Even if the greedy managed to acquire worldly riches, we saw that it came to their hands only through immense humiliation and disgrace.
This couplet holds up a mirror to the hollow nature of greed and worldly ambition. The poet reflects that while avaricious people might finally amass the riches they covet, the hidden cost is their self-respect and dignity. It leaves us with the poignant reminder that wealth gained at the price of humiliation and moral degradation is never a victory, but a soul-crushing defeat.
Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.
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