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Gaüdavaho
true to his nature). The (saffron) filament, although reddishyellow, has (a relationship) in common (samanna) with the colour of saffron.
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967. Noble men do praise a good man, even if his merits are not observed in toto. Who would think of crushing a gem (to pieces), because half of it is hidden (numia) (from view) by an obstructive layer (padibamdha) ?
968. (Total) absence of faults (in man) shines as well as a merit, if it rises above jealousy (maccharuttinna). As in affluence, so in (the possession of merits), self-consciousness (pride) is agonising.
969. Since there is no respect for those who are without even an iota of wealth, although otherwise highly regarded (agghavia) for their merits, we pay our obeisance to wealth! And for this reason too, away with wealth!
970. Good men, although feeling slighted and insignificant with (the gifts of) wealth (offered) to oblige them, cheer themselves up (dhiremti) (in the belief) that they could give satisfaction to some at least with what little they have of merits (niagunalesehim).
971. To the good men, who (at times) forget (pamhusia) their present plight (of poverty), occasions full of embarassment (viliāim) to find their sides empty, when in confusion they hasten in their ardour to give (rewards in appreciation), cause great
torment.
972. How could they, whose heart is always bowed low, being constantly pulled down by anxiety (to find food) for the belly (juḍharacimtā), look up with high and lofty (uddhura) minds, all their enterprises having come to naught?
973. Formerly (when we could afford), we gave to our heart's content; even afterwards, continuing to give, we found that our (stock of) wealth had come to an end (samthia). Then, in destitution (abhāvā), doles from others had to be accepted, alas! with our head bowed (in humiliation caused) by greed.
974. Merits of great men who feel dejected (and shaken ) for a moment, (having realised) that the intrinsic essence (value of their merits) is not being understood (and recognised) by the people, are rehabillitated (in themselves by them) with their own
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