The Maxims of Saʻdi : Selected translations [2 ed.]


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T H E M A X I M S O F S A ’D I

> » « < •« < •« < •«
< « T h ere is abundant m aterial accessible in Engl ish, F ren ch , and G erm an on the life and tim e of S a ’di. Th ere are also many translations of his works, particular ly of the

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G ulistan and tlie B u stan . B u stan alone Las been translated into seventeen languages, tke oldest in L atin, rendered by Thom as Hide. Som e of tke early Engl isk translations of tke G ulietan kave keen made in India. N one of tk e prevailing translations of S a ’di are of m uck value to tke average E nglisk reader. T k e reasons for tkis failure are many. Som e translations are too literal and tecknical. O tkers show clear evidence of failure to grasp tke central ideas and meanings of tke original. M ost of tkem seem to kave ignored tke fact tkat tke stories, fables, and experiences related by S a ’di are appreciated only by bis fellow countrym en wbo are brought up in tke atm ospkere o f Persian literature and kistory and tke environm ent of Is­ lam ic faitk and culture. T k ese stories, taken away from tk eir h istoric settings and cultural contexts are, as a rule, neither interesting n o r instructive to the W estern reader. W h at is of universal value in the G ulistan and B u stan consists, as suggested above, o f the sage sayings, the lofty morals, the exquisite m axims, the ever-refreshing aphorism s and sententious proverbs, the pleasing anecdotes and tou ch­ ing incidents with which all of S a ’di’s works are saturated and w kick are tke salt and essence of his writings. B u t even these im m ortal thoughts and ethical principles o f the m oralist poet lose th eir weight, if n ot th eir meaning, once they are rendered too literally into a foreign tongue. T h e following selections have been brought together from S a ’di’s various works and grouped largely under the titles which appear in the G ulistan. My concern has been m ore with carrying the original meanings in the transla­ tions than with m aking tkem literal equivalents of tke orig­ in al narratives in Persian. In translation o f passages many details kave been omitted, consideration being given to the

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essence of a sentim ent or substance of a thought or point o f view. S in ce many selections are culled out o f context, th eir choices have been guided by th e universa lity of the thoughts or sentim ents they express, as well as th eir ap­ peal to the E nglish reader. Im portant E nglish translations have been consulted constantly, thou gh the responsibility for choice o f words and phraseology is my own. In the last passage o f the G u listan the poet, reflecting upon his own stem m oral counsel, observes: "T h is can be said o f S a ’di, th at h e m ingled the bitter m edicine o f advice with the sweet honey o f gentle words (d elicate sayings) th at receptive readers, though h u rt m om entarily by the truths they contain, would find nonetheless acceptable.” I hope the follow ing selections suggest to a sm all ex­ tent both the "bitter m edicine of advice" as well as the poet’s "sweet honey o f gentle words.”

M ehdi N akosteen

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I ON THE WISDOM OF LIVING

W hatever comes easily cannot last long. In C hina it takes forty years to m ould a howl, while in Baghdad they hake a hundred a day, and you know their difference in price ( and qu ality ). T h e little chick once out of its shell picks its own crumhs, while the hum an in fan t is ignorant of distinction and reason. B u t the wit o f the form er does n ot go heyond its crumhs, while the wisdom of the latter unravels eterni­ ties. T h e real difference between glass and pearl is that the second is rare. •» > « < > W ealtk is for the com fort of life and not life for the acqui­ sition of wealth. T h ey asked a wise man,

"W ho is fortu ­

nate and who unfortunate?” He said, "Fortunate is he who sowed and reaped, and unfortunate he who died and left behind.”

A thought which you wish to keep secret, tell no one, no m atter how trusted — fo r if you cannot keep your own secret you should not expect others to he better in this re­ gard. It is hetter to be quiet about one’s intim acies than to tell others, then urge them to keep the m atter under cover. D o n ot tell a n y o n e what you do n o t want everyone to know — remember, the best place to stop a stream is at the fountainhead.

T e n m endicants can eat at one table, but two dogs seldom from the same dish. G ive to the greedy the whole world and he is n ot satisfied, and give to the contented a loaf of bread and he is fortified.

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D o n o t give your heart to one mistress, n or your loyalties to one location, for countless are m istresses, and extensive are lands and seas. B e free like the fluttering pigeons, n ot enslaved like the farm hen; fly in freedom like ni ghtin gales from branch to hranch.

i f your path crosses a thousand

beauties, give them a glance, m ove on, and leave your heart with none. M ix with everyone so you may laugh with all, n o r be tied down with one for whose welfare you should ever shed tears.

W h at need is there that there should be

two under one roof, one joyous and the other in sorrow fo r h er joy — one sleep in peace and the other in wakeful concern fo r her.

E n jo y pretty dresses on shapely form s,

but n o t too m uch, for the cloth is aplenty in the m arket­ place. W k y sk ould a free body be left behind prison bars, or peace of m ind exchanged with troubled thou ghts? You subm it and serve and get no recognition; you hum ble your­ self fo r nau ght. B e wise. A t ni ght sleep tight with a m is­ tress and at dawn m ove on.1

Tw o persons toil in vain and labor without gain — the one who gathers w ithout using, the other who learns without im proving.

»X «A n ation is beautified by its learned men, and a religion by its devout followers.

1T h e se sen tim en ts are exceptions rath er th an b asic convictions with S a 'd i. H e had a som ew hat unhappy m arried life to w hich th ese re­ flectio n s may be traced.

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A m an com plained to me bitterly of the evil of envy in his neighbor. I said, "O n e who disapproves of envy should n ot entertain slander.*

i f you believe th at your fellowm en are asses, rem ember th at you too are a fellowm an.

Lend your tongue to praise, and your ears to good counsel,

i f you meet a man of brute force, save your tender fist. -> » « < ♦ W hen you have exposed a villain, keep him powerless.

i f you have disturbed a beehive, run to another quarter or be overwhelmed, i f you shoot an arrow against one m ore skillfu l in the art, gather your gown and flee, i f you u n ­ dermine a wall, do n ot stand beneath it.

You can hide your thoughts from others, but not your pale com plexion. -> » < « ♦ T o a drowned m an rain and sunshine are the same.

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G enerosity w ithout the hope o f return makes the joy o f giving its own reward.

W ould you he better fo r worldly

possessions, he good to others as fortu ne has heen good to you.

T h ree things cannot last w ithout three things: W ealth w ith­ out trade; knowledge without dehate; and governm ent w ith­ out policy.

•» X « Kindness to the wicked is in ju stice to the good. v/yw T D o n ot tru st the generosity o f the wealthy n or the sweet­ ness o f a child ’s voice. T h e first may change with a thou ght, the second with a nap.

D o n o t display all your secrets before your friends, for some day they may becom e your enemies; and do n o t exer­ cise all your m eanness on your enemies, for some day they may becom e your friends.

F o r th e ignorant nothing is better than silence -- but if he knew this m uch he would n o t be ignorant.

A n ignoram us was preaching to a donkey when a wise man passing by said, "T h e donkey will learn nothing from your serm on, but you may learn som ething from his silence.”

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A weak enem y who acts subordinate and shows friend li­ ness has only one aim in mind, namely, to becom e a strong enemy. It is said th at one can hardly tru st the sentim ents of friends, let alone the enemy's wagging tail.

