Ch 08 On Rules For Conduct In Life - Maxim 34

When a sage comes in contact with fools, he must not expect to be honoured, and if an ignorant man overcomes a sage in an oratorical contest, it is no wonder, because even a stone breaks a jewel.

          What wonder is there that the song  
          Of a nightingale ceases when imprisoned with a crow  
          Or that a virtuous man under the tyranny of vagabonds  
          Feels affliction in his heart and is irate.  
          Although a base stone may break a golden vase,  
          The price of the stone is not enhanced nor of the gold lost.