty of Giving<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBe not a miser of thy strength and store;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOft in a wounded grace more beauty is.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe jewel which the careful gravers score;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe sweet fair girl-wife broken with bridal bliss,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe rut-worn tusker, the autumnal stream<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith its long beaches dry and slender flood;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe hero wreathed with victory’s diadem,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAdorned with wounds and glorious with his blood;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe moon’s last disc; rich men of their bright dross,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy gifts disburdened, fairer shine by loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nCircumstance<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThere is no absoluteness in objects. See<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis indigent man aspire as to a prize<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo handfuls of mere barley-bread! yet he<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA few days past, fed full with luxuries,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHeld for a trifle earth and all her skies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot in themselves are objects great or small,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut circumstance works on the elastic mind,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo widen or contract. The view is all,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd by our inner state the world’s defined.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nAdvice to a King<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nHe fosters, King, the calf who milks the cow,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd thou who takest of the wide earth tax,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFoster the people; with laborious brow<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd sleepless vigil strive till nought it lacks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen shall the earth become thy faery tree<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf plenty, pleasure, fame, felicity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nPolicy<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nOften she lies, wears sometimes brow of truth,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nKind sometimes, sometimes ravening-merciless;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNow open-handed, full of bounty and grace,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd now a harpy; now sweet honey and ruth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFlows from her tongue, now menace harsh or stern;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis moment with a bottomless desire<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe gathers millions in, the next will
\ntire, \u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEndless expense takes prodigally its turn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThus like a harlot changes momently<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn princes the chameleon Policy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Uses of High Standing<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMen highly placed by six good gifts are high.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe first is noble liberality;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe second, power that swift obedience brings;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nService to holy men and holy things<\/span><\/p>\n

\nComes next; then fame; protection then of friends;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPleasure in pleasant things the great list ends.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhose rising with these six is unallied,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat seeks he by a mighty prince’s side?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nRemonstrance with the Suppliant<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nWhat the Creator on thy forehead traced<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs on a plate of bronze indelibly,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nExpect that much or little, worst or best,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWherever thou dwell, nobly or wretchedly,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSince thou shalt not have less, though full of pain<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn deserts waterless mid savage men<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou wander sole; nor on Olympus hoar<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRanked amid mighty Gods shalt thou have more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTherefore be royal-hearted still and bold,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO man, nor thy proud crest in vain abase<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCringing to rich men for their gathered gold.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom the small well or ocean fathomless<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe jar draws equally what it can hold.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Rain-lark to the Cloud<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nYou opulent clouds that in high heavens ride,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs’t fame you seek? but surely all men know<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo you the darting rain-larks homage owe!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHold you then back your showers, because your pride<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy our low suings must be gratified?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nTo the Rain-lark<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nO rain-lark, rain-lark, flitting near the cloud,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAttentive hear, winged friend, a friendly word.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll vapours are not like, the heavens that shroud<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDarkening; some drench the earth for noble fruit,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSome are vain thunderers wandering by with bruit:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSue not to each thou seest then, O bird;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf humbly entreat thou must, let few have heard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nOn the Wicked<\/font><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nEvil Nature<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA heart unpitying, brawling vain and rude,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAn eye to others’ wives and wealth inclined,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nImpatience of true friends and of
\nthe good, \u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThese things are self-born in the evil mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Human Cobra<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAvoid the evil man with learning crowned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLo, the dread cobra, all his hood a gem<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf glory, yet he crawls upon the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFearst thou him less for that bright diadem?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nVirtue and Slander<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA spiritless dull block call modesty;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLove of long fasts and holy vows must be<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMere shows, yon pure heart but a Pharisee,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe world-renouncing sage a fool; the high<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWorld-conquering hero’s taxed with cruelty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis sweet word’s baseness, that great orator<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA windbag, and the great spirit furious pride,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd calm patience an impotent weakness poor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThus the base-natured all high things deride.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nJudged by the slanderous tongue, the uncandid eyes,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat brightest virtue turns not blackest vice?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nRealities<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nGreed if thou hast, thou art of sin secure:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeing treacherous, of what heinous fault hast need?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo distant temple wants whose soul is pure:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHeart’s truth is more than penance, vow or creed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith natural goodness, why mere virtues pile?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe soul being great, a royal crown were poor;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGood books thou hast, rubies were surplus vile;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen shame has pierced the heart, can death do more?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nSeven Griefs<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nSeven griefs are as seven daggers in my heart, \u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo see a lake without its lilied bloom,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe moon grow beggared of her radiant part,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSweet woman’s beauty fade towards the tomb,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA noble hug his wealth, a good man gone<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDown in the press of miseries, a fair<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd vacant face when knowledge is not there,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA base man standing by a monarch’s throne.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Friendship of Tyrants<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nTyrants have neither kin nor lover. Fire<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAccepts the rich man’s offerings; at the end<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall these then slake its wrathful swift desire?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNay, let him touch it! It will spare its friend!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nThe Hard Lot of the Courtier<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nHard is the courtier’s lot who fain would please.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeing silent, “Lo the dumb man!” they gibe; if speech<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEloquent edge his wit, “He seeks to teach,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe chatterer!” else, “Hark to his flatteries!”<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRude, if he sit near; far, \u2014 “What want of ease!”<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEnduring insult, “Coward!”; if he spurn<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe injurer, “Surely a spawn of parents base!”<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSuch service is in courts, whose laws to learn<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWise sages are perplexed, or tread its ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Upstart<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nYea, how this high sun burns that was so low,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEnlightening with his favours all things base!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHating all good, with chainless licence vile<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf those his filthy deeds makes arrogant show<\/span><\/p>\n