W hoever underestimates a little enemy is like one who underestimates a little fire. If you do n ot like a big fire, extinguish the little one. If you do n o t wish to cope with a strong enemy, discourage the weak one.

If enm ity prevails between two men, speak of one to the other in such a m anner that if they becom e friends you may n ot feel ashamed. F o r anim osity between two m en is like a fire to which the backbiter adds fresh fuel; and once their differences are cleared, the poor fuel-carrier would burn in the flames.

-»X «W hoever cultivates friendship with the enemies of his friends is u nfair to his friends.

-» X « If you are in doubt about any decision or action, choose the side which seems to do less injury (and move).

A n ill-tem pered m an is in the hands of an enemy from whom he finds no escape wherever he may go.

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Philosophers eat rarely; worshippers go h alf hungry; stu­ dents eat u ntil they are satisfied; young m en u n til they be­ com e burdened; old men u ntil they begin to sweat; but priests u ntil there is no room fo r a breath in th eir system n or a grain of food on th e table.

H e who debates with those m ore learned than h im self in order to m a te an im pression will convince others o f his ignorance. W hen you face those who know m ore than you do, silence is the best speech to make.

W h a t you can accom plish with your money, do n ot en­ danger your life for its sake, and use your sword only when other means have failed.

T o accept advice from one’s enemy is wrong, bu t to listen to it is right, th at you may do otherwise, which is the thing to do.

A nger in excess will bring fri ght, and kindness in excess will take away respect. N either be so severe th at they may tire o f you, nor so kind th at they may rule over you. M ix discipline and kindness like a surgeon, who first cuts, then medicates.

Tw o m en are the enemies o f state and religion — rulers w ithout hum i lity, and devotees w ithout knowledge.

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M ake no effort to discover tbe concealed faults o f your fellowm en. T b a t may contribute to tb eir ill repute but will m ake you untrustworthy.

M ake your contribution now tb at prosperity is yours. W ealth is an instrum ent of good — today it is in your cus­ tody, tom orrow another’s.

T k e speaker is not to blam e if listeners are not receptive.

A man of good reputation lives in tbe m em ory of bis ad­ m irers, w bile one witb ill reputation is already dead.

Kissing tbe tem ple grounds is no gesture o f devotion to God. Bring bim an bonest beart.

D o n ot brag tb at you are alive. You bave tb at in com m on witb tbe jackass. M an’s distinction is in reason and feeling.

T k e vice tb at appeals to tb e king becom es a virtue.

-»X «W berever tbe ni gkt falls is tbe beggar’s camp.

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T lie ni ghtingale would lose its sp irit were a crow its com ­ panion in th e cage.

-»x«T liey asked an old bachelor wliy lie would n ot marry. He said, "I would feel no intim acy with old women.* H e was advised, "Being wealthy you should seek the com panion­ ship o f a young wife.” H e observed, "if at my age I cannot feel attachm ent to an elderly dame, how would a young m istress cultivate a desire for me?*

I asked a wise m an to advise me.

H e said,

"W atch how

you com m it yourself with the ignorant. F o r if you possess knowledge he considers you a dumb ass, and if you are without knowledge your fo lly will be still greater.*

T h e sorrow which you bear before enjoym ent is better than the enjoym ent which precedes sorrow.

•» X « T h ey asked a wise man,

"W hy is it th at o f all trees the

cypress is nicknam ed ’free’?* H e replied, "Because the cy­ press is n ot bound by th e vicissitudes of seasons, always flourishing, and such should be the character of free men.*

Prostitutes repent when they age, and policem en reform when fired.

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Every m an’s teeth are "blunted hy acid/ save the m ayor’s which require sweets.

No two com plainants ever appeared before a judge to seek justice. •» X C fr O n ly those who are fearless o f death and indifferent to reward are in a position to advise rulers. V xV V xX It is wisdom not to meddle with disagreements between two others. •» > < « ♦ You get gold from a m ine by digging in the earth, and from a m iser by digging into his life.

-» X « God hid es our com m itted sins, and the neighbor exposes the uncom m itted ones.

•»X «T h e s ty refreshes the earth with rain and gets dust in return. - » X g fr It is better to take warning from examples of your prede­ cessors than to have the rising generation take warning from your acts.

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Patience leads to success — haste to disappointment.

T h e effect o f a fal sehood is lik e the cut o f a sabre; the wound may heal hut the scar rem ains. ■» > < « ♦ W hoever associates witk tk e wicked will he accused o f sharing th eir ways, even though he may n ot have heen influenced hy th eir character. -> » « < ♦ It is a m ark o f good breeding to accom m odate yourself to your host, or forego the invitation.

W hatever you are sure you will know in time, do n ot question others about it.

-» X « T h ey asked a great philosopher, "How did you reach such a pitch o f know le dge?’ He replied, "O f whatever I was ignorant I was never ashamed to ask others.”

-» X « A scholar without diligence is like a lover w ithout m eans; a traveller without scope is like a bird without wings; a know er w ithout practice is lik e a tree w ithout fruit; and a holy m an w ithout knowledge is like a house without an entrance.

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W k en you m eet a starving m an J o n ot ash t i m to w t e is unless you can provide t i m w itt t t e means of sustenance.

-» X « M isconduct is re p re te n sitle in any m an, particularly t t e learned. W te n an armed man is cau g tt, t t e stain o f t i s disgrace is deeper.

T o s t ow clem ency to t t e vulgar stren g tten s t i s vulgarity and lessens your self-respect. »> » « < In te llect w itto u t firm ness leads to "ctican ery ," and firm ­ ness w itt out in tellect to o tstin acy .

-»X «~ Reason en ttra lled t y passion is like a telp less man in t t e ta n d s of an artful woman.

-» X « A learned m an w itt a large fam ily to support m entioned t t i s fact to a p tila n ttro p ist. T t e ten efa cto r, w to t a d te ld t t e learned m an in t i g t regard, considered t t i s com plaint u n tecom in g o f tim , and t t o u g t t e added a little to t i s stipend (o u t o f c ta r i ty) , t e su ttracted m ore from t i s re­ spect for t t e learned m an.

-» X « W to e v e r does n ot listen to counsel cannot te a r criticism .

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Yesterday Las left you forever, and tom orrow is yet to t e to m ; take advantage of w ta t fortune offers you tetw een u n to rn tom orrow and dead yesterday.

-»X «You cannot tre a k a tro k e n man.

-»X «O f all t t a t one would rem em ter, t t e rem iniscences o f a friend are t t e loveliest; and of all t t a t t t e ears would te a r , a message from a loved one is m ost satisfying to t t e te a rt.

•»X «S in ce t t e to d y of m an is exalted t y t i s soul, a tea u tifu l garm ent is no guarantee of m an to o d . i f m an to o d were to t e judged t y t t e sta p e of eyes, ears, m o u tt and nose, w tere would lie t t e distinction tetw een a man and a painting on t t e wall? B e a man in rea lity, for I know a tir d t t a t can im itate you in words.

•»X «T h e to m eless regards t t e w to le city as t i s to m e , and t t e teggar camps w terev er t t e ni ght falls.

Relations of te a r t and m ind are m ore binding t t a n tto s e of nam e and tlo o d .

