Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/273

On Rules for Conduct of Life

an orator's defects are mentioned by someone, his good points will not be praised.

Be not proud of the beauty of thy speech, of the approbation of an ignoramus, and of thy own opinion.

thinks himself perfect in intellect, and his child in beauty.

A Jew was debating with a Mussalmân till I shook with laughter at their dispute: the Moslem said in anger: "If this deed of mine is not correct, may God cause me to die a Jew."

The Jew said: "I swear by the Pentateuch that if my oath is false, I shall die a Moslem like thee."

Should wisdom disappear from the surface of the earth, still no one will acknowledge his own ignorance.

men eat at a table, but two dogs will contend for one piece of carrion. A greedy person will still be hungry with the whole world [at his disposal], whilst a contented man will be satisfied with one bread. Wise men have said that poverty with content is better than wealth, and not abundance.

Narrow intestines may be filled with dry bread; but the wealth of the surface of the world will not fill a greedy eye.

When the term of my father's life had come to an end he gave me this one advice and passed away: Lust is fire, abstain therefrom; make not the fire of hell sharp for thee. In that fire the burning thou wilt not be able to bear; quench this fire with water to-day.