Lamentation

Translated from the Pāḷi
by
Michael M. Olds

[1][pts] I Hear Tell:

Once upon a time The Lucky Man, Sāvatthi-town residing.

There then, The Lucky Man addressed the bhikkhus:

"Bhikkhus!"

And the bhikkhus responding:
"Bhadante!"
the Lucky Man said this:

"Here in the discipline of the Aristocrats, beggars,
singing is considered lamentation.

Here in the discipline of the Aristocrats, beggars,
dancing is considered a prelude to madness

Here in the discipline of the Aristocrats, beggars,
flashing ones teeth while laughing is but immaturity.

Wherefore as to singing, beggars, pull down the bridge.

As to dancing, pull down the bridge.

It is enough if something delight the mind,
to smile moderately.