Virtue

Poem : 201

With sinful act men cease to feel the dread of ill within,
The excellent will dread the wanton pride of cherished sin.

Explanation :
Those who have experience of evil deeds will not fear, but the excellent will fear the pride of sin.

Poem : 202

Since evils new from evils ever grow,
Evil than fire works out more dreaded woe.

Explanation :
Because evil produces evil, therefore should evil be feared more than fire.

Poem : 203

Even to those that hate make no return of ill;
So shalt thou wisdom's highest law, 'tis said, fulfil.

Explanation :
To do no evil to enemies will be called the chief of all virtues.

Poem : 204

Though good thy soul forget, plot not thy neighbour's fall,
Thy plans shall 'virtue's Power' by ruin to thyself forestall.

Explanation :
Even though forgetfulness meditate not the ruin of another. Virtue will meditate the ruin of him who thus meditates.

Poem : 205

Make not thy poverty a plea for ill;
Thy evil deeds will make thee poorer still.

Explanation :
Commit not evil, saying, "I am poor": if you do, you will become poorer still.

Poem : 206

What ranks as evil spare to do, if thou would'st shun
Affliction sore through ill to thee by others done.

Explanation :
Let him not do evil to others who desires not that sorrows should pursue him.

Poem : 207

From every enmity incurred there is to 'scape, a way;
The wrath of evil deeds will dog men's steps, and slay.

Explanation :
However great be the enmity men have incurred they may still live. The enmity of sin will incessantly pursue and kill.

Poem : 208

Man's shadow dogs his steps where'er he wends;
Destruction thus on sinful deeds attends.

Explanation :
Destruction will dwell at the heels of those who commit evil even as their shadow that leaves them not.

Poem : 209

Beware, if to thyself thyself is dear,
Lest thou to aught that ranks as ill draw near!

Explanation :
If a man love himself, let him not commit any sin however small.

Poem : 210

The man, to devious way of sin that never turned aside,
From ruin rests secure, whatever ills betide.

Explanation :
Know ye that he is freed from destruction who commits no evil, going to neither side of the right path.