\nObscurely engendered in his unseen days<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEre sudden fortune raised from miry soil.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo virtue now, genius nor merit’s safe<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom vulture eyes that at all cleanness chafe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nTwo Kinds of Friendship<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nLike shadows of the afternoon and morn<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFriendship in good men is and in the base;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll vast the lewd man’s in its first embrace,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut lessens and wears away; the other’s, born<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA dwarfish thing, grows giantlike apace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nNatural Enmities<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nTrust not thy innocence, nor say, “No foe<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have the world through;” other is the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe deer’s content with simple grass, yet bow<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf hunter fears; the fisher’s net is hurled<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo catch the water’s innocents; his high<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd simple life contented leads the good,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet by the evil heart insatiably<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith causeless hatred finds himself pursued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nOn Virtue<\/font><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nDescription of the Virtuous<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nHomage to him who keeps his heart a book<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor stainless matters, prone others’ gifts to prize<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd nearness of the good; whose faithful look<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRejoices in his own dear wife; whose eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre humble to the Master good and wise;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA passion high for learning, noble fear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf public shame who feels; treasures the still<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSweet love of God; to self no minister,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut schools that ravener to his lordlier will,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFar from the evil herd on virtue’s hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Noble Nature<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEloquence in the assembly; in the field<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe puissant act, the lion’s heart; proud looks<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnshaken in defeat, but modest-kind<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMercy when victory comes; passionate for books<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHigh love of learning; thoughts to fame inclined; \u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThese things are natural to the noble mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nThe High and Difficult Road<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nTo give in secret as beneath a shroud;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo honour all who to thy threshold come;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo good by stealth and of thy deeds be dumb,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut of another’s noble acts be proud<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd vaunt them in the senate and the crowd;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo keep low minds in fortune’s arrogant day;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo speak of foemen without scorn or rage;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat finger appointed first this roughest way<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf virtue narrower than the falchion’s edge?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAdornment<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe hand needs not a bracelet for its pride,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHigh liberality its greatness is;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe head no crown wants to show deified,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFallen at the Master’s feet it best doth please.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTruth-speaking makes the face more bright to shine;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDeep musing is the glory of the gaze;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStrength and not gold in conquering arms divine<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTriumphs; calm purity the heart arrays.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNature’s great men have these for wealth and gem;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRiches they need not, nor a diadem.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Softness and Hardness of the Noble<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeing fortunate, how the noble heart grows soft<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs lilies! But in calamity’s rude shocks<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRugged and high like a wild mountain’s rocks<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt fronts the thunders, granite piled aloft.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nThe Power of Company<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBehold the water’s way, \u2014 on iron red<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen it falls hissing, not a trace remains,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet ’tis the same that on the lotus shines,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA dewy thing like pearls, \u2014 yea, pearl indeed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTurns when the oyster-shell receives and heaven<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo those rain-bringing stars their hour has given.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHigh virtue, vice or inconspicuous mean<\/span><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis company that moulds in things or men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Three Blessings<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe is a son whose noble deeds and high<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis loving father’s heart rejoice;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe is a wife whose only jewellery<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs her dear husband’s joy and bliss;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe the true friend whose actions are the same<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn peaceful days or hours of bale and shame;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThese three who wins, finds earth his Paradise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left:0<\/b><\/b>pt”>
\n
\nThe Ways of the Good<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

<p align="justify" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left:0<\/b><\/b>pt”>
\n <\/p>\n

