Chapter 96: Nobility

951.
Save in the scions of a noble house, you never find
Instinctive sense of right and virtuous shame combined.

952.
In these three things the men of noble birth fail not:
In virtuous deed, and truthful word, and chastened thought.

953.
The smile, the gift, the pleasant word, unfailing courtesy:
These are the signs, they say, of true nobility.

954.
Millions on millions piled would never win
The men of noble race to soul- degrading sin.

955.
Though stores for charity should fail within, the ancient race
Will never lose its old ancestral grace.

956.
Whose minds are set to live as fits their sire's unspotted fame,
Stooping to low deceit, commit no deeds that gender shame.

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.

958.
If lack of love appear in those who bear some goodly name,
'Twill make men doubt the ancestry they claim.

959.
Of soil the plants that spring thereout will show the worth;
The words they speak declare the men of noble birth.

960.
Who seek for good the grace of virtuous shame must know;
Who seek for noble name to all must reverence show.