70. Tho' month after month with the blade of a sword-grass[1] The fool eats his rice grain by grain, Not one fourth of a quarter of good doth he gain Such as those who are stablished in Dhamma obtain. 71. Now an ill deed, like milk, doth not change into curds, But it burneth the fool--a live coal 'neath the ashes. 72. Since his knowledge is born to a fool all in vain, His good luck is lost to him wholly; On his own head it falls; he is crushed by his folly. 73-4. If a fool long for credit that is not his due, Chief seats in the monks' hall,[2] respect from the Order, And worship from laymen desiring; "Let the monks and the laymen my deeds hold in honour And in all things obey me, whate'er I may will--" If such be the thoughts of the fool, His pride and his longing increase in him still. 75. "Success here is one thing, Nibbāna another:" When a monk, the Buddha's disciple, is sure Of this truth, he delights not in honour, eschews The ways of the world and lives a recluse. [1] An ascetic way of eating, supposed to be meritorious. [2] Cf. N.T. "chief seats in the synagogue." CHAPTER SIX. THE WISE. 76. If thou see a man of wisdom, Like a guide to treasure-trove, Pointing out thy faults and failings, Follow him; such company Brings prosperity, not woe. 77. He who gives advice and teaching, And restrains thy feet from wrong, By the righteous is beloved, But the wicked love him not. 78. Have no fellowship with evil; Make no friends among the vile; Make the virtuous thy companions; Follow thou the Perfect Men. 79. They who drink the Good Norm's nectar Live in bliss with tranquil mind; In the Norm by saints expounded Wise men ever take delight. 80. Irrigators guide the waters, Fletchers straighten out the shaft, Carpenters unwarp the timber, But the wise subdue themselves. 81. As the solid rock for ever Rests unshaken by the wind, Wise men rest unwavering, Troubled not by praise or blame. 82. As a deep clear pool of water Lies unruffled by the wind, To the Good Norm listening Wise men reach tranquillity. 83. When the good men go about, Sensual babble is not theirs; They, when touched by pain or pleasure, Show a calm untroubled face. 84. Not for self and not for others Do they long for sons or wealth, Not for rule, nor by injustice Self-advancement to attain; Righteous, wise and just are they. 85. Few are they among us mortals Who have reached the further shore Over yonder. But we others On this side fare up and down. 86. They who hold fast to the teaching Of the Norm expounded well They shall reach the shore and pass The realm of Death so hard to cross.