\nWho would not honour good men and revere<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhose loftiness by modesty is shown,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhose merits not by their own vaunts appear,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBest in their constant praise of others known,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd for another’s good each power to brace<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo passionate effort is their selfishness?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHark to their garrulous slanderer’s gurge of blame<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFoaming with censure violent and rude!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet they revile not back, but put to shame<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy their sweet patience and calm fortitude.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSuch are their marvellous moods, their noble ways,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhom men delight to honour and to praise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWealth of Kindness<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen is the ear adorned when it inclines<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo wisdom; giving bracelets rich exceeds;<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nSo the beneficent heart’s deep-stored mines<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre worked for ore of sweet compassionate deeds,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd with that gold the very body shines.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Good Friend<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThus is the good friend pictured by the pens<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf good men: \u2014 still with gentle hand he turns<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom sin and shame his friend, to noble gains<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStill spurs him on; deep in his heart inurns<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis secret errors, blares his parts abroad,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGives at his need, nor takes the traitor’s road<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLeaving with facile wings when fortune spurns.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\nThe Nature of Beneficence<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nFreely the sun gives all his beams to wake<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe lotus slumbering in the darkened lake;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe moon unasked expends her gentle light,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWooing to bloom her lily of the night;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnasked the cloud its watery burden gives.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe noble nature in beneficence lives;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnsought, unsued, not asking kindness back<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDoes good in secret for that good’s sole sake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Abomination of Wickedness<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nRare are the hearts that for another’s joy<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFling from them self and hope of their own bliss;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHimself unhurt for others’ good to try<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMan’s impulse and his common nature is:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut they who for their poor and selfish aims<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHurt others, are but fiends with human names.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho hurt their brother men themselves unhelped,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat they are, we know not, nor what horror whelped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nWater and Milk<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBy water and sweet milk example Love.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMilk all its sweetness to the water gives,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor in one wedded self their friendship lives;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd when hot pangs the one to anguish move,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe other immolates itself to fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo steal his friend’s grief is a friend’s desire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nHe seeing his friend’s hard state is minded too<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo seek the flame; but happily again<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWedded to him is eased of all his pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis friendship is, one heart that’s shared by two.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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\n

\n
\nAltruism Oceanic<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nHere Vishnu sleeps, here find his foes their rest;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe hills have taken refuge, serried lie<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTheir armies in deep Ocean’s sheltering breast;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe clouds of doom are of his heart possessed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe harbours nether fire whence he must die.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCherisher of all in vast equality,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLo, the wide strong sublime and patient sea!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Aryan Ethic<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nHear the whole Gospel and the Law thereto: \u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSpeak truth, and in wise company abide;<\/p>\n

\nSlay lust, thine enemy; abandon pride;<\/p>\n

\nPatience and sweet forgiveness to thee woo;<\/p>\n

\nSet not in sin thy pleasure, but in God;<\/p>\n

\nFollow the path high feet before thee trod;<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nGive honour to the honourable; conceal<\/p>\n

\nThy virtues with a pudent veil of shame,<\/p>\n

\nYet cherish to the end a stainless fame;<\/p>\n

\nSpeak sweetness to thy haters and their weal<\/p>\n

\nPursue; show pity to unhappy men,<\/p>\n

\nLift up the fallen, heal the sufferer’s pain.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 345<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nThe Altruist<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nHow rare is he who for his fellows cares!<\/p>\n

\nHis mind, speech, body all are as pure jars<\/p>\n

\nFull of his soul’s sweet nectar; so he goes<\/p>\n

\nFilling the world with rows on shining rows<\/p>\n

\nOf selfless actions ranked like the great stars.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nHe loves man so that he in others’ hearts<\/p>\n

\nFinding an atom even of noble parts<\/p>\n

\nBuilds it into a mountain and thereon<\/p>\n

\nHis soul grows radiant like a flower full-blown;<\/p>\n

\nOthers are praised, his <\/i>mind with pleasure starts.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMountain Moloy<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nLegends of golden hills the fancy please,<\/p>\n

\nBut though they were real silver and solid gold,<\/p>\n

\nYet are the trees they foster only trees.<\/p>\n

\nMoloy shall have my vote with whom, ’tis told,<\/p>\n

\nHarbouring the linden, pine and basest thorn<\/p>\n

\nEnnobled turn to scent and earth adorn.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\nOn Firmness<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nGods<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nCease never from the work thou hast begun<\/p>\n

\nTill thou accomplish; such the great gods be,<\/p>\n

\nNor paused for gems unknown beneath the sun,<\/p>\n

\nNor feared for the huge poisons of the sea,<\/p>\n

\nThen only ceased when nectar’s self was won.<\/p>\n

\nThe Man of High Action<\/p>\n

\nHappiness is nothing, sorrow nothing. He<\/p>\n

\nRecks not of these whom his clear thoughts impel<\/p>\n

\nTo action, whether little and miserably<\/p>\n

\nHe fare on roots or softly dine and well,<\/p>\n

\nWhether bare ground receive his sleep or bed<\/p>\n

\nWith smoothest pillows ease his pensive head,<\/p>\n

\nWhether in rags or heavenly robes he dwell.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 347<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOrnaments<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nWhat is an ornament? Courtesy in high place,<\/p>\n

\nSpeech temperate in the hero, innocence<\/p>\n

\nIn high philosophers, and wrathlessness<\/p>\n

\nIn hermits, and in riches noble expense.<\/p>\n

\nSincerity and honest meaning plain<\/p>\n

\nSave outward holiness, mercy the strong<\/p>\n

\nAdorns and modesty most learned men;<\/p>\n

\nOne grace to every station can belong.<\/p>\n

\nCause of all other gems, of all is blent<\/p>\n

\nVirtue, the universal ornament.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe Immutable Courage<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIf men praise thee, O man, ’tis well; nor ill,<\/p>\n

