We are usually the best men, when we are worst in health. Learning is wealth to the poor, an honour to the rich, and a support and comfort to old age. Learning procures respect to good fortune, and helps out the bad. The master makes the house to be respected, not the house the master. The short and true way to reputation, is to take care to be in truth what we would have others think us to be. A good reputation is a second, or half an estate. He is the better man who comes nearest to the best. A wrong judgment of things is the most mischievous thing in the world. The neglect or contempt of riches makes a man more truly great than the possession of them. That only is true honour which he gives who deserves it himself. Look always upon life, and use it as a thing that is lent you. Civil offers are for all men, and good offices for our friends. Nothing in the world is stronger than a man, but his own passions. When a man comes into troubles, money is one of his best friends. He only is the great learned man, who knows enough to make him live well. An empty purse and a new house finished make a man wise, but 'tis somewhat too late. MORAL SENTENCES, BY THE FEMALE PHILOSOPHER AVYAR: TRANSLATED FROM THE LANGUAGE OF THE MALABARS, OR TAMULS. GLORY and honour be to the divine son' of him who is crowned with the flowers of the Ati (Bauhinia tomentosa). Charity be thy pleasure. Be not a miser in giving. Lose not thy courage. Exercise thyself in cyphering and writing. To live on alms is shameful. Converse only with the peaceful. Bathe every Saturday. Speak what is agreeable. Build not too large a house. Know first one's character, before thou art confident. Honour thy father and mother. Do not forget benefits received. Tillage gives the best livelihood. One of the gods generally invoked by the Tamuls at the commencement of any undertaking. Do not walk about melancholy. Do not play with snakes. Bed thyself on cotton (soft). Do not speak craftily. Do not flatter. Learn whilst thou art young. Do not forget what is best for thy body. Avoid affectation. Forget offence. To protect is noble. Seek a constant happiness. Keep strongly what is good. Do not part with thy friend. Hear and improve. Do not use thy hands to do mischief. Be not slothful in thy actions. Keep strictly to the laws of the country. What thou dost, do with propriety. Do not speak too much. Do not walk about like a dreamer. Converse with those who are polite. Endeavour to be settled at a fixed place. Dedicate thyself to Tirumal, Vishtnoo. Abhor what is bad. Indulge not thy distress. Save rather than destroy. Speak not disrespectfully of the Deity. ر Be on good terms with thy fellow citizens. Do not despise thy ancestors. Do not pursue a conquered enemy. Have a regard for country people. Do not play in water. Do not occupy thyself with trifles. Cultivate what gives the best fruit. Mock not those who have any bodily defect. Do not speak of others' faults. Keep far from infection. Endeavour to get a good name. Seek thy livelihood by tilling the ground. Converse not with the wicked. Be prudent in applying thy money. Choose what is the best. Do not come near one who is in a passion. Follow the advices of wise men. Go not into the house of the dancing girls. Do not speak falsely. Do not like dispute. Love learning. Endeavour to get a house of your own. Live peaceful with thy fellow citizen. Do not evil purposely. Be clean in thy clothes. Go only where there is peace. Love religious meditation. From the Asiatic Researches. OTHER MORAL SENTENCES: BY THE SAME CONTINUAL praise be to the son of him, who is crowned with the flower of Konnei (Poinciana pulcherrima). Mother and father are the first known deity. A good man attendeth religious service. Without one's own house, there is no where a good lodging. The estate of the wicked will be robbed by the wicked. Modesty is the best ornament of the fair sex. If one maketh himself hateful to his fellow creatures, he must entirely perish. ful. Exercise in writing and cyphering is most use I See the preceding note. |