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The Eulogy of Poets
now shine in the glory of their names only, to which they are transferred.
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90. Even others, who somehow feel elated (and elevated) at the mere fact of having been able to understand and appreciate great poets in their innermost, intrinsic nature, put on (a mantle of) their own superiority in vain, only for the misery (it produces).
91. Victorious is the web of fancies of great poets which appears to be full of conflicting opposites, since it brings about both delusion and enlightenment, like darkness and light (respectively).
92. It is only in Prakrit that we shall have in an abundant measure, till (the end of) of the world's duration, a presentation of ever fresh themes and a rich variety of styles, caressingly cool and sweet in their composition (Samnivesa).
93. All languages merge in it (Prakrit) and emerge (nemti) from it. Waters pour into the sea and flow away from it.
94. A peculiar delight which dilates and closes the eyes, thrills the heart, rushing inwards and outwards.
95. For those who have remained ignorant of its (Prakrit's ) excellent features, (we may) have pity, a (contemptuous) laugh and a thought (that they show) such callous disregard to the great poets, but no sadness in (our) hearts.
96. What matters it, if those who are neither our superiors nor our equals, say (things unpalatable)? Whatever that be, great poets have a right to expect high regard from others.
97. They (great poets) may be without pride or may strut about inflated by their greatness. They have displayed some merits, whatever they may be, and hence should be no object of laughter for commoners.
98. The heart (of a poet undertaking to compose a poem) is as if somehow apprehensive, embarrassed, stunned, fatigued, distressed, overwhelmed (apphunṇam) and (yet) elevated with high elation.
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