SA D I: GULISTANGULIST AN OROR FLOWER-FLOWER­

GARDENGARDEN:: TRANSLATED, WITHWITH AN ESSAY, BY

JAMES ROSSROSS:: AND A NOTE UPON THE TRANSLATOR BY CHARLES SAYLE.

LONDONLONDON =: ,VWALTER ALTER SCOTT,SCOTT,

2424 WARWICKWARWICK LANE.LANE. ' dwells "BeBe thou ware where Sadi dwells;; Wisdom of the gods isis hhe,e,­ Entertain it reverently. Gladly round that golden lamp Sylvan deities encamp, And simple maids and noble youth Are welcome to the man of truth. Most welcome they who need him most,

They feed the spring which they exhaust:exhaust : For greater need Draws better deed:-deed: But, critic, spare thy vanity, Nor show thy pompous parts, To vex with odious subtlety " The cheerer of men's hearts."hearts. -Emerson.

Emerson. College

CONTENTS.

PAGE SHAIKH SADI ...... I

•. TRANSLATOR'S NOTE ...... 59

THE MOCADDAMAH;MOCADDAMAH ; OR, INTRODUCTION TO THE

GULISTAN OF SHAIKH SADI . , . 6611

CHAP. I.-OFI. OF THE CUSTOMS OF KINGS .• . . 77

II. CHAP. H.-OFOF THE MORALS OF DARWESHES .• .126126

CHAP. IH.-QFIII. OF THE PRECIOUSNESS OF CONTENTMENT 167

CHAP. IV.IV.-OFOF THE BENEFIT OF BEING SILENT . 2OO200

CHAP. V.V.-OFOF LOVE AND YOUTH . . . . 208

VI. CHAP. VI.-OFOF IMBECILITY AND OLD AGE . . 234

VII. CHAP. VII.-QFOF THE IMPRESSIONS OF EDUCATION . 244

VIII. . CHAP. VIlI.-OFOF THE DUTIES OF SOCIETYSOCIETY. . .272272

NOTE UPON THE TRANSLATOR,TRANSLATOR.

JAMES Ross, son of Alexander Ross, a burgess of Aber-Aber­ deen, was born in that city, 2ist21st June 1759. He was a student at Marischal College from 1774 to 1777, in .which year he graduated as Master of Arts. After studying medicine he was appointed successively to the Vesuvius in 1782; acting-surgeon to the EnterpriseEnterpnse at Woolwich till the return of the Galatea;Galatea / assistant surgeon to the Bountiful;Bountiful~' and in 1783 proceeded to Fort St. George and Calcutta; in 1784-5 to Barrackpur and Burhampur; and in 1785 to Lucknow. In 1786 he marched from Lucknow to Midnapur, and in 1789 was stationed at Dinajepur, on the Bengal Establishment. In 1797 he returned to England on furlough, the voyage taking eleven months. In 1801 he was acting-surgeon to the 18thi8th Regiment of Native Infantry, and afterwards senior surgeon to one detachment. From the year 1802 up to the time of his death, he was a member of the Royal Asiatic Society. He retired, owing to ill-health, in 1804, and returned to England, residing at various places in the South of England before he finally settled, in 1810, at Exeter, where, at his residence in Summerland Place (now 2 Higher Summer-Summer· lands), he died, 222nd2nd July 1831. viiiviii NOTENOTE UPONUPON THETHE TRANSLATOR.

TheThe translationtranslation ofof thethe GulistanGulistan waswas dedicateddedicated toto thethe ChairmanChairman andand DirectorsDirectors .ofof thethe EastEast IndiaIndia Company;Company; andand waswas publishedpublished inin 1823.1823. InIn aa memorandummemorandum prefixedprefixed toto it,it, thethe translatortranslator statedstated hishis intentionintention ofof supplementingsupp~ementing hishis workwork byby (i)(I) aa renderingrendering ofof thethe Bustan;Bustan; (2)(2) aa volumevolume containingcontaining oneone ofof thethe HeroicHeroic PoemsPoems ofof Firdusi,Firdusi, andand etc. selectionsselections fromfrom Nizami,Nizam~ Anwari,Anwari, Hafiz,Hafiz, etc.;; (3)(3) aa volumevolume ofof IntroductoryIntroductory matter,matter, andand aa renderingrendering ofof thethe twotwo firstfirst booksbooks ofof AnwariAnwari Sohaili,Sohaili, withwith anan essayessay onon thethe PersianPersian

ApologueApologue andand Bidpai'sBidpai's FablesFables;; (4)(4) a~ DictionaryDictionary ofof purepure PersianPersian words.words. OfOf these,these, thethe firstfirst waswas advertised,advertised, inin 1832,1832, asas among thethe forthcomingforthcoming publicationspublications underunder thethe OrientalOriental TranslationTranslation Fund,Fund, butbut thethe workwork nownow reprintedreprinted waswas thethe onlyonly oneone whichwhich eventuallyeventually waswas produced.produced. A finefine medallionmedallion portraitportrait ofof JamesJames RossRoss isis inin existence,existence, inin thethe possessionpossession ofof hishis niece,niece, MissMiss BridgetBridget RossRoss Ross,Ross, ofof HopeHope House,House, Topsham,Topsham, nearnear Exeter;Exeter; toto whomwhom II amam indebtedindebted forfor thethe greatergreater partpart ofof thethe foregoingforegoing facts.facts.

c.c. s.S. SHAIKHS H A I K H. SADI.SAD I.

THIRTY yearsyear;; ago, when I first devoted myself to the study of the Oriental languages, it was my custom to translate into English any classic which my Munshi had recommended for other -' .had recommended for my perusalperusal;; and, among other Persian books, I had in this way made translations of

the Gulistan and Bustan of SadiSadi:: and now, with much diffidence, publish that of the Gulistan, with an abridgment of a larger work, being an Essay on the Life and Genius of the Author, intending to follow this up next year with my translation of the Bustan, with a prefatory critique on Sadi's works, and making a in size to this but each will otherwise a volume equal in size to this;; but each will otherwise be a distinct work. Sadi has ever been with me a favourite Persian classic and after and of his classic;; and after many and diligent perusals of his Kulliat,KulIiat, or works, I flatter myself with having not only mastered the comparatively easy task of fully-fully appreciating his intellectual faculties, but also the more difficult one of portraying the features and passionspassions of his mind. In this sketch of Sadi's life I shall avail of Asiatic authorities shall duly avail myself of my Asiatic authorities;; as, however, Oriental notions of biography differ so essentially from ours that little is to be gleaned from them that can interest the European reader, I am 743*743* 2 SHAIKH SADLSADI. fortunate in finding that anecdotes of the temper, manners, and habits of so excellent a moralist and writer are in his writer are constantly occurring in his own worksworks;; and I have only to quote them to give a perfect insight into his character. Silghur, a Turkish officer in the service of the Saljuc Sultans, usurped the government of Pars, and was the origin of that dynasty of Atabaks, or Attabegs, who reigned there A.H.A. H. 543, 668. And of them Atabak Toklah, or Toglah, reigned A.H. 1 an<3 was succeeded his brother Atabak 57 1!>, 591,59 ) and was succeeded by his brother Atabak Saad-bin-Zungi, who reigned A.H. 591, 623, and was succeeded by his son AtabakA tabak Abubakr, A.H. 623, 658, and he again was succeeded by his son Saad-bin-Saad-bin­ Abibakr, who died within\vithin a twelvemonth, and after a few and feverish reigns of women and infants, con-con­ sisting altogether of nine years, the dynasty became extinct A.H. 668 all these are included within extinct A.H. 668;; all these reigns are included within the first three-fourths of Sadi's life but Dowlat the first three-fourths of Sadi's life;; but Dowlat Shah must mistake in dating Sadi's death under one of this Silghur, or Silaghur dynasty, or there must have been a second dynasty of them. Dowlat Shah, in his Tuzkirrah-ashshaara, or Lives of the Persian Poets, says that Sadi's father held some office at the Shiraz court, and from what Sadi himself says, in a Kitah,K.itah, or fragment of his book of Sahibayah, more immediately under the Diwan, or prime minister, speaking in eulogy of himhim-""My My father was old domestic he his whole life father was thy old domestic;; he passed his whole life in thy service. Thy born slave, when he first saw the light, naturally cast his eyes up to thy countenance,countenance. SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. 33

II cancan nevernever seekseek thethe patronagepatronage ofof another,another, whowho havehave beenbeen thethe nurturednurtured childchild ofof thythy bounty."bounty." InIn thethe firstfirst yearyear ofof AtabakAtabak Toklah'sToklah's reign,reign, oror A.H.A.H. 571,57 I, A.D.A.D. 1194,II 94, SadiSadi waswas bornborn atat Shiraz,Shiraz, thethe capitalcapital of or Persia and the of Shirazi of Pars,Pars, or Persia properproper;; and the epithetepithet of Shirazi appliesapplies equallyequally toto himhim andand Hafiz,Hafiz, asas muchmuch honouredhonoured nativesnatives of thatthat DarDar u'lilom,u'lilom, oror seatseat ofof learning.learning. DowlatDowlat Shah sayssays thatthat hishis properproper namename waswas MoslihMoslih or the of the faith but he was better u'd-din,u'd-din, or the Umpire of the faith;; but he was better

_ knownknown afterwardsafterwards byby thatthat ofof Shaikh SadiSadi ShiraziShirazi:: 'Shaikh properlyproperly signifyingsignifying thethe headhead ofof anan ArabianArabian tribe and Mussulmans it was con- tribe;; and among Mussulmans it was anywhereanywhere con­ ferred uponupon aa senior,senior, whowho commandedcommanded thethe lovelove andand esteem of his neighbours fromfrom authority, age,age, genius, or on account of the two last is or pietypiety;; and, on account of the two last virtues,virtues, is among the Persians moremore especiallyespecially applied toto Nizami and Sadi and it is no small that Nizami and Sadi;; and it is no small compliment that though the former isis the senior and, nextnext toto Firdausi, the best Persian heroicheroic poet,poet, yet Sadi isis appropriatelyappropriately called the ShaikhS/zaikh!! Again Sadi, or Saadi, signifyingsignifying felicity,felicity, isis hishis Tokhullus, or poetical name, and was, according toto Dowlat Shah, given toto him by Atabak Saad-bin-Saad-bin­ This is but he is in Zungi. This is probableprobable;; but he is wrong in saying that Sadi was born inin that prince's reign.reign. This mode of appellation a writer in the East does not affect tilltill he has established his character as a poet, when, after being confirmed toto him, like a title of nobility, by some sovereign prince, he takes the firstfirst opportunity of introducing his Tokhullus into the Shah-bayit, or last stanza of a ghazal, or other poem, and 4 SHAIKH SADI. seldom omits to use it thus afterwards and seldom omits to use it thus afterwards;; and Cowley among ourselves has happilyhappily· adopted this Oriental custom-custom

" " The wise example of the heavenly lark,

Thy fellow-poet, Cowley, markmark;; Above the clouds let thy proud music sound, " Thy humble nest build on the ground 1! "

Jami calls Sadi Sharf-u'd-din Mislah, son of Abdullah and an or descendant of Ali. Abdullah;; and an Almyi,Alowi, or descendant of Ali. Sadi's father and mother were alive within his own recollection, for he often mentions the first (Bust. ii. 2; ix. 13, 15, etc.); and his mother, very feelingly vi. his himself an (Gul. vi. 6);6) ; but, from his calling himself an orphan, both must have died while our Shaikh was " yet a stripling, for he says (Bust. ii. 2)-"2) If the orphan come to cry, who will soothe him?him ? if he be pettish, who will put up with his ill-humours? take that he not for the throne of the heed, that he weep not;; for the throne of the Almighty is shaken to and fro when the orphan sets a crying. Once my head was lofty, as that which wears a crown, for then I could lay it upon the bosom of a father had a but dared to settle on of a father;; had a fly but dared to settle on my body, it would have been to alarm a whole it would have been enough to alarm a whole family;family ; but were my enemies ready to make me now their captive, none of my friends would come to my rescue:rescue : I can feel a sympathy for the helplessness of infancy, because in my childhood I lost my father"fatlter." In his NNafhat-u'1-ans, afhat-u'l-ans, or Memoirs of the Sufis, JJami ami says that he was descended from the Sharif,Silarif, or SHAIKH..S'I£AIKH SADLSADI. 5

noble of Abdullah Hafaif but 1Zoble house of Abdullah Hafaif;; but however dignified his birth, or lucrative his station at court, both advan­advan- tages must have died with the father; otherwise we should not find Sadi using his interest with ShamShamsud- sud­ din to exempt his brother from some extortion in his mean occupation of retailing figs. This prime minister, then, it would seem, viceroy on the part of Abaca-an, at Shiraz, acted handsomely on the occa­occa- sion by laying a thousand gold dinars at Sadi's feet, ~ -' _as a compensation to his brother, but would not, as the ~torystory adds, think of offering any money-compliment to a darwesh like himself. In the Risallah, or tract on the questions of the Lord Diwan, this same generous friend sends him five hundred dinars under the pretence of supplying food for his birds, of which the servant, considering himself as one of Sadi's birds,

purloins a hundred and fifty, being, like the Irishman,

not aware that the letter, which accompanied this gift, and its answer, would detect him. On ascertaining this knavery, the messenger is forth\vithforthwith sent back with an order for Sadi on the Shiraz treasury for 10,000 gold dinars!dinars ! And on another occasion he and his brother Vla-ud-din,Ula-ud-din, joint ministers of that son and successor of the Tartar emperor, Halaku Khan, sent Sadi, then an old resident in his hermitage at Shiraz, a bag of 50,000 dinars, or about £24,00024,000 of our money, which he was to layoutlay out in building a Caravan-saray under the citadel of Cohindar, near Shiraz, and which Sadi had much at heart in com­com- pleting. By the mother's side Sadi's relations were some of them eminent for learning, and l\101aMola Cut'b 6 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI.

Alamah, hishis maternalmaternal uncle,uncle, isis noticednoticed asC!S hishis firstfirst master inin science. JamiJ ami says thatthat Sadi waswas aa Sufi of profound learning,learning, or master in everyevery branchbranch of science,science, and accomplished inin the polite arts,arts, for,for, according to Dowlat Shah,Shah, "he commenced hishis studiesstudies atat thethe NizamiahNizamiah collegecollege ofof Baghdad," which,which, during fivefive centuries, had beenbeen thethe chief seat of Oriental learning, and thethe magnificent residence the Khalifs there he held an residence of the Khalifs;; and there he held an Idrar,Idrar, or fellowship" (Bust(Bust. vii.vii. 14), havinghaving had forfor hishis tutortutor inin science thethe learnedlearned Ab'ulAb'ul Firah-ibin-Jozi (Gul.(Gul. ii. and in Abd-u'1-cadir the Gilani and ii. 21), and in theologytheology Abd-u'I--cadir the GHani;; and with the lastlast hehe made hishis firstfirst pilgrimagepilgrimage toto Mecca, which he fourteen on foot which he repeated fourteen times, and chieflychiefly on foot;; and he often makesmakes hishis adventures on such occasions the subject of an apologue (Gul.(Gul. ii.ii. 25, 26, etc.).etc.)' Being a classical, asas wellwell asas a spoken idiom and court dialect, thethe Tazi, or modernmodern Arabic, under thethe illustrious patronage of thethe Khalifs, reachedreached asas great perfection asas has everever beenbeen thethe lotlot of any human tongue. Sadi knewknew and wrotewrote itit well,well, and carriedcarried thethe practice of deluging thethe Persian language withwith itit toto aa greater length thanthan any ofof hishis predecessors hadhad done. In his Gulistan v.v. 2121 hehe refersrefers withwith fondness toto it?it~ currencycurrency in A.D. 1256, at Baghdad, littlelittle thinkingthinking that inin the coursecourse of twotwo yearsyears hehe should havehave occa-occa­ sion toto pen itit inin aa casidah,casidah, or elegy,elegy, on itsits beingbeing sacked by Halaku thethe Tartar, itsits palacespalaces and collegescolleges plun-plun­ dered, and thethe Khalif Mustasim, thethe lastlast of thethe Abissites, and allall thatthat were dignifieddignified and learned, with a million and a Jialfhalf of itsits inhabitants£lzhab£tants barbarously SHAIKH SADI. 7

of murdered. Sadi wrote aa bookbook of Tazi elegieselegies;; butbut thatthat city and itsits university were his alma mater,mater, thethe seat of thethe religionreligion hehe revered,revered, and the musesmuses hehe adored and he felt a on this adored;; and he consequently felt a pathospathos on this horrible all understand it relish horrible eventevent;; and all thatthat understand it mustmust relish itsits propriety and elegance,elegance. Sadi mentions himself toto have been twice married. Of his first marriage, at Aleppo, he tellstells a pleasant story, to which (Gul. ii.ii. 30) II beg toto referrefer the reader,reader, ~ .. desiring him toto recollect thatthat though Sadi, as a Mussulman,l\1ussulman, had like thethe Jews a legallegal rightright toto repudiate his troublesome wife, yet, inin thatthat case, he must have repaid her dowry, and he was all his life if not to do that a too improvident, if not poor, to do that;; besides, a sense of family honour will deter one of the orthodox from idly parting with the woman of his former affections also is to three notices of affections;; also he is obliged to give three notices of his intention to the and the his intention to the CazyCazy;; and though during the heat of passion instances occur of a first, and perhaps a second, notice, after twenty years' intercourse with them I never heard of a third, which was to complete it. Of his other wife at Sanaa, the capital of Yamin, he makes no mention, but in Bustan ix. 25 laments their loss of an only son with the feelings of a parent " -" If despair overwhelm thee in this abode of gloom, be wise and prepare for thyself a place of greater cheerfulness wishest thou the of the to cheerfulness;; wishest thou the night of the grave to be luminous as day, carry along with thee ready trimmed the lamp of good works." Thus could Sadi reconcile himself to a heavy loss; the duties of his religion inculcating the sin of complaining, and his 8 SHAIKH SADI. philosophy teaching him that it were fruitless to repine for what he could not recall. Two such trials terrified a man of Sadi's disposition from another such connection. He thought, perhaps, like Cicero, who being, after his divorce from Tullia, invited to a " second marriage, replied he could notnot-" simul amare " et saparesapare-bebe wise and in love at the same timetime!! JJ or, " as Sadi's old friend answered, " I do not like to marry " " " an old womanwoman!"! "Why,"Why," said his adviser, "dodo you not, now you are rich, choose a young one?" " " "Because,"Because," he replied, "whenwhen I was young myself, I did not love old women, and cannot hope, that now " I am old, a young woman can love me JJ (Gul. vi. 8). Instead of the comforts of a family circle Sadi was doomed to pass the sixty or seventy last years of his extreme long life in the cell of a hermit, and latterly seems to have imbibed a reprehensible portion of that ancient Grecian, as well as Oriental contempt for the fair sex, and to have entertained a prejudiced and strange notion about our posterity and the marriage duty (Gul.(Gu1. vi. 5).5)- 1In Gulistan viii. 55 he sayssays­ " "Collsiliu11ZConsilium fceminis/amzillis invalidumi1lvalidu1JZ:: it be bad to hold counsel with women," or, as he adds on another " occasion, "taketake your wife's opinion, and act opposite " " to itit!"! And again (Bust.(Bust vi. 24), "ChooseChoose a fresh wife every spring or new year's day, for the almanack of last year is good for nothing!"nothing! JJ According to the Mussulman creed, prayers five times a day bring the good believer half-way towards the Deity, and in this, as absolutely necessary to corporal purification, ablution is each time included, but with women certain SHAIKIISHAIKH SADI.SADL 9g

physicalphysical impuritiesimpurities (Bust(Bust ix.ix. 13),13), preventprevent thisthis ceremonial for some Sadi adds ceremonial for some daysdays monthly;monthly ; yetyet Sadi adds thosethose dodo not,not, accordingaccording toto ourour EuropeanEuropean vulgarvulgar notion,notion, excludeexclude womenwomen fromfrom Paradise.Paradise. Nor,Nor, thoughthough " hehe recommendsrecommends selfishnessselfishness (Bust.(Bust. ii.ii. 7)-"7) BecauseBecause thethe propertyproperty ofof mymy fatherfather descendeddescended toto me,me, itit needsneeds notnot bebe leftleft toto descenddescend toto mymy children.children. EatEat andand drink,drink, spendspend andand enjoyenjoy itit thyself,thyself, forfor whywhy shouldstshouldst thouthou troubletrouble thyselfthyself aboutabout thosethose whowho areare toto succeedsucceed " thee he carries not this so ~. thee;"; yetyet he carries not this misanthrophymisanthrophy so fa"rfar asas ourour princeprince ofof existingexisting fashionablefashionable poetspoets hashas done.done.

" " ButBut amidstamidst thethe crowd,crowd, thethe hum,hum, andand shockshock ofof men,men, ToTo hear,hear, toto see,see, toto feel,feel, andand toto possess,possess, AndAnd roamroam alongalong thethe world'sworld's tir'dtir'd denizen,denizen, With none who biess none whom we can bless \Vith none who bless us,us, none whom we can bless;;

None with kindred consciousness : N one with kindred consciousness enduedendued = " ThisThis isis toto bebe alone,alone, andand mymy lov'dlov'd solitudesolitude 1"-!

ThatThat hehe waswas notnot aa domestic domestic manman andand had had nono survivingsurviving family,family, waswas nono faultfault ofof Sadi.Sadi. LikeLike SocratesSocrates he wedlock to the double ordeal of a trial and if he putput wedlock to the double ordeal of a trial;; and if hehe enjoyedenjoyed notnot thethe socialsocial retirementretirement ofof aa Solon,Solon, hehe feltfelt notnot thethe misanthropicmisanthropic celibacycelibacy ofof aa Thales.Thales. AfterAfter thosethose experimentsexperiments hehe pridedprided himhim inin hishis temperedtempered kinaatkinaat oror contentment,contentment, andand supportedsupported himself,himself, withwith unaffectedunaffected indifference,indifference, onon thethe casualcasual charitycharity ofof hishis admirersadmirers duringduring thethe twotwo lastlast thirdthird partsparts ofof hishis life,life, eithereither asas aa wanderingwandering mendicantmendicant oror solitarysolitary recluse.recluse. " does . he exclaim iii. IC Never,"Never," does" he honestlyhonestly exclaim (Gul.(Gul. iii. 19),19), io10 SHAIKH SADLSADI.

" "diddid I complain of my forlorn condition but on one occasion when my feet were bare and I had not wherewithal to shoe them. Soon after meeting a man without feet, I was thankful for the bounty of Providence to myself, ' and with perfect resignation submitted to my want of shoes." Many such anecdotes, incidents, and adventures, that occurred to him during his travels, we meet in his works, and, whether creditable or not, told with the same ingenuousness. Crimes, vices, and misfortunes chiefly occupy the narratives of such adventurers among ourselves, but even in romance the hero's life generally concludes in his first wedlock. Our rigid law would construe Sadi's adventure with the Brahmin at Sumnaat (Bust. viii. 15),IS), and Moses' slaughter of the into murder however unfor- the Egyptian into murder;; otherwise, however unfor­ tunate, his personal adventures seldom have the stain of crime, or even vice. Nay, after he had ceased to be a married man and enterprising traveller, his life continues to interest and himself to be useful, for, as an Ascetic, he was visited by the first characters of his time, and consulted by his contemporary princes and kings. Dowlat Shah says "that the first thirty years of Sadi's long life was devoted to study and laying up a stock of the next or stock of knowledgeknowledge;; the next thirty, or perhaps forty, in treasuring up experience and disseminating that his travels that knowledge during his wide-extending travels;; and that some portion should intervene between the business of life and hour of death,death,-and-and that with him chanced to be the largest share of it, he spent the SHAIKH SADL uII

in remainder of his life, or seventy years, in the retire-retire­ ment of a recluse, when he was exemplary in his temperance and edifying in his piety." Even when a boy he confesses himself to have been overmuch

religious (Gul. ii. 7), and ingenuously mentions this reproof of his fatherfather-""You You had better," said that " sensible parent, "havehave been yourself asleep than to be thus calumniating your neighbours." In Gul. v. " 181 8 he says "thatthat on the death of a young friend,friend; -' -and himself still a young man, he had vowed to pass a life of retirement, and to fold up the carpet of enjoyment" And in the preface of the Gulistan he is enticed by another friend to quit such a state of abstraction and retirement. He would seem to affectionate in his have been sincere and affectionate in his friendshipsfriendships;; and many such disappointments, and an habitual love of seclusion, had often disgusted him with social life, and early inured him to the habits of a hermit (Gul. ii. 30). However, real want, I fear, had often brought him back into the busy world, for he positively tells us,

" "PaupertasPaupertas impulit audax Ut verses facerem,"

" that he wrote for his bread. Bustan vi. $S ::-" The belly puts manacles upon the wrists, and fetters the ankles the slave of the upon the ankles;; the bounden slave of the belly is constrained in his is constrained in his devotionsdevotions;; had Sadi's belly in in any shape resembled his backback-thatthat is, been tolerant of its load, nobody would at this day have 12 SHAIKH SADSAnI.I. been criticising his writings." And, in Bustan vii. 6, he alludes to his having commenced to write at a late period, and that having once begun, he had no alternative but that of proceeding. Jami] ami relates "that Sadi had travelled much and far, and visited many strange countries. He had often made the pilgrimage of Mecca on foot, and once penetrated so far as the pagoda, or bot-bot­ kadah, image-temple, at Sumnaat, on the Malabar coast, were he overthrew, and broke in pieces, the great idol. He had much religious and moral inter-inter­ course with Shaikh Shohab-ud-din and other reverend gentlemen. For a length of time he led the lifelife of a sacayi, or water-drawer, in the Holy Land, and was thus administering to the thirsty traveller, tilltill found worthy of an introduction to the prophet Khizr, Elias or the Syrian and Greek Hermes, who moistened his mouth with the water of immortality. A descendantdesceI)dant of Ali disputed the truth of this with Sadi, and got reproved in a dream by the prophet for his incredu-incredu­ lity. Another gentleman had also doubted it,it, and next a or rather vision for it next night had a dream, or rather vision;; for it seemed to him as if the gates of heaven were thrown open, and a host of angels descending with salvers of glory in their hands. On asking one of them for whom those were intended, he answered for Shaikh Sadi of Shiraz, who has written a stanza of poetry that has met the approbation of God Almighty," as " follows ::-" To the eye of the intelligent the foliage of the grove displays, in every leaf,leaf, a volume of the " Creator's worksworks"- SHAIKH SADI.SADJ. 13

" " The meanest floweret of the vale, The simplest note that swells the gale, The common sun, the air, and skies, " To him are opening paradise !1"-

"On recovering from his reverie, that holy man forthwith proceeded to the door of Sadi's cell, in order to apologise for his incredulity, and to con-con­ gratulate him upon this auspicious vision. He found the Shaikh sitting up, with a lighted taper before ~. ~ him, and chanting - to himself; and, on listening attentively, found that he was singing the above stanza." Incredible as this is, one of the fathers " of our church, St Chrysostom, tellstells us "that,that, on consecrating the element of bread and wine, he has instantaneously seen a multitude of white-robed angels surrounding the altar, and bowing their heads, as soldiers do in making their homage to the " sovereign ! " In his Life of Khosraw of Delhi, JamiJami tellstells us that this poet also asked Khizr for a mouthful of this but he told him that Sadi this inspiring beveragebeverage;; but he told him that Sadi had got the last of it Yet Hafiz, who isis on this account called Sadie sani, or a second Sadi, tellstells us " in one of his ghazalsghazals-" Yesterday, at dawn, God delivered me from all affliction and amidst delivered me from all worldly affliction;; and amidst the gloom of night presented me with the water of " immortality !I" Sadi states himself to be at Delhi during the Patan Aglamish's time, who, after a reign of twenty-six years, died A.H. 633, or in Sadi's sixty-second year; and if Amir Khosraw, descended from thethe Amirs, or i144 SHAIKHSHAIK.l.( SADLSADI. princes,princes, of thethe noblenoble tribetribe ofof LachinLachin inin thethe provinceprovince ofof Balkh,Balkh, was,was, asas JamiJ ami sayssays andand isis generallygenerally believed,believed, thethe youthyouth Sadi, inin GulistanGulistan v.v. 17, gotgot soso muchmuch enrapturedenraptured ~ withwith atat Cashghur,Cashghur, andand whowho dieddied atat Delhi,Delhi, A.H.A.H. 715,715, in his Khosraw to in his seventy-fourthseventy-fourth yearyear;; allowingallowing Khosraw to havehave beenbeen fourteenfourteen whenwhen theythey met,met, SadiSadi waswas stillstill aa travellertraveller inin A.H.A.H. 641,641, oror hishis seventiethseventieth yearyear II InIn thethe coursecourse ofof readingreading hishis works,works, II havehave re-re­ markedmarked' thatthat hehe mentionsmentions himselfhimself toto havehave visitedvisited inin personperson Europe,Europe, Barbary,Barbary, Abyssinia,Abyssinia, Egypt,Egypt, Syria, Palestine,Palestine, Armenia,Armenia, AsiaAsia Minor,Minor, thethe threethree grandgrand divisionsdivisions ofof Arabia,Arabia, andand everyevery provinceprovince ofof IranIran andand manymany partsparts ofof Turan,Turan, oror ofof PersiaPersia andand Tartary,Tartary, fromfrom BusrahBusrah andand BaghdadBaghdad toto thethe ScythianScythian Wall,Wall, andand atat Rudbar,Rudbar, DeilmanDeilman onon thethe CaspianCaspian Sea,Sea, CashghurCashghur beyondbeyond thethe Jihun,Jihun, oror Oxus,Oxus, acrossacross thethe Sind'h,Sind'h, oror into of etc. Indus,Indus, andand into manymany partsparts of Hindustan,Hindustan, etc. ;; and,and, fromfrom aa poempoem inin hishis bookbook ofof Fragments,Fragments, itit appearsappears thatthat hehe hadhad aa practicalpractical knowledge,knowledge, forfor hehe quotesquotes aa lineline inin each,each, ofof eighteeneighteen idioms,idioms, dialects,dialects, andand languages,languages, asas spokenspoken inin thethe manymany regionsregions intointo whichwhich hehe hadhad thusthus travelled.travelled. EngelbertEngelbert Kcempfer,Kcempfer, whowho visitedvisited ShirazShiraz A.D.A.D. 1686,1686, " sayssays of Sadi,Sadi, "thatthat videtvidet EgyptiamEgyptiam etet ItaliamItaliam,.; andand he was skilled in the thatthat he was muchmuch skilled in the OrientalOriental languageslanguages;; nay,nay, thatthat hehe hadhad studiedstudied thethe LatinLatin tongue,tongue, andand hadhad " diligentlydiligently perusedperused thethe worksworks ofof SenecaSeneca!"! ButBut anyany partialitypartiality forfor thethe blemishesblemishes ofof thisthis RomanRoman meta-meta­ physicianphysician wouldwould betterbetter applyapply toto JamiJ ami thanthan toto Sadi.Sadie AA manman ofof Sadi'sSadi's charactercharacter- andand famefame waswas recol-recol­ lectedlected withwith fondnessfondness andand venerationveneration inin thethe manymany SHAIKHSHAIKH SADSA.DI.I. 15

he thus visited and few of regions he thus visited;; and few of them,them, especiallyespecially those underunder Mussulman governments, butbut retainretain in their collec- some local memorialmemorial of himhim;; and in their collec­ tionstions of Persian anecdotes,anecdotes, and these,these, like ourour JoeJoe

Miller's jests,jests, abound allall over thethe East, theirtheir writerswriters accommodate himhim with a niche,niche, as he had himself complimented an ^Esop.tEsop or Lucman, Socrates or Plato, Hippocrates or Galen, and even St. John the Baptist and our blessed SaviourSaviour!! Two examples . - I shall here translate from his Badaya, or book of " rhetorical and first can in this rhetorical ghazalsghazals;; and first-" No man can in this world listen to the lamentations of Sadi thatthat must not bear testimony to his complaints, as originating in the very extremity of pain. If Plato in his wisdom is mysterious in defining love, the veil shall ultimately be withdrawn from the face of his hidden secret"secret." This alludes of course to the Platonic love, which was not so much a doctrine of Plato as of his refining followers, and which the followers of Sadi construed " into downright sufiasm and mystery 1I AgainAgain-" It is season for the heart is is the vernal season;; for the heart is every moment longing to walk in the garden, and every bird of the grove is melodious in its carols as the nightingale. Thou wilt fancy it the dawning zephyr of an early spring, or new year's day morning; but it is the or for in that fresh breath of Isa, or JesusJesus;; for in that fresh breath and " verdure the dead earth is revivingreviving!"! Of our blessed Saviour Sadi and all the best Persian poets often speak, and always with respect reverence and as on other and reverence;; and here, as on many other occasions, he admits of his power of working miracles,mira~les, if not his 16 SHAIKH SADI. 1 6 SHAIKH SADI. divinity; 'and I wish I could speak as well in the and I wish I could as well in the divinityconverse; of our Christian missionariesspeak in the East! converse of our Christian missionaries in the East ! And in Gulistan ii. 10 we find Sadi praying at St. John And in Gulistan ii. 10 we find Sadi praying at St. John the Baptist's tomb at Damascus, and asked by the the Baptist's tomb at Damascus, and asked by the prince of that province to intercede for him in his prince of that province to intercede for him in his supplications. supplications.In fact, Sadi was not only inspired by Khizr with In fact, Sadi was not only inspired by Khizr with the faculty of poetry, but also with that of working the faculty of poetry, but also with that of working miracles; for Dowlat Shah tells us " "that, when miracles ; for Dowlat Shah tells us that, when finally settled as an Ascetic, the middling and finally settled as an Ascetic, the middling and common orders of his neighbours supplied him with common orders of his neighbours supplied him with a daily and plenteous stock of dressed provisions, a daily and plenteous stock of dressed provisions, the only charity he would receive, of which he would the only charity he would receive, of which he would himselfhimself sparingly partake;but butthe thebest best parthe he hung sparingly partake ; part hung in a basket from the balcony of his cell, that the poor in a basket from the balcony of his cell, that the poor wood-cutters might take it home on returning with wood-cutters might take it home on returning with their faggots from the wilderness. One day a thief, their from the wilderness. One day a thief, disguisedfaggots like a wood-cutter, made free with the like a wood-cutter, made free with the disguisedbasket, when his arm became instantly blasted, and, basket, when his arm became instantly blasted, and, with a lamentable noise, he called on the Shaikh with a lamentable noise, he called on the Shaikh to relieve him. He answered him in reproach: to relieve him. He answered him in reproach : 1 'If you are a wood-cutter, where are the callousness If you are a wood-cutter, where are the callousness and scars of your business; and if a robber, where scars of business and if a where and your ; robber, that hardihood that would deaden your feelings that hardihood that would deaden your feelings to ~ trifling a wound?' He then prayed for, and to trifling a wound?' He then prayed for, and healedsp him, and dismissed him with a portion of his healed him, and dismissed him with a portion of his provisions." provisions."Nor was he on all occasions an idle traveller, Nor was he on all occasions an idle traveller, for he had fought againstthe theenemies enemiesof ofhis hisfaith faith; for he had fought against ; and, in the holy wars with the Christians and Hindus and, in the holy wars with the Christians and Hindus added to the name of Haji, or a pilgrim to l\iecca, added to the name of Haji, or a pilgrim to Mecca, SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SA.DI. 17 thethe epithetepithet ofof Ghazi,Ghazi, oror aa holyholy warrior.warrior. DastardsDastards scurrilous but the well even areare scurrilous;; but the generousgenerous speakspeak well even ofoftheir theirfoes. foes. InIn BustanBustanvii. vii. 18,18,Sadi Sadi asksasksa a brotherbrother " recluse,recluse,who who waswas railingrailing atat thethe Christians,Christians, "whetherwhether hehe hadhad everever beenbeen engagedengaged inin thethe holyholy warswars withwith " thethe FranksFranks?"? YetYet hehe cancan confessconfess that,that, anyany moremore thanthan HoraceHorace oror Otway,Otway, hehe waswas nono warriorwarrior byby pro-pro­ fession,fession, forfor hehe andand anotheranother gaygay youth,youth, trickedtricked outout inin all. all thethe habilimentshabiliments ofof war,war, submittedsubmitt€d toto bebe ~>plunderedplundered ofof themthem byby twotwo HinduHindu robbersrobbers inin thethe territoryterritory ofof Balkh,Balkh, ratherrather thanthan riskrisk theirtheir liveslives inin defendingdefendingthem them(Gul. (Gul. vii.vii. 13).13). IbrahimIbrahim KhanKhan ofofBanares, Banares, inin hishis SohofiSohofi Ibrahim,Ibrahim, " sayssays: :_HA A fewfew ofof thethe illustriousillustrious resultsresults ofof Sadi'sSadi's extensiveextensive travelstravels werewere thethe sightsight ofof strangestrange citiescities andand territories,territories, thethe detaildetail ofof marvellousmarvellous adventures,adventures, thethe vicissitudesvicissitudes ofof life,life, conversationconversation ofof enlightenedenlightened sages,sages,the the acquisitionacquisition ofofscience scienceand andknowledge, knowledge,and, and, aboveabove all,all, aamouthful mouthful ofof thethe prophetprophet Khizr'sKhizr's waterwater " ofof immortalityimmortality! 1" Or,Or, asas hehe sayssays himself,himself, inin hishis " BustanBustan vi.vi. 1616: :_HWas Was notnot thisthis globeglobe shakenshaken toto itsits centrecentre beforebeforeit itcame cameto torest rest?? WasWasnot notSadi Sadiobliged obliged toto traveltravel beforebefore hehe obtainedobtained sciencescience andandknowledge, knowledge, " thethe objectsobjects ofof hishis heartheart?"? OnOn hishis worldlyworldly experi-experi­ enceence I I referrefer thethe readerreader toto Gul.Gul.iii. iii.28, 28,where wherea a fatherfather dissuadesdissuades hishis able-bodiedable-bodied sonson fromfrom roamingroaming fromfrom home,home, andand anticipatesanticipates hishis disappointmentsdisappointments abroad.abroad. AndAndof ofhis hisown own unsettledunsettled state,state,whether whether fromfrom neces-neces­ sitysity oror habit,habit, hehe speaksspeaks withwith hishis usualusual philosophyphilosophy " (Bust(Bust v.v. 2)2): :-"Fortune Fortune soso ordainedordained thatthat I I shouldshould leaveleave Ispahan,Ispahan,for for I I hadhad nono meansmeans ofofsubsisting subsistingany any 744744 18i8 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL

longerlonger atat thatthat place:place : mymy destinydestiny removedremoved meme fromfrom !racIrac intointo Syria,Syria, andand inin thisthis happyhappy landland II mademade aa

pleasantpleasant sojourn:sojourn : thethe cupcup ofof mymy allottedallotted abodeabode inin SyriaSyria againagain overflowed,overflowed, andand aa longinglonging desiredesire toto seesee thence chance ordained homehome drewdrew meme thence;; andand chance againagain ordained that,that, onon mymy return,return, II shouldshould passpass throughthrough thethe pro­pro- vincevince ofof !rac."Irac." TheThe followingfollowing storystory mustmust bebe familiarfamiliar withwith thethe PersianPersian tyrotyro ofof Bengal,Bengal, beingbeing anan extractextract ofof thethe TravelsTravels ofof HatimHatim Tayi,Tayi, andand thethe firstfirst PersianPersian bookbook . putput intointo hishis hands,hands, andand isis nono doubtdoubt thethe prototypeprototype ofof thatthat wonderfulwonderful GermanGerman romanceromance ofof Leonora,Leonora, whichwhich somesome twentytwenty yearsyears agoago waswas popularpopular inin twotwo oror threethree ableable translationstranslations intointo English.English. " "OnOn oneone occasionoccasion SadiSadi hadhad mademade aa longlong enoughenough staystay inin ArmeniaArmenia toto uniteunite himselfhimself inin thethe bondsbonds ofof friendshipfriendship withwith aa youthyouth ofof hishis ownown age.age. InIn thatthat countrycountry peoplepeople thenthen dieddied notnot thethe naturalnatural deathdeath theythey dieddied elsewhere,elsewhere, butbut onon aa particularparticular day,day, onceonce aa year,year, theythey metmet onon aa plainplain byby theirtheir chiefchief cities,cities, wherewhere theythey themselves in recreation and amusement occupiedoccupied themselves in recreation and amusement;; inin thethe midstmidst ofof whichwhich individualsindividuals ofof everyevery ageage andand rankrank wouldwould suddenlysuddenly stop,stop, makemake aa reverencereverence toto thethe west,west, girdgird upup theirtheir loins,loins, and,and, settingsetting outout fullfull speedspeed towardstowards thatthat quarterquarter ofof thethe desert,desert, werewere nono moremore seenseen nornor heardheard o(of. SadiSadi hadhad oftenoften remarkedremarked thatthat thisthis waswas thethe lotlot ofof manymany whowho werewere fathers,fathers, mothers,mothers, brothers,brothers, andand sisterssisters ofof somesome oror otherother of of hishis acquaint­acquaint- ance but these indifferent to the ance;; but these seemedseemed indifferent to the event,event, andand werewere reservedreserved inin explainingexplaining it.it. AtAt last,last, onon suchsuch anan anniversary,anniversary, hehe sawsaw thatthat friendfriend ofof hishis affectionaffection SHAIKH SADSADI.I. 19

to set when he seized his preparing to set off, when he seized upon his girdle, and insisted upon knowing what it meantmeant. The youth solell}nlysolemnly enjoined him to let him go, for that the Malic-al-mo-at, or Angel of Death, had already called dn him and on the third call his called ~n ~im twice, and on the third call his destiny would drag him on, whether he would or not. Yet Sadi kept his hold, and found himself carried along with such a velocity as soon deprived him of all power of knowing whither they went. At last they _, stopped at a verdant plain in the midst of the desert, ,vhenwhen the youth stretched himself upon the earth, and the turf opened like a grave and swallowed him and "the turf opened like a grave and swallowed him up ! " After throwing dust over his body, Sadi sat for some the head of the and of his for some days by the head of the gravegrave;; and of his " manifold lamentations the following is one :-": On the day when thy foot was pierced with the thorn of death, would to God that the hand of fortune clove had clove my head with the sword of annihilationannihilation!! that my eyes might not this day have seen the world without thee such I seated at the head of ; am thy without thee; such am I seated at the" head of thy dust, as the ashes are on my own headhead!"! After this he had his way to find back over rivers of molten gold, silver, and copper, through deserts and wilder-wilder­ nesses, and over mountains of snow, which he accom-accom­ plishes after many other adventures. During his many years of travel Sadi had to traverse a sufficiency of clime, and encountered a diversity of adventure without driving us to the shift of carrying him thus into fairyland, and making him the hero of one of his own fables and amidst him the hero of one of his own fables;; and amidst the real distress of poverty, and the dissipation of 2020 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADI.

a a wanderingwandering andand unsettledunsettled life,life, hehe roserose toto eminenceeminence in wisdom and ill with the in wisdom and learninglearning;; for,for, ill suppliedsupplied with the giftsgifts ofof fortune,fortune, thethe mostmost preciousprecious partpart ofof thatthat lifelife waswas aa continuedcontinued sojournsojourn fromfrom citycity toto city,city, andand fromfrom kingdomkingdom toto kingdom,kingdom, firstfirst perhapsperhaps ledled byby aa hopehope ofof patronagepatronage andand preferment,preferment, andand afterwardsafterwards throughthrough choicechoice andand habit.habit DuringDuring thisthis period,period, thoughthough hehe

beganbegan themthem latelate inin life,life, hishis Kulliat,Kulliat, oror works,works, werewere and amidst a he contrived composedcomposed;; and amidst a rovingroving activityactivity he contrived toto writewrit,e moremore thanthan anotheranother might,might, inin aa likelike condition,condition, havehave managedmanaged toto read.read. " DowlatDowlat ShahShah sayssays-"The The learninglearning andand witwit ofof SadiSadi havehave beenbeen thethe continuedcontinued themetheme ofof thethe eloquenteloquent

everever sincesince hishis timetime:: hishis worksworks containcontain muchmuch varietyvariety ofof poetrypoetry andand prose,prose, andand ofof thethe formerformer therethere areare nearlynearly twentytwenty thousandthousand verses."verses." DowlatDowlat ShahShah livedlived twotwo hundredhundred yearsyears afterafter Sadi,Sadi, whenwhen PersianPersian literatureliterature its and of his fame in Asia waswas uponupon its decline,decline, and speaksspeaks of his fame in Asia;; andand inin thethe coursecourse ofof 480480 yearsyears more,more, EuropeEurope isis gettinggetting aa relishrelish forfor him.him. Kcempfer,Krempfer, speakingspeaking ofof SadiSadi andand Hafiz,Hafiz, sayssays "that"that bothboth areare heldheld inin suchsuch esteemesteem throughoutthroughout thethe EastEast thatthat hehe cancan scarcescarce bebe consideredconsidered asas aa respectablerespectable charactercharacter whowho hashas notnot readread theirtheir works,works, andand treasuredtreasured upup theirtheir wisdom,wisdom, soso asas toto makemake themthem thethe rulesrules ofof hishis futurefuture life."life." AndAnd JamiJami andand " IbrahimIbrahim KhanKhan bothboth telltell usus "thatthat menmen ofof geniusgenius havehave calledcalled thethe Diwan,Diwan, oror poeticalpoetical worksworks ofof Sadi,Sadi, the or Salt-cellar of Poets the Namakdan,N amakdan, or Salt-cellar of Poets;; andand reputablereputable writerswriters havehave declareddeclared thatthat 4SadiSadi waswas inspired,"inspired," inin confirmationconfirmation ofof which,which, MolanaMolana Hatifa,Hatifa, thethe nephewnephew ofof Jami,Jami, andand hishis superiorsuperior inin genius,genius, pennedpenned thethe follow-follow- SHAIKHSHAIKH SA.DI.SADI. 2121

" inging stanzastanza :-": NotwithstandingNotwithstanding whatwhat thethe prophetprophet MohammedMohammed hashas said,said, thatthat afterafter meme nono prophetprophet cancan come,come, yetyet therethere areare amongamong thethe poetspoets threethree menmen endowedendowed withwith divinedivine inspiration-namely,inspiration namely, FirdausiFirdausi inin heroics,heroics, AnwariAnwari inin elegy,elegy, andand SadiSadi inin thethe ghazalghazal oror ode."ode." MulowiMulowi MohammedMohammed Rashid,Rashid, thethe ableable andand learnedlearned collatorcollator ofof the the printedprinted CalcuttaCalcutta edition,edition, inin twotwo foliofolio volumes,volumes, A.D.A.D. 1791-2,1791-2, s~yssays inin hishis PersianPersian introduc-introduc- " -' ,tiontion :-": ItIt mustmust notnot bebe omittedomitted thatthat thethe originaloriginal c~llectorcollector andand editoreditor ofof ShaikhShaikh Sadi'sSadi's Kulliat,Kulliat, oror

Works,Works, waswas Aliben-AhmadAliben-Ahmad ofof Bisitun;Bisitun ; andand inin thethe preface,preface, whichwhich hehe composedcomposed atat thethe samesame time,time, andand -whichwhich hashas everever sincesince beenbeen thethe constantconstant antecedentantecedent ofof thethe Works,Works, hehe accountsaccounts forfor thethe occasionoccasion ofof thisthis compilation,compilation, andand givesgives thethe datedate ofof A.H.A.I-I. 726726 andand 734,734, oror 3333 andand 4141 yearsyears afterafter Sadi'sSadi's demise."demise." Bisitun,Bisitun, thethe birthplacebirthplace ofof thisthis friendfriend ofof Sadi,Sadi, andand thethe sitesite ofof thethe statuarystatuary Farhad'sFarhad's operations,operations, lieslies inin thethe southernsouthern partpart ofof IracIrac Ajim,Ajim, andand onon thethe highhigh roadroad fromfrom thethe citycity ofof RamadanRamadan toto GilanacGilanac andand Baghdad.Baghdad. D'Rerbelot,D'Herbelot, asas inin manymany ofof hishis otherother OrientalOriental statements,statements, leadsleads SirSir W.W. JonesJones astrayastray inin makingmaking thethe WorksWorks ofof SadiSadi toto consistconsist ofof onlyonly threethree books­books the namely,namely, the Gulistan,Gulistan, Bustan,Bustan, andand Mulumaat;Mulumaat ; andand eveneven MajorMajor Stewart,Stewart, inin hishis latelate cataloguecatalogue ofof TippooTippoo Sultan'sSultan's library,library, makesmakes themthem toto consistconsist onlyonly ofof

seventeenseventeen books;books ; butbut Ali-ben-AhmadAli-ben-Ahmad moremore correctlycorrectly to enumeratesenumerates twenty-two;twenty-two ; to wit-wit 1st,ist, Rasallah,Rasallah, oror Tract.Tract. 2nd,2nd, Rasallah,Rasallah, oror Tract.Tract 22 SHAIKH SADL 22 SHAIKH SADI, 3rd, Rasallah, or Tract. 3rd, Rasallah, or Tract. 4th, Rasallah, or Tract. 4th, Rasallah, or Tract 5th, Rasallah, or Tract. Rasallah, or Tract 5th,6th, Rasallah, or Tract. 6th, Rasallah, or Tract 7th, Gulistan, or Flower-garden. 7th, Gulistan, or Flower-garden. 8th, Bustan, or Fruit-garden. 8th, Bustan, or Fruit-garden. 9th, Arabian Casaids, or Elegies. 9th, Arabian Casaids, or Elegies, loth, Persian Casaids, or Elegies. roth, Persian Casaids, or 11th, Mirazi, or Dirges. Elegies. nth, Mirazi, or 12th, Mulumaat,Dirges. or mixed poems of Persian and 1 2th, Mulumaat, or mixed poems of Persian and Arabic.Arabic. 13th, Turjiyat, or poems with burthens. 1 3th, Turjiyat, or poems with burthens. 14th, Taybaat, or plain and less mystical ghazals. 1 4th, Taybaat, or and less mystical ghazals. 15th, Badaya, orplain rhetorical and more mystical 1 5th, Badaya, or rhetorical and more mystical ghazals. ghazals.16th, Khowatim, or what Sadi wrote in his old 1 6th, Khowatim, or what Sadi wrote in his old age. age.17th, Kudim, or what he wrote in his younger 1 7th, Kudim, or what he wrote in his younger days. days.18th, Sahibiyah, or poems of eulogy and admoni­ 1 8th, Sahibiyah, or poems of eulogy and admoni- tion, chiefly addressed to his patron Shams-ud­ tion, chiefly addressed to his patron Shams-ud- din.din. 19th, Macaittaat, or fragments. I9th, Macaittaat, or fragments. 20th, Khubisaat, or prose and poetry on impure 2Oth, Khubisaat, or prose and poetry on impure andandludicrous ludicrous subjects. 21st, Robiayat,subjects. or tetrastics with regular rhymes. 2 1st, Robiayat, or tetrastics with regular rhymes. 22nd, Muffridaat, or distiches with regular rhymes. 22nd, Muffridaat, or distiches with regular rhymes. Of these two-and-twenty books, the six books of Of these two-and-twenty books, the six books of Rasallahs, the Gulistan, and part of the Khubisaat, Rasallahs, the Gulistan, and part of the Khubisaat, are prose, and all the rest poetry: the Bustan con­ are prose, and all the rest poetry : the Bustan con- sists of couplets, or the heroic line of Firdausi and sists of couplets, or the heroic line of Firdausi and SHAIKHSIIAIKH SADI.SA.DL 23

Nizami,Nizami, ofof tenten andand eleveneleven syllables,syllables, andand correspond-correspond­

inging withwith thatthat ofof PopePope andand AddisonAddison inin EnglishEnglish:: thethe restrest areare chieflychiefly casaids,casaids, oror elegies,elegies, andand ghazals,ghazals, oror odes,odes, thethe firstfirst twotwo lineslines formingforming aa coupletcouplet ofof eleveneleven toto seventeenseventeen syllables,syllables, andand thethe alternatealternate lineslines throughoutthroughout thethe poempoem rhymingrhyming toto this,this, andand inin aa mannermanner peculiarpeculiar toto PersianPersian andand ArabicArabic poetry.poetry. TheThe fourteenthfourteenth book,book, oror thatthat ofof Taybaat,Taybaat, formsforms ofof itselfitself a or collection of the two nearlynearly a Diwan,Diwan, or collection of ghazalsghazals;; the two ~, firstfirst lineslines ofof thethe firstfirst fourfour ofof themthem terminateterminate inin anan

Alif,Alif, andand thethe othersothers inin successionsuccession inin eacheach letterletter ofof thethe alphabetalphabet IbrahimIbrahim KhanKhan sayssays-""That That itit mustmust notnot bebe concealedconcealed fromfrom thethe decoratorsdecorators ofof thethe poeticalpoetical grovegrove thatthat thethe ghazalghazal bowerbower waswas firstfirst rearedreared byby " ! in this mistaken for Sadi ! " But"But in this hehe waswas mistaken;; for Khacani,Khacani, his write Jabali,Jabali, andand manymany others,others, his seniors,seniors, write ghazalsghC!-zals;; andand indeedindeed thethe wordword ChamahChamah inin oldold PersianPersian hashas thethe samesame significationsignification asas thethe ArabicArabic wordword ghazal,ghazal, asas has of Casidah and of these two ChaghanahChaghanah has of Casidah;; and poemspoems of these two forms,forms, ofof thethe odeode andand elegyelegy respectively,respectively, mustmust havehave beenbeen commoncommon withwith thethe PersiansPersians fromfrom timetime im-im­ memorial.memorial. Now,Now, whateverwhatever HafizHafiz maymay be,be, cancan II subscribesubscribe toto DowlatDowlat Shah'sShah's opinionopinion "of AmirAmir KhosrawKhosraw beingbeing superiorsuperior toto SadiSadi inin thethe ghazal."ghazal." InIn thethe librarylibrary atat thethe IndiaIndia House,House, London,London, therethere isis aa curiouscurious copycopy ofof Sadi'sSadi's Kulliat,Kulliat, ofof aa datedate previousprevious toto

thethe collatedcollated copycopy ofof Ali-bin-AhmadAli-bin-Ahmad:: itit hadhad beenbeen depositeddeposited therethere byby mymyoidold shipmate,shipmate, SirSir HarfordHarford

Jones,Jones, whowho hadhad receivedreceived it,it, II think,think, asas aa presentpresent duringduring hishis lastlast embassyembassy toto Persia.Persia. II hadhad itit forfor aa fewfew minutesminutes inin mymy handhand inin 1814; and,and, fromfrom thethe littlelittle II 24 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI.

couldcould thusthus seesee ofof it,it, shouldshould esteemesteem itit aa valuablevaluable referencereference toto anyany futurefuture publisherpublisher ofof Sadi'sSadi's text.text II hadhad myselfmyself aa personalpersonal knowledgeknowledge ofof thethe CalcuttaCalcutta printedprinted editionedition ofof Sadi'sSadi's works,works, inin twotwo smallsmall foliofolio volumes,volumes, beingbeing collatedcollated withwith muchmuch skillskill andand diligencediligence byby MulowiMulowi MohammedMohammed Rashid,Rashid, fromfrom fourfour valuablevaluable MS.MS. copies,copies, somesome ofof whichwhich II alsoalso recognised recognised inin thatthat but the text once honoured with a librarylibrary;; but the text one,one, once honoured with a placeplace inin thethe librarylibrary ofof thethe mightymighty andand greatgreat MoghulMoghul ShahShah Jihan,Jihan, isis nownow inin mymypossession. possession. OfOfthat that printedprinted copycopy thethe texttext ofofthe the GulistanGulistan occupiesoccupies nearlynearly aa thirdthird ofof thethe firstfirst volume,volume, oror aa sixthsixth ofof thethe whole,whole, andand fromfrom thatthat II mademade mymy collatedcollated translation,translation, andand shouldshould stillstill preferprefer it;it; butbut Mr.Mr. GladwinGladwin chose,chose, asas thethe basisbasis ofof hishis Calcutta the text of Gentius and a Calcutta edition,edition, the text of Gentius;; and a reprintreprint ofof thatthat havinghaving beenbeen mademade inin London,London, 1809,1809, underunder thethe superintendancesupe;intendance ofof SirSir GoreGore Ouseley,Ouseley, andand patronisedpatronised byby thethe professorsprofessors ofof thethe EastEast IndiaIndia Company'sCompany's colleges,colleges, andand mymy chiefchief viewview inin thisthis translationtranslation beingbeing toto facilitatefacilitate thethe studiesstudies ofof theirtheir PersianPersian pupils,pupils, II waswas underunder thethe necessitynecessity ofof modellingmodelling itit toto theirtheir taste.taste. AnyAny particularsparticulars II shallshall specifyspecify inin aa memorandummemorandum atat thethe conclusionconclusion ofofthis this Essay.Essay. SadiSadi hadhad aa personalpersonal acquaintanceacquaintance withwith somesome ofof thethe

principalprincipal poetspoets andand literaryliterary characterscharacters ofof hishis timetime:: some,some, however,however, andand particularlyparticularly hehe andand Jilal-ud-dinJilal-ud-din Rumi,Rumi, commonlycommonly knownknown asas thethe MulowiM ulowi Manowi,Manowi, oror mysticalmystical doctor,doctor, andand equallyequally patronisedpatronised byby Shums-Shums­ ud-din,ud-din, thethe primeprime ministerminister ofof Abaca-an,Abaca-an, makemake nono mentionmention ofof eacheach other.other. HakimHakim NizariNizari andand SadiSadi meetingmeeting accidentallyaccidentally inin thethe market-placemarket-place atat Shiraz,Shiraz, SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI. 25 andandhaving havingsome ~omeconversation, conversation,each eachsoon soonrecognised recognised in his wit and Sadi of course a amutual mutualpoet poet in his wit;; and Sadihaving having of course invitedinvitedhim himto tohis hisdwelling, dwelling,and andhappening happeningto tobe beflush flush ofofcash, cash,most most sumptuouslysumptuouslyentertained entertained him.him. SomeSome timetimeafter afterthey theymet metin inKhorasan, Khorasan,where ·whereNizari Nizariin inturn turn received as his as a satire on his received SadiSadi as hisguest guest;; and,and, as a satire on his prodigality,prodigality,the thefirst first daydaytreated treated himhim withwitha a potpotof of boiledboiled milkmilk andandbread, bread,the thesecond secondday daywith witha adish dishof of fish,fish,and andthe thethird thirdwith with a ajoint jointof ofroast roastmeat, meat,observing observing " to-tohim.himat atthe thesame sametime time-HI I cancanafford affordto toentertain entertain thus for but the in which youyou thus foryears years;; but theexpensive expensivestyle style in which youyou entertainedentertained meme couldcould notnot havehave. lastedlasted manymany days."days." YetYetNizari Nizariwas wasin infact fact anan epicure,epicure,drunkard, drunkard, and debauchee whereas Sadi was tem- and debauchee;; whereas Sadi was habituallyhabitually tem­ perate,perate,sober, sober, andand chaste.chaste. WhenWhen SadiSadi metmet himhim atat Shiraz,Shiraz, hehe askedasked whetherwhether hehe recollectedrecollected anyany ofof Nizari's verses and he answers him the Nizari's verses;; and he answers him bybyquoting quoting the Motla,Motla,or or firstfirst stanza,stanza,of ofone oneor orhis his ownownghazals ghazals­ " "ItIt was was rumouredrumoured abroadabroadthat that I I waswas penitent,penitent,and and but this is a for hadhadforsaken forsakenwine wine;; but this is a grossgross calumny,calumny, for " whatwhathave haveI Ito todo dowith withrepentance repentance?"? Swift,Swift, Sterne,Sterne, andandother otherwits wits ofofour ourlast last andand thethe could relish and nastiness precedingprecedingage, age, could relish indecencyindecency and nastiness;; andandit itis iscreditable creditableperhaps perhapsto tothe thepresent presentgeneration generation thatthatit ithas has nono tastetaste forfor suchsuchgrossnesses. grossnesses. ThisThiswas was not,not, however,however, thethe casecase inin thethe ageage andand countrycountryin in whichwhich SadiSadi flourished,flourished, anyany moremorethan than ititwas wasin in thethe earlyearlyand andbest bestparts partsof ofour ourown ownliterary literaryhistory. history. TheThe works,works,not notonly onlyof ofSadi, Sadi,but butof ofmany manyother otherPersian Persian poetspoets andand moralists,moralists, affordafford tootoo manymany examplesexamples ofof coarsenesscoarseness andand indelicacy,indelicacy, bothboth ofof thoughtthought andand 26 SHAIKHSAnLSHAIKH SADI. expression; and, what isis singular, Firdausi, Nizami, expression ; and, what singular, Firdausi, Nizami, Khacani, and all their best heroic poets have scarcely Khacani, and all their best heroic poets have scarcely any of them. Nor is it in his Khubisaat, or book of any of them. Nor is it in his Khubisaat, or book of professed impurities, thatthat Sadi thusthus violatesviolates decency ; professed impurities, Sadi decency ; for even the morality of the Gulistan and Bustan is for even the morality of the Gulistan and Bustan is occasionally tarnished with such indecorus allusions: occasionally tarnished with such indecorus allusions : but, in this way, of all the Persians Sozni, a vigorous but, in this way, of all the Persians Sozni, a vigorous writer otherwise, is the greatest culprit! writer otherwise, is the greatest culprit ! On my way to Europe, having occasion to pass the On my way to Europe, having occasion to pass the months of December and January 1796-7 in Cal­ months of December and January 1796-7 in Cal- cutta, I put my translation of the Gulistan into the cutta, I put my translation of the Gulistan into the hands of my friend Mr. Gladwin, wishing to have his hands of my friend Mr. Gladwin, wishing to have his opinion ofof it;it when hehe toldtold me hehe hadhad alsoalso projected opinion ; when me projected a translation of it, and meant to obviate another a translation of it, and meant to obviate another indelicate allusion, particularly in the fifth chapter, by indelicate allusion, particularly in the fifth chapter, by changing the male for the female character. That I changing the male for the female character. That I see he has done; and he hashas otherwise endeavoured, see he has done ; and he otherwise endeavoured, by castrating the English of it, to purify Gentius's by castrating the English of it, to purify Gentius's text.text. ButBut hehe hashas overlookedoverlooked thethe occasionaloccasional instancesinstances of grossness and indelicacy of sentiment and expres­ of grossness and indelicacy of sentiment and expres- sion to which I allude above; and which I have sion to which I allude above; and which I have obviated by the simpler process of leaving out the obviated by the simpler process of leaving out the translationtranslation ofof aa fewfew wordswords ofof thethe PersianPersian text,text, thethe first example of this occurring in Gulistan i. 40. first example of this occurring in Gulistan i. 40. However, in all such instances, it has been my en­ However, in all such instances, it has been my en- deavour to preserve, as much as common decency will deavour to preserve, as much as common decency will permit of it, the English of Sadi's text, thatthat the permit of it, the English of Sadi's text, the college student may notnot bebe disappointed; particularly college student may disappointed ; particularly asas thethe authorauthor wouldwould seemseem herehere alonealone toto indulgeindulge inin obscurity. For such passages-"" N1ldi enim sunt, obscurity. For such passages Nudi enim sunt, recti, et venusti, omne ornatu oratiollis tanquam. veste recti, et venusti, omne ornatn orationis tanquam veste SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI. 27 detracto"detrocto "-thethe bestbest apologyapology I I wouldwould offeroffer isis thethe simplicitysimplicity ofof heartheart andand nakednessnakedness ofof dictiondiction ofof OrientalOriental writers,writers, examplesexamples ofof whichwhich occasionallyoccasionally occur in our Old Testament and them the occur in our Old Testament;; and them theprofound profound scholarsscholarsof ofJames's James'sreign, reign, consciousconsciousof ofpurity puritythem- them­ selves,selves, translatedtranslated intointo downrightdownright andand intelligibleintelligible if I am in with the view EnglishEnglish;; and, and, if I am in anyanyinstance, instance, with the view ofofbeing beingintelligible intelligible inin likelike manner,manner, coarse,coarse,let let thethe reader as of our readerskip skipover overit, it, assome some of ourqueasy queasyclergy clergydo do in-'inreading readingthe themorning morningand andevening eveninglessons. lessons. YetYet­ horrescoIwrresco referensriferens-II mustmustnot notoverlook overlook anotheranotherpro- pro­ pensitypensityto towhich which SadiSadiis is accusedaccused ofofalluding alludingwith witha a reprehensiblereprehensible levity.levity. AnAn exampleexample ofof thisthis naturenature occursoccursin in GulistanGulistanv. v.20, 20,where wherethe theCazi Caziof ofRamadan, Hamadan, aacharacter characterin in thetheEast Eastequally equallyvenerable venerable andandsanc- sanc­ tifiedtified asas aa JudgeJudge ororBishop Bishop withwith us,us, isis ininthe thefirst first instanceinstancesentenced sentencedto tocondign condigndeath deathand andannihilation, annihilation, butbutafterwards afterwards hishis abominationabomination isis mademadethe thesubject subject ofofwit wit andand repartee.repartee. ButButwhatever whatever levitylevity hehe maymay sport,sport, itit inin nono instanceinstance appearsappears thatthat hehe criminallycriminally countenanced,countenanced, andand stillstill less,less, asas some,some, whowho havehave slightlyslightly inspectedinspected hishis works,works, suspect,suspect, practisedpractised thisthis vice for on other occasions he of and its vice;; for on other occasions he speaksspeaks ofit, it, and its abettors,abettors,with withall alldue duescorn scornand andabhorrence abhorrence-aa notable not~ble exampleexampleof ofwhich whichoccurs occursGulistan Gulistaniii. iii.14. 14- InIn thethe Kholasah-u'1-Ashaar,Kholasah-u'l-Ashaar, fromfrom whichwhich I I alsoalso copiedcopiedthe theabove abovestory storyof ofNizari, Nizari,it itis is relatedrelated""that that Kh'ajahKh'ajah Humam-ud-dinHumam-ud-din ofofTabreiz, Tabreiz,or orTauris, Tauris,had hada a son handsome and that who was a sonexquisitely exquisitely handsome;; and thatSadi, Sadi, who was a greatgreatadmirer admirerof ofhuman humanbeauty, beauty,travelled travelledto toTabriez Tabriez thatthat hehe mightmight seesee him.him. HeHe waswas oneone dayday inin thethe 28 SHAIKHSHAIKH SA.DI.SADI. publicpublic bathing-roombathing-room atat Tabriez,Tabriez, whenwhen thethe Kh'ajahKh'ajah entered, accompanied by thisthis son;son andand asas hehe always entered, accompanied by ; always concealedconcealed himhim fromfrom publicpublic view,view, hehe waswas offendedoffended atat " " meetingmeeting Sadi,Sadi, andand askedasked him,him, "WhenceWhence comecome you?"you ? " " " SadiSadi answered,answered, « FromFrom Shiraz!"Shiraz ! " ItIt isis singular,"singular," " saidsaid Humam,Humam, "thatthat inin mymy citycity thethe ShiraziansShirazians shouldshould " " be more the ! be more thanthan the dogsdogs andand cats!"cats "InIn mymy city,"city," " it is reverse repliedreplied Sadi,"Sadi, it is thethe reverse; ; forfor therethere thethe Tabrie­Tabrie- zianszians areare less!"less /" LikeLike manymany ofof hishis townsmen,townsmen, SadiSadi waswas bald.bald. HumamHumam turningturning thethe ewerewer hehe waswas using,using, asas isis customarycustomary inin OrientalOriental ablution,ablution, upsideupside down,down, askedasked " Sadi,Sadi, « HowHow comescomes itit thatthat thethe headhead ofof aa ShirazianShirazian " shouldshould resembleresemble thisthis utensil?"utensil ? SadiSadi promptlypromptly answeredanswered himhim byby presentingpresenting hishis ownown ewerewer withwith thethe " emptyempty mouthmouth upwards,upwards, andand saying,saying, " WhyWhy isis thethe headhead ofof a a TabriezianTabriezian soso veryvery likelike this?"this?" TheThe Kh'ajah,Kh'ajah, whowho waswas himselfhimself aa poet,poet, andand gentlemangentleman ofof consider­consider- ableable eminenceeminence andand fortune,fortune, waswas vexedvexed atat thesethese twotwo smart his son sit smart replies;replies ; and,and, makingmaking his son sit downdown behindbehind " him,him, askedasked Sadi,Sadi, "HaveHave youyou everever heardheard ofof anyany ofof Kh'ajahKh'ajah Humam'sHumam's poetrypoetry atat Shiraz?"Shiraz?" SadiSadi " " Yes and this answered,answered, "Yes;"; and repeatedrepeated this fragment­fragment " is a veil between me and beloved but " HHumam umam is a veil between me and mymy beloved; ; but thethe hourhour isis fastfast approachingapproaching whenwhen thatthat tootoo shallshall bebe removed."removed." TheThe Kh'ajahKh'ajah waswas nownow mademade awareaware thatthat this could be Sadi this could onlyonly be Sadi; ; and,and, havinghaving mademade himhim thethe usualusual complimentscompliments ofof markedmarked respect,respect, tooktook himhim homehome toto hishis mansion,mansion, wherewhere hehe continuedcontinued forfor aa lengthlength ofof timetime absorbedabsorbed inin contemplatingcontemplating thethe charmscharms ofof thethe son.son. D'Herbelot,D'Herbelot, inin hishis BibliotltequeBibliotheque Oriental~,Orientals, 414,414, quotesquotes Lamai'sLamai's Duftar-u'l-Lataif,Duftar-u'1-Lataif, oror recordrecord ofof SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADL 29 witticismswitticismsin inthe theTurkish Turkishlanguage, language,as ashis hisauthority authority " forforone oneof ofthe theabove aboverepartees, repartees,and andsays says-"The Theveil veil hereherealluded alludedto tois isthe thehuman humanbody, body,which whichprevents prevents ourour seeing God;and andthat that bythis thisverse versehe he-namely, seeing God ; by namely, HumamHumam-intimatedintimated his hisapproaching approachingdeath." death." AndAnd ininIbrahim IbrahimKhan's Khan'srelation relationof ofit itthere thereis isa aplay playupon upon thetheword wordKun, Kun,no nouncommon uncommonthing thingamong amongmodern modern PersianPersianscribblers, scribblers,but butwhich whichdecency decencyagain againforbids forbids memeto totranslate. translate. ....We . ~Veare aretold toldin inthe theSayr-u'1-mota-kharin, Sayr-u'l-mota-kharin,or ormodern modern " history,history,of ofGholam GholamHosain Hosain-"That Thatamong amongother othermen men ofofrank rankand andeducation educationwho whofled fledfrom fromPersia Persiain inSadi's Sadi's days,days,in inorder orderto toescape escapethe therapacity rapacityand andcruelty crueltyof of thetheilliterate illiterateJinghiz JinghizKhan Khanand andhis hisTartar Tartarsuccessors, successors, werewereAmir AmirKhosraw Khosrawand andAmir AmirHasan, Hasan,both bothpoets poetsof of geniusand and learning;when when theyfound foundan an elegantand and genius learning ; they elegant literaryliteraryretirement retirementwith with thatthat accomplishedaccomplished princeprince SultanSultanMohammed, Mohammed,the theson sonof ofGiyath-ud-din Giyath-ud-dinBoltan, Boltan, thetheGuri GuriKing Kingof ofDelhi, Delhi,who whoin inhis hisfather's father'slife-time life-time heldhelda asort sortof ofsovereign sovereignauthority authorityover overMultan, Multan,and and otherotherHindustani Hindustani provinces borderingon onPersia Persia;in in provinces bordering ; defencedefenceof ofwhich whichhe heafterwards, afterwards,A.H. A.H.683, 683,A.D. A.D.1284, 1284, fellfell fightingfightinggloriously gloriouslyin inbattle. battle. OneOneday daythose those noblenobleexiles exileswere wereholding holdingforth, forth,in inthe thepresence presenceof oftheir their munificentmunificentpatron, patron,on onthe thewit witand anderudition eruditionof ofShaikh Shaikh SadiSadiof ofShiraz, Shiraz,which whichboth bothwere wereso soliberal liberalin inpraising, praising, asasto toinduce inducethe theShahzadah, Shahzadah,or orheir heirapparent, apparent,to to deputedeputea aspecial specialmessenger messengerwith withmany manyvaluable valuablegifts gifts totothe theShaikh, Shaikh,and andan aninvitation invitationto tocome comeand andreside reside atatMultan, Multan,where wherehe heengaged engagedto tobuild buildhim hima amonas- monas­ tery.. and endowit itwith with villages andlands lands; but Sadi, tery, and endow villages and ; but Sadi, 30 SIIAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL becausebecause ofof hishis extremeextreme ageage andand feeblefeeble frame,frame, beingbeing thenthen inin hishis ninty-secondninty-second year,year, declineddeclined thisthis friendlyfriendly offer.offer. However,However, inin returnreturn forfor thethe prince'sprince's handsomehandsome attention,attention, hehe sentsent himhim a avolumevolume ofof pleasantpleasant andand elegantelegant verses,verses, andand thethe BustanBustan andand GulistanGulistan copiedcopied withwith hishis like a of real ownown hand;hand ;andand like a manman of real learninglearning himself,himself, hehe hadhad thethe generositygenerosity ofof availingavailing himselfhimself ofof thisthis ' opportunity,opportunity, 'toto recommendrecommend AmirAmir KhosrawKhosraw toto thethe prince,prince, andand bestowbestow a a candidcandid approbationapprobation onon hishis works,'works,' which,which, by-the-bye,by-the-bye, areare veryvery voluminous,voluminous, forfor hishis poetrypoetry alonealone consistsconsists ofof betweenbetween 400,000400,000 andand 500,000500,000 " verses!verses "! I Ishallshall quotequote oneone moremore instanceinstance ofof thethe respectrespect inin whichwhich SadiSadi waswas heldheld fromfrom thethe sixthsixth RasallahRasallah ofof hishis ownown works,works, wherewhere itit isis calledcalled hishis interviewinterview withwith SultanSultan Abaca-an,Abaca-an, thenthen kingking ofof Persia.Persia. " SadiSadi tellstells us,us, saying-"saying WhenWhen onon mymy returnreturn fromfrom a a pilgrimagepilgrimage toto thethe holyholy Mecca,Mecca, I I arrivedarrived atat thatthat seatseat ofof sovereigntysovereignty Tabriez,Tabriez, andand had had enjoyedenjoyed anan inter­inter- coursecourse withwith somesome learnedlearned andand piouspious men,men, whosewhose societysociety diddid meme muchmuch honour,honour, I Igotgot desirousdesirous ofof seeingseeing thosethose twotwo illustriousillustrious noblemen,noblemen, Kh'ajahsKh'ajahs Ula-ud-dinUla-ud-din andand Shums-ud-din,Shums-ud-din, asas manymany claimsclaims ofof friendshipfriendship hadhad of old subsisted us and set out one of old subsisted betweenbetween us; ; and havinghaving set out one dayday withwith thethe viewview ofof callingcalling onon them,them, I I chancedchanced toto meetmeet themthem onon mymy way,way, ridingriding onon horseback,horseback, inin com­com- panypany withwith Abaca-an,Abaca-an, thethe sovereignsovereign ofof thethe universe.universe. SeeingSeeing themthem soso engaged,engaged, I Ididdid notnot judgejudge itit properproper toto intrude with a visit and was in intrude uponupon themthem with a friendlyfriendly visit; ;and was in thethe actact ofof takingtaking myselfmyself aside,aside, whenwhen theythey bothboth dis­dis- mounted,mounted, and,and, followingfollowing meme onon foot,foot, bowedbowed themselvesthemselves SHAIKHSHAIKIISADI. SAnI. 31 to the earth on close to kissed to the earth;; and, and, oncoming coming closeup up tome, me, kissed hands and feet this wretched mymy hands and feet;; and, and,congratulating congratulating this wretched creaturecreatureon onhis hissafe safearrival, arrival,said saidthis thiswas wasnot notjust just thatthatwe wehad hadnot notbeen beenapprised apprisedof ofthe theauspicious auspicious approachapproachof ofour ouraugust augustand andvenerable venerablefather father! I AfterAfter attendingattendingto tothis thisceremony, ceremony,Sultan SultanAbaca-an Abaca-anre- re­ ' markedmarked-'How Howmany manyyears yearshas hasShums-ud-din Shums-ud-dinbeen been ininmy myservice, service,and andhas hasknown knownme meas asthe thesovereign sovereignof of thetheuniverse, universe,yet yethe henever nevermade mademe mesuch suchhomage homageand and ' respect,rc.spcct,as ashe hehas hasshown shownthis thisman man?'? AndAndon onthe thetwo two brothersbrothersrejoining rejoininghim, him,and andremounting remountingtheir theirhorses, horses, ' heheturned turnedround roundto toShums-ud-din Shums-ud-dinand andsaid, said, Who"' Whois is thatthatperson personwhom whom youyou accostedaccostedso sohumbly, humbly,and and ' ' receivedreceivedso socivilly civilly?'? Shums-ud-dinShums-ud-dinanswered, answered, O'0 ' ! the SireSire!! this thiswas ·wasour ourfather father 1' ThenThen theSultan Sultansaid, said, ' Oftentimes'Oftentimeshave haveI Iasked askedafter afteryour yourfather, father,and andyou you were he is dead and now wereanswering answeringme, me, he is dead;; and nowyou yousaid, said, ' ' thisthiswas wasour ourfather father!'! HeHereplied, replied, He, Heis isour ourfather father and our Shaikh the renowned name of and our Shaikh;; possibly possibly the renowned name of ShaikhShaikhSadi Sadiof ofShiraz Shirazmay mayhave havereached reachedhis hisroyal royal highness'shighness'sear, ear,for forhis hissayings sayingsare arecelebrated celebratedall allover over thetheworld.' world.' Abaca-anAbaca-an commandedcommandedthem, them,saying, saying, ' You'Youmust mustintroduce introduceme meto tohim.' him.' TheyTheyreplied, replied, ' " We, Wehave haveheard heardand andshall shallobey.' obey.'" Accordingly,Accordingly,after after associatingassociatingwith withthe theShaikh Shaikhfor for somesome days,days,they they asked him to attend the but he was asked him to attend theking king;; but he wasdeclining declining " theirtheirinvitation invitationand andsaying, saying, "RelieveRelieve me mefrom fromthis this " ceremony,ceremony,and andmake makemy myexcuses," excuses." TheyTheysaid, said, You"You willwillassuredly assuredlygo gofor forour oursakes, sakes,and andshall shallbe beyour yourown own " mastermasterin inevery everymatter matterelse." else." TheTheShaikh Shaikhadds, adds, For"For their satisfaction I to them and their satisfaction Iagreed agreed toaccompany accompany them;; and 32 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. havinghaving attendedattended atat court,court, andand had had anan audienceaudience ofof thethe king,king, whenwhen aboutabout toto taketake mymy leave,leave, hishis majestymajesty waswas ' pleasedpleased toto say,say, 'GiveGive meme aa maximmaxim ofof advice.'advice.' II replied,replied, 'You'You cancan taketake alongalong withwith you,you, fromfrom thisthis worldworld intointo thethe next,next, nothingnothing butbut rewardreward oror punish­punish- ment or in this be thou charitable ment; ; now,now, or in this world,world, be thou charitable

