IX
Hospitality
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What for do the wise toil and set up homes? It is to feed the guest and help the pilgrim.
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Were it even the draught of immortality, it shall not be tasted alone when the guest is in the hall.
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No evil befalleth the man who never faileth to honour the incoming guest.
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Behold the man who receiveth the worthy guest with his best smile: Lakshmi12 delighteth to abide in his home.
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Behold the man who feedeth his guest first and then only eateth what is left: standeth his land in need even of sowing?
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Behold the man who hath tended the outgoing guest and waiteth for the incoming one: he is a welcome guest unto the Gods.
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We cannot say of any hospitable act by itself, So much is the merit of this act: it is the worth of the guest that is the measure of the sacrifice.
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Behold the man who performeth not the sacrifice of hospitality: he will say one day, I have toiled hard and laid me up a great treasure: but it is all in vain, for there is none to comfort me.
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Not to honour the pilgrim is veritable indigence in the midst of wealth: such a thing is found only with fools.
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The anitcha flower fadeth by smelling: but a look is enough to break the heart of the guest.