A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

17: Wealth
Jā 183 Vālodakajātakaṁ
Sobreity
Horses that have been in battle are given fine
wine but remain sober; while the strained
leftovers are fed to the donkeys – who all become
drunk on it.
327. Vālodakaṁ apparasaṁ nihīnaṁ,
Pitvā mado jāyati gadrabhānaṁ.
Imañ-ca pitvāna rasaṁ paṇītaṁ
Mado na sañjāyati sindhavānaṁ.
Having drunk this despicable liquor,
The donkeys became intoxicated.
Whereas after drinking this fine liquor
Thoroughbred horses were not affected.
328. Appaṁ pivitvāna nihīnajacco
So majjatī tena Janinda puṭṭho.
Dhorayhasīlīo ca, kulamhi jāto,
Na majjatī aggarasaṁ pivitvā.
After drinking something poor the low man
Will soon become drunk, O Leader of Men.
But the virtuous one, after drinking
Even the best liquor does not get drunk.
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