•»X «W hoever advises a blockhead is him self in need o f advice.

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Enough mosquitoes can k ill an elephant. -» x « Betw een two friends the privileges o f association would he felt m ore deeply when they sever relations fo r a period and unite again.

T h ere is nothing in this world so dear fo r the want of w hich you should shed tears, or your heart should he troubled over its absence or overjoyed in its presence.

O n ly those who can look down upon this handful o f earth are truly men o f generous hearts.

-»x«i f you m ust worship an idol, worship a living one. ■» X

« -

i f your G od is n o t pleased with you, the benedictions o f the prophets will do you no good.

•»X «D o n o t rejoice over the funeral o f your enemy. Rem em ­ ber, they are preparing th e same fate fo r you. -> » « < ♦ W hoever knows but does n o t practice is like one who drives the oxen, but does n o t scatter the seed.

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T h e test o f a good rose is in its perfume, n ot in what the gardener says. A nd a wise m an is like a rose in blossom , though silen t it spreads its fragrance; while the ignorant m an is like a drum, though m aking a loud noise, is empty within.

-»X «i f you hear of news which may afflict some heart, rem ain silent. B e lik e the nightingale who brings the good tidings o f spring — leave evil news to the owl.

-»X «Real wealth is n ot measured by possessions but by one’s quality of life.

-»X «D o not look with the eyes of greed upon worldly posses­ sions, fo r m any a snake th at has a beautiful skin carries poison in its fangs.

•»X «It is better to die trying than to sit idle, i f the goal is not attained, there is the satisfaction of effort.

I f you are a m an o f a thousand talents and bad luck, your talents will be all but useless.

I am like a compass: O n e fo o t on the ground o f my be­ liefs, and one travelling.

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Do not judge yourself by your father’s wisdom.

-» X « Kindness will n ot turn your enemy in to a friend, but will only add to bis greed.

You cannot take rust o ff an old

m etal witb a soft file.

-»X «Som etim es a cbild unknowingly bits tbe target.

-»X «i f you go to battle ride on a lean borse, n ot a fat cow.

-»X S » < « * D o n ot be shocked at your caricature if your enemy is the artist.

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A n act of goodness surpasses a thousand prayers.

It is Letter to eat and share than to fast and hoard.

T h e tragedy of life lies in the fact that so often m en of a generous heart are afflicted with poverty, and those o f vast riches and m ean disposition lord it over their fellowmen.

T o the heggar th e clatter of dishes is a sweeter sound than the sm ack of hisses.

T h o se who prom ise hut do not fu lfill are like a drum — noisy hut empty. -> » « < ♦ In tke hands of a m iser gold is still in the ore.

Consum e

what you gather before the worms of the grave devour you.

Y ou cannot conquer love hy reason, nor k ill a lion with hare fists.

•»X «A n iron nail cann ot penetrate a stone, n o r advice a selfish head.

5 0

A n ailing maiden was infatuated with a young and hand­ some physician.

It proved to he a race between shill and

desire. F o r, while the doctor applied his shill to cure and dispose o f the patient, the patient nourished the ailm ent in order to call oftener on the ob ject o f her amour. •» > « < Love is fire and advice is wind. •> » < « Leave your jewels with the guards, hut guard your own secrets.

W hen a thought is not spoken you are its master; when uttered it wins mastery over you. A thought is like a cap­ tive demon, once released no "stratagem” can hring it hack.

D o n ot destroy your brother's reputation at the corner store if you do n ot want fortune to hetray your good name in the m arket place.

Tw o things are against reason: T o eat m ore than one’s share, and to die before one's allotted time.

It is foolish to decorate a house th at has a shaky foundation.

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D eal with the good according to th eir goodness, and with the wicked in accordance with th eir wickedness. B e a rose among the roses and a th orn among the thorns. -> » « < ♦ D o n ot open the secrets of your heart to your beet friends, for they too may have m any hest friends. -> » 3 ^ N ever look down upon the masses, for many a friend of God is among the humhle.

-»X < « Suffering is universal.

•»X «H e who expects wages should learn to work.

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You can never gath er fru it from a willow twig even though the clouds pour down the waters of im m ortality.

You can never extract sugar from a m at cane.

If the whelp of a wolf is brought up in a hum an en viron ­ ment, it will still grow into a wolf.

•»X «A m an of hase hirth can no m ore he educated into a nohle character than a tempered sahre may he made from hase iron. A nd rain, in the purity of whose nature there is no dispute, grows tulips in the garden and com m on weeds in the salt m arsh. A hriny soil can never he made to yield spekenard; to scatter seed upon it is to waste lahor.

»X «A man's worth rests upon talents and not riches, and the m ark of m aturity is n ot in the num ber of one’s years, hut in the degree o f one’s good sense.

•»X «T k e envious man carries w ithin him self the cause of his malady.

•»X «T h ose who are rich in worldly goods are often poor in sp irit

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You may force a sharp hone down your throat, hut you will also tear your helly. V /A \v i f you grapple with a steel-armed wrestler, you torture your own silver arm.

T h e arrow issues from the how, hut the archer gives it its aim.

W hoever forsakes the desire to live says openly whatever he th in ks or feels.

-»X «A lie which is intended to serve a good purpose is prefer­ able to a truth which aims at m alice.

Q u an tity is no index of quality. It is hetter to be puny but intelligent than to be husky and foolish.

-»X «Tw o beggars can sleep under one blanket — but two kings cannot rule over the same kingdom.

-»X «r D o n ot put out a fire and leave the embers, nor k ill a viper and foster the young.

5 7

W e are all members o f one another and claim a com m on origin. W k en tke little finger aches, a sym pathetic pain vihrates through the body system. T h eref ore, he who is aloof to the affliction s o f his f ellowmen is n ot worthy of hum anity. -> » < « ♦ A fo o l who illum inates the day with camphorated candle will have no oil fo r his lamp at night.

Preserve the dignity of your character, and leave buffoonery to jesters.

Do not put your hand in a scorpion’s hole if you cannot endure the pain of his sting.

No one throws a stone at a tree that bears no fruit.

T h e lion is the king of the anim als, and the donkey the hum blest, yet the burden-bearing donkey is superior to a m an-eating lion.

T hose who are of base nature are jealous o f those whose lives are noble, like the dogs o f the street who, upon see­ ing a hunting dog, bark but keep th eir distance.

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T h e test o f genuine power is in accom plishm ent, n ot in wealth, and the greatness of man is measured hy the qual­ ity o f his th ou ghts rather than the num ber o f his years.

-»x«T h o se whose fortunes are little and whose characters are hase wish the downfall o f men of wealth and dignity.

-»X «i f you desire succor in calam ity, he generous in prosperity.

i f you m istreat a slave, he will depart; and if you treat a free m an well, he will voluntarily rem ain devoted to you.

Satisfied subjects are the king’s best soldiers. V /A \v Som eone saw the devil (S a ta n ) in a dream with a stately countenance and a face shining as th at of the sun. He asked, "W hy is it that with such a handsom e face you are drawn so u gly by m ankind throughout the ages?" T o which th e devil replied, "O fool, these are n ot my likenesses, but alas the brush that has painted me has ever been in the enem y’s hand.”

-»X « < ♦ Patience is hitter hut hears sweet fruit.

