Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/174

On the Excellence of Contentment

“Fourthly, one with a sweet voice, who retains, with a David-like throat, water from flowing, and birds from soaring. By means of this talent he holds the hearts of people captive, and religious men are delighted to associate with him. How pleasant is the gentle and melancholy lay to the ear of the boon companions who quaff the morning draught! Better than a handsome face is a pleasant voice; the former is joy to the senses, the latter food for the soul.

“Fifthly, the artisan, who gains a sufficient livelihood by the strength of his arm, so that his reputation is not loft in struggling for bread. As wise men have said: If he goes abroad from his own town, the patcher of clothes meets with no hardship or trouble; but if the government falls into ruin, the King of Nimrûz will go to bed hungry.

“The qualities which I have explained, O my son, are in a journey the occasion of satisfaction to the mind. stimulants to a happy life; but he who possesses none of them goes with idle fancies into the world, and no one will ever hear anything about his name and fame. He whom the turning world is to afflict will be guided by the times against his aim. A pigeon destined not to see its nest again will be carried by fate towards the grain and net.”

The son asked : “O father! How can I aft contrary to the