\nIf they condemn. Let fortune curst or boon<\/p>\n

\nEnter thy doors or leave them as she will.<\/p>\n

\nThough death expect thee ere yon sinking moon<\/p>\n

\nVanish or wait till unborn stars give light,<\/p>\n

\nThe firm high soul remains immutable,<\/p>\n

\nNor by one step will deviate from the right.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe Ball<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nLo, as a ball that, by the player’s palm<\/p>\n

\nSmit downward, falls but to again rebound,<\/p>\n

\nSo the high virtuous man hurled to the ground<\/p>\n

\nBends not to fortune long his spirit calm.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\nWork and Idleness<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nTheir bitterest enemy in their bodies pent<\/p>\n

\nMen cherish, idleness. Be in thy breast<\/p>\n

\nThe tireless gust of work thy mighty guest,<\/p>\n

\nMan’s ceaseless helper, whose great aid once lent<\/p>\n

\nThy strength shall fail not, nor thy head be bent.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Self-Reliance of the Wise<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe tree once pruned shall seek again the skies,<\/p>\n

\nThe moon in heaven waning wax once more:<\/p>\n

\nWise men grieve not nor vex their soul with sighs<\/p>\n

\nThough the world tread them down with savage roar;<\/p>\n

\nKnowing their strength, they husband it to rise.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

<p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left:0<\/b>pt”>
\n
\nOn Fate<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

<p align="center" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left:0<\/b>pt”>
\n <\/p>\n

\nFate Masters the Gods<\/p>\n

\nBrihuspathy1<\/font><\/sup> his path of vantage shows,<\/p>\n

\nThe red disastrous thunder leaves his hand<\/p>\n

\nObedient, the high Gods in burning rows<\/p>\n

\nHis battled armies make, high heaven’s his fort,<\/p>\n

\nIravath swings his huge trunk for his sport,<\/p>\n

\nThe Almighty’s guardian favours over him stand; \u2014<\/p>\n

\nThat Indra with these strengths, this lordship proud<\/p>\n

\nIs broken by his foes in battle loud.<\/p>\n

\nCome then, bow down to Fate. Alas, the vain<\/p>\n

\nHeroisms, virtues, toils of glorious man!<\/p>\n

\nA Parable of Fate<\/p>\n

\nA serpent in a basket crushed despaired,<\/p>\n

\nHis organs all with hunger weak and worn,<\/p>\n

\nWhile patiently at night the mouse prepared<\/p>\n

\nA hole in that self basket. Ere the morn<\/p>\n

\nBy his own industry, such Nature’s law,<\/p>\n

\nThe patient labourer fills the serpent’s maw.<\/p>\n

\nHe with that food replenished, by the way<\/p>\n

\nThe mouse had made, escaped. O world, behold<\/p>\n

\nThe mighty master of thy sad decay<\/p>\n

\nAnd fortunate rising, Fate, the godhead old.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n1 Brihuspathy is counsellor to Indra, the King of Heaven, and
\nspiritual guide of the Gods. Iravath is Indra’s elephant.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 350<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nFate and Freewill<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n"The actions of our former life control<\/p>\n

\nThis life’s sweet fruit or bitter; even the high<\/p>\n

\nIntellect follows where these point its eye."<\/p>\n

\nAll this is true, \u2014 O yet, be wise of soul,<\/p>\n

\nThink ere thou act, thou who wouldst reach the goal.<\/p>\n

\nIll Luck<\/p>\n

\nA bald man, goes the story, when the noon<\/p>\n

\nBeat his plagued brows into a fiery swoon,<\/p>\n

\nDesiring dimness and cool place was led<\/p>\n

\nBy subtle Fate into a high palm’s shade.<\/p>\n

\nThere where he shelter hoped, a giant fruit<\/p>\n

\nCrashed on his pate and broke with horrid bruit.<\/p>\n

\nWherever the unfortunate hides his head,<\/p>\n

\nGrief and disaster in his footprints tread.<\/p>\n

\nFate Masters All<\/p>\n

\nI saw the brilliant moon eclipsed, the sun<\/p>\n

\nBaulked darkly of his radiant pilgrimage,<\/p>\n

\nAnd halter-bound the forest’s mighty one,<\/p>\n

\nThe iron-coiled huge python in a cage;<\/p>\n

\nThen saw the wise skilled brain a pauper, and said<\/p>\n

\n"Fate only is strong whose hand on all is laid."<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 351<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThe Follies of Fate<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nSometimes the gods build up a very man<\/p>\n

\nWhom genius, virtue, glory crowd to bless,<\/p>\n

\nAnd Earth with him adorned grows measureless.<\/p>\n

\nThen if death early spoil that noble plan,<\/p>\n

\nAh, blind stupidity of Fate that throws<\/p>\n

\nFrom her brow the jewel, from her breast the rose!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Script of Fate<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nWhen on the desert-bramble’s boughs you find<\/p>\n

