Without acquaintance with the scriptures and without reliance on the old, neither virtue nor gain can be known — or won — even by men blessed with the intellect of Brihaspati. A thing is lost when cast into the sea; words are lost when spoken to one who will not listen; the scriptures are lost on one whose soul is not under control; and an oblation of clarified butter is lost when poured upon the ashes of a fire gone out. He who is endowed with intelligence forms friendship with the wise only after examining them with his own reason, testing them repeatedly with his understanding, and using his ears, his eyes, and his judgment. Humility removes disgrace, ears, misfortune, and valor; forgiveness ever conquers anger; and auspicious conduct destroys every mark of evil. The lineage of a man, O king, is tested by the objects of his enjoyment, by his birthplace, his house, his conduct, his food, and his dress. When an object of enjoyment lies within reach, even one who has attained liberation feels no wish to enjoy it; what then need be said of one who is still given over to desire?