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The Manners of Kings

is narrated that one of the kings of Persia had stretched forth his tyrannical hand to the possessions of his subjects, and had begun to oppress them violently, that in consequence of his fraudulent extortions they dispersed in the world and chose exile, on account of the afflictions entailed by his violence. When the population had diminished, the prosperity of the country suffered, the treasury remained empty, and on every side enemies committed violence.

Who desires succour in the day of calamity, say to him: "Be generous in the times of prosperity." The slave with a ring in his ear, if not cherished, will depart. Be kind, because then a stranger will become thy salve.

One day Shâhnâmah was read in his assembly, the subject being the ruin of the dominion of Zohâk and the reign of Feridûn. The vizier asked the King how it came to pass that Feridûn, who possessed neither treasure nor land, nor a retinue, established himself upon the throne. He replied:

"As thou hast heard, the population enthusiastically gathered around him, and supported him, so that he attained royalty."

The vizier said: "As the gathering around of the population is the cause of royalty, then why dispersest thou of the population?? Perhaps thou hast no desire for royalty? It is best to cherish the army as thy life, because a Sultân reigns by means of his troops."

The King asked: "What is the reason for the gathering around of the troops and the population?"

He replied: "A Pâdshâh must practise justice that they may gather around him, and clemency that they may dwell in safety under teh shadow of his government; but thou possessest neither of these qualities. A tyrannic man cannot be a Sultân