THE CENTURY OF LIFE
KARMA
It is not beauty’s charm nor lincage high,
It is not virtue, wisdom, industry,
Service, nor careful arduous toil that can Bring forth the fruits of his desire to man; Old merit mind’s strong asceticism had stored Returns to him with blessing or a sword,
His own past deeds that flower soon or late Each in its season on the tree of Fate.
PROTECTION FROM BEHIND THE VEIL
Safe is the man good deeds forgotten claim,
In pathliess deserts or in dangerous war Or by armed foes enringed; sea and fierce flame
May threaten, death’s door waiting swing ajar; Slumbering or careless though his foemen find, Yea, though they seize him, though they smite or bind, On ocean wild or on the cliff’s edge sheer His deeds walk by his side and guard from fear; Through death and birth they bore him and are here.
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