Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/82

The Manners of Kings

of philosophers were discussing a subject in the palace of Kesra, and Barzachumihr having remained silent, they asked him why he took no share in the debate? He replied: "Viziers are like physicians, and the latter give medicine to the sick only; but, as I perceive that your opinions are in conformity with propriety, I have nothing to say about them. When an affair succeeds without my idle talk it is not meet for me to speak thereon. But, if I see a blind man near a well, it is a crime for me to remain silent.