Plain text of Chapter XXIV. Renown
231 See that thy life the praise of generous gifts obtain; Save this for living man exists no real gain.
232 The speech of all that speak agrees to crown The men that give to those that ask, with fair renown.
233 Save praise alone that soars on high, Nought lives on earth that shall not die.
234 If men do virtuous deeds by world-wide ample glory crowned, The heavens will cease to laud the sage for other gifts renowned.
235 Loss that is gain, and death of life's true bliss fulfilled, Are fruits which only wisdom rare can yield.
236 If man you walk the stage, appear adorned with glory's grace; Save glorious you can shine, 'twere better hide your face.
237 If you your days will spend devoid of goodly fame, When men despise, why blame them? You 've yourself to blame.
238 Fame is virtue's child, they say; if, then, You childless live, you live the scorn of men.
239 The blameless fruits of fields' increase will dwindle down, If earth the burthen bear of men without renown.
240 Who live without reproach, them living men we deem; Who live without renown, live not, though living men they seem.