Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/294

The Gulistân Not every arm which contains strength breaks the hand of the weak for [showing] bravery; injure not the heart of the helpless, for thou wilt succumb to the force of a strong man.

a wise man encounters obstacles, he leaps away and casts anchor at the proper opportunity, for thus he will be in the former instance safe on shore, and in the latter he will enjoy himself.

gambler requires three sixes, and only three aces turn up. The pasture is a thousand times more pleasant than the racecourse; but the steed has not the bridle at its option.

prayed thus: "O Lord! Have mercy upon the wicked, because thou hast already had mercy upon good men by creating them to be good."

first [sovereign] who laid stress on costume and wore rings on his left hand was Jamshid; and being asked why he had adorned his left, whereas excellence resides in the right hand, he replied: "The right hand is fully ornamented by its own rectitude."

Feridûn ordered Chinese embroiderers to write around the borders of his tent: "Keep the wicked well, O intelligent man, because the good are in themselves great and fortunate."