Royalty

Pope (1886)Courage, a liberal hand, wisdom, and energy: these fourAre qualities a king adorn for evermore

MeaningNever to fail in these four things, fearlessness, liberality, wisdom, and energy, is the kingly character

Pope (1886)A sleepless promptitude, knowledge, decision strong:These three for aye to rulers of the land belong

MeaningThese three things, viz, vigilance, learning, and bravery, should never be wanting in the ruler of a country

Pope (1886)Kingship, in virtue failing not, all vice restrains, In courage failing not, it honour's grace maintains

MeaningHe is a king who, with manly modesty, swerves not from virtue, and refrains from vice

Pope (1886)A king is he who treasure gains, stores up, defends, And duly for his kingdom's weal expends

MeaningHe is a king who is able to acquire (wealth), to lay it up, to guard, and to distribute it

Pope (1886)Where king is easy of access, where no harsh word repels, That land's high praises every subject swells

MeaningThe whole world will exalt the country of the king who is easy of access, and who is free from harsh language

Pope (1886)With pleasant speech, who gives and guards with powerful liberal hand, He sees the world obedient all to his command

MeaningThe world will praise and submit itself to the mind of the king who is able to give with affability, and to protect all who come to him

Pope (1886)Who guards the realm and justice strict maintains, That king as god o'er subject people reigns

MeaningThat king, will be esteemed a God among men, who performs his own duties, and protects (his subjects).

Pope (1886)The king of worth, who can words bitter to his ear endure, Beneath the shadow of his power the world abides secure

MeaningThe whole world will dwell under the umbrella of the king, who can bear words that embitter the ear

Pope (1886)Gifts, grace, right sceptre, care of people's weal; These four a light of dreaded kings reveal

MeaningHe is the light of kings who has there four things, beneficence, benevolence, rectitude, and care for his people

Pope (1886)The twain that lore of numbers and of letters giveAre eyes, the wise declare, to all on earth that live

MeaningLetters and numbers are the two eyes of man

Pope (1886)Men who learning gain have eyes, men say; Blockheads' faces pairs of sores display

MeaningThe learned are said to have eyes, but the unlearned have (merely) two sores in their face

Pope (1886)You meet with joy, with pleasant thought you part; Such is the learned scholar's wonderous art

MeaningIt is the part of the learned to give joy to those whom they meet, and on leaving, to make them think (Oh! when shall we meet them again.)

Pope (1886)With soul submiss they stand, as paupers front a rich man's face; Yet learned men are first; th'unlearned stand in lowest place

MeaningThe unlearned are inferior to the learned, before whom they stand begging, as the destitute before the wealthy

Pope (1886)In sandy soil, when deep you delve, you reach the springs below; The more you learn, the freer streams of wisdom flow

MeaningWater will flow from a well in the sand in proportion to the depth to which it is dug, and knowledge will flow from a man in proportion to his learning

Pope (1886)The learned make each land their own, in every city find a home; Who, till they die; learn nought, along what weary ways they roam

MeaningHow is it that any one can remain without learning, even to his death, when (to the learned man) every country is his own (country), and every town his own (town) ?

Pope (1886)The man who store of learning gains, In one, through seven worlds, bliss attains

MeaningThe learning, which a man has acquired in one birth, will yield him pleasure during seven births

Pope (1886)Their joy is joy of all the world, they see; thus moreThe learners learn to love their cherished lore

MeaningThe learned will long (for more learning), when they see that while it gives pleasure to themselves, the world also derives pleasure from it

Pope (1886)Learning is excellence of wealth that none destroy; To man nought else affords reality of joy

MeaningLearning is the true imperishable riches; all other things are not riches

Pope (1886)Like those who doat on hoyden's undeveloped charms are they, Of learning void, who eagerly their power of words display

MeaningThe desire of the unlearned to speak (in an assembly), is like a woman without breasts desiring (the enjoyment of ) woman-hood

Pope (1886)The blockheads, too, may men of worth appear, If they can keep from speaking where the learned hear

MeaningThe unlearned also are very excellent men, if they know how to keep silence before the learned

Pope (1886)From blockheads' lips, when words of wisdom glibly flow, The wise receive them not, though good they seem to show

MeaningAlthough the natural knowledge of an unlearned man may be very good, the wise will not accept for true knowledge

Pope (1886)As worthless shows the worth of man unlearned, When council meets, by words he speaks discerned

MeaningThe self-conceit of an unlearned man will fade away, as soon as he speaks in an assembly (of

Pope (1886)'They are': so much is true of men untaught; But, like a barren field, they yield us nought

MeaningThe unlearned are like worthless barren land: all that can be said of them is, that they exist

Pope (1886)Who lack the power of subtle, large, and penetrating sense, Like puppet, decked with ornaments of clay, their beauty's vain pretence

MeaningThe beauty and goodness of one who is destitute of knowledge by the study of great and exquisite works, is like (the beauty and goodness) of a painted earthen doll

Pope (1886)To men unlearned, from fortune's favour greater-evil springsThan poverty to men of goodly wisdom brings

MeaningWealth, gained by the unlearned, will give more sorrow than the poverty which may come upon the learned

Pope (1886)Lower are men unlearned, though noble be their race, Than low-born men adorned with learning's grace

MeaningThe unlearned, though born in a high caste, are not equal in dignity to the learned; though they may have been born in a low caste

Pope (1886)Learning's irradiating grace who gain, Others excel, as men the bestial train

MeaningAs beasts by the side of men, so are other men by the side of those who are learned in celebrated works

Pope (1886)When 'tis no longer time the listening ear to feedWith trifling dole of food supply the body's need

MeaningWhen there is no food for the ear, give a little also to the stomach

Pope (1886)Who feed their ear with learned teachings rare, Are like the happy gods oblations rich who share

MeaningThose who in this world enjoy instruction which is the food of the ear, are equal to the Gods, who enjoy the food of the sacrifices

