Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/289

On Rules for Conduct of Life occasion death, and the child ignorantly desires to approach it, the camel tears the bridle from his hand, refusing any longer to obey, because compliance in times of calamity is blamable. It is also said that by compliance an enemy will not become a friend, but that his greed will only be augmented.

To him who is kind to thee, be dust at his feet; but if he opposes thee, fill his two eyes with dust. Speak not kindly or gently to an ill-humoured fellow, because a soft file cannot clean off inveterate rust.

interrupts the conversation of others, that they may know his excellence, they will become acquainted only with the degree of his folly.

An intelligent man will not give a reply, unless he be asked a question. Because though his words may be based on truth his claim to veracity may be deemed impossible.

a wound under my robe, and a Sheikh asked me daily how, but not where, it is, and I learned that he refrained [from the latter inquiry] because it is not admissible to mention every member [of our body]; and wise men have also said that who does not ponder his question will be grieved by the answer.

Until thou knowest thy words to be perfectly suitable, thou must not open thy mouth in speech. If thou speakest truth, and remainest in captivity, it is better than that thy mendacity deliver thee therefrom.