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-137]
13. SECTION ON THE POOR
287
130) What forsooth can a poor, helpless man do although the may be great in his spirit of enterprise, determination and selfrespect, when adverse fate shatters to pieces his valour (enthusiasm, morale, energy) (HAY719:) ?
131) Behold the result of Karma already acquired. Both Siva (Hara) and Visņu (Kșşņa) were present on the scene at the beginning of the churning of the ocean (by the gods and the demons), (and yet) poison fell to the lot of Siva, while Vişņu was lucky enough to secure Lakşmi with her swelling and thick-set breasts.
132) Only that which is ordained by fate is obtained by a person. For when the ocean was churned (by the gods and demons), nectar went to the gods, Lakşmi accrued to Vişņu, the destroyer of the demon Madhu, and poison fell to the lot of Siva.
13. The Section on the Poor 133) Oh mother do not give birth to such a son, as is given to begging of others (for satisfying his wants). Similarly do not at any time bear in your womb him who does not grant a request made to him.
134) Beauty of form, moral virtues, shame (modesty), truthfulness, noble ancestry (or family-status) and self-respect are valid (i.e. command attention and compel admiration) only so long as one does not (abjectly) utter the words "Pray, give unto me”.
135) Fate has in this world made a destitute person to be even lighter than a straw or cotton. Why is he then not blown away by the wind ? (Of course) through fear that he would pester it with an entreaty for (fulfilment of his needs)!
136) When a (self-respecting) person says to another "Please give unto me”, his heart pounds furiously, his tongue rolls about inside the throat and the loveliness (lustre) of his face disappears (comes to an end).
137) Clouds become darkened, when, after great effort, they receive (suck up) the water of the ocean. But they, to be sure, become bright after they give it away (in the form of rain). Behold
VL..,19
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