Pope (1886)Though learning none hath he, yet let him hear alway:In weakness this shall prove a staff and stay

MeaningAlthough a man be without learning, let him listen (to the teaching of the learned); that will be to him a staff in adversity

Pope (1886)Like staff in hand of him in slippery ground who straysAre words from mouth of those who walk in righteous ways

MeaningThe words of the good are like a staff in a slippery place

Pope (1886)Let each man good things learn, for e'en as heShall learn, he gains increase of perfect dignity

MeaningLet a man listen, never so little, to good (instruction), even that will bring him great dignity

Pope (1886)Not e'en through inadvertence speak they foolish word, With clear discerning mind who've learning's ample lessons heard

MeaningNot even when they have imperfectly understood (a matter), will those men speak foolishly, who have profoundly studied and diligently listened (to instruction)

Pope (1886)Where teaching hath not oped the learner's ear, The man may listen, but he scarce can hear

MeaningThe ear which has not been bored by instruction, although it hears, is deaf

Pope (1886)'Tis hard for mouth to utter gentle, modest word, When ears discourse of lore refined have never heard

MeaningIt is a rare thing to find modesty, a reverend mouth- with those who have not received choice instruction

Pope (1886)His mouth can taste, but ear no taste of joy can give!What matter if he die, or prosperous live

MeaningWhat does it matter whether those men live or die, who can judge of tastes by the mouth, and not by the ear ?

Pope (1886)True wisdom wards off woes, A circling fortress high; Its inner strength man's eager foes Unshaken will defy

MeaningWisdom is a weapon to ward off destruction; it is an inner fortress which enemies cannot destroy

Pope (1886)Wisdom restrains, nor suffers mind to wander where it would; From every evil calls it back, and guides in way of good

MeaningNot to permit the mind to go where it lists, to keep it from evil, and to employ it in good, this is wisdom

Pope (1886)Wisdom hath use of lucid speech, words that acceptance win, And subtle sense of other men's discourse takes in

MeaningTo speak so as that the meaning may easily enter the mind of the hearer, and to discern the subtlest thought which may lie hidden in the words of others, this is wisdom

Pope (1886)Wisdom embraces frank the world, to no caprice exposed; Unlike the lotus flower, now opened wide, now petals strictly closed

MeaningTo secure the friendship of the great is true wisdom; it is (also) wisdom to keep (that friendship unchanged, and) not opening and closing (like the lotus flower)

Pope (1886)As dwells the world, so with the world to dwellIn harmony- this is to wisely live and well

MeaningTo live as the world lives, is wisdom

Pope (1886)The wise discern, the foolish fail to see, And minds prepare for things about to be

MeaningThe wise are those who know beforehand what will happen; those who do not know this are the unwise

Pope (1886)Folly meets fearful ills with fearless heart; To fear where cause of fear exists is wisdom's part

MeaningNot to fear what ought to be feared, is folly; it is the work of the wise to fear what should be feared

Pope (1886)The wise with watchful soul who coming ills foresee; From coming evil's dreaded shock are free

MeaningNo terrifying calamity will happen to the wise, who (foresee) and guard against coming evils

Pope (1886)The wise is rich, with ev'ry blessing blest; The fool is poor, of everything possessed

MeaningThose who possess wisdom, possess every thing; those who have not wisdom, whatever they may possess, have nothing

Pope (1886)A niggard hand, o'erweening self-regard, and mirthUnseemly, bring disgrace to men of kingly brith

MeaningAvarice, undignified pride, and low pleasures are faults in a king

Pope (1886)Though small as millet-seed the fault men deem; As palm tree vast to those who fear disgrace 'twill seem

MeaningThose who fear guilt, if they commit a fault small as a millet seed, will consider it to be as large as a palmyra tree

Pope (1886)Freedom from faults is wealth; watch heedfully'Gainst these, for fault is fatal enmity

MeaningGuard against faults as a matter (of great consequence; for) faults are a deadly enemy

Pope (1886)His joy who guards not 'gainst the coming evil day, Like straw before the fire shall swift consume away

MeaningThe prosperity of him who does not timely guard against faults, will perish like straw before fire

Pope (1886)Faultless the king who first his own faults cures, and thenPermits himself to scan faults of other men

MeaningWhat fault will remain in the king who has put away his own evils, and looks after the evils of others

Pope (1886)Who leaves undone what should be done, with niggard mind, His wealth shall perish, leaving not a wrack behind

MeaningThe wealth of the avaricious man, who does not expend it for the purposes for which he ought to expend it will waste away and not continue

Pope (1886)The greed of soul that avarice men call, When faults are summed, is worst of all

MeaningGriping avarice is not to be reckoned as one among other faults; (it stands alone - greater than all)

Pope (1886)Never indulge in self-complaisant mood, Nor deed desire that yields no gain of good

MeaningLet no (one) praise himself, at any time; let him not desire to do useless things

Pope (1886)If, to your foes unknown, you cherish what you love, Counsels of men who wish you harm will harmless prove

MeaningIf (a king) enjoys, privately the things which he desires, the designs of his enemies will be useless

Pope (1886)Cherish the all-accomplished men as friends, Whose skill the present ill removes, from coming ill defends

MeaningLet (a king) procure and kindly care for men who can overcome difficulties when they occur, and guard against them before they happen

Pope (1886)To cherish men of mighty soul, and make them all their own, Of kingly treasures rare, as rarest gift is known

MeaningTo cherish great men and make them his own, is the most difficult of all difficult things

Pope (1886)To live with men of greatness that their own excels, As cherished friends, is greatest power that with a monarch dwells

MeaningSo to act as to make those men, his own, who are greater than himself is of all powers the highest

Pope (1886)The king, since counsellors are monarch's eyes, Should counsellors select with counsel wise

MeaningAs a king must use his ministers as eyes (in managing his kingdom), let him well examine their character and qualifications before he engages them

Pope (1886)The king, who knows to live with worthy men allied, Has nought to fear from any foeman's pride

MeaningThere will be nothing left for enemies to do, against him who has the power of acting (so as to secure) the fellowship of worthy men

Pope (1886)What power can work his fall, who faithful ministersEmploys, that thunder out reproaches when he errs

MeaningWho are great enough to destroy him who has servants that have power to rebuke him ?

