Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/177

Story CXVI danger; let one of you, who is the strongest, go to the pillar and take the cable of the boat, that we may save the vessel."

The young man, in the pride of bravery which he had in his head, did not think of the offended foe, and did not mind the maxim of wise men, who have said: 'If thou hast given offence to one man, and afterwards done him a hundred kindnesses, do not be confident that he will not avenge himself for that one offence, because [although] the head of a spear may come out, the memory of an offence will remain in the heart.' Be not unconcerned; for thou wilt be afflicted if by thy hand a heart has been afflicted. Throw not a stone at the rampart of a fort, because possibly a stone may come from the fort.

As soon as he had taken the rope of the boat on his arm, he climbed to the top of the pillar, whereon the boatman snatched it from his grasp, and pushed the boat off. The helpless man was amazed, and spent two days in misery and distress; on the third, sleep took hold of his collar and threw him into the water. After one night and day he was cast on the bank, with some life still remaining in him; he began to eat leaves of trees, and to pull out roots of grass, so that when he had gained a little strength, he turned towards the desert and walked till thirst began to torment him. He at last reached a well, and saw people drinking water for a pashizi, but possessing none, he asked for a coin, and showed his destitute condition; the people had, however, no mercy with him, whereon he began to insult them, but likewise ineffectually. Then he knocked down several men, but was at last overpowered, struck, and wounded. A swarm of gnats will overpower an elephant despite of all his virility and bravery. When the little ants combine together they tear the skin of a furious lion.

As a matter of necessity he lagged in the rear of the caravan,