336 



REVIEW OF THE NAISHADHA CHARITA. 



Of satisfying needy craving souls, 

 The earth is made to groan ; and not by weight 

 Of mountains high, and spreading trees and seas. 

 That misers should, while life remains, hold fast 

 Their precious wealth, is nothing wonderful ; 

 But that in death, they should refuse to give, 

 Is what may justly fill us with surprise. 

 I am most highly honoured by the gods, 

 In being asked before all other men 

 A favour to confer. The fruit is great, 

 Which I by liberality may gain. 

 The man who on the poor his wealth bestows, 

 Tho' doomed to pass the lonely road of death, 

 In heaven shall find a happy safe abode ; 

 And there the gifts upon the needy poured 

 Shall be repaid more than a million fold. 

 Hence all the wise should so their riches use, 

 As to secure this future recompence. 



We conclude our quotations from the NaishadJia, with those stanzas 

 with which the author has concluded his performance, and in which he has 

 ventured to express his opinion of its merits. Though not so arrogant as 

 Ovid when he said — 



Jamque opus exegi ; quod nec Jovis ira, nec ignes, 

 Nec poterit ferrum, nec edax abolere vetustas ; 



yet it is evident he contemplated his work with great self complacency. 

 ■Sim "^^^^cT iTT^r^Tr^ff^Tftr T^jnt fi^TTm^ffTH^fii^a!!^^^ i 



If this my work should please the wise in heart. 

 The scorn of fools will nought with me avail ; 

 The charms of beauty are concealed from boys ; 

 But seen and felt by men of age mature. 



