Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/153

Story XCIX

warrior, who had received a dreadful wound in the Tatar war, was informed that a certain merchant possessed a medicine, which he would probably not refuse [to give] if asked for; but it is related that the said merchant was also well known for his avarice. If instead of bread he had the sun in his tablecloth, no one could see daylight until the resurrection.

The warrior replied: "If I ask for the medicine he will either give it or refuse it; and if he gives it, maybe it will profit me, and maybe not; at any rate, the inconvenience of asking it from him is a lethal poison."

Whatever thou obtainest by entreaties from base men will profit thy body, but injure thy soul. And philosophers have said: "If, for instance, the water of life were to be exchanged for a good reputation, no wise men would purchase it; because it ie preferable to die with honour than to live in disgrace. To eat coloquinth from the hand of a sweet-tempered man is better than confectionery from the hand of an ill-humoured fellow.