Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/284

The Gulistân When thou seest an ass fallen in mud with his load, have mercy in thy heart, and Step not on his head. But when thou hast gone and asked him how he fell, gird thy loins and take hold of his tail like a man!

things are [unattainable and] contrary to reason: To enjoy more than is decreed, and to die before the time appointed [by fate].

Fate will not change by a thousand laments and sighs, by thanks or complaints, issuing from the mouth. The angel appointed over the treasures of wind cares not if the lamp of a widow dies.

asker of food! Sit, for thou wilt eat; and, O thou asked by Death, run not, for thou wilt not save thy life. Whether thou strivest for a maintenance or not, God the Most High and Glorious will send it to thee! And if thou rushest into the jaw of a lion or tiger, they will not devour thee, unless on the day decreed.

is not placed cannot be reached by the hand, and whatever is placed will be reached wherever it is. Hast thou heard that Alexander went into the darkness, and after all his efforts could not taste the water of immortality?

profligate is a lump of earth gilded, and a pious Dervish is a sweetheart besmeared with earth. he latter is [like]