\nLeafage nor flower, blame not the bounteous Spring!<\/p>\n

\nIs it the sun’s fault if the owlet blind<\/p>\n

\nSees not by day so radiant-bright a thing?<\/p>\n

\nThough down the rain-lark’s throat no sweet drops flow,<\/p>\n

\nYet for his falling showers the high cloud praise.<\/p>\n

\nWhat Fate has written in power upon the brow,<\/p>\n

\nWhere is the hand so mighty it shall rase?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nOn Karma<\/b>1<\/font><\/sup><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAct ion be Man’s God<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nWhom shall men worship? The high Gods? But they<\/p>\n

\nSuffer fate’s masteries, enjoy and rue.<\/p>\n

\nWhom shall men worship? Fate’s stern godhead? Nay,<\/p>\n

\nFate is no godhead. Many fruits or few<\/p>\n

\nTheir actions bring to men, \u2014 that settled price<\/p>\n

\nShe but deals out, a steward dumb, precise.<\/p>\n

\nLet action be man’s God, o’er whom even Fate<\/p>\n

\nCan rule not, nor his puissance abrogate.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Might of Works<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBow ye to Karma who with puissant hand<\/p>\n

\nLike a vast potter all the universe planned,<\/p>\n

\nShut the Creator in and bade him work<\/p>\n

\nIn the dim-glinting womb and luminous murk;<\/p>\n

\nBy whom impelled high Vishnu hurled to earth<\/p>\n

\nTravels his tenfold depths and whorls of birth;<\/p>\n

\nWho leading mighty Rudra by the hand<\/p>\n

\nCompels to wander strange from land to land, \u2014<\/p>\n

\nA vagrant begging with a skull for bowl<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n1 There is a distinction, not always strictly observed,
\nbetween Fate and Karma. Karma is the principle of Action in the universe with its stream of
\ncause and infallible effect, and for man the sum of his past actions whose results reveal
\nthemselves not at once, but in the dispensation of Time, partly in this life, mostly
\nin lives to come. Fate seems a more mysterious power imposing itself on men, despite all
\ntheir will and endeavour, from outside them and above \u2014
\ndaivam<\/i>, a power from the Gods.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 353<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAnd suppliant palms, who is yet the world’s high Soul.<\/p>\n

\nLo, through the skies for ever this great Sun<\/p>\n

\nWheels circling round and round by Karma spun.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nKarma<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIt is not beauty’s charm nor lineage high,<\/p>\n

\nIt is not virtue, wisdom, industry,<\/p>\n

\nService, nor careful arduous toil that can<\/p>\n

\nBring forth the fruits of his desire to man;<\/p>\n

\nOld merit mind’s strong asceticism had stored<\/p>\n

\nReturns to him with blessing or a sword,<\/p>\n

\nHis own past deeds that flower soon or late<\/p>\n

\nEach in its season on the tree of Fate.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nProtection from behind the Veil<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nSafe is the man good deeds forgotten claim,<\/p>\n

\nIn pathless deserts or in dangerous war<\/p>\n

\nOr by armed foes enringed; sea and fierce flame<\/p>\n

\nMay threaten, death’s door waiting swing ajar;<\/p>\n

\nSlumbering or careless though his foemen find,<\/p>\n

\nYea, though they seize him, though they smite or bind,<\/p>\n

\nOn ocean wild or on the cliff’s edge sheer<\/p>\n

\nHis deeds walk by his side and guard from fear;<\/p>\n

\nThrough death and birth they bore him and are here.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nThe Strength of Simple Goodness<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nToiler ascetic, who with passionate breath<\/p>\n

\nSwellest huge holinesses, \u2014 vain thy faith!<\/p>\n

\nGood act adore, the simple goddess plain,<\/p>\n

\nWho gives the fruit thou seekest with such pain.<\/p>\n

\nHer touch can turn the lewd man into a saint,<\/p>\n

\nInimitably her quiet magic lent<\/p>\n

\nChange fools to sages and hidden mysteries show<\/p>\n

\nBeyond eye’s reach or brain’s attempt to know,<\/p>\n

\nFierce enemies become friends and poisons ill<\/p>\n

\nTransform in a moment to nectar at her will.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nForesight and Violence<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nGood be the act or faulty, its result<\/p>\n

\nThe wise man painfully forecasting first<\/p>\n

\nThen does; who in mere heedless force exult,<\/p>\n

\nPassionate and violent, taste a fruit accursed.<\/p>\n

\nThe Fury keeps till death her baleful course<\/p>\n

\nAnd blights their life, tormenting with remorse.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 355<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nMisuse of Life<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThis noble earth, this place for glorious deeds<\/p>\n

