On the Proud Man, by Bhartrhari

On the Proud Man

Those men may boast of being born, whose skulls gleam white on Siva's head,
The final meed of holy saints, and chiefs whose souls in battle fled;
But oft I must how men can swell with pride at causing those to bow,
Who, if they save their precious lives, care little for the when and how.   You are a lord of acres,
But we are lords of song;
And we subdue the subtle,
If you subdue the strong;
The rich of you are speaking,
In me the wise believe,
And if you find me irksome,
Why then--I take my leave.

poems.one - Bhartrhari

Bhartrhari