Pope (1886)The king with none to censure him, bereft of safeguards all, Though none his ruin work, shall surely ruined fall

MeaningThe king, who is without the guard of men who can rebuke him, will perish, even though there be no one to destroy him

Pope (1886)Who owns no principal, can have no gain of usury; Who lacks support of friends, knows no stability

MeaningThere can be no gain to those who have no capital; and in like manner there can be no permanence to

Pope (1886)Than hate of many foes incurred, works greater woeTen-fold, of worthy men the friendship to forego

MeaningIt is tenfold more injurious to abandon the friendship of the good, than to incur the hatred of the many

Pope (1886)The waters' virtues change with soil through which they flow; As man's companionship so will his wisdom show

MeaningAs water changes (its nature), from the nature of the soil (in which it flows), so will the character of men resemble that of their associates

Pope (1886)Perceptions manifold in men are of the mind alone; The value of the man by his companionship is known

MeaningThe power of knowing is from the mind; (but) his character is from that of his associates

Pope (1886)Man's wisdom seems the offspring of his mind;'Tis outcome of companionship we find

MeaningWisdom appears to rest in the mind, but it really exists to a man in his companions

Pope (1886)Both purity of mind, and purity of action clear, Leaning no staff of pure companionship, to man draw near

MeaningChaste company is the staff on which come, these two things, viz, purity of mind and purity of conduct

Pope (1886)From true pure-minded men a virtuous race proceeds; To men of pure companionship belong no evil deeds

MeaningTo the pure-minded there will be a good posterity By those whose associates are pure, no deeds will be done that are not good

Pope (1886)Goodness of mind to lives of men increaseth gain; And good companionship doth all of praise obtain

MeaningGoodness of mind will give wealth, and good society will bring with it all praise, to men

Pope (1886)To perfect men, though minds right good belong, Yet good companionship is confirmation strong

MeaningYet good companionship is confirmation strong

Pope (1886)Although to mental goodness joys of other life belong, Yet good companionship is confirmation strong

MeaningFuture bliss is (the result) of goodness of mind; and even this acquires strength from the society of the good

Pope (1886)Than good companionship no surer help we know; Than bad companionship nought causes direr woe

MeaningThere is no greater help than the company of the good; there is no greater source of sorrow than the company of the wicked

Pope (1886)Expenditure, return, and profit of the deedIn time to come; weigh these- than to the act proceed

MeaningLet a man reflect on what will be lost, what will be acquired and (from these) what will be his ultimate gain, and (then, let him) act

Pope (1886)With chosen friends deliberate; next use the private thought; Then act By those who thus proceed all works with ease are wrought

MeaningThere is nothing too difficult to (be attained by) those who, before they act, reflect well themselves, and thoroughly consider (the matter) with chosen friends

Pope (1886)To risk one's all and lose, aiming at added gain, Is rash affair, from which the wise abstain

MeaningWise men will not, in the hopes of profit, undertake works that will consume their principal

Pope (1886)A work of which the issue is not clear, Begin not they reproachful scorn who fear

MeaningThose who fear reproach will not commence anything which has not been (thoroughly considered) and made clear to them

Pope (1886)With plans not well matured to rise against your foe, Is way to plant him out where he is sure to grow

MeaningOne way to promote the prosperity of an enemy, is (for a king) to set out (to war) without having thoroughly weighed his ability (to cope with its chances)

Pope (1886)'Tis ruin if man do an unbefitting thing; Fit things to leave undone will equal ruin bring

MeaningHe will perish who does not what is not fit to do; and he also will perish who does not do what it is fit to

Pope (1886)On no right system if man toil and strive, Though many men assist, no work can thrive

MeaningThe work, which is not done by suitable methods, will fail though many stand to uphold it

Pope (1886)Though well the work be done, yet one mistake is made, To habitudes of various men when no regard is paid

MeaningThere are failures even in acting well, when it is done without knowing the various dispositions of men

Pope (1886)Plan and perform no work that others may despise; What misbeseems a king the world will not approve as wise

MeaningLet a man reflect, and do things which bring no reproach; the world will not approve, with him, of things which do not become of his position to adopt

Pope (1886)Who know what can be wrought, with knowledge of the means, on this, Their mind firm set, go forth, nought goes with them amiss

MeaningThere is nothing which may not be accomplished by those who, before they attack (an enemy), make themselves acquainted with their own ability, and with whatever else is (needful) to be known, and

Pope (1886)Ill-deeming of their proper powers, have many monarchs striven, And midmost of unequal conflict fallen asunder riven

MeaningThere are many who, ignorant of their (want of) power (to meet it), have haughtily set out to war, and broken down in the midst of it

Pope (1886)Who not agrees with those around, no moderation knows, In self-applause indulging, swift to ruin goes

MeaningHe will quickly perish who, ignorant of his own resources flatters himself of his greatness, and does

Pope (1886)With peacock feathers light, you load the wain; Yet, heaped too high, the axle snaps in twain

MeaningThe axle tree of a bandy, loaded only with peacocks' feathers will break, if it be greatly overloaded

Pope (1886)Who daring climbs, and would himself upraiseBeyond the branch's tip, with life the forfeit pays

MeaningThere will be an end to the life of him who, having climbed out to the end of a branch, ventures to go further

Pope (1886)With knowledge of the measure due, as virtue bids you give!That is the way to guard your wealth, and seemly live