\nThe ill-starred man who reaching nowise heeds,<\/p>\n

\nNor turns his soul to energy austere,<\/p>\n

\nWith little things content or idlesse drear, \u2014<\/p>\n

\nHe is like one who gets an emerald pot<\/p>\n

\nTo bake him oil-cakes on a fire made hot<\/p>\n

\nWith scented woods, or who with golden share<\/p>\n

\nFor sorry birthwort ploughs a fertile fair<\/p>\n

\nSweet soil, or cuts rich camphor piece by piece<\/p>\n

\nTo make a hedge for fennel. Not for this<\/p>\n

\nIn the high human form he walks great earth<\/p>\n

\nAfter much labour getting goodliest birth.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nFixed Fate<\/b><\/p>\n

\nDive if thou wilt into the huge deep sea,<\/p>\n

\nThe inaccessible far mountains climb,<\/p>\n

\nVanquish thy foes in battle fierily,<\/p>\n

\nAll arts and every science, prose and rhyme,<\/p>\n

\nTillage and trade in one mind bring to dwell, \u2014<\/p>\n

\nYea, rise to highest effort, ways invent<\/p>\n

\nAnd like a bird the skies immeasurable<\/p>\n

\nVoyage; all this thou mayst, but not compel<\/p>\n

\nWhat was not to be, nor what was prevent.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 356<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nFlowers from a Hidden Root<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nWith store of noble deeds who here arrives,<\/p>\n

\nFinds on this earth his well-earned Paradise.<\/p>\n

\nThe lonely forest grows his kingly town<\/p>\n

\nOf splendour, every man has friendly eyes<\/p>\n

\nSeeing him, or the wide earth for his crown<\/p>\n

\nIs mined with gems and with rich plenty thrives.<\/p>\n

\nThis high fate is his meed of former lives.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\n
\nMiscellaneous Verses<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nDefinitions<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nWhat is clear profit? Meeting with good men.<\/p>\n

\nA malady? Of incompetent minds the spell.<\/p>\n

\nWhat is a loss? Occasion given in vain.<\/p>\n

\nTrue skill of life? With heavenward thoughts to dwell.<\/p>\n

\nA hero? The heart that is o’er passion lord.<\/p>\n

\nA mistress? She to loving service sworn.<\/p>\n

\nBest wealth? Wisdom. True happiness? The sward<\/p>\n

\nOf one’s own country, life where it was born.<\/p>\n

\nA kingdom? Swift obedience fruitful found<\/p>\n

\nAt the low word from hearts of all around.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nA Rarity<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nRich in sweet loving words, in harshness poor,<\/p>\n

\nFrom blame of others’ lives averse, content<\/p>\n

\nWith one dear wife and so heart-opulent,<\/p>\n

\nCandid and kindly, like an open door,<\/p>\n

\nSome here and there are found on teeming earth;<\/p>\n

\nHer fairest ornament is their quiet worth.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 358<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThe Flame of the Soul<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nInsulted, wronged, oppressed the unshaken mind,<\/p>\n

\nTreasuring its strength, insurgent its high will,<\/p>\n

\nTowers always, though beat fiercely down to hell.<\/p>\n

\nThe torch is to the inglorious soil declined,<\/p>\n

\nIts flame burns upward and unconquered still.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Conqueror<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThat man whose soul bright beauty cannot pierce<\/p>\n

\nWith love’s sweet burning javelins from her eyes,<\/p>\n

\nNor sorrow torture his heart, nor passions fierce<\/p>\n

\nMiserably over his senses tyrannize,<\/p>\n

\nConquers the world by his high-seated will,<\/p>\n

\nThe man well-balanced, noble, wise and still.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Hero’s Touch<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nTouched by one hero’s tread, how vibrating<\/p>\n

\nEarth starts as if sun-visited, ablaze,<\/p>\n

\nVast, wonderful, young! Man’s colourless petty days<\/p>\n

\nBloom suddenly and seem a grandiose thing.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 359<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nThe Power of Goodness<\/b><\/p>\n

\nThe bloom of natural goodness like a flower<\/p>\n

\nIs Nature’s darling, all her creatures prize,<\/p>\n

\nAnd on whose body’s stock its fragrant power<\/p>\n

\nBlossoms, all fiercest things can humanise.<\/p>\n

\nFor him red fire becomes like water pale and cool,<\/p>\n

\nFor him heaven-threatening Ocean sinks into a pool<\/p>\n

\nOf quiet azure; for him the lion’s heart<\/p>\n

\nTames its dire hungers to be like the hind’s,<\/p>\n

\nAnd the fell snake unsoothed by music’s art<\/p>\n

\nUpon his brows in floral wreaths he binds.<\/p>\n

\nPoisons for him to nectar change; impassable hills<\/p>\n

\nDroop, gentle slopes; strong blessings grow from ruthless<\/p>\n

\nills.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nTruth<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nDear as his own sweet mother to the man<\/p>\n

\nOf truth his word is, dear as his heart’s blood.<\/p>\n

\nTruth, ’tis the mother of his soul’s great brood,<\/p>\n

\nHigh modesty and virtue’s lordly clan.<\/p>\n

\nExceeding pure of heart as to a youth<\/p>\n

\nHis mother, and like a mother to him cleaves<\/p>\n

\nThis sweet proud goddess. Rather life he leaves<\/p>\n

\nAnd happiness puts away, not divine Truth.<\/p>\n

\nOthers clasp some dear vice, gold, woman, wine;<\/p>\n

\nHe keeps for Truth his passion fiery and fine.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 360<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nWoman’s Heart<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nMore hard the heart of woman is to seize<\/p>\n