•»X «W hen the host pays the hill, the guest is generous.

•»X «Keep your place, even when your m aster is friendly.

T h e secret of wealth is in learning to save (p en n ies). •» X

^

D o n ot harm the physician who cures you; you may need him at your hed again. V /A W Save your lamp u ntil the ni ght falls.

6 0

T h e wise will speak and eat whenever silence may hring about in ju ry and fasting may lead to starvation. T h u s, ap­ propriate speech is a m ark o f wisdom, and tim ely eating a contribution to health.

»X «T ak e it easy. T h is handful of earth upon which you stand today will tread upon you tomorrow.

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II ON LIMITATIONS OF EDUCATION

A learned teacker was the tutor o f a prince. H e chastised the hoy m ercilessly and reproved him to no end.

The

prince, out o f all patience, com plained of his m aster's con ­ duct to his father, and laid hare his hruised hody before him .

T h e tin g , offended and in anger, sum m oned the

teacher and asked, *W ky is it tk a t you do n o t treat tke ckildren of my kum klest subjects witk suck severity and discipline as you do my son?" T k e teacker replied, "To tk in k kef ore tkey speak, and to delikerate kef ore tkey act, are duties incum kent upon all m ankind, and m ore im m e­ diately upon rulers, kecause wkatever tkey may do or say, tk e special deed or word will kecom e tke sukject o f puklic scrutiny or adm iration; wkereas any act or rem ark o f tk e com m on m an goes w itkout notice.

L et a keggar or tramp

com m it a tkousand indiscretions, and n ot one will ke n o ­ ticed ky kis com panions; kut let tk e kead of a state utter kut one foolisk word or give a sligkt indication o f m iscon­ duct, and tke indiscreet word or unkecom ing deed will ke eckoed from continent to continent. Tkerefore, m ore pain skould ke taken in form ing tke m orals o f tke prince tkan tk e sons of tke com m on folks."

A fellow witk eye troukle went to a korse doctor wko ap­ plied to kis eyes wkat ke was accustom ed to applying to tk e eyes o f quadrupeds, and tke m an kecam e klind. T k e case was krougkt kefore a judge wko decreed: "T k is man kas no amends, fo r kad ke n ot keen an ass ke would n ot kave gone to a veterinarian."

6 5

A schoolm aster o f extreme severity, in whose presence pupils dared n ot utter a word, was replaced hy a m eek and kindly instructor. T h e pupils soon forgot the awe in which they held th eir first m aster and relying on the clem ency of the new teacher hecame devilish, neglected th eir studies, and passed all th eir tim e at play and m ischief.

L ater the

tow nsfolk discharged the sheepish teacher and restored the old m aster to his place. I kept wondering why the tow nsfolk made the old devil th e preceptor of angels again u ntil an old and sagacious gentleman observed, "T h e sever­ ity o f the m aster is m ore valuable to the child than the blind love o f his parents.” «> » < « A king turned his son over to a learned man telling liim , "B aucate nim as you would one o f your own." A fter many years of effort the prince had made no im provem ent while the sons of the preceptor excelled in wisdom and attain­ ment. T h e king blamed the teacher for partiality in in stru c­ tion, to which the preceptor responded: "Y our majesty, in stru ction was equal in all cases, but capacities differed in each, and even though silver and gold are extracted from stone, n ot all stones carry gold and silver.”

W hen you know that the answer is unfavorable, do not ask the question. •> » « < A n y foe may be converted into a friend through acts of goodness, save the carnal self with which the m ore m oder­ ately you deal, the m ore violent it gets in demands.

6 6

Do n ot entrust affairs o f consequence to those lacking in ability and experience.

D o n ot employ in a silk factory the

“plaiter” of mats, even though he is a weaver.

-»X «A learned teacher remarked to a disciple, “i f the sons of Adam were as solicitous after providence as they are in se­ curing worldly goods, they would surpass the angels in heaven.”

T hey asked the scorpion why he hides away during winter m onths. H e replied, yiO f what good am I to anyone in sum ­ m er m onths that I may continue my presence in winter?” •> » < « It is better for a woman to give birth to a snake than to an ill-disposed child. •> » < « A rich man mounted his camel and journeyed toward M ec­ ca on pilgrimage. A fellow traveller remarked: “Your camel is a nobler pilgrim for he, the poor creature, eats the thistles of the desert and carries his load dutifully.” •> » « < ♦ T t e son of a holy man died.

They aske d, “W hat shall we

inscribe on his tom bstone?” T h e holy man replied, “No word should be written in places where tim e m ight efface, people tread upon, and dogs defile.”

67

W hen I was an adolescent I asked a wise man, "W hat are the m arks of adulthood?” He said, "It is agreed in com m on that the signs of adulthood are evidenced when you are of age, have wet dreams, and hair grows all over your body. B u t in reality m aturity is measured hy the degree of selfdiscipline, without which you will he counted as an ado­ lescent regardless of other sym bols.”

A nohlem an had a stupid son whom he sent to a wise edu­ cator for instru ction. A fter some tim e the teacher returned the hoy to his father with a note saying, "Sire, your son is incapable of sanity and is driving me insane also.”

-»X «W henever native capacities are good, education will make an im pression, but no furbisher can give polish to iron of a bad temper. If you wash a dog in the seven seas, you can­ n ot change his nature; and were you to take the donkey of Jesus to Mecca, upon his return be would still remain a donkey. •> » « < ♦ A rich m an’s son standing by the tom b of his father was saying to a poor orphan: "My fath er’s mausoleum is built of granite, the epitaph inscribed with letters of gold, the pavement and lining of m arble "tessellated” with slabs of turquoise; and o f what is your father’s tom b constructed but a few bricks cemented together with a handful of m ortar?” T h e poor boy replied, "I pity your father! F o r before he can force his way out of this heavy weight of stones, mine shall have reached heaven.”

68

i f you covet your father's heritage, acquire his knowledge (craft), for his fortune you may squander in ten days.

V/Axv I heard th at once there happened an insurrection in Syria, and people fled in every direction fo r th eir lives.

The

learned sons o f peasants were employed in other lands as m inisters of kings, while the ignorant sons o f nohlem en hegged for food in villages.

-»X «A wise m an exhorted his children, saying, "Dearly heloved ones, acquire knowledge, for there is no reliance upon world­ ly goods. R ank is n ot recognized away from home; silver and gold are exposed to the risk of plunder hy thieves or gradual waste hy its owner. B u t know ledge is a perennial spring and an enduring fortune. I f a professional man loses a fortune he need n ot fear or entertain regret, fo r his knowledge is a lasting fortune; wherever a learned man sojourns, he is m et with respect and is ushered into the upper seat, while the ignorant may heg for food and suffer hardship.”