MeaningLet a man know the measure of his ability (to give), and let him give accordingly; such giving is the way to preserve his property

Pope (1886)Incomings may be scant; but yet, no failure there, If in expenditure you rightly learn to spare

MeaningEven though the income (of a king) be small, it will not cause his (ruin), if his outgoings be not larger than his income

Pope (1886)Who prosperous lives and of enjoyment knows no bound, His seeming wealth, departing, nowhere shall be found

MeaningThe prosperity of him who lives without knowing the measure (of his property), will perish, even while it seems to continue

Pope (1886)Beneficence that measures not its bound of means, Will swiftly bring to nought the wealth on which it leans

MeaningThe measure of his wealth will quickly perish, whose liberality weighs not the measure of his property

Pope (1886)The bond binds fortune fast is ordered effort made, Strictly observant still of favouring season's aid

MeaningActing at the right season, is a cord that will immoveably bind success (to a king)

Pope (1886)Can any work be hard in very fact, If men use fitting means in timely act

MeaningIs there anything difficult for him to do, who acts, with (the right) instruments at the right time ?

Pope (1886)The pendant world's dominion may be won, In fitting time and place by action done

MeaningThough (a man) should meditate (the conquest of) the world, he may accomplish it if he acts in the right time, and at the right place

Pope (1886)Who think the pendant world itself to subjugate, With mind unruffled for the fitting time must wait

MeaningThey who thoughtfully consider and wait for the (right) time (for action), may successfully meditate (the conquest of) the world

Pope (1886)The men of mighty power their hidden energies repress, As fighting ram recoils to rush on foe with heavier stress

MeaningThe self-restraint of the energetic (while waiting for a suitable opportunity), is like the drawing back of a fighting-ram in order to butt

Pope (1886)The glorious once of wrath enkindled make no outward show, At once; they bide their time, while hidden fires within them glow

MeaningThe wise will not immediately and hastily shew out their anger; they will watch their time, and restrain it within

Pope (1886)If foes' detested form they see, with patience let them bear; When fateful hour at last they spy,- the head lies there

MeaningIf one meets his enemy, let him show him all respect, until the time for his destruction is come; when that is come, his head will be easily brought low

Pope (1886)When hardest gain of opportunity at last is won, With promptitude let hardest deed be done

MeaningIf a rare opportunity occurs, while it lasts, let a man do that which is rarely to be accomplished (but for such an opportunity)

Pope (1886)As heron stands with folded wing, so wait in waiting hour; As heron snaps its prey, when fortune smiles, put forth your power

MeaningAt the time when one should use self-control, let him restrain himself like a heron; and, let him like it, strike, when there is a favourable opportunity

Pope (1886)Though skill in war combine with courage tried on battle-field, The added gain of fort doth great advantage yield

MeaningEven to those who are men of power and expedients, an attack in connection with a fortification will yield many advantages

Pope (1886)E'en weak ones mightily prevail, if place of strong defence, They find, protect themselves, and work their foes offence

MeaningEven the powerless will become powerful and conquer, if they select a proper field (of action), and guard themselves, while they make war on their enemies

Pope (1886)The foes who thought to triumph, find their thoughts were vain, If hosts advance, seize vantage ground, and thence the fight maintain

MeaningIf they who draw near (to fight) choose a suitable place to approach (their enemy), the latter, will have to relinquish the thought which they once entertained, of conquering them

Pope (1886)The crocodile prevails in its own flow of water wide, If this it leaves, 'tis slain by anything beside

MeaningIn deep water, a crocodile will conquer (all other animals); but if it leave the water, other animals will conquer it

Pope (1886)The lofty car, with mighty wheel, sails not o'er watery main, The boat that skims the sea, runs not on earth's hard plain

MeaningWide chariots, with mighty wheels, will not run on the ocean; neither will ships that the traverse ocean, move on the earth

Pope (1886)Save their own fearless might they need no other aid, If in right place they fight, all due provision made

MeaningYou will need no other aid than fearlessness, if you thoroughly reflect (on what you are to do), and select (a suitable) place for your operations

Pope (1886)If lord of army vast the safe retreat assailOf him whose host is small, his mightiest efforts fail

MeaningThe power of one who has a large army will perish, if he goes into ground where only a small army can act

Pope (1886)Though fort be none, and store of wealth they lack,'Tis hard a people's homesteads to attack

MeaningIt is a hazardous thing to attack men in their own country, although they may neither have power nor a good fortress

Pope (1886)The jackal slays, in miry paths of foot-betraying fen, The elephant of fearless eye and tusks transfixing armed men

MeaningA fox can kill a fearless, warrior-faced elephant, if it go into mud in which its legs sink down

Pope (1886)Of noble race, of faultless worth, of generous prideThat shrinks from shame or stain; in him may king confide

Meaning(The king's) choice should (fall) on him, who is of good family, who is free from faults, and who has the modesty which fears the wounds (of sin)

Pope (1886)Though deeply learned, unflecked by fault, 'tis rare to see, When closely scanned, a man from all unwisdom free

MeaningWhen even men, who have studied the most difficult works, and who are free from faults, are (carefully) examined, it is a rare thing to find them without ignorance

Pope (1886)Weigh well the good of each, his failings closely scan, As these or those prevail, so estimate the man

MeaningLet (a king) consider (a man's) good qualities, as well as his faults, and then judge (of his character) by that which prevails

Pope (1886)Of greatness and of meanness too, The deeds of each are touchstone true

MeaningA man's deeds are the touchstone of his greatness and littleness

Pope (1886)Beware of trusting men who have no kith of kin; No bonds restrain such men, no shame deters from sin

MeaningLet (a king) avoid choosing men who have no relations; such men have no attachment, and thereforehave no fear of crime

Pope (1886)By fond affection led who trusts in men of unwise soul, Yields all his being up to folly's blind control

