Chapter 97: Honour

961.
Though linked to splendours man no otherwise may gain,
Reject each act that may thine honour's clearness stain.

962.
Who seek with glory to combine honour's untarnished fame,
Do no inglorious deeds, though men accord them glory's name.

963.
Bow down thy soul, with increase blest, in happy hour;
Lift up thy heart, when stript of all by fortune's power.

964.
Like hairs from off the head that fall to earth,
When fall'n from high estate are men of noble birth.

965.
If meanness, slight as ' abrus ' grain, by men be wrought,
Though like a hill their high estate, they sink to nought.

966.
It yields no praise, nor to the land of gods throws wide the gate
Why follow men who scorn, and at their bidding wait?

967.
Better 'twere said, ' He's perished! ' than to gain
The means to live, following in foeman's train.

968.
When high estate has lost its pride of honour meet,
Is life, that nurses this poor flesh, as nectar sweet?

969.
Like the wild ox that, of its tuft bereft, will pine away,
Are those who, of their honour shorn, will quit the light of day.

970.
Who, when dishonour comes, refuse to live, their honoured memory
Will live in worship and applause of all the world for aye!