2.3.13. Hostility
851 Hostility disunion’s plague will bring, That evil quality, to every living thing. The disease which fosters the evil of disunion among all creatures is termed hatred by the wise.
852 Though men disunion plan, and do thee much despite ‘Tis best no enmity to plan, nor evil deeds requite. Though disagreeable things may be done from (a feeling of) disunion, it is far better that nothing painful be done from (that of) hatred.
853 If enmity, that grievous plague, you shun, Endless undying praises shall be won. To rid one-self of the distressing dtsease of hatred will bestow (on one) a never-decreasing imperishable fame.
854 Joy of joys abundant grows, When malice dies that woe of woes. If hatred which is the greatest misery is destroyed, it will yield the greatest delight.
855 If men from enmity can keep their spirits free, Who over them shall gain the victory? Who indeed would think of conquering those who naturally shrink back from hatred ?
856 The life of those who cherished enmity hold dear, To grievous fault and utter death is near. Failure and ruin are not far from him who says it is sweet to excel in hatred.
857 The very truth that greatness gives their eyes can never see, 104 Who only know to work men woe, fulfilled of enmity. Those whose judgement brings misery through its connection with hatred cannot understand the triumphant nature of truth.
858 ‘Tis gain to turn the soul from enmity; Ruin reigns where this hath mastery. Shrinking back from hatred will yield wealth; indulging in its increase will hasten ruin.
859 Men think not hostile thought in fortune’s favouring hour, They cherish enmity when in misfortune’s power. At the approach of wealth one will not think of hatred (but) to secure one’s ruin, one will look to its increase.
860 From enmity do all afflictive evils flow; But friendliness doth wealth of kindly good bestow. All calamities are caused by hatred; but by the delight (of friendship) is caused the great wealth of good virtues.
2.3.14. The Might of Hatred
861 With stronger than thyself, turn from the strife away; With weaker shun not, rather court the fray. Avoid offering resistance to the strong; (but) never fail to cherish enmity towards the weak.
862 No kinsman’s love, no strength of friends has he; How can he bear his foeman’s enmity? How can he who is unloving, destitute of powerful aids, and himself without strength overcome the might of his foe ?
863 A craven thing! knows nought, accords with none, gives nought away; To wrath of any foe he falls an easy prey. In the estimation of foes miserably weak is he, who is timid, ignorant, unsociable and niggardly.
864 His wrath still blazes, every secret told; each day This man’s in every place to every foe an easy prey. He who neither refrains from anger nor keeps his secrets will at all times and in all places be easily conquered by all.
865 No way of right he scans, no precepts bind, no crimes affright, No grace of good he owns; such man’s his foes’ delight. (A) pleasing (object) to his foes is he who reads not moral works, does nothing that is enjoined by them cares not for reproach and is not possessed of good qualities. 105
866 Blind in his rage, his lustful passions rage and swell; If such a man mislikes you, like it well. Highly to be desired is the hatred of him whose anger is blind, and whose lust increases beyond measure.
867 Unseemly are his deeds, yet proffering aid, the man draws nigh: His hate- ’tis cheap at any price- be sure to buy! It is indeed necessary to obtain even by purchase the hatred of him who having begun (a work) does what is not conductive (to its accomplishment).
868 No gracious gifts he owns, faults many cloud his fame; His foes rejoice, for none with kindred claim. He will become friendless who is without (any good) qualities. and whose faults are many; (such a character) is a help to (his) foes.
869 The joy of victory is never far removed from those Who’ve luck to meet with ignorant and timid foes. There will be no end of lofty delights to the victorious, if their foes are (both) ignorant and timid.
870 The task of angry war with men unlearned in virtue’s lore Who will not meet, glory shall meet him never more. The light (of fame) will never be gained by him who gains not the trifling reputation of having fought an unlearned (foe).