'' ; " andand righteous!righteous !,,, Abaca-anAbaca-an said,said, "PutPut thethe purportpurport ofof thisthis sentimentsentiment intointo verse;"verse;" andand thethe ShaikhShaikh uttereduttered thisthis extemporaryextemporary fragmentfragment onon EquityEquity andand Justice­Justice " "ThatThat kingking whowho isis thethe pastorpastor ofof thethe people,people, letlet hishis revenue be for it is the hire of the revenue be sacred,sacred, for it is the hire of the shepherd;shepherd ; butbut ifif notnot thethe people'speople's guardian,guardian, letlet itit bebe hishis deadlydeadly poison,poison, forfor whateverwhatever hehe exactsexacts isis anan impositionimposition onon thethe faithful."faithful." Abaca-anAbaca-an wept,wept, andand repeatedlyrepeatedly asked,asked, "Am"Am II thatthat pastorpastor oror not?"not?" AndAnd thethe ShaikhShaikh eacheach timetime " answered,answered, "IfIf youyou are,are, thethe firstfirst coupletcouplet isis inin favourfavour ofof youryour case,case, otherwiseotherwise thethe secondsecond literallyliterally appliesapplies toto it"it" TheThe ShaikhShaikh addsadds that,that, "On"On takingtaking mymy finalfinal leave,leave, ' II repeatedrepeated thesethese fewfew versesverses :-': AA kingking isis thethe shadowshadow ofof God,God, andand aa shadowshadow shouldshould bebe thethe imageimage ofof itsits the of the is not principal;principal ; the dispositiondisposition of the subjectsubject is not capablecapable ofof goodgood ·unlessunless itit bebe restrainedrestrained byby thethe swordsword ofof thethe sovereign.sovereign. AnyAny peaceablepeaceable demeanourdemeanour thatthat isis foundfound inin thisthis worldworld originatesoriginates inin thethe justicejustice ofof itsits princes.princes. ThatThat sovereign'ssovereign's governmentgovernment nevernever cancan bebe justjust whosewhose " entireentire judgmentjudgment isis foundedfounded inin wickedness.'"wickedness.' WhichWhich metmet Abaca-an'sAbaca-an's fullestfullest concurrence.concurrence. Ali-bin-AhmadAli-bin-Ahmad " adds,adds, " ThatThat inin hishis daysdays piouspious andand learnedlearned menmen wouldwould notnot ventureventure toto admonishadmonish eveneven aa commoncommon shopkeepershopkeeper afterafter thisthis manner,manner, andand thatthat inin mattersmatters ofof rightright thethe timestimes hadhad degenerat~ddegenerated toto whatwhat theythey thenthen were."were." SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SA.DI. 3333

ThusThushave havemoralists moralistsin inall allages agescomplained complainedof ofthe the of their own and degeneracydegeneracy of their own daysdays;; andoccasionally occasionally venturedventured onon suchsuchadvice. advice.-Agatho,Agatho, the thepoet poetand and friendfriendof ofEuripides, Euripides,admonished admonishedArchelaus, Archelaus,king kingof of " Macedon,Macedon,saying saying-"A Aprince princeshould shouldkeep keepin inmind mind

three maxims : that he rules over three maxims: ist,1st, that he rules overmen men;; 2nd, 2nd, that he to rule to that heought ought to ruleaccording according tolaw law;; and, and,3rd, 3rd, " thatthathe hecannot cannotrule rulefor forever ever! 1" Also,Also,it itis isproper properto to warnwarnthe thereader readerthat thatthere theremust musthave havebeen beentwo two Shums-ud-dins~ S.hums-ud-dins-oneone the theminister ministerof ofa aking kingof ofthe the AtabakAtabak Dynasty,Dynasty, whowho reignedreigned atat Shiraz,Shiraz, andand patronisedpatronisedSadi's Sadi'sfather, father,and andanother anotherthe theDiwan, Diwan,or or primeprimeminister ministerof ofAbaca-an Abaca-anA.H. A.H.663, 663,680, 680,by bywhom whom hehewas wasemployed employedin inoffices officesof ofgreat greattrust, trust,but butwas wasput put totodeath, death,A.H. A.H.683, 683,by bythe theson sonand andsuccessor, successor,Sultan Sultan ArghunArghunKhan, Khan,on on thethe strangestrange chargecharge ofofhaving having poisonedpoisonedhis hisfather fatherAbaca-an, Abaca-an,and andsuch sucha circumstancea circumstance mustmusthave havetended tendedto toembitter embitterthe thelatter latterdays daysof ofSadi. Sadie YetYetwhy whyshould shouldhe heregret regretthe thedeath deathof ofhis hisillustrious illustrious friendfriendand andpatron, patron,who whoif ifa agood goodman manonly onlywent went beforebeforehim himto tobe behappy, happy,where wherehe, he,as asa agood goodman man himself,himself,and andlong longdead deadto tolife's life'senjoyments, enjoyments,might might hope,hope,nay, nay,wish, wish,soon soonto tojoin joinhim. him. EarlyEarlyor orlate latewe we must all and the heartiest and of must allgo go;; and the heartiest andmost mostsanguine sanguine of ususis isas asmuch muchdead deadto tothat thatpart partof ofhis hislife lifethat thatis isgone gone asasthat thatfriend friendthen thenwas, was,and andmust mustsoon soonbe beto towhat what remainsremainsof ofit. it. Sadi'sSadi'slife lifewas wasunusually unusuallylong, long,but butthe the latterlatterpart partof ofit itwas, was,I fear,I fear,too toounhappy unhappyfor forhim, him,like like thetheold oldPersian Persian(Gul. (Gul.vi. vi.i) 1)he hewas wascalled calledupon uponto tovisit visit atatDamascus, Damascus,to toregret regrethis hisat atlast lastparting partingwith withit. it. And,And,at atits itsbest, best,the thelongest longestlife lifeis isbut but a adrop dropof of 745745 3434 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADL rainrain fallingfalling fromfrom aa cloudcloud intointo thethe oceanocean ofof eternity,eternity, wherewhere itit isis swallowedswallowed upup andand lostlost inin thisthis immensity,immensity, unlessunless itit findfind thethe bodybody ofof aa SadiSadi toto nurturenurture itit intointo thatthat pearlpearl thethe GulistanGulistan inin itsits originaloriginal classicalclassical Persian.Persian. ThisThis II havehave attemptedattempted toto translatetranslate intointo English;English; butbut itit isis aa translation,translation, and,and, inin orderorder toto makemake itit useful,useful, a literal one therefore the reader must necessarilynecessarily a literal one;; therefore the reader must notnot bebe disappointeddisappointed ifif hehe findfind thethe brightbright waterwater ofof Sadi'sSadi's pearlpearl againagain evaporatedevaporated intointo thethe clouds,clouds, andand littlelittle elseelse leftleft butbut thethe shellshell thatthat onceonce containedcontained itit YetYet willwill mymy objectobject bebe obtainedobtained ifif thisthis translationtranslation shallshall enableenable thethe youngyoung studentstudent toto understandunderstand Sadi'sSadi's PersianPersian text,text, and,and, byby relishingrelishing suchsuch aa classic,classic, recoverrecover thatthat pearlpearl whichwhich II waswas forcedforced toto drop.drop. . HoweverHowever muchmuch hishis biographersbiographers varyvary inin thethe specificspecific number,number, theythey allall agreeagree inin makingmaking himhim aboveabove aa hundred and Dowlat Shah and Ibrahim Khan hundred;; and Dowlat Shah and Ibrahim Khan saysay thatthat SadiSadi livedlived aa hundredhundred andand twotwo years.years. ButBut Jami,Jami, whowho waswas Dowlat Dowlat Shah'sShah's contemporary,contemporary, andand asas aa brotherbrother poetpoet moremore interestedinterested inin thethe exactexact truth,truth, statesstates himhim asas havinghaving beenbeen bornborn atat Shiraz,Shiraz, A.H.A.H. 571,571, oror A.D.A.D. 1194,1194, andand asas havinghaving dieddied atat thethe samesame place,place, A.H.A.H. 690;690; byby whichwhich itit wouldwould appearappear thatthat hehe reachedreached thethe veryvery advancedadvanced ageage ofof oneone hundredhundred andand twentytwenty lunar,lunar, oror oneone hundredhundred andand sixteensixteen solarsolar years!years ! ThisThis datedate ofof hishis deathdeath DowlatDowlat ShahShah alsoalso confirms;confirms; forfor hehe sayssays "that"that SadiSadi departeddeparted thisthis lifelife atat Shiraz,Shiraz, inin thethe reignreign ofof AtabakAtabak MohammedMohammed Shah,Shah, thethe sonson ofof MuzuffarMuzuffar SilaghurSilaghur Shah-bin-Saad-bin-Zungi,Shah-bin-Saad-bin-Zungi, andand thatthat aa deardear friendfriend recordsrecords thethe datedate ofof thatthat noblenoble personage'spersonage's demisedemise asas followsfollows :-It: It waswas onon thethe eveningevening ofof Friday,Friday, SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI. 3535

ororthe theMohammedan MohammedanSabbath, Sabbath,in inthe themonth monthShowal, Showal, ofofthe the ArabianArabian yearyear690, 690, thatthat thethe eagleeagle ofof thethe immaterialimmaterial soulsoul ofof ShaikhShaikh SadiSadi shookshook fromfrom hishis plumageplumagethe thedust dustof ofhis hisbody." body." ThisThissublime sublimesenti- senti­ mentment waswas nono doubtdoubt borrowedborrowed from'from thethefollowing following " twotwolofty loftycouplets coupletsof ofSadi's Sadi'sown own(Bust. (Bust.vi. vi.i): I) :-"Now Now thatthatthe thefalcon falconof ofhis hissoul soulwould wouldtower towerinto intothe thezenith zenith ofofthe thesky, sky,why whyhast hastthou thouburthened burthenedhis hispinion pinionwith with a aload loadof ofcovetousness covetousness?? HadstHadst thouthou releasedreleased hishis • skirt. s~irtfrom fromthe thetalons talonsof ofcarnal carnaldesires desireshe hewould wouldhave have soaredso~redon onhigh highinto intothe theangel angelGabriel's Gabriel'sabode." abode." InIn fact,fact, a a dozendozen equallyequally appropriateappropriate andand beautifulbeautiful epitaphsepitaphsmight mightbe beselected selectedfrom fromhis hisworks. works. AsAsin in somesomeparts parts ofofScotland, Scotland, ititis iscustomary customary withwith thethe peoplepeoplein inthe theEast Eastto toplant plantrose-bushes rose-bushesand andother other floweringflowering shrubsshrubs roundroundthe theplain plain gravesgraves ofof theirtheir defunctdefunctfriends, friends,in inallusion allusionto towhich whichSadi Sadisays says(Gul. (Gul.vii. vii. " ' ' 1 6):16):-"'Alas 'Alas!'! I Isaid, said, how'howgrateful gratefuldidst didstthou thouprove prove totomy myheart heartso solong longas asthe theverdure verdureof ofthy thyexistence existence ' flourishedflourishedin inthe thegarden.' garden.' Have'Havepatience,' patience,'he hereplied, replied, ' O'0my myfriend friend!! tilltillthe thereturn returnof ofthe thespring, spring,and andthou thou maystmaystagain againsee seeverdure verdureand andflowers flowersshooting shootingfrom from mymy bosom.'"bosom.'" Or,Or, asas mymyown ownmaster masterin inrhetoric, rhetoric, DoctorDoctorBeattie, Beattie,beautifully beautifullyexpresses expressesit it-

" Nor" Noryet yetfor forthe theravage ravageof of winter winterI mourn,I mourn, will KindKindnature naturethe theembryo embryoblossoms blossoms willsave save;; TheTheroses rosesshall shallbloom bloomround roundmy mymouldering moulderingurn, urn, AndAndspring springagain againdawn dawnon onthe thenight nightof ofmy mygrave." grave."

ButButthese theselast lastcouplets coupletsof ofBustan, Bustan,iv. iv.16, 16,are arestill stillmore more " appropriateappropriate-"Take Take heedheed yeye thatthat treadtread onon mymy 36 SHAIKH SADI.SADL ashes the dust of the I crave ashes;; by the dust of the generous I crave your rememremembrance, brance, that though Sadi be mouldered into dust, what has he to apprehend who during his life-life­ time had also been humble as the dust? In helpless­helpless- ness he laid his body prostrate on the earth, and then he encompassed the globe like the wind (by travelling over It the shall over it). It may soon happen that the earth shall consume him, and the wind may again whirl him like dust round the universe! Behold, while the rose-rose­ bower of mysticism blossomed in it no nightingale warbled so it were when warbled so melodiously;melodiously ; now it were strange, when that nightingale is dead, if roses did not spring from its bones." Dowlat Shah says that Sadi's tomb is situated in a charming spot, in the midst of fountains and buildings, and is held in much estimation as a place of pilgrimage; and Ibrahim Khan ' speaks of it under the name of Sadiyah, but he means, I fancy, that gate of Shiraz which formerly led to it. KrempferKcempfer mentions those buildings to be the numerous cemeteries of other great and learned men, and among them that of the whole was in his A.D. Hafiz;Hafiz ; but the whole was in his time, AD. 1686, rather neglected and dilapidated. My friend, Colonel

W. Franklin, found it, in A.D. 1787, "just in the state it was in when Sadi was burfed,"buried," and as KcempferKrempfer had found it, with the sides engraved with many sentences in the old NNoskhi oskhi character, which neither of those gentlemen thought of.copying.of copying. The Colonel visited it in Karim Khan's time, a great adorner of Shiraz and that neighbourhood, who built a new for left as it was how- monument for Hafiz, but left Sadi's as it was;; how- SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI. 3737 ever,ever,he heneeds needsno nosuch suchfrail frailsupport, support,for forin inhis hisliterary literary worksworks hehe erectederected aa monumentmonument which,which, likelike thatthatof of

Horace,Horace,must mustoutlast outlastthe thepyramids pyramids! I WithWith respectrespect toto thethe externalsexternals ofof Sadi'sSadi's person,person, fromfrom somesome picturespictures ofof himhim inin aa richly-emblazedrichly-emblazed copycopyof of hishis works,works, nownow inin thethelibrary libraryat atthe theIndia India House,House,and andone oneof ofthe the fourfour I I mentionedmentionedabove, above,his his headhead isis representedrepresented asas bald,bald, andand illuminatedilluminated withwith raysrays ofof glory.glory. FromFrom differentdifferent passagespassages ofof hishis ~'BustanBustan andand GulistanGulistanwe we maymayjudge judgethat thathis hisstature stature waswas low, andand habithabit ofof body spare andand slimslim; andand low, body spare ; fromfrom aa carelessnesscarelessness ofof dress,dress, tootoo commoncommon withwith literaryliterary men,men, aa personperson naturallynaturally compact,compact, carried,carried, fromfromits itssmallness, smallness,a a meanmean andandperhaps perhapsshabby shabbylook look

(Bust.(Bust.iv. iv.6). 6). InInorder orderto tocover coversuch suchdefects defectswith withthe the leastleast troubletrouble toto himself,himself, hehe worewore overover hishis innerinner garmentsgarments thethe Kharcah-moshayakh,Kharcah-moshayakh, oror longlong blueblue gown ofof thethe DarweshesDarweshes (Gul. iv.iv. 19); and,in in thethe gown (Gul. 19) ; and, picturepictureadjoining adjoiningto tohis his tomb,tomb,Colonel Colonel F.F.found foundhim him representedrepresented inin thisthis dress,dress, withwith aa pastoralpastoral staffstaffin in hishishand, hand,another anotheremblem emblemof ofa apilgrim pilgrimand andhermit. hermit. LikeLikethe theMenippian Menippianand andVarronean Varroneansatire, satire,of ofwhich which Petronius,Petronius,Seneca, Seneca,and and BoetiusBoetiuswere werethe thechief chiefLatin Latin composers,composers,and andColonel ColonelForrester's Forrester'sPolite PolitePhilosopher Philosopher isis anan exampleexample inin English,English, thethe GulistanGulistan isis writtenwritten partlypartlyin in proseprose andand partlypartly inin poetry.poetry. BetterBetterthan than twentytwentyyears years agoago I I sentsent toto ourour AsiaticAsiatic SocietySociety atat CalcuttaCalcutta anan-EssayEssay onon thethe CoincidencesCoincidences ofof thethe OrientalOrientaland andEuropean EuropeanApologue, A pologue,the theformer formerchiefly chiefly extractsextracts ofof Sadi'sSadi's works,works, andand particularlyparticularly ofof thethe Gulistan.Gulistan. ToTothe theApologues Apologues ofofthis this I I givegivea a moremore 38 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADI.

epigrammaticepigrammatic formform byby leavingleaving outout thethe poetry,poetry, whichwhich isis inin factfact onlyonly aa repetitionrepetition inin mostmost instancesinstances ofof thethe sentimentsentiment asas expressedexpressed beforebefore inin prose.prose. PartPart ofof thatthat EssayEssay appearsappears inin thethe AsiaticAsiatic AnnualAnnual Register,Register, xii.xii. 403, 416; part, oror thethe wholewhole majIis andand fifthfifth 403, 416 ; part, majlis i. sermonsermon inin thethe BombayBombay LiteraryLiterary Transactions,Transactions, i. 146,146, 158;158; andand partpart inin thethe AsiaticAsiatic JournalsJournals ofof AprilApril andand JuneJune 1817,1817, AprilApril andand JuneJune 1818,1818, andand DecemberDecember 1821.1821. TheThe MS.MS. copiescopies ofof thethe Gulistan,Gulistan, usedused throughoutthroughout thethe EastEast IndiaIndia Company'sCompany's EmpireEmpire ofof HindustanHindustan asas aa commoncommon schoolschool book,book, threethree ofof whichwhich II havehave inin mymy possession,possession, areare perhapsperhaps aa sixthsixth partpart largerlarger thanthan whatwhat isis therethere calledcalled thethe Balaat,Balaat, oror thethe CalcuttaCalcutta printed texttext ofof 1791; partly inin consequence ofof printed 1791 ; partly consequence absurdabsurd insertionsinsertions ofof manymany correspondingcorresponding passagespassages ofof Sadi'sSadi's otherother works,works, andand partlypartly fromfrom foreignforeign interpolations.in terpolations. TheThe RosariumRosarium PoliticumPoliticum ofof GeorgiusGeorgius Gentius,Gentius, publishedpublished atat AmsterdamAmsterdam A.D.A.D. 1651,165 I, withwith aa LatinLatin translation,translation, II hadhad inin mymy possessionpossession forfor somesome years,years, andand foundfound itsits PersianPersian texttext agreeagree moremore withwith thethe CalcuttaCalcutta printedprinted copycopy thanthan withwith anyany ofof thethe commoncommon BengalBengal manuscripts.manuscripts. AA fewfew smallsmall additionsadditions andand corrections,corrections, whichwhich indeedindeed II havehave mademade inin thethe marginmargin ofof my ownown copy ofof it, wouldwould improve itit muchmuch; andand my copy it, improve ; ifif therethere shouldshould bebe aa demanddemand soonsoon forfor aa reprintreprint ofof thisthis text-book,text-book, asas usedused inin thethe Company'sCompany's colleges,colleges,

II amam alsoalso readyready toto superintendsuperintend it,it, andand preventprevent suchsuch frequentfrequent errorserrors asas thethetwo'two lastlast lineslines ofof thethe firstfirst page,page, oror aa fitratfitrat ofof proseprose beingbeing mistakenmistaken andand writtenwritten asas SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADI. 3939

poetrypoetry ;/ andand thethe secondsecond ' lineline ofof thethe nextnext bayit,bayit, oror couplet,couplet, havinghaving threethree feetfeet ofof itsits texttext omitted!omitted! TheThe PersianischerPersianischer RosenthalRosenthal ofof OleariusOIearius (Schleswig,(Schleswig, 1654)1654) II nevernever saw.saw. CommentariesCommentaries andand keyskeys ofof thethe Gulistan,Gulistan, afterafter thethe planplan ofof ourour ClavisClavis Homerica,Homerica, havehave beenbeen composedcomposed bothboth inin PersianPersian andand Arabic.Arabic. OneOne ofof them,them, calledcalled thethe Sharahi-Gulistan,Sharahi-Gulistan, II alsoalso hadhad onceonce inin mymy pos-pos­ and Mr. Gladwin showed me one in Arabic session,session, and Mr. Gladwin showed me one in Arabic;; < .-Jlikewiselil~ewise hehe gavegave meme aa MS.MS. copycopy ofof thethe notes,notes, asas numberednumbered forfor Gentius'sGentius's Rosarium,Rosarium, butbut omittedomitted inin all of seemed to mymy copycopy;; all of them,them, however,however, seemed to meme equallyequally baldbald andand uninteresting.uninteresting. FewFew authorsauthors areare moremore originaloriginal inin theirtheir composi-composi­ tions,tions, moremore justjust inin theirtheir conceptionconception ofof aa subject,subject, oror moremore fortunatefortunate inin theirtheir choicechoice ofof anan expressionexpression thanthan Sadi. YetYet hehe isis aa manneristmannerist suisuigeneris generzs ;/ notnot asas implyingimplying aa servileservile imitationimitation ofof anyany precedingpreceding admiredadmired modelmodel inin Persian,Persian, butbut asas constantlyconstantly recurringrecurring toto aa mannermanner ofof deliverancedeliverance peculiarly peculiarly hishis own.own. PerhapsPerhaps FirdausiFirdausi isis thethe onlyonly PersianPersian authorauthor exemptexempt fromfrom thisthis chargecharge ofof eithereither copyingcopying othersothers inin hishis characters,characters, oror ofof beingbeing thethe manneristmannerist ofof himself.himself. HeHe hashas asas manymany distinctdistinct warriors,warriors, forfor example,example, asas HomerHomer andand VirgilVirgil have his Zal-zar and his have putput togethertogether;; yetyet his Zal-zar and Rostam,Rostam, his Sohrab andand Ispindiyar,Ispindiyar, havehave theirtheir appropriateappropriate charac-charac­ teristicsteristics andand epithets,epithets, andand areare distinguisheddistinguished fromfrom thethe warriors of all other and from each other and warriors of all other poets,poets, and from each other;; and soso itit isis withwith hishis females,females, forfor nono criticcritic wouldwould thinkthink ofof confoundingconfounding Rudabah,Rudabah, Tahiminah,Tahiminah, thethe Gord-afrid,Gord-afrid, or Shirin with each other in or Shirin with each other;; andand in expressingexpressing himself,himself, 40 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSA.DI. hishis favouritefavourite modemode isis eithereither pathospatho~ oror sublimity,sublimity, withwith · anan unaffectedunaffected hardness,hardness, thethe specialspecial giftgift ofof realreal inspira-inspira­ tion,tion, whereaswhereas Nizami,Nizami, whosewhose favouritefavourite modemode isis energyenergy andand strength,strength, combinescombines withalwithal aa brevitybrevity andand obscurityobscurity whichwhich actact asas aa constantconstant drawbackdrawback otherwiseotherwise onon thethe vigourvigour ofof hishis languagelanguage andand philosophicphilosophic justnessjustness ofof hishis reflectionsreflections; and Mulowi Manowi, whose favouritefavourite ; and Mulowi Manowi, whose modemode againagain isis enthusiasmenthusiasm andand rapture,rapture, hashas suchsuch aa perpetualperpetual medleymedley ofof carnalcarnal andand divinedivine love,love, andand ten-ten­ dencydency toto aa re-unionre-union withwith thethe Deity,Deity, asas resolvesresolves everythingeverything intointo sufiasmsufiasm andand mystery.mystery. OnOn thethe otherother hand,hand, Sadi'sSadi's favouritefavourite modemode isis aa simplicitysimplicity andand tendernesstenderness ofof heart,heart, aa delicacydelicacy ofof feelingfeeling andand judg-judg­ ment,ment, andand thatthat exquisitelyexquisitely naturalnatural veinvein inin whichwhich hehe relatesrelates hishis manymany apologuesapologues andand parablesparables withwith aa sortsort ofof sententioussententious andand epigrammicepigrammic turn.turn. Where,Where, how-how­ ever,ever, likelike thethe GreekGreek epigram,epigram, thethe pointpoint isis soso veryvery finefine that,that, inin orderorder thatthat hishis EuropeanEuropean readerreader maymay perceive and feel it, his translator must give it some perceive and feel it, his translator must give it some substance, otherwiseotherwise thisthis manner,manner, constitutingconstituting thethe veryvery essenceessence ofof hishis original,original, shallshall entirelyentirely escapeescape him. ThisThis II havehave inin mymy translationtranslation endeavouredendeavoured toto catchcatch; andand ifif II havehave transgressed inin oneone part ofof ; transgressed part itit moremore thanthan inin another,another, itit isis inin makingmaking mymy authorauthor appearappear moremore sententioussententious thanthan hehe reallyreally is.is. EngagedEngaged inin suchsuch aa task,task, aa translatortranslator findsfinds consider-consider­ ableable difficultydifficulty inin transferringtransferring thisthis realreal mannermanner ofof hishis authorauthor withwith spiritspirit andand fidelity,fidelity, eveneven fromfrom oneone language ofof EuropeEurope intointo another,another, andand stillstill moremore fromfrom anan OrientalOriental language,language, havinghaving thethe additionaladditional obstaclesobstacles ofof aa changechange ofof manners,manners, customs,customs, laws,laws, andand SHAIKH SADI. 41 SHAIKH SADL 41 religion to encounter by the way. There are two to encounter the There are two religionways of turning theby sentimentsway. of an author from of the sentiments of an author from waysone languageturning into another-namely, translation and one into another translation and imitation,language and Pope with ourselvesnamely, tried both; and, and with ourselves tried both imitation,in his imitationsPope of Horace's Satires and Epistles,; and, in his imitations of Horace's Satires and is thought to have succeeded; but, as BentleyEpistles, told is to have succeeded as told himself,thought his translation of ;Homer,but, thoughBentley a very himself, his translation of Homer, though a pretty poem, can, to a person that does not u1lder­very to a that does not under- prettystandpoem, the originalcan, Greek,person give no idea of Homer. stand the no idea of Homer. Cowper saysoriginal it isGreek, impossiblegive to give in rhyme a it is to in a Cowperjust translationsays ofimpossible any ancient poetrygive of rhymeGreece or translation of ancient of Greece or justRome; and still moreany of Arabicpoetry and Persian. Cowper Rome and still more of Arabic and Persian. tried ; his hand at Horner in blank verse, Cowperand was tried his hand at Homer in blank and was still more unfortunate than Pope. verse,A translation, still more unfortunate than A to succeed, must not violatePope. simplicity translation,on the one to must not violate on the one hand,succeed, nor sink into tamenesssimplicity on the other; and, for nor sink into tameness on the other for hand,this purpose, a prose translation, even of; poetry,and, is this a even of is preferablepurpose, eitherprose to rhymetranslation, or blank verse. poetry, either to or blank verse. preferableBut a perfect idearhyme of any author can be formed But a idea of author can be formed only byperfect understanding anyhim in his original, and for him in his and for onlythis bypurposeunderstanding all such translations original,and imitations as this all such translations and imitations as thosepurpose of Pope, and we have an abundance of them those of and we have an abundance of them done outPope, of all foreign languages in to English, are done out of all into are of little or no foreignuse; andlanguages as my chiefEnglish, object is to of little or no use and as chief is to assist the young student; at themy East Indiaobject Company's assist the student at the East India colleges youngin his translations, this translationCompany's of the in his this translation of the collegesGulistan is renderedtranslations, as literal as the idioms of the Gulistan is rendered as literal as the idioms of the English and Persian language will admit; and, for­ and Persian will admit for- Englishtunately, I have foundlanguage a greater similarity; and, in their I have found a in their tunately,idioms than our Europeangreater criticssimilarity are aware of. I idioms than our critics are aware of. I shall not say howEuropean many translations I have made shall not say how many translations I have made SHAIKH SADI. 42 SHAIKH SADL of the Gulistan, but I have now five lying by me, of but I have now five eachthe doneGulistan, at a distant interval from another,lying by andme, I eacham surpriseddone at ahowdistant little intervalthey differ.from Trueanother, trans­and I am how little differ. True trans- lation surprisedis in composition theywhat expression is in painting;lation is andin bycomposition thus seizingwhat the variousexpression attitudes,is in and thus the various gestures,painting ;and looksby of myseizing Persian text, I attitudes,think I havegestures, embodiedand looksthem ofintomy anPersian uniformtext, andI generalthink I have embodied them into an uniform and design, and after frequent inspections am notgeneral dis­ and after am not dis- pleaseddesign, with my Englishfrequent result.inspections pleasedDuringwith the mysixteenthEnglish andresult. seventeenth Christian the sixteenth and seventeenth Christian centuries,During with the view of translating the Scriptures, ourcenturies, Englishwith doctorsthe view turnedof translating their mindsthe toScriptures, Oriental our doctors their minds to Oriental learning,English many of themturned became proficients in the of them became in the sisterlearning, dialectsmany of Hebrew, Syriac, andproficients Arabic; but, sister dialects of and Arabic finding the PersianHebrew, so differentSyriac, from those three; but,in idiom,finding thoughthe Persian otherwiseso differentmuch thefrom simplerthose andthree easierin otherwise much the and easier language,idiom, though they had little or no knowledgesimpler of it. Accordingly,language, they Bishophad Walton'slittle or nofirstknowledge edition ofof theit. first of polyglotAccordingly, scriptures,Bishop whichWalton's he dedicatededition to Cromwell,the which he dedicated to haspolyglot no Persianscriptures, text, the four Ingil, or Evangelists,Cromwell, in has no Persian the four or in this dialect havingtext, been addedIngil, afterwardsEvangelists, to the editionthis dialect dedicatedhaving to beenCharlesadded the afterwardsSecond. Whento the edition dedicated to Charles the Second. When the great Moghul Acbar, A.D. 1580-90, applied to thethe Popegreat forMoghul a copy ofAcbar, our Scriptures,A.D. 1580-90, he askedapplied onlyto the for a of our he asked for thePope Tawrit,copy or Pentateuch,Scriptures, having already, onlyhe for the or he said, copiesTawrit, of the Pentateuch,Psalms andhaving Evangelistsalready, in of the Psalms and in Persian,said, copies and this last was what BishepEvangelists W. or some and this last was what W. or some ofPersian, his coadjutors had got throughBishop the Germans. of his had the But it iscoadjutors not so well knowngot inthrough Europe thatGermans. copies But it is not so well known in that of the Zabur, or Psalms, were alsoEurope common atcopies that of the or were also common at that time in Zabur,the East, Psalms,in the Pahlowi dialect, in which time in the East, in the Pahlowi dialect, in which SHAIKH SADI. 43 SHAIKH SADI. 43 Nizami specifically states David to have written Nizami states David to have written them I specifically them ! Nor is it generally known among us that no two Nor is it known us that no two languages differgenerally more in idiomamong and words than the differ more in idiom and words than the languagesPersian and Arabic; yet when Persia was subdued by Persian and Arabic when Persia was subdued the immediate successors; yet of Mohammed, they madeby the immediate successors of Mohammed, made a special point of forcing their language,they as well as a of their as well as religion,special pointupon theirforcing new subjects;language, but after three their new but after three religion,centuriesupon of this unnaturalsubjects tyranny,; on the decline of centuries of this unnatural on the decline of the" Khalifat, the Persians,tyranny, under native princes, re­ the the under native re- coveredKhalifat, not the Persians,Pahlowi, which had beenprinces, .the court covered not the which had been the court dialect during thePahlowi, Sasan dynasty; but the Parsi, which dialect the Sasan but the which had beenduring the dialect ofdynasty, the Kayan dynasty,Parsi, and I had been the dialect of the and I fancy all along the current Kayandialect dynasty,of Persia; and, all the current dialect of Persia fancyin the Gulistan,along Baharistan, N agaristan, and; and,other in the and other popularGulistan, prose PersianBaharistan, classics,Nagaristan, the Parsi and Arabic popular prose Persian classics, the Parsi and Arabic are, as Sir W. Jones observes, so blended" "that one as Sir W. so blended that one are,period often Jonescontainsobserves, both languages, wholly distinct often contains both distinct periodfrom each other in expressionlanguages, and whollyidiom, but per­ from each other in and but fectly united in senseexpression and construction,idiom, not as Romanper- fectly united in sense and construction, not as Roman and Saxon words are in this sentence:"" " "The true and Saxon words are in this sentence : The true law is right reason, conformable to the nature of law is conformable to the nature of things,right whichreason, calls us to the duty by commanding, things, which calls us to the duty by commanding, deters us from sin by forbidding;"" but as the Latin deters us from sin but as the Latin by forbidding ; and Ellglz'sh are in this:" "The true lez is recta ratio, and are in this : The true lex is recta conformableEnglish naturre, which by commanding vocatratio, ad conformable which vocat ad ojftdum, by natures,forbidding a fraudeby commanding deterreat." a deterreat." officium,And bya forbiddingstriking instancefraude of this occurs in Sadi's And a instance of this occurs in Sadi's panegyricstriking of the prophet in the preface of his of the in the of his panegyricGulistan, the three prophetlast lines of the secondpreface page of the the three last lines of the second of the Gulistan,Persian text being a prose medley of pagePersian and Persian text being a prose medley of Persian and 1 44 SHAIKH SA.DL 44 SHAIKH SADL Arabic; the next two lines at the top of the third Arabic the next two lines at the of the third page a couplet; of pure Arabic; the nexttop two lines a a of Arabic the next two lines a coupletpage coupletof pure Persian;pure and the; next four lines a of Persian and the next four lines a tetrasticcouplet of purepure Arabic! ; tetrastic of Arabic ! Mr. Gladwin,pure in his occasionally idle way, makes Mr. in his idle makes four distinctGladwin, sentences in occasionallyhis English of thisway, passage; four distinct sentences in his of this but it is all one sentence, or, moreEnglish properly, onlypassage part ; but it is all one more of one; for thesentence, same sentenceor, alsoproperly, includesonly thepart of for the same sentence also includes the parable,one; of which I recognise that of the importunate of which I that of the widowparable, (Luke xviii. 2-8)recognise as the prototype. importunate widow xviii. as the Every(Luke classic scholar2-8) admiresprototype. the address with Every classic scholar admires the address with which Virgil introduces his apostrophe of-"" tu Mar­ which introduces his of tu Mar- cellus eris;"Virgil and this is a apostrophehappy example of the cellus eris and this is a of the same figure ;"of rhetoric: indeedhappy his commencementexample of same of rhetoric : indeed his commencement of this gracefulfigure preface with a thanksgiving to the Deity, this with a to the this praisegraceful of prefacehis prophet, histhanksgiving panegyric of the King,Deity, this of his his of the his encomiumpraise on theprophet, heir-apparent,panegyric and eulogy ofKing, the his encomium on the and of the prime minister, are allheir-apparent, felicitous instanceseulogy of that are all felicitous instances of that mannerprime minister,which I have noted as characteristiC of Sadi manner which I have noted as characteristic of Sadi in his Persian and Arabian compositions. in his Persian and Arabian The chief difficulty in translatingcompositions. any such Arabian The chief in such Arabian quotation is itsdifficulty being in commontranslating a textany of the Koran, is its in common a text of the orquotation a tradition ofbeing the prophet, which though readyKoran, in or a tradition of the which in the memory of a piousprophet, Mohammedanthough gentleman­ready the of a Mohammedan and howevermemory much piousour flippant travellersgentleman and even and however much our travellers and even learned doctors choose to flippantdeclaim on his ignorance, a learned doctors choose to declaim on his a believer in the Koran can applicably quoteignorance, it as the believer in the Koran can it as the record of his law and the guideapplicably of his quotemorals-yet, record of his law and the of his morals to a translator like myself, guidesuch a passage is oftenyet, to a translator like such a is often obscure even when complete,myself, and stillpassage more so when obscure even when and still more so when only a portion of it iscomplete, thus noticed, as, for example, only a portion of it is thus noticed, as, for example, SHAIKHSHAIKHSAD1. SADI. 4545

I, ininthe theGulistan, Gulistan,i. i.I, wherewherethe thewell-disposed well-disposedVizier Vizier " sayssays-"suck sud" as asare arerestraining restrai1li1lg'their theiranger, anger,and andfor- for­ giving-givingtheir theirfelloiv-creatures fellow-creatures:: andandGod Godwill willbefriend befriend 1 thethebenevolent', bel1evolelzt,"without withoutusing using thetheexplanatory explanatorypre- pre­ " liminaryliminaryof of-"Paradise Paradiseis isfor forsuch suchas asare" are,"which whichI I am,am,I Ifancy, fancy,the thefirst firstwho whohas hascorrectly correctlysupplied suppliedby bya a reference to the whole in the Koran; and there we reference to the whole in the Koran ; and there we seeseea astriking strikingimitation imitationof ofMatthew Matthewv. v.3-11, 3-11,where whereare are enumeratedenumeratedthe thesuccessive successiveorders ordersof ofgood gooddoers, doers,for for whomwhom paradiseparadise isis designed,designed,as astheir theirultimate ultimate andand

blessedblessedplace placeof ofresidence residence!! AndAndanother anotherconstant constantsource source of oftrouble troubleto toa atrans- trans­ latorlatoris is thetheambiguity ambiguityof ofthe theArabian Arabianmoods moodsand and tensestenses; forfor notnot onlythe thesame same tense,for for example, ; only tense, example, answersanswersfor for thethepresent presentand andfuture, future,but buthe heis isoften often

4 obligedobligedto togive givethe thepreterite preteritetense tensea apresent presentsignifica- significa tion:tion:and, and,if ifhe hehad hadits itsimmediate immediatecontext, context,this thismight might be managed;but butwith withsuch such fragmentsof ofsentences sentences be managed ; fragments asasthat thatI Ihave havequoted, quoted,if ifI Iam amobliged obligedto toadapt adaptthe the ArabianArabian quotationquotation toto thethe PersianPersian context,context, thethe scholarscholar whowho isis capablecapable ofof detecting·detecting thisthis willwill I I doubtdoubtnot notbe bealso alsoliberal liberalenough enoughin inoverlooking overlookingor or admittingadmittingthe thenecessity necessityof ofit it WhatvVhat ourour travellerstravellersand and doctorsdoctorsthus thus assertassertof of MussulmansMussulmansconsidering consideringMarafat, Marafat,or orthe thedivinity divinityof of thetheKoran, Koran,as ascomprehending comprehending allall necessarynecessaryknow- know­ ledge,ledge, mightmight havehave beenbeen true,true, asas farfar asas respectedrespected MohammedMohammed himself,himself, andand hishis fourfour immediateimmediate suc-suc­ cessors, as residents at Madainah; forfor we canall all cessors, as residents at Madainah ; we can recollectrecollectthe theKhalif KhalifOmar's Omar'sreply, reply,when whenAmru, Amru,the the conquerorconquerorof ofEgypt, Egypt,asked askedhim himwhat whatwas wasto tobe bedone done 46 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL withwith thethe librarylibrary atat Alexandria,Alexandria, hehe answered­answered " "WhatWhat isis containedcontained inin thesethese booksbooks youyou mentionmention isis eithereither agreeableagreeable toto whatwhat isis writtenwritten inin thethe Koran,Koran, oror book of or it is not if it then the Koran is book of God,God, or it is not; ; if it be,be, then the Koran is sufficient without them if it is fit sufficient without them; ; if otherwise,otherwise, it is fit theythey shouldshould bebe destroyed."destroyed.". ButBut onon thethe establishmentestablishment ofof thethe KhalifatKhalifat atat Damascus,Damascus, andand stillstill moremore ofof thethe AbassiAbassi dynastydynasty atat Baghdad,Baghdad, thethe Tazi,Tazi, oror modernmodern Arabic,Arabic, waswas graduallygradually enrichedenriched withwith words,words, soso asas toto admitadmit ofof itsits technicallytechnically expressingexpressing thethe termsterms ofof thethe artsarts·and and sciences,sciences, whichwhich aa HarunHarun RashidRashid hadhad trans­trans- lated into it from the and Greek lated into it from the Persian,Persian, CoptCoptic, it, and Greek; ; andand modernmodern EuropeEurope owesowes chiefchief partpart ofof whatwhat itit derivedderived fromfrom thethe firstfirst two,two, andand eveneven moremore ofof itsits GreekGreek knowledge,knowledge, toto translationstranslations throughthrough thethe Arabic,Arabic, thanthan immediatelyimmediately fromfrom thethe originalsoriginals ofof them,them, oror thethe Greek.Greek. WhereasWhereas thethe moremore ancientancient Greeks,Greeks, as,as, forfor instance,instance, HippocratesHippocrates inin physic,physic, wewe nownow findfind copiedcopied theirtheir knowledgeknowledge directdirect fromfrom thethe Persians,Persians, forfor allall hishis medicines have Persian names and down to medicines have purepure Persian names; ; and down to thethe timestimes ofof GalenGalen andand Dioscorides,Dioscorides, thosethose GreeksGreeks andand theirtheir copyists,copyists, thethe Romans,Romans, werewere contentcontent withwith simples,simples, whichwhich areare hencehence calledcalled Galenicals.Galenicals. Kimiya,Kimiya, signify­signify- is also a inging art,art, trick,trick, hnposture,imposture, chemistry,chemistry, etc.,etc., is also a purepure PersianPersian word,word, whichwhich thethe ArabsArabs borrowedborrowed withwith thethe art from the Persians and the manufacture and use art -from the Persians; ; and the manufacture and use ofof chemicalchemical medicinesmedicines andand drugs,drugs, asas appliedapplied toto physicphysic andand thethe otherother arts,arts, modernmodern EuropeansEuropeans oweowe imme­imme- diatelydiately toto thethe Arabs.Arabs. Nay,Nay, thethe chemicalchemical preparationspreparations ofof quicksilver,quicksilver, nownow foundfound soso serviceableserviceable inin allall visceralvisceral SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SADI. 4747 obstructions, was first adopted into European practice, obstructions, was first adopted into European practice, within my recollection, by Dr. Peasely, of Madras, in within my recollection, by Dr. Peasely, of Madras, in thethecase case ofof LordLord Pigot; andandas asa a simple, meadowmeadow saffron root has beenPigot used; lately andsimple, successfully for saffron root has been used and successfully for the gout; and I could mentionlately a dozen other articles, the and I could mention a dozen other gout ; articles, each of the most active and best 11Zedicines, either for each of the most active and best medicines, either for lnterllal or external use, that have of late been intro­ internal or external use, that have of late been intro- duced into our physical and surgical practice from duced into our physical and surgical practice from that of the Hakims and Cub-rajes of our English that of the Hakims and Cub-rajes of our English < empire in the East. empire in the East. the writings of Michael Servetus, who lived a InIn the writings of Michael Servetus, who lived a century before Harvey, there is a hint respecting his century before Harvey, there is a hint respecting his curiouscurious discoveryof ofthe thecirculation circulationof ofthe theblood blood;but but discovery ; the following distich of Sadi's Bustan, viii. 3, contains the following distich of Sadi's Bustan, viii. 3, contains one more pertinent-"" The venal system of thy body, one more pertinent The venal system of thy body, o well-disposed man! is a meadow through which O well-disposed man ! is a meadow through which are flowing three hundred and sixty rivulets." And are flowing three hundred and sixty rivulets." And the two distichs, Bustan viii. 14, contain our most the two distichs, Bustan viii. 14, contain our most correct, and what we fancied modern, theory of correct, and what we fancied modern, theory of respiration and digestion-"" Were not the fresh air to and digestion Were not the fresh air to respirationpass by respiration into the lungs, the intestine heat pass by respiration into the lungs, the intestine heat would throwthe the bodyinto intoa aferment ferment; anddid didnot notthe the would throw body ; and pot of the stomach duly concoct the food, the fair of the stomach duly concoct the food, the fair potand plump form of the body would get shrunk and and plump form of the body would get shrunk and withered." The Persian word Khun, or blood, has withered." The Persian word Khun, or blood, has also the idiomatic signification of the soul and life, also the idiomatic signification of the soul and life, as existing inin thethe blood; diddid thethe ingenious John as existing blood ; ingenious John Hunter borrow his idea of the life of the blood from Hunter borrow his idea of the life of the blood from this?this? On the subject of aerostatics, I offer the following On the subject of aerostatics, I offer the following curious extract of my copy of the Persian dictionary, curious extract of my copy of the Persian dictionary, 48 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL thethe FarhangiFarhangi Jihangiri,Jihangiri, thethe manuscriptmanuscript beingbeing itselfitself

of : upwardsupwards of oneone hundredhundred andand fiftyfifty yearsyears old:old itit isis inin explanationexplanation ofof thethe compoundcompound idiomaticidiomatic word-"Tasht­word "Tasht- wo-Khayah,wo-Khayah, thethe basinbasin andand egg,egg, oror thethe exhibitionexhibition ofof fillingfilling thethe membraneousmembraneous coatcoat ofof anan animal'sanimal's testicletesticle withwith Shobnim,Shobnim, oror night-dew,night-dew, andand afterafter tyingtying upup thethe vent,vent, placingplacing itit onon aa brassbrass vesselvessel heatedheated inin thethe sun,sun, oror over the fire and as the air within it the over the fire ; ; and as the air within it getsgets warm,warm, the will and it itself vapourvapour will rarifyrarify and expandexpand it; ; when,when, raisingraising itself onon oneone end,end, itit willwill hophop upup andand downdown forfor aa while,while, asas ifif dancing,dancing, andand atat lastlast mountmount intointo thethe air,air, andand flyfly outout ofof :,ight!"sight!" I I rememberremember thethe latelate DoctorDoctor Black,Black, inin hishis ChemicalChemical LecturesLectures atat Edinburgh,Edinburgh, 1777-78,1777-78, whenwhen onon thethe subjectsubject ofof factitiousfactitious air,air, suggestingsuggesting thisthis preciseprecise experi~experi- ment but the French some afterwards had the ment; ; but the French some yearsyears afterwards had the creditcredit ofof puttingputting itit inin practicepractice onon thethe largelarge scalescale ofof balloons.balloons. Also,Also, SadiSadi alludesalludes toto thisthis samesame pheno­pheno- " menonmenon inin hishis Bustan,Bustan, iv.iv. 14-14. "WhyWhy shouldshould thatthat befall which befalls the torch that befall you,you, which befalls the fierce-burningfierce-burning torch; ; that youyou shouldshould flyfly fromfrom yourself,yourself, asas thethe bubblebubble fliesflies upup fromfrom thethe water."water." Likewise,Likewise, inin thethe FarhangiFarhangi Jihangiri,Jihangiri, inin itsits idiomaticidiomatic sense,sense, thethe Fanus-khiyat,Fanus-khiyat, anotheranother supposedsupposed modernmodern " invention,invention, isis mentioned-namely,mentioned namely, "AA magicmagic lantern,lantern, withwith whichwhich theythey showshow offoff imagesimages andand figures,figures, andand withwith aa sortsort ofof phosphorus,phosphorus, oror artificialartificial fire,fire, givegive themthem thethe appearanceappearance ofof beingbeing inin aa flame;"flame;" andand aa coupletcouplet ofof thethe PersianPersian poetpoet GhazaliGhazali isis quoted,quoted, signifyingsignifying asas " follows The celestial is a lantern and follows-" The celestial skysky is a magicmagic lantern; ; and while thisthis globeglobe isis onon itsits progressprogress movingmoving throughthrough it,it, while mankindmankind areare wanderingwandering overover thethe globe,globe, likelike thethe SHAIKH SA.DI. 49 SHAIKH SADI. 49 figures of a m~gic lantern." And would not the bulk of a lantern." And would not the figuresexceed all magicreasonabl~ bounds, I could quote manybulk exceed all such sound,reasonable and whatbounds, we in I Europecould quoteconsidermany as such and what we in modern,sound, hints of philosophy immediatelyEurope considerfrom Sadi.as modern,The detailedhints of minutirephilosophy of immediatelythe arts and fromsciencesSadi. are The detailed minutiae of the arts and lost in the changes and translations of languages,sciences areand lost in the and translations of in such revolutionschanges of government as languages,Persia has beenand in such revolutions of specially subject to; governmentyet its remainingas Persia monumentshas been to its monuments speciallyare sufficientsubject to prove,; yet to theremaining latest posterity of areAdam,sufficient the originalityto prove, andto thesuperioritylatest posterity of Persianof the and Adam,knowledge; andoriginality the value in thissuperiority sense ofof suchPersian books and the in knowledge;as the Gulistan, invalue which thisglimpsessense remainof such ofbooks that as the in which knowledge.Gulistan, glimpses remain of that knowledge.Of the sublime and stupendous, we have in Europe Of the sublime and we have in no monuments of humanstupendous, structure that can compareEurope no monuments of human structure that can with the Chihl-minar, or palace of many columns,compare at with the Istikhar, Chihl-minar,the Persepolisor ofpalace the Greeks;of many thecolumns, statuesat of the of the Greeks the statues of Istikhar,Khosraw andPersepolis Shirin, and other massy; works of the Khosraw and and other of statuary FarhadShirin, at Bisitun, in Iracmassy Ajem;works the thestill Farhad at in Irac the still statuarymore ancient imagesBisitun, of the Sorkh-botAjem and ;Khing-bot, more ancient of the and so called fromimages being one ofSorkh-bot a red' and theKhing-bot, other of a so called from one of a red and of grey-coloured beingstone, and said to be theeachother fifty-twoa and said to be grey-colouredgaz, or yards, stone,high, and believed by theeach Persiansfifty-two to or and believed the gaz,representyards, theirhigh, first King Gayumarsby andPersians his wife toat their first and his wife representBamiyan, near the cityKing ofGayumars Balkh, and in that partat of near the of and in that of Bamiyan,Cabul bordering oncity Badakhshan;Balkh, and thepart many Cabul on Badakhshan and the sculpturesbordering and excavations in the; contiguous manyrocks and excavations in the sculpturesand mountains; the tower of Babel;contiguous the aqueductsrocks and mountains the tower of Babel the of the Tigris; and Euphrates; the; wallaqueducts of the of the and the wall of the Darband,Tigris supposed toEuphrates be built; by Alexander, and to be built and Darband,repaired bysupposed Nushirowan: but aboveby Alexander,all in that mode Nushirowan : but above all in that mode repaired by 746 746 50So SHAIKHSHAIKH SAnI.SADL ofof subterraneoussubterraneous irrigationirrigation p~culiarpeculiar toto Persia,Persia, andand managedmanaged mostmost ingeniouslyingeniously byby sinkingsinking Karezes,Karezes, oror shafts,shafts, andand connectingconnecting thesethese withwith Mings,Mings, oror under­under- groundground canals,canals, wherewhere springssprings areare foundfound atat thethe footfoot ofof mountains,mountains, andand extendingextending forfor fiftyfifty oror sixtysixty milesmiles overover thethe contiguouscontiguous champagnechampagne country.country. InIn mechanismmechanism thethe ancientancient PersiansPersians nono doubtdoubt ex­ex- celled us for even are at a loss to celled us; ;for even nownow wewe are at a loss to explainexplain howhow suchsuch massymassy buildingsbuildings werewere reared,reared, otherwiseotherwise thanthan likelike ourour forefathers,forefathers, whenwhen theythey firstfirst discovereddiscovered manymany ofof themthem duringduring thethe darkdark ages,ages, andand ascribedascribed themthem toto Kimiya,Kimiya, oror magic.magic. InIn thethe modernmodern andand moremore comparativecomparative architecturearchitecture ofof thethe EastEast I Iwouldwould referrefer toto thethe mausoleummausoleum ofof Taj-Mahal,Taj-Mahal, thethe favouritefavourite SultanaSultana ofof thethe greatgreat MoghulMoghul ShahShah Jihan,Jihan, atat Agra,Agra, a abuildingbuilding equalequal inin extentextent toto SaintSaint Paul's,Paul's, London,London, includingincluding thethe and the meanest material which enters churchyard;churchyard ; and the meanest material which enters itsits compositioncomposition isis thethe purestpurest whitewhite marble.marble. HadHad thatthat magnificentmagnificent sovereignsovereign concludedconcluded hishis reignreign inin peace,peace, hehe h~dhad projectedprojected a asimilarsimilar oneone forfor himselfhimself onon thethe side of that noble river the and to oppositeopposite side of that noble river the JJummaumma; ; and to uniteunite thethe twotwo withwith a abridgebridge ofof the the samesame valuablevaluable materialsmaterials :-:

" is " HerHer bedbed is India;India ;therethere sheshe lies-alies apearl;pearl;" " butbut thethe lastlast sevenseven yearsyears ofof hishis lifelife hehe was,was, byby thatthat hypocritehypocrite Aurangzib,Aurangzib, hishis 5011,son, doomeddoomed toto passpass inin confinement in honoraryhonorary confinement; ; andand having,having, in 1803,1803, visitedvisited thethe apartmentsapartments hehe hadhad inin thatthat durancedurance occupiedoccupied inin thethe palacepalace ofof Agra,Agra, I Ihadhad somesome ofof thethe plasterplaster chippedchipped SHAIKH SADI. 51 SHAIKH SADL 51 off, and found ·the walls richly gilded; for, as his and found the walls as his off,memoirs tell us, he had themrichly donegilded over; withfor, common memoirs tell he had them done over with common mortar, as us,more suitable to his humbled condition. as more suitable to his humbled condition. mortar,The centre dome had some years before been injured The centre dome had some before been by a cannon-ball, and a peepilyears tree, one of theinjured most a and a one of the most bydestructivecannon-ball, for such buildings,peepil tree,was growing out of it; destructive for such was out of it but Marquis Hastingsbuildings, has, with growingmuch taste and at; a but with much taste and at a greatMarquis expense,Hastings had it has,since repaired, and it is now as had it since and it is now as greatfreshexpense, as the day, one hundredrepaired, and eighty years ago, fresh as the day, one hundred and eighty years ago, i ~ w~s built. Also, the Jamai Masjid, at Delhi, is it was built. the at is another specimenAlso, of theJamai manyMasjid, elegant andDelhi, modern another of the and modern Orientalspecimen structures which,many evenelegant in the present de­ Oriental structures even in the de- generacy of the arts,which, rival ·any buildingspresent of modem, of the rival of generacyand perhaps ancientarts, Europe,any whetherbuildings we regardmodern, the and ancient whether we the symmetryperhaps of the partsEurope, or sublimity ofregard the whole. of the or of the whole. symmetryRecent from viewingparts those,sublimity before I took my last Recent from before I took last passage to Europe,viewing those,I had an opportunitymy of com­ to I had an of com- passageparing theEurope, Governor-General'sopportunity palace at Calcutta, the Governor-General's at paringthen finished, at an enormous palaceexpense, byCalcutta, Marquis then at an enormous Wellesley,finished, which, notwithstandingexpense, its bymarbleMarquis hall its marble hall Wellesley,and other which,pompousnotwithstanding apartments, I found a heavy and and other I found a and clumsy masspompous of brickapartments, and mortar! heavy mass of brick and mortar ! clumsyIn their taste for gardening, specimens of which In their taste for of which often occur in the gardening,beautiful specimensdescriptions of their often occur in the beautiful of their poets, the Persians much excelleddescriptions us. Milton, who the Persians much excelled us. who poets,travelled over the East in books, and hadMilton, a judgment travelled over the East in and had a which qualified what he read,books, availed himselfjudgment of those which what he availed himself of those descriptionsqualified in laying read,out his Paradise; and Addison in out his Paradise and Addison descriptionsgave the Englishlaying nation a taste for; Milton, nature, the nation a taste for gaveand goodEnglish gardening which modern EuropeMilton, hasnature, since and which modern has since beengood endeavouringgardening to copy. Europe been endeavouring to copy. 52 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL

TheThe PersiansPersians havehave aa saying,saying, thatthat itit waswas asas absurdabsurd forfor aa personperson ignorantignorant ofof geographygeography toto writewrite history,history, oror forfor aa personperson ignorantignorant ofof algebraalgebra toto writewrite uponupon astronomy,astronomy, asas forfor oneone ignorantignorant ofof grammargrammar toto writewrite poetry.poetry. InIn moralmoral philosophyphilosophy theythey excel,excel, andand par­par- in call literature no bad ticularlyticularly in whatwhat wewe call politepolite literature;; no bad specimensspecimens ofof whichwhich areare thethe twotwo worksworks ofof Sadi,Sadi, whichwhich II havehave undertakenundertaken toto translate-namely,translate namely, thethe GulistanGulistan andand Bustan,Bustan, andand Pilpay'sPilpay's Fables,Fables, whichwhich areare readyready toto follow.follow. AndAnd asas II havehave said,said, inin thisthis favouritefavourite depart­depart- mentment ofof literatureliterature wewe havehave frequentfrequent glimpsesglimpses ofof theirtheir skillskill inin thethe moremore abstruseabstruse branchesbranches ofof naturalnatural andand experimentalexperimental philosophy,philosophy, ofof mathematics,mathematics, algebra,algebra, decimaldecimal notation,notation, andand cipheringciphering inin arithmetic,arithmetic, ofof ' whosewhose characters'characters thethe ancientancient PersiansPersians werewere nono doubtdoubt the inventors of the of and the inventors;; of the phenomenaphenomena of lightlight and colours of of which colours;; of electricity,electricity, of which theythey specifyspecify manymany factsfacts besidesbesides thethe attractiveattractive pow:erpower ofof amberamber asas itit isis detailed our ancients of of detailed byby our EuropeanEuropean ancients;; of printing;printing ; of gunpowdergunpowder andand fireworksfireworks (the(the lastlast isis noticednoticed byby Sadi,Sadi, Gul. vii. of of which the most Gul. vii. 14);14) ; of gems,gems, of which theythey givegive the most rationalrational classificationclassification wewe yetyet have,have, andand detaildetail somesome particularsparticulars inin theirtheir compositioncomposition ofof whichwhich SirSir H.H. DavyDavy hashas latelylately availedavailed himself,himself, andand ofof theirtheir treatisetreatise onon thisthis last recovered a and however last wewe havehave latelylately recovered a copy;copy ; and however vaguevague theirtheir hintshints maymay seemseem atat knowledgeknowledge whichwhich wewe havehave notnot yetyet attained,attained, wewe areare fromfrom timetime toto timetime obligedobliged toto givegive themthem creditcredit forfor thingsthings thatthat onceonce appearedappeared incredible,incredible, andand whichwhich theythey certainlycertainly derivedderived fromfrom sourcessources stillstill moremore ancientancient thanthan themselves,themselves, andand perhapsperhaps antediluvian.antediluvian. ItIt isis curiouscurious thatthat whatwhat happenedhappened SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADI. 5353 toto thethe Israelites,Israelites, inin theirtheir conquestconquest ofof thethe HolyHoly Land,Land, andand thethe idolatrousidolatrous nationsnations theythey dispossesseddispossessed ofof it, also happened to the Persians under Gayumars it, also happened to the Persians under Gayumars whenwhen theythey descendeddescended fromfrom thethe KordistanKordistan mountainsmountains andand dispossessed thethe Dives ofof PersiaPersia; and FirdausiFirdausi dispossessed Dives ; and tellstells usus thatthat thosethose DivesDives taughttaught thethe artsarts toto theirtheir conquerors;conquerors; butbut whatwhat isis stillstill moremore curious,curious, thethe BrahminsBrahmins ofof IndiaIndia admitadmit themselvesthemselves toto bebe thosethose Dives,Dives, andand thatthat theythey camecame intointo IndiaIndia fromfrom Persia.Persia. ~ Among the the smallersmaller articlesarticlesof ofPersian Persian tastetaste II wouldwould mentionmention threethree inin particular:particular: ist1st TheThe wool,wool, oror ratherrather hair,hair, ofof aa speciesspecies ofof goatgoat foundfound inin manymany partsparts ofof Persia,Persia, asas wellwell asas inin Tibet,Tibet,from from whichwhich theythey havehave fromfrom timetime immemorialimmemorial manufacturedmanufactured thatthat beautifulbeautiful fabricfabric thethe shawlshawl;; andand toto whichwhich ourour bestbest staplestaple broadbroadcloth cloth isis soso muchmuch inferior.i1lfert'or. 2nd.2nd. TheThe murrhinemurrhine vasevase soso highlyhighly esteemedesteemed byby Pliny,Pliny, Nat.Nat. Hist.,Hist., xxxvii.xxxvii. 2,2, andand which,which,as as hehe correctlycorrectly supposessupposes itit toto be,be, isis alsoalso thethe produceproduce ofof Persia,Persia, andand whatwhat isis calledcalled withwith usus thethe PortlandPortland vasevase isis a specimen ofof itit; andand ofof thisthis the latelate ingenious a specimen ; the ingenious porcelainporcelain wareman,wareman, Mr.Mr. Wedgewood,Wedgewood, energeticallyenergetically " remarkedremarked-"that that thethe compositioncomposition ofof itit impliedimplied aa knowledgeknowledge ofofchemistry, chemistry, ofofwhich which modernmodern EuropeEurope hashas notnot yetyet reachedreached thethe elements."elements." IndeedIndeed ourour boastedboasted chemicalchemical improvementsimprovements cancan neitherneither produceproduce thethe materialsmaterials ofof thosethose sculpturedsculptured andand colouredcoloured vases,vases, cups,cups, gems,gems, andand rings,rings, nownow collectedcollected byby ourour curiouscurious travellerstravellers inin Persia,Persia, nornor supplysupply anyany instrumentsinstruments ofof aa sufficientlysufficiently hardhard tempertemper toto cutcut andand carvecarve them.them. And,And, 3rd,3rd, thethe Sohaili,Sohaili, oror whatwhat EuropeansEuropeans callcall MoroccoMorocco leather,leather, whichwhich formsforms thethe bindingbinding ofof mostmost ofof thethe oldold 5454 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL

PersianPersian MSS.,MSS., andand hashas a afragrancefragrance andand qualityquality inin itit thatthat preservespreserves themthem fromfrom beingbeing destroyeddestroyed byby insects.insects. ThisThis isis a adistinctdistinct articlearticle fromfrom thethe Kaimakht,Kaimakht, anotheranother preparationpreparation ofof thethe hideshides ofof animalsanimals mademade inin PersiaPersia ininto to a asortsort ofof shagrin,shagrin, andand usedused forfor thethe handleshandles ofof swords,swords, dirks,dirks, etc.etc. ToTo proveprove thatthat allall thosethose threethree articlesarticles areare indigenousindigenous toto Persia,Persia, inin thethe Persian Persian dictionariesdictionaries theythey havehave eacheach perhapsperhaps a adozendozen ofof names,names, allall ofof themthem purepure PersianPersian words.words. AndAnd besidesbesides themthem I I maymay mentionmention thethe glossyglossy smoothnesssmoothness ofof thethe YizdYizd silks,silks, thethe delicacydelicacy ofof thethe fabricfabric ofof cottoncotton intointo TuzTuz muslinmuslin andand flaxflax intointo TattahTattah cambric their on and cambric; ; their embroideryembroidery on satin,satin, leather,leather, and other at their of or other stuffs,stuffs, at Ispahan;Ispahan ; their glassglass of Shiraz,Shiraz, or of that of their Nisham- cutlerycutlery of that placeplace andand of Khorasan;Khorasan ;their Nisham­ purpur filigreefiligree ofof goldgold andand silver;silver; theirtheir penmanshippenmanship ofof the at of coloured manuscripts;manuscripts ; the animalismanimalism at HiratHirat of coloured silk and cotton stuffs the of that the silk and cotton stuffs; ; the carpetscarpets of that city;city ; the richnessrichness ofof theirtheir dies,dies, andand thethe freshnessfreshness andand durabilitydurability ofof theirtheir paints,paints, a abrightbright andand beautifulbeautiful azureazure specimenspecimen ofof whichwhich I I havehave oftenoften admired,admired, while,while, inin 1803,1803, ascendingascending intointo thethe fortfort ofof Gwalior,Gwalior, wherewhere itit hashas remainedremained onon thethe faceface ofof thethe palacepalace forfor centuriescenturies exposedexposed toto thethe openopen air.air. PersianPersian horsemanshiphorsemanship andand archeryarchery havehave beenbeen pro­pro- time the breed of verbialverbial fromfrom time immemorial;immemorial ; andand the breed of horses,horses, camels,camels, asses,asses, mules,mules, sheep,sheep, andand otherother domesticdomestic animals,animals, areare superiorsuperior toto anyany other.other. Sadi,Sadi, inin hishis BustanBustan i. i.I,I, sayssays hehe metmet a apersonperson ridingriding onon a alionlion andand usingusing a asnakesnake asas a awhipwhip I ! But,But, seriously,seriously, whowho everever thoughtthought ofof tamingtaming elephants,elephants, rhinoceroses,rhinoceroses, lions,lions, SHAIKHSHAIKHSADLSADL 55ss

tigers,tigers, andand serpents,serpents, butbut thethe patientpatient andand ingeniousi1lgenious AsiaticAsiatic?? ButBut thethe bestbest useuse ofof educationeducation isis thatthat ofof instructinginstructing aa fellow-being,fellow-being, whichwhich givesgives dignitydignity toto thethe creature,creature, andand enablesenables himhim properlyproperly toto knowknow andand respectrespect hishis

CreatorCreator!! AndAnd whatwhat isis moremore simplesimple thanthan thatthat usefuluseful systemsystem ofof educatingeducating thethe poorpoor whichwhich Dr.Dr. BellBell hashas thethe creditcredit ofof adoptingadopting fromfrom thethe AsiaticsAsiatics andand applyingapplying toto thethe EuropeanEuropean charitycharity schoolsschools atat Madras,Madras, andand Mr.Mr. • ""LancasterLCl:ncaster ofof bringingbringing intointo practicepractice forfor thethe cheapcheap andand easyeasy instructioninstruction ofof thethe illiterateilliterate ofof allall denominationsdenominations inin England,England, andand sincesince thatthat veryvery generallygenerally overover thethe

continentcontinent ofof Europe.Europe. (See(See GulistanGulistan vii.,vii., passim?)passim.) TheseThese areare aa fewfew ofof manymany positivepositive factsfacts whichwhich readilyreadily suggestsuggest themselvesthemselves toto anyany OrientalOriental scholar,scholar, andand whichwhich I,I, whowho passedpassed twentytwenty ofof thethe mostmost preciousprecious yearsyears ofof mymy lifelife inin IndiaIndia andand inin familiarfamiliar andand dailydaily intercourseintercourse withwith allall descriptionsdescriptions ofof natives,natives, andand amam wellwell readread inin theirtheir books,books, setset inin oppositionopposition toto thethe triflingtrifling remarksremarks ofof idleidle sojournerssojourners andand thethe dogmaticaldogmatical censurescensures ofof somesome superficialsuperficial travellerstravellers whowho havehave latelylately visitedvisited thethe EastEast andand havehave presumedpresumed toto disgorgedisgorge theirtheir ill-digestedill-digested opinionsopinions uponupon thethe EuropeanEuropean world,world, with-with­ outout possessingpossessing eithereither languagelang~age oror intuitionintuition toto instructinstruct itit inin thethe historyhistory andand antiquities,antiquities, inin thethe laws,laws, manners,manners, customs,customs, andand religions,religions, oror inin thethe literatureliterature andand artsarts ofof pastpast oror presentpresent Asia.Asia. Mankind,Mankind, emergingemerging fromfrom barbarity,barbarity, fallfall intointo somesome regularityregularity ofof government,government, and,and, gettinggetting ashamedashamed ofof theirtheir ignorance,ignorance, feelfeel desirousdesirous ofof literaryliterary informationinformation and in the arts j but before reach and improvementimprovement in the arts ; but before theythey reach 56 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADI. anyany' superiorsuperior excellenceexcellence theythey tootoo oftenoften exchangeexchange thethe eleganceelegance ofofnature nature forfor thethe gorgeousnessgorgeousness ofof art.art. NorNor couldcould Persia,Persia, inin itsits manymany revolutions,revolutions, escapeescape suchsuch transitions but it suffered transitions;; but thoughthough it suffered temporarytemporary eclipseseclipses fromfrom thethe barbaritybarbarity andand envyenvy ofof suchsuch conquerorsconquerors asas Zohhac,Zohhac, Afrasiyab,Afrasiyab, Alexander,Alexander, Omar,Omar, JingizJ ingiz Khan,Khan, Timur,Timur, NadirNadir Shah,Shah, andand MohammedMohammed Aga,Aga, yetyet thethe basisbasis waswas soso broadbroad thatthat thethe columncolumn ofof truetrue tastetaste hashas nevernever beenbeen totallytotally overthrown,overthrown, andand hashas duringduring suchsuch reignsreigns ofofbarbarity barbarity stoodstood amidstamidst aa wastewaste ofof apathyapathy aa monumentmonument ofof whatwhat hadhad beenbeen magnificent,magnificent, andand servedserved asas aa copycopy forfor thethe nativenative dynastiesdynasties ofofa a Firedown,Firedown, Kai-Kai­ Ardishir cobad,cobad, Ardishir Babigan,Babigan, Saboctagin,Saboctagin, AlapAlap Arselan,ArselanJ thethe AtabaksAtabaks ofof SyriaSyria andand Faristan,Faristan, aa ShahShah Abbas,Abbas, Acbar,Acbar, andand ShahShah Jihan,Jihan, andand aa KarimKarim Khan,Khan, andand Fatah-AliFatah-Ali Shah-shahan,Shah-shahan, toto patronisepatronise andand imitate.imitate. WeWe shouldshould recollectrecollect thatthat thethe PersianPersian isis notnot onlyonly thethe solesole languagelanguage ofof thethe manymany andand extensiveextensive pro-pro­ vincesvinces ofofPersia, Persia, butbut thethe mediummedium ofof officialofficial andand politepolite intercourseintercourse ofof thethe richrich andand populouspopulous regionsregions ofof Hindustan,Hindustan,Turkey, Turkey, andand thethe widewide domainsdomains ofofTartary. Tartary. VersedVersed asas manymany OrientalOriental scholarsscholars amongamong ourselvesourselves nownow areare inin thethe literatureliterature andand poetrypoetry ofof Persia,Persia, andand somesome ofof themthem inclinedi1l:clined likelike myselfmyself toto communicatecommunicate theirtheir knowledge,knowledge, wewe cannotcannot butbut lamentlament thatthat obstinacyobstinacy inin ourour EnglishEnglish criticscritics ofof takingtaking everyevery directdirect andand collateralcollateral occasionoccasion ofof peremptorilyperemptorily degradingdegrading itsits language,language, asas thatthat onlyonly ofof conceitconceit andand falsefalse thoughts,thoughts, andand ofofrating rating usus asas admirersadmirers ofof tinseltinsel insteadinstead ofof gold.gold. InIn charitycharity toto theirtheir knowledgeknowledge andand theirtheir judgment,judgment, wewe mustmust concludeconclude thatthat theythey speakspeak ratherrather ofof Jami] ami SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SAIJL 5757 andand hishis imitatorsimitators thanthan thethe hosthost ofof PersianPersian poetspoets whowho adorned the of to his adorned the longlong periodperiod of 500500 yearsyears previousprevious ~o his time.time. If AthensAthens hadhad itsits Periclesan,Periclesan, andand RomeRome itsits Augustan,Augustan, PersiaPersia alsoalso hadhad itsits classicclassic age,age, notnot ter-ter· minatingminating inin aa solitarysolitary oror shortshort reign,reign, nornor confinedconfined toto thethe narrownarrow limitslimits ofof oneone citycity oror province,province, butbut extend-extend· inging toto tenten ages,ages, andand embracingembracing placesplaces withinwithin herselfherself aa thousandthousand milesmiles apart.apart. TheThe taste,taste, words,words, andand stylestyle ofof thethe languagelanguage ofof "" everyevery polishedpolished nationnation mustmust suffersuffer inin thethe vicissitudesvicissitudes ofof timetime andand fortune,fortune, andand badbad poetrypoetry willwill bebe engen-engen· dered.dered. ButBut isis PersiaPersia alonealone toto bebe calledcalled toto soso rigidrigid anan accountaccount forfor thethe extravaganceextravagance andand follyfolly ofof thethe dregsdregs ofof herher poetspoets?? Nay,Nay, II willwill admitadmit thatthat examplesexamples ofof hyperbolehyperbole maymay bebe quotedquoted fromfrom thethe pagespages ofof Firdausi,Firdausi, Nizami,Nizami, Jabali,J abali, Khacani,Khacani, Jilal-u'd-dinJilal·u'd.din Rumi,Rumi, and Sadi but if thus nice in devia- and Sadi;; but if thus nice in markingmarking everyevery devia· tiontion fromfrom proprietypropriety ofof sentimentsentiment andand metaphor,metaphor, whatwhat wouldwould becomebecome ofof ShakespeareShakespeare andand MiltonMilton amongamong ourselves,ourselves, ofof DanteDante andand AriostoAriosto withwith thethe Italians,Italians, oror perhapsperhaps ofof eveneven HomerHomer andand VirgilVirgil ?? AA companycompany ofof BritishBritish merchantsmerchants havehave establishedestablished anan empireempire ofof thethe finestfinest provincesprovinces ofof Asia,Asia, nearlynearly equalequal inin populationpopulatz'on andand extentextent toto allall Europe,Europe, wherewhere PersianPersian isis thethe languagelanguage ofof law,law, religion,religion, commerce,commerce, andand inin factfact of all civilised and instead of and of all civilised usagesusages;; and instead of falsifyingfalsifying and abusingabusing thisthis language,language, ourour duty,duty, asas wellwell asa's interest,interest, asas Englishmen,Englishmen, pointpoint outout thethe justicejustice ofof rightingrighting andand it and let our now supportingsupporting it;; and let our scholars,scholars, now broughtbrought upup toto aa classicalclassical knowledgeknowledge ofof itit atat thethe EastEast IndiaIndia Com-Com· . pany'spany's colleges,colleges, endeavourendeavour toto weedweed whatwhat theythey willwill 58 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADLSADL findfind thethe currentcurrent languagelanguage ofof HindustanHindustan ofof itsits viciousvzczous metaphors,metaphors, immoderateimmoderate hyperboles,hyperboles, sillysilly conceits,conceits, prettinesses,prettinesses, bombast,bombast, andand idleidle verbiageverbiage ofof thethe lastlast threethree centuries,centuries, oror sincesince A.D.A.D. 1450,1450, andand restorerestore itit toto thethe sublimesublime andand patheticpathetic imagery,z'magery, andand thethe justjust dictiondiction ofof itsits goldengolden ageage fromfrom DakikiDakiki andand Rodaki,Rodaki, A.D.A.D. 950,950, toto Jami andand HatifaHatifa; andand rescuerescue itit fromfrom being Jami ; being mangled byby menmen learnedlearned andand respectablerespectable inin theirtheir knowledge ofof GreekGreek andand Latin,Latin, butbut vulgarvulgar andand illiberalilliberal inin theirtheir ignoranceignorance andand prejudicesprejudices inin what-what­ everever respectsrespects thethe languageslanguages andand literatureliterature ofof thethe East,East, and inin particularparticular ofof thisthis scientific,scientific, diplomatic,diplomatic, financial,financial, legislative,legz'slative, andand commercialcommercial dialectdialect ofof aa hundredhundred millionsmillions of ourour fellow-subjectsfellow-subjects!! WithWith somesome diffidence,diffidence, II repeatrepeat thatthat II offeroffer thethe followingfollowing translationtranslation ofof aa proseprose PersianPersian classic,classic, whowho flourishedflourished inin thethe eraera ofof itsits greatestgreatest purity;purity; andand ifif therethere isis anythinganything for-for­ biddingbidding inin thethe baldnessbaldness ofof itsits literality,literality, itit willwill thus,thus, atat allall events,events, enableenable perhapsperhaps thethe studentstudent moremore per-per­ fectly toto understandunderstand thethe original; andand itit isis only by fectly original ; only by readingreading thatthat withwith aa knowledge,knowledge, thatthat hehe cancan relishrelish andand enjoyenjoy itit JAMESJAMES ROSS,ROSS.

