1061.

Ten million-fold 'tis greater gain, asking no alms to live,

Even from those, like eyes in worth, who nought concealing gladly give.

1062.

If [any ruler] desires that men should begging go,

Through life's long course, let him a wanderer be and perish so.

1063.

Nothing is harder than the hardness that will say,

'The plague of penury by asking alms we'll drive away.'

1064.

Who ne'er consent to beg in utmost need, their worth

Has excellence of greatness that transcends the earth.

1065.

Nothing is sweeter than to taste the toil-won cheer,

Though mess of pottage as tasteless as the water clear.

1066.

E'en if a draught of water for a cow you ask,

Nought's so distasteful to the tongue as beggar's task.

1067.

One thing I beg of beggars all, 'If beg ye may,

Of those who hide their wealth, beg not, I pray.'

1068.

The fragile bark of beggary

Wrecked on denial's rock will lie.

1069.

The heart will melt away at thought of beggary;

With thought of stern repulse 'twill perish utterly.

1070.

E'en as he asks, the shamefaced asker dies;

Where shall his spirit hide who help denies?