"Would'st thou, know whose happy dwelling Fortune entereth unknown?
His, who careless of her favour, standeth fearless in his own;
His, who for the vague to-morrow barters not the sure to-day—
Master of himself, and sternly steadfast to the rightful way:
Very mindful of past service, valiant, faithful, true of heart—
Unto such comes Lakshmi smiling—comes, and will not lightly part."
"Be not haughty, being wealthy; droop not, having lost thine all;
Fate doth play with mortal fortunes as a girl doth toss her ball."
"Worldly friendships, fair but fleeting; shadows of the clouds at noon;
Women, youth, new corn, and riches; these be pleasures passing soon."
"For thy bread be not o'er thoughtful—Heav'n for all hath taken thought:
When the babe is born, the sweet milk to the mother's breast is brought.
"He who gave the swan her silver, and the hawk her plumes of pride,
And his purples to the peacock—He will verily provide."
"Though for good ends, waste not on wealth a minute;
Mud may be wiped, but wise men plunge not in it."
"Brunettes, and the Banyan's shadow,
Well-springs, and a brick-built wall,
Are all alike cool in the summer,
And warm in the winter—all."