69

Ill ON LOVE AND YOUTH

A man asked a philosopher: "if an admirer is shut in with a lovely m istress and the doors are locked, the rivals asleep, the heart anxious, and passion overpowering, could he re­ m ain safe from indulgence hy the strength o f abstinence?" H e replied: "He may rem ain safe from tem ptation, but not from condem nation o f m alicious neighbors.” ■» > < « O n e must taste adversity in order to relish prosperity. • » X « A parrot was shut up with a crow in the same cage. T h e parrot, affronted by the crow’s ugly face, lamented, "W hat a detestable aspect is this, what a hideous shape and ac­ cursed appearance, and disproportionate figure. A h , if I were as far from this raven of the desert as east from the west. A glance at his ugly features turns my day o f delight in to gloomy night. W ould th at a creature as hideous were to be his com panion, if such another were to be found any­ where." Strangely enou gh, th e crow was also fed up and vexed to the soul at the society of the parrot. W ringing his hands of chagrin and lam enting his m isfortune, he kept saying, "W h at bad luck and ill fate to be caged with this conceited bird, than to strut along with falcons on the walls of gardens. W oe is me th at my stars should in retri­ bution lock me in this dungeon of calam ity in com panion­ ship with such a vain blockhead and m oronic t a t t l e r . ” A ll o f which goes to show th at however m en of learning despise the ignorant, the ignorant are m any tim es m ore scornful o f the learned. L ike a m ystic who, falling in com ­ pany with rogues, would prove to be as offensive to them as they appear unholy to him .

73

T k ey asked a wise man, "How is it th at Su ltan M ah mud, who has so many attractive hondswomen, does n ot enter­ tain such fondness for them as he does fo r Ayaz, who is in ferio r to them in beauty?" H e said, "W hatever enters the heart looks lovely to the eyes, i f you glance at angels with disparagement they appear hom ely, and if you look at demons with the eyes o f desire they appear like angels." ■» > « < It is n ot easy to detect the faults o f a loved one, for the hue o f sentim ent colors the object of desire. W hen you declare yourself a friend, expect no favors, fo r where am ­ orous relations prevail, possessiveness is out o f place.

•»X «W hen the manager is in love with his secretary, the sec­ retary is the management.

-»X «W herever the king of love appears, the strong arm of chas­ tity is weakened. It is im possible to fall in mud and keep your skirt clean.

•»X «W h en the ch arm ers eyes do n ot covet your gold, gold and dust will have the same value.

•»X «r Beauty has strength.

Charm ers overwhelm th eir lovers

with th eir sheer loveliness, as warriors overcom e th eir ad­ versaries with brute power.

7 4

T h e light o f the sun is n o t dim inished if the hat cannot keep com pany with the sun.

-» X « A friend o f m ine whom I had n ot seen for som e tim e questioned m e fo r n ot corresponding with him . I said, "I was vexed hy the thought th at the eyes of a courier should he delighted hy your countenance while I was deprived of that joy." ■» > « < N o m atter how ill-tem pered or ill -m annered your object o f love, it is still less onerous to carry on the in stin ct o f courtship than to deprive the heart of this fon d exercise. F o r it is easier to hear violence than to live w ithout love. N either is it the quality o f a lover to exact term s o f his charm er. Relenquish your heart unreservedly to your be­ loved, whe ther she responds with kindness or harshness. A t end you may declare with pride: "I have loved."

W hen you were flourishing with loveliness you drove me away, and now th at your face is lined with age you seek my love.

Courtship is sweet when mutual, and coquettishness when welcomed. -> » « < > T h e gard en o f your beauty is like a bed o f roses; the m ore a lover crops it, the m ore it will shoot.

7 5

A dar ling once chastised her admirer: "S o long as you are concerned with your own worth, you are incapable of view­ ing my m erits.’

A man may have com m itted the Q ur'an to memory, hut when distracted with love forgets the alphabet. •» > < « » There was a teacher who was infatuated with the beauty of one o f his pupils. He was inclined, as it is the weakness of hum an nature, to favor her with tender attentions dis­ crim inatory to other pupils. H e would never adm onish or correct her, bu t on the contrary, whenever he would find her isolated he would say, "O celestial creature, I am so occupied with your loveliness th at I forget my own presence when you are around.

I could not help looking at your

charm s even if arrows were crossing my eyes.” T h e pupil said, "O , teacher, if you would observe my conduct as you would my beauty, you m ight perchance offer me corrections that would im prove my m anners." T o w hich the teacher replied, "O my lovely pupil, propose this duty to som eone else, fo r the light in which I view you reflects nothing but good." i f the ch arm er has one virtue and seventy faults, the lover discerns naught but the virtue.

A friend whom I had n ot seen for some tim e told me, "W e have been anxious to v isit with you," to which I replied, "It is better to be eager to see me than to becom e weary of me.” A b e l oved whom you seldom see is m ore desired than one w ith whose presence you are satiated.

7 6

It is easier to break with a thousand friends tban to put up with one enemy.

-»X «I beheld a "lum inary” in the shadowed portico o f a m ansion, so splendid an object that the tongue o f eloquence falls short in summing her loveliness, such as the day dawning upon the dark night, or the fountain of im m ortality issuing from chaos. S h e held in her hand a goblet of snow-cooled water, into which she dropped some sugar and tempered it with spirit of wine; but I know not whether she scented it with attar of roses or sprinkled it with a few blossom s from her own rosy cheeks. I received the beverage from the idolfair hand, and having drunk it found m yself restored to a new life and said, "Happy is the eye that can contemplate your beauty every m orning.”

»X «T h o se who are afraid of love should keep their eyes shut.

W hoever has no face cannot save yours.

-»X «A man was m arried to a beautiful woman who died, but her m other, who was a decrepit old dotard, remained with him. T h e poor man was irritated to death by her company, but was forced to put up with her because of the dowry. A friend came by to com fort him one day asking, "How are you doing since the loss of your dear wife?” T o which he replie d, "A las, the ab sence of my wife is n ot so unbearable to me as the presence of my m other-in-law .”

7 7

W hoever is concerned with the safety o f his life should n ot enter upon the path o f love, fo r th e thought o f safety often diverts the heart from com plete devotion to the ob ject o f affection.

T o he a slave to one's self turns the pursuit o f

love in to sophistry.

A true lover, though never attaining

the goal o f his affections, will forgetfully die in the effort. If you are are a lover pursue your object, come what may — h er sanctuary of bliss, or death at the gateway o f longing.

•» X « I f you seek safety do n o t follow the path o f love, dread the waves, avoid the ocean,

i f you

i f you are seeking the

society o f the rose do n ot forget the "vexation" o f the thorn. -> » « < ♦ G ive me a com panion who has the self -same malady as I, and I shall chat the livelong day unfolding my tale.

For

two pieces o f wood burning together burn all the bright er. T e ll the anguish o f your aches to a fellow -sufferer, for the healthy are oblivious to the cries of pain; and speak of the horrors of hornets to those who have been smarted by their stings.

•» X « You count it sin to look at a beauteous shape: I count it sin to turn my eyes away.

-» X «if in the final judgm ent they ask me what I desire m ost, I would seek to abide with my beloved and leave the bles­ sings of paradise to you.

7 8

i f desire invites suffering, and indifference peace o f mind, I would rather suffer a thousand tim es with you than en ­ joy tranquility w ithout you. V / yvv\ H er attractive personality could he viewed through her lovely shape, as shining wine may he seen through a clear glass.

Now th at we have a m om ent’s peace let us walk together through the roses, before the floods o f fate uproot th e hushes and the winds of destiny put out the candlelight o f our lives.

•» X « W aste n ot your words. I have no listening ears, for one whose heart is torn with love is n ot receptive to advice. V rV v v x I f you are disposed to cheer my heart, do it today, for to ­ morrow you may lay only flowers on my dust.

