981 All goodly things are duties to the men, they say, Who set themselves to walk in virtue's perfect way.

982 The good of inward excellence they claim, The perfect men; all other good is only good in name.

983 Love, modesty, beneficence, benignant grace, With truth, are pillars five of perfect virtue's resting-place.

984 The type of 'penitence' is virtuous good that nothing slays; To speak no ill of other men is perfect virtue's praise.

985 Submission is the might of men of mighty acts; the sage With that same weapon stills his foeman's rage.

986 What is perfection's test? The equal mind, To bear repulse from even meaner men resigned.

987 What fruit doth your perfection yield you, say! Unless to men who work you ill you good repay?

988 To soul with perfect virtue's strength endued, Brings no disgrace the lack of every earthly good.

989 Call them of perfect virtue's sea the shore, Who, though the fates should fail, fail not for evermore.

990 The mighty earth its burthen to sustain must cease, If perfect virtue of the perfect men decrease.