1st1stJanuary January 1823.1823- TRANSLATOR'S NOTE.

I. In the Translation of the the TRANSLATOR'Sfollowing NOTE. Gulistan, poetical passages of the original text, whether Persian or Arabic, are distinguished from the prose by being included within inverted commas. I. In the following Translation of the Gulistan, the poeticalII. And passagesas the of thesentiment original oftext,the whetherpoetry Persianis often . oronly Arabic,a repetition are distinguishedof that offromthe theprose, prosein byorder beingto includedenforce withinand give invertedit a commas.more marked emphasis, the personal pronoun and verb are used in the singular II. And as the sentiment of the poetry is often number in the only a repetitionpoetical of thatpassages. of the prose, in order to enforceIII. Pureand givepassages it a ofmoreArabic, markedwhether emphasis,poetry theor personalprose, arepronoundistinguished and verb byarebeing used inprinted the singularin the numberItalian incharacter. the poetical passages. I IIV. 1. PureAny passagesadditional ofwords Arabic,that whetherare not poetrywarranted or prose,by the arePersian distinguishedtext, but areby necessarybeing printedin the inEnglish the I taliantranslation, character.are enclosed in crotchets, unless where so evident an interpolation that they cannot be IV. Any additional words that are not warranted mistaken. by the Persian text, but are necessary in the English translation, are enclosed in crotchets, unless where so evident an interpolation that they cannot be mistaken.

THETHE MOCADDAMAH;MOCADDAMAH; OR, OR, INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION TOTO THETHE GULISTANGULISTAN OFOF SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. • In the Name of God the Compasst'onate, the Mercifull In the Name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful I THANKSGIVING bebe toto a aDeity ofof majesty andand glory; THANKSGIVING Deity majesty ; for submission [in prayer] conciliates his presence,glory for submission [in prayer] conciliates his and a sense of gratitude towards him increasespresence, his and a sense of gratitude towards him increases his munificence. Every breath that is inhaled is an munificence. Every breath that is inhaled is an elongation of life, and when it is exhaled it exhilarates elongation of life, and when it is exhaled it exhilarates thethe spirits; accordingly, inin every single breathing spirits ; accordingly, every single breathing two benefits are forthcoming, and for each benefit two benefits are forthcoming, and for each benefit a thanksgiving is owing-" Whose hand and tongue a thanksgiving is owing "Whose hand and tongue can so enact that he shall acquit himself of this can so enact that he shall acquit himself of this obligation of gratitude"-be zealous, ye sons of Davt'd! obligation of gratitude" be zealous, ye sons of David! wz'tlz thanksgivt'ng, for small Z"S the gratiful pordon with thanksgiving, for small is the grateful portion of my servants-" "that servant is approved who, of my servants that servant is approved who, conscious of his fault, sues for mercy at ,the threshold conscious of his fault, sues for mercy at the threshold ofof God; otherwiseotherwise nono person cancan presume toto offeroffer God ; person presume anything as worthy his supreme presence." anything as worthy his supreme presence." 62 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI.

TheTheshower showerof ofhis hisinfinite infinitemercy mercyhas hasbeen beensprinkled sprinkled uponupon all,all, andand thethe tabletable ofof hishis all-comprehensiveall-comprehensive bountybounty isis spreadspread forthforth everywhere.everywhere. HeHe willwill notnot removeremove thethe veilveil fromfrom thethereputation reputationof ofhis hisservants servants becausebecause ofoftheir their egregiousegregious iniquities,iniquities, nornor withdrawwithdraw thethe dailydaily breadbread ofof thethe poorpoor onon accountaccount ofoftheir their impiousimpious idolatriesidolatries-""All-gracious All-gracious Providence!Providence! whowho fromfrom aa secretsecret hoardhoard artart supplyingsupplying thetheGuebre Guebreand and InfidelInfidelwith withfood, food,how howcanst canstthou thouexclude excludethy thyfriends friends

[the[theorthodox], orthodox],thou thou1 Iwho whowilt wiltlook lookwith withcompassion compassion " ononthy thyfoes foes?"? HeHedirected directed hishischamberlain, chamberlain,the thebreeze breezeof ofdawn, dawn, to abroad an emerald and he ordered tospread spread abroad an emerald carpetcarpet;; and he ordered hishishandmaid, handmaid,the thevernal vernalcloud, cloud,to tonurse nursethe thedaughters daughters ofofvegetation vegetation[or [oryoung youngherbage] herbage]in inthe thecradle cradleof ofthe the earth.earth. AsAsa a newnew year'syear's dayday garmentgarment hehe coveredcovered thethe bosomsbosoms ofofthe the treestrees withwith mantlesmantles ofof verdantverdant and on the of the season foliagefoliage;; and on theapproach approach of the springspring season hehecrowned crownedthe theinfant infanttwigs twigswith withgarlands garlandsof ofsmiling smiling flowers his the the flowers;; throughthrough his mightymightypower power thejuice juiceof of the reed waxed sweet as sugar-canesugar-cane reed waxed sweet asvirgin virginhoney honey;; andand bybyhis hisfostering fosteringcare carethe the kernelkernelof ofthe thedate dategrew grewinto into aa"stately statelypalm palm-""The Theclouds, clouds, wind,wind,moon, moon,sun, sun,and and act in that thou skysky act in co-operationco-operation;; that thou maystmayst getget thythy dailydaily bread,bread, andand notnot eateat itit withwith indifferenceindifference:: allall revolve for and are obedient to revolve forthy thysake, sake, and are obedient to commandcommand;; ititmust mustbe bean anequitable equitablecondition conditionthat thatthou thou shaltshaltbe be obedient"obedient" ItItis isin intradition tradition[or [ora asaying] saying]of ofthe theprince princeof ofthe the universe,universe,glory gloryof ofcreatures, creatures,mediator mediatorof ofboth bothworlds, worlds, mostmost immaculateimmaculate ofof men,men, thethe consummationconsummation ofof SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. 63 revolvingrevolving timetime [or[or lastlast ofofthe theprophets], prophets], MohammedMohammed Mostafa,Mostafa, uponupon whomwhom andand hishis bebe God'sGod's blessingblessz"ng andand " peacepeace-"accepted accepted intercessor,intercessor, andand liberal-mindedliberal-minded pro-pro­ " " phet,phet,gracious, gracious,portly, portly, smiling,s1JZz'ling, andandsealed sealed~·; "-"how how cancan thethe rampartrampart ofof thatthat faithfaith tottertotter whichwhich hashas theethee forfor itsits prop?prop? WhatWhat cancan hehe fearfear fromfrom thethe billowsbillows ofof thethe seasea whowho hashas NoahNoah forfor hishis pilot?"pilot? "-""he he reachedreached thetIle pinnaclepinnacle ofofglory glory {during[during hishzs Mara/]Mara)"] throughthrough hishis perfectionsperfections; / hehe illuminatedilluminated thethe gloomgloom ofofchaos chaos byby hishls splendour4splendour~·; allallhis Izis habitshabz"ts werewere elegantelegant;; peacepeace bebe uponupon " himhim andandhis hisfollowers followers!! "-that,that, atat anyany time,time,when when aa sinfulsinful andand distresseddistressed servantservant shallshall raiseraise thethe handhand ofof repentancerepentance withwith thethe hopehope ofof forgivenessforgiveness beforebefore thethe tribunaltribunal ofof aa just,just, glorious,glorious, andand sublimesublime being,being, thethe mostmosthigh high GodGod willwill notnot noticenoticehim him:: hehewill willreiterate reiterate his and be a second time he will his suit,suit, and be a second time disregardeddisregarded;; he will with mortification and againagain supplicatesupplicate with mortification and humilityhumility;; thenthenwill willthe theglorified glorifiedand andsublime sublimejudge judgedeign deignto tosay say - Verily,Verz"ly, mymyangels angels!! II waswasabashed abashed onon accountaccount ofofmy my servant,servant,who whohad hadno noProvidence Providence butbutme me;; thereforetherefore diddid II pardonpardon himhim-II grantedgranted hishis prayerprayer andand satisfiedsatisfied his desire for I of the his desire;; for I amam ashamedashamed of the importunateimportunate " supplicationsupplication andand complaintcomplaintof ofa adependant dependant-"behold behold thethe benevolencebenevolence andand condescensioncondescension ofof thethe LordLord the in [Paramount][Paramount];; the servantservant waswas in fault,fault, andand hehe thethe " mastermasteris isashamed ashamed! ! " TheThe assiduousassiduous residentsresidents atat thethe fanefane ofofhis his gloryglory [or[or templetern pIe atat Mecca]Mecca] confessconfess aa negligencenegligence ofofpiety, piety, andand say,say, WeWe diddid notnot worshipworship theethee commensuratelycommensurately withwz"ththe theworship worshipof ofthee; thee; andand thethemystical mysticalencomiasts encomiasts ofofthe theattributes attributesof ofhis his charms,charms,rapt raptin inan anecstasy, ecstasy,cry, cry, 64 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL

WeWe knewknew theethee notnot suitablysuitably toto thethe knowledgeknowledge ofof thee!thee ! " " WereWere anyany personperson toto askask meme toto detaildetail hishis attributes,attributes, helplesshelpless asas I Iam,am, howhow shallshall I Idescribedescribe whatwhat isis withoutwithout a a parallel?parallel ?LoversLovers fellfell thethe devoteddevoted victimsvictims ofof thethe mistressmistress [God],[God], butbut nono tidingstidings areare returnedreturned ofof suchsuch victims."victims." AA goodgood andand piouspious manman reclinedreclined hishis headhead onon thethe bosombosom ofof contemplation,contemplation, andand waswas immersedimmersed inin thethe oceanocean ofof reverie.reverie. AtAt thethe instantinstant whenwhen hehe awakedawaked fromfrom thisthis vision,vision, oneone ofof hishis friendsfriends byby wayway ofof pleasantrypleasantry said,said, WhatWhat rarerare giftgift havehave youyou broughtbrought usus fromfrom thatthat gardengarden wherewhere youyou havehave beenbeen recreating?recreating? HeHe replied,replied, I I fanciedfancied toto myselfmyself andand said,said, whenwhen I I cancan reachreach thethe rose-bowerrose-bower I I willwill fillfill mymy laplap withwith thethe and them as a to friends flowers,flowers, and bringbring them as a presentpresent to mymy friends; ; butbut whenwhen I Igotgot therethere thethe fragrancefragrance ofof thethe rosesroses soso intoxicatedintoxicated meme thatthat thethe skirtskirt droppeddropped fromfrom mymy " hands.hands. "0O birdbird ofof dawndawn I ! learnlearn thethe warmthwarmth ofof affectionaffection fromfrom thethe moth,moth, forfor thatthat scorchedscorched creaturecreature the and uttered not a these gavegave upup the ghostghost and uttered not a groan;groan ; these vainvain pretenderspretenders areare ignorantignorant ofof himhim theythey seekseek after,after, forfor ofof himhim thatthat knewknew himhim wewe nevernever heardheard again.again. 0 O thou!thou ! whowho toweresttowerest aboveabove thethe flightsflights ofof conjecture,conjecture, opinion,opinion, andand comprehension,comprehension, whateverwhatever hashas beenbeen of thee we have heard and read the con- reportedreported of thee we have heard and read; ; the con­ is and life drawn to a close and grgregationegation is dismissed,dismissed, and life drawn to a close; ;and " wewe stillstill restrest atat ourour firstfirst encomiumencomium ofof theethee I"!

TheThe PanegyrzcPanegyric ofof thethe PrincePrince ofof Islamism,Islamisni, oror ReigningReigning King;King ;maymay GodGod perpperpetuateetuate Itishis Reign.Reign. TheThe handsomehandsome mentionmention ofof Sadi,Sadi, whichwhich isis currentcurrent inin everyevery mouth;mouth; thethe famefame ofof hishis sayings,sayings, whichwhich hashas SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SA.DI. 65

spreadall allover overthe thewide wideextent extentof ofthe theearth earth;the the spread ; amicableamicablewriting writingreed reedof ofhis hisnarrations, narrations,which whichman- man­ kindkindare aredevouring devouringas asthey theywould wouldsugar-cane; sugar-cane;and and hishisnewest newestliterary literaryfragments, fragments,which whic::hhave havethe thecredit credit of ofbills billsof ofexchange exchange[and [andbank-notes] bank-notes]-allall this thiscannot cannot bebeascribed ascribedto toany anysuperiority superiorityof ofhis hislearning learningand andwit; wit; butbutthat thatthe theLord LordParamount, Paramount,Axis Axisof ofrevolving revolving Time,Time,confirmed confirmedSuccessor Successorof ofSolomon, Solomon,Defender Defenderof of thetheFaithful, Faithful,mighty mightyKing Kingand andpotent potentSovereign, Sovereign, Mozuffar-u'd-din(" Klozuffar-u'd-dinAbubakr, Abubakr,son sonof ofSaad, Saad,son sonof ofZungi, Zungi, thetheShadow Shadowof ofthe themost mosthigh highGod Godon onearth, earth,approve approve ofofhim, him,O 0Providence, Provzaence,and andgratify gratifyhis hiswishes wishes!! has has regardedregardedwith withhim himan aneye eyeof ofpatronage, patronage,has hasbestowed bestowed uponuponhim himhis hisexalted exaltedcommendation, commendation,and andhas hasshown shown himhim unfeignedattachment attachment; consequently, everybody, unfeigned ; consequently, everybody, forforhis hissake, sake,whether whethernoble no1?leor orplebeian, plebeian,is iswell well inclined,inclin~d,for formankind mankindreadily readilyadopt adoptthe thefaith faithof of " theirtheirprinces princes: :-"Ever Eversince sincethou thoudidst didstdeign deignto tolook look graciouslygraciouslyon onwretched wretchedme, me,my mymerits meritsare arebecome become manifestmanifestas asthe thesun. sun.Verily, Verily,were werethis thisservant servantcovered covered allallover overwith withblemishes, blemishes,every everyvice vicethat thatthe theKing King mightmightapprove approveof ofwould wouldbecome becomea virtue.a virtue.-EngagedEngaged oneoneday dayin inthe thepublic publicbath, bath,I hadI hada piecea pieceof ofscented scented clayhanded handed me by mymistress. mistress. I I addressed it, clay me by my addressed it, sayingsaying:: Art Artthou thouambergris ambergrisor ormusk, musk,for forI amI am charmedcharmedwith withthy thygrateful gratefulodour? odour? It Itreplied, replied,I I waswasa aworthless worthlesspiece pieceof ofclay; clay;but butfor fora awhile while associatedassociatedwith withthe therose: rose:thence thenceI partookI partookof ofthe the sweetnesssweetnessof of my companion;otherwise otherwiseI I amthat that my companion ; am " vilevilepiece pieceof ofearth earthI seem.I seem."- Myl1,fyGod God!! benefit benefitMussulmans, Mussul11lalzs,or orthe thefaithful, faith/ul,by by 747747 6666 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL

prolongingprolonging hz'shis lifelife / ;augmentaugment thethe rewardreward ofof hz'shis virtuesvirtues andand peifectz"onsperfections; / exaltexalt thethe statesstates ofof hishis friendsfriends andand alliesallies; / andand confoundconfound htshis foesfoes andand ill-u'z'shers,ill-wishers, accordingaccording toto tltethe texts,texts, asas recorded recorded inin thethe Koran.Koran. lIf.yMy God!God !protectprotect " hishis domaz'n,domain, andand bebe thethe guardianguardian ofof ltishis sonson :-": as,as, z'lzin truth,truth, thethe happinesshappiness ofof thtsthis worldworld orz'gz'natesoriginates withwith him,him, letlet hishis happinesshappiness lastlast forfor ever/andever; and succoursuccour Izim,him, 0 thouthou mostmost Izigh!high !'lvz'thwith thethe ensz'gnsensigns ofof victory.victory. InIn likelike mannermanner letlet thethe seedlz'ng,seedling, oror son,son, flourish,flourish, ofof whz'chwhich lze,he, tIletJie king,king, isis thethe root/forroot; for thethe excellellceexcellence ofof thethe earth'searths produceproduce sourcessources inin generousgenerous seed."-Letseed'' Let thethe mostmost highhigh andand mightymighty GodGod preservepreserve tilltill thethe dayday ofof judgmentjudgment thethe purepure territoryterritory ofof ShirazShiraz inin securesecure peacepeace throughthrough a adreaddread ofof a arighteousrighteous magistracymagistracy andand a a deferencedeference forfor anan " industriousindustrious people.-"people. KnowKnow yeye notnot whywhy I I wentwent abroadabroad andand stayedstayed somesome timetime inin a aforeignforeign country?country? I Ileftleft homehome becausebecause ofof thethe anarchyanarchy I Isawsaw occas.ionedoccasioned byby thethe Turks,Turks, forfor thethe worldworld waswas fallenfallen intointo disorder,disorder, like hair of an were all human like thethe hair of an Ethiopian;Ethiopian ;theythey were all human beings,beings, butbut hadhad sharpsharp clawsclaws smearedsmeared withwith blood,blood, likelike

thosethose ofof wolves:wolves : withinwithin the the citycity wallswalls a apeoplepeople well­well- as without a host of warlike disposeddisposed as angels;angels ; without a host of warlike tygers.tygers. I returned I found the at the \VhenWhen I returned I found the countrycountry at peace;peace ;the had laid aside their such tygerstygers had laid aside their tygerishtygerish dispositions;dispositions ;such

itit waswas whenwhen I I firstfirst sawsaw it,it, a acountrycountry overrunoverrun withwith and famine and thus it became contention,contention, anarchy,anarchy, and famine; ;and thus it became duringduring thethe reignreign ofof a ajustjust sovereign,sovereign, AtabakAtabak AbubakrAbubakr " bin-saadbin-saad Zungi."-"Zungi." TheThe PersianPersian territoryterritory hashas nothingnothing toto apprehendapprehend fromfrom thethe buffetingsbuffetings ofof fortune,fortune, soso longlong . asas itsits headhead cancan findfind thethe sheltershelter ofof suchsuch a agodlikegodlike shadowshadow asas thouthou art.art. ThroughoutThroughout thethe expanseexpanse ofof thethe SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SADJ. 67 globe none in these days can afford such an asylum of globe none in these days can afford such an asylum of resignation as that at the threshold at thy gate :-it is resignation as that at the threshold at thy gate : it is thine to comfort the afflicted; our duty to be grate­ thine to comfort the afflicted our to be ; duty grate- ful; and it rests with God the Creator to notice and ful and it rests with God the Creator to notice and reward; us. So long, 0 Providence t as earth and sky reward us. So O Providence ! as earth and sky shall endure, long,preserve the land of Persia from the shall endure, preserve the land of Persia from the storm of anarchy and mischief" t "- storm of anarchy and mischief !

Sadi's Reason for writing tlte Gulistan. Sadi's Reason for writing the Gulistan. One night I was thinking upon my past time; One I was time night thinking upon my past ; reflecting with regret upon my prodigal use of life; with use of life reflecting regret upon my prodigal ; boring the flinty mansion of my heart with the boring the flinty mansion of my heart with the diamonddiamondof of mytears tears;and and repeatingthese these verses,as as my ; repeating verses, applicable to the state of my affairs:- applicable to the state of my affairs : " "Every moment a breath is expiring of my life; moment a breath is of life Every expiring my ; when I curiously inspect it, I find that only a little is when I curiously inspect it, I find that only a little is left. 0 man t fifty years of thy life are gone, and left. O man ! fifty years of thy life are gone, and thou art still in a dream; perhaps thou mayest avail thou art still in a dream thou avail ; perhaps mayest thyself of the remaining five days. Shame" on him thyself of the remaining five days. Shame on him who departed,and andhad hadnot notfinished finishedhis histask task;the the who departed, ; call of march was beaten, and he had not made up call of march was beaten, and he had not made up hishis baggage;the the fascinatingdrowsiness drowsinessof of the the morning baggage ; fascinating morning of departure arrests the traveller from setting out on of departure arrests the traveller from setting out on his journey.-Every man that came, projected for his journey. Every man that came, projected for himself a new house; he went and left his dwelling to himself a new house he went and left his to ; dwelling another, and that other in like manner gratified his another, and that other in like manner gratified his vanity; but none of them put a finishing hand to this vanity; but none of them put a finishing hand to this building.-Set not thy affections on so fickle a mis­ building. Set not thy affections on so fickle a mis- tresstress;a a beingso so capriciousmerits meritsnot not thyattachment. attachment. ; being capricious thy 68 SHAIKH SADI. 68 SHAIKH SADI. Since the good and bad are alike doomed to die, Since the are alike doomed to happy is he goodwho carriedand bad off the prize of virtue! Letdie, ! Let thehappy meansis he ofwho futurecarried enjoymentoff the prizeproceedof virtuethee to the the means of future thee to the grave; dispatch them enjoymentbefore, forproceed nobody can send can send themgrave; afterdispatch thee; themlife isbefore, like snow,for nobodyand the sun is them after thee life is like and the sun is burning hot; the ;vanities, 0 sir!snow, of the present day hot the O sir ! of the day soonburning melt away; !-Thevanities, four contending andpresent refractory soon melt ! The four and temperamentsaway may chime harmoniouslycontending for somerefractory few for some few days;temperaments but let onemay ofchime them harmoniouslyonce get the upper hand but let one of them once the hand anddays it; will thrust the sweet soul getfrom itsupper dwelling;­ and it will thrust soul from its consequently a prudentthe andsweet upright man setsdwelling not his ; a man sets not his heartconsequently on the life prudentof this world.-and uprightYes! thou hast gone heart on the life of this world. Yes ! thou hast empty-handed to market; I fear of thee that thougone to market I fear of thee that thou wiltempty-handed not bring thy turban ;back; that man who can wilt not turban back that man who can eat up his bringcrop thyof unripe wheat, ;must be content at eat his of must be content at harvestup to gleancrop his neighbour'sunripe wheat field.-Listen with a field. Listen with a willingharvest earto gleanto thehis admonitionneighbour's of Sadi; such is the ear to the admonition of Sadi such is the path,willing be resolute and follow it."- ; be resolute and follow it." path,After pondering on this mystery I saw its policy, After on this I saw its and said,pondering I will betake myselfmystery to the cell of retire­policy, and I will to the cell retire- ment, said,withdraw mybetake skirt frommyself social enjoyment,of erase ment, withdraw skirt from social erase from my tablets allmy vain compositions,enjoyment, and hencefo~th from tablets all vain and henceforth refrainmy from idle confabulations:-"Tocompositions, have the tongue refrain from idle confabulations: "To have the cut out and to be seated deaf and dumb in a cornertongue cut out and to be seated deaf and dumb in a corner were preferable to his condition who cannot govern were to his condition who cannot his tongue":-tillpreferable at length one of my friends whogovern had his till at one of friends who had beentongue": the litter-companionlength of mymy travels and the been the and the chamber-chumlitter-companion of my studiesof enteredmy travels my cell with chamber-chum of studies cell his usual familiarity;my but howeverentered much myhe indulgedwith his usual but however much he in pleasantryfamiliarity; and mirth and spread abroad theindulged carpet in and mirth and abroad the of socialpleasantry intercourse, I made himspread no return, nor raisedcarpet of social intercourse, I made him no return, nor raised SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SA.DI. 6969

mymy headhead fromfrom thetheknee kneeof ofpious pious abstraction.abstraction. OffendedOffended atat mymybehaviour, behaviour,he he lookedlooked wistfullywistfully atatme meand andsaid said: :­ " " NowNow thatthat thouthou hasthast thethe facultyfaculty ofofspeech, speech, converse,converse,

Oo brotherbrother ! 1 withwith cheerfulnesscheerfulness andand joy,joy, forfor to-morrowto-morrow thatthat thethe messengermessengerof ofdeath death shallshall presentpresent himselfhimselfthou thou mustmust ofof necessitynecessity restrainrestrain thythy tongue."tongue."-OneOne ofof mymy comradescomrades mademade himhim awareaware ofof thesethese events,events, saying,saying, SuchSuch aa personperson hashas firmlyfirmly resolvedresolved andand fullyfully deter-deter- <" ...minedmined toto passpass hishis remainingremaining lifelife inin thisthis worldworld inin contemplative devotiondevotion andand toto observeobserve silencesilence; dodo contemplative ; thouthou also,also, ififthou thou artart able,able,keep keep thinethine ownown counselcounsel andand taketake thyselfthyself aside.aside. HeHe repliedreplied andand swore,swore, ByBy ourour gloriousglorious faithfaith andand ancientancient friendship,friendship, II willwill neitherneither breathebreathe nornor stirstir tilltill hehe shallshall havehave answeredanswered meme withwith hishis accustomedaccustomed freedomfreedom andand inin hishis usualusual frankfrank man-man­

nerner; forfor itit werewere savage toto grate thethe heartshearts ofof friends, ; savage grate friends, andand itit isis easyeasyto to compromisecompromise anan oath.oath. Moreover,Moreover, ititis is repugnantrepugnant toto goodgood sensesense andand anan infringementinfringement onon thethe policypolicy ofof thethe wisewise thatthat Ali'sAli's swordsword shouldshould restrest inin itsits scabbardscabbard andand thatthat Sadi'sSadi's tonguetongue shouldshould cleavecleave toto hishis " palate.palate.-"What, What, O0 wisewise man,man, isis thethe tonguetongue inin thethe mouth?mouth? ItIt isis aa keykey toto thethe casketcasket ofof thethe intellectualintellectual treasurertreasurer; soso long asas thethe lidlid remainsremains shutshut how cancan ; long how anyany personperson saysay whetherwhether hehe bebe aa dealerdealer inin gemsgems oror inin pedlerypedlery? ?-ThoughThough inin thethe estimationestimation ofof thethe wisewise silencesilence bebe mannerly,mannerly, atat thethe seasonseason ofof givinggiving adviceadvice itit werewere betterbetter toto bebe explicit.explicit. TwoTwo circumstancescircumstances castcast aa shadeshade overover thethe understandingunderstanding-thatthat ofofsilence silence whenwhen wewe shouldshould speak,speak, andand thatthat ofofspeech speech whenwhen wewe shouldshould bebe silent"silent." InIn short,short, II couldcould nono longerlonger reservereserve myselfmyself inin 70 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL answering him, nor see it generous to withhold being answering him, nor see it generous to withhold being familiar, for he had ever been a most companionable familiar, for he had ever been a most companionable " andand sinceresincere friend.-"friend. IfIf forcedforced intointo aa combat,combat, withwith himhim be the fight whom thou hast strength to cope with or be the fight whom thou hast strength to cope with or legs to escape from." legs to escape from." As a matter of necessity I spoke, and went joyfully As a matter of necessity I spoke, and went joyfully abroad during the spring, when the cold of winter was abroad during the spring, when the cold of winter was meliorated and the auspicious season of the roses had meliorated and the auspicious season of the roses had arrived :-"" The leafy vestments of the trees (from being arrived : The leafy vestments of the trees (from being green) resembled the holyday apparel of the orthodox green) resembled the holyday apparel of the orthodox or happy. On the 1st of Ardebihist, or April, that or happy. On the ist of Ardebihist, or April, that charming month, the nightingales were carolling on charming month, the nightingales were carolling on their pulpits, the tree boughs, and the dew-fallen their pulpits, the tree boughs, and the dew-fallen pearl on the damask rose rivalled the perspired drop pearl on the damask rose rivalled the perspired drop on the cheek of our chiding mistress." on the cheek of our chiding mistress." I happened one night to fall into a nocturnal con­ I happened one night to fall into a nocturnal con- versation in a garden with a friend, a lovely and versation in a garden with a friend, a lovely and refreshing spot, and its heart-gladdening groves refreshing spot, and its heart-gladdening groves intertwining overhead;overhead itsits walkswalks you might say intertwining ; you might say were strewed with spangles of crystal, and clusters were strewed with spangles of crystal, and clusters of fruit like the pleiades hung aloft from its boughs:­ of fruit like the pleiades hung aloft from its boughs: " " Meadows,Meadows, thethe waterwater ofof whosewhose rivuletsrivulets mmeanderedeandered lz"kelike tlze lbzks of a chain~· bowers, the melodies of wlzose the links of a chain ; bowers, the melodies of whose aviariesaviaries werewere harmonious:harmonious : thosethose studdedstudded withwith flowersflowers ofof variousvarious colours,colours, andand thesethese loadedloaded withwith fruitsfruits ofof diversdivers kinds;kinds whilewhile thethe zephyrs inin thethe moving ; zephyrs moving (moonlight and) shade of the trees were spreading (moonlight and) shade of the trees were spreading aa carpetcarpet ofof variegatedvariegated hues."-hues." At dawn, when the thought of going home over­ At dawn, when the thought of going home over- camecame aa wishwish forfor sitting still, I remarked that my sitting still, I remarked that my companion had filled his skirt with roses, hyacinths, companion had filled his skirt with roses, hyacinths, SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADL 71

spikenards,spikenards, andand sweet-basils,sweet-basils, andand waswas desirousdesirous ofof returningreturning toto thethe city.city. II said,said, AsAs youyou wellwell know,know, thethe flowerflower ofof thethe gardengarden hashas nono continuance,continuance, nornor cancan wewe confideconfide inin thethe promisepromise ofof thethe rose-bower,rose-bower, andand philo-philo­ sopherssophers havehave toldtold usus whateverwhatever isis notnot lastinglasting meritsmerits notnot ourour affection.affection. HeHe asked,asked, WhatWhat isis ourour alternativealternative?? II replied,replied, ForFor thethe gratificationgratification ofof beholdersbeholders andand recrea-recrea­ tiontion ofof spectatorsspectators II cancan writewrite suchsuch aa KitabiKitabi Gulistan,Gulistan, oror bookbook ofof aa Flower-garden,Flower-garden, asas neitherneither thethe ruderude stormstorm (" ...of of autumnautumn shallshall bebe ableable toto laylay thethe handhand ofof usurpationusurpation uponupon itsits leaves,leaves, nornor thethe revolutionrevolution ofof thethe seasonseason convertconvert thethe serenityserenity ofof itsits summersummer intointo thethe gloomgloom ofof " winter.winter.-" WhatWhat cancan aa basketbasket (or(or nosegay)nosegay) ofof flowersflowers availavail thee?thee? PluckPluck butbut oneone leafleaf fromfrom mymy Flower-Flower­ a rose can thus continue five or six but gardengardeh;; a rose can thus continue five or six days,days, but " thisthis rose-bowerrose-bower mustmust bloombloom toto allall eternityeternity !1"- So soonsoon asas II uttereduttered thesethese wordswords hehe letlet thethe flowersflowers

dropdrop fromfrom hishis laplap andand seizedseized uponupon mymy skirt,skirt, sayingsaying:: AsA s thethe generousgenerous manman promised,pro1Jlzsed, soso hehe performed!peiformed!

ThatThat samesame dayday twotwo chapterschapters (vii.(vii. andand viii.),viii.), oneone ofof themthem onon thethe AccomplishmentsAccomplishments ofof Education,Education, andand thethe otherother onon thethe RulesRules forfor Conversation,Conversation, werewere recordedrecorded inin mymy note-booknote-book inin suchsuch aa clothingclothing asas maymay comecome inin practicepractice withwith orators,orators, andand decoratedecorate thethe stylestyle ofof letter-letter­ writers.writers. InIn short,short, rosesroses yetyet continuedcontinued toto flourishflourish inin thethe gardengarden whenwhen thethe bookbook ofof thethe GulistanGulistan waswas finished.finished. AndAnd itit reallyreally willwill bebe completecomplete whenwhen itit shallshall havehave metmet aa favourablefavourable receptionreception atat courtcourt andand obtainedobtained thethe indulgentindulgent perusalperusal ofof thatthat prince,prince, thethe asylumasylum ofof thethe world,world, shadowshadow ofof omnipotence,omnipotence, rayray ofof graciousgracious 72 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL providence,providence, treasurytreasury ofof the the age,age, refugerefuge ofof thethe faith,faith, fortifiedfortified fromfrom above,above, victoriousvictorious overover hishis foes,foes, arm·arm ofof triumphanttriumphant fortune,fortune, luminaryluminary ofof resplendentresplendent religion,religion, mostmost illustriousillustrious ofof mankind,mankind, gloryglory ofof orthodoxy,orthodoxy, SaadSaad thethe sonson ofof thethe mightymighty Atabak,Atabak, all-powerfulall-powerful emperor,emperor, rulerruler overover thethe necksnecks ofof thethe people,people, lord-paramountlord-paramount ofof ArabiaArabia andand Persia,Persia, monarchmonarch ofof thethe seasea andand land,land, successorsuccessor ofof thethe thronethrone ofof Solomon,Solomon, Mozuffar-zu'd-din,Mozuffar-zu'd-din, maymay GodGod onon highhigh perpetuateperpetuate thethe dominiondominion ofof bothboth fatherfather andand son,son, augmentaugment theirtheir dignifieddignified state,state, andand favourfavour allall theirtheir charitablecharitable enterprises.-"enterprises. "If If gracedgraced withwith thethe favourfavour ofof hishis majestymajesty thethe king,king, itit willwill becomebecome thethe portraitportrait gallerygallery ofof ChinaChina andand picturepicture portfolioportfolio ofof Mani;Mani none will, we trust, inspect itit withwith dissatisfac­ ; will, we trust, inspect dissatisfac- tion,tion, forfor thisthis reason,reason, thatthat aa Gulistan,Gulistan, oror flower-garden,flower-garden, isis notnot thethe seatseat ofof chagrin,chagrin, moremore especiallyespecially asas itsits auspiciousauspicious prefacepreface isis inscribedinscribed withwith thethe namename ofof SaadSaad Abu-bakrAbu-bakr Saad-binSaad-bin Zungi."Zungi."

TheThe PanegyrlcPanegyric ofof thethe mightymighty Lord,Lord, Fakhr-u'd-dhzFakhr-u'd-din Abu-bakr-bin-Abu Nasr.Nasr.

Again thethe bridebride ofof my intellect,intellect, consciousconscious ofof herher defectivedefective charms,charms, daresdares not liftlift her head oror raiseraise thethe eyeeye ofof solicitudesolicitude fromfrom musing onon thethe back ofof thethe footfoot ofof bashfulness, nornor daresdares sheshe comecome forwardforward with allall her gloryglory intointo thethe assemblyassembly ofof thethe lovelylovely tilltill sheshe cancan deckdeck herself \withvith thatthat gem,gem, thethe approbationapprobation ·ofof thethe mighty lord,lord, intelligent,intelligent, just,just, succouredsuccoured fromfrom above,above, victorious overover foes,foes, prop ofof thethe imperialimperial throne,throne, counsellorcounsellor of state,state, asylum of the indigent, resort ofof the stranger,stranger, patron of the learned,learned, friendfriend of the pious, SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL 7373

gloryglory ofof thethe PersianPersian race,race, rightright handhand ofof thethe empire,empire, princeprince ofof favourites,favourites, gloryglory ofof churchchurch andand state,state, supportsupport ofof thethe faithfaith andand faithful,faithful, confidantconfidant ofof kingskings andand sovereigns,sovereigns, Abu-bakr-bin-AbuAbu-bakr-bin-Abu NNasr. asr. Prolong,Prolong, aO GodGod t his! his life,life, increaseincrease hishis power,power, exhilarateexhilarate hishis heart,heart, and his rewards for he is celebrated and multiplymultiply his rewards; ;for he is celebrated amongamong thethe grandeesgrandees ofof thethe fourfour quartersquarters ofof thethe globe,globe, andand a a " compendiumcompendium ofof laudablelaudable qualificationsqualifications...... :..." WhoeverWhoever findsfinds a asheltershelter underunder thethe shadowshadow ofof hishis patronage,patronage, . hishis contumacycontumacy becomesbecomes obe.dience,obedience, andand hishis foe foe a a friend."-friend." OfOf thethe retinueretinue ofof servantsservants andand dependantsdependants eacheach hashas a aspecialspecial duty,duty, andand ifif inin thethe dischargedischarge ofof theirtheir officesoffices theythey maymay inin anyany trifletrifle bebe negligentnegligent andand idle,idle, theythey willwill somehowsomehow incurincur reprehension,reprehension, andand bebe takentaken toto task,task, allall exceptexcept thisthis tribetribe ofof DarweshesDarweshes (like(like Sadi),Sadi), whomwhom it itbehovesbehoves toto bebe gratefulgrateful forfor thethe bountybounty ofof thethe great,great, andand toto offeroffer inin returnreturn a apanegyricpanegyric onon theirtheir virtuevirtue andand a ablessingblessing onon theirtheir charity.charity. However,However, thethe performanceperformance ofof thisthis serviceservice is ismoremore commendablecommendable inin privateprivate thanthan inin public,public, forfor thisthis mightmight borderborder onon thethe fulsomefulsome andand specious,specious, andand thatthat werewere lessless adulatoryadulatory " andand ceremoniousceremonious :-": TheThe crookedcrooked backback ofof thethe skysky (or(or fortune)fortune) becamebecame straightstraight throughthrough joyjoy thatthat sheshe gavegave a a sonson likelike theethee toto thethe mothermother ofof thethe times.times. ItIt is isa a choicechoice instanceinstance of of wisdomwisdom whenwhen thethe benevolencebenevolence ofof thethe CreatorCreator selectsselects a aservantservant forfor thethe instructioninstruction ofof the he obtained immortal fortune whose the people;people ; he obtained immortal fortune whose fame survived him for after he is dead the goodgood fame survived him; ; for after he is dead the of his virtue makes his name live for ever it reportreport of his virtue makes his name live for ever; ; it matters not whether the thee or not matters not whether the eloquenteloquent praisepraise thee or not; ; 7474 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADLSADL forfor thethe soul-deludingsoul-deluding cheekcheek requiresrequires notnot thethe tire-tire­ woman'swoman'sart." art."

TheTheexcuse excusefor forneglect neglectin z'nmaking maklngcourt, court,and andthe thereason reason forforpreferring preferrz"ngretirement. re#rement. AnyAny backwardnessbackwardness andand neglectneglect thatthat taketake placeplace inin mymy payingpaying courtcourt atat thethe leveelevee ofofmy my lordlord (the(the . primeprime minister)minister)have havethis thisprecedent precedent:: that thata abody bodyof of thethesages sagesof ofHind Hindwere werediscussing discussingthe thequalifications qualifications ofofBuzarchamahar, Buzarchamahar,and andcould could afterafterall all discoverdiscoveronly only thisthisdefect defect-namely,namely, thatthatthere thereis is aa slownessslownessin in hishis utterance;utterance;that thatis isto tosay, say,he heis ismaking makingsome someconsider- consider­ ableablehesitation, hesitation,and and ititbehoves behoveshis hishearer hearerto tosuspend suspend hishis judgmentjudgment tilltill hehe cancan explainexplain himself.himself. Buzar-Buzar­ chamaharchamaharheard heard thisthis andand answered,answered, ItIt isis betterbetter toto deliberatedeliberate whatwhat I I amam toto saysaythan than toto bebe ashamedashamed. " ofofwhat what I I havehave saidsaid! 1-"The Thewell-instructed well-instructed orator,orator, experiencedexperiencedfrom from age,age, pondersponders overover hishis words,words, andand thenthen givesgives themthem utterance.utterance. WasteWaste notnot thythy breathbreath inin speakingspeakingwithout withoutthought, thought,speak speak totothe thepurpose, purpose, andandwhat whatharm harmis isthere therethough thoughthou thoumay maydeliberate deliberate?? and then deliver it but it ArrangeArrangethy thyspeech, speech, and then deliver it;; butbring bring it totoan anend endbefore beforethey theytell tellthee theeto tohave havedone. done. InInthe the of excels the brute but if thou facultyfaculty ofspeech speechman man excels the brute;; but if thou " utterestutterestwhat whatis isimproper, improper,the thebrute bruteis isthy thysuperior superior:": -moremore especiallyespecially inin thethe sightsight ofof thethe eyeseyes (or(or grandees)grandees) ofof hishis excellencyexcellency thethe primeprime minister,minister, dignifieddignijied.z"n.in hishz'sservice, service,as asthey theyare area acompendium compendiumof of thethegenerous generousand and pious,pious,and and a a rallyingrallyingpoint pointof ofthe the profoundlyprofoundlylearned, learned,for forif ifI Icould could makemakebold, bold,I Imight might havehave presumptuouslypresumptuously intruded,intruded, andand broughtbrought basebase SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. 7575

merchandisemerchandise intointo hishis highnesshighness thethe Vizier'sVizier's presence;presence; andand aa glassglass beadbead werewere notnot worthworth aa barley-cornbarley-corn inin thethe martmart ofof jewellers,jewellers, aa torchtorch wouldwould glimmerglimmer inin givinggiving lightlight beforebefore thethe faceface ofof thethe sun,sun, andand aa loftylofty minaretminaret wouldwould 100mloom smallsmall atat thethe footfoot ofof MountMount Alwand.­Alwand. " "WhoeverWhoever maymay exaltexalt hishis neckneck withwith arrogance,arrogance, aa foefoe will beset side the will beset himhim onon everyevery side; ; the generous-mindedgenerous-minded SadiSadi isis humblehumble andand prostrate,prostrate, nono personperson willwill combatcombat .' withwith himhim thatthat isis fallenfallen (and(and askingasking forfor quarter).quarter). the foundation FirstFirst useuse deliberation,deliberation, thenthen speech;speech ; the foundation waswas laid,laid, andand thenthen thethe wallwall raised.raised. I Iamam aa gardener,gardener, butbut notnot inin aa garden.garden. I I amam aa charmer,charmer, butbut notnot suchsuch asas JosephJoseph waswas inin Canaan."Canaan." TheyThey askedasked Lucman,Lucman, OfOf whomwhom didstdidst thouthou learnlearn wisdom?wisdom ? HeHe repli~d,replied, OfOf thethe blind,blind, whowho putput notnot theirtheir feetfeet forwardforward tilltill theythey feelfeel theirtheir ground.ground. TheThe ArabsArabs say,say, SecureSecure aa retreatretreat beforebefore youyou stepstep forwardforward toto thethe

assault:-proveassault: prove youryour virility,virility, thenthen ventureventure onon aa wife!wife ! " -" ThoughThough thethe cockcock bebe eagereager forfor thethe fight,fight, whatwhat cancan hehe effecteffect whenwhen opposedopposed toto thethe brazen-talonedbrazen-taloped falcon?falcon ? a mouse a cat is as bold as a lion is AtAt seizingseizing a mouse a cat is as bold as a lion; ; butbut is herselfherself aa mousemouse whenwhen pittedpitted withwith aa tiger."tiger." Nevertheless,Nevertheless, relyingrelying onon thethe liberalliberal dispositiondisposition ofof thethe great,great, whowho willwill winkwink atat thethe faultsfaults ofof thethe humble,humble, andand refrainrefrain fromfrom exposingexposing thethe defectsdefects ofof theirtheir inferiors,inferiors, I I passedpassed aa portionportion ofof mymy preciousprecious lifelife inin reducingreducing intointo aa summarysummary form,form, andand comprisingcomprising inin thisthis volume,volume, thethe rarerare adventures,adventures, maxims,maxims, sciences,sciences, apophthegms,apophthegms, andand customscustoms ofof passedpassed kings,kings, onon whomwhom bebe God'sGod's mercy!mercy ! andand suchsuch werewere mymy reasonsreasons forfor . writingwriting thethe Gulistan,Gulistan, oror Flower-garden.-"Flower-garden. "This This 76 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI. arrangement and plan may endure for ages after arrangement and plan may endure for ages after every atom of my body is whirled into dust The every atom of my body is whirled into dust The design is a picture, which may remain as a memorial design is a picture, which may remain as a memorial of me, for I cannot foresee any long continuance of of me, for I cannot foresee any long continuance of this existence unless some good soul may, one day, this existence unless some good soul may, one day, in compassion, offer a blessing upon the work of in compassion, offer a blessing upon the work of a poor man." a poor man." After mature consideration in planning this book, After mature consideration in planning this book, and arranging its chapters, I deemed it expedient to and arranging its chapters, I deemed it expedient to abridge its detail, that I might reduce this bower abridge its detail, that I might reduce this bower of resignation and sublime enclosure into eight of resignation and sublime enclosure into eight mansionsmansions likelike thosethose ofof paradise; and itit was thusthus paradise ; and was made short of that it might not fatigue. made short of that it might not fatigue. A Schedule of the Chapters. A Schedule of the Chapters. Chapter I. Of the Customs of Kings." ' Chapter I. Of the Customs of Kings. Chapter 2. Of the Morals of Darweshes. Chapter 2. Of the Morals of Darweshes. Chapter 3. Of the Preciousness of Contentment. Chapter 3. Of the Preciousness of Contentment. Chapter 4. Of the Benefit of Silence. Chapter 4. Of the Benefit of Silence. Chapter 5. Of Love and Youth. Chapter 5. Of Love and Youth. Chapter 6. Of Imbecility and Old Age. Chapter 6. Of Imbecility and Old Age. Chapter 7. Of the Impressions of Education. Chapter 7. Of the Impressions of Education. Chapter 8. Of the Duties of Society. Chapter 8. Of the Duties of Society. The date ofpublishing the book of the Gztlzstan. The daU ofpublishing the book of the Gulistan. " "At that season (the period between the two At that season (the period between the two Eeds)Eeds) whichwhich isis withwith usus MohammedansMohammedans aa timetime ofof rejoicing, in the year six hundred and fifty-six after rejoicing, in the year six hundred and fifty-six after the Hijrah (A.D. 1258), my object was to give advice, the Hijrah (A.D. 1258), my object was to give advice, which having offered, I left its fulfilment with God, which having offered, I left its fulfilment with God, andandtook tookmy myleave." leave." CHAPTERCHAPTER I.I.

OFOF THETHE CUSTOMSCUSTOMS OFOF KINGS.KINGS.

I.

II HAVEHAVE heardheard ofof aa kingking whowho mademade thethe signsign toto putput aa cacaptive pti ve toto death.death. TheThe poorpoor wretch,wretch, inin thatthat statestate ofof desperation,desperation, beganbegan toto abuseabuse thethe kingking inin thethe dialectdialect whichwhich he he spoke,spoke, andand toto revilerevile himhim withwith asperity,asperity, asas hashas beenbeen ssaid,aid; whoeverwhoever shallshall washwash hishis handshands ofof lifelife ; willwill utterutter whateverwhatever hehe maymay harbourharbour inin hishis heart:­heart: " " WhenWhen aa manman z'sis desperatedesperate hehe willwill givegive aa latz'tudelatitude " toto hishis tongue,tongue, lz'kelike asas aa catcat atat baybay willwill flyfly atat aa dog":­dog : " "atat thethe momentmoment ofof compulsioncompulsion whenwhen itit isis impossibleimpossible toto fly,fly, thethe handhand willwill graspgrasp thethe sharpsharp edgeedge ofof aa sword."sword." -TheThe kingking asked,asked, saying,saying, WhatWhat doesdoes hehe say?say? OneOne ofof thethe ViziersViziers (or(or noblesnobles inin attendance),attendance), andand aa well­well- disposeddisposed man,man, mademade answer,answer, 0O mymy lordlord 1! hehe isis expressingexpressing himselfhimself andand saying,saying, (paradise(paradise isis forfor such)such} asas are are restrainingrestraining theirtheir angeranger andand forgivingforgiving theirtheir fellow-creaturesfellow-creatures ~.; andand GodGod wz'llwill befriendbefriend thethe bene­bene- volent.volent. TheThe kingking feltfelt compassioncompassion forfor him,him, andand desisteddesisted fromfrom sheddingshedding hishis blood.blood. AnotherAnother noble­noble- man,man, andand thethe rivalrival ofof thatthat former,former, said,said, ItIt isis inde­inde- corouscorous forfor suchsuch peers,peers, asas wewe are,are, toto useuse anyany languagelanguage butbut thatthat ofof truthtruth inin thethe presence ofof kings; thisthis man presence kings j man SHAIKH SA.DI. 78 SHAIKH SADL abused his majesty, and spoke what was unworthy abused his of him. Themajesty, king andturnedspoke awaywhat indignantwas unworthy at this of him. The turned at this remark, and replied,king I was awaybetterindignant pleased with his and I was better his remark,falsehood thanreplied, with this truth thatpleased you havewith told; falsehood than with this truth that have told for that bore the face of good policy,you and this was; forfoundedthat borein malignity;the face ofandgood the policy,intelligentand havethis wassaid, founded in and the have A peace-minglingmalignity falsehood; is intelligentpreferable ' to a said,mis­ A peace-mingling falsehood is preferable to a mis- chief-stirring truth :-"" Whatever prince may do that truth : Whatever do that chief-stirringwhich he (his counsellor) will recommend,prince may it must which he will it must be a subject(his ofcounsellor) regret if he shallrecommend, advise ought but begood."a subject of regret if he shall advise ought but good."They had 'ltJrt'tten over the portlco of Kz'ng Ft'redowJl,'s had written over the Firedowtts palaceThey :-" This world, 0 brother!portico of abidesKing with none. palace:Set thy"This heart world,upon Oits brother!maker, andabides let withhim sufficenone. Set heart its let him suffice thee.thy Rest notupon thy pillowmaker, and supportand on a worldly thee.domainRest whichnot hasthy fosteredpillow and andsupport slain manyon a worldlysuch as domain which has fostered and slain such as thou art Since the precious soul mustmany resolve on on thougoing,art whatSince mattersthe preciousit whethersoul itmust departsresolve from a what matters it whether it from a going,throne or the ground." departs throne or the ground." II. II. One of the kings of Khorasan saw, in a dream, One of the of Khorasan in a Sultan Mahmud,kings the son of Saboktagin,saw, an hundreddream, son of an hundred Sultanyears afterMahmud, his death,the when hisSaboktagin, body was decayed and after his when his was and yearsfallen irito dust,death, all but his eyes,body which decayedas heretofore fallen into all his which as were movingdust, in theirbut socketseyes, and looking aboutheretofore them. in their sockets and about them. wereAll themoving learned were at a stand forlooking its interpretation, the learned were at a stand for its Allexcepting one darwesh, who made his interpretation,obeisance, and one who made his and exceptingsaid :-He is darwesh,still looking about him,obeisance, because his said: He is still about because his kingdom and wealthlooking are possessedhim, by others!­ kingdom and wealth are possessed by others ! ""Many are the heroes whom they have buried under Many are the heroes whom they have buried under SHAIKHSHAIKH SA.DI.SADL 7979 ground,ground, ofof whosewhose existenceexistence aboveabove itit notnot oneone vestigevestige isis left;left andand ofof thatthat oldold carcasecarcase which they committed ; which they committed toto thethe earth,earth, thethe earthearth hashas soso consumedconsumed itit thatthat notnot oneone bonebone isis leftleft Though'Though' manymany agesages areare gonegone sincesince NushirowanNushirowan was was inin being,being, yetyet inin thethe remembranceremembrance ofof hishis munificencemunificence isis hishis fairfair renownrenown leftleft. BeBe generous,generous,

my friend! ! and avail thyself of life, before that they oO my friend and avail thyself of life, before that they proclaimproclaim itit asas anan eventevent thatthat suchsuch aa personperson isis notnot left"left."

III.III.

I I havehave heardheard ofof a a king'sking's sonson whowho waswas shortshort andand mean,mean, andand hishis otherother brothersbrothers werewere loftylofty inin staturestature andand handsome.handsome. OnOn oneone occasionoccasion thethe king,king, hishis father,father, lookedlooked atat himhim withwith disparagementdisparagement andand scorn.scorn. TheThe son,son, inin hishis sagacity,sagacity, understoodunderstood him,him, andand said,said, 0O father!father ! aa shortshort wisewise manman isis preferablepreferable toto aa talltall block­block- head;head itit isis notnot everything thatthat isis mightier inin staturestature ; everything mightier thatthat isis superiorsuperior inin value:-avalue : a sheep'ssheep's fleshflesh isis wholesome,wholesome, " thatthat ofof anan elephantelephant carrion.-"carrion. OfOf thethe mOUlltat"1zsmountains ofof thisthis earthearth SinaiSinai isis oneone ofof thethe least,least, yetyet isis itit mostmost mightymighty " beforebefore GodGod illin statestate andand dignity."-"dignity" HeardstHeard st thouthou notnot whatwhat anan intelligentintelligent leanlean manman saidsaid oneone dayday toto aa sIecksleek fatfat dolt?dolt? AnAn ArabArab horse,horse, notwithstandingnotwithstanding hishis slimslim make,make, isis moremore prizedprized thusthus thanthan aa herdherd ofof asses."-asses." TheThe fatherfather smiled;smiled thethe pillars ofof thethe state, oror courtiers, ; pillars state, courtiers, noddednodded theirtheir assent,assent, andand thethe otherother brothersbrothers werewere " mortifiedmortified toto thethe quick.-"quick. TillTill aa manman hashas declareddeclared hishis mind, hishis virtuevirtue andand vicevice may havehave lainlain hidden;hidden dodo mind, may ; notnot concludeconclude thatthat thethe thicketthicket isis unoccupied,unoccupied, per­per- " adventureadventure thethe tigertiger isis gonegone asleep!"-asleep ! 80 SHAIKH SADIo 8o SHAIKH SADL I have heard that about that time a formidable antagonistI have heard appearedthat againstabout thatthe king.time aNowformidable that an antagonistarmy was appearedlevied in againsteach side,the theking. firstNow personthat thatan armymountedwas hislevied horsein andeach salliedside, theuponfirst theperson plain thatwas mounted his horse and sallied the was that son, and he exclaimed: (C I uponcannot be plainthat man " thatwhoseson, backand thouhe exclaimedmayest see: onI thecannot day beof battle,that man but whoseam himback thouthou mayestmayest descrysee on amidstthe day theof thickbattle, ofbut it, him thou amidst the thick of amwith my head mayestcovereddescry with dust and blood; for it,he with head covered with dust and blood for he that engagesmy in the contest sports with his own; blood, thatbut heengages who fleesin the fromcontest it sportssports withwith thehis bloodown blood, of an butarmyhe onwho theflees dayfrom of fight."it sports Hewith so spoke,the blood assaultingof an on armythe enemy'sthe daycavalry,of fight." and overthrewHe so spoke, some assaultingrenowned thewarriors.enemy's Whencavalry, he cameand overthrew before thesome king renownedhe kissed warriors. When he came before the king he kissed the earth of"obeisance, and said, "(( 0 thou, who didst theviewearth my bodyof obeisance, with scorn,and whilstsaid, notO awarethou, whoof valour'sdidst viewroughmy exterior,body with it isscorn, the leanwhilst steednot awarethat willof valour'sprove of roughservice,exterior, and notit theis fattedthe lean ox, steedon thethat daywill of battle."prove of service,Theyand havenot reportedthe fatted thatox, theor) theenemy'sday ofcavalrybattle." was immense,They have andreported those ofthat the thekingenemy's few in cavalrynumber;was a immense,body of themand thosewas inclinedof the kingto fly,few whenin number;the youtha of them was inclined to when the bodycalled aloud, and said, Be resolute,fly, my braveyouth men, calledthat youaloud, mayand not havesaid, toBe wearresolute, the apparelmy brave of womenmen, ! thatThe youtroopsmay werenot morehave tocourageouswear the apparelon this speech,of women and! Theattackedtroops altogether.were more courageousI have heardon thatthis onspeech, that andday attackedthey obtainedaltogether. a completeI have victoryheard thatover onthethat enemy.day theyThe kingobtained kisseda hiscomplete face andvictory eyes, andover foldedthe enemy.him in The kissed his face his arms,king and became dailyand moreeyes, attachedand folded to him,him tillin hishe arms,declaredand himbecame heir-apparentdaily more toattached the throne.to him, Thetill hebrothersdeclared borehim himheir-apparent a grudge, andto putthe poisonthrone. intoThe his brothersfood. Hisbore sisterhim sawa grudge, this fromand a window,put poison andinto flappedhis food.to the shutter;His sister andsaw thethis boyfrom understooda window, theand sign,flapped and to the shutter and the the ; boy understood sign, and SHAIKHSHAIKHSAD SADI.I. 81 withdrewwithdrew hishis handhand fromfrom thethe dish,dish, andand said,said, ItIt isis hardhard thatthat thethe virtuousvirtuous shouldshould perishperish andand thatthat thethe viciousvicious shouldshould occupyoccupy theirtheir places.places.-""Were Were thethe homayi,homayi,or or phoenix,phren ix,to to bebe extinctextinct inin thetheworld, world,none none wouldwould taketake refugerefuge underunder thethe shadowshadowof of anan owl."owl."­ Theyinformed informed thethe fatherfather ofofthis this eventevent; hehesent sentfor for They ; thethe brothersbrothers andand rebukedrebuked them,them, asas theythey deserved.deserved. ThenThenhe hemade madea a divisiondivisionof ofhis hisdomains, domains,and andgave gavea a suitable~uitable portionto to each,that thatdiscontent discontent mightcease cease; portion each, might ; butbut thethe fermentferment waswas increased,increased, asas theythey havehave said:said: TenTendarweshes darweshescan cansleep sleepon on oneonerug, rug,but buttwo two kingskings cannotcannot bebe accommodatedaccommodated inin aa wholewhole kingdom.kingdom.­ " "WhenWhen a aman manafter afterGod's God'sheart heartcan caneat eatthe themoiety moietyof of hishisloaf, loaf,the theother othermoiety moietyhe hewill will givegive inin almsalmsto tothe the poor.poor. AA kingking maymay acquireacquire thethe sovereigntysovereigntyof ofone one climateclimateor or empire; .andhe hewill willin in likelike manner covet empire ; and manner covet thethepossession possessionof ofanother." another."

IV.IV.

AAhorde hordeof ofArab Arabrobbers robbershad hadpossessed possessedthemselves themselves ofofthe thefastness fastness ofofa a mountain,mountain,and andwaylaid waylaidthe thetrack track ofofthe thecaravan. car~van. TheTheyeomanry yeomanryof ofthe thevillages villageswere were frightenedfrightened atattheir theirstratagems, stratagems,and andthe theking's king'stroops troops alarmed,alarmed, inasmuchinasmuch asas theythey hadhad securedsecured anan im-im­ pregnablepregnablefortress fortress onon thethesummit summitof ofthe the mountain,mountain, andandmade madethis thisstronghold strongholdtheir theirretreat retreatand anddwelling. dwelling. TheThesuperintendents superintendentsof ofthe theadjacent .adjacentdistricts districtscon- con­ sultedsultedtogether togetherabout aboutobviating obviatingtheir theirmischief, mischief,saying: saying: IfIfthey theyare arein inthis thisway wayleft leftto toimprove improvetheir theirfortune, fortune, anyanyopposition oppositionto tothem themmay mayprove proveimpracticable. impracticable.- 748748 SHAIKH SADI. 82 SHAIKH SADL "The tree that has just taken root, the strength of "The tree that has taken the of one man may be ablejust to extract;root, but strengthleave it to one man be able to extract but leave it to remain thusmay for a time, and the machinery; of a pur­ remain thus for a and the of a chase may fail to eradicatetime, it: themachinery leak at the dam­pur- chase fail to eradicate it : the leak at the dam- head mightmay have been stopped with a plug, which head have been with a which now itmight has a vent we cannotstopped ford its currentplug, on an now it has a vent we cannot ford its current on an elephant" elephant."Finally it was determined that they should set a it was determined that should set a spyFinally over them, and watch an opportunitythey when they over and watch an when hadspy madethem, a sally upon anotheropportunity tribe, and left theirthey had made a another and left their citadel unguarded.sally uponSome companiestribe, of able warriors citadel Some of able warriors and experiencedunguarded. troops werecompanies sent, that they might and were that concealexperienced themselvestroops in the recessessent, of thethey mountain.might conceal themselves in the recesses of the mountain. At night, when the robbers were returned, jaded with At when the robbers were with theirnight, march and laden with spoil,returned, and jadedhad stript their march and laden with and had themselves of their armour, spoil,and deposited stripttheir themselves of their and their plunder, the foremost armour,enemy they haddeposited to encounter the foremost had to encounter wasplunder, sleep. N ow that enemythe firstthey watch of night was was sleep. Now that the first watch of night was gone :-"" the disc of the sun was withdrawn into a : the disc of the sun was withdrawn into a shade,gone and] onas had stepped into the fish's mouth:" and had into the fish's mouth :" -theshade, bold-heartedJonas warriorsstepped sprang from their ambush the bold-hearted warriors from their ambush and secured the robbers by pinioningsprang them one after and secured the robbers them one after another. by pinioning another. In the morning they presented them at the royal In the them at the tribunal, andmorning the kingthey gavepresented an order to put the wholeroyal and the an order to the whole totribunal, death. Thereking happenedgave to be amongput them a to death. There to be them a stripling, the fruit ofhappened whose early springamong was ripening the fruit of whose was instripling, its bloom, and the flower-gardenearly spring of hisripening cheek in its and the of his cheek shootingbloom, into blossom. Oneflower-garden of the viziers kissed the into blossom. One of the viziers kissed the footshooting of the imperial throne, and laid the face of foot of the and laid the face of intercession onimperial the ground,throne, and said, This boy has intercession on the ground, and said, This boy has SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SAJDL 83

notnot yetyet tastedtasted thethe fruitfruit ofof thethe gardengarden ofof life,life, nornor enjoyedenjoyed thethe fragrancefragrance ofof thethe flowersflowers ofof youth:youth : suchsuch isis mymy confidenceconfidence inin thethe generousgenerous dispositiondisposition ofof hishis majestymajesty thatthat itit willwill favourfavour a.a ,devoteddevoted servantservant byby sparingsparing hishis blood.blood. TheThe kingking turnedturned hishis faceface awayaway from this as it did not accord with his from this speech;speech ; as it did not accord with his loftylofty " wayway ofof thinking,thinking, hehe repliedreplied :-": TheThe raysrays ofof thethe vir­vir- such as are vicious tuoustuous cannotcannot illuminateilluminate such as are radicallyradically vicious; ; ... _ toto givegive educationeducation toto thethe worthlessworthless isis likelike throwingthrowing . \valnutswalnuts uponupon aa dome:dome:" "-itit werewere wiserwiser toto eradi­eradi- catecate thethe treetree ofof theirtheir wickedness,wickedness, andand annihilateannihilate theirtheir tribe for to out a fire and leave the and tribe; ; for to putput out a fire and leave the embers,embers, and toto killkill aa viperviper andand fosterfoster itsits young,young, wouldwould notnot bebe thethe " actsacts ofof rationalrational beings.-"beings. ThoughThough thethe cloudsclouds pourpour downdown thethe waterwater ofof vegetavegetation, tion, thouthou canstcanst nevernever gathergather fruitfruit fromfrom aa willowwillow twig.twig. ExaltExalt notnot thethe fortunefortune ofof thethe abject,abject, forfor thouthou canstcanst nevernever extractextract sugarsugar fromfrom aa matmat oror commoncommon cane."cane." vizier listened to this or TheThe vizier listened to this speech;speech ; willinglywillingly or notnot

hehe approvedapproved ofof it,it, andand applaudedapplauded thethe goodgood sensesense ofof

thethe king,king, andand said:said : WhatWhat hishis majesty,majesty, 'Whosewhose dominiondominion t'sis eternal,eternal, isis pleasedpleased toto remarkremark isis thethe mirrormirror ofof probityprobity andand essenceessence ofof goodgood policy,policy, forfor hadhad hehe beenbeen broughtbrought. upup inin thethe societysociety ofof thosethose vagabonds,vagabonds, andand confinedconfined toto theirtheir service,service, hehe wouldwould havehave followedfollowed theirtheir viciousvicious courses.courses. YourYour servant,servant, however,however, truststrusts thatthat hehe maymay bebe instructedinstructed toto associateassociate withwith thethe virtuous,virtuous, andand taketake toto the habits of the for he is still a and the habits of the prudent;prudent ; for he is still a child,child, and thethe lawlesslawless andand refractoryrefractory principlesprinciples ofof thatthat ganggang have tainted his and it is in tradi- cannotcannot have yetyet tainted his mind;mind ; and it is in tradi­ tiontion that-that WhateverWhatever childchild isis bor1Z,born, andand hehe t'sis verilyverily SHAIKH SADI. 84 SHAIKH SADL born after the right way of orthodozy, namely Islamism, born the afterwardsafter hisright fatherway andof orthodoxy his mother', namely bring IlimIslamism, up as a his and his mother him as a afterwardsJew, Christian,father or Gttebre.-" The bringwife of Lotup asso­ or Guebre. " The wife of Lot asso- Jew,ciatedChristian, with the wicked, and her posterity failed in ciated with the and her failed in the gift of prophecy;wicked, the dog ofposterity the seven sleepers the of the of the seven [at giftEphesus]prophecy; for some timedog took the pathsleepers of the for some time took the of the [atrighteous,Ephesus] and became a rational being." path and became a rational righteous,He said this, and a body ofbeing." the courtiers joined He said and a of the courtiers him in intercession,this, tillbody the king acceded joinedto the him in till the acceded to the youth's intercession,pardon, and answered:king I gave him up, though youth's pardon, and answered : I gave him up, though I saw not the good of it.-"" Knowest thou what Zal I saw not the of it. Knowest thou what Zal said to the heroicgood Rostam: Thou must not consider said to the heroic Rostam : Thou must not consider thy foe as abject and helpless. I have often found foe as and I have often found thya small streamabject at thehelpless. fountain-head, which, when a small stream at the when followed up, carried awayfountain-head, the camel andwhich, its load." followed carried the camel and its load." In short,up, the vizieraway took the boy home, and edu­ In short, the vizier took the home, and edu- cated him with kindness andboy liberality. And he cated him with kindness and And he appointed him masters and tutors,liberality. who taught him him masters and who him appointedthe graces of logic and rhetoric,tutors, and alltaught manner of the of and and all manner of courtiergraces accomplishments,logic rhetoric, so that he met general courtier so that he met approbation.accomplishments, On one occasion the vizier generalwas de­ On one occasion the vizier was de- approbation.tailing some instances of his proficiency and talents some instances of his and talents tailingin the royal presence, and saying:proficiency The instruction of in the and : The instruction of the wiseroyal haspresence, made an impressionsaying upon him, and his the wise has made an and his former savageness is obliteratedimpression fromupon hishim, mind. The former savageness is obliterated from his mind. The king smiled at this speech, and replied :-"" The whelp smiled at this and : The kingof a wolf must provespeech, a wolf atreplied last, notwithstandingwhelp of a wolf must a wolf at he may be broughtprove up by a man."last, notwithstanding he be a man." mayTwo yearsbrought afterup this by a gang of city vagabonds got Two after this a of about yearshim, and joined gangin league,city tillvagabonds on an oppor­got about and in till on an tunityhim, he murderedjoined the vizierleague, and his two sons;oppor- and, the vizier his sons tunity he murdered and two ; and, SHAIKH SADI. 85 SHAIKH SADL 85 carrying off an immense booty, he took up the station off an immense he took the station ofcarrying his father in the denbooty, of thieves, andup became a of his father in the den of and became a hardened villain. The king thieves,was apprised of this hardened villain. The was of this event; and, seizing the handking of amazementapprised with the event the hand of amazement with the ; and, seizing teeth of regret, said :-"" How can any person manu­ teeth of said : How can manu- facture a regret,tempered sabre from baseany iron;person nor can a facture a sabre from base iron nor can a base-born temperedman, 0 wiseacre, be made a gentleman; by base-born O be made a any educationman, I Rain,wiseacre, in the purity of gentlemanwhose natureby education ! in the of whose nature • -- thereany is no anomaly,Rain, cherishespurity the tulip in the garden there is no cherishes the in the and commonanomaly, weed in the salt marsh.tulip Waste notgarden thy and common weed in the salt marsh. Waste not labour in scattered seed upon a briny soil, for it canthy labour in scattered seed a for it can never be made to yield spikenard;upon briny to confersoil, a favour never be made to to confer a favour on the wicked is ofyield a likespikenard import, as; if thou didst an on the wicked is of a like as if thou didst an injury to the good." import, injury to the good." v. V. At the gate of Oghlamish Patan, King of Delhi, I At the of of I [namely Sadi]gate sawOghlamish an officer'sPatan, son, Kingwho, in Delhi,his wit saw an officer's in his wit and[namely learning,Sadi] wisdom and understanding,son, who, surpassed and wisdom and all mannerlearning, of encomium. Inunderstanding, the prime of youth,surpassed he all manner of encomium. In the of he at the same time bore on his foreheadprime the youth,traces of at the same time bore on his forehead the traces of ripe age, and exhibited on his cheek the features of ripe age, and exhibited on his cheek the features of good fortune :-"" above his head, from his prudent fortune : above his from his conduct,good the star of superiorityhead, shone conspicuous."prudent the star of shone conduct,In short, it was noticedsuperiority with approbationconspicuous." by the In it was noticed with the king thatshort, he possessed bodily accomplishmentsapprobation by and that he and mentalking endowments.possessed Andbodily sagesaccomplishments have remarked that mental endowments. And have remarked that worth rests not on riches, butsages on talents; and the worth rests not on but on talents and the discretion of age, not inriches, years, but on good sense.; His discretion of not in but on sense. His comrades enviedage, his goodyears, fortune, chargedgood him with comrades envied his him with disaffection, and vainlygood attemptedfortune, tocharged have him put to disaffection, and vainly attempted to have him put to 86 SHAIKH SA.DI. 86 SHAIKH SADI. death :-" but what can the rival effect so long as the " death : but what can the rival effect so long as the charmer is our friend?"" charmerThe kingis our asked,friend saying,? Why do they show such a Thedisinclinationking asked, to dosaying, you justice?Why doHethey replied:show Undersuch athedisinclination shadow ofto hisdo youmajesty'sjustice ?goodHe repliedfortune: UnderI have thepleasedshadow everybody,of his exceptingmajesty's goodthe enviousfortune man,I have who pleasedis not toeverybody, be satisfiedexcepting but with athe declineenvious of myman, success;who is not to be satisfied but with a decline of success and let the prosperity and dominion of mymy lord the; andkinglet bethe perpetualprosperity !-«and I candominion so manageof my aslord to thegive " kingumbragebe perpetualto no man's! Iheart;can sobutmanage what canas I todo givewith to no man's heart but what can I do with umbragethe envious man, who harbours; within himself the thecauseenvious of his man,own chagrin?who harbours Die,Owithin ye envious,himself thatthe ye causemay get of his a deliverance;own chagrin ? forDie, thisO isye suchenvious, an evilthat thatye a deliverance for this is such an evil that mayyou getcan get rid of it only; by death.-Men soured by youmisfortunecan get anxiouslyrid of it onlydesireby thatdeath. the stateMen andsoured fortuneby misfortuneof the prosperousanxiously maydesire decline;that the if thestate eyeand offortune the bat of the decline if the of the bat is not suitedprosperous for seeingmay by day,; how caneye the fountain isofnot thesuited sun forbe seeingto blame?by day, Dosthow canthouthe requirefountain the oftruth?the sunIt werebe to betterblame? a thousandDost thousuch requireeyes shouldthe truth?suffer, ratherIt were thanbetter thata thousandthe light suchof theeyes sunshould were suffer,obscured."rather than that the light of the sun were obscured." VI. VI. They tell a story of a Persian king who had stretchedThey tell fortha storythe armof ofa oppressionPersian king overwho the hadsub­ stretchedjects' property,forth theand armcommencedof oppression a systemover ofthe violence sub- jects'and property,rapacity andto suchcommenced a degreea system that oftheviolence people andemigratedrapacity to avoidto such the vexatiousnessa degree that of thehis tyranny,people emigratedand took theto avoid road theof exilevexatiousness to escapeof thehis annoyancetyranny, andof histook extortions.the road of Nowexile tothatescape the populationthe annoyance was ofdiminishedhis extortions. and the resourcesNow that of thethe populationstate had failed,was diminished and the resources of the state had failed, SHAIKHSHAIKH SAVIoSADL 87 thethe treasurytreasury remainedremained empty,empty, andand enemiesenemies gatheredgathered " strengthstrength onon allall sides.-"sides. WhoeverWhoever maymay expectexpect aa comfortercomforter onon thethe dayday ofof adversity,adversity, say,say, letlet himhim the season of practisepractise humanityhumanity duringduring the season of prosperity;prosperity ; ifif notnot treatedtreated cordially,cordially, thythy devoteddevoted slaveslave willwill forsakeforsake the thee;thee ; showshow himhim kindnesskindness andand affection,affection, andand the strangerstranger maymay becomebecome thethe slaveslave ofof thythy devo­devo- tion."tion." OneOne dayday theythey werewere reading,reading, inin his his presence,presence, fromfrom thethe Shahnamah,Shahnamah, ofof the the tyranttyrant Zohhak'sZohhak's decliningdeclining dominiondominion andand thethe successionsuccession ofof Firedown.Firedown. TheThe viziervizier askedasked thethe king,king, saying:saying : CanCan youyou soso farfar com­com- prehendprehend thatthat FiredownFiredown hadhad nono revenue,revenue, domain,domain, oror army,army, andand howhow thethe kingdomkingdom camecame toto ·.bebe confirmedconfirmed withwith him?him ? HeHe answered:answered : AsAs youyou havehave heard,heard, aa bodybody ofof peoplepeople collectedcollected aboutabout himhim fromfrom attachment,attachment, andand gavegave theirtheir assistanceassistance tilltill hehe acquiredacquired aa kingdom.kingdom. TheThe is viziervizier said:said : Since,Since, 0O sire,sire, aa gatheringgathering ofof thethe peoplepeople is thethe meansmeans ofof formingforming aa kingdom,kingdom, howhow comecome youyou inin factfact toto causecause theirtheir dispersiondispersion unlessunless itit bebe thatthat youyou " covetcovet notnot aa sovereigntysovereignty ?_H? SOSo farfar werewere goodgood thatthat thouthou wouldstwouldst patronisepatronise thethe armyarmy withwith allall thythy heart,heart, forfor aa kingking withwith anan armyarmy constitutesconstitutes aa principality."principality."

