Chapter 100: Courtesy

991.
Who easy access give to every man, they say,
Of kindly courtesy will learn with ease the way.

992.
Benevolence and high-born dignity,
These two are beaten paths of courtesy.

993.
Men are not one because their members seem alike to outward view;
Similitude of kindred quality makes likeness true.

994.
Of men of fruitful life, who kindly benefits dispense,
The world unites to praise the ' noble excellence.'

995.
Contempt is evil though in sport. They who man's nature know,
E'en in their wrath, a courteous mind will show.

996.
The world abides; for ' worthy ' men its weight sustain.
Were it not so, 'twould fall to dust again.

997.
Though sharp their wit as file, as blocks they must remain,
Whose souls are void of ' courtesy humane.'

998.
Though men with all unfriendly acts and wrongs assail,
'Tis uttermost disgrace in ' courtesy ' to fail.

999.
To him who knows not how to smile in kindly mirth,
Darkness in daytime broods o'er all the vast and mighty earth.

1000.
Like sweet milk soured because in filthy vessel poured,
Is ample wealth in churlish man's unopened coffers stored.