MeaningYields all his being up to folly's blind control

Pope (1886)Who trusts an untried stranger, brings disgrace, Remediless, on all his race

MeaningSorrow that will not leave even his posterity will come upon him chooses a stranger whose character he has not known

Pope (1886)Trust no man whom you have not fully tried, When tested, in his prudence proved confide

MeaningLet (a king) choose no one without previous consideration; after he has made his choice, let him unhesitatingly select for each such duties as are appropriate

Pope (1886)Trust where you have not tried, doubt of a friend to feel, Once trusted, wounds inflict that nought can heal

MeaningTo make choice of one who has not been examined, and to entertain doubts respecting one who has been chosen, will produce irremediable sorrow

Pope (1886)Who good and evil scanning, ever makes the good his joy; Such man of virtuous mood should king employ

MeaningHe should be employed (by a king), whose nature leads him to choose the good, after having weighed both the evil and the good in any undertaking

Pope (1886)Who swells the revenues, spreads plenty o'er the land, Seeks out what hinders progress, his the workman's hand

MeaningLet him do (the king's) work who can enlarge the sources (of revenue), increase wealth and considerately prevent the accidents (which would destroy it)

Pope (1886)A loyal love with wisdom, clearness, mind from avarice free; Who hath these four good gifts should ever trusted be

MeaningLet the choice (of a king) fall upon him who largely possesses these four things, love, knowledge, a clear mind and freedom from covetousness

Pope (1886)Even when tests of every kind are multiplied, Full many a man proves otherwise, by action tried

MeaningEven when (a king) has tried them in every possible way, there are many men who change, from the nature of the works (in which they may be employed)

Pope (1886)No specious fav'rite should the king's commission bear, But he that knows, and work performs with patient care

Meaning(A king's) work can only be accomplished by a man of wisdom and patient endurance; it is not of a nature to be given to one from mere personal attachment

Pope (1886)Let king first ask, 'Who shall the deed perform?' and 'What the deed?'Of hour befitting both assured, let every work proceed

MeaningLet (a king) act, after having considered the agent (whom he is to employ), the deed (he desires to do), and the time which is suitable to it

Pope (1886)As each man's special aptitude is known, Bid each man make that special work his own

MeaningHaving considered what work a man is fit for, let (the king) employ him in that work

Pope (1886)Fortune deserts the king who ill can bear, Informal friendly ways of men his tolls who share

MeaningProsperity will leave (the king) who doubts the friendship of the man who steadily labours in the discharge of his duties

Pope (1886)Let king search out his servants' deeds each day; When these do right, the world goes rightly on its way

MeaningLet a king daily examine the conduct of his servants; if they do not act crookedly, the world will not act crookedly

Pope (1886)The gift of kin's unfailing love bestowsMuch gain of good, like flower that fadeless blows

MeaningIf (a man's) relatives remain attached to him with unchanging love, it will be a source of everincreasing wealth

Pope (1886)His joy of life who mingles not with kinsmen gathered round, Is lake where streams pour in, with no encircling bound

MeaningThe wealth of one who does not mingle freely with his relatives, will be like the filling of water in a

Pope (1886)The profit gained by wealth's increase, Is living compassed round by relatives in peace

MeaningTo live surrounded by relatives, is the advantage to be derived from the acquisition of wealth

Pope (1886)Who knows the use of pleasant words, and liberal gifts can give, Connections, heaps of them, surrounding him shall live

MeaningHe will be surrounded by numerous relatives who manifests generosity and affability

Pope (1886)Than one who gifts bestows and wrath restrains, Through the wide world none larger following gains

MeaningNo one, in all the world, will have so many relatives (about him), as he who makes large gift, and does not give way to anger

Pope (1886)The crows conceal not, call their friends to come, then eat; Increase of good such worthy ones shall meet

MeaningThe crows do not conceal (their prey), but will call out for others (to share with them) while they eat it; wealth will be with those who show a similar disposition (towards their relatives)

Pope (1886)Where king regards not all alike, but each in his degree,'Neath such discerning rule many dwell happily

MeaningMany relatives will live near a king, when they observe that he does not look on all alike, but that he looks on each man according to his merit

Pope (1886)Who once were his, and then forsook him, as beforeWill come around, when cause of disagreement is no more

MeaningThose who have been friends and have afterwards forsaken him, will return and join themselves (to him), when the cause of disagreement is not to be found in him

Pope (1886)Who causeless went away, then to return, for any cause, ask leave; The king should sift their motives well, consider, and receive

MeaningWhen one may have left him, and for some cause has returned to him, let the king fulfil the object (for which he has come back) and thoughtfully receive him again

Pope (1886)Perpetual, poverty is death to wisdom of the wise; When man forgets himself his glory dies

MeaningForgetfulness will destroy fame, even as constant poverty destroys knowledge

Pope (1886)'To self-oblivious men no praise'; this ruleDecisive wisdom sums of every school

MeaningThoughtlessness will never acquire fame; and this tenet is upheld by all treatises in the world

Pope (1886)'To cowards is no fort's defence'; e'en soThe self-oblivious men no blessing know

MeaningJust as the coward has no defence (by whatever fortifications ha may be surrounded), so the thoughtless has no good (whatever advantages he may possess)

Pope (1886)To him who nought foresees, recks not of anything, The after woe shall sure repentance bring

MeaningThe thoughtless man, who provides not against the calamities that may happen, will afterwards repent for his fault

Pope (1886)Towards all unswerving, ever watchfulness of soul retain, Where this is found there is no greater gain

MeaningThere is nothing comparable with the possession of unfailing thoughtfulness at all times; and towards all persons

Pope (1886)Though things are arduous deemed, there's nought may not be won, When work with mind's unslumbering energy and thought is done

MeaningThere is nothing too difficult to be accomplished, if a man set about it carefully, with unflinching endeavour

