284. If but a trace there be, however small, Of lust of man for woman, as a calf Clingeth to its dam, the mind in bondage will be held. 285. Pluck out the love of self with thine own hand, Just as the hand an autumn lily plucks; Tread the Way of Peace declared by Him who hath it trod. 286. "Here in the rainy season will I dwell; And here in heat and cold." So thinks the fool, Little recking of the dangers that may him befall. 287. Care-stricken, with his thoughts of sons and flocks, Attached to life, Death comes and seizes him, As a sleeping village by a flood is swept away.[6] 288. Not all his sons have power to guard that man; No sire, no kinsman can protect him now; How can kinsmen aught avail him in the grasp of Death? 289. The wise man, when he sees the truth of this, Restrained by righteous living in the Norm, Soon will clear the path that leadeth unto Perfect Bliss. [1] _The Eightfold Path_ is;--Right Views, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Living, Right Effort, Right Concentration, Right Mental Balance. The _Four Noble Truths_ are:--Ill, the cause of Ill, the ceasing of Ill, the Path. [2] The _thorns_ are the stings and torments of desire. [3] These three _dicta_ are the essence of the Buddha's teaching. [4] The second, third and fourth steps of the Path. [5] 'desire', _viz._: '_nibbanā hotha_, 'be ye free from the jungle (or forest) of desire (_nir-vanā_, a pun on the word _nirvāṇa_), cf. v.344, _vanamutto_'. [6] Cf. V. 47. CHAPTER TWENTY ONE. DIVERS VERSES. 290. If in giving up slight pleasure Thou a greater bliss discern, Leave the lesser gain and wisely To the greater profit turn. 291. He who causeth pain to others, Seeking his own selfish bliss, By the bonds of hate encumbered Hatred never can dismiss. 292. Those who disregard their duty,[1] Doing what should not be done, Insolent and negligent in evil-doing More and more corrupt become. 293. They who mounting guard on body, Ceaseless watch and ward preserve; They who others' things neglecting, From their duty never swerve; They who, self-controlled, aspire, Concentrate in every nerve, Reach destruction of desire. 294. Slaying father, slaying mother, With two kings of warrior fame, And a realm with all its subjects,[2] Brāhmana's go free from blame. 295. Slaying father, slaying mother, With two kings of saintly name, And a fifth pre-eminent,[3] Brāhmana's go free from blame. * * * * * 296. They who, watchful night and day, On the Buddha meditate, Are followers of Gotama. 297. They who watchful night and day, On the Dhamma meditate, Are followers of Gotama. 298. They who, watchful night and day, On the Sangha meditate, Are followers of Gotama.