58. The Kindly Look

The fairest graciousness, they say, is a kindly look.
Wherever it thrives, the whole world flourishes.

It is compassion that sustains the world's existence.
The existence of those bereft of it is a burden to the Earth.

What use is melody in an unmusical song?
What use are eyes that express no sympathy?

Other than being facial ornaments, what do eyes
with no quality of kindness really do?

A compassionate glance is the eyes' true ornament.
Without such kindness, eyes become unsightly sores.

Eyes that remain unmoved by pity might as well
be unmovable tree stumps bound in earth.

Those who lack a kindly look are indeed without eyes,
and those who truly have eyes never lack a gracious look.

This world belongs to those who, while neglecting no duty,
never neglect to behold others benevolently.

To grant forbearing kindness even to those 
who aggrieve us is the foremost of virtues.

Desiring to be gracious above all else, guests may politely accept
even poison they watched their host prepare and serve.