TheThe kingking asked:asked : \VhatWhat areare thethe bestbest meansmeans ofof collectingcollecting anan armyarmy andand yeomanry?yeomanry ? HeHe replied:replied : MunificenceMunificence isis thethe dutyduty ofof aa king,king, thatthat thethe peoplepeople maymay assembleassemble aroundaround him,him, andand clemency,clemency, thatthat theythey maymay restrest securesecure underunder thethe asylumasylum ofof hishis dominiondominion andand fortune,fortune, neitherneither H" ofof whichwhich youyou have.-have. AA tyranttyrant cannotcannot governgovern aa king­king- dom,dom, forfor thethe dutyduty ofof aa shepherdshepherd isis notnot expectedexpected fromfrom thethe wol£wolf. AA kingking thatthat cancan anyhowanyhow bebe accessoryaccessory 8888 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI.

tototyranny tyranny willwill undermineundermine thethe wallwall ofofhis his ownown sovereignty."sovereign ty." TheTheadvice adviceof ofthe theprudent prudentminister ministerdid didnot notaccord accord withwiththe thedisposition dispositionof ofthe theking. king. HeHeordered orderedhim himto to . bebeconfined, confined,and andimmured immuredhim himin ina adungeon. dungeon. ItItsoon soon camecameto topass passthat thatthe thesons sonsof ofthe theking's king'suncle unclerose rosein in opposition,opposition,levied leviedan anarmy armyin insupport supportof oftheir theirpreten- preten­ sions,sions,and andclaimed claimedthe thesovereignty sovereigntyof oftheir theirfather. father. AA hosthostof ofthe thepeople, people,who whohad hadcruelly cruellysuffered sufferedunder underthe the armarmof ofhis his extortionextortionand and wereweredispersed, dispersed,gathered gathered aroundaroundand andsuccoured succouredthem themtill tillthey theydispossessed dispossessedhim him ofofhis hiskingdom kingdomand andestablished establishedthem themin inhis hisstead. stead.­ " That"Thatking kingwho whocan canapprove approveof oftyrannising tyrannisingover overthe the weakweakwill willfind findhis hisfriend frienda abitter bitterfoe foein inthe theday dayof of hardship.hardship. DealDeal fairlyfairly withwiththy thysubjects, subjects,and andrest rest easyeasyabout aboutthe thewarfare warfareof ofthine thineenemies, enemies,for forwith withan an uprightuprightprince princehis hisyeomanry yeomanryis isan anarmy." army."

VII.VII.

AAking kingwas wasembarked embarkedalong alongwith witha aPersian Persianslave slaveon on boardboarda aship. ship. TheTheboy boyhad hadnever neverbeen beenat atsea, sea,nor nor experiencedexperiencedthe theinconvenience inconvenienceof of a aship. ship. HeHeset setup up a aweeping weepingand andwailing, wailing,and andall allhis hislimbs limbswere werein ina a state of however state oftrepidation trepidation;; and, and, howevermuch muchthey theysoothed soothed him,him,he hewas wasnot notto tobe bepacified. pacified. TheTheking's king'spleasure- pleasure­ was disconcerted him but had no partyparty was disconcertedby by him;; butthey they had nohelp. help. OnOnboard boardthat thatship shipthere therewas wasa aphysician. physician. HeHesaid saidto to If will I thetheking, king, Ifyou you willorder orderit, it, Ican canmanage manageto tosilence silence

him.him. TheTheking kingreplied replied:: It Itwill willbe bean anact actof ofgreat great favour.favour. TheThephysician physicianso sodirected directedthat thatthey theythrew threw SHAIKH SA.DI. 89 SHAIKH SADL 89 the boy into the sea, and after he had plunged the into the and after he had repeatedly,boy they seizedsea, him by the hair of theplunged head seized him the hair of the head andrepeatedly, drew himthey close to the ship,by when he clung with and drew him close to the when he with both hands by the rudder, and,ship, scramblingclung upon the both hands the the deck, slunk intoby a cornerrudder, andand, satscrambling down quiet.upon The slunk into a corner and sat down The king,deck, pleased with what he saw, said: Whatquiet. art is with what he said : What art is thereking, inpleased this? He replied: saw,Originally he had not there in this ? He : he had not experienced the dangerreplied of beingOriginally drowned, and under- experienced the danger of being drowned, and under- ~ ... valued the safety of being in a ship; in like manner, valued the of in a in like . "as a person issafety aware ofbeing the preciousnessship ; of healthmanner, when as a person is aware of the preciousness of health when he is overtaken with the calamity of sickness.-"" A he is overtaken with the of sickness. A barley loaf of bread has, 0 epicure,calamity no relish for thee. loaf of bread O no relish for thee. Thatbarley is my mistress whohas, appearsepicure, so ugly to thy eye.­ That is mistress who so to To the huris,my or nymphs ofappears paradise, Iraf,ugly or purgatory,thy eye. To the or of or would behuris, a hell;nymphs ask the paradise,inmates Iraf,of hellpurgatory, whether would be a hell ask the inmates of hell whether purgatory is not ; paradise.-There is a distinction is not There is a distinction betweenpurgatory the man thatparadise. folds his mistress in his arms between the man that folds his mistress in his arms and him whose two eyes are fixed on the door and him whose two are fixed on the door expecting her." eyes expecting her."

VIII. VIII. They asked Hormuz, son of Nushirowan, What asked Hormuz, son of What faultThey did you find with your father'sNushirowan, ministers that fault did find with father's ministers that you orderedyou them into confinement?your He replied: I ordered them into confinement ? He : I sawyou no fault that might deserve imprisonment;replied yet I saw no fault that deserve I perceived that anymight reverence for imprisonmentme makes a ; slightyet that reverence for me makes a impressionperceived on anytheir minds, and that they putslight no on their and that no implicitimpression reliance on myminds, promise. I fearedthey lestput from reliance on I feared lest from animplicit apprehension of theirmy ownpromise. safety they might con­ an of their own con- spireapprehension my ruin; therefore, put insafety practicethey thatmight maxim ruin in that spire my ; therefore, put practice maxim 90 SHAIKH SADI. 90 SHAIKH SADL of philosophers who have told us._CC Stand in awe, 0 of who have told us. "Stand in O wisephilosophers man, of him who stands in awe of thee, awe,notwith­ wise of him who stands in awe of notwith- standingman, thou canst cope with a hundredthee, such as he. thou canst with a hundred such as he. standingTherefore will the copesnake bite the herdsman's foot, Therefore will the snake bite the herdsman's because it fears that he will bruise its head withfoot, a because it fears that he will bruise its head with a stone. Seest thou not that now that the cat is stone. Seest thou not that now that the cat is desperate it will tear out the tiger's eyes with its it will tear out the with its desperateclaws." tiger's eyes claws." IX. IX. In his old age an Arab king was grievously sick, In his old an Arab was and had no agehopes of recovery,king when, grievouslylo! a messengersick, and had no of lo ! a on horsebackhopes presentedrecovery, himselfwhen, at the palace-gate,messenger and on horseback himself at the and joyfully announced,presented saying: Under hispalace-gate, majesty's good : Under his joyfullyfortuneannounced, we have takensaying such a stronghold,majesty's madegood the fortune we have taken such a made the enemy prisoners of war, and stronghold,reduced all the land­ of and reduced all the land- enemyholdersprisoners and vassalswar, of that quarter to obedience as holders and vassals of that to obedience as sUbjects. On hearing this quarternews the king fetched a On this news the fetched a subjects.cold sigh, andhearing answered: These gladking tidings are not cold and answered : These are not intendedsigh, for me but for my rivals,glad namely,tidings the heirs intended for me but for my rivals, namely, the heirs of the sovereignty.-cc" l\,fy precious life has, alas! been of the life alas ! been wastedsovereignty. in the hope thatMy whatprecious my hearthas, chiefly coveted wasted in the that what heart coveted might enter hopeat my gate. myl\ly boundenchiefly hope was enter at bounden was mightgratified; yet whatmy gate.do I benefitMy by that?hope There is what do I benefit that ? There is gratified ; yet by no hope that my passed life can return."-cc" The hand no that life can return." The hand ofhope death beatmy thepassed drum of departure. Yes, my two of death beat the drum of two eyes, you must bid adieu todeparture. my head. Yes,Yes,my palm of must bid adieu to head. of eyes,my hand,you wrist, and arm, allmy of you sayYes, farewell,palm and and all of and myeachhand, takewrist, leave ofarm, the other. youDeathsay hasfarewell, overtaken each take leave of the other. Death has overtaken me to the gratification of my foes; and you, 0 my me to the of foes and O friends, mustgratification at last be going.my My; daysyou, were blazedmy friends, must at last be going. My days were blazed SHAIKH SA.DI. 9 I SHAIKH SADL 91 away in folly; what I did not do let you take warning in what I did not do let take [andaway do]."folly ; you warning [and do]." x. X. At the metropolitan mosque of Damascus I was At the of Damascus I was one year ferventmetropolitan in prayermosque over the tomb of Yahiya, one fervent in over the tomb of or Johnyear the Baptistprayer and prophet, on whom beYahiya, God's or the and on whom be God's blessing,John whenBaptist one of theprophet, Arab princes, who was blessing, when one of the Arab princes, who was ~ ... notorious for his injustice, chanced to arrive on a notorious for his chanced to arrive on a pilgrimage, and he injustice,put up his supplication, asked a and he his asked a benediction,pilgrimage, and cravedput uphis wants.-"supplication, The rich and and craved his wants. "The rich and poorbenediction, are equally the devoted slaves of this shrine, and are the devoted slaves of this and thepoor richerequally they are the more they stand shrine,in need of the richer are the more stand in need of succour."-Thenthey he spoke to me,they saying: In conformity succour." Then he to In with the generous resolutionspoke me, ofsaying: darweshesconformity and their with the resolution of darweshes and their sincere zeal,generous you will, I trust, unite with me in prayer, sincere I unite with me in for I havezeal, muchyou will,to feartrust, from a powerful enemy.prayer, I for I have much to fear from a I answered him, Have compa:ssion powerfulon your enemy.own weak answered him, Have on own weak subjects, that you maycompassion not see disquietyour from a strong that not see from a subjects,foe.-" With ayou mightymay arm anddisquiet heavy handstrong it is foe. "With a arm and hand it is dastardly to wrenchmighty the wrists of poorheavy and helpless. to wrench the wrists of and dastardlyIs he not afraid who is hard-heartedpoor with thehelpless. fallen Is he not afraid who is hard-hearted with the fallen that if he slip his foot nobody will take him by the that if he his foot will take him the hand ?-Whoeverslip sowednobody the seed of vice and expectedby hand ? Whoever sowed the seed of vice and a virtuous produce, pampered a vain brainexpected and a virtuous a vain brain and encouraged anproduce, idle whim.pampered Take the cotton from thy encouraged an idle whim. Take the cotton from ear and do mankind justice, for if thou refusest themthy ear and do mankind for if thou refusest them justice there is a dayjustice, of retribution."-The sons of there is a of retribution." The sons of justiceAdam are membersday one of another, for in their crea­ Adam are members one of for in their crea- tion they have a common origin.another, If the vicissitudes tion have a common If the vicissitudes of fortunethey involve one memberorigin. in pain, all the other of fortune involve one member in pain, all the other SHAIKH SADI. 92 SHAIKH SADI. . members will feel a sympathy. Thou, who art indif­ will feel a who art indif- membersferent to other men'ssympathy. affliction, ifThou, they call thee a qlan if call thee a man ferentart unto worthyother ofmen's the affliction,name." they art unworthy of the name." XI. XI. A darwesh, whose prayers had a ready acceptance had a [withA darwesh, God], madewhose hisprayers appearance atready Baghdad.acceptance Hojaj made his at [withYusufGod], [a great tyrant]appearance sent for himBaghdad. and said: HojajPut up Yusuf sent for him and said : Put a good[a greatprayertyrant] for me. He prayed, 0 God! takeup a for me. He O God ! take fromgood himprayer his life! Hojaj said,prayed, For God's sake, what from him his life ! For God's what manner of prayer isHojaj this?said, He answered:sake, It is a manner of is this ? He answered : It is a salutary prayerprayer for you, and for the whole sect of for for the whole sect of salutaryMussulmans.-"prayer 0 you,mightyand sir, thou oppressor of the Mussulmans. " O thou of the feeble, how long canmighty this violencesir, remainoppressor marketable? how can this violence remain marketable ? feeble,For what longpurpose came the sovereignty to thee? For what came the to thee? Thy deathpurpose were preferable to sovereigntythy tyrannising over Thymankind."death were preferable to thy tyrannising over mankind." XII. XII. An unjust king asked a holy man, saying, What An asked a What is moreunjust excellentking than prayers?holy man,He answered:saying, For is more excellent than ? He answered : you to remain asleep prayerstill mid-day, that for thisFor one you to remain asleep till mid-day, that for this one interval you might not afflict mankind.-"" I saw a interval afflict mankind. I tyrant youlyingmight dormantnot at noon, and said, Thissaw ais dormant at and This is tyrantmischief,lying and is best lullednoon, to sleep. said,It were better and is best lulled to It were mischief,that such a reprobate were deadsleep. whose state ofbetter sleep that such a were dead whose state is preferablereprobate to his being awake." of sleep is preferable to his being awake." XIII.. XIII. I have heard of a king who had turned night illto I have heard of a who had turned into day in the midst of conviviality,king and in thenight gaiety of day in the midst of conviviality, and in the gaiety of SHAIKH SADI. 93 SHAIKH SADL 93

intoxication was exclaiming,-"" I never wa~ in this intoxication was I never was in this life happier than exclaiming,at this present moment, for I have life happier than at this present moment, for I have no thought of evil or good, and care for nobody 1"­" no of evil or and care for ! A nakedthought darwesh, whogood, had taken up hisnobody rest in the A naked darvvesh, who had taken up his rest in the cold outside, answered,-"" 0 thou who in good fortune cold O thou who in fortune hast outside,not thyanswered, equal in the world, I admitgood that thou hast not in the I admit that thou hast no causethy equal of care for thyself,world, but hast thou none hast no cause of care for thyself, but hast thou none for us ? ""-The king was pleased at this speech. He for us ? The king was pleased at this speech. He < - put a purse of a thousand dinars out at the window, a of a thousand dinars out at the putand said:purse 0 darwesh! hold up your skirt.window, He and said : O darwesh ! hold skirt He replied, Where can I find a skirt,up your who have not a Where can 1 find a who have not a replied,garment. The king was still skirt,more touched at the The was still more touched at the garment.hardship of his kingcondition, and adding an honorary of his and an hardshipdress to that donation,condition, sent themadding out to him. honorary dress to that sent them out to him. The darweshdonation, squandered all that ready cash within The darwesh all that cash within a few days, and squanderedfalling again into distress,ready returned.­ a few days, and falling again into distress, returned. ""Money makes no stay in the hand of a religious makes no in the hand of a independent;Money neitherstay does patience in a lover'sreligious heart, neither does in a lover's independentnor water in ; a sieve."-At apatience time when the kingheart, had nor water in a sieve." At a time when the king had no thought about him they obtruded his ~ase, and he no about him obtruded his and he tookthought offence and turnedthey away his face. case,And it is on took offence and turned away his face. And it is on such an occasion that men of prudence and experi­ such an occasion that men of and ence have remarked that it behovesprudence us to experi-guard ence have remarked that it behoves us to against the wrath and fury of kings, whose guardnoble the wrath and of whose noble againstthoughts are chiefly occupiedfury withkings, important affairs are with affairs thoughtsof state, and cannotchiefly endureoccupied the importunateimportant clamours of state, and cannot endure the importunate clamours of the vulgar.-"" The bounty of the sovereign is of the The of the is forbid tovulgar. him who doesbounty not watch a propersovereign oppor­ forbid to him who does not watch a tunity. Till thou canst perceive a convenientproper oppor- time Till thou canst a convenient time tunity.for· obtruding an opinion,perceive undermine not thy con­ for an undermine not con- sequenceobtruding by idle opinion,talk."-The king said, thyLet this sequence by idle talk." The king said, Let this 9494 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADI. impudent beggar and spendthrift be beaten and driven impudent beggar and spendthrift be beaten and driven away, who in a short time dissipated such a sum of away, who in a short time dissipated such a sum of money, for the treasury of the Beat-aI-mal, or charity money, for the treasury of the Beat-al-mal, or charity fund, is intended to afford mouthfuls to the poor, and fund, is intended to afford mouthfuls to the poor, and not bellyfuls to the imps of the devil.-"" That fool not bellyfuls to the imps of the devil. That fool who can illuminate the day with a camphorated who can illuminate the day with a camphorated taper, must soon feel a want of oil for his lamp at taper, must soon feel a want of oil for his lamp at night." night." One of his discreet ministers said: 0 king, it were One of his discreet ministers said : O king, it were expedient to supply such people with their means expedient to supply such people with their means of subsistence by instalments, that they may not of subsistence by instalments, that they may not squander theirtheir absoluteabsolute necessariesnecessaries; but, withwith respect squander ; but, respect to what your majesty commanded as to coercion and to what your majesty commanded as to coercion and prohibition, though it be correct, a party might prohibition, though it be correct, a party might impute it to parsimony. Nor does it moreover accord impute it to parsimony. Nor does it moreover accord with the principles of the generous to encourage a with the principles of the generous to encourage a man to hope for kindness and then overwhelm him man to hope for kindness and then overwhelm him with heart-breaking distrust :-"" Thou must not open with heart-breaking distrust : Thou must not open upon thyself thethe doordoor ofof covetousnesscovetousness; andand whenwhen upon thyself ; opened, thou must not shut it with harshness.-N 0- opened, thou must not shut it with harshness. No- body will see the thirsty pilgrims crowding towards body will see the thirsty pilgrims crowding towards thethe shoreshore ofof thethe briny oceanocean; butbut men, birds, andand briny ; men, birds, reptiles will flock together wherever they can meet reptiles will flock together wherever they can meet aa freshfresh waterwater fountain."fountain."

XIV.XIV. One of the ancient kings was easy with the One of the ancient kings was easy with the yeomanry in collecting his revenue, but hard on the yeomanry in collecting his revenue, but hard on the soldiery in his issue of pay; and when a formidable soldiery in his issue of pay; and when a formidable enemy showed its face, these all turned their backs.- enemy showed its face, these all turned their backs. SHAIKH SADI. 95 SHAIKH SADL 95

«" vVhenever the king is remiss in paying his troops, Whenever the is remiss in his the troops will relaxking in handling theirpaying arms. troops,What the will relax in their arms. What braverytroops can he display inhandling the ranks of battle whose can he in the ranks of battle whose handbravery is destitutedisplay of the means of living." hand is destitute of the means of One of those who had excusedliving." themselves was One of those who had excused themselves was in some sort my intimate. I reproached him and in some sort intimate. I him and said, He is basemy and ungrateful, reproachedmean and disreput­ He is base and mean and ablesaid, who, on a triflingungrateful, change of circumstances,disreput- can able who, on a trifling change of circumstances, can < .., desert his old master and forget his obligation of desert his old master and his of many years' employment. Heforget replied:obligation Were I to He : Were I to speakmany out,years' I swearemployment. by generosityreplied you would excuse I swear would excuse me.speak Peradventure,out, myby generosityhorse was youwithout corn, and me. horse was without and the housingsPeradventure, of his saddlemy in pawn.-And thecorn, prince the of his saddle in And the who,housings through parsimony, withholdspawn. his army'sprince pay withholds his cannotwho, through expect itparsimony, to enter heartily upon hisarmy's service.­pay cannot it to enter his service. "Give moneyexpect to the gallantheartily soldierupon that he may be " Give to the soldier that he be zealous moneyin thy cause, forgallant if he is stinted of, his maydue he zealous in for if he is stinted of his due he will go abroadthy cause, for service.-So long as a warrior is will abroad for service. So as a warrior is replenishedgo with food he will fight longvaliantly, and when with he will and when hisreplenished belly is emptyfood he will run awayfight valiantly,sturdily." his belly is empty lie will run away sturdily? xv. XV. One of the VIZIers was displaced, and withdrew One of the viziers was and withdrew into a fraternity of darweshes,displaced, whose blessed society into a of whose blessed made itsfraternity impression upondarweshes, him and afforded consola­society made its him and afforded consola- tion to hisimpression mind.. Theupon king was again favourably tion to his mind. . The was disposed towards him, andking offered hisagain reinstatementfavourably towards and offered his reinstatement indisposed office; but he consentedhim, not, and said, With the in but he consented and With the wiseoffice; it is deemed preferable tonot, be out ofsaid, office than to wise it is deemed preferable to be out of office than to remain in place.-"" Such as sat within the cell of remain in place. Such as sat within the cell of SHAIKH SADI. 96 SHAIKH SADL retirement blunted the teeth of dogs, and shut the retirement blunted the teeth of and shut the mouths of mankind; they destroyeddogs, their writings, mouths of mankind their and broke their writing; they reeds,destroyed and escapedwritings, the lash and broke their and the lash and venom of thewriting critics."-reeds,The kingescaped answered: At and venom of the critics." The answered: At all events I require a prudent andking able man, who is all events I a and able who is capable of managingrequire theprudent state affairs of myman, kingdom. of the state affairs of capableThe ex-ministermanaging said: The criterion, 0 mysire,kingdom. of a wise The ex-minister said: The O of a wise and competent man is thatcriterion, he will notsire, meddle with and competent man is that he will not meddle with such like matters.-"" The homayi, or phrenix, is hon­ such like matters. The or is hon- oured above all other birdshomayi, because itphoenix, feeds on bones, oured above all other birds because it feeds on and injures no living creature." bones, and no creature." Ainjures Tamsil, orliving applz'catz'on in point. - They asked A or in asked a Siyah-gosh,Tamsil, orapplication lion-provider, point.Why doThey you choose a or do choose theSiyah-gosh, service of thelion-provider, lion? He Whyanswered:you Because I the service of the lion? He answered: Because I subsist on the leavings of his prey, and am secure subsist on the of his and am secure from the ill-willleavings of my enemiesprey, under the asylum of from the ill-will of enemies under the of his valour. They said:my Now you have got asylumwithin the his valour. They said : Now you have got within the shadow of his protection and admit a ~rateful sense of shadow of his and admit a sense of his bounty, whyprotection do you not approachgrateful more closely, his do not more thatbounty, he maywhy includeyou you withinapproach the circle ofclosely, select that he include within the circle of select courtiersmay and number youyou among his chosen servants? courtiers and number his chosen servants? He replied, I should notyou thusamong be safe from his violence. He I should not thus be safe from his violence. -"replied, Though a Guebre may keep his fire alight for a a Guebre his fire for a hundred"Though years, if he fallmay oncekeep within its flamealight it will hundred if he fall once within its flame it will bum him.-Proculyears, aJove, procul afltlmine. It on one burn him. Procul d d It on one occasion may chanceJove, thatprocul the courtierfulmine. of the king's occasion chance that the courtier of the presencemay shall pick up a purse of gold, and theking's next shall a of and the next presencethat he shall picklie shorterup purse by the head.gold, And philoso­ that he shall lie shorter the head. And phers have remarked, saying,by It is incumbent philoso-on us to have It is incumbent on us to phersbe constantlyremarked, aware ofsaying, the fickle dispositions of kings, be aware of the fickle of whoconstantly will one moment take offencedispositions at a salutation,kings, and who will one moment take offence at a salutation, and SHAIKH SADI. 97 SHAIKH SADL 97 at another make an honorary dress the return for an atactanother of rudeness;make anandhonorary they havedress said,the Thatreturn to befor overan act of rudeness and have That to be over much facetious ;is the accomplishmentthey said, of courtiers and muchblemishfacetious of the wise.-"is the accomplishment Be wary, and preserveof courtiers the stateand " blemishof thine ownof the character,wise. andBe wary, leaveand sportpreserve and buffoonerythe state ofto thinejestersown andcharacter, courtiers."and leave sport and buffoonery to jesters and courtiers." XVI. XVI. One of my associates brought me a complaint of hisOne perverseof my fortune,associates saying,brought I haveme smalla complaintmeans andof a hislargeperverse family,fortune, and cannotsaying, bearI have upsmall with meansmy loadand ofa largepoverty.family, Oftenand hascannot a thoughtbear up crossedwith mymyload mind,of poverty.suggesting,Often Let mehas removea thought into anothercrossed country,my mind, that suggesting,in whateverLet wayme I canremove manageinto aanother livelihoodcountry, none thatmay inbewhatever informed wayof myI cangoodmanage or bad luck.-"a livelihood Oftennone he wentmay " beasleepinformed hungry,of myandgood nobodyor bad wasluck. aware,Often saying,he wentWho asleepis he? hungry,Often didand hisnobody life hangwas uponaware, his saying,lip, and Whonone is he ? did his life his lamentedOften over him."-Onhang the otherupon hand,lip, I andreflectnone on lamentedthe exultationover him."of my Onrivals,the saying,other hand, TheyI willreflect scoff­on theinglyexultation sneer behindof my myrivals, back, saying,and imputeThey mywill zealscoff- in inglybehalfsneer of mybehind familymy to aback, wantand of humanity.-"impute my zealDo butin " behalfbeholdof thatmy gracelessfamily to vagabonda want of whohumanity. can never Dowitnessbut beholdthe facethat of goodgraceless fortune.vagabond He willwho consultcan never the witnessease of thehis faceown ofpersongood fortune.and abandonHe willto distressconsult histhe wife ease andof hischildren."-And,own person and as isabandon known, Ito havedistress somehis smallwife skilland children."in the scienceAnd, of accounts.as is known, If,I throughhave some yoursmall respectedskill in the science of accounts. interest, any office can be obtainedIf, through thatyour mayrespected be the interest,means ofany quietingoffice canmy bemind,obtained I shallthat not,may duringbe thethe meansremainderof quieting of life, mybe ablemind, toI expressshall not, myduring sensethe of of be able remainderits gratitude. life, to express my sense of its gratitude. 749 749 98 SHAIKH SA.DI. 98 SHAIKH SADL I replied, 0 brother, the service of kings offers a twofoldI replied, prospect-aO brother, hopethe ofservice maintenanceof kings andoffers a feara twofoldfor existence;prospect and aithope accordsof maintenancenot with the andcounsela fear of for it the existencewise, under; and that expectation,accords not withto incurthe thiscounsel risk.­of the" Nowise, tax-gathererunder that willexpectation, enter theto darwesh'sincur this risk.abode, "Nosaying,tax-gatherer Pay me the willrent ofenter a fieldthe anddarwesh's orchard; abode,either the rent of a field orchard either saying,put up Paywithme trouble and chagrin,and or give thy; heart- putstringsup t.owith the troublecrows toand pluck."chagrin, or give thy heart-. stringsHe said,to the Thiscrows speechto pluck." is not made as applicable to myHe case,said, norThis havespeech you givenis not memade a categoricalas applicable answer.to myHavecase, younor nothave heardyou givenwhat mehas abeencategorical remarked,answer. His Havehand willyou tremblenot heard on whatrenderinghas beenhis accountremarked, who Hishas handbeen willaccessorytremble to ona dishonestrendering act.-"his account Righteousne£swho has " beenwill insureaccessory the divineto a dishonestfavour; I act.never metRighteousness him going will insure the divine favour I never met him astray who took the righteous; path."-And philoso­going astrayphers havewho tooksaid, theFourrighteous orders ofpath." peop"le Andare mortallyphiloso- phersafraid haveof foursaid, others-theFour orders revenueof people embezzler,are mortally of the afraidking; ofthefour thief,others of the thewatchman;revenue embezzler,the fornicator,of the of the of the the of kingthe eavesdropper;; thief, and watchmanthe adulteress,; offornicator, the censor. the of the censor. theButeavesdropper what has he to; andfear fromadulteress, the comptroller who has Buta fairwhat set hasof heaccount-booksto fear from ?-"the Becomptroller not extravagantwho has aandfair corruptset of whileaccount-books? in office if "Bethou notwishestextravagant that the andmalicecorrupt of thy whilerival mayin office be circumscribedif thou wishest on thatsettlingthe malicethy accounts.of thy rivalBe mayundefiled,be circumscribed 0 brother, onin settlingthy in­ thytegrity,accounts. and fearBe nobody;undefiled, washermenO brother, willin beatthy onlyin- and fear washermen will beat tegrity,dirty clothes againstnobody a stone."; only dirtyI replied,clothes againstThe storya stone." Qf that fox suits your case, whichI replied, they sawThe runningstory ofaway,that stumblingfox suits andyour gettingcase, whichup. Somebodythey saw running asked him,away, Whatstumbling calamityand hasgetting hap­ up.penedSomebody to put youasked in suchhim, a stateWhat ofcalamity trepidation?has hap-He penedsaid, I tohaveput heardyou in thatsuch theya state are ofputtingtrepidation a camel? He in said, I have heard that they are putting a camel in SHAIKH SADL 99 SHAIKH SADL 99 requisition. The other answered, 0 silly animal I

whatrequisition. connectionThe hasother a camelanswered, withO you,silly oranimal what! resemblancewhat connection is therehas betweena camel youwith andyou, it? orHe said,what Beresemblance silent; foris werethere thebetween enviousyou fromand malevolenceit ? He said, to insistBe silent that thisfor iswere a camel,the envious and I shouldfrom malevolencebe seized forto ; one,insist whothat wouldthis isbea socamel, solicitousand Iaboutshould mebe as seizedto inquirefor intoone, whomy case?would beAndso solicitousbefore theyabout canme bringas totheinquire anti- _, doteinto frommy caseIrac? theAnd personbefore bittenthey bycan the bringsnakethe mayanti- be dead.dote fromIn Iraclike themanner,person youbitten possessby the knowledgesnake may andbe integrity,dead. In discriminationlike manner, andyou probity,possess yetknowledge spies lieand in ambush,integrity, anddiscrimination informers lurkand inprobity, corners,yet who,spies notwith­lie in standingambush, andyourinformers moral rectitude,lurk in corners, will notewho, downnotwith- the opposite;standing · yourand shouldmoral rectitude,you anyhowwill standnote downarraignedthe and should stand beforeopposite the; king, and occupyyou .theanyhow place of his reprehen­arraigned sion,before whothe inking, thatand stateoccupy wouldthe stepplace forwardof his reprehen- in your defence?sion, who inAccordingly,that state wouldI wouldstep adviseforward thatin youryou shoulddefence? secureAccordingly, the kingdomI ofwould contentment,advise thatand giveyou upshould all thoughtssecure theof preferment.kingdom of Ascontentment, the wise haveand said:give

-"up all Thethoughts benefitsof ofpreferment. a sea voyageAs thearewise innumerable;have said : " benefits of a sea are innumerable but ifThe thou seekest for safety,voyage it is to be found only; onbut shore."if thou seekest for safety, it is to be found only onMyshore." friend listened to this speech; he got into a friend listened to this he into a passion,My cavilled at my fable, andspeech began; to questiongot it withpassion, warmthcavilled andat asperity,my fable, saying,and began Whatto wisdomquestion orit propriety,with warmth goodand senseasperity, or morality,saying, Whatis therewisdom in this?or Herepropriety, is verifiedgood thatsense maximor morality, of the issage,there whichin this?tells usHere theyis verifiedare friendsthat alonemaxim thatof canthe servesage, uswhich in a tellsjail,

forus theyall ourare enemiesfriends alonemay thatpretendcan friendshipserve us inata jail,our ownfor alltable.-"our enemies Esteemmay him pretendnot a friendfriendship who duringat our " thyown prosperitytable. Esteemwill braghim of nothis alovefriend andwho brotherlyduring affection.thy prosperity I accountwill brag him ofa friendhis love whoand will brotherlytake his affection. I account him a friend who will take his 100 SHAIKH SADI. ioo SHAIKH SADL friend by the hand when struggling with despair, and friendoverwhelmedby the handwith whenmisfortune."struggling with despair, and overwhelmedI perceivedwith withinmisfortune." myself, saying, He is disturbed, andI perceived listens towithin my myself,advice saying,with impatience;He is disturbed, and, and listens to advice with having called uponmy the sahib diwan,impatience or lord; and,high havingtreasurer,called in virtueupon ofthe a former sahib intimacydiwan, orthatlord subsistedhigh treasurer,between us,in virtueI statedof hisa former case andintimacy spoke thatso fullysubsisted upon betweenhis skill us,andI statedmerits,his thatcase heand putspoke him inso nominationfully upon hisfor skilla triflingand office.merits, Afterthat hesomeput time,him havingin nomination adverted forto ahistrifling kindlyoffice. dispositionAfter someand approvedtime, having of advertedhis good tomanagement,his kindly hisdisposition 'promotionand wasapproved in train,of andhis hegood got management,confirmed in hisa muchpromotion higherwas station.in train, Thusand washe gotthe confirmedstar of hisin gooda much fortunehigher in ascension,station. Thustill it rosewas intothe starthe ofzenithhis goodof ambition;fortune inandascension, he becametill theit rosefavouriteinto the zenith of ambition the favourite of his majesty the king,; andtowardshe became whom all turned for ofcounsel,his majesty and uponthe whomking, towardsall eyeswhom restedall theirturned hopesfor I counsel,I rejoicedand at uponthis prosperouswhom all eyeschangerested of histheir affairs,hopes and! Isaidrejoiced :-"Repineat this notprosperous at thy bankruptchange circumstances,of his affairs, and nor said:let thy"Repine heart despond,not at thy for bankruptthe fountaincircumstances, of immortalitynor lethasthy itsheart sourcedespond, of chaos.-Takefor the fountain heed,of 0immortality brotlter -in hasajjlictionits source I a1zd ofbe chaos.not disheartened,Take heed, forO Godbrother has in-in afflictionstore many/ and hiddenbe notmercz"es.-Sitdisheartened, not fordownGod souredhas inat storethe revolutionsmany hidden of themercies. times, Sitfor patiencenot down is souredbitter, yetat theit willrevolutions yield sweetof thefruit."times, for patience is bitter, yet it willAt thatyield juncturesweet fruit." I happened to accompany a party ofAt friendsthat junctureon a journeyI happened to Hijaz,to accompany or Arabia aPetr~a.party ofOnfriends my returnon afromjourney the pilgrimageto Hijaz, orto ArabiaMecca, hePetraea. came Onout mytworeturn stagesfrom to themeetpilgrimage me. I toperceivedMecca, hethatcame his outoutwardtwo stagesplight towasmeet wretched,me. andI perceived his garbthat thathis of outwarddarweshes.plight I asked,was wretched, How is this?and hisHegarb replied,that Justof darweshes.as you said, Ia asked,factionHow boreis methis a ?grudgeHe replied,and chargedJust as you said, a faction bore me a grudge and charged SHAIKH SADI. 101 SHAIKH SADI. 101

me with malpractices; and thethe king, bebe Idshis reign me malpractices ; and king, reign eternal, would not investigate the truth of that charge, eternal, would not the truth of that and myoid and investigatebest friends stood aloof fromcharge, my and my old and best friends stood aloof from my defence, and overlooked my claims on our former defence, and overlooked my claims on our former acquaintance.-"" When, through an act of God, a man acquaintance. When, through an act of God, a man has fallen, the whole world will put their feet upon has fallen, the whole world will put their feet upon hishis neck;neck whenwhen they seesee thatthat fortunefortune hashas takentaken himhim by the hand,; theythey will put their hands upon their by the hand, will put their hands upon their . --: breasts, and be theyloud in his praise.II-In short, I under­ breasts, and be loud in his In short, I under- went all manner of persecutionpraise." till within this week, went all manner of till within this week, that the tidings of thepersecution safe return of the pilgrims that the tidings of the safe return of the pilgrims reached us, when I got a release from my heavy reached us, when I got a release from my heavy durance and a confiscation of my hereditary tene­ durance and a confiscation of my hereditary tene- ments. I said, At that time you did not listen,to my ments. I said, At that time you did not listen to my admonition, when I warned you that the service of admonition, when I warned you that the service of princes is, like a voyage at sea, profitable but hazard­ princes is, like a voyage at sea, profitable but hazard- ous: you either get a treasure or perish miserably.­ ous : you either get a treasure or perish miserably. "The" merchant gains the shore with gold in both his The merchant gains the shore with gold in both his hands, or a wave will one day leave him dead on its hands, or a wave will one day leave him dead on its beach."-Not deeming it generous any further to beach." Not deeming it generous any further to irritate a poor man's wound with the asperity of irritate a poor man's wound with the asperity of reproach, or to sprinkle his sore with the salt of harsh reproach, or to his sore with the salt of harsh words, I made sprinklea summary conclusion in these two words, I made a summary conclusion in these two verses, and said :-"" Wert thou not aware that thou verses, and said : Wert thou not aware that thou shouldst find fetters on thy feet when thou wouldst not shouldst find fetters on thy feet when thou wouldst not listen to the generous man's counsel. Thrust not again listen to the generous man's counsel. Thrust not again thy finger into a scorpion's hole till thou canst endure thy finger into a hole till thou canst endure the pain of its sting."scorpion's the pain of its sting."

XVII.XVII. I was the companion of a holy fraternity, whose I was the companion of a holy fraternity, whose 102 SHAIKH SADI. loa SHAIKH SADI. manners were correct from piety, and minds dis­ manners were correct from and minds dis- ciplined from probity. An eminentpiety, prince entertained ciplined from An eminent entertained a high and probity.respectful opinion ofprince the worth of this a high and of the worth of this brotherhood,respectful and hadopinion assigned it an endowment brotherhood, and had it an endowment Perhaps one of them committedassigned an act unworthy of Perhaps one of them committed an act unworthy of the character of darweshes; for the good opinion of the character of darweshes for the of ; good opinion that personage was forfeited, and the market of their that personage was forfeited, and the market of their support shut. I wished that I could by any means support shut I wished that I could by any means re-establish the maintenance of my friends, and re-establish the maintenance of my friends, and attemptedto towait waiton on the great man; buthis his porter attempted the great man ; but porter opposed my entrance, and turned me away with opposed my entrance, and turned me away with rudeness. I excused him conformably with what the rudeness. I excused him conformably with what the witty have said :-"" Till thou canst take an introduc­ witty have said : Till thou canst take an introduc- tion along with thee approach not the gate of a tion along with thee approach not the gate of a prince, vizier, oror lordlord; forfor thethe dog andand thethe door-door­ prince, vizier, ; dog keeper, on espying a beggar, will the one seize his keeper, on espying a beggar, will the one seize his skirtskirtand andthe theother otherhis hiscollar." collar."- When the favourite attendants of that great man When the favourite attendants of that great man were aware of my situation, they ushered me into his were aware of my situation, they ushered me into his presencewith with respect, andoffered offered me the highestseat seat; presence respect, and me the highest ; but in humility I took the lowest, and said :-"" Per­ but in humility I took the lowest, and said : Per- mit that I, the slave of the abject, should seat myself mit that I, the slave of the abject, should seat myself on a level with servants."-The great man answered, on a level with servants." The great man answered, My God, my God! what room is there for this My God, my God ! what room is there for this speech? " " Wert thou to seat thyself upon the pupil speech ? Wert thou to seat thyself upon the pupil of mine eye, I would court thy dalliance, for thou art of mine eye, I would court thy dalliance, for thou art lovely."- lovely." In short, I took my seat, and entered upon a variety In short, I took my seat, and entered upon a variety of topics, till the indiscretion of my friends was of topics, till the indiscretion of my friends was brought upon the carpet, when I said :-"" What fault brought upon the carpet, when I said : What fault did the lord of past munificence remark, that his did the lord of past munificence remark, that his SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL 101033

servantservant shouldshould seemseem soso contemptiblecontemptible inin hishis sightsight IndividuallyIndividually withwith GodGod isis thethe perfectionperfection ofof majestymajesty andand goodness,goodness, whowho cancan discerndiscern ourour failingsfailings andand con­con- tinuetinue toto usus hishis support."-Whensupport." When thethe princeprince heardheard thisthis sentimentsentiment hehe subscribedsubscribed toto itsits omnipotence;omnipotence; and,and, withwith regardregard toto thethe stipendiarystipendiary allowanceallowance ofof mymy friends,friends, hehe orderedordered itsits continuancecontinuance asas heretofore,heretofore, andand aa faithfulfaithful dischargedischarge ofof allall arrears.arrears. I Ithankedthanked himhim forfor ... hishis generosity,generosity, kissedkissed thethe dustdust ofof obeisance,obeisance, apologisedapologised forfor mymy boldness,boldness, andand atat thethe momentmoment ofof takingtaking mymy leave,leave, added:added: "When"When thethe fanefane ofof thethe Cablah,Cablah, atat l\1ecca,Mecca, becamebecame theirtheir objectobject fromfrom aa far-distantfar-distant land,land, pilgrimspilgrims wouldwould hurryhurry onon toto visitvisit itit forfor manymany farsangs.farsangs. I Itt behovesbehoves theethee toto putput upup withwith suchsuch asas wewe are,are, forfor nobodynobody willwill throwthrow aa stonestone atat aa treetree thatthat bearsbears nono fruit"fruit."

XVIII.XVIII.

AA princeprince inheritedinherited immenseimmense richesriches byby succeedingsucceeding toto hishis father.father. HeHe openedopened thethe handhand ofof liberality,liberality, displayeddisplayed hishis munificence,munificence, andand bestowedbestowed innumerableinnumerable " giftsgifts uponupon hishis troopstroops andand people.people. "TheThe brainbrain willwill notnot bebe perfumedperfumed byby aa censercenser ofof greengreen aloesaloes wood,wood, placeplace itit overover thethe firefire thatthat itit maymay diffusediffuse fragrancefragrance likelike ambergris.ambergris. IfIf ambitiousambitious ofof aa greatgreat name,name, makemake aa practicepractice ofof munificence,munificence, forfor thethe cropcrop willwill notnot shoot shoot tilltill thouthou shaltshalt sowsow thethe seed."-seed." AA narrow-mindednarrow-minded courtiercourtier beganbegan toto admonishadmonish him,him, saying,saying, Verily,Verily, formerformer sovereignssovereigns havehave collectedcollected thisthis wealthwealth withwith scrupulosityscrupulosity andand storedstored itit advisedly.advisedly. CheckCheck youryour handhand inin thisthis waste,waste, forfor accidentsaccidents waitwait io4 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI.

ahead,ahead,and andfoes foeslurk lurkbehind. behind. GodGodforbid forbidthat thatyou you " shouldshouldwant wantit iton ona aday dayof ofneed. need.-"Wert Wertthou thouto to distributedistributethe thecontents contentsof of a agranary granaryamong amongthe the people,people,every everymaster masterof ofa familya familymight mightreceive receivea graina grain of rice not exact a of silver from of rice;; why why not exact agrain grain of silver fromeach, each, thatthatthou thoumightest mightestdaily dailyhoard hoarda achamber chamberfull fullof of " treasuretreasure?? " TheTheprince princeturned turnedhis hisface faceaside asidefrom fromthis thisspeech, speech, sosocontrary contraryto tohis hisown ownlofty loftysentiments, sentiments,and andharshly harshly reprimandedreprimandedhim, him,saying, saying,A Agreat greatand andglorious gloriousGod God mademademe mesovereign sovereignof ofthis thisproperty, property,that thatI Imight might and it not a to enjoyenjoy andspend spend ;it;and andposted postedme me not sentinel,a sentinel, to " hoardhoardand andwatch watchover overit. it.-"Carown Carownperished, perished,who who of treasure Nushirowan possessedpossessedforty fortymagazines magazines of treasure;; N ushirowan dieddiednot, not,who wholeft leftbehind behindhim hima faira fairreputation." reputation."

XIX.XIX.

TheyTheyhave haverelated relatedthat thatat ata huntinga huntingseat seatthey theywere were roastingroastingsome somegame gamefor forNushirowan, N ushirowan,and andas asthere there waswasno nosalt saltthey theywere weredespatching despatchinga aservant servantto tothe the villagevillageto tofetch fetchsome. some. NushirowanN ushirowancalled calledto tohim, him, saying,saying,Take Takeit itat atits itsfair fairprice, price,and andnot notby byforce, force, lestlesta abad badprecedent precedentbe beestablished establishedand andthe thevillage village desolated.desolated. TheyTheyasked, asked,What Whatdamage damagecan canensue ensue fromfromthis thistrifle? trifle? HeHeanswered, answered,Originally, Originally,the thebasis basis ofofoppression oppressionin inthis thisworld worldwas wassmall, small,and andevery everynew- new­ comercomeradded addedto toit, it,till tillit itreached reachedto toits itspresent presentextent extent:: -"Let"Let the themonarch monarcheat eatbut butone oneapple applefrom froma peasant'sa peasant's orchard,orchard,and andhis hisguards, guards,or orslaves, slaves,will willpull pullup upthe the treetreeby byits itsroot root. FromFromthe theplunder plunderof offive fiveeggs, eggs,that that SHAIKH SADI.SA.DI. 101055

the king shall sanction, his troops will stick a thousand fowls on their spits."

XX.xx.

I have heard of a revenue-collector who would distrain the huts of the peasantry, that he might enrich the treasury of the sovereign, regardless of that .... maxim of the wise, who have said, Whoever can offend the Most High, that he may gain the heart of a fellow-creature, God on high will instigate that creature against him, till he dig out the foundation of " his fortune :-": That crackling in the flame is not caused by burning rue, but it is the sigh of the afflicted that occasions it" They say, Of all animals the lion is the chief; and of beasts the ass is the of beasts the ass is the meanest;meanest ; yet, with the con-con­ currence of the wise, the burthen-bearing ass is " preferable to the man-devouring lion.Hon.-" The poor ass, though devoid of understanding, will be held

precious when carrying a burthen;burthen ; oxen and asses that carry loads are preferable to men that injure their fellow-creatures." The king had reported to him a part of his nefarious conduct He put him to the rack, and " tortured him to death.-"death. Thou canst not obtain the sovereign's approbation till thou make sure of the good-will of his people. Wishest thou that God shall be bountiful to thee, be thou good thyself to the creatures of God."-God." One who had suffered from his oppression passed 106 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADI.

" himhim atat thethe timetime ofof hishis execution,execution, andand saidsaid ::-" ItIt isis notnot everyevery manman thatthat maymay havehave thethe strongstrong armarm ofof highhigh station,station, thatthat cancan inin hishis governmentgovernment taketake anan im-im­ moderatemoderate freedomfreedom withwith thethe subjects'subjects' property.property. ItIt isis possiblepossible toto cramcram aa bonebone downdown thethe throat,throat, butbut whenwhen itit stickssticks atat thethe navelnavel itit willwill burstburst openopen thethe belly."belly."

XXI.XXI.

TheyThey telltell aa storystory ofof anan evil-disposedevil-disposed personperson whowho struckstruck aa piouspious goodgood manman onon thethe headhead withwith aa stone.stone. Having nono powerpower ofof revenge,revenge, thethe darweshdarwesh waswas keepingkeeping thethe stonestone byby himhim tilltill anan occasionoccasion whenwhen thethe sovereignsovereign letlet looseloose thethe armyarmy ofof hishis wrath,wrath, andand castcast himhim intointo aa dungeon.dungeon. TheThe poorpoor manman wentwent upup andand flungflung thatthat stonestone atat hishis head.head. TheThe personperson spokespoke toto him,him, saying,saying, WhoWho areare you,you, andand whywhy diddid youyou throwthrow thisthis stonestone atat mymy headhead?? HeHe answered,answered, II amam thatthat poorpoor man,man, andand thisthis isis thethe samesame stonestone thatthat youyou onon aa certaincertain occasionoccasion flungflung atat mymy head.head. HeHe said,said, WhereWhere havehave youyou beenbeen allall thisthis timetime?? TheThe poorpoor manman answered,answered, II stoodstood inin aweawe ofof youryour highhigh station,station, butbut now thatthat II foundfound youyou inin aa dungeon,dungeon, II availedavailed myselfmyself "H ofof thethe opportunity,opportunity, asas theythey havehave saidsaid- WhilstWhilst theythey saw "thethe worthlessworthless manman inin prosperity,prosperity, thethe wisewise thoughtthought properproper toto showshow himhim respect.respect. NowN ow thouthou hasthast notnot sharp andand tearingtearing nails,nails, itit isis prudentprudent forfor theethee toto deferdefer toto engageengage withwith thethe wicked.wicked. WhoeverWhoever grappledgrappled withwith aa steel-armedsteel-armed wristwrist exposedexposed hishis ownown silversilver armarm toto torture.torture. WaitWait tilltill fortunefortune cancan manaclemanacle hishis hands,hands, SHAIKIISHAIKH SADI.SADL 101077

thenthen beatbeat outout hishis brainsbrains toto thethe satisfactionsatisfaction ofof thythy friends."friends."

XXII.XXII.

AA kingking ofof KhorasanKhorasan waswas afflictedafflicted withwith soso shockingshocking aa distemperdistemper thatthat itit isis betterbetter notnot toto enterenter uponupon itsits pathology.pathology. AA bodybody ofof GreekGreek physiciansphysicians agreedagreed thatthat .. ' -therethere waswas inin factfact nono otherother remedyremedy forfor thisthis diseasedisease butbut thethe gallgall ofof aa personperson whomwhom theythey identifiedidentified underunder aa certaincertain temperament.temperament. TheThe kingking orderedordered thatthat theythey wouldwould makemake inquiry,inquiry, andand theythey discovereddiscovered aa peasant'speasant's sonson whowho answeredanswered thatthat descriptiondescription whichwhich thethe facultyfaculty hadhad specified.specified. HeHe calledcalled hishis fatherfather andand mother,mother, andand securedsecured theirtheir consentconsent-byby givinggiving themthem aa largelarge present.present. TheThe CazyCazy issuedissued aa death-warrant,death-warrant, stating,stating, ItIt isis lawfullawful toto shedshed aa subject'ssubject's bloodblood inin orderorder toto restorerestore healthhealth toto the and the executioner stood to the sovereign;sovereign ; and the executioner stood readyready to carrycarry thethe sentencesentence intointo effecteffect TheThe youthyouth castcast hishis eyeseyes upup toto heaven,heaven, and,and, smilingsmiling thethe while,while, waswas mutter­mutter- inging somethingsomething betweenbetween hishis teeth.teeth. TheThe kingking asked,asked, saying,saying, InIn thisthis situationsituation whatwhat roomroom isis therethere forfor smiling?smiling ? HeHe replied,replied, ChildrenChildren looklook toto theirtheir parentsparents caress their refer to the toto caress them;them ; their wrongswrongs theythey refer to the CazyCazy toto redressredress them,them, andand fromfrom thethe sovereignsovereign theythey expectexpect for justice.justice. NowNow thatthat mymy fatherfather andand mother,mother, for vainvain andand worldlyworldly considerations,considerations, havehave consignedconsigned meme toto death,death, thethe judge,judge, byby hishis warrant,warrant, hashas sanctionedsanctioned mymy -execution,execution, andand thethe kingking lookslooks forfor hishis ownown safetysafety inin mymy destruction,destruction, II cancan havehave nono refugerefuge butbut withwith GodGod " onon high.-"high. BeforeBefore whomwhom cancan II raiseraise thethe handhand ofof io8[08 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SA.DI. complaintcomplaintagainst againstthee; thee; atatthy thyhand handam amI Ito toseek !leek " justicejusticeagainst againstthee thee?"-? TheTheking's king'sheart heartwas wastouched touchedat atthis thisspeech, speech,and and thethetears tearsstood stoodcollected collectedin inhis hiseyes. eyes. HeHesaid, said,My My deathdeathwere werepreferable prefer~bleto toshedding sheddingthe theblood bloodof ofone oneso so innocentinnocent ThenThenhe hekissed kissedhis hishead headand andeyes, eyes,took took himhimin inhis hisarms, arms,gave gavehim himimmense immensepresents, presents,and andset set himhimat atliberty. liberty. TheyTheyhave haverelated relatedthat thatwithin withinthat that weekweek thethe kingkingwas was curedcuredof ofhis hiscomplaint. complaint-""As As applicableapplicableto towhich whichis isthat thatstanza stanzaof ofmine, mine,which whichan an elephant-driverelephant-driver rehearsedrehearsed ononthe thebank bankof ofthe theriver river Nile.Nile. IfIfthou thouknowest knowestnot notthe theant's ant'sstate stateunder underthy thy foot,foot,it itis is likelike thinethineown own asas trampledtrampled onon bybyan an elephant."elephan t."- XXIII.XXIII.

OneOneof ofKing KingUmraw-layas's U mraw-Iayas'sslaves slaveshad hadabsconded, absconded, andandpeople peoplethat thatwent wentafter afterhim himbrought broughthim himback. back. TheThevizier, vizier,who whohad hada adislike disliketo tohim, him,used usedhis hisinterest interest totohave havehim himput putto todeath, death,that thatthe theother otherslaves slaves[as [as hehepretended] pretended]might mightnot notcommit committhe thesame sameoffence. offence.

TheThepoor poorslave slavefell fellat atUmraw-layas's Umraw-Iayas'sfeet, feet,and andsaid said:: " befall if is "Whatever Whatevermay may befallme, me, ifthou thouapprove approveof ofit, it,it it is sosofar farproper. proper. WhatWhatplea pleacan cana avassal vassaloffer offeragainst againsthis his " lordlordand andmaster's master'sdecree decree?? "-Nevertheless,Nevertheless, inasmuch inasmuch asasI I amamthe thenurtured nurturedgift giftof ofthis thishouse, house,I Icould couldnot not wishwishthat thaton onthe thelast lastday's day'sreckoning reckoningmy myblood bloodshould should standstandcharged chargedto toyour youraccount. account. If,If,at atall allevents, events,you you areareresolved resolvedto toput putthis thisyour yourslave slaveto todeath, death,let letit itbe be donedonewith witha aplea pleaof oflegality, legality,that thatyou youmay maynot notbe be censuredcensuredat atthe theday dayof ofresurrection. resurrection. TheTheking kingasked, asked, • SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL 101099 How can I set up a legal plea? He replied, Issue How can I set up a legal plea ? He replied, Issue your command that I may kill the vizier, then give your command that I may kill the vizier, then give an order to put me to death in retaliation for him, an order to put me to death in retaliation for him, that you may kill me according to law! The king that you may kill me according to law ! The king smiled and asked the vizier, What is your advice in smiled and asked the vizier, What is your advice in this case? The vizier said, 0 sovereign of the world! this case ? The vizier said, O sovereign of the world ! I beg, for the sake of God, that you will manumit this I beg, for the sake of God, that you will manumit this C ,0_ audacious fellow as a propitiation at the tomb of your audacious fellow as a propitiation at the tomb of your forefathers, lest he also involve me in calamity. The forefathers, lest he also involve me in calamity. The fault was on my side, in not doing justice to the fault was on my side, in not doing justice to the saying of the wise, who have warned us:-"" When saying of the wise, who have warned us : When thou didst enter the lists with a practised slinger, thou didst enter the lists with a practised slinger, in thy want of skill thou exposedst thine own head in thy want of skill thou exposedst thine own head toto bebe broken.broken. WhenWhen thouthou didstdidst dischargedischarge thinethine arrow at thy antagonist's face thou shouldst have arrow at thy antagonist's face thou shouldst have been upon thy guard, for thou hadst become his been upon thy guard, for thou hadst become his butt"-butt." XXIV.XXIV. . . King Zuzan had a minister of a generous spirit and King Zuzan had a minister of a generous spirit and kindly disposition, who was polite to all persons while kindly disposition, who was polite to all persons while present, and spoke well of them when absent. One present, and spoke well of them when absent One of his acts happened to displease the king, who put of his acts happened to displease the king, who put him under stoppages, and in rigorous confinement. him under stoppages, and in rigorous confinement. TheThe officersofficers ofof thethe crowncrown werewere sensiblesensible ofof hishis formerformer benefits, and pledged to show their gratitude of them. benefits, and pledged to show their gratitude of them. Accordingly, whilst under their charge, they treated Accordingly, whilst under their charge, they treated him with courtesy and benevolence, and would not him with courtesy and benevolence, and would not If useuse anyany coercioncoercion oror violenceviolence: :-""If thouthou desirestdesirest toto remain at peace with a rival, whenever he slanders remain at peace with a rival, whenever he slanders thee behind thy back speak well of him to his face. thee behind thy back speak well of him to his face. noIIO SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADI.

The perverse man cavilscavils forfor thethe lastlast word; unlessunless The perverse man word ; thouthou preferestpreferest hishis bitterbitter remarks,remarks, makemake hishis mouthmouth sweet."sweet."- OfOf thethe chargecharge againstagainst himhim atat thethe king'sking's exchequerexchequer partpart hadhad beenbeen adjustedadjusted accordingaccording toto itsits settlement,settlement, andand hehe remainedremained inin durancedurance forfor thethe balance.balance. AA borderingbordering princeprince sentsent himhim underhandunderhand aa letter,letter,stating, stating, TheThe sovereignsovereign ofof thatthat quarterquarter hashas notnot appreciatedappreciated such worth, nay, has dishonoured it, and with us itit such worth, nay, has dishonoured it, and with us borebore aa heavyheavy price.price. IfIfthe the preciousprecious mindmind ofofa a certaincertain personage,personage, .may may GodGod facilitatefacilitate hishis deliverance,deliverance, willwill inclineincline favourablyfavourably towardstowards us,us, everyevery possiblepossible exertionexertion shallshall bebe mademade toto conciliateconciliate hishis good-will,good-will, andand thethe cabinetcabinet ministersministers ofof thisthis kingdomkingdom areare exultingexulting inin thethe prospectprospect ofofseeing seeing him,him, andand anxiousanxious forfor thethe answeranswer ofof thisthis letter.letter. TheThe ministerminister mademade himselfhimselfmaster master ofofthe the contents.contents. HeHe ponderedpondered onon thethe danger,danger, wrotewrote suchsuch aa briefbrief answeranswer asas seemedseemed discreetdiscreet uponupon thethe backback ofof thethe letter,letter, andand returnedreturned it.it. OneOne ofof thethe hangers-onhangers-on atat courtcourt hadhad noticenotice ofof thisthis circumstance.circumstance. HeHe apprisedapprised thethe king,king, saying,saying, AA certaincertain personperson whomwhom youyou havehave putput inin confinementconfinement isis correspondingcorresponding withwith aa neigh-neigh­ bouringbouring prince.prince. TheThe kingking waswas wroth,wroth, andand orderedordered anan investigationinvestigation ofofthis this intelligence.intelligence. TheThe messengermessenger waswas seized,seized, andand letterletter read.read. OnOn thethe backback ofofit it hehe hadhad written,written, stating,stating, TheThe goodgood opinionopinion ofof hishis majestymajesty exceeds the merits of this slave; but the honoured exceeds the merits of this slave ; but the honoured approbationapprobation hehe hashas bestowedbestowed uponupon aa servantservant cannotcannot possiblypossibly havehave hishis consent,consent, forfor hehe isis thethe fosteredfostered giftgift ofof thisthis house,house, andand hehe cannotcannot onon aa triflingtrifling changechange ofof affectionaffection betraybetray hishis ancientancient benefactorbenefactor andand patron.patron. SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. IIIin

" _CC ThoughThough onceonce inin hishis lifelife hehe maymay grategrate theethee withwith harshness,harshness, excuseexcuse himhim whowho onon everyevery occasionoccasion elseelse hashas soothedsoothed theethee withwith kindness."-Thekindness." The kingking com­com- mendedmended hishis fidelity,fidelity, bestowedbestowed onon himhim anan honoraryhonorary dressdress andand largess,largess, andand mademade hishis excuses,excuses, saying,saying, II waswas toto blame,blame, thatthat couldcould dodo youyou anan injury.injury. HeHe replied,replied, InIn thisthis instance,instance, mymy lord,lord, youryour servantservant seessees ..... nono blameblame thatthat attachesattaches toto you; butbut suchsuch was thethe you ; was ordinationordination ofof God,God, 'whoseivhose namename was was glorified,glorified, thatthat thisthis youryour devoteddevoted slaveslave shouldshould verilyverily bebe overtakenovertaken withwith aa calamity.calamity. Accordingly,Accordingly, itit isis moremore tolerabletolerable atat thethe handhand ofof you,you, whowho possesspossess thethe rightsrights ofof pastpast good,good, andand havehave claimsclaims ofof gratitudegratitude onon thisthis servant:-"Beservant: "Be notnot offendedoffended withwith mankindmankind shouldshould anyany mischiefmischief assailassail thee,thee, forfor neitherneither pleasurepleasure nornor painpain originateoriginate withwith thythy fellow-being.fellow-being. KnowKnow thatthat thethe contrarietycontrariety ofof foefoe andand friendfriend proceedsproceeds fromfrom God,God, andand thatthat thethe heartshearts ofof bothboth areare atat hishis disposal.disposal. ThoughThough thethe arrowarrow maymay seemseem toto issueissue fromfrom thethe bow,bow, thethe intelligentintelligent cancan seesee thatthat thethe archerarcher gavegave itit itsits aim."-aim."

xxv.XXV.

II havehave heardheard thatthat oneone ofof thethe kingskings ofof ArabiaArabia directeddirected thethe officersofficers ofof hishis treasury,treasury, saying,saying, YouYou willwill doubledouble aa certaincertain person'sperson's salary,salary, whateverwhatever itit maymay be,be, forfor hehe isis constantconstant inin attendanceattendance andand readyready forfor orders,orders, whilewhile thethe other other courtierscourtiers areare diverteddiverted byby play,play, andand negligentnegligent ofof theirtheir duty.duty. AA goodgood andand holyholy manman overheardoverheard this,this, andand heavedheaved aa sighsigh andand groangroan fromfrom thethe bottombottom ofof hishis bosom.bosom. TheyThey asked,asked, saying,saying, WhatWhat ii2112 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADLSADL visionVIsion diddid youyou see?see? HeHe replied,replied,The The exaltedexalted man-man­ sionssionsof ofhis hisdevoted devotedservants servantswill will bebeafter afterthis thismanner manner portionedportionedout out atat thethe judgment-seatjudgment-seat ofofa a MostMost HighHigh " andand MightyMightyDeity Deity! !-"If Iffor for twotwo morningsmorningsa aperson person isisassiduous assiduousabout aboutthe theperson personof ofthe theking, king,on on thethethird third hehe willwill inin somesome shapeshape regardregard himhim withwith affection.affection: TheThesincerely sincerelydevout devoutexist existin inthe thehope hopethat thatthey theyshall shall notnotdepart depart disappointeddisappointed fromfrom God'sGod's threshold.threshold. TheThe rankrank ofof aa princeprince isis thethe rewardreward ofof obedience.obedience. Dis-Dis­ obedienceobedience toto commandcommand isis aa proofproof ofof rejection.rejection. WhoeverWhoever hashas thethe aspectaspect ofof thethe uprightupright andand goodgood willwill laylaythe theface faceof ofduty dutyat atthis thisthreshold." threshold."

XXVI.XXVI.

TheyTheytell tella a storystoryof ofa atyrant tyrantwho who boughtbought fire-woodfire-wood fromfrom thethepoor poorat ata alow low price,price,and andsold soldit itto tothe therich richat at anan advance.advance. AA goodgoodand andholy holy manman wentwent upup toto himhim " andand said,said, "ThouThou artart aa snake,snake,who who bitestbitest everybodyeverybody thouthou seestseest; oror anan owl, who diggest upand and makest a ; owl, who diggest up makest a ruinruin ofofthe the placeplace wherewhere thouthou sittestsittest: :-AlthoughAlthough thy thy injusticeinjustice maymay passpass unpunishedunpunished amongamong us,us,it it cannotcannot escapeescape God,God, thethe knowerknower ofof secrets.secrets. BeBe notnot unjustunjust withwith thethe peoplepeople ofof thisthis earth,earth, thatthat theirtheir complaintscomplaints maymaynot notrise riseup upto toheaven." heaven."- TheyThey saysay thethe unjustunjust manman waswas offendedoffended atat hishis words,words, turnedturned asideaside hishis face,face, andand showedshowed himhim nono civility,civility,as asthey theyhave haveexpressed expressedit it[in [inthe theKoran] Koran]: :-Hc,He, thetheglorified glorifiedGod, God,overtook overtookhim himamidst amidsthis hissins sins: :-tilltill one one night,night,when when thethe firefire ofofhis his kitchenkitchenfell fell uponuponthe thestack stack ofof wood,wood, consumedconsumed allall hishis property,property, andand laidlaid himhim SHAIKHSHAIKH SADSADI.I. 113

fromfrom thethe bedbed ofof voluptuousnessvoluptuousness uponupon thethe ashesashes ofof hellhell torments.torments. ThatThat goodgood andand holyholy manman happenedhappened toto bebe passingpassing andand observedobserved himhim thatthat hehe waswas remarkingremarking toto hishis friends,friends, II cannotcannot fancyfancy whencewhence thisthis firefire fellfell uponupon mymy dwelling.dwelling. HeHe said,said, FromFrom thethe smokesmoke ofof thethe heartshearts " ofof thethe poorpoor !!-"Guard Guard againstagainst thethe smokesmoke ofof thethe sore-sore­ afflictedafflicted heart,heart, forfor anan insideinside soresore willwill atat lastlast gathergather intointo aa head.head. GiveGive nobody'snobody's heartheart painpain soso longlong asas ~ ...... thou thou canstcanst avoidavoid it,it, forfor oneone sighsigh maymay setset aa wholewhole worldworld intointo aa flame."flame." TheyThey havehave relatedrelated thattltat tJiesetluse versesverses werewere inscribedinscribed inin " goldengolden lettersletters uponupon Kai-khosrawKaz"-khosraw'scrown:-"'s crown : HowHow manymany years,years, andand whatwhat aa continuancecontinuance ofof ages,ages, thatthat mankindmankind shallshall onon thisthis earthearth walkwalk overover mymy head.head. AsAs thethe kingdomkingdom camecame toto meme fromfrom handhand toto hand,hand, soso itit shallshall passpass intointo thethe handshands ofof others."others."-

XXVII.XXVII.

AA personperson hadhad becomebecome aa mastermaster inin thethe artart ofof wrest-wrest­ he knew three hundred and in lingling;; he knew three hundred and sixtysixty sleightssleights in thisthis art,art, andand couldcould exhibitexhibit aa freshfresh tricktrick forfor everyevery dayday throughoutthroughout thethe year.year. PerhapsPerhaps owingowing toto aa likingliking thatthat aa cornercorner ofof hishis heartheart tooktook forfor thethe handsomehandsome personperson ofof oneone ofof hishis scholars,scholar$, hehe taughttaught himhim threethree hundredhundred andand fifty-ninefifty-nine ofof thosethose feats,feats, butbut hehe waswas puttingputting offoff thethe instructioninstruction ofof one,one, andand underunder somesome pretencepretence deferringdeferring it.it. InIn shortshort thethe youthyouth becamebecame suchsuch aa proficientproficient inin thethe artart andand talenttalent ofof wrestlingwrestling thatthat nonenone ofof hishis contem-contem­ porariesporaries hadhad abilityability toto copecope withwith him,him, tilltill hehe atat lengthlength 7575 0 JI4ii 4 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. hadhad oneone dayday boastedboasted beforebefore thethe reigningreigning sovereign,sovereign, saying,saying, ToTo anyany superioritysuperiority mymy mastermaster possessespossesses overover me,me, hehe isis beholdenbeholden toto mymy reverencereverence ofof hishis seniority,seniority, and in virtue ofof hishis tutorage; otherwiseotherwise I I amam notnot and in virtue tutorage ; inferiorinferior inin power,power, andand amam hishis equalequal inin skill.skill. ThisThis wantwant ofof respectrespect displeaseddispleased thethe king.king. HeHe orderedordered a a wrestlingwrestling matchmatch toto bebe held,held, andand a aspaciousspacious fieldfield toto bebe fencedfenced inin forfor thethe occasion.occasion. TheThe ministersministers ofof state,state, noblesnobles ofof thethe court,court, andand gallantgallant menmen ofof thethe realmrealm werewere assembled,assembled, andand thethe ceremonialsceremonials ofof thethe combatcombat marshalled.marshalled. LikeLike a a hugehuge andand lustylusty elephant,elephant, thethe youthyouth rushedrushed intointo thethe ringring withwith suchsuch a acrashcrash thatthat hadhad a abrazen brazen mountainmountain opposedopposed himhim hehe wouldwould havehave movedmoved itit fromfrom itsits base.base. TheThe mastermaster beingbeing awareaware thatthat thethe youthyouth waswas hishis superiorsuperior inin strength,strength, engagedengaged himhim inin thatthat strangestrange featfeat ofof whichwhich hehe hadhad keptkept himhim ignorantignorant. TheThe youthyouth waswas unacquaintedunacquainted withwith itsits guard.guard. Advanc­Advanc- ing,ing, nevertheless,nevertheless, thethe mastermaster seizedseized himhim withwith bothboth hands,hands, and,and, liftinglifting himhim bodilybodily fromfrom thethe ground,ground, raisedraised himhim aboveabove hishis headhead andand flungflung himhim onon thethe earth.earth. TheThe crowdcrowd setset upup a ashoutshout TheThe kingking orderedordered themthem toto givegive thethe mastermaster anan honoraryhonorary dressdress andand handsomehandsome largess,largess, andand thethe youthyouth hehe addressedaddressed withwith reproachreproach andand asperity,asperity, saying,saying, YouYou playedplayed thethe traitortraitor withwith youryour ownown patron,patron, andand failedfailed inin youryour presumptionpresumption ofof oppos­oppos- inging him.him. HeHe replied,replied, 0 O siresire l ! mymy mastermaster diddid notnot overcomeovercome meme byby strengthstrength andand ability,ability, butbut oneone cunningcunning tricktrick inin thethe artart ofof wrestlingwrestling waswas leftleft whichwhich hehe waswas reservedreserved inin teachingteaching me,me, andand byby thatthat littlelittle featfeat hadhad to­to- dayday thethe upperupper handhand ofof me.me. TheThe mastermaster said,said, I Ireservedreserved myselfmyself forfor suchsuch a adayday asas this.this. AsAs thethe wisewise havehave toldtold SHAIKHSADLSHAIKH SADL 115

us,us, PutPut itit notnot soso muchmuch intointo aa friend'sfriend's powerpower that,that, ifif hostilelyhostilely disposed,disposed, hehe cancan dodo youyou anan injury.injury. HaveHave youyou notnot heardheard whatwhat thatthat manman saidsaid whowho waswas treacher­treacher- " ouslyously dealtdealt withwith byby hishis ownown pupilpupil :-": EitherEither inin fact fact therethere waswas nono goodgood faithfaith inin thisthis world,world, oror nobodynobody hashas perhapsperhaps practisedpractised itit inin ourour days.days. NoNo personperson learnedlearned thethe artart ofof archeryarchery fromfrom meme whowho diddid notnot inin thethe endend .... 1Ilakemake meme hishis bubutt" tt."

XXVIII.XXVIII.

AA solitarysolitary darweshdarwesh hadhad takentaken upup hishis stationstation atat thethe cornercorner ofof aa desert.desert AA kingking waswas passingpassing byby him.him. InasmuchInasmuch asas contentmentcontentment isis thethe enjoymentenjoyment ofof a a kingdom,kingdom, thethe darweshdarwesh diddid notnot raiseraise hishis head,head, nornor least of showshow himhim thethe least markmark of attention;attention ; and,and, inasmuchinasmuch asas sovereigntysovereignty isis regalregal pomp,pomp, thethe kingking tooktook offence,offence, andand said,said, TheThe tribetribe ofof raggedragged mendicantsmendicants resembleresemble brutebrute beasts,beasts, andand havehave neitherneither gracegrace nornor goodgood man­man-

ners.ners. TheThe viziervizier steppedstepped upup toto him,him, andand said:said : 0O

generousgenerous man!man ! thethe sovereignsovereign ofof thethe universeuniverse hashas did not do him passedpassed byby you;you ; whywhy did youyou not do him homage,homage, andand dischargedischarge thethe dutyduty ofof obeisance?obeisance ? HeHe answeredanswered andand

said,said, SpeakSpeak toto youryour sovereign,sovereign, saying:saying : ExpectExpect serviceservice from that who will court favour let from that personperson who will court youryour favour; ; let himhim moreovermoreover knowknow thatthat kingskings areare meantmeant forfor thethe protectionprotection ofof thethe people,people, andand notnot thethe peoplepeople forfor thethe subjectssubjects ofof " kings.-"kings. ThoughThough itit bebe forfor theirtheir benefitbenefit thatthat hishis gloryglory isis exalted,exalted, yetyet isis thethe kingking butbut thethe shepherdshepherd ofof thethe poor.poor. TheThe sheepsheep areare notnot intendedintended forfor thethe serviceservice ofof thethe shepherd,shepherd, butbut thethe shepherdshepherd isis appointedappointed toto tendtend thethe sheep.-To-daysheep. To-day thouthou mayestmayest observeobserve oneone manman n6 SHAIKH SAD I. II6 SHAIKH SAD!. from sore from proudproud from prosperity,prosperity, anotheranother withwith aa heartheart sore from have for a few till the dust adversityadversity;; have patiencepatience for a few daysdays till the dust of the can consume the brain of that vain and of the gravegrave can consume the brain of that vain and foolish head. When the record of came to foolish head. When the record of destinydestiny came to take the distinction of and dis- take effect,effect, the distinction of liegeliege and subjectsubject dis­ Were a to turn the dust of the appeared.appeared. Were a personperson to turn upup the dust of the he could that of the rich man defunct,defunct, he could notnot distinguishdistinguish that of the rich man from from thethe poor."poor." These made a the These sayingssayings made a strongstrong impressionimpression uponupon the he said : Ask me for He : kingking;; he said: Ask me for something.something. He repliedreplied: What I desire that will not trouble me ! What I desire is,is, that youyou will not trouble me againagain! The king said, Favour me with a piece of advice. He The king said," Favour me with a piece of advice. He answered : Attend to them now that the answered :-" Attend to them now that the goodgood thingsthings of this life are in hands for wealth and dominion of this life are in thythy hands;; for wealth and dominion are from one hand into another." are passingpassing from one hand into another."