\nThan an unreal mirrored face, more hard<\/p>\n

\nHer moods to follow than on mountains barred<\/p>\n

\nWith rocks that skirt a dreadful precipice<\/p>\n

\nA dangerous luring pathway near the skies.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nAnd transient is her frail exacting love<\/p>\n

\nLike dew that on some lotus’ petal lies.<\/p>\n

\nAs with rich fatal shoots an upas-grove,<\/p>\n

\nWoman with faults is born, with faults she grows.<\/p>\n

\nThorns are her nature, but her face the rose.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nFame’s Sufficiency<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n"Victory is his on earth or Paradise,<\/p>\n

\nThe high heart slain in battle face to face."<\/p>\n

\nLet be your empire and your golden skies;<\/p>\n

\nFor him enough that friends and foemen praise<\/p>\n

\nAnd with fame’s rumour in his ears he dies.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nMagnanimity<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe world teems miracles, breeds grandest things,<\/p>\n

\nBut Rahu of all most marvellous and great<\/p>\n

\nOr the vast Boar on white tusks delicate<\/p>\n

\nLike buds who bears up Earth, else Chaos rings.<\/p>\n

\nRahu, cleft, trunkless, deathless, passionate,<\/p>\n

\nLeaps on his foeman and can overbear,<\/p>\n

\nA miracle, then, greater miracle, spare.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 362<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nMan Infinite<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nEarth is hemmed in with Ocean’s vaster moan;<\/p>\n

\nThe world of waters flows not infinitely;<\/p>\n

\nA high unwearied traveller, the Sun<\/p>\n

\nMaps out the limits of the vaulted sky.<\/p>\n

\nOn every creature born a seal is set<\/p>\n

\nWith limits budded in, kept separate.<\/p>\n

\nOnly man’s soul looks out with luminous eyes<\/p>\n

\nUpon the worlds illimitably wise.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Proud Soul’s Choice<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBut one God to worship, hermit Shiv or puissant Vishnu<\/p>\n

\nhigh;<\/p>\n

\nBut one friend to clasp, the first of men or proud
\nPhilosophy;<\/p>\n

\nBut one home to live in, Earth’s imperial city or the wild;<\/p>\n

\nBut one wife to kiss, Earth’s sweetest face or Nature, God’s<\/p>\n

\nown child.<\/p>\n

\nEither in your world the mightiest or my desert solitary.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Waverer<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nSeven mountains, eight proud elephants, the Snake,<\/p>\n

\nThe Tortoise help to bear this Earth on high,<\/p>\n

\nYet is she troubled, yet her members shake!<\/p>\n

\nSymbol of minds impure, perplexed and wry.<\/p>\n

\nThough constant be the strife and claim, the goal<\/p>\n

\nEscapes the sin-driven and the doubting soul.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 362<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nGaster Anaides<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nNay, is there any in this world who soon<\/p>\n

\nComes not to heel, his mouth being filled with food?<\/p>\n

\nThe inanimate tabour, lo, with flour well-glued<\/p>\n

\nBegins with sweeter voice its song to croon.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Rarity of the Altruist<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nLow minds enough there are who only care<\/p>\n

\nTo fill their lusts with pleasure, maws with food.<\/p>\n

\nWhere shall we find him, the high soul and rare<\/p>\n

\nTo whom the good of others is his good?<\/p>\n

\nFirst of the saints is he, first of the wise.<\/p>\n

\nThe Red Mare of the Ocean drinks the seas<\/p>\n

\nHer own insatiable fire to feed;<\/p>\n

\nThe cloud for greater ends exacts his need,<\/p>\n

\nThe parching heats to cool, Earth’s pain to ease.<\/p>\n

\nWealth’s sole good is to heal the unhappy’s sighs.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 363<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nStatesman and Poet<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nHow like are these whose labour does not cease,<\/p>\n

\nStatesman and poet, in their several cares;<\/p>\n

\nAnxious their task, no work of splendid ease!<\/p>\n

\nOne ranges far for costly words, prepares<\/p>\n

\nPure forms and violence popular disdains,<\/p>\n

\nThe voice of rare assemblies strives to find,<\/p>\n

\nSlowly adds phrase to noble phrase and means<\/p>\n

\nEach line around the human heart to wind.<\/p>\n

\nThe statesman seeks the nation’s wealth from far;<\/p>\n

\nNot to the easy way of violence prone<\/p>\n

\nHe puts from him the brutal clang of war<\/p>\n

\nAnd seeks a better kind dominion,<\/p>\n

\nTo please the just in their assemblies high,<\/p>\n

\nSlowly to build his careful steps between <\/p>\n

\nThe noble lines of linked policy, \u2014<\/p>\n

\nHe shapes his acts a nation’s heart to win.<\/p>\n

\nTheir burden and their toil make these two kin.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Words of the Wise<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nServe thou the wise and good, covet their speech<\/p>\n

