Plain text of Chapter IV. Assertion of the Strength of Virtue
31 It yields distinction, yields prosperity; what gain Greater than virtue can a living man obtain?
32 No greater gain than virtue aught can cause; No greater loss than life oblivious of her laws.
33 To finish virtue's work with ceaseless effort strive, What way thou may'st, where'er thou see'st the work may thrive.
34 Spotless be thou in mind! This only merits virtue's name; All else, mere pomp of idle sound, no real worth can claim.
35 'Tis virtue when, his footsteps sliding not through envy, wrath, Lust, evil speech — these four, man onwards moves in ordered path.
36 Do deeds of virtue now. Say not, 'To-morrow we 'll be wise'; Thus, when thou diest, shalt thou find a help that never dies.
37 Needs not in words to dwell on virtue's fruits: compare The man in litter borne with them that toiling bear!
38 If no day passing idly, good to do each day you toil, A stone 't will be to block the way of future days of moil.
39 What from virtue floweth, yieldeth dear delight; All else extern, is void of glory's light.
40 'Virtue' sums the things that should be done; 'Vice' sums the things that man should shun.