THE CENTURY OF LIFE
A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE
When I was with a little knowledge cursed, Like a mad elephant I stormed about And thought myself all-knowing. But when deep-versed Rich minds some portion of their wealth disbursed My poverty to raise, then for a lout And dunce I knew myself, and the insolence went Out from me like a fever violent.
PRIDE OF LITTLENESS
The dog upon a meatless bone and lank Horrible, stinking, vile, with spittle wet, Feasts and with heaven’s nectar gives it rank. Then though the ambrosial God should by him stand, He is not awed nor feels how base his fate, But keeps his ghastly gettings more in hand. The little nature deems its small things great And virtue scorns and strength and noble state.
FACILIS DESCENSUS
In highest heavens the Ganges’ course began;
From Shiva’s loftiest brow to the white snows She tumbles, nor on the cold summits can,
But headlong seeks the valley and the rose. Thence downward still the heaven-born waters ran. Say not, “Is this that Ganges? can her place
Be now so low?”? Rather when man at all From heavenly reason swerves, he sinks from grace
Swiftly. A thousand voices downward call,
A thousand doors are opened to his fall.
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