________________
-90*6]
7. THB SECTION ON AFFECTION
391
7. The Section on Affection 80*1) Love (affection) is unaccountably entertained by one for some body, though devoid of noble qualities. A crow (feara
= fearhit) perches on the nimba tree forsaking all other lovely trees.
80*2) In the case of a person, staying in a very remote place and (constantly) cherishing (in his or her heart) the desire of :union with his (or her) beloved one, it is only the bond of hope that preserves his (or her) life.
80*3) = Gāthā No. 781.
8. The Section on Discreet Conduct (Worldly Wisdom)
90*1) There is no flavour (smack) comparable to that of salt; there is no friend (or relative) comparable to knowledge (wisdom); there is no treasure comparable to religious merit (righteousness); there is no enemy comparable to anger.
90*2) Where a woman dominates (holds absolute sway), where the ruler is only a child and where the (chief) minister is illiterate (ignorant)let alone affluence (prosperity), but even one's life (is in danger and) must be preserved at all costs.
90*3) = Gātha No.698.
90*4) (Even) (great and prosperous) families go to ruin (perish) because of unworthy sons; (even) (highly affluent) towns and villages perish (are destroyed) because of (mischief-monger. ing) persons of bad character; (even) (highly prosperous) kings meet their ruin because of bad ministers (counsellors).
90*5) Chaff is lost as a result of (strong) wind; vocal music (song, singing) is ruined (or, its effect is spoiled) because of the noise made by people; knowlege is lost in the absence of repeated study (revision); a wife is spoiled, if her husband (frequently) goes abroad (on journeys, and remains away from home).
- 90*6) Discharging (with determination and tenacity) a work undertaken is the most important thing in the case of those who
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