2.4.7. Shame
1011 To shrink abashed from evil deed is ‘generous shame’; Other is that of bright-browed one of virtuous fame. True modesty is the fear of (evil) deeds; all other modesty is (simply) the bashfulness of virtuous maids.
1012 Food, clothing, and other things alike all beings own; By sense of shame the excellence of men is known. Food, clothing and the like are common to all men but modesty is peculiar to the good.
1013 All spirits homes of flesh as habitation claim, And perfect virtue ever dwells with shame. As the body is the abode of the spirit, so the excellence of modesty is the abode of perfection.
1014 And is not shame an ornament to men of dignity? Without it step of stately pride is piteous thing to see. Is not the modesty ornament of the noble ? Without it, their haughtiness would be a pain (to others).
1015 As home of virtuous shame by all the world the men are known, Who feel ashamed for others, guilt as for their own. The world regards as the abode of modesty him who fear his own and other’s guilt.
1016 Unless the hedge of shame inviolate remain, For men of lofty soul the earth’s vast realms no charms retain. The great make modesty their barrier (of defence) and not the wide world.
1017 The men of modest soul for shame would life an offering make, But ne’er abandon virtuous shame for life’s dear sake. The modest would rather lose their life for the sake of modesty than lose modesty for the sake of life. 123
1018 Though know’st no shame, while all around asha med must be: Virtue will shrink away ashamed of thee! Virtue is likely to forsake him who shamelessly does what others are ashamed of.
1019 ‘Twill race consume if right observance fail; ‘Twill every good consume if shamelessness prevail. Want of manners injures one’s family; but want of modesty injures one’s character.
1020 ‘Tis as with strings a wooden puppet apes life’s functions, when Those void of shame within hold intercourse with men. The actions of those who are without modesty at heart are like those of puppet moved by a string.
2.4.8. The Way of Maintaining the Family
1021 Who says ‘I’ll do my work, nor slack my hand’, His greatness, clothed with dignity supreme, shall stand. There is no higher greatness than that of one saying. I will not cease in my effort (to raise my family).
1022 The manly act and knowledge full, when these combine In deed prolonged, then lengthens out the race’s line. One’s family is raised by untiring perseverance in both effort and wise contrivances.
1023 ‘I’ll make my race renowned,’ if man shall say, With vest succinct the goddess leads the way. The Deity will clothe itself and appear before him who resolves on raising his family.
1024 Who labours for his race with unremitting pain, Without a thought spontaneously, his end will gain. Those who are prompt in their efforts (to better their family) need no deliberation, such efforts will of themselves succeed.
1025 With blameless life who seeks to build his race’s fame, The world shall circle him, and kindred claim. People will eagerly seek the friendship of the prosperous soul who has raised his family without foul means.
1026 Of virtuous manliness the world accords the praise To him who gives his powers, the house from which he sprang to raise. A man’s true manliness consists in making himself the head and benefactor of his family.
1027 124 The fearless hero bears the brunt amid the warrior throng; Amid his kindred so the burthen rests upon the strong. Like heroes in the battle-field, the burden (of protection etc.) is borne by those who are the most efficient in a family.
1028 Wait for no season, when you would your house uprear; ‘Twill perish, if you wait supine, or hold your honour dear. As a family suffers by (one’s) indolence and false dignity there is to be so season (good or bad) to those who strive to raise their family.
1029 Is not his body vase that various sorrows fill, Who would his household screen from every ill? Is it only to suffering that his body is exposed who undertakes to preserve his family from evil ?
1030 When trouble the foundation saps the house must fall, If no strong hand be nigh to prop the tottering wall. If there are none to prop up and maintain a family (in distress), it will fall at the stroke of the axe of misfortune.