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Merits and Demerits
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cchāha ) (in running down others ). Those are wretched and wicked, however, who, themselves meritless, cannot bear acclamation(uggūra) of the merits of the other people.
882. Even with a little of (superficial ) good behaviour, one is taken to be a good man ( suaņatta ) by people roundabout. Very difficult, however, to satisfy (and please) one's own (heart and) soul.
883. How, indeed, is it possible even for the humble-hearted (viņayatthia) to leave off all (legitimate ) pride of their own merits? Even if so set aside, the same (pride ) throbs (and vibrates ) with a double force inside the heart.
884. I do not know what possibly the good men, being hurt (dumijjamtā), (feel and ) think in their hearts. They will not, however, proceed to acts (of violence in revenge ) even against the (worst) offender.
885. Virtues (by contrast) lay down (the limit) of the maximum depravity (mahimam) of vices, while vices establish the greatness (and glory) of virtues. If what are the (advantages and) benefits (guņā) of vices, would also be the benefits of virtues, then my salutation (homage ) to them (virtues)!
886. Even the wicked play the good man and even good men show (by outward appearances ) wickedness'. This alone is the ( limiting) boundary line of degradation ) for virtues vibrating (in them ) far ( and deep).
887. Even after having indulged in (a life of) vices, it is possible for one to (salvage and ) establish oneself on (the path of) virtues; on the other hand, the mind of men, well-known for their virtues, stays not in (an atmosphere of) vices (even for a minute ).
888. A good man, although totally bereft of virtues, takes his place (in society) in common with other (low ) men. On a (dried up ) mango tree, the sap of which has oozed away, it has a purpose (to serve, of giving thick shade).
889. The surfaces of mirrors, (being used ) by ladies are made of silver. Men's mirror, however, is good men of pious character (and behaviour).
890. A wicked man has ( shows up ) his dreadful trait elsewhere, even if taken away from his words (tongue). A blade
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