ever think of me?' He answered, 'Yes, whenever I forget God.' Mercy. DCXIX. Whosoever hath his adversary in his power, and doth not destroy him, is an enemy to himself. When there is a stone in the hand, and the head of a snake under the stone, the prudent man delayeth not execution. To show mercy to the sharp-teethed tiger would be doing injury to the sheep. But others have advanced the contrary, and said that in the execution of a prisoner delay is best, because you retain the power of killing or of releasing; but should he be put to death without deliberation, good counsel may perchance be lost, since reparation is impossible. It is easy to take away life, but impossible to restore it. It is a rule of reason that the archer should have patience; for when the arrow has left the bow, it will A purpose without power is fraud and deceit, and power without design is ignorance and madness. The first requisites are judgment, prudence, and wisdom, and then a kingdom; because putting power and wealth into the hand of the ignorant is furnishing weapons against themselves. DCXXI. Experience. Know you not that you will see your feet in fetters when you listen not to the admonition of mankind. Implora pace. DCXXII. Peace be within thy walls ! Prosperity within thy palaces! For my brethren and companions' sake ACTION. DCXXIII. Assent and Action. Can men refuse to assent to the words of strict admonition? But it is reforming the conduct because of them which is valuable. Can men refuse to be pleased with words of gentle advice? But it is unfolding their aim which is valuable. There are cases in which the blade springs, but the plant does not go on to flower. There are cases when it flowers, but no fruit is produced. They who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and they who love it are not equal to those who find delight in it. The Heaven of Actions. DCXXIV. Blessed above all heavenly abodes is Bháráta Varsha, for it is the seat of actions, while others are those of enjoyment. There it is difficult to be born, The Devatás sing, Glorified are they that are born there, for they will obtain final emancipation. They are above the gods themselves who perform good actions and resign their rewards. Their minds are purified, and at last they are liberated in the deity. We know not where we shall be born after the fruits of the actions which have gained this heaven; but happy are they who, possessing their senses perfect, are born in the Bháráta Varsha (heaven of good actions).' Radicalism. DCXXV. The superior man bends his attention to what is radical. The root being established, all right practical courses naturally grow up. When agreements are made according to what is right, what is spoken can be made good. Confucius said, 'Yew could with half a word settle litigations.' Yew never slept over a promise. When he (Yew) heard anything which he had not yet carried into practice, he was afraid of hearing anything else. Confucius said, 'Dressed himself in a tattered robe quilted with hemp, yet standing up by the side of men dressed in ermine, and not ashamed;-ah! it is Yew who is equal to this.' DCXXVI. Words and Actions. Confucius said, 'Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with virtue. 'I hate the manner in which purple takes away the lustre of vermilion. I hate the way in which the (licentious) songs of Ch'ing confound the music of the Ya (Odes.)' The Master said, 'I would prefer not speaking.' Tsze-Kung said, 'If you, Master, do not speak, what shall we, your disciples, have to record?' Confucius said, 'Does heaven speak? The four seasons pursue their courses, and all things are being continually produced, but does heaven say anything?' Industry. DCXXVII. Go to the ant, thou sluggard; Provideth her food in the summer, A little folding of the hands to rest; And thy want like an armed man. |