XXIX. XXIX.

One of the ministers went to Zu-an-nun One of the king'sking's ministers went to Zu-an-nun and asked his (Jonah),(J onah), thethe Egyptian,Egyptian, and asked his blessing,blessing, saying,saying, and I am in the service of DayDay and nightnight I am occupiedoccupied in the service of mymy for his favour and his dis- prince,prince, hopinghoping for his favour and dreadingdreading his dis­ Zu-an-nun and answered: Had I pleasure.pleasure. Zu-an-nun weptwept and answered: Had I feared the most God as have feared the feared the most highhigh God as youyou have feared the king,king, I should have been the number of elect! I should have been amongamong the number of elect!­ " Were there not the of reward and " Were there not the hopehope of reward and punishmentpunishmen t the foot of the darwesh had into the hereafter,hereafter, the foot of the darwesh had steptstept into the celestial Had the vizier stood in the same celestial sphere.sphere. Had the vizier stood in the same awe of God that he did of the he have awe of God that he did of the king,king, he mightmight have been an of been an angelangel of heaven."heaven," SHAIKH SADI. II7 SHAIKH SADL 1 1 7

xxx. XXX. A king ordered an innocent person to be put to A ordered an innocent to be to death.king The man said, Seek notperson your own hurtput by death. The man Seek not own hurt venting any angersaid, you may entertainyour against me.by entertain me. ventingThe kingany asked,anger How?you Hemay replied, The againstpain of this The king asked, How ? He replied, The pain of this ~ "'Pllnishment will continue with me for a moment, but punishment will continue with me for a moment, but the sin of it will endure with you for ever.-H" The the sin of it will endure with for ever. The period of this life passes by youlike the wind of the of this life like the wind of the perioddesert. Joy and sorrow,passes bybeauty and deformity, desert. and and equally passJoy away. sorrow,The tyrantbeauty vainly thoughtdeformity, that The that equallyhe did mepass anaway. injury, but roundtyrant hisvainly neck thoughtit clung and he did me an but round his neck it and passed over me."injury, clung over me." passedThe king profited by this advice, spared his life, The this his and askedking hisprofited forgiveness.by advice, spared life, and asked his forgiveness.

XXXI. XXXI. The cabinet ministers of Nushirowan were debating The cabinet ministers of Nushirowan were an important affair of state, and each delivereddebating his an affair of and each delivered his opinionimportant according to thestate, best of his judgment. In to the best of his In opinionlike manneraccording the king also delivered hisjudgment. sentiments, like manner the also delivered his and Abu-zarchamahr,king the prime minister, accordedsentiments, in and the accorded in opinionAbu-zarchamahr, with him. The primeother minister,ministers whispered with him. The other ministers opinionhim, saying, What did you see superior in whisperedthe kings What did see in the him,opinionsaying, that you preferredyou it tosuperior the judgment king'sof so that it to the of so opinionmany wise heads?you preferred He replied: Becausejudgment the event is wise heads ? He : Because the event is manydoubtful, and the opinionreplied of all rests in the pleasure of and the of all rests in the of doubtful,the most high Godopinion whether it shall be rightpleasure or wrong. the most God whether it shall be or Accordinglyhigh it is safer to conform withright the jUdgmentwrong. Accordingly it is safer to conform with the judgment n8lIS SHAIKHSHAIKHSADI. SADI. of the king, because if that shall prove wrong, our of the king, because if that shall prove wrong, our obsequiousness to his will shall secure us from his obsequiousness to his will shall secure us from his displeasure.-"" To sport an opinion contrary to the displeasure. To an to the judgment of the kingsport were opinionto wash contraryour hands in our judgment of the king were to wash our hands in our own blood. Were he verily to say this day is night, own blood. Were he verily to say this day is night, it would behove us to reply: Lo l there are the moon it would behove us to : Lo ! there are the moon and seven stars."- reply and seven stars."

XXXII.XXXII. An impostor plaited his hair and spake, saying, I An impostor plaited his hair and spake, saying, I ama adescendant descendantof of Ali; andhe heentered enteredthe the city am AH ; and city along with the caravan from Hijaz, saying, I come a along with the caravan from Hijaz, saying, I come a pilgrimfrom fromMecca Mecca;and andhe he presenteda aCasidah Casidahor or pilgrim ; presented elegy to the king, saying, I have composed it! The elegy to the king, saying, I have composed it ! The king gave him money, treated him with respect, and king gave him money, treated him with respect, and orderedorderedhim himto tobe beshown shownmuch much flatteringattention attention; till one of the courtiers, who hadflattering that day returned; till one of the courtiers, who had that day returned from a voyage at sea, said, I saw him on the Eeduzha, from a voyage at sea, said, I saw him on the Eeduzha, or anniversary of sacrifice at Busrah; how then can or anniversary of sacrifice at Busrah; how then can he be a Haji, or pilgrim? Another- said, Now I he be a Haji, or pilgrim? Another said, Now I recollect him, his father was a Christian at Malatiyah recollect him, his father was a Christian at Malatiyah (Malta); how then can he be a descendant of Ali? then can he be a descendant of ? (Malta) ; how AH And they discovered his verses in the diwan of And they discovered his verses in the diwan of Anwari. The king ordered that they should beat Anwari. The king ordered that they should beat and drive him away, saying, How came you to utter and drive him away, saying, How came you to utter so many falsehoods? He replied, 0 sovereign of the so many falsehoods ? He replied, O sovereign of the universe! I will utter one speech more, and if that universe ! I will utter one speech more, and if that may not prove true, I shall deserve whatever punish­ may not prove true, I shall deserve whatever punish- ment you may command. The king asked, What ment you may command. The king asked, What may that be? He said :-"" If a peasant bring thee a may that be ? He said : If a peasant bring thee a cup of junket, two measures of it will be water and cup of junket, two measures of it will be water and SHAIKHSHAIKH SADSAJJI.I. 119Il9 oneone spoonfulspoonful ofof itit buttermilk.buttermilk. IfIf thythy slaveslave spakespake idlyidly bebe notnot offended,offended, forfor greatgreat travellerstravellers dealdeal mostmost inin thethe " marvellousmarvellous!! "-TheThe kingking smiledsmiled andand replied,replied, YouYou nevernever inin youryour lifelife spakespake aa truertruer word.word. HeHe directeddirected themthem toto gratifygratify hishis expectations,expectations, andand hehe departeddeparted happyhappy andand contentcontent

XXXIII.XXXIII.

TheyThey havehave relatedrelated thatthat oneone ofof thethe viziersV1Zlers wouldwould compassionatecompassionate thethe weakweak andand meditatemeditate thethe goodgood ofof everybody.everybody. HeHe happenedhappened toto fallfall underunder thethe royalroyal displeasure,displeasure, andand theythey allall strovestrove toto obtainobtain hishis release.release. SuchSuch asas hadhad himhim inin custodycustody werewere indulgentindulgent inin theirtheir restraint,restraint, andand hishis fellow-grandeesfellow-grandees werewere loudloud inin pro-pro­ claimingclaiming hishis virtues,virtues, tilltill thethe kingking pardonedpardoned hishis fault.fault. AA goodgood andand holyholy manman waswas apprisedapprised ofof thesethese events,events, " andand saidsaid ::-" InIn orderorder toto conciliateconciliate thethe good-willgood-will ofof friends, itit werewere betterbetter toto sellsell ourour patrimonial garden; friends, patrimonial garden ; inin orderorder toto boilboil thethe potpot ofof well-wishers,well-wishers, itit werewere goodgood toto convertconvert ourour householdhousehold furniturefurniture intointo fire-fire-wood.wood.

Do good eveneven toto thethe wickedwicked; itit isis asas wellwell toto shutshut aa Do good ; dog'sdog's mouthmouth withwith aa crumb."crumb."-

XXXIV.XXXIV.

OneOne ofof Harun-ar-rashid'sHarun-ar-rashid's childrenchildren wentwent upup toto hishis fatherfather inin aa passion,passion, saying,saying, AA certaincertain officer'sofficer's sonson hashas abusedabused meme inin mymy mother'smother's name.name. HarunHarun askedasked hishis ministers,ministers, WhatWhat oughtought toto bebe suchsuch aa person'sperson's punish-punish­ mentment ?? One mademade aa sign toto have him put toto deathdeath; One sign have him put ; anotheranother toto havehave hishis tongue cut outollt; and aa third, toto tongue cut ; and third, 120 SHAIKH SADI. 120 SHAIKH SADL have him fined and banished. Harun said: 0 my have him fined and banished. Harun said : O my child! it were generous to forgive him; but if you child ! it to him but if were generous forgive ; you have not resolution. to do that, do you abuse his have not resolution to do that, do you abuse his mother in return, yet not to such a degree as to mother in return, not to such a degree as to exceed the bounds yetof retaliation, for in that case the exceed the bounds of retaliation, for in that case the injury would be on our part, and the complaint on injury would be on our part, and the complaint on that of the antagonist.-"" In the opinion of the that of the antagonist. In the opinion of the prudent he is no hero that can dare· to combat a prudent he is no hero that can dare to combat a furious elephant; but that man is in truth a hero who, furious but that is in truth a hero elephant ; man who, when provoked to anger, will not speak intemperately. when provoked to anger, will not speak intern perately. -A cross-grained fellowfellow abusedabused aa certaincertain person; hehe A cross-grained person ; bore it patiently, and ·said, 0 well-disposed man! I bore it and said, O well-disposed man ! I am stillpatiently, more wicked than thou art calling me; for am still more wicked than thou art me for 1 know my defects better than thoucalling canst know; 1 know my defects better than thou canst know them."them."- XXXV.xxxv. I was seated in a vessel along with some persons of I was seated in a vessel along with some persons of distinction, when a boat sunk astern of us and two distinction, when a boat sunk astern of us and two brothers were drawn into the whirlpool. One of our brothers were drawn into the whirlpool. One of our gentlemen called to the pilot, saying, Save those two gentlemen called to the pilot, saying, Save those two drowning men and I will give you a hundred dinars. drowning men and I will give you a hundred dinars. The pilot went and rescued one of them, but the The went and rescued one of them, but the otherpilot perished. I observed, That man's time was other perished. I observed, That man's time was come, therefore you were tardy in assisting him, and come, therefore you were tardy in assisting him, and alert in saving this other. The pilot smiled, and alert in saving this other. The pilot smiled, and replied, What you say is the essence of inevitable replied, What you say is the essence of inevitable necessity; yet was my zeal more hearty in rescuing necessity; yet was my zeal more hearty in rescuing this one, because on an occasion when I was tired in this one, because on an occasion when I was tired in thethe desert hehe setset me on aa camel; whereas, when a desert me on camel ; whereas, when a boy, I had received a horsewhipping from that other. boy, I had received a horsewhipping from that other. SHAIKH SA.DI. 121 SHAIKH SADL 121 -God Almighty was all Justke and equity: whoever labouredGod Almighty zmto goodwas experiencedall justice goodand in equity:himself/whoever and he labouredwho toiledimto 1tntogood evilexperienced experiencedgood evil.-"in himself So ; longand Jieas " whothou toiledart ableunto grateevil nobody'sexperienced heart,evil. for inSo thislong pathas thouthere artmustable begrate thorns.nobody's Expediteheart, thefor concernsin this ofpath the therepoor andmust needy;be thorns. for thyExpedite own concernsthe concerns may needof the to and for concerns need to poor needy ; thy own may "< ..I be expedited." be expedited." XXXVI. XXXVI. There were two brothers in Egypt, one of whom servedThere thewere king,two andbrothers the otherin ateEgypt, the breadone ofof hiswhom own servedindustry.the. king,On oneand theoccasionother theate therichbread man ofsaidhis toown his industry.poor brother,On Whyone occasiondo you thenot richserveman the saidking,to thathis pooryou maybrother, relieveWhy yourselfdo you fromnot theserve hardshipthe king,of labour?that youHe mayreplied,relieve Whyyourself do youfrom not engagethe hardship in business,of labour? that Heyoureplied, may releaseWhy do yourselfyou not engagefrom thein business,ignominythat of youservice?may Asrelease philosophersyourself havefrom saidthe :-Toignominy eat barley­of servicebread and? As sit philosophersat our own ease,have issaid more: Tocreditableeat barley- than bread and sit at our own ease, is more creditable than to wear a golden girdle and stand up in service.-"" To tousewear thea handsgolden ingirdle makingand standquicklimeup in intoservice. mortarTo is usebetterthe thanhands to crossin making them onquicklime the breastinto in attendancemortar is betteron a thanprince.-Myto cross thempreciouson thelifebreast was wastedin attendance in the onthoughta prince. of whatMy I preciousmust eat inlife thewas summer,wasted andin wearthe thoughtin the winter.of what BeI mustcontent,eat in0 theignoblesummer, belly!and withwear a incrustthe ofwinter. bread, Bethatcontent, thou mayestO ignoble not bendbelly !thywith backa crustdoubleof inbread, servitude."that thou mayest not bend thy back double in servitude." XXXVII. XXXVII. A person announced to N ushirowan the Just, saying,A person I haveannounced heard thatto God,Nushirowan glorious andthe great,Just, I have heard that saying,has removed from this worldGod, a certainglorious manand whogreat, was has removed from this world a certain man who was 122I22 SHAIKHSHAIKHSAD SA.D£.I. youryour enemy.enemy. HeHe said,said, HaveHave youyou hadhad anyany intelli-intelli­ " gencegencethat thathe hehas hasoverlooked overlooked meme? ?-"In Inthe thedeath deathof of aarival rival I I havehaveno noroom room forfor exultation,exultation,since sincemy mylife life alsoalsois isnot notto tolast lastfor for ever." ever."

XXXVIII.XXXVIII.

AtAt thethecourt court ofofKisra, Kisra,or or Nushirowan,Nushirowan, aa cabinetcabinet councilcouncil werewere debatingdebating somesome statestate affair.affair. Abuzar-Abuzar­ chamahr,chamahr, whowho satsat asas president,president, waswas silentsilent TheyThey askedaskedhim, him,Why Whydo doyou younot notjoin joinus usin inthis thisdiscussion discussion?? HeHereplied, replied,Such Suchministers ministersof ofstate stateare arelike likephysicians, physicians, andand aa physicianphysicianwill will prescribeprescribea a medicinemedicineonly onlyto toa a sicksick manman; accordingly, soso long asas I I seesee thatthat your ; accordingly, long your opinionsopinions areare judicious,judicious, ititwere were ill-judgedill-judged inin meme toto " obtrudeobtrudea aword. word.-"While Whilebusiness businesscan canproceed proceedwith- with­ outoutmy myinterference, interference,it itdoes does notnotbehove behoveme meto tospeak speak on thethe subject; butbut were I I toto seesee a blindblind man on subject ; were a man walkingwalkinginto intoa a pit,pit,I I wouldwould bebe muchmuch toto blameblameif ifI I remainedremainedsilent" silent" XXXIX.XXXIX.

WhenWhenhe hereduced reducedthe thekingdom kingdomof ofMisr, Misr,or orEgypt, Egypt, toto obedience,obedience, Harun-ar-rashidHarun-ar-rashid said,said, InIncontempt contempt ofof thatthat impiousimpious rebelrebel [Pharaoh],[Pharaoh], who,who, inin hishis pridepride ofof thethesovereignty sovereigntyof ofEgypt, Egypt,boasted boasted aa divinity,divinity,I I willwill bestowbestow itsits governmentgovernment onlyonly onon thethe vilestvilest ofof mymy slaves.slaves. HeHehad hada anegro negro bondsman,bondsman,called calledKhosayib, Khosayib, preciouslypreciouslystupid, stupid,and andhim himhe heappointed appointed totorule ruleover over Egypt.Egypt. TheyTheytell tell usus thatthathis hisjudgment judgmentand and under-under­ standingstanding werewere such,such, thatthat whenwhen aa bodybodyof of farmersfarmers SHAIKH SADI. 12 SHAIKH SADL 1233 complained to him, saying, We had planted some complained to him, saying, We had planted some cotton shrubs on the banks of the Nile, and the rains cotton shrubs on the banks of the Nile, and the rains camecame unseasonably, andand swept them allall away;-he unseasonably, swept them away ; he replied, You ought to sow wool, that it might not be replied, You ought to sow wool, that it might not be swept away! A good and holy man heard this, and swept away ! A good and holy man heard this, and said :-"" Were our fortune to be increased in proportion said : Were our fortune to be increased in proportion to our knowledge, none could be scantier than the to our knowledge, none could be scantier than the share of the fool; but fortune ;m bestow such wealth share of the fool ; but fortune will bestow such wealth ...-, upon the ignorant as shall astonish a hundred of the upon the ignorant as shall astonish a hundred of the learned.learned. PowerPower andand fortunefortune dependdepend notnot onon know­know- ledge, they are obtained only through the aid of ledge, they are obtained only through the aid of heaven;heaven forfor itit hashas oftenoften happened inin thisthis worldworld thatthat ; happened thethe illiterateilliterate areare honoured,honoured, andand thethe wisewise heldheld inin scorn.scorn. TheThe foolfool inin hishis idlenessidleness foundfound aa treasuretreasure underunder aa ruin;ruin thethe chemist, oror projector, fellfell thethe victim victim ofof ; chemist, projector, disappointment and chagrin." disappointment and chagrin."

XLXI* [This Apologue is partly omltted.] [This Apologue is partly omitted.} They took a damsel of China to a king. In a state They took a damsel of China to a king. In a state of intoxication ... and passion he forced her upon a of intoxication . .. and passion he forced her upon a negro, whose upper lip projected along the sides of negro, whose upper lip projected along the sides of his nose, and the lower one doubled down upon his his nose, and the lower one doubled down upon his chin.chin. HeHe hadhad suchsuch aa hideoushideous appearanceappearance thatthat thethe demon Sakhr would have been terrified at seeing demon Sakhr would have been terrified at seeing him, and fountains of liquid pitch trickled from his him, and fountains of liquid pitch trickled from his arm-pits.-"" Thou mayest affirm that, till the end of arm-pits. Thou mayest affirm that, till the end of time, beauty and deformity had their extreme in time, beauty and deformity had their extreme in Joseph and him. He was not a person who had such Joseph and him. He was not a person who had such 124 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADL a sort of forbidding aspect that any words could a sort of forbidding aspect that any words could describe his ugliness. God deliver us from the describe his ugliness. God deliver us from the noisomenessnoisomenessof ofhis his arm-pits;it it wasa acarcase carcasewelter- welter­ arm-pits ; was ing in a dog-day sun." ing in a dog-day sun." The negro was at that juncture the slave of his The negro was at that juncture the slave of his libidinous and carnal appetites: he gave way to his libidinous and carnal appetites : he gave way to his I ust, and deflowered the damsel. In the morning lust, and deflowered the damsel. In the morning the king sought after but did not find her. They the king sought after but did not find her. They informed him what had happened. He got furious, informed him what had happened. He got furious, and ordered that they should bind the negro and and ordered that they should bind the negro and damsel hand and foot, and precipitate them together damsel hand and foot, and precipitate them together from the pinnacle of the castle to the bottom of the from the pinnacle of the castle to the bottom of the moat One of his ministers, and a man of benevo­ moat. One of his ministers, and a man of benevo- lence, laid the face of intercession on the earth, and lence, laid the face of intercession on the earth, and said: Let the universe accord with the wishes of his said : Let the universe accord with the wishes of his majesty, and let fortune and dominion be his hand­ majesty, and let fortune and dominion be his hand- maids.maids. InInthis this instance,the the negrowas wasnot notin infault fault; instance, negro ; for all the servants and dependants about the court for all the servants and dependants about the court are accustomed to the bounty and munificence of his are accustomed to the bounty and munificence of his highness. He replied: Had he restrained his passion highness. He replied : Had he restrained his passion for one night, what would have been his loss, for I for one night, what would have been his loss, for I would in her room have given him a more precious would in her room have given him a more precious bondswoman? He said: 0 my lord! have you not bondswoman ? He said : O my lord ! have you not heard what the witty have remarked-"" When a heard what the witty have remarked When a person parched with thirst reaches a clear and limpid person parched with thirst reaches a clear and limpid fountain, fancy not that he would regard a furious fountain, fancy not that he would regard a furious elephant. A hungry infidel, or hypocrite, alone in elephant. A hungry infidel, or hypocrite, alone in a house replenished with food, would not have the a house replenished with food, would not have the grace to think that it was Ramazan, or the Moham­ grace to think that it was Ramazan, or the Moham- medanmedanmonth monthof ofLent." Lent." The king was pleased at this jest. He replied, The The king was pleased at this jest. He replied, The SHAIKHSHATKH SADI.SADI. 125

V

negro II bestow upon you; nownow whatwhat am II toto dodo withwith negro bestow upon you ; am thethe damsel?damsel ? HeHe said,said, GiveGive herher toto thethe negro,negro, forfor itit isis meetmeet thatthat aa dogdog shouldshould eateat thethe leavingsleavings ofof aa dog.­dog. " "NeverNever approveapprove ofof herher asas aa mistressmistress whowho cancan gogo aa wanderingwandering intointo forbiddenforbidden places.places. TheThe heartheart ofof thethe thirstythirsty cancan nevernever bebe broughtbrought toto relishrelish sweetsweet waterwater thatthat hashas passedpassed thethe liplip ofof aa stinkard.stinkard. NowNow thethe orangeorange isis soiledsoiled byby havinghaving fallenfallen inin thethe mire,mire, howhow cancan ~ .. ' itit againagain grace grace thethe handhand ofof aa king?king ? howhow cancan thethe heartheart ofof thethe parchedparched wishwish forfor thethe drinkdrink- wherewhere thethe cupcup hashas beenbeen inin contactcontact withwith aa mouthmouth offensiveoffensive inin itsits " breath?breath ? " XLI.XLI.

TheyThey askedasked SikanderSikander Rumi,Rumi, oror AlexanderAlexander thethe Greek,Greek, saying,saying, HowHow camecame youyou toto conquerconquer thethe regionsregions ofof thethe easteast andand west,west, whenwhen formerformer monarchsmonarchs exceededexceeded youyou inin yearsyears andand treasures,treasures, inin dominiondominion andand power,power, andand nonenone ofof themthem gainedgained suchsuch easyeasy victories?victories? HeHe answered,answered, WhateverWhatever kingdomkingdom II subdued,subdued, throughthrough thethe gracegrace ofof aa mostmost highhigh God,God, II nevernever oppressedoppressed itsits people,people, nornor tooktook thethe namesnames ofof ,itsits kings,kings, unlessunless inin " goodgood part.-"part MenMen ofof sensesense esteemesteem himhim notnot magnani­magnani- mousmous whowho cancan speakspeak disrespectfullydisrespectfully ofof thethe mightymighty andand greatgreat AA thronethrone andand dominion,dominion, commandcommand andand prohibition,prohibition, conquestconquest andand triumph,triumph, allall thesethese areare vanityvanity andand follyfolly onceonce theythey areare gonegone by.by. TraduceTraduce notnot thethe famefame ofof suchsuch asas wentwent before,before, thatthat thythy fairfair namename maymay remainremain asas aa memorialmemorial ofof thee,"thee." CHAPTERCHAPTER II.II.

OFOF THETHE MORALSMORALS OFOF DARWESHES.DARWESHES.

I.

A PERSON of distinction asked a parsa, or devout A PERSON of distinction asked a parsa, or devout and holy man, saying, What do you offer in justi­ and holy man, saying, What do you offer in justi- fication of a certain abid, another species of Moham­ fication of a certain abid, another species of Moham- medanmedan monk,monk, whosewhose charactercharacter othersothers havehave beenbeen soso ready to question? He replied: In his outward ready to question ? He replied : In his outward behaviour I see nothing to blame, and with the behaviour I see nothing to blame, and with the secrets of his heart I claim no acquaintance.­ secrets of his heart I claim no acquaintance. ""Whomsoever thou seest in a pars a's habit, con­ Whomsoever thou seest in a parsa's habit, con- sider him a parsa, or holy, and esteem him as a sider him a parsa, or holy, and esteem him as a good man; and ififthou thou knowest notnot whatwhatis is passing good man ; and knowest passing inin hishis mind,mind, whatwhat businessbusiness hashas thethe mohtasib,mohtasib, oror " censor,censor,with withthe theinside insideof ofthe thehouse house?"?

II.II.

II sawsawa adarwesh danvesh who,who, havinghaving laidlaid hishis headhead atat thethe fane of the Cabah of Mecca, was complaining and fane of the Cabah of Mecca, was complaining and saying, 0 gracious, 0 merciful God! thou knowest saying, O gracious, O merciful God ! thou knowest what can proceed from the sinful and ignorant that what can proceed from the sinful and ignorant that may be worthy of thy acceptance !-"" I brought my may be worthy of thy acceptance ! I brought my SHAIKH SADl SHAIKH SAD I. 127 excuse of imperfect performance, for I have no claim excuse of imperfect performance, for I have no claim on the score of obedience. The wicked repent them on the score of obedience. The wicked repent them of their sins; such as know God confess a deficiency of their sins; such as know God confess a deficiency of worship." of worship." Abids, or the pious, seek a reward of their devo­ Abids, or the pious, seek a reward of their devo- tion, merchants a profit on their traffic. I, a devoted tion, merchants a profit on their traffic. I, a devoted servant, have brought hope, not obedience, and have servant, have brought hope, not obedience, and have come as a beggar, and not for lucre !-Do unto me come as a beggar, and not for lucre ! Do unto me .... 'what is worthy of thyself; out deal not witlt me as I vvhat is worthy of thyself; but deal not with me as I 1nyse/f have deserved.-"" Whether thou wilt slay me myself have deserved. Whether thou wilt slay me or pardon my offence, my head and face are prostrate or pardon my offence, my head and face are prostrate atat thy threshold.threshold. Thy servantservant hashas nono willwill ofof hishis own; thy Thy own ; whatever thou commandest, that he will perform.­ whatever thou commandest, that he will perform. A t the door of the Cabah I saw a petitioner, who was At the door of the Cabah I saw a petitioner, who was praying and weeping bitterly. I ask not, saying, praying and weeping bitterly. I ask not, saying, Approve of my obedience, but draw the pen of Approve of my obedience, but draw the pen of forgiveness across my sins." forgiveness across my sins,"

III.III. Within the sanctuary of the Cabah, at Mecca, I Within the sanctuary of the Cabah, at Mecca, I saw Abd-u'l-cadur the Gilani, who having laid his saw Abd-u'1-cadur the Gilani, who having laid his face upon the Hasa, or black stone, was saying, face upon the Hasa, or black stone, was saying, Spare and pardon me, 0 God! and if, at all events, I Spare and pardon me, O God ! and if, at all events, I am doomed to punishment, raise me up at the day am doomed to punishment, raise me up at the day of resurrection blindfolded, that I may not be put to of resurrection blindfolded, that I may not be put to shame in the eyes of the righteous.-"" Every morning shame in the eyes of the righteous. Every morning when the day begins to dawn, with my face in the when the day begins to dawn, with my face in the dust of humility, I am saying, 0 thou, whom I dust of humility, I am saying, O thou, whom I never can forget, dost thou ever bestow a thought never can forget, dost thou ever bestow a thought on thy servant?"" on thy servant ? I28 128 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI.

IV.IV.

AA thiefthief got intointo aa holy man'sman's cell;cell butbut howeverhowever got holy ; much he searched, he could find nothing to steal, much he searched, he could find nothing to steal, and was going away disappointed. The good soul and was going away disappointed. The good soul was aware of what was passing, and taking up the was aware of what was passing, and taking up the rug on which he had slept, he put it in his way that rug on which he had slept, he put it in his way that he might not miss his object.-"" I have heard that he might not miss his object. I have heard that the heroes on the path of God will not distress the the heroes on the path of God will not distress the heartshearts ofof theirtheir enemies.enemies. HowHow canstcanst thouthou attainattain thisthis dignified station who art at strife and warfare with dignified station who art at strife and warfare with thy friends? "" thy friends ? The loving-kindness of the righteous, whether The loving-kindness of the righteous, whether before your face or behind your back, is not such before your face or behind your back, is not such that they will censure you when absent, and offer to that they will censure you when absent, and offer to die for you when present.-"" Face to face meek as a die for you when present. Face to face meek as a lam b, behind your back like a man-devouring wol£ lamb, behind your back like a man-devouring wolf. Whoever brings you, and sums up the faults of Whoever brings you, and sums up the faults of others, will doubtless expose your defects to them." others, will doubtless expose your defects to them."

v.V. Some travelling mendicants had agreed to club Some travelling mendicants had agreed to club in a body and participate in the cares and comforts in a body and participate in the cares and comforts of society. I expressed a wish that I might be one of society. I expressed a wish that I might be one of the party, but they refused to admit me. I said: of the party, but they refused to admit me. I said : It is rare and inconsistent with the generous disposi­ It is rare and inconsistent with the generous disposi- tionstions ofof darweshesdarweshes toto turnturn theirtheir facesfaces fromfrom aa good­good- fellowship with the poor, and ~ to deny them its fellowship with the poor, and to deny them its benefits, for on my part I feel such a zeal and benefits, for on my part I feel such a zeal and SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI. 129

good-will,good-will,that thatin inthe theservice serviceof ofthe theliberal liberal I I amarp likelylikely toto proveprove ratherrather anan activeactive associateassociate thanthan aa grievousgrievous " load.load.-"Though Though notnot oneone ofof thosethose whowho areare mounted1IZozmted ononthe thecamels, camels,I I willwilldo do mymybest, best,tfiat tltatI 1may maycarry carrytheir their saddle-cloths"saddle-cloths." -

OneOneof ofthem themanswered answered andand saidsaid:: BeBenot not offendedoffended atatwhat what youyouhave have heard,heard,for for somesome daysdays backback aa thiefthief joinedjoined usus inin thethe garbgarb ofofa a darwesh,darwesh,and andstrung strunghim- him- " . self..self uponupon thethe cordcord ofofour our acquaintance.acquaintance.-"How Howcan can peoplepeopleknow knowwhat whathe he isis thatthat wearswears thatthat dress.dress. TheThe writerwriter cancan alonealone telltell thethe contentscontentsof of thetheletter." letter."-InIn consequenceconsequenceof ofthat thatreverence reverence inin whichwhich thethe darweshdarwesh charactercharacteris isheld, held,they theydid didnot notthink thinkof ofhis hisprofligacy, profligacy, " andandadmitted admittedhim him intointo theirtheir society.society.-"The Theoutward outward· charactercharacter ofofthe the holy isis aa patchedcloak cloak; thisthis much holy patched ; much isis sufficient,sufficient, thatthat itit hashas aa threadbarethreadbare hood.hood. BeBe industriousindustrious inin thythy calling,calling, andand wearwear whateverwhatever dressdress thouthouchoosest choosest. PutPuta adiadem diadem onon thythy head,head,and and bearbear aa standardstandard onon thythy shoulder.shoulder. HolinessHoliness doesdoes notnot consistconsistin ina a coarsecoarsefrock. frock. LetLet aa zahid,zahid,or orholy holyman, man, bebetruly trulypious, pious,and andhe he maymaydress dress inin satin.satin. SanctitySanctity isis notnot merely aa change ofofdress dress; it·it isis an abandon­ merely change ; an abandon- mentmentof ofthe theworld, world,its itspomp pompand andvanity. vanity. ItItrequires requires aa heroheroto towear weara a coatcoatof ofmail, mail,for forwhat ·whatwould wouldit itprofit profit toto dressdress anan hermaphrodite,hermaphrodite, oror coward,coward, inin aa suitsuit ofof " armourarmour?"? • InIn shortshort wewe hadhad oneone dayday travelledtravelled tilltill dark,dark, andand atatnight nightcomposed composed ourselvesourselves forfor sleepsleepunder underthe thewall wall ofofa a castle.castle. ThatThat gracelessgraceless thiefthieftook took upup hishis neigh-neigh­ bour'sbour's ewer, saying, II am going toto my ablutionsablutions; ewer, saying, am going my ; " andand hehe waswas settingsetting outout forfor plunder.plunder.-"Behold Behold aa 75175 1 131300 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL

religiou.sreligious man,man, whowho threwthrew aa patchedpatched cloakcloak overover hishis shoulders he the of the the shoulders; ; he mademade the coveringcovering of the CabahCabah the housinghousing ofof anan ass."-Soass." So soonsoon asas hehe gotgot outout ofof thethe sightsight ofof the the darweshes,darweshes, hehe scaledscaled aa bastionbastion ofof thethe fortfort andand stolestole aa casket.casket. . BeforeBefore breakbreak ofof dayday thatthat gloomy­gloomy- mindedminded robberrobber hadhad gotgot aa greatgreat wayway off,off, andand leftleft hishis innocentinnocent companionscompanions asleep.asleep. InIn thethe morningmorning theythey werewere allall carriedcarried intointo thethe citadel,citadel, andand thrown thrown intointo aa dungeon.dungeon. FromFrom thatthat timetime wewe havehave declineddeclined anyany additionaddition toto ourour party,party, andand keptkept apartapart toto ourselves,ourselves, forfor therethere £sis safetysafety inin unz"ty,unity, butbut dangerdanger z'nin dual£tyduality oror aa " multitude.-"multitude. WhenWhen anan individualindividual ofof aa sectsect committedcommitted anan actact ofof folly,folly, thethe highhigh andand thethe lowlow sunksunk inin theirtheir . dignity.dignity. DostDost thouthou notnot seesee thatthat oneone oxox inin aa pasturagepasturage willwill castcast aa slurslur uponupon allall thethe oxenoxen ofof thethe " village?village ? " II said:said: LetLet therethere bebe thanksgivingthanksgiving toto aa DeityDeity ofof majestymajesty andand gloryglory thatthat II amam notnot forbidforbid thethe benefitsbenefits ofof darweshes,darweshes, notwithstandingnotwithstanding II amam inin appearanceappearance excluded from their I instructed excluded from their society;society ; andand I amam instructed byby thisthis narration,narration, andand othersothers likelike meme maymay profitprofit byby itsits " moralmoral duringduring theirtheir remainingremaining lives.-"lives. FromFrom oneone indiscreetindiscreet personperson inin anan assemblyassembly aa hosthost ofof thethe prudentprudent maymay getget hurt.hurt IfIf theythey fillfill aa cisterncistern toto thethe

brimbrim withwith rose-water,rose-water, andand letlet aa dogdog fallfall intointo it,it, thethe wholewhole willwill bebe contaminated."contaminated."

VI.VI.

AA ZahidZahid waswas thethe guestguest ofof a a king.king. WhenWhen hehe satsat downdown atat tabletable hehe ateate moremore sparinglysparingly fromfrom thatthat thanthan SHAIKH SADL 13 1 SHAIKH SADL 131 his appetite inclined him, and when he stood up at hisprayersappetite he continuedinclined him, longerand atwhen themhe thanstood it wasup athis prayerscustom;he thatcontinued they mightlonger format thema highthan opinionit was ofhis his custom that form a of his sanctity.-"; I theyfear, might0 Arab! thathigh thouopinion wilt not reach " sanctity.the Cabah;I fear,for theO Arabroad ! thatthat thouthou artwilt takingnot reach leads the for the road that art leads to Turkistan,Cabah ; or the region of infidels."thou taking to Turkistan,When he returnedor the region homeof heinfidels." ordered the table to be spreadWhen thathe returned he mighthome eat. heHisordered son wasthe a tableyouthto ofbe a . spread~s hrewdthat understanding.he might eat. HeHis said:son was0 father,a youth perhapsof a shrewdyou ateunderstanding. little or nothingHe atsaid the: Ofeastfather, of theperhaps king? youHe ateanswered,little orIn nothinghis presenceat the I feastate scarceof the anythingking? Hethatanswered, could answerIn his itspresence purpose!I ate Thenscarce retortedanything the

thatboy, couldRepe~tanswer also itsyourpurpose prayers,! Then that retortednothingthe be boy,omittedRepeat that alsocan serveyour aprayers, purpose.-"that Yes,nothing thy virtuesbe " omittedthou hastthat exposedcan serve in thea purpose.palm of thyYes, hand,thy thyvirtues vices thouthouhast hastexposed hid underin the thypalm arm-pit.of thy hand,Takethy heed,vices 0 thouhypocrite,hast hidwhatunder thou thywilt arm-pitbe able toTake purchaseheed, withO hypocrite,this basewhat moneythou onwilt the bedayable ofto needpurchase or daywith of thisjudgment."base money on the day of need or day of judgment." VII. VII. I remember that in my early youth I was overmuch religiousI remember andthat vigilant,in my andearly scrupulouslyyouth I was overmuchpious and religiousabstinentand Onevigilant, night andI satscrupulously up in attendancepious onand my abstinent.father, on whomOne nightbe God'sI satmercy,up inneverattendance once closedon my my father,eyes duringon whom thebe wholeGod's mercy,night, neverand heldonce theclosed preciousmy eyesKoranduring open theon mywhole lap,night, while andthe companyheld the aroundprecious us Koranwere fastopen asleep.on my lap,I saidwhile to themy companyfather: Notaround an indi­us werevidualfast of asleep.these willI raisesaid histo headmy father that he: Not mayan performindi- vidualhis genuflections,of these will orraise ritualhis ofhead prayer;that he butmay theyperform are all his or ritual of but are all so genuflections,sound asleep, that you mightprayer conclude; they they were so sound asleep, that you might conclude they were 13 2 SHAIKH SADI. 1 3 2 SHAIKH SADI. dead. He replied: 0 emanation of your father, you haddead. alsoHe betterreplied have: Osleptemanation than thatof youyour shouldfather, thusyou calumniatehad also better the havefailingsslept of thanmankind.-"that you Theshould braggartthus " cancalumniate discern theonlyfailings his ownof mankind.precious person;The braggarthe will can discern his own he will draw the veil ofonly conceit all aroundprecious him.person W ere; fortune todraw bestowthe veil uponof himconceit God'sall all-searchingaround him. eye,Were he fortunewould findto bestow nobodyupon weakerhim thanGod's himself."all-searching eye, he would find nobody weaker than himself."

VIII. VIII. In a company they were extolling a gentleman of distinctionIn a company and magnifyingthey were hisextolling splendida gentlemanvirtues. Heof raiseddistinction his head,and andmagnifying said, I amhis suchsplendid as I virtues.know I amHe ! _"raised It sufficeshis head, withand thee,said, I0 amsir,such that assummestI know upI ammy! "It with that summest good works,suffices as they appearthee, Ooutwardly,sir, but "thou knowestup my notgood theworks, secretsas ofthey myappear heart."-"outwardly, In the eyesbut thouof mankindknowest " mynot outwardthe secrets personof my heart"is a goodlyIn object;the eyes butof mymankind head outward is a but head hungmy down inperson shame at goodlythe deformityobject ; of mymy mind. Peoplehung down are cryingin shame up theat richthe anddeformity variegatedof my plumagemind. ofPeople the arepeacock,crying andup thehe richis himselfand variegated blushingplumage at the sightof the of peacock,his ugly feet."and he is himself blushing at the sight of his ugly feet." IX. IX. One of the holy men of Mount Lebanon, whose discoursesOne of werethe holyesteemed,men andof Mount his miraclesLebanon, renownedwhose throughoutdiscourses werethe regionsesteemed, of andArabia,his enteredmiracles therenowned metro­ politanthroughout mosquethe regionsat Damascus;of Arabia, andentered was performingthe metro- at Damascus and was hispolitan ablutionsmosque by the reservoir ; at the well,performing when, his foothis ablutionsslipping, heby fellthe intoreservoir the cistern,at the andwell, extricatedwhen, his himselffoot slipping, from heit withfell intoconsiderablethe cistern, difficulty.and extricated After himself from it they had finished withtheir considerableprayers one .ofdifficulty. his companionsAfter they had finished their prayers one of his companions SHAIKH SADSADI.I. 133

said:said : A point of some perplexity offers itself, which with your leave, I will state. The holy man asked, What is it?it ? He said:said : I can recollect that the Shaikh, or his reverence, would walk on the surface of the western ocean, and not wet his -footfoot. How came it to-day that, in this scarcely a man's depth of water, you were all but drowned?drowned ? what does this meanmean?? The holy man dropped his -head'head on the bosom of and after some raised < .. _ reflection, and after some profound thought raised and heard that it, and answered, Have you not heard what that prince of the universe, Mohammed Mustofa, upon

be God's and said : There is a time whom be God's blessing and'peacepeace, \ said :-Tltere is a time Whe1Zwhen I am with God/God; and he will not show the favour he does me to the angels of his affectionaffictz(J1Z and prophets of his revelat£on.-Butrevelation. But he did not say it is always so. On one occasion that he described, he would not converse with Gabriel and Michael and on converse with Gabriel and Michael;; and on another, he could hold an intercourse with Hofzah and Zynob [two of his wives].-wives]. The visions of the inspired are revelation and he is and be- revelation and tenabrosity;tenabrosity ; he is directing and be­ " wildering them.-"them. Thou unveilest thine eyes and continence thou an to the preachest up continence;; thou givest an activity to the mart where they are sold, and it:Jflamestinflamest our desires. I/ behold him [God] whom my heart desires with­with- out tlzethe veil of intervention, therefore I become like him who loses his way, he stirs up a flame and then quenches it by sprinkl£ngsprinkling water, on whichwhiclz account thou seest me at oueone moment burning and the next drowning.drowni1zg.-AA person questioned Jacob, or him who had lost Joseph, his son, saying, 0O illustrious and intelligent old man, thou didst smell the perfume of his garment at the i SHAIKH SADI. 1343 4 SHAIKH SADL distance of Egypt, how earnest thou not to discover distance of Egypt, how earnest thou not" to discover him when hid in the well of Canaan ? He : him when hid in the well of Canaan?" He repliedreplied: condition is that of as at one moment My condition is that of lightning;lightning ; as at one moment seen in a and seen in a flash, and the next disappearing. This instant I can to the mansion of instant I can aspire to the highest mansion of hea~en,heaven, and the next I discern the of and the next I cannot discern the instep of my footfoot. Could the darwesh's mind remain fixed on its Could the darwesh's mind remain fixed on its object the and adoration of the (namely, the contemplation and adoration of the he wash his hands of this world and the Deity), he might wash his hands of this world and the next attain his re-union with next (that is, attain his re-union with God).

x.X.

On one at the of On one occasion, at the metropolitan mosque of I was of to Balbuk, I was holding forth, by way of admonition, to a cold and dead at and to be a congregation cold and dead at heart, and not to be moved from the materialism of this world into the moved from the materialism of this world into the paths of mysticismmysticism... I perceived that the spirit of my discourse was no nor were the discourse was making no impression, nor were the of enthusiasm to strike fire into their sparks "of my enthusiasm likely to strike fire into their humid wood. I of and humid wood. I grew weary of instructing brutes, and of a mirror to an of the blind of holding up a mirror to an assembly of the blind;; door of was thrown and the but the door of exposition was thrown open, and the chain of extended and in of chain of argument extended;; and in explanation of in the We. are nearer to him this text in the Koran,-Koran, We are nearer to him the vein his neck. I had reached that [God] than tlte vein of his neck.-I had reached that passage of my sermon where I thus express myself: "passage of my sermon where I thus express myself:­ Such a mistress as is closer to me in her affection " Such a mistress as is closer to me in her affection than I am to but this is marvellous that I am than I am to myself, but this is marvellous that I am her. What shall I and to whom estranged from her. What shall I say, and to whom SHAII-(H SADI. 135 SHAIKH SADI. 135 can I tell it, that she lies on my bosom and I am can I tell she lies I it, that on my bosom and am alienated from her."- alienated from her." The intoxicating spirit of this discourse ran into The of this discourse ran into my head,intoxicating and the dregsspirit of the cup still rested in my my head, and the dregs of the cup still rested in my hand, when a traveller, as passing by, entered the hand, when a traveller, as passing by, entered the outer circle of the congregation, and its expiring outer circle of the congregation, and its expiring undulation lit upon him. He sent forth such a groan undulation lit upon him. He sent forth such a groan that the others in sympathy with him joined in that the others in sympathy with him joined in ~ lamentation, and the rawest of the assembly bubbled lamentation, and the rawest of the assembly bubbled in unison. I exclaimed, Praise be to God! those far in unison. I exclaimed, Praise be to God ! those far off are present in their knowledge, and those near by off are present in their knowledge, and those near by are distant from their ignorance.-"" If the hearer has are distant from their ignorance. If the hearer has not the faculty of comprehending the sermon, expect not the faculty of comprehending the sermon, expect not the vigour of genius in the preacher. Give a not the vigour of genius in the preacher. Give a scope to the field of inclination, that the orator may scope to the field of inclination, that the orator may have room to strike the ball of eloquence over it." have room to strike the ball of eloquence over it."

XLXI. One night in the desert of Mecca, from an excess One night in the desert of Mecca, from an excess cf drowsiness, I had not a foot to enable me to pro· cf drowsiness, I had not a foot to enable me to pro- ceed; and, laying my head on the earth, I gave ceed head on the I ; and, laying my earth, gave myself up for lost, and desired the camel-driver to myself up for lost, and desired the camel-driver to leave me to my fate.-"" How could the foot of the leave me to my fate. How could the foot of the poor jaded pedestrian go on, now that the Bactrian poor jaded pedestrian go on, now that the Bactrian dromedary got impatient of its burden. While the dromedary got impatient of its burden. While the body of a fat man is getting lean, a lean man must body of a fat man is getting lean, a lean man must fall the victim of a hardship." fall the victim of a hardship." The camel-driver replied: 0 brother, holy Mecca is The camel-driver replied : O brother, holy Mecca is ahead, and the profane robber behind; if you come the robber if ahead, and profane behind ; you come forward you escape, but if you stay here you die!- forward you escape, but if you stay here you die ! 136 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADT.

" " DuringDuring thethe nightnight journeyjourney ofof thethe caravan,caravan, andand inin thethe tracktrack ofof thethe desert,desert, itit isis fascinatingfascinating toto dosedose underunder thethe acacia-thorn tree on this we must acacia-thorn tree; ; but,but, on this indulgence,indulgence, we must resignresign allall thoughtsthoughts ofof survivingsurviving it."it."

XII.XII.

I Isawsaw onon thethe sea-shoresea-shore a aholyholy manman whowho hadhad beenbeen torntorn byby a atyger,tyger, andand couldcould getget nono salvesalve toto healheal hishis wound.wound. ForFor a alengthlength ofof timetime hehe sufferedsuffered muchmuch pain,pain, andand waswas allall alongalong offeringoffering thanksthanks toto thethe MostMost High.High. TheyThey askedasked him,him, saying,saying, WhyWhy areare youyou soso grateful?grateful ? HeHe answered,answered, GodGod bebe praisedpraised thatthat I Iamam overtakenovertaken " withwith misfortunemisfortune andand notnot withwith sinsin l-"! WereWere thatthat belovedbeloved friend,friend, God,God, toto givegive meme overover toto death,death, taketake heed,heed, andand thinkthink notnot thatthat I Ishouldshould bebe solicitoussolicitous aboutabout life.life. I Iwouldwould ask,ask, WhatWhat hasthast thouthou seenseen amissamiss inin thythy poorpoor servantservant thatthat thythy heartheart shouldshould take take offenceoffence atat me?me? forfor thatthat couldcould alone alone givegive meme a a moment'smoment's uneasiness."uneasiness."

XIII.XIII.

HavingHaving somesome pressingpressing occasion,occasion, a adarweshdarwesh stolestole a a rugrug fromfrom thethe huthut ofof a a friend.friend. TheThe judgejudge orderedordered thatthat theythey shouldshould cutcut offoff hishis hand.hand. TheThe ownerowner ofof thethe rugrug mademade intercessionintercession forfor him,him, saying,saying, I I havehave forgivenforgiven him.him. TheThe judgejudge replied,replied, AtAt youryour instanceinstance I I cannotcannot relaxrelax thethe extremeextreme sentencesentence ofof thethe law.law.

HeHe said:said : InIn whatwhat youyou orderedordered youyou spokespoke justly.justly. Nevertheless,Nevertheless, whoeverwhoever stealssteals a a portionportion ofof anyany pro­pro- pertyperty dedicateddedicated toto almsalms mustmust notnot suffersuffer thethe forfeitureforfeiture SHAIKH SADE. 137 SHAIKH SADI. 137 of his hand, for a religious mendicant -is 1lot the of his hand, for a religious mendicant is not the proprietor of anything,; and whatever appertains to of and whatever appertains to proprietordarweshes is devotedanything; to the necessitous. The judge darweshes is devoted to the necessitous. The judge withdrew his hand from punishing him, and by way withdrew his hand from him, and by way of reprimand asked, Had punishingthe world become so cir­ of asked, Had the world become so cir- cumscribedreprimand that you could not commit a theft but cumscribed that you could not commit a theft but in the dwelling of such a friend? He answered, in the of such a friend? He answered, Have youdwelling not heard what they have said, Sweep Have you not heard what they have said, Sweep < -' everything away from the houses of your friends, everything away from the houses of your friends, but knock not at the doors of your enemies.-"" When but knock not at the doors of your enemies. When overwhelmed with calamity let not thy body pine overwhelmed with calamity let not thy body pine in misery. Strip thy foes of their skins, and thy in misery. Strip thy foes of their skins, and thy friends of their jackets."- friends of their jackets."

XIV.XIV. A king said to a holy man, Are you ever thinking A king said to a holy man, Are you ever thinking of me? Yes, replied he, at such time as I am for­ of me ? Yes, replied he, at such time as I am for- getting God Almighty 1-"" He will wander all around getting God Almighty ! He will wander all around whom God shall drive from his gate; and he will whom God shall drive from his and he will not let him go to another doorgate whom; he shall not let him go to another door whom he shall directdirect intointo hishis own."own."

XV.XV. One of the righteous in a dream saw a king in One of the righteous in a dream saw a in paradise, and a parsa, or holy man, in hell.king He paradise, and a parsa, or holy man, in hell. He questioned himself, saying, What is the cause of the questioned himself, saying, What is the cause of the exaltation of this, and the degradation of that, for exaltation of this, and the degradation of that, for we have fancied their converse? A voice came from we have fancied their converse ? A voice came from above, answering, This king is in heaven because above, answering, This king is in heaven because 138 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADJ. SADI.

ofof hishis affectionaffection forfor thethe holy,holy, andand thatthat parsaparsa isis inin hellhell becausebecause ofof hishis connectionconnection withwith thethe kingly.kingly.­ " "What Whatcan cana acoarse coarse frock,frock,rosary, rosary,and and patchedpatched cloakcloak availavail?? AbstainAbstain fromfrom suchsuch evilevil worksworks asas maymaydefile defile thee.thee. ThereThere isis nono occasionoccasion toto putput aa feltfeltcowl cowlupon upon thythy head.head. BeBe aa darweshdarwesh inin thythyactions, actions,and andwear weara a TartarianTartariancoronet." coronet"

XVI.XVI.

AA pedestrian,pedestrian,naked naked fromfrom headhead toto foot,foot, leftleftCufah Cufah withwiththe thecaravan caravanof ofpilgrims pilgrims forfor Hijaj,Hijaj,or orMecca, Mecca,and and camecame alongalong withwith us.us. II lookedlooked atat andand sawsaw himhim of for the destitutedestitute of everyevery necessarynecessary for the journeyjourney;; yetyet hehe waswas cheerfullycheerfully pushingpushing on,on, andand bravelybravely remark-remark­ " inging: :-"I I amam neitherneither mountedmounted onon aa camelcamel nornor aa mulemule underunder aa burden.burden. II amam neitherneither thethe lordlord ofof vassalsvassals nornor thethe vassalvassal ofof aa lord.lord. I I thinkthink notnot ofof presentpresent sorrowssorrows oror pastpast vanities,vanities, butbut breathebreathe thethe " breathbreathof ofease easeand andlive livethe thelife lifeof offreedom freedom! 1" AA gentlemangentlemanmounted mounted onon aa camelcamel said said toto him,him,O 0 darwesh,darwesh, whitherwhither areare youyou going?going? return,return, oror youyou mustmust perishperish miserably.miserably. HeHe diddid notnot heedheed whatwhat hehe said,said, butbut enteredentered thethe desertdesert onon footfoot andand proceeded.proceeded. OnOn ourour reachingreaching thethe palmpalm plantationplantation ofof Mahmud,Mahmud, fatefate overtookovertook thethe richrich man,man, andand hehe died.died. TheThe darweshdarwesh wentwent upup toto hishis bierbier andand said,said, II diddid notnot perishperish amidstamidst hardshiphardship onon foot,foot, andand youyou expiredexpired onon aa camel'scamel's back.back.-""A A personperson satsat allall nightnight weepingweeping bybythe theside sideof ofa a sicksick friend.friend. NextN ext daydayhe he died,died;and and thethe invalidinvalid recoveredrecovered! I-Yes!Yes ! manymany aa fleetfleet horsehorse perishedperishedby bythe the way,way, andand thatthat lamelame assass reachedreached thethe SHAIKHSAD.l. SHAIKH SADJ. 139139 end of the journey. How many of the vigorous and end of the journey. How many of the vigorous and hale did they put underground, and that wounded hale did they put underground, and that wounded man recovered !" " man recovered !

XVII.XVII. A king invited an abid, or holy man, to a feast. A king invited an abid, or holy man, to a feast. He pondered within himself, saying: I will take a He pondered within himself, saying : I will take a medicinemedicine thatthat shallshall weaken me; peradventure thatthat weaken me ; peradventure < ·respect which the king entertains for my sanctity respect which the king entertains for my sanctity may be increased. They say it was a deadly poison. may be increased. They say it was a deadly poison. He swallowed it, and died.-"" That fellow who He swallowed it, and died. That fellow who seemed to me full of meat as a pistachio nut, his seemed to me full of meat as a pistachio nut, his brainbrain waswas allall foldfold overover foldfold likelike anan onion.onion. SuchSuch holy men are at their prayers, turning their backs holy men are at their prayers, turning their backs upon the Cabah and their faces towards mankind; upon the Cabah and their faces towards mankind; whilstwhilst thusthus thethe zahids,zahids, oror hermits,hermits, ofof Omar,Omar, Bakar,Bakar, and Zayid [fictitious names] pretend not to any and Zayid [fictitious names] pretend not to any godliness, for you are hypocrites. When a person godliness, for you are hypocrites. When a person callscalls himselfhimselfthe the servantservant ofofGod, God, itit behovesbehoves himhim toto know God, and him only." know God, and him only."

XVIII.XVIII. In the territory of the Greeks a caravan was In the territory of the Greeks a caravan was attacked by robbers, and plundered of much pro­ attacked by robbers, and plundered of much pro- perty. The merchants set up a lamentation and perty. The merchants set up a lamentation and complaint, and besought the intercession of God complaint, and besought the intercession of God "cc and thethe prophet; butbu t allall toto nono purpose.- When and prophet ; purpose. When the gloomy-minded robber is flushed with victory, the gloomy-minded robber is flushed with victory, what will he feel for the traveller'S despair." what will he feel for the traveller's despair." MO SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI.

Lucman,Lucman, thethe fabulistfabulist andand philosopher,philosopher, happenedhappened toto bebe amongamong them.them. OneOne ofof thethe travellerstravellers spokespoke toto him,him, saying,saying, DirectDirect somesome maximsmaxims ofof wisdomwisdom andand admoni­admoni- tion to them restore a of our tion to them; ; perhapsperhaps theythey maymay restore a partpart of our for it were a that articles of such value goods;goods ; for it were a pitypity that articles of such value shouldshould bebe castcast away.away. HeHe answered:answered : ItIt werewere aa pitypity toto castcast awayaway thethe admonitionsadmonitions ofof wisdomwisdom uponupon them!them ! " -" FromFrom thatthat ironiron whichwhich ththee rustrust hashas corrodedcorroded thouthou canstcanst notnot eradicateeradicate thethe cankercanker withwith aa file.file. WhatWhat purposepurpose willwill itit answeranswer toto preachpreach toto thethe gloomy­gloomy- mindedminded infidel?infidel ? AA nailnail ofof ironiron cannotcannot penetratepenetrate intointo aa piecepiece ofof flint."flint" PerhapsPerhaps thethe faultfault hashas beenbeen onon ourour partpart [in[in notnot " beingbeing charitable],charitable], asas theythey havehave saidsaid :-": OnOn thethe dayday ofof thythy ·prosperityprosperity rememberremember thethe bankruptbankrupt andand needy,needy, forfor byby visitingvisiting thethe heartshearts ofof thethe poorpoor withwith charitycharity thouthou shaltshalt divertdivert calamity.calamity. WhenWhen thethe beggarbeggar solicitssolicits alms from bestow it with a alms from thee,thee, bestow it with a goodgood grace;grace ; otherwiseotherwise thethe tyranttyrant maymay comecome andand taketake itit byby force."force."

XIX.XIX.

HoweverHowever muchmuch mymy ghostlyghostly tutor,tutor, ShaikhShaikh Shums­Shums- u'd-dinu'd-din Abu'l-firah-bin-JAbu'1-firah-bin-Juzi, uzi, ofof Baghdad,Baghdad, mightmight incul­incul- catecate mymy relinquishmentrelinquishment ofof thethe darwesh'sdarwesh's dancedance andand song,song, andand recommendrecommend aa lifelife ofof monasticmonastic privacyprivacy andand retirement,retirement, hehe couldcould notnot reachreach thethe earear ofof mymy assent,assent, thethe spring-tidespring-tide ofof youthyouth wouldwould overflow,overflow, andand vigourvigour ofof sensualitysensuality prevail.prevail. WretchWretch asas II was,was, inin oppositionopposition toto thatthat preceptor'spreceptor's goodgood sense,sense, II wouldwould letlet mymy feetfeet leadlead meme astray,astray, andand givegive wayway toto thethe enjoymentenjoyment ofof musicmusic SHAIKHSHAIKH SADSADI.I. 141 and conviviality; and whenever the advice of that and conviviality; and whenever the advice of that sage might cross my thought, I would whisk me a - sage might cross my thought, I would whisk me a circular dance, and cry,-"" Were the crazy to sit down circular dance, and cry, Were the crazy to sit down in our party, he would clap his hands from joy; were in our party, he would clap his hands from joy; were the censor to drink wine, he would overlook those that the censor to drink wine, he would overlook those that get intoxicated: ""-till one night that I got into a get intoxicated : till one night that I got into a mixed company, and met among them a minstrel.- mixed company, and met among them a minstrel. .,. ""Thou mayest say, the bow of his violin is breaking Thou mayest say, the bow of his violin is breaking the cat-gut string of existence, and his voice is more the cat-gut string of existence, and his voice is more harsh than that of a man howling on the death of his harsh than that of a man howling on the death of his father."-One moment the fingers of the auditors are father." One moment the fingers of the auditors are on his account in their ears, and the next moment on his account in their ears, and the next moment on their lips, motioning silence !-"" The heart may be on their lips, motioning silence ! The heart may be charmed by the voice of sweet melody~' but such a singer charmed by the voice of sweet melody ; but such a singer as thou art can only please by being silent.-Nobody can as thou art can only please by being silent. Nobody can feel any delight in thy singing till the hour of thy feel any delight in thy singing till the hour of thy departure, when it will cease. When that lute-player departure, when it will cease. When that lute-player began his song, I said to our landlord, For God's sake, began his song, I said to our landlord, For God's sake, either pour quicksilver into m'y ear, that I may not either pour quicksilver into my ear, that I may not hear, or open the door for me, that I may run out."­ hear, or open the door for me, that I may run out." In short, out of regard for my companions, I accom­ In short, out of regard for my companions, I accom- modated myself to their wishes, and turned night into modated myself to their wishes, and turned night into dayday afterafter manifoldmanifold vexations.vexations.-""The The mouzzin,mouzzin, oror crier at the mosque, gives his notices of prayer out of crier at the mosque, gives his notices of prayer out of allall seasonseason; hehe isis notnot aware how much ofof thethe night isis ; aware how much night gone. Ask the length of the night from my eye-lids, gone. Ask the length of the night from my eye-lids, for my eyes have not been indulged with one wink of for my eyes have not been indulged with one wink of sleep."-At dawn, by way of benediction, I took the sleep." At dawn, by way of benediction, I took the turban from my head, and a diram from my girdle, turban from my head, and a diram from my girdle, and, laying them at his feet, folded him in my and, laying them at his feet, folded him in my arms, and returned him many thanks. My friends arms, and returned him many thanks. My friends SHAIKH SADI. 142 SHAIKH SADI. considered my endeavours to do him justice as contrary considered to him as to what wasmy usual,endeavours imputed itdo to a weaknessjustice ofcontrary under­ to what was it to of standing, andusual, turnedimputed it into ridiculea weakness behind myunder- back. standing,One of themand turnedlet looseit intothe tongueridicule ofbehind animadversion,my back. One of them let loose the of and began to 'admonish me,tongue saying, Inanimadversion, this instance and to admonish In this instance you begandid not act as becameme, asaying, prudent man, for you did not act as became a for youbestowed the distinguishing garmentprudent man,of a Shaikhyou bestowed the upon this singer,distinguishing who has not duringgarment his wholeof a lifeShaikh had this who has not his whole life had upona diram insinger, the palm of his hand,during or a particle of gold a diram in the palm of his hand, or a particle of gold on the head of his tambourine.-"" Such a minstrel, far on the head of his a far let him remain fromtambourine. this happy mansion,Such minstrel, nobody has let him remain this has seen twice in thefrom same place.happy Truly,mansion, whennobody his voice seen twice in the same when his voice issued from his mouth, itplace. made Truly,people's hair stand on issued from his it made hair stand on end on their bodies:mouth, the birdpeople's on the house-top is end on their bodies : bird the is frightened away by the thehowl; it ondistractshouse-top our brains, the howl it distracts our frightenedand tears openaway ourby windpipe."-I; replied: It werebrains, as and tears our I : It were as well to restrainopen thewindpipe." tongue of animadversion,replied in as wellmuch to asrestrain his facultythe tongueof workingof animadversion, miracles is herebyin as much as his of miracles is made manifestfaculty He said:working Let us also benefit herebyby this made manifest He said : Let us also benefit this discovery, that we may all unite and apologise byfor the that we all unite and for the discovery,rudeness we committed.may I answered,apologise on this account, rudeness we I on this that my reverendcommitted. Shaikh answered,had repeatedly forbidaccount, my that reverend Shaikh had forbid frequentingmy the darwesh's dancerepeatedly and song, and oftenmy the darwesh's dance and and often frequentingwarned me against them; but I neversong, thought of his warned me them but I never of his advice till againstthis night, that; my propitiousthought stars and advice till this that stars and good fortune directednight, me to mythis house;propitious and I vowed, fortune directed me to this house and I goodon the hand of this minstrel, that ; I wouldvowed, not on the hand of this that I would not again engage in the circularminstrel, dance or convivial song:­ in circular dance or convivial again"Whenengage sweet melodythe escapes from a lovelysong: throat, " When sweet from a mouth, and lip,melody whetherescapes harmonious orlovely not, itthroat, must and whether harmonious or it must mouth,fascinate; butlip, were it the musical mode not,of Oshshac, fascinate it the musical of ; but were mode Oshshac, SHAIKHSHAIKHSAD SADI.I. 143143

Ispahan,Ispahan,or or Hijaz,Hijaz,it it wouldwould disgust,disgust, ififproceeding proceeding fromfrom thethe pipepipe ofofso so vilevile aa minstrel."minstrel."

XX.xx.

TheyThey askedasked Lucman,Lucman, thethe fabulist,fabulist, fromfrom whomwhom diddid youyou learnlearn mannersmanners?? HeHe answered,answered, FromFrom thethe un-un­ mannerly,mannerly, forfor II waswas carefulcareful toto avoidavoid whateverwhatever partpart ofof " ... "'theirtheir behaviourbehaviour seemedseemed toto meme bad.bad.-"They They willwill notnot speakspeak aa wordword inin jokejoke fromfrom whichwhich thethe wisewise cannotcannot derivederive instruction; letlet them readread aa hundred chapters instruction ; them hundred chapters ofof wisdomwisdom toto aa fool,fool, andand theythey willwill allall seemseem butbuta a jestjest toto him."him."

XXI.XXL

TheyThey telltell a·a storystory ofofan an abid,abid, whowho inin thethe coursecourse ofof.a a nightnight wouldwould eateat tenten mans,mans, oror pounds,pounds, ofof food,food, andand inin hishis devotionsdevotions repeatrepeat thethe wholewhole KoranKoran beforebefore morning.morning. AA goodgood andand holyholy manman heardheard this,this, andand said,said, HadHad hehe eateneaten halfhalfa a loafloafof ofbread, bread, andand gonegone toto sleep,sleep,he he wouldwould " havehave donedone aa moremore meritoriousmeritorious actact-" KeepKeep thythy insideinside unencumberedunencumbered withwith victuals,victuals, thatthat thethe lightlight ofof goodgood worksworks may shineshine withinwithin theethee; butbut thouthou artart voidvoid ofof may ; wisdomwisdom andand knowledge,knowledge, becausebecause thouthou artart filledfilled upup toto thethe nosenose withwith food."food."

XXILXXIL

TheThe divinedivine favourfavour hadhad placedplaced thethe lamplamp ofof gracegrace inin thethe pathpath ofof aa wandererwanderer inin forbiddenforbidden ways,ways, tilltill itit 144144 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADSADI.I. directeddirected himhim intointo thethe circlecircle ofof thethe righteous,righteous, andand thethe blessedblessed society ofof darweshes; and theirtheir spiritual society darweshes ; and spiritual co-operationco-operation enabled_enabled himhim toto convertconvert hishis wickedwicked propensitiespropensities intointo praiseworthypraiseworthy deeds,deeds, andand toto restrainrestrain himselfhimself inin sensualsensual indulgences; yet werewere thethe tongues indulgences ; yet tongues ofof calumniatorscalumniators questioningquestioning hishis sincerity,sincerity, andand saying,saying, HeHe retainsretains hishis original.original habits,habits, andand therethere isis nono trustingtrusting " totohis his pietypietyand and goodness.goodness.-"By Bythe the meansmeansof ofrepent- repent­ anceance thouthou mayestmayest getget delivereddelivered fromfrom thethe wrathwrath ofof God,God, butbut 'there there isis nono escapeescape fromfrom thethe slanderousslanderous tonguetongue ofof man."man."-HeHe waswas unableunable toto putput upup withwith thethe virulencevirulence ofof theirtheir remarks,remarks, andand tooktook hishis complaintcomplaint toto hishis ghostlyghostly father,father, saying,saying, II amam muchmuch troubledtroubled byby thethe tonguestongues ofof mankind.mankind. TheThe holyholy manman wept,wept, andand answered,answered, HowHowcan can youyou bebe sufficientlysufficientlygrateful grateful forfor thisthis blessing,blessing,that that youyou areare betterbetter thanthan theythey representrepresent youyou?? " -"How How oftenoften wiltwilt thouthou callcall aloudaloud saying,saying,The The malig-malig­ nantnant andand enviousenvious areare calumniatingcalumniating wretchedwretched me,me, thatthat theythey riserise upup toto shedshed mymy blood,blood,and and thatthat theythey sitsit downdown toto devisedevise meme mischief.mischief BeBe thouthou goodgood thyself,thyself, andand letlet people speak evilevil ofof theethee; itit isis betterbetter thanthan toto bebe people speak ; wicked,wicked, andandthat that theytheyshould should considerconsiderthee thee asas good."good."­ But,But, onon thethe otherother hand,hand, beholdbehold.me, me, ofof whosewhose perfect-perfect­ nessness allall entertainentertain thethe bestbest opinion,opinion, whilewhile II amam thethe " mirrormirrorof ofimperfection. imperfection.-"Had Had II donedone whatwhatthey they havehave said,said, II shouldshould havehave beenbeen aa piouspious andand moralmoral man."man."­ " "Verily,Verily, II maymay concealconceal myselfmyselffrom from thethe sightsight ofof mymy neighbour,neighbour, butbut GodGod knowsknows whatwhat is£s secretsecret andandwhat what isis open.open.-ThereThere isis aa shutshutdoor doorbetween between memeand and mankind,mankind, thatthat they ~ay notnot pry intointo my sinssins; butbut what, 0 they may pry my ; what, O

OmniscienceOmniscience!! cancan aa closedclosed doordoor availavail againstagainst thee,thee, SHAIKH SADI. 145 SHAIKH SADI. 145

who art equally informed of what IS manifest or who art equally informed of what is manifest or " concealedconcealed?? "

XXIILXX IlL I lodged a complaint with one of our reverend I lodged a complaint with one of our reverend Shaikhs, saying: A certain person has borne testi mony Shaikhs, saying: A certain person has borne testimony against my character on the score of lasciviousness. against my character on the score of lasciviousness...... He answered, Shame him by your continence.-"H Be He answered, Shame him by your continence. Be thou virtuously disposed, that the detractor may not thou virtuously disposed, that the detractor may not have it in his power to indulge his malignity. So have it in his power to indulge his malignity. So long as the harp is in tune, how can it have its ear long as the harp is in tune, how can it have its ear pulled [or suffer correction by being put in tune] by pulled [or suffer correction by being put in tune] by " thethe minstrelminstrel?"?

XXIV.XXIV. They asked one of the Shaikhs of Sham, or Syria, They asked one of the Shaikhs of Sham, or Syria, saying: What is the condition of the Sufi sect? saying : What is the condition of the Sufi sect ? He answered, Formerly they were in this world a He answered, Formerly they were in this world a . fraternity dispersed in the flesh, but united in the fraternity dispersed in the flesh, but united in the spirit; butbut nownow they areare aa body wellwell clothedclothed carnally, spirit ; they body carnally, and ragged in divine mystery.-" Whilst thy heart and ragged in divine mystery. "Whilst thy heart will be every moment wandering into a different place, will be every moment wandering into a different place, inin thy recluserecluse statestate thouthou canstcanst notnot seesee purity; butbut thy purity ; though thou possessest rank and wealth, lands and though thou possesses! rank and wealth, lands and chattels, if thy heart be fixed on God, thou art a chattels, if thy heart be fixed on God, thou art a hermit."hermit."

XXV.XXV. On one occasion we had marched, I recollect, all On one occasion we had marched, I recollect, all the night along with the caravan, and halted towards the night along with the caravan, and halted towards 75275 2 146 SHAIKHSADLSHAIKH SADL morning on the skirts of the wilderness. One mystically distracted, who accompanied us on that journey, set up a loud lamentation at dawn, went a-wandering into the desert, and did not take a moment's rest NNext ext day I said to him, What condition was that?"that ? He replied, I remarked the nightingales that they had come to carol in the groves, the pheasants to prattle on the mountains, the frogs to croak in the pools, and the wild beasts to roar in the forests, and thought with myself, saying, It cannot be generous that all are awake in God's praise and I am wrapt up in the sleep of forgetfulness 1-! " " Last night a bird was carolling towards the morn-morn­ ing; it stole my patience and reason, my fortitude ing ; my patience reason, my and understanding. My lamentation had perhaps reached the ear of one of my dearly-beloved friends. He said, I did not believe that the singing of a bird could so ·distractdistract thee!thee ! I answered, This is not the duty of the hu,manhuman species, that the birds are singing God's praise and that I am silent"

XXVI.

Once, on a pilgrimage to Hijaz, I was the fellow-fellow­ traveller of some piously-disposed young men, and on a footing of familiarity and intimacy with them. From time to time we were humming a tune and chanting a spiritual hymn, and an abid, who bore us company, kept disparaging the .moralsmorals of the darweshes, and was callous to their sufferings,su fferings, till we reached the palm plantation of the tribe of Hulal, SHAlKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL 147147 whenwhen aa boyboy ofof aa tawnytawny complexioncomplexion issuedissued fromfrom thethe ArabArab hordehorde andand sungsung suchsuch aa plaintiveplaintive melodymelody asas wouldwould arrestarrest thethe birdbird inin itsits flightflight throughthrough thethe air.air. II remarkedremarked thethe abid'sabid's camelcamel thatthat itit kickedkicked upup andand pranced,pranced, and,and, throwingthrowing thethe abid,abid, danceddanced intointo thethe wilderness.wilderness. II said:said : 0O reverendreverend ShaikhShaikh 1! thatthat spiritualspiritual strainstrain threwthrew aa brutebrute intointo anan ecstasy,ecstasy, andand itit isis notnot inin " likelike mannermanner workingworking aa changechange inin youyou 1-"! KnowestKnowest thouthou whatwhat thatthat nightingalenightingale ofof thethe dawndawn whisperedwhispered toto me.me. WhatWhat sortsort ofof manman artart thou,thou, indeed,indeed, whowho artart ignorantignorant ofof love?-love ? TheThe camelcamel isis inin anan ecstasyecstasy ofof delightdelight fromfrom thethe Arab'sArab's song.song. IfIf thouthou hasthast nono tastetaste toto relishrelish this,this, thouthou artart aa cross-grainedcross-grained brute.-Nowbrute. Now thatthat thethe camelcamel isis elatedelated withwith rapturerapture andand delight,delight, ifif aa manman isis insensibleinsensible toto thesethese hehe isis anan ass.-Theass. Tlie zephyr,zephyr, glidinggliding throughthrough thethe verdureverdure Ollon tltethe earth,earth, sltakesshakes thethe twigtwig ofof thethe ball-tree,ban-tree, butbut movesmoves 1Iotnot thethe solidsolid rock.-rock. WhateverWhatever thouthou beholdestbeholdest isis loudloud inin extollingextolling him.him. ThatThat heartheart whichwhich hashas anan earear isis fullfull ofof thethe divinedivine mystery.mystery. ItIt isis not the nightingale thatthat alonealone serenadesserenades hishis rose;rose forfor not the nightingale ; everyevery thornthorn onon thethe rose-bushrose-bush isis aa tonguetongue inin hishis oror " God'sGod's praise!praise ! " XXVII.XXVII.

