Page:Niti literature (Gray J, 1886).pdf/37

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8
Nîti Literature of Burma.

travelling merchant and one going to another land should not move without a companion.

28.

A wise man should not proclaim the loss of his wealth, the anxiety of his heart, domestic misdeeds, and his deception and disrespect by others.[1]

29.

He is a wise man who knows the use of opportune language, who knows of one worthy of his love and what a befitting temper is.[2]

30.

One without wealth consuming his substance, a weak person engaging in fight, and one without wisdom taking part in discussions—these are like madmen.

31.

Going to a place uninvited, speaking much when not questioned, proclaiming one's own merits: these three things are the characteristics of baseness.

32.

One of little beauty speaks a great deal (of his looks); one of little understanding shows off (a great deal); a jar, not full, causes the water in it to shake; a cow with little milk kicks about.

33.

A frog, sitting on its haunches, considers itself a lion; a crow, being captured, cries out, "Dear friend! dear friend!" When questioned by the wise, an ignorant man, thinking himself wise, exclaims, "My master! my master!"


  1. Compare Hitopadeśa, i. 138, and see note to corresponding stanza in Dhammanîti.
  2. Compare Hitopadeśa, ii. 48, and see note to corresponding stanza in Dhammanîti.