John Brough - Poems from the Sanskrit

My lord, since you have banished Poverty
From this fair land, I feel its my duty
To lay an information that the outlaw
Has taken refuge in my humble home.

*****

My best respects to Poverty,
The master who has set me free:
For I can look at all the world,
And no-one looks at me.

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Most men can see another’s faults;
Another’s virtues some can see;
And there are those who see their own
Shortcomings. Yes? – Well, two or three.

*****

If a professor thinks what matters most
Is to have gained an academic post
Where he can earn a livelihood, and then
Neglect research, let controversy rest,
He’s but a petty tradesman at the best,
Selling retail the work of other men.

(Kalidasa)