Chapter 108: Baseness

1071.
The base resemble men in outward form, I ween;
But counterpart exact to them I 've never seen.

1072.
Than those of grateful heart the base must luckier be,
Their minds from every anxious thought are free!

1073.
The base are as the gods; they too
Do ever what they list to do!

1074.
When base men those behold of conduct vile,
They straight surpass them, and exulting smile.

1075.
Fear is the base man's virtue; if that fail,
Intense desire some little may avail.

1076.
The base are like the beaten drum; for, when they hear,
They sound the secret out in every neighbour's ear.

1077.
From off their moistened hands no clinging grain they shake,
Unless to those with clenched fist their jaws who break.

1078.
The good to those will profit yield fair words who use;
The base, like sugar-cane, will profit those who bruise.

1079.
If neighbours clothed and fed he see, the base
Is mighty man some hidden fault to trace?

1080.
For what is base man fit, if griefs assail?
Himself to offer, there and then, for sale!