108. Baseness

Outwardly, vile men resemble human beings.
We have never witnessed such a remarkable likeness.

The low-minded are happier than men who know goodness,
for they are never troubled by the pangs of conscience. 

Wicked rogues resemble the Gods,
for they, too, live doing whatever they want.

When a vile man meets a wicked one, he will outdo him
in his vices and pride himself on the achievement. 

Fear is the primary force motivating base men.
Besides that, the desire for gain may motivate them--a little. 

Base men are like a bass drum, sounding off
to others every secret they happen to hear.

Some men are too crude to even shake the water off their just-washed hands,
 except for those who could break their jaw with a fist.

Worthy men yield their gifts when told of a need, but like sugarcane,
 base men give only when crushed and squeezed. 

Let a base man behold others dressing and dining well,
and instantly their faults are all that he can see.

Is there anything for which lowly men are suited? Well, 
when crises come, they are the first to offer themselves for sale!