AA kingking hadhad reachedreached thethe endend ofof h}shis daysdays andand hadhad nono heirheir toto succeedsucceed him.him. HeHe mademade hishis will,will, stating,stating, YouYou willwill placeplace thethe crowncrown ofof sovereigntysovereignty uponupon thethe headhead ofof whateverwhatever personperson firstfirst entersenters thethe citycity gategate inin thethe morning,morning, andand commitcommit thethe kingdomkingdom toto hishis charge.charge. ItIt happenedhappened thatthat thethe firstfirst manman thatthat presentedpresented himselfhimself atat thethe citycity gategate waswas aa beggar,beggar, whowho hadhad passedpassed hishis wholewhole 148 SHAIKH SADL SHAII{H SADI. life in scraping broken meat and in life in scraping broken meat and in patching rags. The ministers of state and nobles of the court fulfilled The ministers of state and nobles of the court fulfilled the conditions of the king's will, and laid the keys of the conditions of the king's will, and laid the keys of the treasury and citadel at his feet. the treasury and citadel at his feet. For a time the darwesh governed the kingdom, till For a time the darwesh governed the kingdom, till some of the chiefs of the empire swerved from their some of the chiefs of the empire swerved from their allegiance, and the princes of the territories on every allegiance, and the princes of the territories on every side rose in opposition to him, and levied armies for side rose in opposition to him, and levied armies for the contest In short, his and were the contest In short, his troops and subjects were routed and subdued, and several of his provinces taken routedfrom him. and subdued, and several of his provinces taken from him. The darwesh was hurt to the soul at these events, The darwesh was hurt to the soul at these events, when one of his old friends, who had been the when one of his old friends, who had been the companion of his state of poverty, returned from companion of his state of poverty, returned from a journey and found him in such dignity. He a journey and found him in such dignity. He exclaimed : Thanksgiving be to a Deity of majesty exclaimed: Thanksgiving be to' a Deity of majesty and glory that lofty fortune succoured you and pros- and glory that lofty fortune succoured you and pros­ perity was your guide, till roses issued from your perity was your guide, till roses issued ' from your thorns and the thorns were extracted from your feet, thorns and the thorns were extracted from your feet, and till you arrived at this elevated rank ! Along with and till you arrived at this elevated rank I-Along with hardship there is ease ; or, to sorrow succeeds joy. hardship" there is ease / or, to sorrow succeeds joy.­ The plant is at one season in flower and at another "The plant is at one season in flower and at another withered the tree is at one time naked and at another withered;; the tree is at one time naked and at another clothed with leaves." He said: O, my dear friend, clothed with leaves."-He said: 0, my dear friend, offer me condolence, for here is no place for congratula- offer me condolence, for here is no place for congratula­ tion. When you last saw me I had to think of getting tion. When you last saw me I had to think of getting I cares of a a crumb of bread ; now have the whole a crumb of bread; now "I have the cares of a whole kingdom on my head. If the world be adverse, we kingdom on my head.-" If the world be adverse, we are the victims of if the fettered pain ; prosperous, are the victims of pain; if prosperous, the fettered slaves of affection for it Amidst this life no calamity slaves of affection for it. Amidst this life no calamity is more than that, whether fortunate or not, is more afflicting than that, whether fortunate or not, SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL 149149 the mind is equally disquieted. If thou covetest the mind is equally disquieted. If thou covetest riches, ask not but for contentment, which is an riches, ask not but for contentment, which is an immenseimmense treasure.treasure. ShouldShould aa richrich manman throwthrow moneymoney into thy lap, take heed, and do not look upon it as a into thy lap, take heed, and do not look upon it as a benefit;benefit forfor II have often heard fromfrom thethe great andand ; have often heard great good that the patience of the poor is more meritorious good that the patience of the poor is more meritorious than the gift of the rich. vVere King Bahram Ghor to than the gift of the rich. Were King Bahram Ghor to distribute a whole roasted elk, it would not be equal to distribute a whole roasted elk, it would not be equal to the gift of a locust's leg from an ant." the gift of a locust's leg from an ant." XXVIII.xxvm. A person had a friend who was holding the office of A person had a friend who was holding the office of king's diwan, or prime minister, and it happened that king's diwan, or prime minister, and it happened that hehe hadhad notnot seenseen himhim forfor somesome time.time. SomebodySomebody remarked, saying, Itis some time since you saw such remarked, saying, It is some time since you saw such a gentleman. He answered, I am no ways anxious a gentleman. He answered, I am no ways anxious about seeing him. One of the diwan's people chanced about seeing him. One of the diwan's people chanced to be present. He asked, What has happened amiss to be present. He asked, What has happened amiss that you should dislike to visit him? He replied, that you should dislike to visit him? He replied, ThereThere isis nono dislike;dislike butbut my friend, thethe diwan, can be ; my friend, diwan, can be seen at a time when he is out of office, and my idle seen at a time when he is out of office, and my idle u" intrusionintrusion mightmight notnot comecome amiss.-amiss. AmidstAmidst thethe statestate patronage and authority of office they might take patronage and authority of office they might take umbrage atat theirtheir acquaintance; butbut onon thethe day ofof umbrage acquaintance ; day vexation and loss of place they would impart their vexation and loss of place they would impart their mental disquietudes to their friends." mental disquietudes to their friends."

XXIX.XXIX. Abu-Horairah was making a daily visit to the Abu-Horairah was making a daily visit to the prophetprophet rvfustafaMustafa l\iohammed,Mohammed, onon whomwhom bebe God'sGod's ISO SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL blessingblessing andand peace.peace. HeHe said:said : 0O Abu-Horairah!Abu-Horairah I letlet meme alonealone everyevery otherother day,day, thatthat soso affectionaffection maymay increaseincrease; / thatthat is,is, comecome notnot everyevery day,day, thatthat wewe maymay getget moremore loving!loving ! TheyThey saidsaid to to aa goodgood andand holyholy man,man, NNotwith- otwith­ standingstanding allall thesethese charmscharms whichwhich thethe sunsun commands,commands, wewe havehave nevernever heardheard ofof anybodyanybody thatthat hashas fallenfallen in in lovelove withwith him!him ! HeHe answered,answered, ItIt isis becausebecause hehe isis seenseen everyevery day,day, unlessunless duringduring thethe winter,winter, whenwhen hehe isis veiledveiled [in[in thethe clouds],clouds], andand thusthus muchmuch covetedcoveted " andand loved.-"loved. ToTo visitvisit mankindmankind hashas nono blameblame inin it,it, butbut notnot toto suchsuch aa degreedegree asas to to letlet themthem say,say, EnoughEnough ofof it.it. IfIf wewe seesee occasionoccasion toto interrogateinterrogate ourselves,ourselves, wewe needneed notnot listenlisten toto thethe reprehensionreprehension ofof others."others."

xxx.XXX.

HavingHaving takentaken offenceoffence withwith thethe societysociety ofof mymy friendsfriends atat Damascus,Damascus, I I retiredretired intointo thethe wildernesswilderness ofof thethe HolyHoly Land,Land, oror Jerusalem,Jerusalem, andand soughtsought thethe companycompany ofof brutbruteses tilltill suchsuch time time asas I I waswas mademade aa prisonerprisoner byby thethe Franks,Franks, andand employedemployed byby them,them, alongalong withwith somesome Jews,Jews, inin diggingdigging earthearth inin thethe ditchesditches ofof Tripoli.Tripoli. AtAt lengthlength oneone ofof thethe chiefschiefs ofof Aleppo,Aleppo, betweenbetween whomwhom andand meme anan intimacyintimacy hadhad ofof oldold sub­sub- sisted,sisted, happeninghappening toto passpass thatthat way,way, recognisedrecognised me,me, andand said,said, HowHow isis this?this? andand howhow camecame youyou toto bebe " thusthus occupied?occupied ?II replied:replied : WhatWhat cancan I I saysay ?-"? I I waswas fiyingflying fromfrom mankindmankind intointo thethe forestsforests andand moun­moun- tains,tains, forfor mymy resourceresource waswas inin GodGod andand inin nonenone SHAIKHSHAIKH SAD.!.SADL 151 else.else. FancyFancy toto thyselfthyself whatwhat mymy conditioncondition mustmust nownow be,be, whenwhen forcedforced toto associateassociate withwith aa tribetribe scarcelyscarcely humanhuman ?-To? To bebe linkedlinked inin aa chainchain withwith aa companycompany ofof acquaintanceacquaintance werewere pleasanterpleasanter thanthan toto walkwalk inin aa gardengarden withwith strangers."strangers." HeHe tooktook pity onon my situation;situation and, having forfor pity my ; and, having tenten dinarsdinars redeemedredeemed meme fromfrom captivitycaptivity withwith thethe Franks,Franks, carriedcarried meme alongalong withwith himhim toto Aleppo.Aleppo. HereHere hehe hadhad aa daughter,daughter, andand herher hehe gavegave meme inin marriage,marriage, withwith aa dowerdower ofof aa hundredhundred dinars.dinars. SoonSoon afterafter thisthis damseldamsel turnedturned outout aa termaganttermagant andand vixen,vixen, andand dis­dis- coveredcovered suchsuch aa perverseperverse spiritspirit andand virulentvirulent tonguetongue " asas quitequite unhingedunhinged allall mymy domesticdomestic comfort.-"comfort. AA scoldingscolding wifewife inin thethe dwellingdwelling ofof aa peaceablepeaceable manman isis hishis hellhell eveneven inin thisthis world.world. ProtectProtect andand guardguard usus againstagainst aa wickedwicked inmate.inmate. SaveSave us,us, 0O

Lord,Lord, andand preservepreserve usus fromfrom thethe fiery,fiery, oror hell,hell, torture."torture."

HavingHaving onon oneone occasionoccasion givengiven aa libertyliberty toto thethe tonguetongue ofof reproach,reproach, sheshe waswas saying,saying, AreAre youyou notnot· thethe fellowfellow whomwhom mymy fatherfather redeemedredeemed fromfrom thethe captivitycaptivity ofof thethe FranksFranks forfor tenten dinars?dinars? II replied,replied, Yes,Yes, II amam thatthat samesame hehe delivereddelivered fromfrom captivitycaptivity forfor tenten dinars,dinars, andand enslavedenslaved meme withwith youyou forfor aa " hundredhundred !-"! II havehave heardheard thatthat aa reverendreverend andand mightymighty manman relea~edreleased aa sheepsheep fromfrom thethe pawspaws andand jawsjaws ofof a a wolf.wolf. ThatThat samesame nightnight hehe waswas stickingsticking aa knifeknife intointo itsits throat,throat, whenwhen thethe spiritspirit ofof thethe sheepsheep reproachedreproached him,him, saying,saying, ThouThou didstdidst deliverdeliver meme fromfrom thethe clutchesclutches ofof aa wolf,wolf, whenwhen II atat lengthlength sawsaw thatthat thouthou didstdidst proveprove aa wolfwolf toto meme thyself."thyself." SHAIKH SADL J52 SHAIKH SADI.

XXXI. XXXI. Omitted.Omitted.

XXXII. XXXII. A asked an or who had a A kingking asked an abid,abid, or holyholy man,man, who had a how he his time. He family,family, how he managedmanaged his preciousprecious time. He whole I in answered,answered, MyMy whole nightnight I passpass in communingcommuning with with God,God, mymy morningmorning inin supplicatingsupplicating hishis blessingblessing and and entire in the means andsupport, support, andmy my entireday day inearning earning the means of a livelihood. from this state- of a livelihood. ComprehendingComprehending from this state­ ment the man's the commanded that ment thegood good man'sdrift, drift, the kingking commanded that should his subsistence and relieve theythey should provideprovide his subsistencedaily, daily, and relieve his mind from the cares of a " Thou must his mind from the cares of a family.family.-" Thou must not free who art bound the not againagain fancyfancy thyselfthyself free who art bound byby the foot with the of a The care of foot with the thoughtsthoughts of a family.family. The care of their and children,children, their bread,bread,raiment, raiment, and meat,meat, incapacitateincapacitate thee from into the abode. The live- thee from soaringsoaring into the angelicangelic abode.-The live- I am with how I can 'longlong dayday I am occupiedoccupied with thinkingthinking how I can devote to God. At when devote mymy nightnight to God. At night,night, when settlingsettling at I reflect what babes are to myselfmyself at prayer,prayer, I reflect what mymy babes are to eat next eat nextmorning." morning." XXXIII. XXXIII. One of the men of had One of the holyholy men ofSyria Syria had passedpassed manymany of in the and was yearsyears ofdevotion devotion in thewilderness, wilderness, and was feedingfeeding on the leaves of trees. The of that on the leaves of trees. The kingking of that country,country, of a visited and If inin thetheway way of a pilgrimage,pilgrimage, visited him,him, and said,said, If can see the of into youyou can see thepropriety propriety ofremoving removing intomy mycapital capital I will an where I will prepareprepare an abode,abode, whereyou youmay mayperform performyour your SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL IS3153 devotions more at ease than in this place, and others devotions more at ease than in this place, and others may benefit by the blessing of your spiritual com­ may benefit by the blessing of your spiritual com- munion, and be edified by the example of your pious munion, and be edified by the example of your pious labours.labours. TheThe hermithermit waswas adverseadverse toto thisthis advice,advice, andand turned away his face. One of the king'~ ministers turned away his face. One of the king's ministers spoke to him, saying: For the satisfaction of his spoke to him, saying : For the satisfaction of majesty, it were proper that you would for a few majesty, it were proper that you would for a few days remove into the city, and ascertain the nature ofof days remove into the city, and ascertain the nature .... thethe place; when, ifif itit shouldshould prove thatthat your purity place ; when, prove your purity might be tarnished by" coming in contact with the might be tarnished by 'coming in contact with the wicked, you have still the option left of moving wicked, you have still the option left of moving back.back. It is reported that they prevailed on the hermit to It is reported that they prevailed on the hermit to accompany themthem intointo thethe city; and, inin aa garden nearnear accompany city ; and, garden the sacred residence of the king, prepared for him a the sacred residence of the king, prepared for him a dwelling, which, like the mansions of paradise, was dwelling, which, like the mansions of paradise, was rejoicing the heart, and exhilarating the soul.-"" Its rejoicing the heart, and exhilarating the soul. Its damaskdamask rosesroses werewere bloomingblooming asas thethe cheekscheeks ofof thethe lov~ly, and its tufted spikenard like the ringlets of lovely, and its tufted spikenard like the ringlets of ourour mistresses.mistresses. ItIt hadhad asas muchmuch toto fearfear fromfrom thethe angryangry blasts of winter as the babe who has not" yet tasted its blasts of winter as the babe who has not yet tasted its nurse's milk: boughs of trees on wkz'ch hung crim,son nurse's milk : boughs of trees on which hung crimson flowers, that gleamed like a flame amidst their dusky flowers, that gleamed like a flame amidst their dusky foliage."foliage" ForthwithForthwith thethe kingking sentsent himhim aa moon-facedmoon-faced damsel.damsel. " -" SuchSuch waswas thisthis delicatedelicate crescentcrescent ofof thethe moon,moon, andand fascination of the holy, this form of an angel, and fascination of the holy, this form of an angel, and decorationdecoration ofof aa peacock,peacock, thatthat letlet themthem onceonce beholdbehold her, and continence must cease to exist in the con­ her, and continence must cease to exist in the con- stitutionsstitutions ofof thethe chaste."chaste." And, in like manner, there followed her a youth of And, in like manner, there followed her a youth of 154154 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI.

suchsuch rarerare beautybeauty andand exquisiteexquisite symmetry,symmetry, thatthat thethe . powerfulpowerful graspgrasp ofofhis his charmscharms hadhad brokenbroken thethe wristswrists ofof thethe pious,pious, andand tiedtied upup behindbehind theirtheir backsbacks thethe armsarms ofof " thethe upright.upright.-" MankindMankind standstand aroundaround himhim parchedparclted withwith thirst,thirst, whilstwhilst he,he, whowho seemsseems thythy cup-bearer,cup-bearer, willwill givegive theetftee nono drink.drink.-TheThe eyeeye couldcould notnot bebe satiatedsatiated byby beholdingbeholding him,him, likelike thethe dropsicaldropsical manman withwith waterwater byby lookinglooking atat thethe riverriver Euphrates."Euphrates." TheThe hermithermit beganbegan toto relishrelish daintydainty food,food, andand totowear wear to himself with sumptuoussumptuous apparelapparel;; to regaleregale himself with fruits,fruits, perfumes,perfumes, andand sweetmeats;sweetmeats; andand toto beholdbehold withwithdelight delight thethe charmscharms ofof thethe handmaidhandmaid andand bondsman.bondsman. AndAnd thethe wisewise havehave said,said, TheThe ringletsringlets ofof thethe lovelylovely areare aa chainchain onon thethe feetfeet ofofreason, reason, andand aa snaresnare forfor thethe birdbird ofof " wisdom.wisdom.-"To To thethe mysterymystery ofof thytliy serviceservice II devoteddevoted and all mental faculties mymy heart,heart, religion,religion, and all mymy mental faculties;; verily,verily, II amam nownow thethe birdbird ofof reason,reason, andand thouthou artart thethe lurelure andand bait."bait." InIn short,short, thethe goodgood fortunefortune ofof hishis manymany yearsyears ofof " sanctitysanctity ranran toto waste,waste, asas hashas beenbeen saidsaid: :-"Whatever Whatever hehe hadhad laidlaid upup fromfrom theologician,theologician, sage,sage, oror saint,saint, oror ofof reconditerecondite knowledgeknowledge fromfrom thethe eloquenteloquent andand purepure ofof spirit,spirit, nownow thatthat hehe hadhad stoopedstooped toto mixmix withwith aa vilevile world,world, likelike thethe footfoot ofof aa flyfly hehe gotgot entangledentangled inin itsits honey."honey." TheThe kingking hadhad thethe curiositycuriosity ofof makingmaking himhim anotheranother visit,visit, andand foundfound thethe hermithermit muchmuch alteredaltered fromfrom whatwhat hehe firstfirst sawsaw ofof him.him. HisHis faceface hadhad becomebecome fairfair andand and his and and he was ruddy,ruddy, and his bodybody plumpplump and jollyjolly;; and he was recliningreclining atat hishis easeease onon cushionscushions ofof brocade,brocade, andand hadhad thethe Hoori-likeHoori-like damseldamsel lollinglolling byby hishis side,side, andand thethe SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SADL ISS155 fairy-formed youth holding a fly-flap of peacock's fairy-formed youth holding a fly-flap of peacock's feathers in his hand, and standing by him in attend­ feathers in his hand, and standing by him in attend- ance. The king congratulated him upon his portly ance. The king congratulated him upon his portly appearance, and they entered together upon a variety appearance, and they entered together upon a variety of topics, till his majesty concluded by observing, In of topics, till his majesty concluded by observing, In this world I have an affection for these two orders of mankind, the learned and the recluse. A philosophic mankind, the learned and the recluse. A philosophic vizier, and man of much worldly experience, happened vizier, and man of much worldly experience, happened •• to be present. He said: 0 sire! such is the canon of to be present. He said : O sire ! such is the canon of affection that you should confer a benefit on each. affection that you should confer a benefit on each. Give money to the learned man, that he may teach others;others and give nothing to the hermit, that he may ; give nothing hermit, may remain an anchorite.-"" A zahid, or hermit, stands in remain an anchorite. A zahid, or hermit, stands in need of neither diram nor dinar; when an anchorite need of neither diram nor dinar ; when an anchorite takes either, look out for another.-Whoever is vir­ takes either, look out for another. Whoever is vir- tuously disposed, and holds a mystical communication tuously disposed, and holds a mystical communication with God, is sufficient of a hermit without requiring with God, is sufficient of a hermit without requiring the bread of charity, or the crumbs of mendicity. the bread of charity, or the crumbs of mendicity. The tapering finger of the lovely, and her soul-delud­ The tapering finger of the lovely, and her soul-delud- ing ear-lobe, are decoration enough without a turkois­ ing ear-lobe, are decoration enough without a turkois- ring or ear-jewel.-Tell that piously-disposed and ring or ear-jewel. Tell that piously-disposed and serene-minded darwesh that he needs not the bread

of consecration or scraping of beggary; tell that scraping beggary ; handsome and fair-faced matron that she does not require paint, colouring, or jewellery.-When I have require paint, colouring, or jewellery. When I have of my own, and covet' what is another's, if they esteem of my own, and covet what is another's, if they esteem me not a hermit they treat me as I merit." me not a hermit they treat me as I merit."

XXXIV. Conformably with the above apologue, a king had Conformably with the above apologue, a king had a business of importance in hand. He said: If this a business of importance in hand. He said : If this 156 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADLSADL affairaffair prosperprosper toto mymy wishwish II willwill distributedistribute amongamong thethe recluserecluse aa certaincertain sumsum inin dirams.dirams. NowNow hishis objectobject waswas accomplished,accomplished, andand mindmind mademade easy,easy, hehe thoughtthought itit incumbent toto fulfilfulfil thethe conditioncondition ofof hishis eleemosynaryeleemosynary vow,vow, andand gavegave aa bagbag ofof dinarsdinars toto aa favouritefavourite servant,servant, thatthat hehe mightmight distributedistribute themthem amongamong thethe anchorites.anchorites. ThisThis waswas aa discreetdiscreet andand considerateconsiderate youngyoung man.man. HeHe wandered about for the whole in wandered about for the whole dayday;; and,and, returningreturning in thethe evening,evening, kissedkissed thethe bagbag ofof money,money, andand laidlaid itit beforebefore thethe king,king, saying,saying, HoweverHowever muchmuch II soughtsought after,after, II havehave metmet withwith nono reclusesrecluses!! TheThe kingking answered,answered, WhatWhat aa storystory isis this.?this,? forfor II myselfmyself knowknow fourfour hundredhundred recluses within of the recluses within thisthis city.city. HeHe said,said, O0 sovereignsovereign of the universe ! such as are recluses do not take universe! such as are recluses do not take moneymoney;; and suchsuch asas taketake moneymoney areare notnot anchoritesanchorites!! TheThe kingking smiled,smiled, andand observedobserved toto hishis courtiers,courtiers, HoweverHowever muchmuch II reverencereverence andand favourfavour thisthis tribetribe ofof God'sGod's wor-wor­ shippers,shippers, thisthis saucysaucy fellowfellow expressesexpresses forfor themthem aa spitespite and ill-will if desire the he has and ill-will;; and,and, if youyou desire the truth,truth, he has " justicejustice onon hishis side.side.-" InsteadInstead ofof thatthat hermithermit whowho tooktook diramsdirams andand dinars,dinars, getget holdhold ofof oneone whowho isis moremore anan anchorite."anchorite." XXXV.xxxv. TheyThey askedasked aa profoundly-learnedprofoundly-learned man,man, saying,saying, WhatWhat isis youryour opinionopinion ofof consecratedconsecrated bread,bread, oror alms-alms­ takingtaking?? HeHe answered,answered, IfIfwith with thethe viewview ofof composingcomposing theirtheir minds,minds, andand promotingpromoting theirtheir devotions,devotions, itit isis law-law­ ful to take but if monks collect for the sake of an ful to take it;it; but if monks collect for the sake of an " endowment,endowment, itit isis forbidden.forbidden.-" GoodGood andand holyholy menmen havehave receivedreceived thethe breadbread ofof consecrationconsecration forfor thethe sakesake SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SADI. 157157 of religious retirement; and are not recluses, that of religious retirement; and are not recluses, that they may receive such bread." they may receive such bread."

xxxvi.XXXVI. A darwesh came to put up at a place where the A darwesh came to put up at a place where the master of the house was a gentleman of an hospitable master of the house was a gentleman of an hospitable disposition. He had as his guests an assembly of disposition. He had as his guests an assembly of learned and witty men, each of whom was repeating learned and witty men, each of whom was repeating • w such a jest, or anecdote, as is usual with the facetious. such a jest, or anecdote, as is usual with the facetious. Having travelled across a desert, the darwesh was Having travelled across a desert, the darwesh was much fatigued, and well-nigh famished. One of the much fatigued, and well-nigh famished. One of the company observed, in the way of pleasantry, You company observed, in the way of pleasantry, You must also repeat something. The darwesh answered, must also repeat something. The darwesh answered, I am not, like the others, overstocked with learning lam not, like the others, overstocked with learning andand wit, nornor amam II muchmuch readread inin booksbooks; andand you must wit, ; you must be satisfied with my reciting one distich. One and all be satisfied with my reciting one distich. One and all eagerly cried, Let us hear it He said, "" Hungry as I eagerly cried, Let us hear it He said, Hungry as I am, I sit by a table spread with food, like a bachelor am, I sit by a table spread with food, like a bachelor at the entrance of a bath full of women I"" at the entrance of a bath full of women ! They applauded what he said, and ordered the tray They applauded what he said, and ordered the tray to be placed before him. The lord of the feast said, to be placed before him. The lord of the feast said, Stay your appetite, my friend I till my handmaids can Stay your appetite, my friend ! till my handmaids can prepare for you some forced meat He raised his prepare for you some forced meat He raised his head from the tray, and answered, ""Say there is no head from the tray, and answered, Say there is no need for forced meet on my tray, for a crust of plain need for forced meet on my tray, for a crust of plain breadbread isis sufficientsufficient forfor oneone bakedbaked asas II havehave beenbeen inin thethe desert."desert." XXXVII.XXXVII. A disciple complained to his ghostly father, saying, A disciple complained to his ghostly father, saying, \Vhat can I do, for I am much annoyed by the people, What can I do, for I am much annoyed by the people, 158 SHAIKHSADLSHAIKH SADI. whowho areare interruptinginterrupting meme withwith theirtheir frequentfrequent visits,visits, andand breakbreak inin uponupon mymy preciousprecious hourshours withwith theirtheir imper­imper- tinenttinent intrusions.intrusions. HeHe replied,replied, ToTo suchsuch ofof themthem asas areare poorpoor lendlend money,money, andand fromfrom suchsuch asas areare richrich askask some in loan and neither of will trouble some in loan;; and neither of themthem will trouble youyou " again.again. "LetLet aa beggarbeggar bebe thethe harbingerharbinger ofof anan armyarmy of of Islam,Islam, oror thethe orthodox,orthodox, andand thethe infidelinfidel willwill flyfly hishis importunityimportunity asas farfar asas thethe wallwall ofof China."China."

XXXVIII.XXXVIII.

AA youngyoung divinedivine observedobserved toto hishis spiritualspiritual preceptor,preceptor, saying,saying, TheThe hypotheticalhypothetical andand floridflorid sermonssermons ofof ourour theologicaltheological declaimersdeclaimers makemake nono impressionimpression uponupon me,me, forfor II dodo notnot observeobserve thatthat theirtheir worksworks correspondcorrespond withwith " theirtheir precepts.-"precepts. TheyThey holdhold forthforth toto mankindmankind toto abandonabandon thethe world,world, andand areare themselvesthemselves hoardinghoarding moneymoney andand corn.corn. ThatThat doctordoctor whowho cancan fancyfancy hishis wordword enoughenough willwill prevailprevail withwith nobody,nobody, whateverwhatever hehe teach. That is a wise man who does no evil maymay teach. That is a wise man who does no evil;; notnot hehe whowho willwill forbidforbid thethe people,people, andand isis himselfhimself aa sinner.-sinner. TheThe learnedlearned man,man, whowho maymay consultconsult hishis ownown indulgencesindulgences andand gratifications,gratifications, isis gonegone astrayastray himself,himself, " howhow cancan hehe guideguide another?another ? "

TheThe ghostlyghostly fatherfather replied:replied : O!O ! mymy son,son, solelysolely misledmisled byby thisthis fallaciousfallacious reasoning,reasoning, youyou shouldshould not not the instruction of the nor choose rejectreject the instruction of the preachers;preachers ; nor choose the of refractoriousness nor con- forfor yourselfyourself the pathpath of refractoriousness;; nor con­ sider the learned as tainted with error in the sider the learned as tainted with error;; nor,nor, in the pursuitpursuit ofof anan immaculateimmaculate teacher,teacher, remainremain yourselfyourself excludedexcluded fromfrom thethe benefitsbenefits ofof knowledge,knowledge, likelike thatthat SHAIKHSHAIKH SADSADI.I. 159159

blindblind manman whowho fellfell oneone nightnight intointo aa slough,slough, andand criedcried

aloud,aloud, O0 yeye faithfulfaithful!! willwill yeye atat lastlast placeplace aa lightlight inin mymy wayway?? AA courtesancourtesan heardheard him,him, andand replied,replied, You,You, who cannot see a light, what can you do with a light? who cannot see a light, what can you do with a light ? InIn likelike mannermanner thethe sermonsermon ofof aa preacherpreacher isis likelike aa market-place,market-place, wherewhere untiluntil youyou taketake readyready moneymoney youyou cancan get nono wareware; andand here, untiluntil you bring aa hearty get ; here, you bring hearty zeal,zeal, youyou cannotcannot securesecure thethe felicityfelicity ofof hereafter.hereafter.­ " "ListenListen toto hishis doctrinedoctrine withwith thethe earear ofof thethe soul,soul, , "notwithstandingnotwithstanding thethe learnedlearned man'sman's actionsactions maymay notnot correspondcorrespond withwith hishis precepts.precepts. VainVain isis thatthat objectionobjection ofof thethe caviller,caviller, HowHow cancan hehe whowho isis asleepasleep awakeawake hishis sleepingsieeping neighbourneighbour?? ItIt behovesbehoves aa manman toto attendattend toto instruction,instruction, notwithstandingnotwithstanding thethe maximmaxim bebe writtenwritten onon aa wall.wall.-AA goodgood andand holyholy manman leftleft aa monasterymonastery forfor aa college; hehe brokebroke thethe vow ofof hishis monkish fraternity. college ; vow monkish fraternity. II asked,asked, WhatWhat isis thethe differencedifference betweenbetween aa philosopherphilosopher andand abid,abid, thatthat thouthou shouldstshouldst preferprefer that-that sectsect toto thisthis?? HeHe replied,replied, ThisThis wouldwould rescuerescue aa brotherbrother monkmonk fromfrom thethe waves,waves, andand that,that, oror thethe philosopher,philosopher, wouldwould endeavourendeavour toto savesave anyany drowningdrowning person."person."

XXXIX.XXXIX.

AA drunkendrunken fellowfellow hadhad lainlain downdown toto sleepsleep onon thethe highway,highway, andand waswas quitequite overcomeovercome withwith thethe fumesfumes ofof intoxication.intoxication. AnAn abidabid waswas passingpassing closeclose by,by, andand look-look­ inging atat himhim withwith scorn.scorn. TheThe youthyouthraised raised hishis head,head,and and said,said, W/ieneverWhenever theytheypass pass anythinganythingshameful shamefulthey theypass pass itz't " withwith compassion.compassion.-" WheneverWhenever thouthou beholdestbeholdest aa sinner,sinner, hidehide andand bearbear withwz'th hishis transgressionstransgressions:: thou,thou, whowho artart 160 SHAIKH SADI. 160 SHAIKH SA.DI. awareaware ofof them,them, whywhy notnot overlookoverlook mymy sinssins wlthwith plly?­pity? Turn not reverend sir! from a but Turn not away,away, 0O reverend sir! from a sinner;sinner; but look him in look uponupon him withwith compassion.compassion. ThoughThough in mymy actions I am not a do thou as the actions I am not a hero,hero, do thou passpass byby as the heroic me." heroic wouldwould passpass me."

XL. XL.

A of dissolute broke in a A ganggang of dissolute vagabondsvagabonds broke in uponupon a used and beat and darwesh,darwesh, used opprobriousopprobrious language,language, and beat and ill-used him. In his he carried his com- ill-used him. In his helplessnesshelplessness he carried his com­ before his and Thus it has plaintplaint before his ghostlyghostly father,father, and said,said, Thus it has befallen me. He : O son ! the befallen me. He replied:replied 0 mymy son I the patchedpatched cloak of darweshes is the of cloak of darweshes is the garmentgarment of resignation;resignation ; whosoever wears this and cannot bear whosoever wears this garb,garb, and cannot bear withwith disappointment, is a hypocrite, and to him our cloth disappointment," is a hypocrite, and to him our cloth is forbidden. A vast and river is not rendered is forbidden.-" A vast and deepdeep river is not rendered turbid into it a stone. That man turbid byby throwingthrowing into it a stone. That religiousreligious man who can be vexed at an is as a who can be vexed at an injuryinjury is as yetyet a shallowshallow brook. If thou art to trouble, bear with it brook.-If thou art subjectedsubjected to trouble, bear with it; ; for thou art from sin. for byby forgivenessforgiveness thou art purifiedpurified from sin. Seeing,Seeing, O brother! that we are to become o brother! that we are ultimatelyultimately to become dust,dust, be humble as the before thou be humble as the dust,dust, before thou moulderestmoulderest intointo dust."dust." XLI. XLI. " Hear what occurred once at "Hear what occurred once at BaghdadBaghdad inin aa dis­dis- that took between putepute that took placeplace between aa roll-uproll-up curtaincurtain andand. standard. Covered with the and standard. Covered with the road-dust,road-dust, and jadedjaded with a the in with a march,march, the standard,standard, in reproach,reproach, observedobserved toto the curtain : Thou and I are in we the curtain: Thou and I are gentlemengentlemen in livery;livery ; we SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SADI. 161 are fellow-servants at the court of his majesty. I are fellow-servants at the court of his I never enjoy a moment's relief from duty;majesty. early and never a moment's relief from and late enjoyI am equally marching. Thouduty ; hastearly never late I am Thou hast never experiencedequally any perilmarching. or a siege, the heavy sand of or a the sand of experiencedthe desert anyor dustperil of a whirlwind;siege, myheavy foot is most the desert or dust of a whirlwind foot is most forward in any enterprise. Then; mywhy art thou my forward in Then art thou superior inany dignity?enterprise. Thou art caredwhy for by youthsmy in Thou art cared for superiorwith facesdignity? splendid as the moon, and byhandledyouths by with faces splendid as the moon, and handled by < damsels scenting like jasmine; while I am fallen into damsels like while I am fallen into th~ handsscenting of raw recruits,jasmine am; rolled up on our march, the hands of raw am rolled on our and turned upsiderecruits, down. The curtainup answered:march, I and turned down. The curtain answered : I lay my headupside humble at the threshold, and hold it 110t head humble at the and hold it not layupmy like thine, flaring in thethreshold, face of heaven I Who­ like in the face of heaven ! Who- upever isthine, thus flaringvainly rearing his crest exalts himself ever is thus his crest exalts himself only to be humbled."vainly rearing only to be humbled." XLII. XLII. A good and holy man saw a huge and strong A and man saw a and fellow,good who, havingholy got much enraged,huge was stormingstrong much was fellow,with passionwho, having and foaminggot at enraged,the mouth. stormingHe asked, with and at the mouth. He Whatpassion has happenedfoaming to this man? Somebodyasked, What has to this man? answered, Suchhappened a one has given him badSomebody names! Such a one has him bad names ! answered,He said, This paltry wretchgiven is able to carry a He This wretch is able to a thousand-weightsaid, paltry of stone, and cannot bear carrywith one thousand-weight of stone, and cannot bear with one light word !-"" Cease to boast of thy strong arm and word ! Cease to boast of arm and lightpretended manhood, infirm as thouthy strongart in mind, and manhood, infirm as thou art in and pretendedmean in spirit. What difference is there betweenmind, such mean in What difference is there between such a man spirit.and a woman? Though thou art strong of a man and a woman? thou art of arm, let thy mouth utterThough sweet words; it isstrong no proof let mouth utter sweet words it is no arm,of couragethy to thrust thy fist into another; man's faceproof :­ of to thrust fist into another man's face : Thoughcourage thou art ablethy to tear the scalp off an elephant, Though thou art able to tear the scalp off an elephant, 753 753 1 62 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL

ifif deficientdeficient inin humanity,humanity, thouthou artart nono herohero.. TheThe sonssons ofof AdamAdam areare formedformed fromfrom dust;dust ifif notnot humblehumble asas thethe ; dust,dust, theythey fallfall shortshort ofof beingbeing m~n."men."

XLIII.XLIII.

I Iquestionedquestioned a arespectablerespectable divinedivine uponupon thethe quali­quali- ficationsfications ofof thethe sufisufi brotherhood.brotherhood. HeHe answered:answered: TheThe meanestmeanest ofof themthem is is thatthat theythey willwill consultconsult thethe gratificationgratification ofof theirtheir friendsfriends inin preferencepreference toto attendingattending toto theirtheir ownown specialspecial concerns.concerns. AsAs philo­philo- sopherssophers havehave said:said: AA brotherbrother whowho is issolelysolely devoteddevoted " toto himselfhimself is isneitherneither a abrotherbrother nornor a akinsman.-"kinsman. IfIf a a fellow-travellerfellow-traveller hurrieshurries on,on, hehe is isnotnot thethe companioncompanion ofof fix affections on him who feels a thythy journey;journey ;fix thythy affections on him who feels a mutualmutual affection.affection. IfIf a arelationrelation bebe notnot ofof thethe samesame

faithfaith andand ritual,ritual, toto dissolvedissolve suchsuch a aconnectionconnection is isbetterbetter thanthan toto courtcourt itsits kindredkindred affection."affection." I Irecollectrecollect thatthat a acavillercaviller objectedobjected toto thethe sentimentsentiment containedcontained inin thethe aboveabove distich,distich, andand said,said, TheThe mightymighty andand supremesupreme judgejudge hashas inin thethe gloriousglorious KoranKoran forbidforbid a aseparationseparation ofof kindred,kindred, andand enjoinedenjoined thethe tietie ofof and what have inculcated is consanguinity;consanguinity ; and what youyou have inculcated is repugnantrepugnant toto thisthis precept.precept. I Ireplied,replied, YouYou areare mis­mis- for it as takentaken j ;for it accordsaccords withwith thethe KoranKoran xxxi.,xxxi., as thethe " MostMost HighHigh GodGod hashas expressedexpressed it it:-": WereWere youryour twotwo parentsparents toto commandcommand youyou toto givegive meme suchsuch part1lerspartners asas youyou couldcould notnot ack1lowledge,acknowledge, thmthen wouldwould youyou 1rotnot obeyobey themthem;" /'-" A"A thousandthousand relativesrelatives whowho areare strangersstrangers toto GodGod areare thethe sacrificesacrifice ofof oneone strangerstranger whowho is ishishis friend."friend." SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SADJ. 163

XLIV. XLIV. "A facetious old gentleman of Baghdad gave his "A facetious old of his daughter in marriagegentleman to a shoemaker.Baghdad Thegave flint­ in to a shoemaker. The flint- hearteddaughter fellowmarriage bit so deeply into the damsel's lip that hearted fellow bit so into the the blood trickled fromdeeply the wound. damsel'sN ext morninglip that the blood trickled from the father found her in thisthe plight,wound. he wentNext upmorning to his the father found her in this plight, he went up to his <" ., $on-in-Iaw, and asked him, saying: Low-born wretch!

and asked : ! whatson-in-law, sort of teeth arehim, thesesaying that thouLow-born shouldstwretch chew what sort of teeth are her lips as if they were thesea piecethat ofthou leather?shouldst I speakchew her as if were I not lipsin play whatthey I havea pieceto say.of Layleather? jesting speakaside, not in what I have to and takeplay with her thy legal enjoyment-Whensay. Lay jesting aside,once and take with her When once a vicious dispositionthy haslegal takenenjoyment. root in the habit, the a vicious has taken in the hand of deathdisposition can only eradicateroot it." the habit, hand of death can only eradicate it."

XLV. XLV. A doctor of laws had a daughter preciously ugly, A doctor of laws had a and she had .reached the agedaughter of womanhood;preciously ugly,but, and she had reached the of womanhood notwithstanding her dowryage and fortune, nobody; but, notwithstanding her dowry and fortune, nobody seemed inclined to ask her in marriage :-"" Damask seemed inclined to ask her in : Damask or brocade but add to her deformitymarriage when put upon or brocade but add to her when a bride void of symmetry." deformity put upon a bride void of In short, theysymmetry." were under the necessity of uniting In were under her inshort, the theybands of wedlockthe to anecessity blind man.of unitingThey her in the bands of wedlock to a blind man. add, that soon after there arrived from Sirandip,They or that soon after there arrived from add,Ceylon, a physician that could restore sightSirandip, to theor a Ceylon,blind. Theyphysician spoke tothat thecould law doctor,restore saying,sight to Whythe blind. to the law do you Theynot getspoke him to prescribe doctor,for yoursaying, son-in-law?Why do not him to ? He youanswered:get Because prescribeI am afraidfor yourhe mayson-in-law recover He answered: Because I am afraid he may recover 1 64 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI.

" his and for the his sight,sight, and repudiaterepudiate mymy daughter;daughter ; for-" the husbandhusband ofof anan uglyugly womanwoman shouldshould bebe blind."blind."

XLVI.XLVI.

AA kingking waswas regardingregarding withwith aa scornfulscornful eyeeye aa com­com- panypany ofof darweshes.darweshes. OneOne ofof them,them, fromfrom sagacity,sagacity, penetratedpenetrated hishis thoughts,thoughts, andand. said:said : 0O sire!sire ! inin thethe pomppomp ofof thisthis worldworld wewe areare youryour inferiors,inferiors, inin itsits enjoy­enjoy- mentsments happier,happier, inin deathdeath youryour equals,equals, andand atat thethe dayday 'ofof judgment,judgment, ifif itit pleaseplease thethe MostMost HighHigh God,God, ourour futurefuture statestate shallshall bebe preferablepreferable: :-""Though Though aa con­con- querorqueror ofof regionsregions hashas everyevery indulgence,indulgence, andand thethe darweshdarwesh'isis inin wantwant ofof!hishis dailydaily bread,bread, whenwhen thisthis andand thatthat areare alikealike doomeddoomed toto die,die, eacheach cancan t.aketake fromfrom thisthis worldworld onlyonly hishis winding-sheetwinding-sheet. WhenWhen thouthou shaltshalt packpack upup thethe baggagebaggage ofof quittingquitting thythy presentpresent possessions,possessions, thethe beggarbeggar willwill departdepart lighterlighter andand happierhappier thanthan thethe king."king.". TheThe outwardoutward tokenstokens ofof aa darweshdarwesh.. areare aa patchedpatched garmentgarment 'andand aa shavenshaven head,head, andand thethe inwardinward signssigns thosethose ofof beingbeing alivealive inin thethe spiritspirit andand deaddead inin thethe " fleshflesh :-": NotNot hehe whowho willwill sitsit apartapart fromfrom hishis fellow­fellow- creaturescreatures atat thethe doordoor ofof supplicationsupplication withwith God,God, andand ifif hehe shallshall rejectreject hishis prayerprayer willwill standstand upup inin disobedi­disobedi- ence.ence. OrOr ifif aa mill-stonemill-stone comecome rollingrolling downdown aa mountain,mountain, hehe isis notnot intelligentintelligent inin thethe waysways ofof pro­pro- videncevidence thatthat wouldwould riserise toto avoidavoid it."it." TheThe ritualritual ofof darweshesdarweshes isis gratitudegratitude andand praise,praise, worshipworship andand obedience,obedience, contentmentcontentment andand charity,charity, andand aa beliefbelief inin thethe unityunity andand providenceprovidence ofof God,God, SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SADL 165 having a reliance on and being resigned to his will, a reliance on and to his confidenthaving of his favour, beingand forbearantresigned with will,all. confident of his and forbearant with all. vVhoever is endowedfavour, with these qualifications is in Whoever is endowed with these is in truth a darwesh, notwithstanding qualificationshe be arrayed in truth a he be in gorgeousdarwesh, apparel. notwithstandingWhereas the irreligious arrayedand hypo­ Whereas the and criticalgorgeous vain-boaster,apparel. sensualist, irreligiousand whoremonger,hypo- critical vain - and who turns daysboaster, into nightssensualist, in his slavishwhoremonger, indulgences, who turns into in his slavish and convertsdays nights intonights days in his dreamsindulgences, of forget- and converts nights into days in his dreams of forget- ~ •. fulness; who eats whatever falls in his way, and fulness who eats whatever falls in his and speaks ; whatever comes uppermost, is .a profligate,way, speaks whatever comes uppermost, is a profligate, though clothed in the sackcloth of a saint :-"" Many clothed in the sackcloth of a saint : athough believer is tricked out t'n vainglory, and manyMany an a believer is tricked out in and an infidel wears the garb of pietyvainglory, :-yes I thy manyinside is wears the ! inside is starkinfidel naked of piety,garb thoughof piety: thouyes maystthy adorn thy stark naked of thou adorn exterior with thepiety, robe ofthough hypocrisy. maystThou, who hastthy exterior with the robe of who hast only a reed mat for thyhypocrisy. floor, do Thou,not display a a reed mat for do not a gorgeousonly curtain before thy door."floor, display gorgeous curtain before thy door."

XLVII. XLVII.

" I noticed some nosegays of fresh-blown roses tied I noticed some of fresh-blown roses tied on a dome with fasteningsnosegays of grass. I said: What on a dome with of I said : What bewitched such a fasteningsweed as grass,grass. that it too should bewitched such a weed as grass, that it too should sit on a level with the rose? The grass wept, ~nd sit on a level with the rose ? The and exclaimed: Silence I the generous forgetgrass notwept, an old exclaimed : Silence ! the not an old associate. Though I havegenerous no claimforget to its loveliness, associate. Though I have no claim to its loveliness, bloom, and fragrance, after all am I not grass from its bloom, and after all am I not from its garden? I fragrance,am the servant of a munificentgrass master ? I am the servant of a munificent master -thegarden fostered offspring of his ancient goodness. the fostered of his ancient Whether I am precious,offspring or whether I am worthless,goodness. I Whether I am or whether I am I trust, nevertheless,precious, to the mercy of God. worthless,Al though I trust, nevertheless, to the mercy of God. Although I 1 66 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADIo possesspossess nono storestore ofof merchandise,merchandise, nornor claimclaim fromfrom aa stockstock ofof dutyduty andand obedience,obedience, hehe cancan retrieveretrieve thethe affairsaffairs ofof his-his servant,servant, nownow hehe hashas nono otherother mediatormediator leftleft him.him. ItI t isis thethe customcustom ofof mastersmasters whowho practisepractise manumissionmanumission toto liberateliberate suchsuch slavesslaves asas areare growngrown oldold inin theirtheir service.service. O0 LordLord God,God, thethe embellisherembellisher ofof thisthis world,world, bestowbestow libertyliberty uponupon thinethine ancientancient servant.servant.­ of Take,Take, O0 SadiSadi!! thethe pathpath leadingleading toto thethe templetemple of resignation.resignation. O0 manman ofof God,God, followfollow thethe waysways ofof God.God. UnhappyUnhappy isis hehe whowho willwill turnturn hishis faceface fromfrom thisthis gate,gate, forfor hehe shallshall nevernever findfind anotheranother toto enterenter at."at."

XLVIII.XLVIII.

TheyThey askedasked aa wisewise manman whichwhich waswas preferable,preferable, munificencemunificence oror couragecourage?? HeHe answered,answered, WhoeverWhoever hashas " munificencemunificence hashas nono needneed ofof courage.courage.-" OnOn thethe tomb-tomb­ stonestone ofof Bahram-gorBahram-gar waswas inscribedinscribed:: TheThe handhand ofof liberalityliberality isis strongerstronger thanthan thethe armarm ofof power.power.-HatimHatim TayiTayi remainsremains not,not, yetyet willwill hishis exaltedexalted namename livelive renownedrenowned forfor generositygenerosity toto allall eternity.eternity. DistributeDistribute thethe tithetithe ofof thythy wealthwealth inin alms,alms, forfor thethe moremore thethe gardenergardener prunesprunes hishis vinevine thethe moremore hehe addsadds toto hishis cropcrop ofofgrapes." grapes." CHAPTERCHAPTERIII. III.

ONONTHE THEPRECIOUSNESS PRECIOUSNESSOF OFCONTENTMENT. CONTENTMENT.

I. I.

AA mendicantmendicantfrom fromthe thewest westof ofAfrica Africahad hadtaken taken his station amidst a group of shopkeepers at Aleppo, his station amidst a group of shopkeepers at Aleppo, and was saying: 0 lords of plenty 1 had ye a just and was saying: O lords of plenty ! had ye a just sense of equity, and we of contentment, all manner of sense of equity, and we of contentment, all manner of importunity would cease in this world 1-"" 0 content­ importunity would cease in this world ! O content- ment! do thou make me rich, for without thee there ment ! do thou make me rich, for without thee there is no wealth. The treasure of patience was the choice is no wealth. The treasure of patience was the choice of Lucman. Whoever has no patience has no of Lucman. Whoever has no patience has no wisdom."wisdom."

II.II. There dwelt in Egypt two youths of noble birth, There dwelt in Egypt two youths of noble birth, one of whom applied himself to study knowledge, and one of whom applied himself to study knowledge, and the other to accumulate wealth. In process of time the other to accumulate wealth. In process of time that became the wisest man of his age, and this king that became the wisest man of his age, and this king of Egypt. Then was the rich man casting an eye of of Egypt Then was the rich man casting an eye of scorn upon his philosophic brother, .and saying, I scorn upon his philosophic brother, and saying, I have reached a sovereignty, and you remain thus in have reached a sovereignty, and you remain thus in a state of poverty. He replied: 0 brother! I am all a state of poverty. He replied: O brother! I am all the more grateful for the bounty of a Most High God, the more grateful for the bounty of a Most High God, 168j 68 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL

whose name was that I have found the whose 11ame was glorified,glorified, that I have found the of the wisdom and heritageheritage of the prophets-namely,prophets namely, wisdom; ; and youyou havehave gotgot thethe estateestate ofof PharaohPharaoh andand Haman-thatHaman that " the of I am an that is,is, the kingdomkingdom of Egypt.-"Egypt. I am an emmet,emmet, that mankind shall tread under foot not a that mankind shall tread under foot; ; not a hornet,hornet, that theythey shallshall Gomplaincomplain ofof mymy sting.sting. HowHow cancan I I suffi­suffi- cientlyciently expressexpress mymy gratefulgrateful sensesense ofof thisthis blessing,blessing, that I possess not the means of injuring my fellow- that I possess" not the means of injuring my fellow­ creatures?creatures ?" III.III.

I I heardheard ofof aa darweshdarwesh whowho waswas consumingconsuming inin thethe flameflame ofof want,want, tackingtacking patchpatch afterafter patchpatch uponupon hishis raggedragged garment,garment, andand solacingsolacing hishis mindmind withwith thisthis " coupletcouplet :-": I I cancan restrest contentcontent withwith aa drydry crustcrust ofof breadbread andand" aa coarsecoarse woollenwoollen" frock,frock, forfor thethe burdenburden ofof mymy ownown exertionexertion bears bears lighterlighter thanthan layinglaying myselfmyself underunder obligationobligation toto another."-Somebodyanother." Somebody observedobserved toto him,him, WhyWhy dodo youyou sitsit quiet,quiet, whilewhile aa certaincertain gentlemangentleman ofof thisthis citycity isis soso noblynobly disposeddisposed andand universallyuniversally benevolent,benevolent, thatthat hehe hashas girtgirt upup hishis loinsloins inin thethe serviceservice ofof thethe religiousreligious independents,independents, andand seatedseated himselfhimself byby thethe doordoor ofof theirtheir heartshearts ?? WereWere hehe apprisedapprised ofof youryour condition,condition, hehe wouldwould esteemesteem himselfhimself obliged,obliged, andand bebe happyhappy inin thethe opportunityopportunity ofof relievingrelieving it.it. HeHe said:said : Be silent for it is better to die of want than to Be silent; ; for it is" better to. die of want than to . expose our necessities before another, as they have expose our necessities" " before· another, as they have rema~kedremarked :-=-": PatchingPatching aa" "tatteiei:ltattered cloak,cloak, andand thethe consequentconsequent treasuretreasure ofof conterit,content, isis moremore commend­commend- ableable thanthan petitioningpetitioning "tliethe"great' great forfor everyevery newnew gar­gar- ment.ment ByBy mymy troth,troth, I I swearswear" itit werewere equalequal toto thethe SHAIKH SA.DI. 169 SHAIKH SADL 169 torments of hell to enter into paradise through the the interesttorments ofof a neighbour."hell to enter into paradise through interest of a neighbour."

IV. IV. One of the Persian kings sent a skilful physician to attendOne ofMohammedthe Persian :Mustufa,kings sent on whoma skilful bephysician salutation.to attend Mohammed on whom be salutation. He remained someMustufa, years in the territory of the He remained some years in the territory of the < ... Arabs; but nobody went to try his skill, or asked Arabs but went to his or asked him for; any medicine.nobody One daytry he presentedskill, himself him for medicine. One he himself before theany blessed prince of prophets,day presented and complained, before and saying,the Theblessed king hadprince sentof prophets,me to dispensecomplained, medicine The had sent me to medicine saying,to your companions;king but, till this dispensemoment, nobody to till this has yourbeen companionsso good ·as to; but,enable me to moment,practise anynobody skill has been so as to enable me to skill that this yourgood servant may possess.practise The anyblessed that this servant The blessed messenger yourof God was pleasedmay possess.to answer, saying, It is of God was to It is amessenger rule with this tribe neverpleased to eat answer,till hardsaying, pressed by hunger,a rule with andthis to tribediscontinuenever to theireat till repasthard pressedwhile ' theyby and to their havehunger, yet an appetite.discontinue The physicianrepast whilesaid, Thisthey have an The This accountsyet for theirappetite. health. Then physicianhe kissed said,the earth accounts for their health. Then he kissed the earth of respe~t and took his leave.-"" The physician will of and took his leave. The will thenrespect begin to inculcate temperance, or tophysician extend the fingerthen begin of indulgence,to inculcate whentemperance, from silenceor to extendhis patientthe of when from silence his fingermight sufferindulgence, by excess, or his life be endangeredpatient by suffer or his life be abstinence:might byof excess,course, the skill of theendangered physician byis : of skill advice,abstinence and the patient'scourse, theregimen ofandthe dietphysician yield theis advice, and the patient's regimen and diet yield the fruits of health I"" fruits of health I v. V. A certain person would be making vows of A certain would be abstinence andperson breaking them. Atmaking last a vowsreverendof abstinence and breaking them. At last a reverend 117700 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. gentlemangentleman observedobserved toto him,him, SoSo II understandunderstand thatthat make a of to excess and that youyou make a practicepractice of eatingeating to excess;; and that anyany restraintrestraint onon youryour appetite,appetite, namely,namely, thisthis vow,vow, isis weakerweaker thanthan aa hair,hair, andand thisthis voraciousness,voraciousness, asas youyou would break an iron chain but the indulgeindulge it,it, would break an iron chain;; but the dayday " mustmust comecome whenwhen itit willwill destroydestroy you.you.-"A A manman waswas the of a wolf full it tore rearingrearing the whelpwhelp of a wolf;; whenwhen full growngrown it tore itsits patronpatron andand master."master."

VI.VI.

InIn thethe annalsannals ofof ArdishirArdishir BabaganBabagan itit isis recordedrec'orded thatthat hehe askedasked anan ArabianArabian physician,physician, saying,saying, WhatWhat quantityquantity ofof foodfood oughtought toto bebe eateneaten dailydaily?? HeHe replied,replied, AA hundredhundred dirams'dirams' weightweight werewere sufficientsufficient. TheThe kingking said,said, WhatWhat strengthstrength cancan aa manman derivederive

fromfrom soso smallsmall aa quantityquantity?? TheThe physicianphysician repliedreplied:: SoSo muchmuck cancan supportsupport you;you; butbut int"n whateverwhateveryou you exceedexceed " thatthatyou you mustmust supportsupport it.t"t.-" EatingEating isis forfor thethe purposepurpose of and in of God but thou of living,living, and speakingspeaking in praisepraise of God;; but thou believestbelievest thatthat wewe livelive onlyonly toto eat."eat."

VII.VII.

TwoTwo darweshesdarweshes ofof KhorasanKhorasan werewere fellow-com-fellow-com­ panionspanions onon aa journey.journey. OneOne waswas soso sparespare andand moderatemoderate thatthat hehe wouldwould breakbreak hishis fastfast onlyonly everyevery otherother night,night, andand thethe otherother soso robustrobust andand intemperateintemperate thatthat hehe ateate threethree mealsmeals aa day.day. ItIt happenedhappened thatthat theythey werewere takentaken upup·atat thethe gategate ofof.a.a citycity onon suspicionsuspicion ofof beingbeing spies,spies, andand bothboth togethertogether putput intointo aa place,place, thethe entranceentrance ofof whichwhich waswas builtbuilt upup withwith mud.mud. AfterAfter SHAlKH SADI. SHAIKH SADI. 171 a fortnight it was discovered that they were inno­ a cent,fortnight when,it onwas breakingdiscovered openthat the theydoor,were they inno-found cent,the when,strong onmanbreaking dead, andopen thethe weakdoor, onethey alivefound and thewell.strong Theyman weredead, astonishedand the. atweak thisone circumstat:lce.alive and well.A wiseThey manwere said,astonished The contraryat this of thiscircumstance. had been Astrange,wise man for thissaid, oneThe wascontrary a voraciousof this eater,had andbeen not strange,having strengthfor this oneto supportwas a voraciousa want ofeater, food, andperished;not to a want of havingand thatstrength other wassupport abstemious, andfood, beingperished patient,; and that other was and < -according to his habitualabstemious, practice, beingsurvivedpatient, it­ according" When ato personhis habitual is habituallypractice, temperate,survived andit. a "Whenhardshipa shallperson crossis him,habitually he willtemperate, get over andit witha hardshipease; butshall if hecross hashim, pamperedhe will hisget bodyover andit withlived ease;in luxury,but if andhe hasshallpampered get intohis straitenedbody and circum­lived instances,luxury, he andmustshall perish."get into straitened circum- stances, he must perish." VIII. VIII. A certain philosopher admonished his son against eatingA certain to anphilosopher excess, becauseadmonished repletionhis madeson against a man eatingsick. toThean boyexcess, answered,because 0 repletionfather, hungermade willa man kill. sick.Have Theyou boynot answered,heard whatO thefather, witshunger have remarked,will kill. HaveTo dieyou ofnot a surfeitheard werewhat betterthe wits thanhave to bearremarked, with a Tocravingdie of appetite?a surfeit wereThe betterfather thansaid, toStudybear modera­with a cravingtion, forappetite the Most? TheHighfather Godsaid, has Studytold usmodera- in the tion,Koranfor :-Eatthe Most ye andHigh drinkGod ye, hasbut nottold to anus excessin the :­ Koran"eat :notEat so yevoraciouslyand drink thatye, but thenot foodto anshallexcess be: re­ "eatgorgnoted fromso voraciously thy mouth,that northe so foodabstemiouslyshall be re-that gorgedfrom depletionfrom thy lifemouth, shall nordesertso theeabstemiously :-though thatfood life frombe thedepletion means of preservingshall desert breaththee in: thethough body. foodYet, be·ifthe takenmeans to excess,of preserving it will provebreath noxiousin the. body.If conserveYet, ifoftaken rosesto excess,be frequentlyit will proveindulgednoxious. in it Ifwillconserve cause a of roses be frequently indulged in it will cause a 172 SHAIKHSHAIKH SA.DI.SADL surfeit,surfeit, whereaswhereas a acrustcrust ofof bread,bread, eateneaten afterafter a alonglong interval,interval, willwill relishrelish likelike conserveconserve ofof roses."roses."

IX.IX.

TheyThey askedasked a asicksick man:man : WhatWhat doesdoes youryour heartheart covet?covet ? HeHe replied:replied : OnlyOnly this,this, thatthat mymy heartheart maymay " covetcovet nothingnothing !-"! WhenWhen thethe stomachstomach isis oppressed,oppressed, andand thethe bellybelly sufferingsuffering fromfrom a acholic,cholic, itit cannotcannot benefitbenefit thoughthough everythingeverything elseelse bebe rig~t"right."

X.X.

InIn thethe citycity ofof WasitWasit a adealerdealer inin corncorn hadhad allovvedallowed somesome sufissufis toto runrun upup a ascorescore withwith him,him, andand waswas dailydaily dunningdunning themthem forfor payment,payment, andand makingmaking useuse ofof veryvery coarsecoarse language.language. TheThe brotherhoodbrotherhood werewere hurthurt toto thethe soul his low abuse but had no soul byby his low abuse; ; but theythey had no remedyremedy besidesbesides patience.patience. AA goodgood andand holyholy manman· amongamong themthem said,said, ItIt isis easiereasier toto satisfysatisfy thethe appetiteappetite withwith a a promisepromise ofof nourishmentnourishment thanthan toto putput offoff thethe graingrain " merchantmerchant withwith anan assuranceassurance ofof futurefuture paymentpayment :-": ItIt werewere preferablepreferable toto foregoforego thethe beneficence beneficence ofof a·a patronpatron thanthan toto submitsubmit toto thethe rudenessrudeness ofof hishis door-keepers.door-keepers. ItIt isis betterbetter toto perishperish ofof a acravingcraving forfor meatmeat thanthan bearbear withwith thethe execrableexecrable dunningdunning ofof butchers."butchers." • j f . XI.XL

InIn a abattlebattle withwith thethe: Tartars,Tartars, a agallantgallant youngyoung manman waswas grievouslygrievously wounded.wounded. SomebodySomebody saidsaid toto him,him, AA SHAIKHSHAII(HSADL SAnI. 173173 certain merchant has a stock of the antidote certain merchant has a stock of themummy mummy antidote;; ifif youyou wouldwould askask him,him, hehe mightmight perhapsperhaps accom-accom­ modatemodate youyou withwith aa portionportion ofof it.it. TheyThey saysaythat that " CC merchantmerchantwas wasso sonotorious notoriousfor forhis hisstinginess, stinginess,that that- If,If, ininthe theplace placeof ofhis hisloaf loafof ofbread, bread,the the orborbof ofthe the sunsun hadhadbeen beenin inhis hiswallet, wallet,nobody nobodywould wouldhave haveseen seen day-day­ lightlightin inthe theworld worldtill tillthe theday dayof ofjudgment." judgment."

TheThespirited spiritedyouth youthreplied replied:: Were WereI Ito toask askhim himfor for this he or he not and if . thisantidote, antidote, hemight mightgive giveit, it, or hemight might not;; and if he did it cure or it not at he did itmight might cureme, me, or itmight might not;; atany anyrate, rate, toto askasksuch such aa manman werewere itselfitselfa a deadlydeadlypoison poison!­! " ccWhatever Whateverthou thouwouldst wouldst askaskof ofthe themean, mean,in inobliga- obliga­ tion,tion,might mightadd addto tothe thebody, body,but butwould wouldtake takefrom fromthe the soul."soul."-AndAnd philosophersphilosophers havehave observed,observed,that that werewere thethewater waterof ofimmortality, immortality,for for example,example,to tobe besold soldat at thetheprice priceof ofthe thereputation, reputation,a awise wiseman manwould wouldnot notbuy buy it,it, forfor anan honourablehonourable deathdeath isis preferablepreferableto toa alife lifeof of " infamy.infamy.-"Wert Wertthou thouto toeat eatcolocynth colocynthfrom fromthe thehand hand ofofthe the kind-hearted,kind-hearted, itit wouldwould relishrelish betterbetterthan than aa sweetmeatsweetmeatfrom fromthat thatof ofthe the crabbed." crabbed."

XII.XII.

OneOneof ofthe thelearned learned hadhad aa largelargefamily family andandsmall small means.means. HeHe statedstated hishis casecase toto aa greatgreat man,man, whowho entertainedentertained aa favourablefavourable opinionopinion ofof hishis character.character. ThisThis turnedturned awayaway fromfrom hishis solicitation,solicitation,and and viewedviewed thisthis prostitutionprostitution ofofbegging beggingas as discreditablediscreditablewith with aa " cc gentlemangentlemanof ofeducation. education.- IfIfsoured soured bybymisfortune, misfortune, presentpresent notnot thyselfthyself beforebefore aa deardear friend,friend, forfor thouthou 174174 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL maystmayst alsoalso imbitterimbitter hishis pleasure.pleasure. WhenWhen thouthou bringestbringest forwardforward a adistress,distress, dodo itit withwith a acheerfulcheerful andand smilingsmiling face,face, forfor anan opennessopenness ofof countenancecountenance cancan nevernever retardretard business."-business." TheyThey havehave relatedrelated thatthat hehe roserose a alittlelittle inin thethe pension,pension, butbut sunksunk muchmuch inin thethe estimationestimation ofof the the greatgreat man.man. AfterAfter somesome days,days, whenwhen hehe perceivedperceived thisthis fallingfalling offoff inin hishis affection,affection, hehe saidsaid :-": "MiserableMiserable isis tltatthat supplysupply ofoffood food wldelzwhich thouthou obtaz'nestobtainest inin thethe hourhour ofof need;need; the pot is put to boil, but my reputation is bubbled the pot is put to boil, but my reputation is bubbled intointo vapour.-Hevapour. He addedadded toto mymy meansmeans ofof subsistence,subsistence, butbut tooktook fromfrom my reputation; absoluteabsolute starving werewere my reputation ; starving betterbetter thanthan thethe disgracedisgrace ofof begging."begging."

XIII.XIII.

AA darweshdarwesh hadhad a apressingpressing callcall forfor money.money. Some­Some- body toldtold himhim a acertaincertain person isis inconceivably rich;rich body person inconceivably ; werewere hehe mademade awareaware ofof youryour want,want, hehe wouldwould somehowsomehow managemanage toto accommodateaccommodate it.it. HeHe said,said, I Idodo notnot knowknow him.him. The otherother answered, I Iwillwill introduceintroduce you; andand The answered, you ; havinghaving takentaken hishis hand,hand, hehe broughtbrought himhim toto tl1atthat person'sperson's dwelling.dwelling. TheThe darweshdarwesh beheldbeheld a amanman withwith a ahanginghanging lip,lip, andand sittingsitting inin sullensullen discontent.discontent HeHe saidsaid nothing,nothing, andand returnedreturned home.home. HisHis friendfriend asked,asked, WhatWhat havehave youyou done?done? HeHe replied,replied, HisHis giftgift I Igavegave " inin exchangeexchange forfor hishis looklook :-": LayLay notnot thythy wordswords beforebefore a amanman withwith a asoursour face,face, otherwiseotherwise thouthou maystmayst bebe ruffledruffled byby hishis ill-nature.ill-nature. IfIf thouthou telltellest est thethe sorrowssorrows ofof thythy heart,heart, letlet itit bebe toto himhim inin whosewhose countenancecountenance thouthou maystmayst bebe assuredassured ofof promptprompt c,onsolation."consolation." SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL 175175

XIV.XIV.

OneOne yearyear therethere hadhad occurredoccurred suchsuch aa droughtdrought atat AlexandriaAlexandria thatthat thethe reinsreins ofof patiencepatience droppeddropped fromfrom the hands of the the of the skies the hands of the people;people ; the flood-gatesflood-gates of the skies werewere shutshut againstagainst thethe earth,earth, andand thethe lamentationslamentations ofof

thethe inhabitantsinhabitants ofof thethe earthearth mingledmingled withwith thethe skiesskies :-: " •• "ThereThere waswas notnot anan animalanimal amongamong thethe beasts,beasts, birds,birds, fish,fish, andand reptilesreptiles whosewhose lamentationlamentation inin itsits distressdistress diddid

notnot riserise upup toto heaven:heaven : strangestrange thatthat thethe heart-feltheart-felt sighssighs ofof creaturescreatures werewere notnot gatheringgathering soso asas toto becomebecome clouds,clouds, andand thethe torrentstorrents ofof theirtheir eyeseyes toto fallfall intointo rain."rain." DuringDuring suchsuch aa seasonseason therethere waswas aa hermaphroditehermaphrodite -bebe hehe farfar apartapart fromfrom ourour friends,friends, forfor aa speechspeech inin descriptiondescription ofof himhim werewere aa breachbreach ofof politeness,politeness, moremore in the of the and especiallyespecially in the presencepresence of the greatgreat and good;good ; yetyet wewe mustmust notnot fromfrom aa motivemotive ofof contemptcontempt altogetheraltogether overlookoverlook him,him, lestlest certaincertain peoplepeople mightmight chargecharge thethe narrator with therefore it was narrator with incapacity;incapacity ; therefore it was brieflybriefly statedstated inin thesethese twotwo verses,verses, wherewhere aa littlelittle waswas aa proofproof

ofof much,much, andand aa handfulhandful thethe samplesample ofof anan ass-loadass-load :­: " "WereWere aa TartarTartar toto killkill thatthat hermaphrodite,hermaphrodite, wewe wouldwould notnot demanddemand retaliationretaliation uponupon thethe Tartar.Tartar. HowHow longlong mustmust hehe continuecontinue likelike thethe bridgebridge atat Baghdad,Baghdad, withwith waterwater underneath,underneath, andand peoplepeople onon hishis back."back." SuchSuch aa personperson asas II havehave summarilysummarily describeddescribed waswas of immense wealth thatthat yearyear possessedpossessed of immense wealth;; andand waswas distributingdistributing goldgold andand silversilver amongamong thethe needy,needy, andand keepingkeeping anan openopen tabletable forfor thethe traveller.traveller. AA companycompany ofof darweshes,darweshes, who,who, inin theirtheir extremeextreme want,want, hadhad wellwell 6 SHAIKH SADI. 17176 SHAIKH SADL nigh perished, were inclined to accept his invitation, nigh perished, were inclined to accept his invitation, and came to consult me on the subject. I turned and came to consult me on the subject. I turned away indignant, and said :-"" Were he dying of away indignant, and said : Were he dying of hunger in his den, the lion would not eat the leavings hunger in his den, the lion would not eat the leavings of a dog; let thy body suffer hunger and hardship, dog ; thy body hunger hardship, but raise not the hand of petition before the mean; hand of petition mean ; were he another Firedown in wealth and dominion, account the dishonourable man as nothing; silk and man nothing ; embroidery on a worthless man's back is like daub­ embroidery on a worthless man's back is like daub- ing a mud wall over with azure and gold." ing a mud wall over with azure and gold."

xv.XV.

They asked Hatim Tayi: Have you ever met, or ~ They asked Hatim Tayi : Have you ever met, or heard of, a person of a more independent spirit than heard of, a person of a more independent spirit than yourself? He answered : Yes, one day I had made yourself? He answered : Yes, one day I had made a sacrifice of forty camels, and invited the chief of a sacrifice of forty camels, and invited the chief of every Arab tribe to a feast. Then I repaired to the every Arab tribe to a feast. Then I repaired to the border of the desert, where I met a wood-cutter, who border of the desert, where I met a wood-cutter, who had tied up his faggot to carry it into the city. I had tied up his faggot to carry it into the city. I said, Why do you not go to the feast of Hatim, said, Why do you not go to the feast of Hatim, where a crowd have assembled round his carpet? where a crowd have assembled round his carpet? He replied :r-"" Whoever can eat the bread of his own He replied :-? Whoever can eat the bread of his own industry will. not lay himself under obligation to industry will not lay himself under obligation to Hatim Tayi :-and in him I met my superior in spirit Hatim Tayi : and in him I met my superior in spirit and independence: and independence."

XVI. The Prophet Moses, on whom be peace, saw a The Prophet Moses, on whom be peace, saw a darwesh who had buried his body, in his want of darwesh who had buried his body, in his want of clothes ! o cover it, in the sand. He said: 0 Moses, . clothes to cover it, in the sand. He said : O Moses, SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI. 177

putput upup aa prayer,prayer, thatthat thethe mostmost highhigh GodGod wouldwould bestowbestowa asubsistence subsistenceupon upon me,me, forforI Iam am perishingperishingin in distress.distress. TheTheblessed blessedMoses Mosesprayed prayedaccordingly, accordingly,that that GodGodon onhigh highwould wouldsuccour succourhim. him. SomeSomedays daysafterwards, afterwards,as ashe hewas wasreturning returningfrom froma a conferenceconference withwith GodGod onon MountMount Sinai,Sinai, hehe metmetthat that

darweshdarweshin in thethehands handsof ofjustice, justice,and anda amob mobfollowing following

him.him. HeHeasked asked:: What Whathas hasbefallen befallenthis thisman man?? TheyThey ,answered: answered:He Hehad haddrunk drunkwine wineand andgot gotinto intoa aquarrel, quarrel, andand havinghaving killedkilled somebody,somebody,they theyare are nownowgoing goingto to " exactexactretaliation. retaliation.-"The TheGod Godwho whoset setforth forththe theseven seven climatesclimatesof ofthis this worldworld assignedassignedto toevery everycreature creatureits its appropriateappropriate lot.lot. HadHad thatthatwretched wretchedcat catbeen beengifted gifted withwithwings, wings,she shewould wouldnot nothave haveleft leftone onesparrow's sparrow'segg egg onon thethe earth.earth. ItIt mightmight happenhappen thatthat werewere aa weakweak manmanto toget getthe the ability,ability,he hewould would riserise andanddomineer domineer overoverhis hisweak weakbrethren." brethren." TheThe blessedblessed MosesMoses acknowledgedacknowledged thethe wisdomwisdom ofof thethe creatorcreatorof ofthe the universe,universe, and,and,confessing confessing hishis own'own

presumption,presumption, repeatedrepeated thisthis verseverse ofof thethe KoranKoran:­: WereWereGod Godto tospread spreadabroad abroadhis hisstores storesof ofsubsistence subsistenceto to servants,servants,verily verilythey they wouldwouldrebel rebelall alloverover the theearth earth: :­ " "What What happened,happened,O 0vain vain manman!! that thatthou thou didstdidstpre- pre­ cipitatedp£tate thyselfthyselfinto i11to destructiondestruction?? WouldWouldthat thatthe theant ant " " mightmight notnot havehave tJiethe meansmeans ofofflying .flying!! "_uA A meanmean person,person,when whenhe hehas hasgot gotrank rankand andwealth, wealth,will willbring bringa a stormstormof ofblows blowsupon upon hishis head.head. WasWasnot notthis thisat atlast last thetheadage adageof ofa a philosopher,philosopher,That Thatant antis isbest bestdisposed disposed ofofthat thathas hasno nowings." wings."-TheThe fatherfatheris isa aman manof ofmuch much sweetnesssweetnessof ofdisposition, disposition, butbut thethe sonson isis fullfull ofofheat heat " I andand passionspassions: :_UThat That Being,Being, God,God, whowho wouldwould notnot 754754 178 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL make thee rich, must have known thy good better make thee rich, must have known thy good better than thou couldst thyself know it." than thou couldst thyself know it"

XVII.XVII. I saw an Arab, who was standing amidst a circle I saw an Arab, who was standing amidst a circle of jewellers at Busrah, and saying: On one occasion I of jewellers at Busrah, and saying : On one occasion I had missed my way in the desert, and having no had missed my way in the desert, and having no road-provision left, I had given myself up for lost, road-provision left, I had given myself up for lost, when all at once I found a bag of pearls. Never when all at once I found a bag of pearls. Never shall I forget that relish and delight, so long as I shall I forget that relish and delight, so long as I mistookmistook themthem forfor parched wheat;wheat nornor thatthat bitternessbitterness parched ; and disappointment, when I discovered that· they and disappointment, when I discovered that they were real pearls.-" "In the mouth of the thirsty were real pearls. In the mouth of the thirsty traveller, amidst parched deserts and moving sands, traveller, amidst parched deserts and moving sands, pearl, or mother-of-pearl, were equally distasteful. pearl, or mother-of-pearl, were equally distasteful. To a man without provision, and knocked up in the To a man without provision, and knocked up in the desert, a piece of stone or of gold, in his scrip, is all desert, a piece of stone or of gold, in his scrip, is all one."one."

XVIII.XVIII. An Arab, suffering under all the extremity of thirst An Arab, suffering under all the extremity of thirst in the desert, was saying :-" "Would to God that yet, in the desert, was saying : Would to God that yet, before 1 perish, 1 could but for one day gratify my before I perish, I could but for one day gratify my wish: that a stream of water might dash against my ^vish : that a stream of water might dash against my knees, and 1 could fill my leathern flask or stomach knees, and I could Jill my leathern flask or stomach withwith it."if In like manner a traveller had got bewildered in In like manner a traveller had got bewildered in the great desert, and had neither provisions nor the great desert, and had neither provisions nor strength left, yet a few dirams remained with him inin strength left, yet a few dirams remained with him his scrip. He kept wandering about, but could not his scrip. He kept wandering about, but could not SHAIKHSHAIKH SA.DI.SADL 179179 findfind thethe path,path, andand sunksunk underunder hishis fatigue.fatigue. AA partyparty ofof travellers arrived where his saw the travellers arrived where his bodybody lay;lay ; theythey saw the diramsdirams spreadspread beforebefore him,him, andand thesethese versesverses writtenwritten inin " thethe sandsand :-": WereWere hehe possessedpossessed ofof allall thethe goldgold ofof JafierJafier [a[a famousfamous goldgold refiner],refiner], aa manman withoutwithout foodfood couldcould notnot satisfysatisfy hishis appetite.appetite. ToTo aa wretchedwretched mendi­mendi- cant,cant, parchedparched inin thethe desert,desert, aa boiledboiled turnipturnip wouldwould relishrelish betterbetter thanthan anan ingotingot ofof virginvirgin silver."silver."

XIX.XIX.

II hadhad nevernever complainedcomplained ofof thethe vicissitudesvicissitudes ofof fortune,fortune, nornor murmuredmurmured atat thethe ordinancesordinances ofof heaven,heaven, exceptingexcepting onon oneone occasion,occasion, thatthat mymy feetfeet werewere bare,bare, andand II hadhad notnot wherewithalwherewithal toto shoeshoe them.them. InIn thisthis despondingdesponding statestate II enteredentered thethe metropolitanmetropolitan mosquemosque atat Cufah,Cufah, andand therethere II beheldbeheld aa manman thatthat hadhad nono feet.feet. II offeredoffered upup praisepraise andand thanksgivingthanksgiving forfor God'sGod's good­good- nessness toto myself,myself, andand submittedsubmitted withwith "patiencepatience toto mymy " wantwant ofof shoes.-"shoes. InIn thethe eyeeye ofof oneone satiatedsatiated withwith meatmeat aa roastroast fowlfowl isis lessless esteemedesteemed atat hishis tabletable thanthan salad to is of aa salad; ; butbut to himhim whowho is stintedstinted of foodfood aa boiledboiled turnipturnip willwill relishrelish likelike aa roastroast fow!."fowl."

