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On Rules for Conduct of Life

have mercy upon the bad is to injure the good; to pardon tyrants is to do violence to Dervishes.

If thou associatest and art friendly with a wretch, he will commit sin with thy wealth, and make thee his partner.

amity of princes and the sweet voice of children are not to be trusted, because the former is changed by fancy, and the latter in one sleep [or in the course of one night].

Give not thy heart to a sweetheart of a thousand lovers, and if thou givest it, thou givest that heart for separation.

not to thy friend every secret thou possessest; how knowest thou that he will not some time become thy foe? Inflict not every injury thou canst upon an enemy, because it is possible that one day he may become thy friend.

not thy secret to any man although he may be trustworthy, because no one can keep thy secret better than thyself.

Silence is preferable than to tell thy mind to anyone, saying what is to remain unsaid. O simpleton ! Stop the source of the spring; when it becomes full, the brook cannot be stopped.