Virtue

Poem : 131

'Decorum' gives especial excellence; with greater care
'Decorum' should men guard than life, which all men share.

Explanation :
Propriety of conduct leads to eminence, it should therefore be preserved more carefully than life.

Poem : 132

Searching, duly watching, learning, 'decorum' still we find;
Man's only aid; toiling, guard thou this with watchful mind.

Explanation :
Let propriety of conduct be laboriously preserved and guarded; though one know and practise and excel in many virtues, that will be an eminent aid.

Poem : 133

'Decorum's' true nobility on earth;
'Indecorum's' issue is ignoble birth.

Explanation :
Propriety of conduct is true greatness of birth, and impropriety will sink into a mean birth.

Poem : 134

Though he forget, the Brahman may regain his Vedic lore;
Failing in 'decorum due,' birthright's gone for evermore.

Explanation :
A Brahman though he should forget the Vedas may recover it by reading; but, if he fail in propriety of conduct even his high bi rth will be destroyed.

Poem : 135

The envious soul in life no rich increase of blessing gains,
So man of 'due decorum' void no dignity obtains.

Explanation :
Just as the envious man will be without wealth, so will the man of destitute of propriety of conduct be without greatness.

Poem : 136

The strong of soul no jot abate of 'strict decorum's' laws,
Knowing that 'due decorum's' breach foulest disgrace will cause.

Explanation :
Those firm in mind will not slacken in their observance of the proprieties of life, knowing, as they do, the misery that flows from the transgression from them.

Poem : 137

'Tis source of dignity when 'true decorum' is preserved;
Who break 'decorum's' rules endure e'en censures undeserved.

Explanation :
From propriety of conduct men obtain greatness; from impropriety comes insufferable disgrace.

Poem : 138

'Decorum true' observed a seed of good will be;
'Decorum's breach' will sorrow yield eternally.

Explanation :
Propriety of conduct is the seed of virtue; impropriety will ever cause sorrow.

Poem : 139

It cannot be that they who 'strict decorum's' law fulfil,
E'en in forgetful mood, should utter words of ill.

Explanation :
Those who study propriety of conduct will not speak evil, even forgetfully.

Poem : 140

Who know not with the world in harmony to dwell,
May many things have learned, but nothing well.

Explanation :
Those who know not how to act agreeably to the world, though they have learnt many things, are still ignorant.