Wealth

Poem : 951

Save in the scions of a noble house, you never find
Instinctive sense of right and virtuous shame combined.

Explanation :
Consistency (of thought, word and deed) and fear (of sin) are conjointly natural only to the high-born.

Poem : 952

In these three things the men of noble birth fail not;
In virtuous deed and truthful word, and chastened thought.

Explanation :
The high-born will never deviate from these three; good manners, truthfulness and modesty.

Poem : 953

The smile, the gift, the pleasant word, unfailing courtesy
These are the signs, they say, of true nobility.

Explanation :
A cheerful countenance, liberality, pleasant words, and an unreviling disposition, these four are said to be the proper qualities of the truly high-born.

Poem : 954

Millions on millions piled would never win
The men of noble race to soul-degrading sin.

Explanation :
Though blessed with immense wealth, the noble will never do anything unbecoming.

Poem : 955

Though stores for charity should fail within, the ancient race
Will never lose its old ancestral grace.

Explanation :
Though their means fall off, those born in ancient families, will not lose their character (for liberality).

Poem : 956

Whose minds are set to live as fits their sire's unspotted fame,
Stooping to low deceit, commit no deeds that gender shame.

Explanation :
Those who seek to preserve the irreproachable honour of their families will not viciously do what is detrimental thereto.

Poem : 957

The faults of men of noble race are seen by every eye,
As spots on her bright orb that walks sublime the evening sky.

Explanation :
The defects of the noble will be observed as clearly as the dark spots in the moon.

Poem : 958

If lack of love appear in those who bear some goodly name,
'Twill make men doubt the ancestry they claim.

Explanation :
If one of a good family betrays want of affection, his descent from it will be called in question.

Poem : 959

Of soil the plants that spring thereout will show the worth;
The words they speak declare the men of noble birth.

Explanation :
As the sprout indicates the nature of the soil, (so) the speech of the noble indicates (that of one's birth).

Poem : 960

Who seek for good the grace of virtuous shame must know;
Who seek for noble name to all must reverence show.

Explanation :
He who desires a good name must desire modesty; and he who desires (the continuance of) a family greatness must be submissive to all.