Pope (1886)Let things that merit praise thy watchful soul employ; Who these despise attain through sevenfold births no joy

MeaningLet (a man) observe and do these things which have been praised (by the wise); if he neglects and fails to perform them, for him there will be no (happiness) throughout the seven births

Pope (1886)Think on the men whom scornful mind hath brought to nought, When exultation overwhelms thy wildered thought

MeaningLet (a king) think of those who have been ruined by neglect, when his mind is elated with joy

Pope (1886)'Tis easy what thou hast in mind to gain, If what thou hast in mind thy mind retain

MeaningIt is easy for (one) to obtain whatever he may think of, if he can again think of it

Pope (1886)All earth looks up to heav'n whence raindrops fall; All subjects look to king that ruleth all

MeaningWhen there is rain, the living creation thrives; and so when the king rules justly, his subjects thrive

Pope (1886)Learning and virtue of the sages spring, From all-controlling sceptre of the king

MeaningThe sceptre of the king is the firm support of the Vedas of the Brahmin, and of all virtues therein described

Pope (1886)Whose heart embraces subjects all, lord over mighty landWho rules, the world his feet embracing stands

MeaningThe world will constantly embrace the feet of the great king who rules over his subjects with love

Pope (1886)Where king, who righteous laws regards, the sceptre wields, There fall the showers, there rich abundance crowns the fields

MeaningRain and plentiful crops will ever dwell together in the country of the king who sways his sceptre with justice

Pope (1886)Not lance gives kings the victory, But sceptre swayed with equity

MeaningIt is not the javelin that gives victory, but the king's sceptre, if it do no injustice

Pope (1886)The king all the whole realm of earth protects; And justice guards the king who right respects

MeaningThe king defends the whole world; and justice, when administered without defect, defends the king

Pope (1886)Hard of access, nought searching out, with partial handThe king who rules, shall sink and perish from the land

MeaningThe king who gives not facile audience (to those who approach him), and who does not examine and pass judgment (on their complaints), will perish in disgrace

Pope (1886)Abroad to guard, at home to punish, bringsNo just reproach; 'tis work assigned to kings

MeaningIn guarding his subjects (against injury from others), and in preserving them himself; to punish crime

Pope (1886)By punishment of death the cruel to restrain, Is as when farmer frees from weeds the tender grain

MeaningFor a king to punish criminals with death, is like pulling up the weeds in the green corn

Pope (1886)As 'Give' the robber cries with lance uplift, So kings with sceptred hand implore a gift

MeaningThe request (for money) of him who holds the sceptre is like the word of a highway robber who stands with a weapon in hand and says "give up your wealth"

Pope (1886)Who makes no daily search for wrongs, nor justly rules, that kingDoth day by day his realm to ruin bring

MeaningThe country of the king who does not daily examine into the wrongs done and distribute justice, will daily fall to ruin

Pope (1886)Whose rod from right deflects, who counsel doth refuse, At once his wealth and people utterly shall lose

MeaningThe king, who, without reflecting (on its evil consequences), perverts justice, will lose at once both his wealth and his subjects

Pope (1886)His people's tears of sorrow past endurance, are not theySharp instruments to wear the monarch's wealth away

MeaningWill not the tears, shed by a people who cannot endure the oppression which they suffer (from their king), become a saw to waste away his wealth ?

Pope (1886)To rulers' rule stability is sceptre right; When this is not, quenched is the rulers' light

MeaningRighteous government gives permanence to (the fame of) kings; without that their fame will have no endurance

Pope (1886)As lack of rain to thirsty lands beneath, Is lack of grace in kings to all that breathe

MeaningAs is the world without rain, so live a people whose king is without kindness

Pope (1886)To poverty it adds a sharper sting, To live beneath the sway of unjust king

MeaningProperty gives more sorrow than poverty, to those who live under the sceptre of a king without justice

Pope (1886)Where king from right deflecting, makes unrighteous gain, The seasons change, the clouds pour down no rain

MeaningIf the king acts contrary to justice, rain will become unseasonable, and the heavens will withhold their showers

Pope (1886)Where guardian guardeth not, udder of kine grows dry, And Brahmans' sacred lore will all forgotten lie

MeaningIf the guardian (of the country) neglects to guard it, the produce of the cows will fail, and the men of six duties viz, the Brahmins will forget the vedas

Pope (1886)For length of days with still increasing joys on Heav'n who call, Should raise the rod with brow severe, but let it gently fall

MeaningLet the king, who desires that his prosperity may long remain, commence his preliminary enquires with strictness, and then punish with mildness

Pope (1886)Where subjects dread of cruel wrongs endure, Ruin to unjust king is swift and sure

MeaningThe cruel-sceptred king, who acts so as to put his subjects in fear, will certainly and quickly come to ruin

Pope (1886)'Ah! cruel is our king', where subjects sadly say, His age shall dwindle, swift his joy of life decay

MeaningThe king who is spoken of as cruel will quickly perish; his life becoming shortened

Pope (1886)Whom subjects scarce may see, of harsh forbidding countenance; His ample wealth shall waste, blasted by demon's glance

MeaningThe great wealth of him who is difficult of access and possesses a sternness of countenance, is like that which has been obtained by a devil

Pope (1886)The tyrant, harsh in speach and hard of eye, His ample joy, swift fading, soon shall die

MeaningThe abundant wealth of the king whose words are harsh and whose looks are void of kindness, will instantly perish instead of abiding long, with him

Pope (1886)Harsh words and punishments severe beyond the right, Are file that wears away the monarch's conquering might

MeaningSevere words and excessive punishments will be a file to waste away a king's power for destroying (his enemies)

Pope (1886)Who leaves the work to those around, and thinks of it no more; If he in wrathful mood reprove, his prosperous days are o'er

MeaningThe prosperity of that king will waste away, who without reflecting (on his affairs himself), commits them to his ministers, and (when a failure occurs) gives way to anger, and rages against them

