Chapter 108: Baseness

Verse 1078
Above, a man has been informed of a community need and requires no further convincing. His generous heart immediately offers handfuls of money to those who have requested his help. Below, another man has been approached by a beggar who had to cajole, threaten, explain and otherwise entertain the man, who even then offers but a single coin, for he does not understand the worthiness of generosity.

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Weaver’s Wisdom

Verse 1071

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

Verse 1072

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

Verse 1073

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

Verse 1074

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

Verse 1075

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

Verse 1076

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

Verse 1077

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.

Verse 1078

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

Verse 1079

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

Verse 1080

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