Last ni ght I heard my heloved telling me yes and no in one instant. H er eyebrows gestured me "no,* h er eyes sig­ nalled me "yes."

-» X « I t is a necessity fo r a beautiful woman to rem ain reserved in public, else they may take her friendly sm ile as an in ­ vitation to courtship.

7 9

F o r a beautiful face to crave notice is norm al, and fo r an admiring eye to seek beauty is natural. U nnoticed beauty is therefore wasted, as unadmiring eyes are M i n i

T b e absence o f a friend makes tb e heart grow fonder, ju st as the blessings o f the water are better realized by a fish throw n on the shore.

I would n ot leave you even if you were to drive me away, and if driven, I would keep on returning — like a fly who refuses to be chased away from sweets, and if driven would soon return.

-»X «A thousand tim es I tried to hide the secret o f my love, but like a kettle left over the fire I could n ot help boiling.

I f love were an ocean, the heart could drink it dry and still rem ain thirsty. -> » « < ♦ It is futile to advise the lover/ the one in need o f counsel is the beloved. •> » < « How unfortunate th at the eyes th at adm ire your beauty tonight should glance at anything tom orrow .

8 0

Is it fair th at a broken-hearted lover like I should flutter and hurn like a m oth hy the candlelight o f her heauty while she brightens the hearts of others with her lum inary charms?

I refrain from telling the tale of my love to others, jealous th at they may share the beauty of my heart-felt story. •» > < « How can I ever run away from you, since you are my ref­ uge o f hope?

T k e proof of my love is in the sentim ent, th at while you broke away from me, I united with no other. •» > < « A kiss may be a gift o f sentim ent or a commodity for sale; it is put on the m arket by some and given as a gift by others. I will squander my gold before you until I am pen­ niless, and enjoy kisses from you u ntil you refuse.

-»x«~ You broke m any a covenant with me; ah, if you were to keep one by error.

-»X «I f you refuse me your heart, send me the memory of our love to keep com pany with my secrets o f you.

8 1

i f you could only look at her heauty through the windows of my eyes, you would have a better grasp o f my affections fo r her.

•»X «Ju st as the light of one candle may light a thousand can­ dles, so is your heauty native in you and im itative in others.

-»X «i f my eyes follow you around, do n ot blam e my eyes; your beauty is the magnet and my heart the victim .

•»X «A h, if fortune would leave us together once without the neighbors knowing it.

i f the language of love m akes no im pression upon you, you are as good as dead.

»X «T h e meeting of my beloved is to me as rainfall to the thirsty in the desert.

•»X «I am cau ght in the spell o f your love as a pigeon in the claws of an eagle.

•»X«I am so wrapped in thoughts of you th at I forget to re­ m em ber myself.

8 2

A s the day of union approaches, the flam es of love rise higher.

-»X «M any a day I have waited for you in vain till eve, with the hope of spending one eve with you till daybreak.

-»X «A s a traveller loses his path when a lamp passes before his eyes, I lost my way when my heloved passed me.

D o n ot seek union without the risk o f separation. I f you care to drink, expect the after-e ffect.

o

nightingale, keep on singing to the rose, fo r wherever

there are fragrance and heauty there should also he songs. • »> «< A ny town can claim scores of heauties, but few beauties o f spotless virtue. •> » « < ♦ My heart carries the secrets o f your love. B reak it not, else they may {all in the hands of strangers.

-» X « I had in m ind to bring you my heart as a gift, were it n ot such a hum ble token.

8 3

Love cannot open its mysteries to tke eyes of lust.

O n ly tliose wko know your heauty and my love can un­ derstand my agony.

M any a tim e I kave resolved to avoid love’s embrace, and m any a tim e tk e spell o f a lovely skape kas weakened my vow. -» x « How can you m oan for a tk orn w kick is in my foot? How can you sigk fo r a pain w kick is n ot in your keart?

Love and reason can never ke hedmates, for wkere tkere is one kingdom and two kings tkere is always troukle.

It is easy fo r you to separate your keart from my love, kut never your love from my keart.

Love is im m ortal wken tke keloved is of a pure keart and tke lover of clean eyes.

I vowed to tell you tke sufferings o f my keart wken I saw you again, kut wken I saw you, all agonies left my keart.

8 4

I thought I would reduce the agony of love’s longing hy patience. B u t as tim e goes on, I seem to have m ore of the agony of love and less o f the virtue o f patience.

O S a ’di, you set your tent o f dream in vain am idst the roses. T h e flow er which delights your eyes grows elsewhere.

-»x«A beautiful song enriches the soul, and a beautiful face excites the senses. W h at a sublim e experience to hear a beautiful song from a lovely creature.

•»X «W ere it not for beautiful shapes, the mystery of love would never have been born, and but for the presence o f roses, the nightingale would never sing the songs of joy and sadness. -> » « < ♦ I thought the agony of love would com e to an end; alas, each m orning love declares a fresh beginning.

•»X «Y ou broke the tender flask of my heart; move with care — there are broken glasses on your path.

•»X «I can hide my troubled thoughts from you, but n ot my pale com plexion.

8 5

I cannot compare the light of your face to the sun, for this should flatter th e sun, who is n ot worthy o f this. ■> » < ^ T h e traveller who sees your heauty turns in to a settler.

If you ever enter the garden, roses will he ashamed to have opened their faces. •> » « < ♦ T h ere are m any heauties in this world who disappear like stars when the sun of your beauteous face begins to shine.

You are so settled in my heart that I feel you are in my arms. ■» > « < ♦ A ll nightingales sing near the roses save that of my heart, which rem ains silent in your presence.

My heart cannot conceal its love any m ore than a clear flask can hide its contents.

I took my case to a physician, saying th at I stay awake all night dreaming.

H e said, 'O S a ’di, your malady is love,

fo r which our profession offers no remedy,"

8 6

i f you do n ot pray for me, curse me; an utterance from your lips is transform ed into sweetness regardless of con ­ tents.

O doctor, a sickness which is o f the heart cannot he cured hy your pills, and would only give you a had name.

T h e light of your face dims the rays of the sun and m oon, ju st as the m iracles of Moses neutralized the magic of Pharaoh.

-»X «A las th at from a m outh so sweet should come words so hitter, and th at behind hreasts so ivory white there should he a heart so hlack.

-» X « I hegan to tell you o f the secret agony o f my heart, and rememhered th at heing in my heart you should he aware of my secret.

-» X « A ll sentim ents seem to m ature in quality with age, save my love, w hich seems to increase in contents.

A t the m om ent o f death I would he longing fo r you, and on the day o f resurrection searching fo r you.

8 7

IV ON BENEFITS OF SILENCE

I am provoked at tlie flattery of those who m ake my vices appear as virtues, my blem ishes as excellences, my short­ comings as perfections, the th orn w hich is my conduct as jasm ine and roses. W here is a fran k and courageous rival to lay my faults hare before me?

-» X « A m uezin was chanting with so discordant a note th at he drove the hearers insane. T h e attendant o f the mosque, in order n ot to offend him , said, "Friend, since there are m any muezins of long standing in the mosque to each o f whom I have allowed a m onthly stipend o f five dinars, I will offer you ten to go and chant elsewhere." T h e chanter agreed to this and left. A fter a while he returned saying, "Sire, you were u nfair to prevail ten dinars upon me to leave you. T h e attendant o f the mosque where I now chant offers me twenty to move to another temple, and I would n ot consent." T h e holy m an replied, "M ake a hard bargain, brother, fo r with the kind of voice which is yours, he will no doubt offer you fifty."

