15. They are seen to be joyous and sorrowful also at times, without changing the sedateness and serenity of their nature at any time. They act the part of players on the stage of the earth (that display many figures in their outward mein). 16. Those that know the truth, bear no more affection for their mercenary relatives and false friends, than they look upon the bubbles of water (that swell and swim, only to burst in a moment). 17. Without the affection of the soul, they bear full affection for others in their hearts; and the wise man remains quite possessed of himself, with showing his paternal affection to all. (Universal benevolence). 18. The ignorant are as the winds passing over running streams; they slightly touch the poisonous pleasures of their bodies, as the winds touch the rising waves, and are at last drowned in the depth of their sensuality. 19. But the wise man deals outwardly alike with all, with perfect coolness and stillness of his soul within himself; he seems outwardly to be engaged in business, but his inward mind is wholly disengaged from all worldly concerns whatsoever. 20. Ráma rejoined:—But how can a true sage of such nature, be distinguished from the many pretended ones and the ignorant also, who assume such a character falsely only to beguile others. 21. Many hypocrites rove about as horses, in the false garb of devotees, for the assurance of mankind in their devout devotedness to religion. 22. Vasishtha replied:—I say Ráma, that such a nature (or disposition), whether it is real or feigned, is the best and highest perfection of man; and know that, the learned in Vedic lore, have always this state as the model of perfection in their view. 23. Those who are dispassionate and unconcerned with acts, manage still to conduct their secular affairs and actions, like those that are actuated by their passions; and though they are averse to derision, yet they cannot help to deride at the ignorant from their kind heartedness towards them. 24. The visibles are all imprest in the mirror of their minds, as the shades of edifices are reflected in a reflector; they look upon them with full knowledge of their shadowiness, as they perceive the fallacy of their laying hold on a lump of gold in dream. 25. There is a coolness pervading their minds, which is altogether unknown to others; just as the sweet fragrance of the sandal wood, is unperceived by brutes at a distance. 26. They that know the knowable, and are equally pure in their minds, can only distinguish them from other people, as a snake only can trace the course of another snake. 27. They are the best of men, that hide their good qualities from others; for what man is there that will expose his most precious treasure in the market, along with the raw produce of his land? (_i.e._ The hidden virtues of a man, unlike the aroma of flowers, aught not to be laid open before the public).