Adi Parva - Sambhava Parva 15

"Sukra continued, 'Know, then, O Devayani, that he that minde not the
evil speeches of others, conquere everything! The wise say that he is a
true charioteer who without slackening hold tightly the reins of his
horses. He, therefore, is the true man that subdue, without indulging
in his rising wrath. Know thou, O Devayani, that by him is everything
conquered, who calmly subdueth his rising anger. He is regarded as a man
who by having recourse to forgiveness, shake off his rising anger like
a snake casting off its slough He that suppresses his anger, he that
regard not the evil speeches of others, he that become not angry,
though there be cause, certainly acquire the four objects for which we
live (viz., virtue, profit, desire, and salvation) Between him that
perform without fatigue sacrifices every month for a hundred years,
and him that never feel angry at anything, he that feel not wrath
is certainly the higher. Boys and girls, unable to distinguish between
right and wrong, quarrel with each other. The wise never imitate them.'
Devayani, on hearing this speech of her father, said, 'O father, I know,
also what the difference is between anger and forgiveness as regards the
power of each. But when a disciple behave disrespectfully, he should
never be forgiven by the preceptor if the latter is really desirous of
benefiting the former. Therefore, I do not desire to live any longer in a
country where evil behavior is at a premium. The wise man desirous of
good, should not dwell among those sinfully inclined men who always speak
ill of good behavior and high birth. But there should one live,--indeed,
that hath been said to be the best of dwelling places,--where good
behavior and purity of birth are known and respected. The cruel words
uttered by Vrishaparvan's daughter burn my heart even as men, desirous of
kindling a fire, burn the dry fuel. I do not think anything more
miserable for a man in the three worlds than to adore one's enemies
blessed with good fortune, himself possessing none. It hath been indeed
said by the learned that for such a man even death would be better.'"