Pope (1886)Who builds no fort whence he may foe defy, In time of war shall fear and swiftly die

MeaningThe king who has not provided himself with a place of defence, will in times of war be seized with fear and quickly perish

Pope (1886)Tyrants with fools their counsels share:Earth can no heavier burthen bear

MeaningThe earth bears up no greater burden than ignorant men whom a cruel sceptre attaches to itself (as the ministers of its evil deeds)

Pope (1886)The world goes on its wonted way, since grace benign is there; All other men are burthen for the earth to bear

MeaningThe prosperity of the world springs from the kindliness, the existence of those who have no (kindliness) is a burden to the earth

Pope (1886)Where not accordant with the song, what use of sounding chordsWhat gain of eye that no benignant light affords

MeaningOf what avail is a song if it be inconsistent with harmony ? what is the use of eyes which possess no kindliness

Pope (1886)The seeming eye of face gives no expressive light, When not with duly meted kindness bright

MeaningBeyond appearing to be in the face, what good do they do, those eyes in which is no well-regulated kindness ?

Pope (1886)Benignity is eyes' adorning grace; Without it eyes are wounds disfiguring face

MeaningKind looks are the ornaments of the eyes; without these they will be considered (by the wise) to be merely two sores

Pope (1886)Whose eyes 'neath brow infixed diffuse no rayOf grace; like tree in earth infixed are they

MeaningThey resemble the trees of the earth, who although they have eyes, never look kindly (on others)

Pope (1886)Eyeless are they whose eyes with no benignant lustre shine; Who've eyes can never lack the light of grace benign

MeaningMen without kind looks are men without eyes; those who (really) have eyes are also not devoid of kind looks

Pope (1886)Who can benignant smile, yet leave no work undone; By them as very own may all the earth be won

MeaningThe world is theirs (kings) who are able to show kindness, without injury to their affairs, (administration of justice)

Pope (1886)To smile on those that vex, with kindly face, Enduring long, is most excelling grace

MeaningPatiently to bear with, and show kindness to those who grieve us, is the most excellent of all dispositions

Pope (1886)They drink with smiling grace, though poison interfused they see, Who seek the praise of all-esteemed courtesy

MeaningThose who desire (to cultivate that degree of) urbanity which all shall love, even after swallowing the poison served to them by their friends, will be friendly with them

Pope (1886)Each day, of every subject every deed,'Tis duty of the king to learn with speed

Meaning'Tis duty of the king to learn with speed

Pope (1886)By spies who spies, not weighing things they bring, Nothing can victory give to that unwary king

MeaningThere is no way for a king to obtain conquests, who knows not the advantage of discoveries made by a spy

Pope (1886)His officers, his friends, his enemies, All these who watch are trusty spies

MeaningHe is a spy who watches all men, to wit, those who are in the king's employment, his relatives, and his enemies

Pope (1886)Of unsuspected mien and all-unfearing eyes, Who let no secret out, are trusty spies

MeaningA spy is one who is able to assume an appearance which may create no suspicion (in the minds of others), who fears no man's face, and who never reveals (his purpose)

Pope (1886)As monk or devotee, through every hindrance making way, A spy, whate'er men do, must watchful mind display

MeaningHe is a spy who, assuming the appearance of an ascetic, goes into (whatever place he wishes), examines into (all, that is needful), and never discovers himself, whatever may be done to him

Pope (1886)A spy must search each hidden matter out, And full report must render, free from doubt

MeaningA spy is one who is able to discover what is hidden and who retains no doubt concerning what he has known

Pope (1886)Spying by spies, the things they tellTo test by other spies is well

MeaningLet not a king receive the information which a spy has discovered and made known to him, until he has examined it by another spy

Pope (1886)One spy must not another see: contrive it so; And things by three confirmed as truth you know

MeaningLet a king employ spies so that one may have no knowledge of the other; and when the information of three agrees together, let him receive it

Pope (1886)Reward not trusty spy in others' sight, Or all the mystery will come to light

MeaningLet not a king publicly confer on a spy any marks of his favour; if he does, he will divulge his own secret

Pope (1886)'Tis energy gives men o'er that they own a true control; They nothing own who own not energy of soul

MeaningEnergy makes out the man of property; as for those who are destitute of it, do they (really) possess what they possess ?

Pope (1886)The wealth of mind man owns a real worth imparts, Material wealth man owns endures not, utterly departs

MeaningThe possession of (energy of) mind is true property; the possession of wealth passes away and abides not

Pope (1886)'Lost is our wealth,' they utter not this cry distressed, The men of firm concentred energy of soul possessed

MeaningThey who are possessed of enduring energy will not trouble themselves, saying, "we have lost our property."

Pope (1886)The man of energy of soul inflexible, Good fortune seeks him out and comes a friend to dwell

MeaningWealth will find its own way to the man of unfailing energy

Pope (1886)Whate'er you ponder, let your aim be loftly still, Fate cannot hinder always, thwart you as it will

MeaningIn all that a king thinks of, let him think of his greatness; and if it should be thrust from him (by fate), it will have the nature of not being thrust from him

Pope (1886)The men of lofty mind quail not in ruin's fateful hour, The elephant retains his dignity mind arrows' deadly shower

MeaningThe strong minded will not faint, even when all is lost; the elephant stands firm, even when wounded by a shower of arrows

Pope (1886)The soulless man can never gainTh' ennobling sense of power with men

MeaningThose who have no (greatness of) mind, will not acquire the joy of saying in the world, "we have excercised liaberality"

Pope (1886)Huge bulk of elephant with pointed tusk all armed, When tiger threatens shrinks away alarmed

MeaningAlthough the elephant has a large body, and a sharp tusk, yet it fears the attack of the tiger

Pope (1886)Firmness of soul in man is real excellance; Others are trees, their human form a mere pretence