-» X « A holy m an with a grating voice was reading the Q ur'an in loud tones. A passerby asked him, "W h at is your m on th ­ ly stipend?" "N othing," he replied. "Then why do you keep on reading?" "I am reading for the sake of God," he replied. "T hen," said the passerby, "for G od’s sake do n ot read."

■» X « W hen the sage meets the sage there is harm ony; when the sage meets the fo o l there is discord; when th e fo o l meets the fool there is destruction.

9 1

I once rem arked to a friend th at my hesitation in discourse was due to the fact th at in conversation one's judgm ent is apt to he sound in some respects and faulty in others, and th at the enem y’s critical eyes are as a rule on the faults. He answere I

*it is better th at your enem ies have no in ­

stin ct to see the good, for the hlind ness o f the hat would n o t dim inish the light from the sun." -> » « < ♦ A m erchant lost a thousand dinars. H e advised his son to m ention the loss to no one.

T h e son remarked:

"I will

abide by your wishes, but explain to me the wisdom of this secrecy." H e said, "T h at I may n o t suffer two evils: O ne, the loss of my money, and another the m alignant rejoicing of my neighbors."

D o n ot relate your grievance to your rivals, for at best it delights th eir hearts.

A

youth who was known for his profound scholarship

never uttered a word when he was in the society o f the learned. O n one occasion his father ashed, "W hy do you n ot also express an opinion in their company?" "Because," the son answered,

"they may question me on what I do

n ot know and put me to sham e.”

S o long as a m an keeps silent others will leave him alone. B u t if he is disposed to pass judgm ent he should be pre­ pared to show evidence and proof.

92

A wise m an saw a learned man being beaten and insulted by a blockhead. He rem arke d, "Had tbis m an been truly wise be would Lave known better than to get involved witL a fo o l.”

A famous theologian fell in to debate with an atheist. F in d ­ ing him a form idable challenger he threw down the shield o f subm ission and departed. Som eone asked h im why it was th at with all his divine knowledge he failed to defeat an infidel in debate. H e said: "My p roof is the Q ur'an in which he has no faith, and his creed is blasphem y for w hich I do n o t care.” W hen you are unable to convince a m an by the strength of your proof, wisdom is in silence.

A n orator was known never to use the same word twice in his speech, and never to deliver the same speech again, on the evidence th at repetition would dim inish the value o f the message and bore the audience.

T h ere is no better confession of ignorance than to in ter­ rupt while another is talking. .v v v r / y y V /A >\ A n astrologer upon entering his hom e found his wife in the arms of a stranger. Cursing and beating follow ed the episode. A friend hearing of the incident remarked: "How can you read the signs of the stars if you are unaware of what goes on under your roof?”

9 3

V ON QUALIFICATIONS OF RULERS

A king ordered an in nocent man to be put to death. Said the condemned, "O king, beware, for you seek your own h u rt by giving way to anger." T h e king asked, "A nd how is tk a t? ' H e replie J , "T k e pain o f death will last me but a m om ent, while the regret o f in ju stice will endure with you forever."

O vercom e an evil act by forgiveness, but if you are bent on retaliation, see to it th at you do n ot exceed th e bounds. O therw ise, "debit" of injury will m ove to your side and the "credit" o f com plaint to th at o f the antagonist.

■»X «T h ere is m ore valor in patience than in fury.

A man announced to a king that God had rem oved one o f his enemies from the world. H e said, "Has he also re­ solved that he will overlook me?"

D o n o t rejoice over the death of your enemy, since your own life will n ot last forever.

I f fortune were to increase in proportion to knowledge, the share of the fool would be scanty. B u t fortune som e­ tim es bestows such wealth upon the ignorant th at it would leave a learned m an in astonishm ent.

97

T en beggars can sleep on one mat, but two kings cannot live in tbe same kingdom . -> » « < ♦ N ever consider a little foe belpless or abject, fo r a stream sm all at tbe fountainbead will carry away everything before it wben turned into an overflowing river.

A m ong tbe duties of a ruler, one is generosity, tliat people may gatber around bim ; and another is clem ency tbat tbey may feel secure under bim .

A ruler given to tyranny undermines bis own sovereignty. •> » « < ♦ i f you bave been fair witb your subjects you need n ot fear your enemies, for tbe shield of an uprigbt prince is a sat­ isfied army.

Stand in awe of bim wbo stands in awe of you, because tbe snake bites tbe herdsm an's foot for fear of its own life, and a desperate man will charge at a tiger.

■» X « A tyrant ruler asked a holy man, "W hat would be prefer­ able to prayer?” He replied, "F or you to rem ain asleep till mid-day that you m ight n o t afflict m ankind in th at interval.”

98

F o u r orders o f people are ever in m ortal fear of fou r others: T h e embezzler of governm ent officials; the hurglar of the policem an; the fornicator of the eavesdropper; and the adulteress o f the censor.

H e whose account hooks are in good order should have no fear of the com ptroll er.

.vvvrxyy

V /A w

A void extravagance and corruption while in o ffice that the m alice of your rival he circum scribed in settling your account.

A void the service of rulers, for though the benefits of a sea voyage are many, safety is on the shore.

vx/vxsr i f you wish to approach a man in high office, take along an introduction.

T k e basis of oppression was in the beginning sm all. E ach generation has added a little to it until it has reached its present proportions.

H e is indeed base, ungrateful and of disrepute who, on a change of fortune, deserts his old benefactor and forgets the pleasures o f m any years o f em ploym ent.

9 9

W hoever has heen accessory to dishonest acts tremhles on rendering his account.

-»X «W hen the comm ander tolerates the plunder o f five eggs, his troops will feast upon a thousand roasted fowls. -> » < « ♦ I f you desire to shame your rival, speak well to his face whenever he slanders you behind your hack.

Disobedience to command means rejection.

-»x«Governm ent is for the welfare of the people, and not people for perpetuation of government.

W hen the king is slow in paying his troops, the troops are slow in handling th eir arms.

■» X « Beware of the fick le disposition of rulers who are apt to take offense at a salutation and h onor you with gifts for an act of rudeness.

-»X 5 » « < ♦ T h ey asked a wise man, "F rom whom did you learn m an­ ners?" "From the unm annerly," he said, "in th at I was careful to detect whatever was n o t acceptable in their con­ duct and avoid it.”

•»X «Y ou can deliver yourself from the wrath of God by repent­ ance, but you cannot escape the slanderous tongue of man.

A holy m an saw a strong wrestler foam ing at the m outh with rage because som eone had given him a bad name. "W h at pity," he said, "that this paltry wretch is able to car­ ry a ton of stones on his back bu t is unable to bear the wei ght of a few light words.”

-»X «It takes m ore courage for a strong man to utter kind words when ke would be tempted to th ru st his fist in to another man's jaw.

115

Independence in tlie poor is o f m ore m erit than generosi­ ty in the rich. -» > < « ♦ I f you wish to strengthen the affection o f your friends do n o t visit them too often. Rem em her th at the sun is sou ght after during the winter m onths because we see its face less often.

