Wealth

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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).

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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.