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308
VAJJĀLAGGAM
[ 268
268) He (the moon) was born from the ocean; he is the or nament of the head of God Siva; Lakşmi (Goddess of wealth) herself is his sister. And yet the moon's lustre (mass of digits) becomes disintegrated and he falls on very bad (wretched) times.
269) Though occupying a (distinguished) position on the head of Siva and though resting (lying comfortably hidden) in the mass of the matted hair (of God Siva), the moon is swallowed (by Rāhu). Who can elude (or ward off) the decree of Fate (For. tune's script inscribed by Fate on every person's forehead)?
30. The Section on the Clever (Shrewd) 270) A city does not become a city because of its mansions (palatial buildings), nor by the lofty watch-towers on its ramparts (or : nor by its ramparts and its tall pinnacles of temples). Even a village becomes a city, where clever (shrewd) people reside (i. e. provided clever people stay therein).
271) Where learned people, clever in composing poetry full of charming words, stay and understand (appreciate) witty, crooked utterances, that, oh fair one, is a city and not a village.
272) He who knows how to speak (cleverly) and also knows (understands) any idea (cleverly) expressed (by others), by such a person as a resident, the whole of the land (country) is sanctitied (honoured), let alone the particular city (where he stays).
273) Clever people, though overwhelmed with great wealth, though plunged in adversity and though restless in mind (mentally unhinged) do not even in dream relax (their efforts over) the task undertaken by them.
274) They harbour one thing in their heart (mind), they have another in their speech (i. e. they speak out another) and they do altogether a different thing very strange (unprecedented) indeed is the behaviour of clever (shrewd) people, of kings and of wicked persons.
275) The speech of the shrewd (or clever) is just the same with both types of people, namely, those with whose help they seek
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