Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 29.djvu/656

638

In the year 1060 a prince, living on the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, wrote and gave to his son a book, called the book of Kabus. This gift was to represent better things than gold and lordly station. I translate, as before, from a German rendering:

Know, my son, that this world which God created, he created according to his purpose. He did not create it in vain, but that his justice and excellence might be known; and he adorned it with the measures of his wisdom, for he knew well that beauty is better than ugliness, and wealth than poverty; that existence is preferable to non-existence, and abundance to destitution. Obey God and serve him—this is the first commandment which man has to fulfill. At the same time also honor thy parents. He who highly esteems his kindred highly esteems himself. From whomsoever thou mayst have sprung, know this, that it is better to be renowned for virtue than for inheritance. Honor is based upon understanding and good habit, not upon birth and fortune. Speak always courteously, that you may hear courteous answers. The reply for fools is—silence. Guard thyself against uttering falsehood; seek to be known and celebrated for the reliability of thy word. Under all circumstances forget not God in thy youth. Since it is indispensable to the great that they should be instructed from the very foundations of every subject, and since no one can derive profit from any art before he is acquainted with the hidden mysteries of the same, so consider, at first, the highest and most excellent of all sciences, the science of religion. Religion is a tree whose root is faith in one God and whose branches are the laws; knowledge of the one and of the other secures temporal and eternal advantage. Apply yourself, therefore, my son, to the science of religion, for this is the trunk of the tree of which the other sciences are but branches."

The prince now gives advice so practical, so wise, as to be worthy of application by all sons at all times:

"My son, dost thou desire to become a preacher, remember, when thou art about to ascend the pulpit and to preach, quarrel and wrangle not with those who sit beneath. Speak everything as thou willest, only have care that all be truth and no error. Speak elegantly and fluently, and hesitate not, but speak according to thy heart's desire. From pride, deception, from a sensual life, remain free. Know this, that what of good actions thou practicest thy people will also perform.

"Dost thou desire to become a judge, then must thou be courageous, sharp-sighted, quick of comprehension, and a man of sound judgment. Thou must know what thy case has before it and behind it; thou must be a judge of men. Thou must know the habits of every class of men, thou must see into their failings. Give to each cause much investigation and, reflection, and after thou hast