[410] This is what the Blessed One said. … the Teacher [said further]:
"In whatever young man there may be found
skill in archery, strength, and energy (viriya),
him would a king intent on battle maintain;
he would not, because of birth, maintain a coward.
"Even so, in whomever are established
the qualities of patience (khanti) and gentleness (soracca),
him one should honor — wise, of noble conduct —
even though he be of lowly birth.
"One should have delightful hermitages built
and settle the greatly learned there;
one should make wells in the wilds
and causeways where the ground is rough.
"Food, drink, things to eat,
clothing, and lodgings —
these one should give to the upright,
with a mind serene and confident.
"Just as a thundering rain-cloud,
garlanded with lightning, hundred-peaked,
pouring down upon the earth,
fills both the high ground and the low,
"even so the faithful man of learning,
a wise man, having prepared a meal,
satisfies the wayfaring beggars
with food and drink.
"Rejoicing, he distributes his gifts,
and 'Give! Give!' he says;
for that is his thundering,
like the sky's when it pours down rain:
that vast shower of merit (puñña)
rains down upon the giver."
The Pabbatopama Sutta, the Fifth.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.