XX.XX.

AA king,king, attendedattended byby aa selectselect retinue,retinue, had,had, onon aa sportingsporting excursionexcursion duringduring thethe winter,winter, gotgot atat aa distancedistance fromfrom anyany ofof hishis huntinghunting seats,seats, andand thethe eveningevening waswas closingclosing fast,fast, whenwhen theythey espiedespied fromfrom afarafar aa peasant'speasant's cottage.cottage. TheThe kingking said:said: LetLet usus repair"repair thitherthither forfor i8o180 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADI. thethe night,night, thatthat wewe maymay sheltershelter ourselvesourselves fromfrom thethe inclemencyinclemency ofof thethe weather.weather. OneOne ofof thethe courtierscourtiers repliedreplied:: ItIt wouldwould notnot becomebecome thethe dignitydignity ofof thethe sovereign toto taketake refugerefuge inin thethe cottagecottage ofof aa lowlow can a tent here kindle a fire. peasantpeasant;; wewe can pitchpitch a tent here andand kindle a fire. The saw what was he came forward The peasantpeasant saw what was passingpassing ;;, he came fonvard withwith whatwhat refreshmentsrefreshments hehe hadhad atat hand,hand, and,and, layinglaying themthem beforebefore thethe king,king, kissedkissed thethe earthearth ofof subserviency,subserviency, andand saidsaid:: TheThe loftylofty dignitydignity ofof thethe kingking wouldwould notnot bebe lowered this condescension but these lowered byby this condescension;; but these gentlemengentlemen diddid notnot choosechoose thatthat thethe conditioncondition ofof aa peasantpeasant shouldshould be exalted. with this be exalted. TheThe kingking waswas pleasedpleased with this speechspeech;; andand theythey passedpassed thethe nightnight atat hishis cottage.cottage. InIn thethe morningmorning hehe bestowedbestowed anan honoraryhonorary dressdress andand hand-hand­ somesome largesslargess uponupon him.him. II havehave heardheard thatthat thethe peasantpeasant waswas restingresting hishis handhand forfor somesome pacespaces uponupon thethe king'sking's " stirrup,stirrup, andand sayingsaying:: "TheThe statestate andand pomppomp ofof thethe sovereign sufferedsuffered nono degradationdegradation byby hishis condescen-condescen­ sion in a of a sion in becomingbecoming a guestguest atat thethe cottagecottage of a peasantpeasant;; butbut thethe cornercorner ofofthe the peasant'speasant's capcap roserose toto aa levellevel withwith thethe sunsun whenwhen thethe shadowshadow ofof suchsuch aa monarchmonarch asas thouthou artart fellfell uponupon hishis head."head."

XXI.XXI.

TheyThey telltell aa storystory ofof anan importunateimportunate mendicantmendicant whowho hadhad amassedamassed muchmuch riches.riches . . AA certaincertain kingking saidsaid:: ItIt seemsseems thatthat youyou possesspossess immenseimmense wealth,wealth, andand II havehave aa businessbusiness ofof somesome consequenceconsequence inin hand.hand. IfIf youyou willwill assistassist meme withwith aa littlelittle ofof it,it, byby wayway ofof aa loan,loan, whenwhen thethe publicpublic revenuerevenue isis realisedrealised II willwill repayrepay itit andand SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL 1St181

thankthank youyou toto thethe bargain.bargain. HeHe replied:replied : 0O sire,sire, itit wouldwould illill becomebecome thethe sublimesublime majestymajesty ofof thethe sovereignsovereign ofof thethe universeuniverse toto soilsoil thethe handhand ofof loftylofty enterpriseenterprise withwith thethe propertyproperty ofof suchsuch aa mendicantmendicant asas II am,am, whichwhich II

havehave scrapedscraped togethertogether graingrain byby grain.grain. HeHe said:said : ThereThere isis nono occasionoccasion toto vexvex yourself,yourself, forfor II meanmean itit forfor thethe Tartars,Tartars, asas impuritiesimpurities areare suitingsuiting forfor thethe " impureimpure :-": TheyThey said,said, TheThe compostcompost ofof aa dunghilldunghill z"sis ~ .. , u11clean.unclean. WeWe replied,replied, ThatThat withwith itit wewe willwill fillfill upup thethe

chinkschinks ofof aa 1zecessarynecessary :-If: If thethe waterwater ofof aa Christian'sChristian's is wellwell is defiled,defiled, andand wewe washwash aa Jew'sJew's corpsecorpse inin it,it, therethere isis nono sin."-Isin." I havehave heardheard thatthat hehe disobeyeddisobeyed thethe royalroyal command,command, questionedquestioned itsits justice,justice, andand resistedresisted itit withwith insolence.insolence. TheThe kingking orderedordered thatthat thethe exchequerexchequer stipulationsstipulations shouldshould bebe putput inin forceforce withwith rigidnessrigidness andand " violence.-"violence. WhenWhen aa businessbusiness cannotcannot bebe settledsettled withwith fairfair words,words, wewe mustmust ofof necessitynecessity makemake useuse ofof foul.foul. WhenWhen aa manman willwill notnot contributecontribute ofof hishis ownown freefree will,will, ifif anotheranother enforcesenforces himhim hehe meetsmeets hishis desert."desert."

XXII.XXII.

II knewknew aa merchantmerchant whowho hadhad aa hundredhundred andand fiftyfifty camelscamels ofof burthenburthen andand fortyforty bondsmenbondsmen andand servantsservants inin hishis train.train. OneOne nightnight hehe entertainedentertained meme atat hishis lodgingslodgings inin thethe islandisland ofof Keish,Keish, inin thethe PersianPersian Gulf,Gulf, andand continuedcontinued forfor thethe wholewhole nightnight talkingtalking idly,idly, andand saying:saying: SuchSuch aa storestore ofof goodsgoods II havehave inin Turkistan,Turkistan, andand such an assortment of merchandise in such an assortment of merchandise in Hindustan;Hindustan ; thisthis isis thethe mortgage-deedmortgage-deed ofof aa certaincertain estate,estate, andand thisthis thethe security-bondsecurity-bond ofof aa certaincertain individual'sindividual's concern.concern. 1 82 SUAIKFfSIIAIKff SADLSADI. Then he would say: I have a mind to visit Alexandria, Then he would say : I have a mind to visit Alexandria, the airair of which isis salubrious; but that cannot be, forfor the of which salubrious ; but that cannot be,

thetheMediterranean Mediterranean SeaSea isis boisterous.boisterous. O0 SadiSadi! I II havehave oneone moremore journeyjourney inin view,view, and,and, thatthat onceonce accom-accom­ plished,plished, II willwill passpass mymy remainingremaining lifelife inin retirementretirement and leave off trade. I asked: What journey is that? and leave off trade. I asked : What journey is that ? He replied: I will carry the sulphur of Persia to Chin, He replied : I will carry the sulphur of Persia to Chin, where, II havehave heard, itit willwill fetchfetch aa high price; thencethence where, heard, high price ; _ II willwill taketake China porcelain toto GreeceGreece; thethe brocadebrocade ofof China porcelain ; GreeceGreece oror VeniceVenice II willwill carry toto IndiaIndia; andand IndianIndian carry ; steelsteel II willwill bringto to Aleppo; thethe glass-wareof of Aleppo bring Aleppo ; glass-ware Aleppo II willwill take to Yamin; and with the bardimani, oror take to Yamin ; and with the bardimani, stripedstriped stuffs,stuffs, ofofYamin Yamin II willwill returnreturn toto Persia.Persia. AfterAfter thatthat II willwill givegiveup up foreignforeign commercecommerce andand settlesettle myselfmyself inin aa warehouse.warehouse. HeHewent wenton on inin thisthismelancholy melancholystrain strain

tilltill hehe waswas quitequite exhaustedexhausted withwith speaking.speaking. HeHe saidsaid::

Oo SadiSadi!! dodo youyou tootoo relaterelate whatwhat youyou havehave seenseen andand " heard.heard. II repliedreplied : :-"Hast Hast thouthou notnot heardheard thatthat inin thethe desertdesert ofof GhorGhor asas thethe bodybody ofof aa chiefchief merchantmerchant fellfell exhaustedexhaustedfrom from hishis camel,camel,he he said,said, EitherEither contentmentcontentment oror thethe dustdust ofof thethe gravegrave willwill fillfill thethe stingystingy eyeey~ ofof thethe worldly-minded."worldly-minded." XXIII.XXIII.

II havehave heardheard ofof aa wealthywealthy manman whowho waswas asas notori-notori­ ousous forfor parsimonyparsimony asas HatimHatim TayiTayi waswas famousfamous forfor liberality.liberality. HisHis outwardoutward formform waswas adornedadorned withwith worldly pelf; butbut thethe vicevice ofof innateinnate avariceavarice was soso worldly pelf ; was constitutionallyconstitutionally rootedrooted inin hishis heartheart thatthat hehe wouldwould notnot partpart withwith aa crumbcrumb ofofbread bread totosave save thethe lifelifeof ofa a fellow-fellow­ creature,creature, indulgeindulge Abu-harairah'sAbu-harairah's catcat withwith aa mouthfulmouthful SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SADI. 183 of or throw a bone to the of the seven of meat, or throw a bone to the dog of the seven at In had ever seen sleepers at Ephesus. In short, nobody had ever seen the door of his mansion open, or his table spread the door of his" mansion open, or his table spread for dinner : unless from the smell of it the for dinner :-" unless from the smell of it the poor darwesh had no intimation of his and the bird darwesh had no intimation of his dinner, and the bird could not crumbs from the of his could not pick up any crumbs from the shakings of his table-cloth." table-cloth. " I have heard that he had embarked on the Mediter- I have heard that he had embarked on the Mediter- ranean Sea on a voyage for Egypt, and harboured in < ~'ranean Sea on a voyage for Egypt, and harboured in his head the vain of Pharaoh as the his head the vain imagination of Pharaoh;; as the Most High hds said : Until the instant that he was l\Iost High h~s said: Until the z"nstant that he was droivned : when the all at once encountered a drowned :-when the ship all at once encountered a contrary wind and was overwhelmed. As has been contrary wind" and was overwhelmed. As has been remarked : With ill-conditioned remarked :-" With thy ill-conditioned disposition, what will not the heart do that it be accom- what will not the heart do that it may be accom­ modated but the is not at all times modated;; but the ship is not at all times indulged with a favourable wind." He raised his hand in with a favourable wind."-He raised his hand in and made much useless as God prayer, and made much useless supplication, as God expressed it : WJien embarked on board a skip, ye will expressed it :- ~¥hen embarked on board a ship, ye will to the Lord: "What can the hands of sincere pray to the Lord :-" What can the hands of sincere avail that servant who them supplication avail that needy servant who opens them at the time of to but folds them under at the time of praying to God, but folds them under his arms when he should them in : his arms when he should open them in charity:­charity Bestow comfort others in forth Bestow comfort upon others in dealing forth thy gold and silver, and also of their benefit and silver, and also partake thyself of their benefit;; and that this or the endure tothee and that this edifice, or the world, may endure to thee take one brick of and hereafter, take [in building it] one brick of gold and one brick of silver." one brick of silver." They have related that he had poor relations in They have related that he had poor relations in Egypt who were enriched with his On who were enriched with his remaining property. On his death tore their old in and his death they tore their old garments in pieces, and 1 84 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADL deckeddecked themselvesthemselves inin silkssilks andand DamiyatiDamiyati oror EgyptianEgyptian finefine linens.linens. WithinWithin aa weekweek II metmet oneone ofof themthem amblingambling alongalong onon aa wind-fleetwind-fleet charger,charger, withwith anan angel-facedangel-faced bondsmanbondsman runningrunning byby himhim onon footfoot. II remarkedremarked toto " myselfmyself :-": WereWere itit possible,possible, alasalas I! thatthat thethe deaddead manman couldcould returnreturn andand makemake hishis appearanceappearance amidstamidst hishis tribetribe andand family,family, aa restitutionrestitution ofof thethe heritageheritage wouldwould bebe moremore afflictingafflicting toto hishis heirsheirs thanthan hadhad beenbeen thethe deathdeath ofof theirtheir kinsman."kinsman." InIn virtuevirtue ofof anan intimacyintimacy ofof oldold date,date, II tooktook himhim familiarlyfamiliarly byby thethe sleeve,sleeve, andand saidsaid :­: " "Enjoy,Enjoy, mymy goodgood andand honesthonest friend,friend, whatwhat thatthat ill­ill- fatedfated wretchwretch hoarded,hoarded, butbut enjoyedenjoyed not"not."

XXIV.XXIV.

AA weakweak fishermanfisherman gotgot aa strongstrong fishfish intointo hishis net,net, but not the of the fish but not havinghaving the powerpower of masteringmastering it,it, the fish gotgot thethe betterbetter ofof him,him, and,and, draggingdragging thethe netnet fromfrom hishis hand,hand, " escapedescaped :-": AA bondsmanbondsman wentwent thatthat hehe mightmight taketake water from the brook the brook came to rise and water from the brook;; the brook came to rise and carriedcarried offoff thethe bondsman.bondsman. OnOn mostmost occasionsoccasions thethe net would out the fish on this occasion the fish net would bringbring out the fish;; on this occasion the fish escaped,escaped, andand tooktook awayaway thethe net"net." TheThe otherother fishermenfishermen expressedexpressed theirtheir vexation,vexation, andand reproachedreproached him,him, saying,saying, SuchSuch aa fishfish camecame intointo youryour net,net, andand youyou werewere notnot ableable toto mastermaster itit HeHe replied:replied : AlasAlas I! mymy brethren,brethren, whatwhat couldcould bebe done?done ? ItIt waswas notnot mymy dayday ofof fortune,fortune, andand thethe fishfish hadhad inin thisthis wayway anotheranother dayday leftleft itit AndAnd theythey havehave said:said : UnlessUnless itit bebe hishis lot,lot, thethe fishermanfisherman cannotcannot catch a fish in the it be its catch a fish in the Tigris;Tigris ; and,and, exceptexcept it be its fate,fate, thethe fishfish willwill notnot diedie onon thethe drydry shore.shore. SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SADL 18s185

xxv.XXV. A person without hands or feet killed a millepede. A person without hands or feet killed a millepede. A good and holy man passed by him at the time, and A good and holy man passed by him at the time, and said: Glory be to God I notwithstanding the thousand said : Glory be to God ! notwithstanding the thousand feet he had when his destiny overtook him, he was feet he had when his destiny overtook him, he was unable to escape from one destitute of hand or foot. unable to escape from one destitute of hand or foot. ~ .. -"" When the life-plundering foe comes up behind, When the life-plundering foe comes up behind, fate arrests the speed of the swift-going warrior. At fate arrests the speed of the swift-going warrior. At the moment when the enemy might approach step the moment when the enemy might approach step by step it were useless to bend the kayani, or by step it were useless to bend the kayani, or ParthianParthian bow."bow." XXVI.XXVI. I met a fat blockhead decked in rich apparel, and I met a fat blockhead decked in rich apparel, and mountedmounted onon anan ArabArab horse,horse, withwith aa turbanturban ofof finefine Egyptian linen on his head. A person said: 0 Sadi, Egyptian linen on his head. A person said : O Sadi, how comes it that you see these garments of the how comes it that you see these garments of the learned on this ignorant beast? I replied: It is a vile learned on this ignorant beast ?I replied : It is a vile epistle which has been written inin golden letters:­ epistle which has been written golden letters : "Verily" this ass, with the resemblance of a man, has Verily this ass, with the resemblance of a man, has the carcase of a calf, and the voice or bleating of a calf. the carcase of a calf, and the voice or bleating of a calf. -Thou canst not say that this brute appears like Thou canst not say that this brute appears like aa man,man, unlessunless inin hishis garments,garments, turban,turban, andand outwardoutward form.form. ExamineExamine intointo allall thethe waysways andand meansmeans ofof hishis existence, and thou shalt find not~ing lawful but the existence, and thou shalt find nothing lawful but the shedding of his blood :-though a man of noble birth shedding of his blood : though a man of noble birth be reduced to poverty, imagine not that his lofty be reduced to poverty, imagine not that his lofty dignity cancan bebe lowered;lowered andand though hehe may securesecure dignity ; though may his silver threshold with a hasp of gold, conclude not his silver threshold with a hasp of gold, conclude not thatthat aa JewJew cancan bebe therebythereby ennobled."ennobled." 186 SHAIKH SA.DL 1 86 SHAIKH SADL

XXVII. A thief said to a mendicant: Are you not ashamed A thief said to a mendicant : Are you not ashamed when you hold forth your hand to every mean fellow when you hold forth your hand to every mean fellow for a barley-corn of silver? He replied: " It is better for a of silver ? He replied : It is better to holdbarley-corn forth the hand for one grain of silver than to to hold forth the hand for one grain of silver than to have it cut off for one and a half dang." have it cut off for one and a half dang."

XXVIII. They tell a story of an able-bodied youth who They tell a story of an able-bodied youth who had, from adverse fortune, fallen into great affliction, had, from adverse fortune, fallen into great affliction, and from an inordinate appetite and a narrowness and from an inordinate appetite and a narrowness of means to satisfy it, had reason to complain. He of means to it, had reason to complain. He stated his grievancessatisfy to his father, and craved his stated his grievances to his father, and craved his permission, saying: I wish to travel, that peradventure permission, I wish to travel, that peradventure I may, by thesaying: strength of my arm, lay hands upon I may, by the strength of my arm, lay hands upon the skirt of my object :-"" Science and knowledge the skirt of my object : Science and knowledge are useless till put in practice. Aloes-wood they are useless till put in practice. Aloes-wood they place upon the fire, and musk they rub, in order to place upon the fire, and musk they rub, in order to extract their fragrance." The fatherfragrance." replied: 0 my son, put this absurd The father replied : O my son, put this absurd fancy out of your head, and draw the foot of con­ fancy out of your head, and draw the foot of con- tentment within the mantle of safety, for philosophers tentment within the mantle of for philosophers have said, Fortune is not to besafety, secured by exertion, have said, Fortune is not to be secured by exertion, but its want is to be obviated by moderation :­ but its want is to be obviated by moderation : " Nobody can seize on the skirt of fortune by force. Nobody can seize on the skirt of fortune by force. Exertion is here as useless as putting antimony on Exertion is here as useless as putting antimony on a blind man's eyebrows [that it may give a lustre to a blind man's eyebrows [that it may give a lustre to the eyesight]. 4 Were two hundred accomplishments the eyesight]. -Were two hundred accomplishments SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSA.DI. 187

appendingappending toto everyevery hairhair ofof thythy head,head, skillskill isis ofof nono practicalpractical useuse wherewhere badbad luckluck prevails.prevails. WhatWhat cancan aa powerfulpowerful butbut unluckyunlucky manman dodo?? TheThe handhand ofof fortunefortune isis moremore effectiveeffective thanthan thethe armarm ofof strength."strength." The son said: 0 father, the advantages of travelling The son said : O father, the advantages of travelling areare manifoldmanifold; fromfrom thethe enjoyments ofof thethe mind, andand ; enjoyments mind, allurementsallurements ofof kindkind actsacts; fromfrom beholding strange ; beholding strange 'f _sights, and hearing wonderfulwonderful adventuresadventures; fromfrom thethe sights, and hearing ; recreationrecreation ofof cities,cities, andand recognisancerecognisance ofof formerformer places;places; fromfrom thethe acquisitionacquisition ofof dignitydignity andand urbanity,urbanity, andand thethe augmentation ofof wealthwealth andand property; andand fromfrom aa augmentation property ; renovationrenovation ofof oldold acquaintance,acquaintance, andand anan experienceexperience ofof the timestimes; asas ourour guides inin thethe paths ofof righteousness the ; guides paths righteousness " havehave pointedpointed outout.-" WhilstWhilst thouthou loiterestloiterest atat homehome andand inin thythy shop,shop, likelike aa pledgepledge inin pawn,pawn, never,never, O0 rawraw youth, canstcanst thouthou arrivearrive atat man'sman's estateestate; roamroam youth, ; abroadabroad inin thethe world,world, andand taketake thythy fillfill ofof itsits enjoy-enjoy­ mentsments beforebefore thethe dayday shallshall comecome whenwhen thouthou mustmust quitquit itit forfor good."good." TheThe fatherfather repliedreplied:: O0 mymy son,son, suchsuch asas youyou havehave statedstated them,them, thethe advantagesadvantages ofof travellingtravelling areare numer-numer­ ousous; nevertheless, they areare thethe special lotlot ofof fivefive ; nevertheless, they special ordersorders ofof mankind:mankind :-First,First, aa merchant,merchant, who,who, inin consequenceconsequence ofof hishis wealthwealth andand property,property, hashas soul-soul­ alluringalluring bondsmenbondsmen andand handmaids,handmaids, andand activeactive menialsmenials aboutabout himhim inin hishis servicese!Vice; andand hashas every day aa ; every day differentdifferent city,city, andand everyevery nightnight aa changechange ofof stage,stage, andand atat allall timestimes aa placeplace ofof recreation,recreation, wherewhere hehe cancan indulgeindulge inin worldlyworldly luxury:luxury :-""AmidstAmidst mountains,mountains, wildernesses,wildernesses, oror deserts, thethe richrich manman isis nono stranger; wherever hehe deserts, stranger ; wherever maymay gogo hehe cancan pitchpitch himselfhimself aa tent,tent, andand taketake upup hishis I88 188 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. abode; but he who has not at command the comforts abode but he who has not at command the comforts and enjoyments; of life, is alike unknown and an alien and enjoyments of life, is alike unknown and an alien even at his own home." even at his own home." Secondly, the man of learning, who, in his melli­ the man of who, in his melli- fluousSecondly, eloquence and attic learning,wit, in his profound science fluous eloquence and attic wit, in his science and recondite knowledge, wherever profoundhe may go is and recondite knowledge, wherever he may go is generally sought for, and respected :-"" The presence generally sought for, and respected : The presence of a wise man is like pure gold, which is of the same of a wise man is like pure gold, which is of the same price and value wherever it is found; but the ignorant and value it is found the price wherever ; but ignorant son of a nobleman is like paper or leather currency, son of a nobleman is like paper or leather currency, which, in a strange place, will go for nothing." which, in a strange place, will go for nothing." Thirdly, a handsome young man, whose society the Thirdly, a handsome young man, whose society the hearts of the good and holy will piously covet, as hearts of the good and holy will piously covet, as they have said: A little beauty is preferable to much they have said : A little beauty is preferable to much wealth; and they tell us, a lovely face is the solace wealth and tell a face is the solace ; they us, lovely ofof woundedwounded heartshearts andand thethe key ofof locked-up gates; key locked-up gates ; consequently, all will court its society, and esteem its consequently, all will court its society, and esteem its I serviceservice asas aa courtesy :-""Wherever Wherever aa lovely person , courtesy: lovely person shallshall roamroam hehe willwill meetmeet honourhonour andand respect, notwith­notwith- standing his father and mother may haverespect, driven him standing his father and mother may have driven him in anger from his home.-I found a peacock's feather in anger from his home. I found a peacock's feather within the leaves of a Koran, and said to it, This within the leaves of a Koran, and said to it, This station is above thy condition. It replied: Be silent; station is above thy condition. It replied : Be silent; for that person who possesses the charms of loveli­ for that person who possesses the charms of loveli- ness, wherever he puts his foot, finds no hand held up ness, wherever he puts his foot, finds no hand held up to oppose him."-" Where there is a fondness and to oppose him." "Where there is a fondness and partiality for the son, it costs us not a thought that for the son, it costs us not a thought that thepartiality father is estranged from him; he is a jewel, let father is him is a let the from ; he jewel, him not makeestranged the world" his casket, for everybody is him not make the world his casket, for everybody is the purchaser of such a nonpareil pearl." the purchaser of such a nonpareil pearl." Fourthly, the charming songster, who, with the pipe Fourthly, the charming songster, who, with the pipe SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI. 189

ofofDavid Davidand andthe thefascination fascinationof ofhis hismelody, melody,can canarrest arrest thetheriver riverin in itsits current, and thebird birdin inits its flight; con-con­ current, and the flight ; sequently,sequently, throughthrough thethe meansmeans ofof thisthis perfectionperfection hehe cancancaptivate cp,ptivatethe thehearts heartsof ofhis hisadmirers, admirers,and andthe thelords lords ofof mysticalmystical knowledgeknowledge willwill fondlyfondlycourt court hishis society,society, " andand bebe assiduousassiduousin inserving serving him.him.-"How How gratefulgrateful isis thethesoft softand arid plaintiveplaintivevoice, voice,vibrating vibrating onon thethe earsears ofof '!' lovers]pvers giddyfrom from aa morning debauchdebauch; aa melodiousmelodious giddy morning ; pipepipewill will fascinatefascinate moremore thanthan aa lovelylovelyface, face, forfor thisthis cancanseduce seducethe thesensual sensualappetite, appetite,but butthat that mustmust enrap-enrap­ tureturethe thesoul." sou1."

Fifthly,Fifthly,a a commoncommonmechanic, mechanic,who who cancan earnearn aa sub-sub­ sistencesistence bybythe the industryindustry ofof hishis hand,hand, andand shallshall notnot havehaveto tostake stakehis hisreputation reputationfor forevery everymorsel morselof ofbread, bread,

" I asas philosophersphilosophers havehave saidsaid: :-"Though Though obligedobliged toto wanderwander aa strangerstranger fromfrom hishis country,country, thethe cobblercobbler oror botcher would not suffersuffer inconvenience oror trouble; botcher would not inconvenience trouble ; butbutwere werehe, he,from from anarchy,anarchy,deposed deposed fromfrom hishis throne,throne, Mumruzl\iumruzthe theking kingwould wouldperish perishof ofhunger." hunger." SuchSuch qualities,qualities, asas II havehavedetailed detailedthem, them, are,are, O0 mymy son,son,the the solacesolace ofofthe the heart,heart,and andthe themeans means ofofsweet sweet enjoyment during aa journey; butbut forfor anyman man thatthat enjoyment during journey ; any doesdoesnot notpossess possessone oneof ofthem themto totravel travelabroad abroadwere werean an idleidleundertaking, undertaking,and andnone nonewould wouldask askhis hischaracter, character,or or " inquireinquireafter afterhim. him.-"That Thatman man whomwhomthe therevolutions revolutions ofof thethe skiesskies regardregardwith with aa malignantmalignant aspect,aspect,fortune fortune willwill conductconduct toto anythinganything butbut hishis good.good. TheThepigeon pigeon thatthat isis ordainedordained nevernever toto revisitrevisit itsits nest,nest, destinydestinyis is enticingenticingtowards towardsthe thebait baitand andsnare." snare."

TheTheson sonsaid said:: O0 father,father,why whyshould should I I actactin incontra- contra­ dictiondiction toto thethe maximmaxim ofofthe thewise, wise, whowho havehave toldtoldus us SHAIKH SADI. IQO SHAIKH SADI. that though our lot be apportioned, yet there is a that though our lot be apportioned, there is a condition appending to it; and though misfortuneyet be condition to it and misfortune be appending ; though ordained, yet we are to turn aside from the door that ordained, yet we are to turn aside from the door that leads to it :-" Though our daily bread will come to us leads to it: "Though our bread will come to us without our thought, it is thedaily duty of reason to look without our thought, it is the duty of reason to look for its approaches; although none will die till their for its approaches: although none will die till their predestined time, there is no occasion to walk into predestined time, there is no occasion to walk into the mouth of a dragon."-And circumstanced as I the mouth of a dragon." And circumstanced as I feel myself, I could assail a formidable elephant and feel myself, I could assail a formidable elephant and grapple with a ferocious lion. Accordingly, it were grapple with a ferocious lion. Accordingly, it were advisable that I should travel, for I am not able to advisable that I should travel, for I am not able to put up any longer with indigence.-" "When a man put up any longer with indigence. When a man falls in his rank and station, what can he apprehend falls in his rank and station, what can he apprehend that is worse? the world at large is his place of that is worse? the world at is his of residence. The rich man at largenight repairs placeto his residence. The rich man at night repairs to his mansion;mansion thethe poor man makes thatthat place hishis inninn ; poor man makes place where the night overtakes him. But what need has where the night overtakes him. But what need has he of inn, resting-place, or abode? Wherever he may he of inn, resting-place, or abode ? Wherever he may wander, all is the dwelling of his God." wander, all is the dwelling of his God." He so spoke, took leave of his father, asked his He so spoke, took leave of his father, asked his blessing, and departed. And as he went along they blessing, and departed. And as he went along they heard him that he was saying :-" "When fortune may heard him that he was saying : When fortune may not accord to his wish, the man of skill will travel not accord to his wish, the man of skill will travel where his name is not known." where his name is not known." He was thus proceeding, till he reached a sea-shore, He was thus proceeding, till he reached a sea-shore, where rocks were heaved upon rocks by the force of where rocks were heaved upon rocks by the force of its waves, and the roaring of its billows was heard for its waves, and the roaring of its billows was heard for many furlongs :-" "Such was the awfulness of the many furlongs : Such was the awfulness of the deep, that the water-fowl found it not safe to rest on deep, that the water-fowl found it not safe to rest on its bosom; and its smallest wave would roll mill­ its bosom and its smallest wave would roll mill- stones along; its strand." stones along its strand." SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. 191911

HereHere hehe sawsaw aa numbernumber ofof people,people, eacheach ofof whomwhom hadhad forfor aa smallsmall piecepiece ofof goldgold takentaken aa passagepassage inin thethe ferry-boat,ferry-boat, andand hadhad hishis luggageluggage stowedstowed byby him.him. TheThe youngyoung man,man, havinghaving nono money,money, openedopened thethe mouthmouth ofof but however much he them entreaty;entreaty ; but however much he supplicatedsupplicated them theythey " showedshowed himhim nono favour,favour, andand saidsaid :-": WithoutWithout moneymoney thouthou canstcanst notnot commitcommit violenceviolence uponupon andand forceforce any-any- and if thou hast there is no occasion ~ .' body;body ; and if thou hast money,money, there is no occasion forfor force."-Andforce." And thethe ungenerousungenerous mastermaster ofof thethe vesselvessel turnedturned towardstowards him,him, asas hehe pushedpushed offoff hishis boat,boat, andand " withwith aa sneer,sneer, addedadded :-": ThouThou hasthast nono gold,gold, andand thouthou canst not cross the sea main what can canst not cross the sea byby main strength;strength ; what can thethe prowessprowess ofof tenten heroesheroes availavail thee?thee ? BringBring meme thethe passagepassage moneymoney ofof oneone man."man." TheThe youthyouth waswas muchmuch hurthurt atat thisthis sarcasmsarcasm ofof thethe and wished that he could it but boatman,boatman, and wished that he could revengerevenge it; ; but thethe boatboat hadhad putput off.off. HeHe called·called aloud,aloud, andand said,said, IfIf thisthis garmentgarment whichwhich II amam wearingwearing willwill satisfy,satisfy, II amam readyready toto givegive itit you.you. TheThe boatmanboatman waswas avaricious,avaricious, " andand broughtbrought hishis vesselvessel backback :-": CovetousnessCovetousness willwill sewsew upup thethe eyeseyes ofof thethe wary,wary, andand greedinessgreediness decoydecoy thethe birdbird andand fishfish intointo thethe net"-Sonet" So soonsoon asas thethe youngyoung manman couldcould laylay handshands onon thethe boatman'sboatman's beardbeard andand collar,collar, hehe draggeddragged himhim fromfrom hishis vesselvessel andand belabouredbelaboured himhim " mostmost unmercifullyunmercifully :-": WheneverWhenever thythy handhand cancan reachreach foe's it,it, teartear outout thythy foe's brain,brain, forfor suchsuch anan opportunityopportunity washeswashes angeranger fromfrom thethe mind."-Hismind." His comradecomrade disem­disem- that he back him but the barked,barked, that he mightmight back him; ; but meetingmeeting the samesame roughrough treatment,treatment, hehe turnedturned hishis back.back. TheyThey sawsaw itit advisableadvisable toto makemake theirtheir peacepeace withwith him,him, andand " compromisecompromise forfor hishis passagepassage moneymoney :-": WhenWhen thouthou SHAIKH SA.DI. 192 SHAIKH SADI. witnessest a dispute, show a forbearance, for mild­ witnesses! a show a forbearance, for mild- ness will shutdispute, the door of contention; where thou ness will shut the door of contention where thou seest a perseverance, oppose it with kindness,; for a seest a perseverance, oppose it with kindness, for a sharp sword cannot cut into a silk-quilted corselet sharp sword cannot cut into a corselet Use a sweet tongue, courtesy, silk-quiltedand gentleness, and Use a sweet tongue, courtesy, and and thou mayst manage to guide an elephantgentleness, with a thou mayst manage to guide an elephant with a hair."hair." After excusing what had passed, they fell at his After excusing what had passed, they fell at his feet, and, after kissing with hypocrisy his head and feet, and, after kissing with hypocrisy his head and face, they ushered him on board the boat, and pro­ face, they ushered him on board the boat, and ceeded on their voyage, till they came to the pillarpro- ceeded on their voyage, till they came to the pillar which rises in the sea out of some Grecian ruins. which rises in the sea out of some Grecian ruins. The boatman said: The vessel is here in some danger; The boatman said: The vessel is here in some danger; it will be necessary for one of the heartiest, most it will be necessary for one of the heartiest, most heroic, and strongest of you to get upon this pillar heroic, and strongest of you to get upon this pillar and hold a hawser in his hand till we can swing and hold a hawser in his hand till we can swing her head round. The youth, in the pride of that her head round. The youth, in the pride of that courage which was uppermost in his thoughts, neither courage which was uppermost in his thoughts, neither regarded the rancour of an injured rival, nor put in regarded the rancour of an injured rival, nor put in practice that maxim of the wise, who have said, if practice that maxim of the wise, who have said, if you have given a person serious cause of offence, and you have given a person serious cause of offence, and should aftenvards do him a hundred kind offices, rest should afterwards do him a hundred kind offices, rest not securesecure against hishis revenge ofof thatthat oneone offenceoffence; not against revenge ; for the dart may be extracted from the wound, yet for the dart may be extracted from the wound, yet the smart of it will rankle in the heart :-'(" How well the smart of it will rankle in the heart : How well did the captain remark to his troop: \Vhen thou hast did the captain remark to his troop : When thou hast made a cut at thy antagonist, expect a thrust in made a cut at thy antagonist, expect a thrust in return. Now that another is suffering pain at thy return. Now that another is suffering pain at thy hand, trust not that thy heart shall be exempt from hand, trust not that thy heart shall be exempt from affliction. Throw not a stone upon the turret of the affliction. Throw not a stone upon the turret of the citadel, for a stone may perhaps be returned from the citadel, for a stone may perhaps be returned from the SHAIKH SADL 193 SI/AlKlI SAD!. 193 " castle : So soon as the youth had put the hawser castle: "-So soon as the youth had put the hawser over his arm, and seated himself on the top of the over his arm, and seated himself on the top of the pillar, the boatman dragged it from his hand and pushedpillar, theoff theboatmanvessel. dragged it from his hand and pushed off the vessel. The deserted wretch stood aghast. For two days The deserted wretch stood aghast. For two days he suffered calamity and distress, and underwent he suffered calamity and distress, and underwent much hardship. On the third day sleep overpowered much hardship. On the third day sleep overpowered and precipitated him into the sea. After another and precipitated him into the sea. After another day and night he reached the shore, when well-nigh " • day and night he reached the shore, when well-nigh reduced to his last gasp. Here he began to eat the reduced to his last gasp. Here he began to eat the leaves of trees and roots of grass, till, getting a little refreshed,leaves of treeshe was andable rootsto ofset grass,forward till, gettingin the desert,a little refreshed, he was able to set forward in the desert, and was proceeding when, overcome with hunger, and was proceeding when, overcome with hunger, thirst, and fatigue, he arrived at a well, where a crowd ofthirst, and fatigue,in he arrived at a well, where a crowd people sat a circle around it, and each had a of people sat in a circle around it, and each had a draught of water presented to him in his turn, on draught of water presented to him in his turn, on paying a pashiz or small species of coin. The youth hadpayingno a pashiz orhe small speciesa little of coin.water The youth money ; begged gratis, but j thishad no moneyrefused hehe begged a littleto reachwater itgratis, but they ; attempted by force, this they refused j he attempted to reach it by force, but to no good purpose. Some few he of course but to no good purpose. Some few he of course knocked down, but they overpowered him with knocked down, but they overpowered him with numbers, and beat him unmercifully, and maimed numbers, and" beat him unmercifully, and maimed him sadly : Notwithstanding his huge and formid- him sadly :-" Notwithstanding his huge and formid­ able aspect, when gnats act in concert they will bring downable aspect,an when gnats act inants concertset theyto will bring elephant ; when work and down an elephant j when ants set to work and move in a body, they can strip a fierce lion of his hide."move in a body, they can strip a fierce lion of his hide." Jaded and maimed, but impelled by necessity, he gotJadedup with and themaimed,rear of but a caravan,impelled.and by madenecessity,a shift he got lip with the rear of a caravan, and made a shift to follow it. In the evening they arrived at a place muchto followinfested it. Inwith the robbers.evening theyHe beheldarrived theat apeople place much infested with robbers. He beheld the755 people 755 194 SHAIKH SADL 194 SHAIKH SADI. of the caravan with bodies in and of the caravan with bodies tremblingtrembling in fear,fear, and minds with their He said : Be not minds occupiedoccupied with their danger.danger. He said: Be not for I am one that can of alarmed,alarmed, for I am one amongamong youyou that can of myselfmyself encounter and the other will assist encounter anyany fifty,fifty, and the other youthsyouths will assist me. The were his me. The peoplepeople were encouragedencouraged byby his boasting,boasting, with his him and,and, overjoyedoverjoyed with his company,company, theythey suppliedsupplied him with food and drink. The fire of the stomach with food and drink. The fire of the youth'syouth's stomach had blazed into a and the rein of had blazed into a flame,flame, and the rein of temperancetemperance from his hand. He devoured mouth- droppeddropped from his hand. He devoured manymany mouth­ fuls of the and down several fuls of the victuals,victuals, and gulpedgulped down several draughtsdraughts of before he could the demon of his of water,water, before he could appeaseappease the demon of his when seized him and laid him at rest belly,belly, when sleepsleep seized him and laid him at rest to that caravan there was an BelongingBelonging to that caravan there was an experiencedexperienced old who had seen much of the world. He said : old man,man, who had seen much of the world. He said: O I am more afraid of this o mymy friends,friends, I am more afraid of this youryour guardguard than of all the thieves as tell a than of all the thieves beside,beside, as theythey tell a story,story, that an Arab had hoarded a sum of and that an Arab had hoarded a sum of money,money, and could not himself at home from a dread of could not sleepsleep byby himself at home from a dread of the a tribe of notorious robbers. He the Luriyans,Luriyans, a tribe of notorious robbers. He gotgot one of his to abide with that in his one of his neighboursneighbours to abide with him,him, that in his he the of solitude. In societysociety he mightmight dispeldispel the gloomgloom of solitude. In this way some till the this way theythey passedpassed some nightsnights together,together, till the friend found out where he his when he friend found out where he keptkept his money,money, when he stole and made off with it. In the stole and made off with it In the morningmorning theythey found the Arab and and asked : found the Arab weepingweeping and bewailing,bewailing, and asked: How comes this ? the thief has made free How comes this? PerhapsPerhaps the thief has made free with that money. He replied : Not he, by God ! but with that money. He replied: Not he," by God! but friend and has stolen it : I can never sit mymy friend and guardguard has stolen it :-" I can never sit down secure of till I ascertain what down secure of mymy companioncompanion till I ascertain what may be his disposition. The bite of a foe's tooth may be his disposition. The bite of a foe's tooth must more where it is under the must proveprove more cuttingcutting where it is givengiven under the SHAIKH SADL SHAIKH SADI. 195195 semblancesemblanceof ofa afriend." friend."-WhoWho can cansay saybut butthis thismay may alsoalsobe beone oneof ofthe thethieves, thieves,who whohas hasintroduced introducedhimself himself bybya astratagem stratagemamong amongus, us,that that hehemay maywatch watchhis his opportunityopportunityof ofgiving givingintelligence intelligenceto tohis hiscomrades. comrades. Accordingly,Accordingly,I Isee seeit itadvisable advisablethat thatwe weshould shouldleave leave himhimasleep asleepand anddepart. depart. ThisThiscounsel counselof ofthe theold oldman manmade madea astrong strongimpres- impres- sion on his as stood juvenile ; and, f ..sion on his juvenilecompanions companions; and, asthey they stood .in.in aweaweof ofhis hisathletic athleticpower, power,they theypacked packedup uptheir their baggagebaggageand andleft leftthe theyouth youthasleep. asleep. HeHedid didnot notget get awakeawaketill tillthe thesun sun shoneshone brightbrighton on hishisshoulders, shoulders, when,when,raising raisinghis hishead, pead,he hefound foundthat thatthe thecaravan caravanwas was gone.gone. InIn thisthis forlorn-forlorn statestate hehe wanderedwanderedto tosome some distance,distance,and andlost lostall alltrace traceof ofthe thepath. path. OvercomeOvercome withwiththirst thirstand andfatigue, fatigue,he hethrew threwhimself himselfup upfor forlost. lost. " He was : Who will converse with now the He wassaying saying :-" Who wz'll con~'erse withme, me, now the camels are the has no unless camels aredeparted departed~'; thestranger stranger has nofriend, friend, unless it£tbe bea astranger stranger: :-hehe will willdeal dealharshly harshlyby bya astranger stranger whowho hashas notnot beenbeen himselfhimselfoften often a a travellertraveller andand stranger."stranger." TheThedesponding despondingyouth youthwas wasuttering utteringthis this speechspeech whilewhilea aking's king'sson, son,who whohad haddropped droppedhis hisretinue retinuein inthe the pursuitpursuitof ofhunting huntingsport, sport,was wasstanding standingover overhim. him. HeHe listenedlistened totothese thesewords, words,and, and,looking lookingat athis hisaspect, aspect, beheld a but a mind in much affliction. beheld agraceful gracefulfigure, figure, but a mind in much affliction. HeHeasked askedhim, him,saying saying:: Whence Whenceare areyou, you,and andhow howcame came youyouinto intothis thisplace place?? HeHemade madea ashort shortstatement statementof of thetheadventures adventureswhich whichhad hadbefallen befallenhim. him. TheTheprince prince on him a dress tooktookcompassion compassion onhim, him,gave gave him a dressand andlargess, largess, andandsent senta aconfidential confidentialservant servantto totake takehim himhome. home. HisHisfather fatherwas wasrejoiced rejoicedat atseeing seeinghim, him,and andthanked thanked 196 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL

GodGod forfor hishis safesafe return.return. AtAt nightnight hehe enteredentered inin detaildetail ofof whatwhat befellbefell himhim inin thethe affairaffair ofof thethe ferry­ferry- boat,boat, thethe insolenceinsolence ofof thethe boatman,boatman, thethe violenceviolence ofof thethe peasantspeasants atat thethe well,well, andand treacherytreachery ofof thethe caravancaravan peoplepeople onon thethe road.road. TheThe fatherfather said:said : 0O mymy son,son, diddid notnot I I warnwarn you,you, atat thethe timetime ofof youryour departure,departure, thatthat thethe courageouscourageous wristwrist ofof thethe empty-handedempty-handed waswas " manacledmanacled andand hishis lion-likelion-like armarm brokenbroken :_H: HowHow happilyhappily diddid thatthat empty-handedempty-handed manman ofof warwar remark,remark, AA barley-cornbarley-corn ofof goldgold isis worthworth moremore thanthan fiftyfifty mans',mans', oror pounds',pounds', weightweight ofof strength."strength."

TheThe sonson replied;replied : 0O fatherfather 1! tilltill youyou maymay somehowsomehow cannot treasure till undergoundergo trouble,trouble, youyou cannot acquireacquire treasure; ; till youyou putput youryour lifelife inin jeopardyjeopardy youyou cannotcannot subduesubdue and until sow the seed youryour enemy;enemy ; and until youyou maymay sow the seed youyou cannotcannot reapreap thethe harvest.harvest. DoDo youyou notnot perceiveperceive that,that, inin returnreturn forfor thethe littlelittle fatiguefatigue I I underwent,underwent, whatwhat aa store of wealth I and for the I store of wealth I acquired;acquired ; and for the stingsting I " endured,endured, whatwhat aa stockstock ofof honeyhoney I Isecuredsecured :-": ThoughThough wewe cannotcannot getget moremore thanthan ourour predestinedpredestined portion,portion, itit behovesbehoves usus notnot toto bebe idleidle inin lookinglooking afterafter itit. WereWere thethe diverdiver toto thinkthink onon thethe jawsjaws ofof thethe sharkshark hehe wouldwould nevernever laylay handshands onon thethe preciousprecious pearlpearl :-the: the lowerlower mill-stonemill-stone takestakes notnot itsits turnturn inin circulation,circulation, andand sustainssustains inin consequenceconsequence thethe bruntbrunt ofof thethe burthenburthen :-what: what wouldwould thethe ravenousravenous lionlion havehave toto eateat ifheif he remainedremained aa sluggardsluggard inin thethe cornercorner ofof hishis den,den, oror whatwhat powerpower ofof soaringsoaring afterafter gamegame hashas thethe broken-wingedbroken-winged falconfalcon? ? WertWert thouthou toto expectexpect sportsport byby stayingstaying atat homehome thouthou wouldstwouldst " becomebecome allall legslegs andand arms,arms, likelike aa spiderspider 1"! .

TheThe fatherfather said:said : 0O mymy son,son, onon thisthis occasionoccasion thethe SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL 197197

skiesskies co-operated,co-operated, andand fortunefortune waswas youryour guide,guide, soso asas toto enableenable youyou toto pluckpluck aa roserose fromfrom youryour thornthorn andand toto extractextract thethe thornthorn fromfrom youryour foot.foot. Moreover,Moreover, anan opulentopulent gentlemangentleman metmet youyou andand generouslygenerously investi­investi- gatedgated youryour conditioncondition andand redressedredressed youryour brokenbroken fortune such instances are and we fortune;; otherwise,otherwise, such instances are rare,rare, and we oughtought notnot toto expectexpect andand trusttrust toto wonders.wonders. TakeTake ~ ... heedheed that,that, ledled awayaway byby thisthis greediness,greediness, youyou dodo notnot ~gainagain enterenter thethe circlecircle ofof desire,desire, oror spreadspread thethe carpetcarpet ofof " covetousnesscovetousness :-": TheThe sportsmansportsman doesdoes notnot everyevery dayday makemake suresure ofof hishis game.game. IIt t maymay happenhappen thatthat thethe tygertyger shallshall oneone dayday teartear him."him." InIn likelike mannermanner asas aa certaincertain kingking ofof PersiaPersia hadhad aa preciousprecious gemgem setset inin aa ring.ring. ForFor thethe sakesake ofof recreation,recreation, hehe wentwent onon one one occasionoccasion withwith aa selectselect retinueretinue toto thethe MMussala, ussala, nearnear Shiraz,Shiraz, andand orderedordered thatthat theythey shouldshould fixfix thethe ringring onon thethe domedome ofof Azud,Azud, withwith aa proclamationproclamation thatthat whoeverwhoever mightmight shootshoot anan arrowarrow throughthrough itsits hoophoop shouldshould havehave thethe ringring asas aa present.present. ItIt happenedhappened thatthat fourfour hundredhundred professedprofessed archersarchers whowho werewere inin thethe royalroyal traintrain tooktook theirtheir aim,aim, butbut allall ofof themthem missedmissed it.it. AA boyboy atat playplay onon thethe terraceterrace roofroof ofof aa publicpublic buildingbuilding waswas shootingshooting fromfrom hishis bowbow atat random,random, andand lo!lo ! thethe morn­morn- inging breezebreeze tooktook hishis arrowarrow andand carriedcarried itit throughthrough thethe circletcirclet ofof thethe ring.ring. TheyThey complimentedcomplimented himhim withwith thethe gemgem andand ring,ring, andand mademade himhim manymany presents.presents. AfterAfter his thisthis thethe boyboy burntburnt his bowbow andand arrows.arrows. TheyThey asked:asked : \-VhyWhy diddid youyou dodo so?so ? HeHe replied:replied : ThatThat mymy firstfirst instanceinstance ofof reputationreputation maymay bebe lasting.-"lasting. "It It atat oneone timetime maymay chancechance thatthat thethe clear-headedclear-headed sagesage shallshall bebe mistaken in the counsel he will offer at another time mistaken in the counsel he will offer;; at another time 198 SHAIKHSHAJKHSADL SADI.

we find that an unskilful we find that an unskilful boyboy shall,shall,through through mistake,mistake, hithitthe thetarget targetwith withhis hisarrow." arrow."

XXIX.XXIX.

II sawsaw aa darweshdarwesh whowho hadhadwithdrawn withdrawn intointo aa cave,cave, shutshut thethe doordoor ofof communicationcommunication betweenbetween thetheworld world andand himself,himself,and andwith with hishis loftyloftyand and independentindependent eyeeye viewedviewed emperorsemperorsand andkings kingswithout withoutawe aweor orreverence: reverence: " -"Whoever Whoeveropens opensto tohimself himselfthe the doordoorof ofmendicity, mendicity, mustmust continuecontinue aa beggarbeggar tilltill thethe dayday ofof his.his death.death. PutPut covetousnesscovetousness aside,aside, andand bebe independentindependent asas aa the neck of contentment can raise its head princeprince;; the neck of contentment can raise its head erect"erect" OneOneof or-thethe sovereigns sovereignsof ofthose thoseparts partssent senta a messagemessage toto him,him, statingstating:: SoSo farfar I I cancan relyrely onon thethe generousgenerous dispositiondisposition ofof hishis reverence,reverence, thatthat hehe willwill oneone dayday favourfavour meme byby partakingpartaking ofof mymy breadbread andand salt,salt, byby becomingbecomingmy myguest. guest. TheThe shaikh,shaikh, oror holyholyman, man,con- con­ sented for the of such an invitation sen ted;; for the acceptanceacceptance of such an invitation accordedaccorded withwith thethe sunnat,sunnat, oror lawlaw andand traditiontradition ofof thethe prophet.prophet. NextNext daydaythe the kingking wentwent toto apologiseapologise forfor thethe troubletrouble hehe hadhad causedcaused him.him. TheThe abidabid roserose fromfrom hishis place,place, tooktook thethe kingking inin hishis arms,arms, showedshowed himhimmuch muchkindness, kindness,and andwas wasfull full ofofhis his compliments.compliments. AfterAfter hehe waswas gone,gone, oneone ofofthe the shaikh'sshaikh's companionscompanions askedaskedhim, him,saying saying:: WasWasnot notsuch suchcondescending condescendingkind- kind­ nessness asas youyou thisthis dayday showedshowed thethe kingking contrarycontrary toto what is usual what does this mean ? He answered : what is usual;; what does this mean? He answered: HaveHave youyou notnot heardheard whatwhat theythey havehave said:said :-""It Itis is SHAIKHSIfAIKHSAD SADI.I. 199199

properproperto tostand standup upand andadminister administerto tohim himwhom whomthou thou hasthastseated seatedon onthy thycarpet, carpet,or ormade madethy thyguest" guest" " " He could so manage that, during his whole life, his He could so manage that, during his whole life, his earear shouldshould notnot indulgeindulge inin thethe musicmusic ofofthe the tabor,tabor, cymbal,cymbal,and and pipe.pipe. HeHecould could restrainrestrain hishis eyeseyesfrom from enjoyingenjoying thethe garden,garden,and andgratify gratifyhis his sensesenseof ofsmell smell withoutwithout thethe roserose orornarcissus. narcissus. ThoughThoughhe hehad hadnot not ~ a.....a pillow·pillowstuffed stuffedwith withdown, down,he hecould couldcompose composehimself himself totorest restwith with aa stonestoneunder under hishis headhead; thoughhe hehad had ; though nono heart-solacerheart-solaceras as thethe partnerpartnerof ofhis his bed,bed,he hecould could hughughimself himselfto tosleep sleepwith withhis hisarms armsacross acrosshis his breast.breast. IfIfhe hecould could notnotride ridean anambling amblingnag, nag,he hewas wascontent content tototake takehis his walkwalk onon footfoot; onlythis this grumblingand and ; only grumbling vilevilebelly bellyhe hecould couldnot notkeep keepunder, under,without withoutstuffing stuffingit it withwithfood." food." CHAPTER IV. CHAPTER IV. ON THE BENEFIT OF BEING SILENT. ON THE BENEFIT OF BEING SILENT. I.

I SPOKE to one of my friends, saying: A prudent restraintI SPOKE onto myone wordsof my is friends,on that sayingaccount: Aadvisable,prudent becauserestraint inon myconversationwords is ontherethat onaccount most advisable,occasions occurbecause goodin andconversation bad; and thethere eyeson of rivalsmost onlyoccasions note occur and bad and the of rivals note what isgood bad. He replied:; 0 brother!eyes that isonly our best rivalwhat whois bad. does Henot,replied or will: Onot,brother see our! that goodis !-"our bestThe " malignantrival who doesbrotherhoodnot, or willpass not,not seeby theour virtuousgood ! manThe 'lvit/toutmalignant imputingbrotherhood to himpass whatnot isby infamous:-Tothe virtuous man the eyewithout of enmityimputing virtueto appearshim what the isugliestinfamous: blemish;To itthe is aeye rose,of 0enmity Sadi! virtuewhichappears to the eyesthe ugliestof our rivalsblemish; seemsit isa thorn.a rose, OTheSadi! world-illuminatingwhich to the eyes brilliancyof our rivals of theseems foun­a tainthorn. of theThe sun,world-illuminating in like manner,brilliancy appears ofdimthe tofoun- the eyetain ofof thethe purblindsun, in mole."like manner, appears dim to the eye of the purblind mole."

II. II. A merchant happened to lose a thousand dinars. HeA saidmerchant to his son:happened It will tobe loseprudenta thousand not to mentiondinars. thisHe saidloss toto hisanybody.son : It willThebe sonprudent answered:not to 0 mentionfather, itthis is lossyourto orders,anybody. and IThe shallson notanswered mention: O it;father, but it is and I shall riot mention it but your orders, ; SHAIKHSHAIKH SADSADI.I. 201201

communicatecommunicate thethe benefitbenefit soso far,far, asas whatwhat thethe policypolicy maymay bebe inin keepingkeeping itit aa secret.secret. HeHe saidsaid:: ThatThat II maymay notnot suffersuffer twotwo evilsevils:: one,one, thethe lossloss ofof mymy money;money; another,another, thethe reproachreproach ofof mymy neighbour:neighbour :-""Impart Impart notnot thythy grievancesgrievances toto rivals,rivals, forfor theythey areare glad glad atat heart,heart, whilewhile praying,praying, GodGod preservepreserve usus; ,j oror therethere isis .. ..,neitherneither strengthstrength nornorpower, power, unlessunless ititbe befrom from God/"God I"

III.III.

AA sensiblesensible youthyouth mademade vastvast progressprogress inin thethe artsarts andand sciences, andand waswas ofof aa dociledocile disposition; but sciences, disposition ; but howeverhowever muchmuch hehe frequentedfrequented thethe societiessocieties ofof thethe learned,learned, theythey nevernever couldcould getget himhim toto utterutter aa word.word.

OnOn oneone occasionoccasion hishis fatherfather saidsaid:: O0 mymy son,son, whywhy dodo notnot youyou alsoalso saysay whatwhat youyou knowknow onon thisthis subject?subject? HeHe repliedreplied:: II amam afraidafraid lestlest theythey questionquestion meme uponupon " whatwhat II knowknow not,not, andand putput meme totoshame shame : :-"Hast Hastthou thou notnot heardheard ofof aa sufisufi whowho waswas hammeringhammering somesome nailsnails intointo thethe solesole ofof hishis sandalsandal. AnAn officerofficer ofof cavalrycavalry tooktook himhim byby thethe sleeve,sleeve, saying,saying, ComeCome along,along, andand shoeshoe

mymy horsehorse : :-SoSo longlong asas thouthou artart silentsilent andand quiet,quiet, nobody willwill meddlemeddle withwith thy businessbusiness; but once nobody thy ; but once

thouthou divulgestdivulgest it,it, bebe readyready withwith thythy proofs."proofs."

IV.IV.

AA man,man, respectablerespectable forfor hishis learning,learning, gotgot intointo aa discussiondiscussion withwith anan atheistatheist; but, failing toto convince ; but, failing convince him,him, hehe threwthrew downdown hishis shieldshield andand fled.fled. AA personperson askedasked him,him, With\Vith allall youryour wisdomwisdom andand address,address, 202 SHAIKH SA.DI.SADI. learning and science, how came you not to con-con­ trovert an infidel? He replied: lVlyMy learning is the Koran, and the traditions and sayings of our holy fathers but he faith in the articles of our fathers;; but he puts no faith in the articles of our belief, and what good could it do to listen to his " blasphemy ?-"? To him whom thou canst not convince by revelation or tradition, the best answer is that thou shalt not answer him."

v.V.

The physician Galen saw a blockhead of a fellow who had laid hold of a learned man by the collar, and was treating him most disrespectfully. He saidsaid:: Had this been a wise man he would never have permitted his concerns with an ignoramus to come " to this pass.-"pass. Strife and malignity occur not between two men of sense. A wise man will not dispute with one that is hasty. If an ignoramus is harsh in his rude brutality, a prudent man will soothe him with mild urbanity. A hair can keep two good and holy men together, notwithstanding are a difference of but if on they are arguing a difference of opinion;opinion ; but if on both sides contentious and brutal, though it were an iron chain, they would tear it asunder."

VI.

They have esteemed Sahban Wabil as unrivalled in eloquence, insomuch that he could speak for a year before an assembly, and would not use the SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI. 203 same word twice or he chance to same word twice;; orshould should he chance torepeat repeatit, it, he would it and this he would givegive ita a differentdifferent significationsignification;; and this isisone oneof ofthe thespecial specialaccomplishments accomplishmentsof ofa acourtier courtier: :­ " "ThoughThough a aspeech speechbe becaptivating captivatingand andsweet, sweet,worthy worthy ofofbelief, belief,and and meritingmeritingapplause, applause,yet yetwhat whatthou thouhast hast onceoncedelivered delivered thouthou mustmustnot notrepeat, repeat,for forif ifthey theyeat eat aasweetmeat sweetmeatonce oncethey theyfind findthat thatenough." enough."

VII.VII.

I Ioverheard overhearda asage, sage,who whowas wasremarking remarking:: Never Neverhas has anybodyanybodyacknowledged acknowledgedhis hisown ownignorance, ignorance,excepting excepting thatthatperson personwho, who,while while anotheranother maymaybe betalking, talking,and and hashas notnot finishedfinished whatwhat hehe hashas toto say,say, willwill beginbegin speaking:speaking :-""A Aspeech, speech,O 0 wiseacre!wiseacre! hashas aa beginningbeginning and an end not one into the middle of and an end;; bringbring not onespeech speech into the mi"ddle of another.another. AA manman ofofjudgment, judgment,discretion, discretion,and andpru- pru­ dence,dence,delivers deliversnot nothis hisspeech speechtill tillhe he findfind anan intervalinterval ofofsilence." silence." VIII.VIII. SomeSome ofofthe the courtierscourtiers ofofSultan Sultan MahmudMahmud askedasked

HusanHusanMaimandi, Maimandi,saying saying:: What Whatdid didthe theking kingwhisper whisper toto youyou to-dayto-dayon on aa certaincertainstate stateaffair affair?? HeHesaid said:: YouYouare arealso alsoacquainted acquaintedwith withit it TheyTheyreplied replied:: You You arearethe theprime primeminister minister:: whatwhatthe theking kingtells tellsyou, you,he he doesdoesnot notthink thinkproper properto tocommunicate communicateto tosuch suchas aswe we are.are. HeHereplied replied:: HeHecommunicates communicateswith withme mein inthe the confidence that I will not to then confidence that I will notdivulge divulge to anybodyanybody;; then " whywhydo doyou you askask meme? ?-"A Aman man ofofsense sense blabsblabsnot, not, he come to he should not whateverwhatever hemay may come toknow know;; he should notmake make hishisown ownhead headthe theforfeit forfeitof ofthe theking's king'ssecret." secret." 202044 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL

IX.IX.

II waswas hesitatinghesitating aboutabout thethe purchasepurchase ofof aa dwelling­dwelling- house.house. AA JewJew said:said : II amam anan oldold housekeeperhousekeeper inin this this street:street : askask thethe charactercharacter ofof thisthis househouse fromfrom meme andand

for it has I : ! that buybuy it,it, for it has nono fault.fault. I replied:replied TrueTrue l onlyonly that " youyou areare itsits neighbour:-"neighbour : AnyAny suchsuch househouse asas hashas theethee forfor itsits neighbourneighbour couldcould scarcescarce bebe worthworth tenten diramsdirams ofof silver it should behove us to that after silver; ; yetyet it should behove us to hopehope that after thythy deathdeath itit maymay fetchfetch aa thousand."thousand."

X.x.

AA certaincertain poetpoet presentedpresented himselfhimself beforebefore thethe chiefchief ofof aa ganggang ofof robbers,robbers, andand recitedrecited aa casidah,casidah, oror elegy,elegy, inin hishis praise.praise. HeHe orderedordered thatthat theythey shouldshould stripstrip offoff hishis clothes,clothes, andand thrustthrust himhim fromfrom thethe village.village. TheThe nakednaked wretchwretch waswas goinggoing awayaway shiveringshivering inin thethe cold,cold, andand thethe villagevillage dogsdogs werewere barkingbarking atat hishis heels.heels. HeHe stoopedstooped toto pickpick upup aa stone,stone, inin orderorder toto shyshy atat thethe dogs,dogs, butbut foundfound thethe earthearth frost~bound,frost-bound, andand was was disappointed.disappointed. HeHe exclaimed:exclaimed : WhatWhat roguesrogues thesethese villagersvillagers are,are, forfor theythey letlet looseloose theirtheir dogs,dogs, andand tietie upup theirtheir stones!stones ! TheThe chiefchief robberrobber sawsaw andand over­over- heardheard himhim fromfrom aa window.window. HeHe smiledsmiled atat hishis wit,wit, and,and, callingcalling himhim near,near, said:said : 0O learnedlearned sirsir l! askask meme forfor aa boon.boon. HeHe replied,replied, II askask forfor mymy ownown garments,garments, ifif youyou willwill vouchsafevouchsafe toto givegive themthem :-I: / shallshall havehave enoughenough " ofof boonsboons z'nin youryour sufferingsuffering 'IIt.eme toto depart.-"depart, MankindMankind from others I no from expectexpect charitycharity from others; ; I expectexpect no charitychanty from SHAIKH SADI. 205 SHAIKH SADI. 205 thee, only do me no injury." The chief robber felt thee, only do me no injury."-The chief robber felt compassion for him. He ordered his clothes to be compassion for him. He ordered his clothes to be restored, and added to them a robe of fur and sum of restored, and added to them a robe of fur and sum of money. money. XI. XI. An astrologer returned home, and found a stranger seatedAn astrologerwith his wife.returnedHe home,abused andand foundassailed a strangerhim '< ... ~eated with his wife. He abused and assailed him with violence, and riot and uproar took place between wIth violence, and riot and uproar took place between them. A goodly and holy man was apprised of this, them. A goodly" and holy man was apprised of this, and said : How canst thou tell what passes in the and said :-" How canst thou tell what passes in the celestial sphere, who art ignorant of an intrigue celestial sphere, who art ignorant" of an intrigue carrying on at thine own dwelling ? carrying on at thine own dwelling?"

XII. XII. A preacher of a harsh tone of voice fancied A preacher 9f a harsh tone of voice fancied himself a fine-spoken man, and would hold forth himself a fine-spoken man, and would hold forth at the mosque to a very idle purpose. You might at the mosque to a very idle purpose. You might say that the croaking of the raven of the desert was saythe thatburthen the croakingof his chant, of theand raventhis textof theof desertthe Koran was the burthen of his chant, and this text of the Koran expressive of his manner: The most abominable of expressive of his manner :-The "most abominable of noises is the braying of an ass : Whenever this ass noises is the braying of an ass :_H Whenever this ass of a preacher sets up a braying, his voice will make the of a preacher sets up a braying, his voice will make the city of Istikhar, or Persepolis, shake to its base" city of Istikhar, or Persepolz's, shake to its base." In reverence of his rank his townsmen indulged In reverence of his rank his townsmen indulged this defect, and would not distress him by remarking this defect, and would not distress him by remarking on it, till another preacher of those parts, actuated on it, till another preacher of those parts, actuated by a private pique, came on one occasion to tantalise by a privateand pique,I have cameseen on one occasionin a dream to tantaliseit him, said, you ; may him, and said, I have seen you in a dream; may it prove fortunate ! He asked : What have you seen ? prove fortunate 1 He asked: What have you seen? 206 SHAIKH SADI. 206 SHAIKH SADI.

He replied : So it seemed in my vision that your voice He replied: So it seemed in my vision that your voice had become harmonious, and mankind were charmed had become harmonious, and mankind were charmed with your melodious cadences. For a while the with your melodious cadences. For a while the preacher bowed his head in thought, then raised it, preacher bowed his head in thought, then raised it, and said : What a fortunate vision is it that you had, and said: What a fortunate vision is it that you had, that has made me sensible of my weakness ! I am that has made me sensible of my weakness! I am now aware that I have an unpleasant voice, and that now aware that I have an unpleasant voice, and that the people are distressed at my delivery. I have the people are distressed at my delivery. I have vowed that I will henceforth preach only in a soft vowed that I will" henceforth preach only in a soft tone of voice. I am distressed with the society tone of voice.-" I am distressed with the society of friends who extol my vices into virtues, my of friends who extol my vices into virtues, my blemishes they view as excellences and perfections, blemishes they view as excellences and perfections, my thorns they regard as roses and jassmines. my thorns they regard as roses and jassmines. Where is that rude and bold rival who will expose Where is that rude" and bold rival who will expose all my deformities ? all my deformities? JJ XIII. XIII.

At a mosque in the city of Sanjar, the capital of At a mosque in the city of Sanjar, the capital of Khorasan, a person was volunteering to chant forth Khorasan, a person was volunteering to. chant forth the call to prayers with so discordant a note as to the call to prayers with so discordant a note as to drive all that heard him away in disgust. The drive all that heard him away in disgust. The intendant of that mosque was a just and well-dis- intendant of that mosque was a just and weB-dis­ posed gentleman, who was averse to giving offence posed gentleman, who was averse to giving offence to anybody. He said : O generous youth, there to anybody. He said: 0 generous youth, there belong to this mosque some mowuzzins, or criers, belong to this mosque some mowuzzins, or criers, of long standing, to each of whom I allow a monthly of long standing, to each of whom I allow a monthly of five dinars I will ten to stipend ; now give you go stipend of five dinars; now I will give you ten to go elsewhere. To this he agreed, and took himself off. elsewhere. To this he agreed, and took himself off. After a while he came to the nobleman, and said : O After a while he came to the nobleman, and said: 0 my lord ! you did me an injury when for ten dinars my lord! you did me an injury when for ten dinars you prevailed upon me to quit this station, for you prevailed upon me to quit this station, for SHAIKH SADL 207 SHAIKH SADI. 207 where I went offered me to remove to where I wentthey they offered me twentytwenty to remove to another but I would not consent. The noble- anotherplace, place, but I would not consent. The noble­ man smiled and : Take and do not man smiled and repliedreplied: Take.heed, heed, and do not accept them, for they may be content to give you accept" them, for they may be content to give you ! No can with a mattock off the fiftyfifty !-" Noperson person can with a mattockscrape scrape off the from the face of a hard in clayclay from the face of a hard rockrock in sosograting gratinga a manner as harsh voice is soul." manner asthy thy harsh voice isharrowing harrowingup upmy my soul."

XIV. XIV.

with a harsh voice was the Koran AAperson person with a harsh voice wasreciting reciting the Koran in a loud tone. A and man went to in a loud tone. A goodgood andholy holy man wentup up to and asked : What is ? him,him, and . asked: What is youryour monthlymonthly stipendstipend? He added Heanswered, answered, Nothing.Nothing. Then,Then, added he,he,why whygive give so much trouble ? He said : I am yourselfyourself so much trouble? He said: I am readingreading for the sake of God. The and man for the sake of God. The goodgood and holyholy man : For sake do not read: "for if repliedreplied: ForGod's God's sake do not read :-" for ifthou thou chantest the Koran after this thou must cast chantest the Koran after thismanner, manner, thou must cast a shade over the of Islamism or Mussulman a shade over theglory glory of Islamism or Mussulman orthodoxy,"orthodoxy," CHAPTER V. CHAPTER V. ON LOVE AND YOUTH. ON LOVE AND YOUTH.

I. THEY asked Husan Maimandi : How comes it that THEYSultan askedMahmud, Husanwho Maimandi:has so many Howhandsome comes it bonds-that Sultanwomen, Mahmud,each of whowhom hasis sothe manywonder handsomeof the world bonds­and women,most selecteach ofof whomthe age, is theentertains wonder ofnot thesuch worldfondness and mostand selectaffection of thefor age,any entertainsof them as nothe suchdoes fondnessfor Ayaz, andwho affectioncan boast for anyof no of superioritythem as he ofdoescharms for Ayaz,? He whoreplied can : boastWhatever of nomakes superiorityan impression of charms?on the heartHe " replied:seems lovelyWhateverin the makeseye. anThat impressionperson onof thewhom heartthe seemssultan lovelymakes in thechoice eye.-"must Thatbe altogether person ofgood, whomthough the a of vice but where he is from sultancompendium makes choice must; be altogether estrangedgood, though a thecompendiumfavour of theof vice;king butnone whereof the hehousehold is estrangedwill fromthink " theof favourcourting of thehim." king noneWere ofa theperson hou~eholdto view willit thinkwith a offastidious courting him."-ueye, the Wereform aof persona Joseph to viewmight it withseem a a but let him look with desire on a fastidiousdeformity eye,; the form of a Joseph might seemdemon, a deformity;and he will butappear let himlike lookan angelwith desireand cherub." on a demon, and he will appear like an angel and cherub."

II. II. They tell a story of a gentleman who had a slave handsome and her he singularlyThey tell a story of a; gentleman whoregarded had awith slavean singularlyeye of fondness handsome;and affection.and her heHe regardedobserved withto one an of eye of fondness and affection. He observed to one of SHAIKHSHAiKH SADLSADI. 209209

hishis friendsfriends:: What\\That aa pitypity thatthat thisthis slave,slave, withwith thethe beautybeauty andand gracegrace whichwhich sheshe possesses,possesses, shouldshould bebe aa termaganttermagant andand vixen.vixen. HeHe replied:replied: O0 brother,brother, nownow youyou havehavemade madeher her youryour companion,companion, expectexpect notnot thethe service of a for where the lover service of a waitingwaitingwoman woman;; for where the lover andand mistressmistresscome come inin play,play, thethe distinctiondistinction ofofmaster master andand " slaveslaveis isdone doneaway: away:-"When \\Then thethegentleman gentlemanbegins beginsto to .,. .joke_Jokeand andtoy toywith withhis hisangel-faced angel-facedand andhandsome handsomehand- hand­ maid,~aid, ititshould shouldnot notsurprise surpriseif ifshe sheorder orderlike like aa master,master, andand hehe bearbear thethe burthenburthen ofofcoquetry coquetry likelike aa bonds-bonds­ woman.woman. ItItbecomes becomesthe thebondswoman bondswomanto tobe be aa water-water­ carriercarrier andand brickmaker.brick maker. LetLet herher bebe aa charmercharmer andand sheshebecomes becomesa a boxerboxerand andbruiser." bruiser."

- III.III. .

I I sawsaw aa parsa,parsa, oror holyholy man,man, soso enamouredenamoured ofofa a lovelylovely personperson thatthat hehe hadhad neitherneither fortitudefortitude toto bearbear resolution to his with,with, nornor resolution to declare,declare, his passionpassion;; and,and, howeverhowever muchmuch hehe waswas thethe objectobject ofof remarkremark andand censure,censure,he hewould wouldnot notforego forego thisthisinfatuation, infatuation,and and waswas " sayingsaying: :-"I I quitquit notnot mymy holdhold onon thethe skirtskirt ofof thythy garment,garment,though though thouthou maystmaystverily verily smitesmite meme withwith aa sharpsharp sword.sword. BesidesBesides theethee I I havehave neitherneither asylumasylum defence if I to I must take with nornor defence;; if I amam toflee, flee, I must take refugerefuge with thee."thee." OnOnone oneoccasion occasionI I reproachedreproachedhim, him,and and said:said:What What isis becomebecome ofofyour yourprecious preciousreason, reason,that thata a vilevile passionpassion shouldshould thusthus mastermaster you?you? HeHe mademade aa shortshort pause,pause, " andand repliedreplied: :-"Wherever Wherever thethe kingking ofoflove love came,came,he he leftleft nono roomroom forfor thethe strongstrong armarm ofof chastity.chastity. HowHow 75675 6 2 TO SHAIKH SADI. 2tO SHAIKHSADL can that wretch live undefiled who has fallen in a can that wretch live undefiled" who has fallen in a to the neck ? quagmirequagmire upup to the neck? "

IV. IV.

A certain had lost his heart and abandoned A certain personperson had lost his heart and abandoned himself to The of his desire was not himself to despair.despair. The objectobject of his desire was not such a that he could his with such a daintydainty that he could gratifygratify his palatepalate with it,it, or a bird that he could lure it into his but a or a bird that he could lure it into his net,net, but a and : frightfulfrightful precipiceprecipice and overwhelmingoverwhelming whirlpoolwhirlpool:­ " When attracts not the charmer's dust "When thythy goldgold attracts not the charmer's eye,eye, dust or is of value with thee." or goldgold is of equalequal value with thee." His friends admonished Put aside this His friends admonished him,him, saying:saying: Put aside this vain for multitudes are in the durance and vain fancy,fancy, for multitudes are in the durance and chains of this same passion which you are cherishing. chains of this same passion which" you are cherishing. He and : to He sighedsighed aloud,aloud, and repliedreplied :-" SaySay to mymy friends,friends, Do not admonish me, for is fixed on the wish Do not admonish me, for mymy eyeeye is fixed on the wish of her. With of wrist and of shoulders of her. W,ith strengthstrength of wrist and powerpower of shoulders warriors overwhelm their and charmers warriors overwhelm their antagonistsantagonists and charmers their lovers." Nor can it be consistent with the their lovers."-Nor can it be consistent with the condition of love that of life should condition of love that anyany thoughtthought of life should divert the heart from affection for its mistress : "divert the heart from affection for its mistress:­ Thou, who art the slave of thine own self, "Thou, who art the slave of thine own preciousprecious self, false in the affairs of love. If thou canst not playestplayest false in the affairs of love. If thou canst not make a to it is the of make goodgood a passagepassage to thythy mistress,mistress, it is the dutyduty of a lover to in the I when a lover to perishperish in the attempt.attempt.-I persistpersist when policy is no longer left me, the enemy policy is no longer left me, thoughthough the enemy maymay cover me all over with the wounds of swords and cover me all over with the wounds of s words and arrows. If I can reach her I will seize her or arrows. I f I can reach her I wiII seize her sleeve,sleeve, or at all events and die at her threshold." at all events proceedproceed and die at her threshold." SHAIKHSHAIKIf SADLSADI. 2112II

HisHis kindred,kindred, whosewhose businessbusiness itit waswas toto watchwatch overover hishis concerns,concerns, andand toto pitypity hishis misfortunes,misfortunes, gavegave himhim advice,advice, andand putput uponupon himhim restraints,restraints, butbut allall toto nono " good purpose :_U The physician is, alas!! prescribing good purpose : The physician is, alas prescribing bitterbitter aloes,aloes, andand hishis depraveddepraved appetiteappetite isis cravingcraving

sweetmeatssweetmeats !!-HeardestHeardest thouthou whatwhat aa charmercharmer waswas sayingsaying inin aa whisperwhisper toto oneone whowho hadhad lostlost hishis heartheart t~ ... - to herher:: So longlong asas thouthou maintainestmaintainest thinethine ownown dignity,dignity, ofof whatwhat valuevalue cancan mymy dignitydignity appearappear inin " thinethine eyeeye?? " TheyThey informedinformed thethe princessprincess whowho waswas thethe objectobject ofof hishis infatuation,infatuation, saying:saying: AA youthyouth ofof anan amiableamiable disposi-disposi­ tiontion andand sweetsweet flowflow ofof tonguetongue isis frequentfrequent inin hishis attendanceattendance atat thethe top ofof thisthis plain; andand we hearhear himhim top plain ; we deliveringdelivering brilliantbrilliant speechesspeeches andand wonderfulwonderful salliessallies ofof witwit; itit wouldwould seemseem thatthat hehe hashas aa mystery inin hishis ; mystery headhead andand aa flameflame inin hishis heart,heart, forfor hehe appearsappears toto bebe distractedlydistractedly inin love.love. TheThe princessprincess waswas awareaware thatthat sheshe hadhad becomebecome thethe objectobject ofof hishis attachment,attachment, andand thatthat thisthis whirlwindwhirlwind ofof calamitycalamity waswas raisedraised byby himself,himself, andand spurredspurred herher horsehorse towardtoward him.him. NowNow thatthat thethe youthyouth sawsaw thatthat itit waswas thethe princess'sprincess's inten-inten­ " tiontion toto approachapproach him,him, hehe wept,wept, andand saidsaid ::-" ThatThat personagepersonage who\\rho inflictedinflJcted uponupon meme aa mortalmortal woundwound again presented herselfherself beforebefore meme ; perhaps sheshe tooktook again presented ; perhaps compassioncompassion uponupon herher ownown victim."victim."-HoweverHowever kindlykindly sheshe spoke,spoke, andand asked,asked, saying:saying: Who\Vho areare you,you, andand whencewhence comecome youyou?? whatwhat isis youryour name,name, andand whatwhat youryour calling?calling? thethe youthyouth waswas soso entirelyentirely over-over­ whelmedwhelmed inin thethe oceanocean ofof lovelove andand passionpassion thatthat hehe " absolutelyabsolutely couldcould notnot utterutter aa wordword ::-" CouldstCouldst thouthou 212 SHAIKH SADL 212 SHAIKH SADI. in fact the seven or Koran in fact repeatrepeat the seven Saba,Saba, or wholewhole Koran byby heart,heart, ifif distracteddistracted withwith love,love, thouthou wouldstwouldst forgetforget do thythy alphabet:"alphabet: "-thethe princessprincess continued:continued: WhyWhy do not answer me ? for I too am one of the sect youyou not answer me? for I too am one of the sect of I am their most devoted slave. of darweshes,darweshes, niy,n l.y, I am their most devoted slave. On the of this On the strengthstrength of this sympathisingsympathising encouragement encouragement of his his amidst of his beloved,beloved, thethe youthyouth raisedraised his headhead amidst the buffeting waves of tempestuous passion, and the buffeting" waves of tempestuous passion, and answered : is I answered :-"It It is strangestrange thatthat withwith theethee presentpresent I should remain in existence that after thou earnest should remain in existence;; that after thou camest to I should have left me." This he to talk,talk, I should have speechspeech left me."-This he said,said, and, uttering a loud groan, surrendered his soul up to and, uttering" a loud groan, surrendered his soul up to God : No wonder if he died the door of his God :-" No wonder if he died byby the door of his beloved's tent the wonder if how he could beloved's tent;; the wonder was,was, ifalive, alive, how he could have his life in have broughtbrought his life backback in safety."safety."

