Quotes from The Hitopadesa

A bad man, though raised to honour, always returns to his natural course, as a dog?s tail, though warmed by the fire and rubbed with oil, retains its form.*

A feverish display of over-zeal, At the first outset, is an obstacle To all success; water, however cold, Will penetrate the ground by slow degrees.

A hundred long leagues is no distance for him who would quench the thirst of covetousness; but a contented mind has no solicitude for grasping wealth.

A husband is the chief ornament of a wife, though she have no other ornament; but, though adorned, without a husband she has no ornaments.

A man eminent in learning has not even a little virtue if he fears to practise it. What precious things can be shown to a blind man when he holds a lamp in his hand?

A prudent man will not discover his poverty, his self-torments, the disorders of his house, his uneasiness, or his disgrace.

A stranger who is kind is a kinsman; an unkind kinsman is a stranger.

Amongst all possessions knowledge appears pre-eminent. The wise call it supreme riches, because it can never be lost, has no price, and can at no time be destroyed.

By the fall of water-drops the pot is filled: such is the increase of riches, of knowledge, and of virtue.

Circumspection in calamity; mercy in greatness; good speeches in assemblies; fortitude in adversity: these are the self-attained perfections of great souls.

Empty is the house of a childless man; as empty is the mind of a bachelor; empty are all quarters of the world to an ignorant man; but poverty is total emptiness.

Even a blockhead may respect inspire, So long as he is suitably attired; A fool may gain esteem among the wise, So long as he has sense to hold his tongue.

Frugality should ever be practised, but not excessive parsimony.

Good actions lead to success, as good medicines to a cure: a healthy man is joyful, and a diligent man attains learning; a just man gains the reward of his virtue.

He who seeks wealth sacrifices his own pleasure, and, like him who carries burdens for others, bears the load of anxiety.

Let this be an example for the acquisition of all knowledge, virtue, and riches. By the fall of drops of water, by degrees, a pot is filled.

Liberality attended with mild language; learning without pride; valour united with mercy; wealth accompanied with a generous contempt of it?these four qualities are with difficulty acquired.

Like an earthen pot, a bad man is easily broken, and cannot readily be restored to his former situation; but a virtuous man, like a vase of gold, is broken with difficulty, and easily repaired.

Not to attend at the door of the wealthy, and not to use the voice of petition?these constitute the best life of a man.

Prosperity attends the lion-hearted man who exerts himself, while we say, destiny will ensure it. Laying aside destiny, show manly fortitude by thy own strength: if thou endeavour, and thy endeavours fail of success, what crime is there in failing?

Prosperity is acquired by exertion, and there is no fruit for him who doth not exert himself: the fawns go not into the mouth of a sleeping lion.

Shall He to thee His aid refuse Who clothes the swan in dazzling white, Who robes in green the parrot bright, The peacocks decks in rainbow hues?*

Skill in advising others is easily attained by men; but to practise righteousness themselves is what only a few can succeed in doing.

The good extend their loving care To men, however mean or vile; E?en base Ch?nd?las?* dwellings share Th? impartial sunbeam?s silver smile.