Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/41

Story V

at the palace gate of Oglimish the son of a military officer who was endued with marvelous intellect, sagacity, perception, and shrewdness; also the signs of [future] greatness manifested themselves on his forehead whilst yet a small boy. From his head intelligence caused the star of greatness to shine. In short, he pleased the Sultân, because he had a beautiful countenance and a perfect understanding; and philosophers have said: 'Power consists in accomplishments, not in wealth; and greatness in intellect, not in years.'

His companions, being envious, made an attempt upon his life, and desired to kill him, but their endeavours remained fruitless. What can a foe do, when the friend is kind?

The King asked: "What is the cause of their enmity to thee?"

He replied: "Under the shadow of the monarchy of my lord I have satisfied my contemporaries except the envious, who will not be contented but by the decline of my prosperity, and may the monarchy and good fortune of my lord be perpetual."

I may so act as not to hurt the feelings of anyone, but what can I do to an envious man dissatisfied with himself? Die, O envious man! For this is a malady, deliverance from which can only be obtained by death. Unfortunate men sometimes ardently desire the decline of prosperous men in wealth and dignity. If in daytime bat-eyed persons do not see, is it the fault of the fountain of [light] the sun? Thou justly wishest that a thousand such eyes should be blind, rather than the sun dark.