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CHAPTER LVII, 29-LIX, 7.
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CHAPTER LVIII. 1. The sage asked the spirit of wisdom (2) thus : Wherefore is it when one turns the ignorance and foolishness of an ignorant king back to knowledge and cleverness, on account of the sovereignty which is his; (3) and, as to a poor man, who is wise , one turns the knowledge and sagacity, which are his, back to foolishness and uselessness, on account of the poverty ?'
4. The spirit of wisdom answered (5) thus :'On account of the deceit and violence of the fiend 2 of greediness (6) men utter more words as to the manliness of every one whose wealth and power are more, and recount his deeds and actions more fully ; (7) but, in the eyes of the angels and archangels, a poor man who is innocent and wise is better and more precious than a king or opulent man who is ignorant.'
CHAPTER LIX. 1. The sage asked the spirit of wisdom (2) thus : What are the vices of priests? 3. What are the vices of warriors ? 4. What are the vices of husbandmen? 5. And what are the vices of artizans*?'
6. The spirit of wisdom answered (7) thus : 'The vices of priests are heresy, covetousness, negligence,
1 L19 adds and innocent.' 2 L19 has demon.' 8 L19 has 'than an opulent king.'
* Literally the well-endeavouring,' the lowest of the four classes of the community here mentioned (see also Chaps. XXXI, XXXII).
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