Virtue

Poem : 41

The men of household virtue, firm in way of good, sustain
The other orders three that rule professed maintain.

Explanation :
He will be called a (true) householder, who is a firm support to the virtuous of the three orders in their good path.

Poem : 42

To anchorites, to indigent, to those who've passed away,
The man for household virtue famed is needful held and stay.

Explanation :
He will be said to flourish in domestic virtue who aids the forsaken, the poor, and the dead.

Poem : 43

The manes, God, guests kindred, self, in due degree,
These five to cherish well is chiefest charity.

Explanation :
The chief (duty of the householder) is to preserve the five-fold rule (of conduct) towards the manes, the Gods, his guests, his relations and himself.

Poem : 44

Who shares his meal with other, while all guilt he shuns,
His virtuous line unbroken though the ages runs.

Explanation :
His descendants shall never fail who, living in the domestic state, fears vice (in the acquisition of property) and shares his food (with others).

Poem : 45

If love and virtue in the household reign,
This is of life the perfect grace and gain.

Explanation :
If the married life possess love and virtue, these will be both its duty and reward.

Poem : 46

If man in active household life a virtuous soul retain,
What fruit from other modes of virtue can he gain?

Explanation :
What will he who lives virtuously in the domestic state gain by going into the other, (ascetic) state ?

Poem : 47

In nature's way who spends his calm domestic days,
'Mid all that strive for virtue's crown hath foremost place.

Explanation :
Among all those who labour (for future happiness) he is greatest who lives well in the household state.

Poem : 48

Others it sets upon their way, itself from virtue ne'er declines;
Than stern ascetics' pains such life domestic brighter shines.

Explanation :
The householder who, not swerving from virtue, helps the ascetic in his way, endures more than those who endure penance.

Poem : 49

The life domestic rightly bears true virtue's name;
That other too, if blameless found, due praise may claim.

Explanation :
The marriage state is truly called virtue. The other state is also good, if others do not reproach it.

Poem : 50

Who shares domestic life, by household virtues graced,
Shall, mid the Gods, in heaven who dwell, be placed.

Explanation :
He who on earth has lived in the conjugal state as he should live, will be placed among the Gods who dwell in heaven.