MeaningEnergy is mental wealth; those men who are destitute of it are only trees in the form of men

Pope (1886)Let indolence, the death of effort, die, If you'd uphold your household's dignity

MeaningLet those, who desire that their family may be illustrious, put away all idleness from their conduct

Pope (1886)Who fosters indolence within his breast, the silly elf!The house from which he springs shall perish ere himself

MeaningThe (lustre of the) family of the ignorant man, who acts under the influence of destructive laziness will perish, even before he is dead

Pope (1886)His family decays, and faults unheeded thrive, Who, sunk in sloth, for noble objects doth not strive

MeaningFamily (greatness) will be destroyed, and faults will increase, in those men who give way to laziness, and put forth no dignified exertions

Pope (1886)Delay, oblivion, sloth, and sleep: these fourAre pleasure-boat to bear the doomed to ruin's shore

MeaningProcrastination, forgetfulness, idleness, and sleep, these four things, form the vessel which is desired by those destined to destruction

Pope (1886)Though lords of earth unearned possessions gain, The slothful ones no yield of good obtain

MeaningIt is a rare thing for the idle, even when possessed of the riches of kings who ruled over the whole earth, to derive any great benefit from it

Pope (1886)Who hug their sloth, nor noble works attempt, Shall bear reproofs and words of just contempt

MeaningThose who through idleness, and do not engage themselves in dignified exertion, will subject

Pope (1886)If sloth a dwelling find mid noble family, Bondsmen to them that hate them shall they be

MeaningIf idleness take up its abode in a king of high birth, it will make him a slave of his enemies

Pope (1886)Who changes slothful habits savesHimself from all that household rule depraves

MeaningWhen a man puts away idleness, the reproach which has come upon himself and his family will disappear

Pope (1886)The king whose life from sluggishness is rid, Shall rule o'er all by foot of mighty god bestrid

MeaningThe king who never gives way to idleness will obtain entire possession of (the whole earth) passed over by him who measured (the worlds) with His foot

Pope (1886)Say not, 'Tis hard', in weak, desponding hour, For strenuous effort gives prevailing power

MeaningYield not to the feebleness which says, "this is too difficult to be done"; labour will give the greatness (of mind) which is necessary (to do it)

Pope (1886)In action be thou, 'ware of act's defeat; The world leaves those who work leave incomplete

MeaningTake care not to give up exertion in the midst of a work; the world will abandon those who abandon their unfinished work

Pope (1886)In strenuous effort doth resideThe power of helping others: noble pride

MeaningThe lustre of munificence will dwell only with the dignity of laboriousness or efforts

Pope (1886)Beneficent intent in men by whom no strenuous work is wrought, Like battle-axe in sexless being's hand availeth nought

MeaningThe liberality of him, who does not labour, will fail, like the manliness of a hermaphrodite, who has a sword in its hand

Pope (1886)Whose heart delighteth not in pleasure, but in action finds delight, He wipes away his kinsmen's grief and stands the pillar of their might

MeaningHe who desires not pleasure, but desires labour, will be a pillar to sustain his relations, wiping away their sorrows

Pope (1886)Effort brings fortune's sure increase, Its absence brings to nothingness

MeaningLabour will produce wealth; idleness will bring poverty

Pope (1886)In sluggishness is seen misfortune's lurid form, the wise declare; Where man unslothful toils, she of the lotus flower is there

MeaningThey say that the black Mudevi (the goddess of adversity) dwells with laziness, and the Latchmi (the goddess of prosperity) dwells with the labour of the industrious

Pope (1886)'Tis no reproach unpropitious fate should ban; But not to do man's work is foul disgrace to man

MeaningAdverse fate is no disgrace to any one; to be without exertion and without knowing what should be known, is disgrace

Pope (1886)Who strive with undismayed, unfaltering mind, At length shall leave opposing fate behind

MeaningThey who labour on, without fear and without fainting will see even fate (put) behind their back

Pope (1886)Though sorrow, like a flood, comes rolling on, When wise men's mind regards it,- it is gone

MeaningA flood of troubles will be overcome by the (courageous) thought which the minds of the wise will entertain, even in sorrow

Pope (1886)Who griefs confront with meek, ungrieving heart, From them griefs, put to grief, depart

MeaningThey give sorrow to sorrow, who in sorrow do not suffer sorrow

Pope (1886)Like bullock struggle on through each obstructed way; From such an one will troubles, troubled, roll away

MeaningTroubles will vanish (i.e., will be troubled) before the man who (struggles against difficulties) as a

Pope (1886)When griefs press on, but fail to crush the patient heart, Then griefs defeated, put to grief, depart

MeaningThe troubles of that man will be troubled (and disappear) who, however thickly they may come upon him, does not abandon (his purpose)

Pope (1886)Who boasted not of wealth, nor gave it all their heart, Will not bemoan the loss, when prosperous days depart

MeaningWill those men ever cry out in sorrow, "we are destitute" who, (in their prosperity), give not way to (undue desire) to keep their wealth

Pope (1886)'Man's frame is sorrow's target', the noble mind reflects, Nor meets with troubled mind the sorrows it expects

MeaningThe great will not regard trouble as trouble, knowing that the body is the butt of trouble

Pope (1886)He seeks not joy, to sorrow man is born, he knows; Such man will walk unharmed by touch of human woes

MeaningThat man never experiences sorrow, who does not seek for pleasure, and who considers distress to be natural (to man)

Pope (1886)Mid joys he yields not heart to joys' controlMid sorrows, sorrow cannot touch his soul

MeaningHe does not suffer sorrow, in sorrow who does not look for pleasure in pleasure

Pope (1886)Who pain as pleasure takes, he shall acquireThe bliss to which his foes in vain aspire

MeaningThe elevation, which even his enemies will esteem, will be gained by him, who regards pain as pleasure