Wealth

Poem : 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).

Poem : 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).

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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.

Poem : 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 and clothing.

Poem : 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 ?