Chapter 23: Giving

221.
Call that a gift to needy men thou dost dispense,
All else is void of good, seeking for recompense.

222.
Though men declare it heavenward path, yet to receive is ill;
Though upper heaven were not, to give is virtue still.

223.
' I 've nought ' is ne'er the high-born man's reply;
He gives to those who raise themselves that cry.

224.
The suppliants' cry for aid yields scant delight,
Until you see his face with grateful gladness bright.

225.
'Mid devotees they 're great who hunger's pangs sustain,
Who hunger's pangs relieve a higher merit gain.

226.
Let man relieve the wasting hunger men endure;
For treasure gained thus finds he treasure-house secure.

227.
Whose soul delights with hungry men to share his meal.
The hand of hunger's sickness sore shall never feel.

228.
Delight of glad'ning human hearts with gifts do they not know,
Men of unpitying eye, who hoard their wealth, and lose it so?

229.
They keep their garners full, for self alone the board they spread;
'Tis greater pain, be sure, than begging daily bread!

230.
'Tis bitter pain to die! 'Tis worse to live
For him who nothing finds to give!