\nAlthough to trivial daily things it keeps.<\/p>\n

\nTheir casual thoughts are foam from solemn deeps;<\/p>\n

\nTheir passing words make Scripture, Science; rich,<\/p>\n

\nThough seeming poor, their common actions teach.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 364<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nNoblesse Oblige<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIf some day by some chance God thought this good<\/p>\n

\nAnd lilies were abolished from the earth,<\/p>\n

\nWould yet the swan like fowls of baser birth<\/p>\n

\nScatter a stinking dunghill for his food?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Roots of Enjoyment<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThat at thy door proud-necked the high-foaming steeds<\/p>\n

\nPrance spirited and stamp in pride the ground<\/p>\n

\nAnd the huge elephants stand, their temple’s bound<\/p>\n

\nBroken with rut, like slumbrous mountains round, \u2014<\/p>\n

\nThat in harmonious concert fluted reeds,<\/p>\n

\nThe harp’s sweet moan, the tabour and the drum<\/p>\n

\nAnd conch-shell in their married moments come<\/p>\n

\nWaking at dawn in thy imperial dome, \u2014<\/p>\n

\nThy pride, thy riches, thy full-sated needs,<\/p>\n

\nThat like a king of gods thou dwellst on earth, \u2014<\/p>\n

\nFrom duties high-fulfilled these joys had birth;<\/p>\n

\nAll pleasant things washes to men of worth<\/p>\n

\nThe accumulated surge of righteous deeds.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nNatural Qualities<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nThree things are faithful to their place decreed, \u2014<\/p>\n

\nIts splendour as of blood in the lotus red,<\/p>\n

\nKind actions, of the noble nature part,<\/p>\n

\nAnd in bad men a cold and cruel heart.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 365<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nDeath, not Vileness<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBetter to a dire verge by foemen borne,<\/p>\n

\nO man, thy perishable body dashed<\/p>\n

\nUpon some ragged beach by Ocean lashed,<\/p>\n

\nHurled on the rocks with bleeding limbs and torn;<\/p>\n

\nBetter thy hand on the dire cobra’s tooth<\/p>\n

\nSharp-venomed or to anguish in the fire,<\/p>\n

\nNot at the baser bidding of desire<\/p>\n

\nThy heart’s high virtue lost and natural truth.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nMan’s Will<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nRenounce thy vain attempt, presumptuous man,<\/p>\n

\nWho thinkst and labourest long impossibly<\/p>\n

\nThat the great heart for misery falter can:<\/p>\n

\nFruitless thy hope that cruel fall to see.<\/p>\n

\nDull soul! these are not petty transient hills,<\/p>\n

\nHimalay and Mahendra and the rest,<\/p>\n

\nNor your poor oceans, their fixed course and wills<\/p>\n

\nThat yield by the last cataclysm oppressed.<\/p>\n

\nMan’s will his shattered world can long survive:<\/p>\n

\nWhen all has perished, it can dare to live.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Splendid Harlot<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nVictory’s a harlot full of glorious lust<\/p>\n

\nWho seeks the hero’s breast with wounds deep-scored,<\/p>\n

\nHate’s passionate dints like love’s! So when the sword<\/p>\n

\nHas ploughed its field, leap there she feels she must.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 366<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nFate<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nLo, the moon who gives to healing herbs their virtue,
\nnectar’s<\/p>\n

\nhome,<\/p>\n

\nFood immortalising, \u2014 every wise physician’s radiant Som,1<\/font><\/sup><\/p>\n

\nEven him consumption seizes in its cruel clinging arms.<\/p>\n

\nThen be ready! Fate takes all her toll and heeds not gifts
\nnor<\/p>\n

\ncharms.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Transience of Worldly Rewards<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nYour gleaming palaces of brilliant stone,<\/p>\n

\nYour bright-limbed girls for grace and passion made,<\/p>\n

\nYour visible glory of dominion,<\/p>\n

\nYour sceptre and wide canopy displayed,<\/p>\n

\nThese things you hold, but with what labour won<\/p>\n

\nWeaving with arduous toil a transient thread<\/p>\n

\nOf shining deeds on careful virtue spun!<\/p>\n

\nWhich easily broken, all at once is sped;<\/p>\n

\nAs when in lover’s amorous war undone<\/p>\n

\nA pearl-string, on all sides the bright pearls shed<\/p>\n

\nCollapse and vanish from the unremembering sun.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n1 Soma, the moon, god of the immortalising nectar, the Vedic
\nSoma-wine.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

Page \u2013 367<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/td>\n

\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Section Four   Bhartrihari The Century of Life   The Nitishataka of Bhartrihari freely rendered into English verse I had at first entitled the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2320","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-05-translations","wpcat-48-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2320","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2320"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2320\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2320"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2320"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2320"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}