Wealth

Poem : 571

Since true benignity, that grace exceeding great, resides
In kingly souls, world in happy state abides.

Explanation :
The world exists through that greatest ornament (of princes), a gracious demeanour.

Poem : 572

The world goes on its wonted way, since grace benign is there;
All other men are burthen for the earth to bear.

Explanation :
The prosperity of the world springs from the kindliness, the existence of those who have no (kindliness) is a burden to the earth.

Poem : 573

Where not accordant with the song, what use of sounding chords?
What gain of eye that no benignant light affords?

Explanation :
Of what avail is a song if it be inconsistent with harmony ? what is the use of eyes which possess no kindliness.

Poem : 574

The seeming eye of face gives no expressive light,
When not with duly meted kindness bright.

Explanation :
Beyond appearing to be in the face, what good do they do, those eyes in which is no well-regulated kindness ?

Poem : 575

Benignity is eyes' adorning grace;
Without it eyes are wounds disfiguring face.

Explanation :
Kind looks are the ornaments of the eyes; without these they will be considered (by the wise) to be merely two sores.

Poem : 576

Whose eyes 'neath brow infixed diffuse no ray
Of grace; like tree in earth infixed are they.

Explanation :
They resemble the trees of the earth, who although they have eyes, never look kindly (on others).

Poem : 577

Eyeless are they whose eyes with no benignant lustre shine;
Who've eyes can never lack the light of grace benign.

Explanation :
Men without kind looks are men without eyes; those who (really) have eyes are also not devoid of kind looks.

Poem : 578

Who can benignant smile, yet leave no work undone;
By them as very own may all the earth be won.

Explanation :
The world is theirs (kings) who are able to show kindness, without injury to their affairs, (administration of justice).

Poem : 579

To smile on those that vex, with kindly face,
Enduring long, is most excelling grace.

Explanation :
Patiently to bear with, and show kindness to those who grieve us, is the most excellent of all dispositions.

Poem : 580

They drink with smiling grace, though poison interfused they see,
Who seek the praise of all-esteemed courtesy.

Explanation :
Those who desire (to cultivate that degree of) urbanity which all shall love, even after swallowing the poison served to them by their friends, will be friendly with them.