Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/276

The Gulistân silence from a brute. Who does not reflect what he is to answer will mostly speak improperly. Come! Either arrange thy words like a wise man, or remain sitting silent like a brute."

a man disputes with one who is more learned than himself to make people know of his learning, they will know that he is ignorant. If one better than thyself begins to speak, although thou mayest know better, contradict him not.

associates with bad people will see no good. If an angel associates with a demon he will learn from him fear, fraud, and hypocrisy. Of the wicked thou canst learn only wickedness; a wolf will not take to sewing jackets.

not the secret faults of men, because thou wilt put them to shame, and wilt forfeit thy own confidence [i.e. people will not confide or trust in thee].

acquires science and docs not practise it resembles him who possesses an ox but does not [use him to plough or to] sow seed.

a body without a heart obedience does not arise, and a husk without a kernel is no stock-in-trade.

Not everyone who is brisk in dispute is correct in business.

Many a stature concealed by a shect, if revealed, appears to be the mother of one's mother.