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Sri Aurobindo

Translations

CWSA.- Volume 5

Part One. Translations from Sanskrit
Section Four. Bhartrihari. The Century of Life

On Wisdom

Comparisons

Men cherish burning anger in their hearts,

Yet look without to find if they have foes.

Who sweet forbearance has, requires no arts

Of speech; persuading silently he goes.

Why fear the snake when in thy kindness bask

Men evil, or a fire while kinsmen jar

Burning thy house! From heaven no medicines ask

To heal a troubled mind, where true friends are.

Nor seek for ornaments, noble modest shame

Being with thee, nor for wealth when wisdom’s by.

Who needs a kingdom when his mind can claim

A golden realm in sweetest poetry?