Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/76

The Manners of Kings

viziers of Nushirvân happened to discuss an important affair of State, each giving his opinion according to his knowledge. The King likewise gave his opinion, and Barzachumihr concurred with it. Afterwards the viziers secretly asked him: "What superiority hast thou discovered in the opinion of the King above so many other reflections of wise men?"

The philosopher replied: "Since the termination of the affair is unknown, and it depends upon the will of God whether the opinion of the others will turn out right or wrong, it was better to agree with the opinion of the King; so that, if it should turn out to have been wrong, we may, on account of having followed it, remain free from blame. To proffer an opinion contrary to the King's means to wash the hands in one's own blood; should he in plain day say it is night, it is meet to shut: 'Lo! The moon and the Pleiads!'"