Oracles

I46 DHAMMAPADA To others’ failures, others’ sins done or good deeds un-done let swerve Never the thought ; thine own misdeeds, omissions,—these alone observe. Like to a lovely flower of hue bright, that hath yet no odour sweet So are his words who speaketh well, fruitless, by action incomplete. Like to a lovely flower of hue delightful and of odour sweet So are his words who speaketh well, fruitful, by action made complete. As from a heap of flowers can men make many garlands, so, once born, A man a-many noble deeds by doing may his life adorn. Travels the scent of flowers against the wind ? Not Sandal, Taggara, nor Jasmine scent ! But the odour of the good doth so, the good pervadeth unto every element. When Sandal, Lotus, Taggara and Vassiki their odour rare Shed forth, their fragrant excellence is verily beyond compare.