-»x«B etter to he in chains with a friend than to walk in a gar­ den with strangers.

-»x«T h e ringlets of lovely damsels are traps on the path of reason and snares for the hird o f wisdom.

T ru e piety does n ot require the "bread o f consecration/ ju st as native beauty is in no need of cosm etics and jewelry.

A scholar annoyed by frequent visitors ashed his father for a way to discourage th eir intrusion. H is fath er replied, "T o those who are poor lend money, and from those who are rich ash some in loan, and neither will trouble you again.

T h e patched cloak o f the m ystic is the garment o f resigna­ tion.

W hoever wears it and cannot bear hardship is a hypocrite.

116

A dversity brings pain and prosperity attachm ent, and thus the calam ity in living is th at we are disquieted in hoth poverty and wealth.

i f you covet wealth ash for contentm ent, which is a last­ ing treasure.

•» X « A doctor of law wedded his hom ely daughter to a blind man.

So o n after, there arrived in town a physician who

could restore sight to the blind.

Som eone asked th e law­

yer why he would n ot have the physician restore the eyes o f his son-in-law. H e said, "I am afraid to restore his sight and repudiate my daughter, fo r the husband o f a hom ely woman should be blind .”

W hen the bride is devoid of symmetry, damask and b ro ­ cade only add to her deform ity.

T h ey asked a wise m an which was preferable, wealth or courage. He said, "W hoever is wealthy is in no need of courage.” •» X & r T ru e piety is in m editation, service, obedience, sacrifice, contentm ent, love o f God, trust, subm ission and endurance. H e who has these qualities has piety in the true sense.

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VIII ON EXCELLENCE OF CONTENTMENT

A m erchant wlio kad amassed a fortune was surveying to me tk e prospects of kis last enterprise kefore retiring. A f­ ter koring me witk an elakorate display of kis present se­ curity, ke continued, "I will now carry Persian sulpkur to C kina, wkere tke price is kigk, tkence tk e porcelain of C kin a to Rom e, tke Rom an silk to India, Indian steel to Aleppo, and tke gl ass ware of A leppo to Yam in, and tken return to Persia witk Y am in ’s kordinam i and retire in a skop fo r life." I told kim , "A las tk at only tke dust o f tke grave can fill tke eyes of tke greedy.”

-» X « T k e greedy lifts kis kands to keaven wken in need and keeps tkem on kis k illfo U wken prosperous.

•»X «A m an deprived of kands and feet killed a millipede.

I

said: "T k e Lord ke praised — wken its fate was at kand, tke m illipede could not, even witk its tkousand feet, escape one witkout kand and foot!”

T k e follow ing are tke assets of travellers: W ealtk kefore w kick all m en kow; learning w kick demands respect; keauty toward w kick admirers turn; a melodious voice (son g ) w kick captures tke kearts of listeners; and a craft in de­ mand w kick insures a livelikood.

T k e secret of a kealtky kelly lies in refusing to eat until kard pressed ky kunger, and relinquisking tke repast wken tkere is still appetite.

12 1

i f the rick were ju st and tlie poor content, im portunity would cease to exist.

G ive me patience and contentm ent, for there is wisdom in tbe form er and wealth in tbe latter.

-»x«T b e wealthy carry on tb e heritage o f Pharaoh and H am on, and the learned preserve the legacy o f seers and prophets.

B etter to be an ant tread underfoot than a hornet with agonizing sting.

i f you have no means o f injuring your fellowmen, thank your destiny.

-»X «It is better to be content with the dry crust o f your own bread and a coarse woolen frock than to lay yourself under obligation to anyone! B etter to die of want than to display your needs before others; better to endure the torm ent of h ell than to go to heaven through the effort o f your neighbor.

Contentm ent is the rarest wealth and patience the height of wisdom.

122

W e suffer because of excess and endanger our lives because o f abstinence.

»X «He wbo nourishes tbe wbelp of excess will soon face a full-grown wolf.

•»X «E at to tb e point tb at supports you, but not to tbe extent tb at you would support wbat you eat. -> » < « ♦ T b ey asked a frustrated man, "W b at do you desire most?* He replie d, "T h at I may desire no m ore/

-»X «T b o se wbo are in tbe b ab it of tem perance overcom e hard­ ships witb ease, wbile tbose wbo are accustom ed to luxury perish in straitened circum stances. -> » « < ♦ B etter to die o f a surfeit than to starve.

-»x«T h e conserve o f roses in excess causes surfeit, while the dry crust of bread in m oderation is relished as conserve of roses.

»X «B etter to go w ithout m eat than to hum or the butcher.

12 3

Speak o f your m isfortune witk a ckeerful and sm iling face, for pleasantness is tke first principle of good kusiness.

A m an in distress went to a pkilantkropist fo r kelp. He found kim a m an o f sour countenance witk kitter lips, seated in sullen discontent. He left saying, "His gift is n ot wortk kis visage.’ •» > « < I f tke wretcked cats were given wings, tkey would n ot kave left a sparrow’s egg on eartk. •> » « < I keard an A rak tell a circle of jewellers: "O n ce I lost my way in tke desert, and consumed my provision and was preparing to die, wken suddenly my eyes caugkt si gkt of a kag nearky. I skall never forget tke joy witk w kick I reacked for tke kag tkinking tk at it contained parcked grain, nor tke kitterness I felt in discovering tkat it con­ tained virgin pearls.’

I kad no skoes and complained u ntil I kekeld a m an wko kad no feet.

-»X «Bars can survive tke aksence of music, eyes tke enckantm ent of keauty, nose tke fragrance of tke rose, sleep tke aksence o f a soft m attress, and even tke lover tke departure o f kis m istress, kut never a kelly w itkout food.

12 4

T o accept favors from tke mean may sustain tk e kody, kut takes away from tke soul.

D o n o t exckange your self-respect fo r im m ortality. B etter an konorakle deatk tkan continuity in disgrace.

A sinner wko forgives is preferakle to a koly man wko kolds a grudge. ■» > « < Relating your m isfortune to friends endangers friendship.

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•>»->»->»♦» ) •»>

-y > X < < < < < < < < < < < ^ S r G &

H IS B O O K was designed, Land-set, and printed t y

T

R obert D ean Shipley at the Q uiescence Press, B o u l­ der, Colorado, under the auspices of the E ste E s Press.

T h e text is set in twelve point B ernhard M odem Rom an from A m erican Type Founders, with italic and ten point also used. T itles are set in thirty point Goudy and eighteen point C heltenham . T h e paper is No. 1 6 3 Ivory V ellum . Printing consisted o f a num bered F irst E dition o f one hundred copies and a Second Edition of two hundred cop­ ies. T h e presswork was done by hand on a Chandler & P rice 10x15 platen letterpress, serial num ber 2 0 7 0 , con ­ structed in the year 1 8 9 0 .

T h is press was rescued from a

scrap yard in 1 9 7 6 by the P rin ter and restored to original operating condition especially for the production o f this b o o t.

W ork was begun on the second of O ctober, 1 9 7 6 ,

and the last line o f type red istritu ted t t e twenty-sixtL of Sep tem ler, 1 9 7 7 .

Q U I E S C E N C E

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