V.v. A at school much loveliness of A boyboy at school possessedpossessed much loveliness oLper- per­ son and sweetness of conversation and the son and sweetness of c~nversation ; ; and the master,master, from the of human was enamoured of from the frailtyfrailty of human nature,nature, was enamoured of his skin. Like his other he would his bloomingblooming skin. Like his other scholars,scholars, he-would not admonish and correct him, but when he found not admonish and correct him, but when he found" him in a corner he would in his ear : I him in a corner he would whisperwhisper in his ear :-" I am O celestial creature ! so with am not,not, 0 celestial creature! so occupiedoccupied with thee,thee, that I am in mind a of that I am harbouringharbouring in mymy mind a thoughtthought of Were I to an arrow myself.myself. Were I to perceiveperceive an arrow comingcoming rightright I could not shut from intointo it,it, I could not shut mymy eyeeye from contemplatingcontemplating thee."thee." On one occasion the said : Tn like manner, On one occasion the boyboy said: In like manner, also animadvert on asas youyou inspectinspect mymy studies,studies, also animadvert on mymy SHAlKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL 212133

tendencytendency toto vice,vice, inin orderorder thatthat ifif youyou discerndiscern anyany immoralityimmorality inin mymy behaviour,behaviour, whichwhich hashas metmet mymy ownown approbation, you can warn me against it, that I may approbation, you can warn me against it, that I may

correctcorrect itit. HeHe replied:replied: 0O mymy child!child ! proposepropose thisthis tasktask toto somebody else;else forfor thethe light inin whichwhich II viewview somebody ; light " youyou reflectsreflects nothingnothing butbut virtue.-"virtue. ThatThat malignantmalignant eye,eye, letlet itit bebe pluckedplucked outout inin whosewhose sightsight hishis virtuevirtue '< .... ~an .can seemseem vice.vice. HadstHadst thouthou butbut oneone perfectionperfection andand seventyseventy faults,faults, thethe loverlover couldcould discerndiscern onlyonly thatthat oneone perfection."perfection."

VI.VI.

OneOne night,night, II recollect,recollect, aa belovedbeloved friendfriend enteredentered mymy chamber-door.chamber-door. II roserose soso heedlesslyheedlessly fromfrom mymy seatseat " thatthat thethe lamplamp waswas extinguishedextinguished byby mymy sleevesleeve :-": AA ViSz"01Zvision mademade itsits appeara1Zce,appearance, wlziclz^vhicll z"Izin itsits sple1Zdoursplendour illumi1Zedillumined chaos.chaos. II waswas surprisedsurprised atat mymy goodgood fortune,fortune, " exclaiming:exclaiming : 'VhenceWhence camecame thisthis treasure?treasure ? " SheShe tooktook aa seat,seat, andand beganbegan toto chidechide me,me, saying,saying, WhyWhy diddid youyou putput outout thethe lightlight atat thethe instantinstant ofof

seeingseeing me?me ? II answered:answered : TheThe sun,sun, II fancied,fancied, waswas " gettinggetting up!up ! AlsoAlso menmen ofof witwit havehave saidsaid :-": IfIf anan austereaustere personperson shouldshould intrudeintrude uponupon thethe light,light, riserise andand drivedrive himhim withwith blowsblows fromfrom thethe assembly;assembly; butbut ifif aa dimplingdimpling smilersmiler andand sugar-lippedsugar-lipped charmer,charmer, taketake herher roundround thethe waistwaist andand putput outout thethe taper."taper."

VII.VII.

AA personperson whowho hadhad notnot seenseen hishis friendfriend forfor aa lengthlength

ofof time,time, saidsaid toto him:him : WhereWhere werewere you?you ? forfor II havehave 214 SHAIKH SADL 2I4 SIfAIKH SADL been very solicitous about you. He replied, It is been very solicitous about you. He replied," It is better to be after than loathed. Thou hast better to be soughtsought after than loathed.-H Thou hast come idol ! I shall not in a come late,late, O0 intoxicatingintoxicating idol! I shall not in a hurryhurry hold on skirt : that mistress whom quitquit mymy hold on thythy skirt :-that mistre~s whom theythey see but seldom is at last more desired than she is see but seldom is at last more desired than she is whom are with whom theythey are cloyedcloyed with seeing."seeing." The charmer that can with The charmer that can bringbring companionscompanions alongalong with her has come to for she cannot be void of quarrel ; her has come to quarrel; "for she cannot be void of and discontent : Whenever thou contest to jealousyjealousy and discontent :_H Whenever thou comest to visit me attended with comrades or thou visit me attended with comrades or rivals,rivals, thoughthough thou comest in is hostile : for one comest in peace,peace, yetyet thythy objectobject is hostile :-for one singlesingle moment that mistress associated with a it moment that mymy mistress associated with a rival,rival, it went to me with she went well-nighwell-nigh to slayslay me with jealousy.jealousy. Smiling,Smiling, she replied: O Sadi ! I am the torch of the assembly; replied: 0 Sadi! I am the torch of the assembly;" what is it to me if the moth consume itself? what is it to me if the moth consume itself? "

VIII. VIII.

In former I a friend and I In former times,times, I recollect,recollect, a friend and I werewere like two kernels within one associatingassociating togethertogether like two kernels within one almond shell. I to on a almond shell. I happenedhappened unexpectedlyunexpectedly to gogo on a After some when I was he journey.journey. After some time,time, when I was returned,returned, he to chide beganbegan to chide me,me, saying:saying: DuringDuring thisthis longlong intervalinterval never sent me a I : It vexed youyou never sent me a messenger.messenger. I repliedreplied: It vexed me to think that the of a courier should be me to think that the eyeseyes of a courier should be enlightened countenance, whilst I was enlightened byby youryour countenan~e, whilst I was debarred that : Tell old charmer not debarred that happinesshappiness:-Tell mymyoid charmer not to a vow me with her for I to imposeimpose a vow uponupon me with her tonguetongue;; for I would not were she to it with a would not repent,repent, were she to attemptattempt it with a sword. me to the lest another sword. EnvyEnvy stingsstings me to the quick,quick, 'lest another should be satiated with till I recollect should be satiated with beholdingbeholding thee,thee, till I recollect SHAIKHSHAIKH SADl.SADL 215

myself,myself, andand say:say : NobodyNobody cancan havehave aa satietysatiety ofof that!"that!"

IX.IX.

II sawsaw aa learnedlearned gentlemangentleman thethe captivecaptive ofof attach­attach- mentment forfor aa certaincertain person,person, andand thethe victimvictim ofof hishis and he would suffer and reproach;reproach ; and he would suffer muchmuch violence,violence, and <" -' -bearbear itit withwith greatgreat patience.patience. OnOn oneone occasionoccasion II said,said,

byby wayway ofof admonition:admonition : II knowknow thatthat inin youryour attach­attach- mentment forfor thisthis personperson youyou havehave nono badbad object,object, andand thatthat this rests not on criminal this friendshipfriendship rests not on anyany criminal design;design ; yet,yet, underunder thisthis intinterpretation,erpretation, itit accordsaccords notnot withwith thethe dignitydignity ofof thethe learnedlearned toto exposeexpose yourselfyourself toto calumny,calumny, andand putput upup withwith thethe rudenessrudeness ofof thethe rabble.rabble. HeHe repliedreplied: :-0O mymy friend,friend, withdrawwithdraw thethe handhand ofof reproachreproach fromfrom thethe skirtskirt ofof mymy fatality,fatality, forfor II havehave frequentlyfrequently reflectedreflected onon thisthis adviceadvice whichwhich youyou offeroffer me,me, andand findfind itit easiereasier toto suffersuffer contumelycontumely onon hishis accountaccount thanthan toto

his and have said : It is foregoforego his company;company ; and philosophersphilosophers have said: It is lessless arduousarduous toto persistpersist inin thethe labourlabour ofof courtingcourting thanthan toto restrainrestrain thethe eyeeye fromfrom contemplatingcontemplating aa belovedbeloved " objectobject :-": WhoeverWhoever devotesdevotes hishis heartheart toto aa soulsoul deluderdeluder putsputs hishis beardbeard oror reputationreputation intointo thethe handshands ofof another.another. ThatThat person,person, withoutwithout whomwhom thouthou canstcanst notnot exist,exist, ifif hehe dodo theethee aa violence,violence, thouthou mustmust bearbear withwith it.it. TheThe antelope,antelope, thatthat isis ledled byby aa stringstring cannotcannot boundbound fromfrom thisthis sideside toto that.-Onethat. One dayday II askedasked aa of mistress often have I since that compactcompact of mymy mistress; ; howhow often have I since that

dayday cravedcraved her her forgiveness!forgiveness ! AA loverlover exactsexacts notnot terms of his charmer I heart to terms of his charmer; ; I relinquishedrelinquished mymy heart to whateverwhatever sheshe desireddesired me,me, whetherwhether toto callcall meme upup toto 216 SHAIKH SADL SHAIKH SADI. her with or drive me from her with harsh- her with kindness,kindness, or drive me from her with harsh­ ness she knows or it is her ness she knows best,best, or it is her pleasure."pleasure."

X.x. In such an event In mymy earlyearly youthyouth such an event (as(as youyou know)know) will come to I held a and intercourse will come to pass.pass. I held a mysterymystery and intercourse with a because he had a of with a youngyoung person,,person,. because he had a pipepipe of exquisite melody, and a form silver bright as the full exquisite" melody, and a form silver bright as the full moon : He is the fountain of moon :-" He is sippingsipping the fountain of immortality,immortality, who taste the down of his cheek and he is who maymay taste the down of his cheek;; and he is a who can the of his eatingeating a sweetmeat,sweetmeat, who can fancyfancy the sugarsugar of his lips."lips." It that in his behaviour It happenedhappened that somethingsomething in his behaviour havinghaving I withdrew the skirt of communica- displeaseddispleased me,me, I withdrew the skirt of communica­ tion, and removed the seal of my affection from him, tion, and removed" the seal of my affection from him, and said : and take what course best suits and said :-"Go, Go, and take what course best suits thee thou not follow thine thee;; thou regardestregard est not mymy counsel,counsel, follow thine own." I overheard him as he was going, and own."-I " overheard him as he was going, and : If the bat does not relish the of saying :-" If the bat does not relish the companycompany of the the all-current of that the sun,sun, the all-current brilliancybrilliancy of that luminaryluminary can suffer no diminution." He so himself can suffer no diminution."-He so expressedexpressed himself and and his condition much dis- and departed,departed, and his vagabondvagabond condition much dis­ tressed me : the was tressed me :-the opportunityopportmzity ofof enjoymentenjoyment was lost,lost, and a man is insensible to the relish till and a man is -insensible to the relish ofofprosperity prosperity till he has tasted : return and for to he has tasted adversityadversity :-return and slayslay me,me, for to die before face were far more than to die before thythy face were far more pleasantpleasant than to survive in absence." survive in thythy absence." But, and to the he But, thanksgivingthanksgiving and praisepraise to the Almighty,Almighty, he did not return till after some when that did not return till after some interval,interval, when that melodious of David was and that melodious pipepipe of David was cracked,cracked, and that SHAlKH SADI. . 2 1 7 SHAIKH SADL 217 handsome form of Joseph in its wane; when that handsome form of in its wane when that Joseph ; apple his chin was overgrown with hair like a quince, apple his chin was overgrown with hair like a quince, and the all-current lustre of his charms tarnished. and the all-current lustre of his charms tarnished. He expected me to fold him in my arms; but I "took He me to fold him in arms but I took expected my ; myself aside and said :-"" \Vhen the down of loveliness myself aside and said : When the down of loveliness flourished on thy cheek, thou drovest the lord of thy flourished on thy cheek, thou drovest the lord of thy attractions from thy sight; now thou hast come to from thy sight ; now come ~ ... court his peace when thy face is thick set with court his peace when thy face is thick set with fathahs and zammahs, or the bristles of a beard :­ fathahs and zammahs, or the bristles of a beard : The verdant foliage of thy spring is turned yellow; The verdant of is turned foliage thy spring yellow ; place not thy kettle on my grate, for its fire is cooled. place not thy kettle on my grate, for its fire is cooled. How long wilt thou display this pomp and vanity; wilt thou this and How long display pomp vanity ; hopest thou to regain thy former dominion? Make hopest thou to regain thy former dominion ? Make thy court to such as desire thee, sport thy airs on such thy court to such as desire thee, sport thy airs on such as will hire thee:-The verdure of the garden, they as will hire thee : The verdure of the garden, they have told us, is charming; that person (Sadi) knows it told is that knows it have us, charming ; person (Sadi) who is relating that story; or, in other words, that the is that in other that the who story ; or, words, fresh-shootingrelating down on their charmers' cheeks is fresh-shooting down on their charmers' cheeks is what the hearts of their admirers chiefly covet:-Thy what the hearts of their admirers chiefly covet : Thy garden is like a bed of chi ves: the more thou croppest garden is like a bed of chives : the more thou croppest it, the more it will shoot :-Last year thou didst it, the more it will shoot : Last year thou didst depart smooth as an antelope, to-day thou art depart smooth as an antelope, to-day thou art returned bearded like a pard. Sadi admires the returned bearded like a Sadi admires the fresh-shooting down, not pard.when each hair is stiff down, not when each hair is stiff asfresh-shooting a packing-needle:-Whether thou hast patience as a packing-needle : Whether thou hast patience with thy beard, or weed it from thy face, this happy with thy beard, or weed it from thy face, this happy season of youth must come to a conclusion. Had I season of youth must come to a conclusion. Had I the same command of life as thou hast of beard, it the same command of life as thou hast of beard, it should not escape me till doomsday.-I asked him should not escape me till doomsday. I asked him and said: \Nhat has become of the beauty of thy and said: What has become of the beauty of thy countenance, that a beard has sprung up round the countenance, that a beard has sprung up round the 2i8 SHAIKH SADL 218 SHAIKH SADI. orb of the moon ? He answered : I know not what orb of the moon? He answered: I know not what hashas befallenbefallen mymy face,face, unlessunless itit hashas putput onon blackblack toto mourn its mourn its departeddeparted charms."charms." XL XI. Were a man TheyThey askedasked aa doctordoctor ofof laws,laws, saying:saying: Were a man seated in a chamber with a moon-faced seated in a privateprivate chamber with a moon-faced to damsel,damsel, thethe doorsdoors shut,shut, herher attendantsattendants gonegone to sleep,sleep, his and lust as the his appetiteappetite cravingcraving and lust domineering,domineering, as the Arabs : The dates and the Arabs say:-say The dates ripe,rife, and the gardenergardener invitinginviting us to it be the virtue of his us to eat,-mighteat, might it be possiblepossible byby the virtue of his to her ? He answered : chastitychastity to escapeescape her temptations?temptations He answered: If he he would If he mightmight resistresist dalliancedalliance withwith thethe damsel,damsel, he would not the the slanderer : "For not escapeescape the scandalscandal ofof the slanderer :-"For tho!tthoughgh a man be the his own he a man be safesafe from the mischiefmischief ofof his own lust,lust, yetyet he isis notnot securesecure from thethe evilevil reportreport ofof hishis rivals.-rivals. IIt t isis to restrain own but thou canst possiblepossible to restrain thythy own passion;passion ; but thou canst not curb the of man. he not curb the tonguetongue of man. ByBy repentancerepentance he maymay the wrath of God but he cannot deprecatedeprecate the wrath of God;; but he cannot escapeescape the the slanderslander ofof hishis fellow-creature."fellow-creature."

XII. XII. shut a in the same a TheyThey shut upup a parrotparrot in the same cagecage withwith a crow. The was affronted at his crow. The parrotparrot was affronted at his uglyugly look,look, and said: What an odious is a and said: What an odious visagevisage is this,this, a hideoushideous what an accursed and figure ; appearance, ungracious figure; what an" accursed appearance, and ungracious demeanour ! Would to O raven the ! demeanour !-" Would to God,God, 0 raven ofof the desert!desert we were wide as the east is the west: The we were wide apartapart as the east is from the west:-The of his would into serenityserenity of his peacefulpeaceful dayday would changechange into thethe of who on forth in gloomgloom of night,night, who on issuingissuing forth in thethe morningmorning SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SADL 2192I9 might cross thy aspect. An ill-conditioned wretch might cross thy aspect An ill-conditioned wretch likelike thyself shouldshould bebe thy companion; butbut wherewhere thyself thy companion ; " couldcould wewe findfind suchsuch anotheranother inin thethe worldworld?"? But what is more strange, the crow was also out of But what is more strange, the crow was also out of all patience, and vexed to the soul at the society of all patience, and vexed to the soul at the society of the parrot. Bewailing his misfortune, he was railing the parrot. Bewailing his misfortune, he was railing atat thethe revolutionsrevolutions ofof thethe skiesskies; and, wringing thethe ; and, wringing -: -0' h~nds of chagrin, was lamenting his condition, and hands of chagrin, was lamenting his condition, and saying: What an unpropitious fate is this; what : What an fate is this what saying unpropitious ; ill-luck, and untoward fortune! Could they any ill-luck, and untoward fortune ! Could they any way suit the dignity of me, who would in my way suit the dignity of me, who would in my day strut with my fellow-crows along the wall of a day strut with my fellow-crows along the wall of a garden :-"It were durance sufficient for a good and garden: "It were durance sufficient for a good and holy man that he should be made the companion of holy man that he should be made the companion of the wicked:"-What sin have I committed that my the wicked:" What sin have I committed that my starsstars inin retributionretribution ofof itit havehave linkedlinked meme inin thethe chainchain of companionship, and immured me in the dungeon of companionshfp, and immured me in the dungeon of calamity, with a conceited blockhead, and good-for­ of calamity, with a conceited blockhead, and good-for- nothing babbler :-"" Nobody will approach the foot of nothing babbler : Nobody will approach the foot of aa wallwall onon whichwhich they havehave painted thy portrait; wertwert they painted thy portrait ; thou to get a residence in paradise, others would go thou to get a residence in paradise, others would go in preference to hell." in preference to hell." I have introduced this parable to show that how­ I have introduced this parable to show that how- ever much learned men despise the ignorant, these ever much learned men despise the ignorant, these are a hundredfold more scornful of the learned:­ are a hundredfold more scornful of the learned : ""A zahid, or holy man, fell in company with some A zahid, or holy man, fell in company with some wandering minstrels. One of them, a charmer of wandering minstrels. One of them, a charmer of Balkh, said to him: If thou art displeased with us, do Balkh, said to him : If thou art displeased with us, do not look sour, for thou art already sufficiently offen­ not look sour, for thou art already sufficiently offen- sive.-An assemblage is formed of roses and tulips, sive. An assemblage is formed of roses and tulips, andand thouthou artart stuckstuck upup amidstamidst themthem likelike aa witheredwithered 220220 SHAIKHSHAIKH SA.DI.SADI. stalk like an stalk;; like an opposingopposing storm,storm, andand aa chillingchilling winterwinter blast like a ball of or of ice." blast;; like a ball of snow,snow, or lumplump of ice."

XIII.XIII.

II hadhad anan associate,associate, whowho waswas forfor yearsyears thethe com­com- panionpanion ofof mymy travels,travels, partookpartook ofof thethe samesame breadbread andand salt,salt, andand enjoyedenjoyed thethe manymany rightsrights ofof aa confirmedconfirmed friendship.friendship. AtAt lastlast onon somesome triflingtrifling advantageadvantage hehe gavegave meme causecause ofof umbrage,umbrage, andand ourour intimacyintimacy ceased.ceased. AndAnd notwithstandingnotwithstanding allall this,this, therethere waswas aa hankeringhankering of on both sides in of which of good-willgood-will on both sides;; in consequenceconsequence of which II heardheard thatthat hehe waswas oneone dayday recitingreciting inin aa certaincertain " assemblyassembly thesethese twotwo coupletscouplets ofof mymy writingswritings :-": WhenWhen mymy idol,idol, oror mistress,mistress, isis approachingapproaching meme withwith herher tantalisingtantalising smiles,smiles, sheshe isis sprinklingsprinkling moremore saltsalt uponupon mymy smartingsmarting sores.sores. HowHow fortunatefortunate werewere thethe tipstips ofof herher ringletsringlets toto comecome intointo mymy hand,hand, likelike thethe sleevesleeve ofof thethe generousgenerous inin thethe handshands ofof darweshes."darweshes." - ThisThis societysociety ofof hishis friendsfriends borebore testimony,testimony, andand gavegave applause,applause, notnot toto thethe beautybeauty ofof thisthis sentiment,sentiment, butbut toto the of his own in it the liberalityliberality of his own dispositiondisposition in quotingquoting it;; whilewhile he had himself been extravagantextravagant inin his encomiums,encomiums, regrettedregretted thethe demisedemise of ourour formerformer attachment,attachment, andand confessedconfessed how much he was toto blame. II waswas mademade awareaware thatthat he tootoo was desirousdesirous of a reconciliation sent these of a reconciliation;; and,and, having sent him these " couplets,couplets, made my peace :-": Was there not aa treatytreaty ofof good faithfaith betweenbetween us, andand didstdidst not thou com­com- mence hostilities, and violate the compact?compact ? II relin­relin- quished all manner of society,society, andand plighted my heart 221 SHAIKH SADSADI.I. 221

to theethee; for I did not suspect that thou wouldst ; suspect have so readily changed. If it still be thy wish to have so readily changed. If it still be thy wish to renew our peace, return, and be more dear to me than renew our peace, return, and be more dear to me than ever."

XIV.

A man had a beautiful wife, who dieddied; but the A man had a beautiful wife, who ; 'C ~. mother, a decrepid old dotard, remained ' a fixture in mother, a decrepid old dotard, remained a fixture in his house, because of the dowry. He was teased to his house, because of the dowry. He was teased to death by her company; . but, from the circumstance by company ; but, of the dower, he had no remedy. In the meantime of the dower, he had no remedy. In the meantime some of his friends having come to comfort him, one some of his friends having come to comfort him, one of them asked: How is it with you, since the loss of them asked : How is it with you, since the loss of that dear friend? He answered: The absence of of that dear friend ? He answered : The absence of my wife is not so intolerable as the presence of my wife is not so intolerable as the presence of her mother :-"" They plucked the rose, and left me her mother : They plucked the rose, and left me the thorn;thorn they plundered the treasure, and let the ; they plundered treasure, snake remain. To have our eye pierced with a spear snake remain. To have our eye pierced with a spear were more tolerable than to see the face of an enemy. IIt t were better to break with a thousand friends than to put up with one rival." to put up with one rival."

XV. In my youth recollect I was passing through a In my youth I recollect I was passing through a street, and caught a glimpse of a moon-like charmer street, and caught a glimpse of a moon-like charmer during the dog-days, when their heat was drying up during the dog-days, when their heat was drying up the moisture of the mouth, and the Samum, or desert hot-wind, melting the marrow of the bones. From the weakness of human nature I was unable to withstand the darting rays of a noon-tide sun, and withstand the darting rays of a noon-tide sun, and 222 SHAIKH SADL 222 SHAIKHSADL took under the shadow of a that took refugerefuge under the shadow of a wall,wall, hopefulhopeful that would relieve me from the heat somebodysomebody would relieve me from the oppressiveoppressive heat fire thirst with a ofof summer,summer, andand quenchquench thethe fire ofof mymy thirst with a draughtdraught ofof water.water. All'All atat onceonce II beheldbeheld aa luminaryluminary in the shadowed of a so an in the shadowed porticoportico of a mansion,mansion, so splendidsplendid an objectobject thatthat thethe tonguetongue ofof eloquenceeloquence fallsfalls shortshort inin its loveliness such as the summingsumming upup its loveliness;; such as the dayday dawningdawning a dark or the fountain of uponupon a dark night,night, or the fountain of immortalityimmortality from chaos. She held in her hand a of issuingissuing from chaos. She held in her hand a gobletgoblet of into which she some snow-cooledsnow-cooled water,water, into which she droptdropt some sugar,sugar, and it with of wine but I know not and temperedtempered it with spiritspirit of wine;; but I know not whether she scented it with or it with whether she scented it with attar,attar, or sprinkledsprinkled it with a few blossoms from her own cheek. In I a few blossoms from her own rosyrosy cheek. In short,short, I received the from her idol-fair hand received the beveragebeverage from her idol-fair hand;; and,and, having drunk it off, found myself restored to a new having" drunk it off, found myself restored to a new life. Such is not thirst that it is to be life.-" Suck zs not mymyparching parching thirst that it is to be were I to quenchedquenched withwith thetlte limpidlimpid elementelement ofof water,water, were I to swallowswallow itit inin oceans:oceans:-JoyJoy toto thatthat happyhappy aspectaspect whose can such a whose eyeeye can everyevery morningmorning contemplatecontemplate such a countenance as thine. A intoxicated with countenance as thine. A personperson intoxicated with wine lies and awake half the but if wine lies giddygiddy and awake half the nightnight;; but if the of intoxicatedintoxicated withwith thethe cup-bearercup-bearer [God],[God], the dayday of must be his dawn or judgmentjudgment must be his dawn or morning."morning."

XVI. XVI. In the that Sultan Mohammed Khowarazm- In the yearyear that Sultan Mohammed Khowarazm­ Shah had for some reason chosen to make Shah had for some politicalpolitical reason chosen to make with the of I entered the metro- peacepeace with the kingking of Khota,Khota, I entered the metro­ at and met a politanpolitan mosquemosque at Kashghar,Kashghar, and met a youthyouth and handsome incomparablyincomparably lovely,lovely, and exquisitelyexquisitely handsome;; SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI. 223223

suchsuchas asthey theyhave havementioned mentionedin inresemblance resemblanceof ofhim him:: " -"Thy Thy mastermaster instructedinstructed theethee inin everyevery boldbold andand he thee and captivatingcaptivating gracegrace;; he taughttaught thee coquetrycoquetry and confidence,confidence, tyrannytyranny andand violence.violence. I I havehave seenseen nono mortalmortalwith withsuch such aa formform andandtemper, temper,stateliness statelinessand and manner;manner; perhapsperhapshe helearned learned thesethesefascinating fascinating waysways fromfroman anangel." angel." ~ ... _ HeHe heldheld thethe introductionintroduction ofof thethe ZamakhshariZamakhshari

ArabicArabic grammargrammarin in hishis hand,hand,and andwas was repeatingrepeating:­: ZarabaZaraba ZaidunZaidun AmranwaAmranwa-ZaidZaid beatbeat AmruAmru andand isis thethe assailantassailan t ofofAmru. Amru. I I said:said: O0 mymy son!son! thethe KhowarazmKhowarazmand andKhatayi Khatayisovereigns sovereignshave havemade madepeace, peate, andanddoes doeswar warthus thus subsistsubsistbetween between ZaidZaid andandAmru Amru?? HeHesmiled, smiled,and andasked asked memethe theplace place ofofmy mynativity. nativity.

I I answeredanswered:: TheTheterritory territoryof ofShiraz. Shiraz. HeHesaid said:: DoDo

youyourecollect recollectany anyof ofSadi's Sadi'scompositions compositions?? I Ireplied replied:: -""/ I amam enamouredenamoured ^vith'lvitlt thethe readerreader ofofthe thesyntax, syntax, who,who,taking takilzgoffence, ojfellce,assails assails memein inlike likemanner manneras asZaid Z aid doesdoes Amru.A mY1t. AndAndZaid, Z aid, whenwhen readreadZaidin, Z aidin, cannotcannot raiseraisehis ltishead head/and; and how howcanst canstthou thougive gi'l'ea azammah zalllmaltto to " aaword wordaccented accentedwith witlta akasrah kasralt?" ? little HeHe reflectedreflected aa little withinwithin himself,himself,and and saidsaid:: InIn thesetheseparts partswe we havehave muchmuchof ofSadi's Sadi's compositionscompositionsin in the Persian if will in that the Persianlanguage language;; ifyou you willspeak spe~k in thatdialect dialect wewe shallshallmore morereadily readilycomprehend comprehendyou, you,for foryou youshould should addressaddressmankind mankindaccording accordingto totheir tlzez'rcapacities. capacities. " I I repliedreplied: :-"Whilst Whilst thythy passionpassion waswas thatthat ofof studyingstudying grammar,grammar, allall tracetrace ofof reasonreason waswas erasederased

fromfrom ourourhearts. hearts. YesYes!! thethe lover'slover's heartheartis is fallenfallen aa

preypreyto tothy thysnare snare:: we we areareoccupied occupied aboutaboutthee, thee,and and thouthouart arttaken takenup upwith withAmru Amruand andZaid." Zaid." 224 SHAIKH SADI. 224 SHAIKH SADI. On the which had been fixed on as the On the morrow,morrow, which had been fixed on as the of our some of fellow-travellers had periodperiod of our stay,stay, some .of mymy fellow-travellers had told him such a one is Sadi for I saw that perhapsperhaps told him such a one is Sadi;; for I saw that he came and his affection and he came runningrunning up,up, and expressedexpressed his affection and did not all this time regret,regret, saying:saying: WhyWhy did youyou not duringduring all this time tell us that a certain is that I tell us that a certain personperson is Sadi,Sadi, that I mightmight have shown my gratitude by offering my service to have shown my gratitude by offering" my service to your reverence. I answered : In thy presence I your reverence. I answered" :-" In thy "presence I cannot even that I am I ! He said : How cannot even saysay that I am I! "-He said: "How goodgood it were if would here for a few that it were if youyou would tarrytarry here for a few days,days, that we devote ourselves to service." I we mightmight devote ourselves to youryour service." I replied : That cannot be, as this adventure will explain replied: That" cannot be, as this adventure will explain to : In the I saw a and to youyou :-" In the hillyhilly regionregion I saw "a greatgreat and holyholy who was content in retired from the man,man, who was content in livingliving retired from the world in a cavern. I said: dost thou not come world in a cavern. I said: WhyWhy dost thou not come into the that heart be relieved from a into the city,city, that thythy heart mightmight be relieved from a load of servitude? He In it there dwell load of servitude? He replied:replied: In it there dwell some wonderful and and where some wonderful and angel-facedangel-faced charmers,charmers, and where the is find it the pathpath is miry,miry, elephantselephants maymay find it slippery."­slippery."- Having delivered this speech, we kissed each other's Having delivered this speech, we kissed" each other's head and and took our leaves : What head and face,face, and took our leaves :-" What profitsprofits it to kiss our mistress's and with the same it to kiss our mistress's cheek,cheek, and with the same breath to bid her adieu. Thou that the breath to bid her adieu. Thou mightestmightest saysay that the had taken leave of its friends this appleapple had taken leave of lits friends byby havinghaving this cheek red and that cheek : Were I not to cheek red and that cheek yellow:-yellow Were I 1Iot to die of grief on that day I say farewell, tJiou ivouldst die of grief Oil tltat day I say farewell, tholt 'Wouldst me with insincere in attachments" dlargecharge me 'lVitlt beillgbeing itzsillcere ilZ mymy attac/lIllents." XVII. XVII. A darwesh us with the A raggedragged darwesh accompaniedaccompanied us alongalong with the caravan for and a certain Arab caravan for Hijaz,Hijaz, and a certain Arab princeprince presentedpresented SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SADJ. 225 him with a hundred dinars for the support of his him with a hundred dinars for the support of his family. Suddenly a gang of Khafachah robbers family. a gang of Khafachah robbers attacked Suddenlythe caravan, and completely stripped it. attacked the caravan, and completely stripped it. The merchants set up a weeping and wailing, and The merchants set up a weeping and wailing, and made much useless lamentation and complaint:­ made much useless lamentation and complaint : ""vVhether thou supplicatest them, or whether thou Whether thou supplicatest them, or whether thou complainest, the robbers will not return thee their complainest, the robbers will not return thee their <{ _ plunder: ""-all but that ragged wretch, who stood plunder : all but that ragged wretch, who stood collected within himself, and unmoved by this adven­ collected within himself, and unmoved by this adven- ture. I said: Perhaps they did not plunder you of ture. I said: Perhaps they did not plunder you of that money? He replied: Yes, they took it; but I that ? : took it but I money He replied Yes, they ; was not so fond of my pet as to break my heart at was not so fond of my pet as to break my heart at parting with it.-"" \¥e should not fix our heart so parting with it We should not fix our heart so on any thing or being as to find any difficulty in on any thing or being as to find any difficulty in removing it" removing it" I said: What you have remarked corresponds I said: What you have remarked precisely with what once befell myself;corresponds for in my precisely with what once befell myself; for in my juvenile days I took a liking to a young man, and juvenile days I took a liking to a young man, and so sincere was my attachment that the Cablah, or so sincere was my attachment that the Cablah, or fane, of my eye was his perfect beauty, and the fane, of my eye was his perfect beauty, and the profit of this life's traffic his much-coveted society :­ profit of this life's traffic his much-coveted society : "" Perhaps the angels might in paradise, otherwise no Perhaps the angels might in paradise, otherwise no living form can on this earth display such a love­ living form can on this earth display such a love- liness of person. By friendship I swear that after liness of person. By friendship I swear that after his demise all loving intercourse is forbidden; for no his demise all intercourse is forbidden for loving ; no human emanation can stand a comparison with him." human emanation can stand a comparison with him." All at once the foot of his existence stumbled at All at once the foot of his existence stumbled at thethe grave ofof annihilationannihilation; andand thethe sigh ofof separation grave ; sigh separation burst from the dwelling of his family. For many burst from the dwelling of his family. For many days I sat a fixture at his tomb, and, of the many days I sat a fixture at his tomb, and, of the many dirges II composed upon his demise, this is one:- dirges composed upon his demise, this is one : 757757 22 6 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSAVIo

the "On thatthat day,day, whenwhen thythy footfoot waswas piercedpierced withwith the thornthorn ofof death,death, wouldwould toto GodGod thethe handhand ofof fatefate hadhad clovencloven mymy headhead withwith thethe swordsword ofof destruction,destruction, thatthat my eyeseyes mightmight notnot thisthis dayday havehave witnessedwitnessed thethe worldworld of withoutwithout thee.thee. SuchSuch amam I,I, seatedseated atat thethe headhead of thythy dust,dust, asas thethe ashesashes areare seatedseated onon mymy ownown ::-whoeverwhoever couldcould notnot taketake hishis restrest andand sleepsleep tilltill theythey firstfirst hadhad spread aa bedbed ofof rosesroses andand narcissusesnarcissuses forfor himhim:: thethe whirlwind ofof thethe skysky hashas scatteredscattered thethe rosesroses ofof hishis cheek,cheek, andand bramblesbrambles andand thornsthorns areare shootingshooting fromfrom hishis grave."grave." . AfterAfter mymy separationseparation fromfrom himhim II camecame toto aa steadysteady and firmfirm determination,determination, thatthat duringduring mymy remainingremaining lifelife II wouldwould foldfold upup thethe carpetcarpet ofof enjoyment,enjoyment, andand " nevernever re-enterre-enter thethe gaygay circlecircle ofof societysociety ::-" WereWere itit notnot forfor thethe dreaddread ofof itsits waves,waves, muchmuch wouldwould bebe thethe of a at sea were it not for the profitsprofits of a voyagevoyage at sea;; were it not for the vexationvexation ofof thethe thorn,thorn, charmingcharming mightmight bebe thethe societysociety ofof thethe rose.rose. YesterdayYesterday II waswas walkingwalking statelystately asas aa in the of I peacockpeacock in the gardengarden of enjoymentenjoyment;; to-dayto-day I amam writhing likelike aa snakesnake fromfrom thethe absenceabsence ofof mymy mistress."mistress." XVIII.XVIII.

ToTo aa certaincertain kingking ofof ArabiaArabia theythey werewere relatingrelating thethe storystory ofof LailaLaila andand Mujnun,M uj nun, andand hishis insaneinsane state,state, saying:saying: NotwithstandingNotwithstanding hishis knowledgeknowledge andand wisdom,wisdom, hehe hashas turnedturned hishis faceface towardstowards thethe desert,desert, and abandonedabando~ed himselfhimself toto distraction.d'istraction. TheThe kingking ordered that him into his ordered that theythey broughtbrought him into his presencepresence;; andand hehe reprovedreproved him,him, andand spoke,spoke, sayingsaying:: WhatWhat havehave SI£AIKH SADI. SHAIKH SADI. 227 you seen unworthy in the noble nature of man that seen unworthy in the noble nature of man that youyou should assume the manners of a brute, and for­ you should assume the manners of a brute, and for- sake the enjoyment of human society? sake the enjoyment of human society ? Mujnun wept and answered :-"Many of my friends Mujnun wept and answered : "Many of my friends reproach me for my love of Iter, namely Laila. A las! reproach me for my love of for, namely Laila. Alas ! that they could oue day see her, that my excuse might that they could one day see her, that my excuse might be manifest for me 1"-" \Vould to God that such as be manifest for me!" "Would to God that such as -< ..... blame me could behold thy face, 0 thou ravisher of blame me could behold thy face, O thou ravisher of hearts! that at the sight of thee they might, from hearts ! that at the sight of thee they might, from inadvertency, cut their own fingers instead of the inadvertency, cut their own fingers instead of the orange in their hands : "-Then" might the truth of the orange in their hands : Then might the truth of the reality bear testimony against the semblance of fiction, reality bear testimony against the semblance of fiction, what ma1lller of perso1t that was for whose sake you what manner of person that was for whose sake you were upbraiding me. were upbraiding me. The king resolved within himself, on viewing in The king resolved within himself, on viewing in person the charms of Laila, that he migL~ be able to the charms of Laila, that he be able to judgeperson what her form could be whichmigl.;. had caused all judge what her form could be which had caused all this misery, and ordered her to be produced in his this misery, and ordered her to be produced in his presence. Having searched through the Arab tribes, Having searched through the Arab tribes, theypresence. discovered and presented her before the king in they discovered and presented her before the king in the courtyard of his seraglio. He viewed her figure, the courtyard of his seraglio. He viewed her figure, and beheld a person of a tawny complexion and and beheld a person of a tawny complexion and feeble frame of body. She appeared to him in a feeble frame of body. She appeared to him in a contemptible light, inasmuch as the lowest menial in contemptible light, inasmuch as the lowest menial in his harem, or seraglio, surpassed her in beauty and his harem, or seraglio, surpassed her in beauty and excelled her in elegance. Mujnun, in his sagacity, excelled her in elegance. Mujnun, in his sagacity, penetrated what was passing in the royal mind, and penetrated what was passing in the royal mind, and said: It would behove you, 0 king, to contemplate the said : It would behove you, O king, to contemplate the charms of Laila through the wicket of a Mujnun's eye, charms of Laila through the wicket of a Muj nun's eye, in order that the miracle of such a spectacle might be in order that the miracle of such a spectacle might be illustrated to you.-"" Thou canst have no fellow-feeling illustrated to you. Thou canst have no fellow-feeling 228 SHAIKH SADL SHAIKH SADI. for disorder a to suit me must have formy my disorder;; acompanion companion to suit me must have the self-same I sit him the live- the self-samemalady, malady,that that Imay may sitby by him the live­ tale for two longlongday dayrepeating repeatingmy my tale;; forby byrubbing rubbing twopieces pieces ofofdry dryfirewood firewoodone oneupon uponanother anotherthey theywill willburn burnall allthe the : had that verdant reeds heard the brighterbrighter :-had thatgrove groveof of verda/Ii reeds Izeard tile murmurings11lurmuringsof oflove love^vhich whichin in detail detailof ofmy mymistress's mistress's have it would somehow storystory Ilavepassed passedthrough tlzrougllmy myear, ear, it would somehow have in Tell O to havesympathised sympathised illmy mypain. jJaill. Tellit, it, 0my myfriends, friends, to such as are love would could be aware such as areignorant ignorantof of love; / wouldye ye could be aware what me to the soul: the of a ofof whatwrings wrings me to the soul:-theanguish anguish of a wound is not known to the hale and sound we must wound is not known to the hale and sound;; we must detail our aches to a fellow-sufferer. It were idle detail our achesonly only to a fellow-sufferer. It were idle to talk of a hornet to him who has never his to talk of a hornet to him who has neverduring during his life smarted from its Till condition life smarted from itssting. sting. Tillthy thy conditionmay may in some sort state will seem to in some sortresemble resemblemine, mine,my my state will seem to thee an idle thee an idlefable. fable. CompareComparenot notmy mypain painwith withthat that of another man he holds salt in his but I hold of another man;; he holds salt in hishand, hand, but I hold it on a wounded it on a woundedlimb." limb." XIX. XIX. tell a of of TheyThey tell astory story ofthe thecazy cazy ofthe thecity cityof ofRamadan, Hamadan, that he was enamoured of a farrier's that he was enamoured of a farrier'sdaughter, daughter,and andhad had the horse-shoe of his heart made in the the horse-shoe of his heart madeglowing glowinghot hot in the fire of a For a time he was fire of aforge. forge. For a time he waswavering waveringand and unsettled, desiring and expectant, and repeating, as unsettled, desiring and expectant," and repeating, as to what was : This and applicableapplicable to what waspassing passing :-" Thisstraight straight and marched before she loftyloftycypress cypress marchedgraceful graceful beforemy myeyes eyes;; she took the heart from hand and trod it under her teok the heart frommy my hand and trod it under her foot. This bold and lascivious was foot. This bold and lasciviouseye eye wasluring luring mymy heart into a snare. If thou wishest not to heart into a snare. If thou wishest not toresign resignthy thy heart to thou must heart toanybody anybody thou mustshut shutthy thyeyes." eyes." SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. 229229

I haveI have heardheard thatthat sheshe metmet thethe cazycazy onon thethe highway.highway. SomethingSomething ofof thisthis businessbusiness hadhad reachedreached herher ears,ears, andand sheshe waswas beyondbeyond measuremeasure offended.offended. SheShe abusedabused himhim vilely,vilely, spokespoke toto himhim harshly,harshly, tooktook upup stonesstones toto throwthrow atat him,him, andand showedshowed himhim allall mannermanner ofof rudeness.rudeness. TheThe cazycazy observedobserved toto a arespectablerespectable learnedlearned manman whowho " attendedattended himhim onon horsebackhorseback :-": BeholdBehold thatthat charmer,charmer, how overwhelmed she is with attend to that how overwhelmed she is with anger;anger ;attend to that " "frownfrown onon herher soursour andand sweetsweet eyebrow:eyebrow "-as: as thethe ArabsArabs say:say :thethe blowblow ofof ourour belovedbeloved hashas thethe relz'sl"relish ofof " raisinsraisins :_H: toto receivereceive a aslapslap onon thethe mouthmouth fromfrom thythy handhand is ismoremore sweetsweet thanthan toto fillfill itit withwith breadbread fromfrom mymy " own:own "-Thus: Thus doesdoes herher outrageousoutrageous violenceviolence givegive outout the of like who will de- the fragrancefragrance of courtesy;courtesy ;like kingskings who will de­ nouncenounce hostilitieshostilities whenwhen theythey perhapsperhaps inin theirtheir heartshearts areare courtingcourting peace.-"peace. Unripe"Unripe grapesgrapes havehave a atarttart taste have for a few that taste; ;have patiencepatience for a few days,days, that theythey maymay becomebecome sweet"sweet" HeHe thusthus delivereddelivered himself,himself, andand returnedreturned intointo thethe cazy'scazy's courtcourt SeveralSeveral well-disposedwell-disposed andand respectablerespectable persons,persons, whowho heldheld officesoffices underunder him,him, kissedkissed thethe earthearth ofof obeisance,obeisance, saying:saying With: With submission,submission, andand asas inin dutyduty bound,bound, wewe wouldwould makemake a arepresentationrepresentation toto youryour " lordship,lordship, thatthat although"although it itmightmight bebe deemeddeemed unpolite,unpolite, asas thethe sagesage havehave remarkedremarked :-it: it is isnotnot properproper toto to find fault with men is argueargue everyevery point;point ;to find fault with greatgreat men is itselfitself a afaultfault :"-yet,:" yet, consciousconscious thatthat thethe pastpast munifi­munifi- cencecence ofof ourour lordlord andand mastermaster waswas thethe causecause ofof thethe goodgood fortunefortune ofof hishis servants,servants, it itwerewere a aspeciesspecies ofof treacherytreachery inin usus toto bebe awareaware ofof whatwhat is isright,right, andand notnot toto noticenotice it.it. AndAnd thisthis is isthethe pathpath ofof rectitude,rectitude, thatthat youyou shouldshould 230 SHAIKH SADL 23° SHAIKH SADI. shun the circle of delusion, and fold up the carpet of shun the circle of delusion, and fold upfor the carpetstation of criminal conversation with this damsel ; the ofcriminala judge conversationis of such high withdignity this damsel;that you forshould the stationnot contaminateof a judge isit ofwith suchan highabominable dignity thatsin. youThis shouldobject, not whichcontaminateyou have itin withcontemplation, an abominableyou sin.should Thisconsider object, aswhichyour youbane, haveand inher contemplation,story such as youyou shouldhave heard considerit : as your bane,has andcommitted her story such as you have crimesheard it : "A person many disreputable ; what-" Aregard personhas has shecommittedfor the manyreputation disreputableof another. crimes; what regard has she for the reputation of another. Many is the good character of fifty years' stand- ingManywhich is onetheshameless good characteract will oftread fiftyunder years'foot." stand­ ingThe whichcazy oneapproved shamelessof the actunanimous will tread underadvice foot."of his friends,The andcazycommended approved oftheir the goodunanimoussense adviceand watch- of his

friends, and commended: their good sense and watch­ ful fidelity, and said The light in which my beloved friendsful fidelity,view theand policysaid: Theof my lightsituation in whichis themy mirrorbeloved " offriendswhat isviewright, theand policyargument of my situationunanswerable is the: mirrorOf a oftruth, whatwere is right,friendship and argumentto be forfeited unanswerableon our offering :-" Of admonition,a truth, 'Werethen friendshipmight tothe berighteous foifeited beon accusedour ojferingof falsehood:"admonition, nevertheless,thell might the"admonish righteous mebe asaccusedmuch of asfalsehood:thou choosest, "-nevertheless,-"thou never canst admonishwash a blackamoorme as much white.as thouI choosest,never can thou be nevermade canstby anybody wash a blackamoorto forget theewhite.I amI aneversnake canwith be madehead by anybodyand to forget ; my bruised, cannot twistthee;myself I am away."a snake with my head bruised, and cannot twistHaving myselfthus away."delivered . himself, he deputed certain peopleHavingto ascertain thus deliveredthe damsel's himself,circumstances, he deputed certainand

waspeoplelavish to ofascertainhis cash, theas hasdamsel'sbeen remarkedcircumstances,: Who- and everwashas lavishgold ofin histhe cash,scales ascommands has been remarked:the arms of Who­the balanceever has andgoldhe in the scalescannot commands thethe arms ofhas the ; who corrupt world " notbalance;a friend andall hethroughout who cannotthe corruptworld : the Whoeverworld has seesnot golda friendlowers all histhroughouthead, though, the worldlike the :-"scales Whoeverof Justice,sees goldhe haslowersiron-bound his head,shoulders." though, like the scales of ] Inustice,short, he hehas oneiron-boundevening shoulders."accomplished a private In short, he one evening accomplished a private SHAIKH SADI. 231 SHAIKH SADI. 23 I

interview and that same it was to the interview; ;and that same nightnight it was reportedreported to the that the had all the superintendentsuperintendent ofof thethe policepolice that the cazycazy had all the eveningevening hadhad winewine inin hishis head,head, andand hishis mistressmistress inin hishis arms that he had lain awake in and was ; ecstasy, arms; that he had lain" awake in ecstasy, and was singingsinging incessantlyincessantly :-": PerhapsPerhaps thisthis cockcock doesdoes notnot crow at his hour the lover is not to-nightto-night crow at his properproper hour; ;the lover is not yetyet his dalliance. The of his donedone withwith his dalliance. The templetemple of his mistress,mistress, fair resembles the lucidlylucidly fair withinwithin herher curlingcurling ringlet,ringlet, resembles the inlaid club. Be - ivory-ballivory-ball inlaid uponupon thethe ebonyebony chowgongchowgong club. Be on lest that lover of mischief fall constantlyconstantly on thethe watch,watch, lest that lover of mischief fall into a and the of into a doze,doze, and the opportunityopportunity of enjoymentenjoyment passpass in Till hearest call for morn- awayaway in regret.regret. Till thouthou hearest thethe call for morn­ of inging prayerprayer atat thethe metropolitanmetropolitan mosque,mosque, oror thethe beatbeat of of thethe kettle-drumkettle-drum overover thethe palace-gatepalace-gate of thethe KingKing let be sealed to like the of Atabak,Atabak, let lipslips be sealed to lips,lips, like the eyelidseyelids of the salacious cock, and let them be removed only the salacious cock, and let them "be removed only on the real crow of that bird ! on the real crow of that sillysilly bird! " Such was the state of the when one of his Such was the state of the cazy,cazy, when one of his servants burst into his and called : servants burst into his chamber,chamber, and called aloud:aloud do loiter in bed ? and now it is vVhyWhy do youyou loiter in bed? getget up,up, and fly,fly, now it is for rivals have calumniated possible;possible ;for youryour rivals have calumniated you,you, nay,nay, have what is true. with the theythey have reportedreported what is true. PerhapsPerhaps with the water of we the fire of water of prudenceprudence we maymay quenchquench the fire of mischief,mischief, which is low. God forbid that when which is yetyet low. God forbid that to-morrow,to-morrow, when risen into a it should involve a whole risen into a flame,flame, it should involve a whole world.world. The cazy turned towards him with a smile, and The cazy "turned towards him with a smile, and : The lion has laid his on the repliedreplied :-" The lion has laid his pawpaw on the game,game, what cares he for the of a Face to face what cares he for the yelpingyelping of a dog?dog? Face to face and leave rival to enjoyenjoy thythy mistress,mistress, and leave thythy rival to gnawgnaw thethe hand of hand of jealousy."jealousy." That same informed the : That same nightnight theythey informed the king,king, saying:saying 232 SHAIKH SADL 23 2 SHAIKH SADL Such an act of wickedness has been perpetrated with- Such an act of wickedness has been perpetrated with­ in realm what would order your ; your majesty upon in your realm; what would your majesty order upon the occasion ? The king answered : I know him to be the occasion? The king answered: I know him to be one of the most learned of the time, and the nonpareil one of the most learned of the time, and the nonpareil of his age. Possibly his rivals, from envy of his worth, of his age. Possibly his rivals, from envy of his worth, have laid this plot, but till convinced by seeing it 1 have laid this plot, but till convinced" by seeing it I cannot give ear to the fact : Hastily to a hand cannot give ear to the fact :-" Hastily to laylay a hand on the sword of anger must lead to gnaw that hand withon thethe swordteeth ofof anger must lead to gnaw that hand with the teeth ofregret." regret." I have heard that at break of day next morning, I have heard that at break of day next morning, the king, accompanied with a select train, entered the king, accompanied with a select train, entered the cazy's bed-chamber. He saw that the tapers the cazy's bed-chamber. He saw that the tapers were alight, the charmer seated on the bed, the were alight, the charmer seated on the bed, the goblet broken, and the wine spilled, while the cazy goblet broken, and the wine spilled, while the cazy lay stupefied in a dream of drunkenness, and alto- lay stupefied in a dream of drunkenness, and alto­ gether unconscious of the royal presence. The king gether unconscious of the royal presence. The king kindly waked him, and said : Get up, for the sun is kindly waked him, and said: Get up, for the sun is risen. The cazy recollected how matters stood, and risen. The cazy recollected how matters stood, and asked : From what quarter has he risen ? The king asked: From what quarter has he risen? The king was taken by surprise, and answered : From the east, was taken by surprise, and answered: From the east, is ! : as usual The cazy said Praised be God ! that as is usual! The cazy said: Praised be God! that the door of repentance is still open, according to the door of repentance" is still open, according to the tradition : The gate of repentance is not, nor the tradition :-" Tlze gate of repentmzce is not, 1Zor shall it be, shut upon his servants, till the sun shall it be, shut upon ltis [God's][God's] servants, till the SU1Z shall rise in the west : and he added : / ask pardon shall rise in the west :-and he added :-1 ask pardo1Z of God, and vow to him that I will repent : these of God, mzd vow to him that I will repent :-these two circumstances involved me in sin, my inauspicious two circumstances involved me in sin, my inauspicious fortune, and a weak understanding. If thou over- fortune, and a weak understanding. If thou over­ takest me with I am of it punishment, deserving ; takest me with punishment, I am deserving of it; but if thou wilt forgive me, pardon is more desirable but if thou wilt forgive me, pardon is more desirable than chastisement." The king replied: It is too late than chastisement"-The king replied: It is too late SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSA.DI. 233233

toto repent,repent, nownow thatthat youyou knowknow sentencesentence ofof deathdeath isis

passedpassed uponupon youyou : :-TheThe MostMost HighHigh hashas saidsaid : :-ThenThen werewere itit impossibleimpossible theirtheir faithfaith couldcouldavail, avail, whenwhen theythey " becamebecame ^vitnesses'witnesses ofof mymy commencingcom11lendng wrath'wrath: :-"How How cancan itit benefitbenefit thethe thiefthief toto repentrepent atat thatthat time,time, whenwhen hehe cannotcannot againagain throwthrow hishis noosenoose [by[by whichwhich hehe climbsclimbs up]up] intointo thethe balconybalcony?? WarnWarn thethe talltall manman toto with-with- < .... holdhold hishis handhand fromfrom thethe fruit,fruit, forfor thethe dwarfdwarf cannotcannot of~£ himselfhimselfreach reach thethe branch."branch."-WhenWhen youyou fanciedfancied toto yourselfyourself suchsuch aa crimecrime asas hashas beenbeen proved,proved, youyou couldcould notnot havehave figuredfigured anyany pathpath ofofescape. escape. HavingHaving thusthus expressedexpressed himself,himself, thethe kingking orderedordered thethe executionersexecutioners ofof thethe lawlaw toto laylay handshands onon thethe cazy.cazy. HeHe said:said: II havehave oneone pleaplea moremore toto submitsubmit toto hishis majesty.majesty. TheThe kingking asked:asked: WhatWhat maymay thatthat be?be? " HeHe repliedreplied : :-"Notwithstanding Notwithstanding thouthou spurnestspurnest meme withwith thethe sleevesleeve ofof thythy displeasure,displeasure, thinkthink notnot thatthat II willwill quitquit thethe skirtskirt ofof thythy garment.garment. ThoughThough im-im­ possiblepossible toto fancyfancy aa deliverancedeliverance fromfrom thisthis sinsin thatthat II amam chargedcharged with,with, II cancan trusttrust inin thatthat clemencyclemency whichwhich thouthou possessest."possessest"

TheThe kingkingsaid said:: YouYou havehave spokenspokenwith with muchmuch genius,genius, and an admirable flow of wit is it and an admirable flow of wit;; yetyet is it repugnantrepugnant toto reason,reason, andand contrarycontrary toto law,law, forfor meme toto permitpermit eloquenceeloquence andand wisdomwisdom toto rescuerescue youyou thisthis dayday fromfrom thethe handshands ofof justice.justice. II deemdeem itit wisewise toto havehave youyou thrownthrown headlongheadlong fromfrom thethe battlementsbattlementsof of thethe citadelcitadel intointo thethe ditch,ditch, asas anan exampleexample forfor others.others. TheThe cazycazy replied:replied: O0 sovereignsovereign lordlord ofof thethe universe!universe! II amam thethe fosteredfostered childchild ofof thisthis royalroyal house,house, andand havehave notnot been in the commission of this crime been singularsingular in the commission of this crime;; letlet 234 SHAIKH SADL 234 SHAIKHSADL some else be from the battle- some personperson else be precipitatedprecipitated from the battle­ that I take him. The ments,ments, that I maymay take exampleexample byby him. The kingking smiled at this and was to smiled at this remark,remark, and was pleasedpleased to signifysignify his and he his who ex- pardon ; reproved accusers, his pardon; and he reproved his accusers," who ex­ his and added : All of are pectedpected his execution,execution, and added :-" All of youyou are laden with own sins do not others laden with youryour own sins; ; do not reproachreproach others with their Whoever is aware of his own with their failings.failings. Whoever is aware of his own will not find fault with the of other failingfailing will not find fault with the failingsfailings of other men." men." xx.XX. " There was a handsome and "There was a handsome and well-disposedwell-disposed youngyoung who was embarked in a vessel with a man,man, who was embarked in a vessel with a lovelylovely damsel. I have read on the damsel. I have read that,that, sailingsailing on the mightymighty deep;deep, fell into a When the theythey fell togethertogether into a whirlpool.whirlpool. When the pilotpilot came to offer him : God forbid came to offer him assistance,assistance, saying:saying God forbid that he should in that he was answer- that he should perishperish in that distress,distress, he was answer­ from the midst of that vortex : inging from the midst of that ovenvhelmingoverwhelming vortex: Leave and take the hand of beloved ! The Leave me,me, and take the hand of mymy beloved! The whole world admired him for this whole world admired him for this speechspeech which,which, as he was he was heard to make. Learn as he was expiring,expiring, he was heard to make. Learn not the tale of love from that faithless wretch who not the tale of love from that faithless wretch who can his mistress when to can neglectneglect his mistress when exposedexposed to danger.danger. In this manner ended the lives of those lovers. In this manner ended the lives of those lovers. Listen to what has that under- Listen to what has happened,happened, that youyou maymay under­ stand for Sadi knows the and forms of stand; ; for Sadi knows the waysways and forms of as well as the or modern is courtshipcourtship as well as the Tazi,Tazi, or modern Arabic,Arabic, is understood at Devote whole heart understood at Baghdad.Baghdad. Devote youryour whole heart to the heart-consoler have chosen to the heart-consoler youyou have chosen [namely,[namely, God],God], and let be shut to the whole world beside. and let youryour eyeseyes be shut to the whole world beside. Were Laila and Mujnun to return into life, Were Laila and Mujnun to return into life, ththeyey read the of love in this mightmight read the historyhistory of love in this chapter."chapter." CHAPTERCHAPTERVI. VI.

OFOFIMBECILITY IMBECILITYAND ANDOLD OLDAGE. AGE.

I.I . • ININ thethe metropolitanmetropolitan mosquemosque atat DamascusDamascus I I waswas engagedengaged inin aa disputationdisputation withwith somesome learnedlearned men,men, whenwhen aa youthyouthsuddenly suddenlyentered enteredthe the door,door,and and said:said: DoesDoesany anyof ofyou you understandunderstand thethe PersianPersian languagelanguage?? TheyTheydirected directedhim him totome, me,and andI Ianswered: answered: ItItis istrue. true.

HeHe continuedcontinued:: An An oldold manmanof ofa ahundred hundredand and fiftyfifty yearsyearsof ofage ageis isin inthe theagonies agoniesof ofdeath, death,and andis isuttering uttering somethingsomethingin inthe thePersian Persian language,language,which which wewe dodonot not understand.understand. IfIfyou youwill willhave havethe thegoodness goodnessto togo goto to him rewarded for he be himyou you maymayget get rewarded;; for hepossibly possiblymay may be dictatingdictatinghis hiswill. will. WhenWhenI Isat satdown downby byhis hisbedside bedsideI I " heardheardhim him recitingreciting: :-"I Isaid, said,I Iwill will enjoyenjoymyself myselffor for aa fewfewmoments. moments. AlasAlas!! thatthatmy mysoul soul tooktook thethe pathpath ofofdeparture. departure. AlasAlas!! atatthe thevariegated variegatedtable tableof oflife lifeI I partookpartooka afew fewmouthfuls, mouthfuls,and andthe thefates fatessaid, said,enough!" enough!)) I Iexplained explainedthe thesignification significationof ofthese theselines linesin inArabic Arabic toto thethe Syrians.Syrians. TheyThey werewereastonished astonished that,that, atat hishis advancedadvanced timetime ofoflife, life,he he shouldshould expressexpress himselfhimselfso so solicitoussolicitous aboutabouta a worldlyworldlyexistence. existence. I I askedaskedhim him::

HowHowdo doyou younow nowfind findyourself? yourself? HeHe repliedreplied:: What\Vhat SHAIKH SADL 236 SHAIKH SADI.

shall I "Hast thou never witnessed what torture shall I say?-"Hastsay? thou never witnessed what torture that man suffers from whose are that man suffers from whose jawjaw theythey are extractingextracting a tooth ? to how is his a tooth? FancyFancy to thyselfthyself how excruciatingexcruciating is his from whose are an painpain from whose preciousprecious bodybody theythey are tearingtearing an existence !" existence! )J I said: Banish all of death from I said: Banish all thoughtsthoughts of death from youryour and let not doubt undermine constitu- mind,mind, and let not doubt undermine youryour constitu­ tion for the Greek have remarked that tion ; for; the Greek philosophersphilosophers have remarked that our are that is no althoughalthough our temperamentstemperaments are vigorous,vigorous, that is no of a life and that our sickness proofproof of a longlong life; ;and that althoughalthough our sickness is that is no of immediate is dangeroqs,dangerous, that is no positivepositive signsign of immediate dissolution. If will me I will call in a dissolution. If youyou will givegive me leave,leave, I will call in a physician to prescribe some medicine that may cure physician to prescribe some medicine" that may cure He : Alas ! alas ! The landlord thinks you.you. He replied:replied Alas! alas !-" The landlord thinks of the of his and the house of refreshingrefreshing the paintingspaintings of his hall,hall, and the house is to its foundation. The smites is totteringtottering to its foundation. The physicianphysician smites the hands of when he sees the fallen in the hands of despairdespair when he sees the agedaged fallen in like a the old man bemoans himself piecespieces like a potsherd;potsherd ;the old map bemoans himself in the of death while the old attendant nurse in the agonyagony of death while the old attendant nurse is him with sandal-wood. When the is anointinganointing him with sandal-wood. When the of the is neither equipoiseequipoise of the temperamenttemperament is overset,overset, neither amulets nor medicaments can do amulets nor medicaments can do anyany good."good."

II. II.

An old man was a I had An old man was tellingtelling a story,story, saying:saying: I had married a adorned the bridal chamber married a youngyoung virgin,virgin, adorned the bridal chamber with seated with her in and with flowers,flowers, seated myselfmyself with her in private,private, and riveted heart and eyes her. Many a riveted mymy heart and eyes uponupon her. Many a I would lie and in longlong nightnight I would lie awake,awake, and indulgeindulge in and in order to remove pleasantriespleasantries and jests,jests, in order to remove anyany SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI. 237237 coynesscoynesson onher herpart, part,and andencourage encouragefamiliarity. familiarity. OneOne ofofthose those nightsnightsI Iwas wasaddressing addressingher, her,and andsaying saying:: LoftyLoftyfortune fortunewas wasyour yourfriend, friend,and andthe theeye eyeof ofyour your prosperityprosperity broadbroad awake,awake, whenwhen youyou fellfell intointo thethe societysocietyof ofsuch suchan anold oldgentleman gentlemanas asI Iam, am,being beingof of maturemature judgment,judgment, well-bred,well-bred, worldlyworldly experienced,experienced, inuredinured toto thethe vicissitudesvicissitudes ofof heatheat andand cold,cold, andand « ..p~actised in inthe the goodsand andevils evils oflife life; whocan can .practised goods of ; who appreciateappreciatethe therights rightsof ofgood-fellowship, good-feIIowship,and andfulfil fulfilthe the dutiesdutiesof of lovingattachment attachment; andis iskind kind and affable, loving ; and and affable, " sweet-spokensweet-spokenand andcheerful cheerful: :-"I Iwill willtreat treatthee theewith with affection,affection,as asfar faras asI Ican, can,and andif ifthou thoudealest dealestwith withme me

unkindly,unkindly,I Icannot cannot be beunkind unkindin inreturn. return. If,If,like likea a parrot,parrot,thy thyfood foodbe besugar, sugar,I Iwill wiIIdevote devotemy mysweet sweetlife life " forforthy thynourishment nourishment:: "-andand you youdid didnot notbecome becomethe the victimvictim ofofa a rude,rude, conceited,conceited, rash,rash,and- and headstrongheadstrong youth,youth,who whoone onemoment momentgratifies gratifieshis hislust, lust,and andthe the nextnexthas has a afresh fresh object; who every nightshifts shiftshis his object ; who every night " abode,abode,and andevery everyday daychanges changeshis hismistress mistress: :-"young young menmenare arelively livelyand andhandsome, handsome,but butthey theykeep keepgood goodfaith faith withwithnobody. nobody.Expect Expectnot notconstancy constancyfrom fromnightingales, nightingales, "- whowhowill will everyeverymoment momentserenade serenadea afresh fresh roserose:"­: whereaswhereasmy myclass classof ofseniors seniorsregulate regulatetheir theirlives livesby by goodgoodbreeding breedingand and sense,sense,and andare arenot notdeluded deludedby by " cc youthfulyouthfulignorance. ignorance.-CourtCourtthe thesociety societyof ofa asuperior, superior, andand makemake muchmuch ofof thethe opportunity; forfor inin thethe opportunity ; companycompanyof ofan anequal equalthy thygood goodfortune fortunemust mustdecline." decline."

TheTheold oldman" mancontinued continued:: I Ispoke spokea agreat greatdeal dealin in thisthisstyle, style,and andthought thoughtthat thatI Ihad hadcaught caughther herheart heartin in my snare,and andmade madesure sureof ofher heras as my prey;when when my snare, my prey ; sheshesuddenly suddenlydrew drewa acold coldsigh sighfrom fromthe thebottom bottomof ofa a 238 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. muchmuch affiictedafflicted bosom,bosom, andand answered:answered : AllAll thisthis speechspeech whichwhich youyou havehave delivereddelivered hashas not,not, inin thethe scalescale ofof mymy judgment,judgment, thethe weightweight ofof thatthat oneone sentencesentence whichwhich II havehave heardheard ofof mymy nurse:nurse : thatthat itit werewere betterbetter toto plantplant aa spearspear inin aa youngyoung maiden'smaiden's sideside thanthan toto laylay herher byby " anan oldold manman inin bedbed 1-"! MuchMuch contentioncontention andand strifestrife willwill arisearise inin thatthat househouse wherewhere thethe wifewife shallshall getget upup dissatisfieddissatisfied withwith herher husband.husband. UnableUnable toto riserise withoutwithout thethe helphelp ofof aa staff,staff, howhow cancan anan oldold manman stirstir thethe staffstaff " ofof life?"life ? InIn short,short, therethere beingbeing nono prospectprospect ofof concord,concord, theythey agreedagreed toto separate.separate. AfterAfter thethe periodperiod prescribedprescribed byby thethe law,law, theythey unitedunited herher inin wedlockwedlock withwith aa youngyoung manman ofof anan ill-temperedill-tempered andand sullensullen disposition,disposition, andand inin veryvery narrownarrow circumstances,circumstances, soso thatthat sheshe enduredendured muchmuch and and she tyrannytyranny and violence,violence, penurypenury and hardship;hardship ; yetyet she waswas thusthus offeringoffering upup thanksgivingsthanksgivings forfor thethe Almighty'sAlmighty's goodness,goodness, andand saying:saying : PraisedPraised bebe GodGod thatthat II havehave escapedescaped fromfrom suchsuch hell-torment,hell-torment, andand securedsecured aa " blessingblessing soso permanentpermanent :-": WithWith allall thisthis violenceviolence andand impetuosityimpetuosity ofof temper,temper, II bearbear withwith thythy caprice,caprice, becausebecause thouthou artart lovelylovely :-It: It werewere betterbetter forfor meme toto burnburn withwith theethee inin hell-firehell-fire thanthan toto dwelldwell inin paradiseparadise withwith another.another. TheThe smellsmell ofof anan oniononion fromfrom thethe mouthmouth ofof the the lovelylovely 15is sweetersweeter thanthan aa roserose inin thethe handhand ofof thethe ugly."ugly."

III.III.

InIn thethe territoryterritory ofof Diarbekr,Diarbekr, oror Mesopotamia,Mesopotamia, II waswas thethe guestguest ofof anan oldold man,man, whowho waswas veryvery rich,rich, andand hadhad

a son. : a handsomehandsome son. OneOne nightnight hehe toldtold aa story,story, saying:saying SHAIKHSHAIKIISADL SA.DI. 239239 During my whole life I never had any child but this During my whole life I never had any child but this boy. And in this valley a certain treeis is a placeof of boy. And in this valley a certain tree a place pilgrimage, where people go to supplicate their wants; pilgrimage, where people go to supplicate their wants; and many was the night that I have besought God at and many was the night that I have besought God at thethe footfoot ofofthat that treetree beforebefore hehe wouldwould bestowbestowupon upon me this boy. I have heard that the son was also me this boy. I have heard that the son was also whispering his companions, and saying: How happyI I whispering his companions, and saying : How happy <: " sh~>uld be if I could discover the site of that tree, in -should be if I could discover the site of that tree, in order that I might pray for the death of my father. order that I might pray for the death of my father. The gentleman was rejoicing and saying: What a The gentleman was rejoicing and saying : What a sensible youth is my son! and the boy was complain­ sensible youth is my son ! and the boy was complain- ing and crying: What a tedious old dotard is my ing and crying : What a tedious old dotard is my father !-"Many years are passing over thy head, father! "Many years are passing over thy head, during which thou didst not visit thy father's tomb. during which thou didst not visit thy father's tomb. What pious oblation didst thou make to the manes What pious oblation didst thou make to the manes of a parent that thou shouldst expect so much from of a parent that thou shouldst expect so much from thy son?"" thy son ?

IV.IV. Urged one day by the pride of youthful vanity, Urged one day by the pride of youthful vanity, I had made a forced march, and in the evening found I had made a forced march, and in the evening found myself exhausted at the bottom of an acclivity. A myself exhausted at the bottom of an acclivity. A feeble old man, who had deliberately followed the feeble old man, who had deliberately followed the pace of the caravan, came up to me and said: How pace of the caravan, came up to me and said : How come you to lie down here? Get up, this is no fit come you to lie down here ? Get up, this is no fit place for rest I replied: How can I proceed, who place for rest. I replied : How can I proceed, who have not a foot to stand on,? He said: Have you not have not a foot to stand on.? He said : Have you not heard what the prudent have remarked? Going on, heard what the prudent have remarked ? Going on, and halting, is better than running ahead and and halting, is better than running ahead and breaking down !-"" Ye who wish to reach the end breaking down ! Ye who wish to reach the end ofof your journey, hurrynot not onon; practise my advice, your journey, hurry ; practise my advice, o SHAIKH SADL 24 SHAIKH SADI.

learn deliberation. The Arab horse makes a few andand learn deliberation. The Arab horse makes a few stretches at full and is broken down while the stretches at full speed,speed, and is broken down;; while the its deliberate travels on and camel,camel, atat its deliberate pace,pace, travels on nightnight and dayday [and[and getsgets toto thethe endend ofof hishis journey]."journey]."

v.V. An and An active,active, merry,merry, cheerful,cheerful, and sweet-spokensweet-spoken youthyouth was for of in the circle of was for aa lengthlength of timetime in the circle of mymy society,society, whose heart had never known nor his whose heart had never known sorrow,sorrow, nor his liplip ceased from on a smile. An had ceased from beingbeing on a smile. An ageage had passed,passed, which we had not chanced to meet. When duringduring. which we had not chanced to meet. When I next saw him he had taken to himself a and I next saw him he had taken to himself a wife,wife, and a and the root of his was gotgot a family;family ; and the root of his enjoymentenjoyment was · torn and the rose of his mirth blasted. I asked torn up,up, and the rose of his mirth blas~ed. I asked him: How is this? He replied: Since I became a him: How is this? He replied: Since I became" a father of I ceased to the child : Now father of children,children, I ceased to playplay the child :_H Now thou art and leave it to thou art old,old, relinquishrelinquish childishness,childishness, and leave it to the to in and the youngyoung to indulgeindulge in playplay and merrimentmerriment. ExpectExpect not the of from for not the sprightlinesssprightliness of youthyouth from thethe aged;aged; for the stream that ran can never return. Now that the stream that ran byby can never return. N ow that the corn is for the it rears its the corn is riperipe for the sickle,sickle, it rears notnot its headhead as when and The season of as when greengreen and shooting.-shooting. The season of youthyouth has hands alas ! when I think has sliptslipt throughthrough mymy hands;; alas! when I think on those ! The lion has on those heart-exhilaratingheart-exhilarating days!days The lion has lostlost the of his : I must now the sturdysturdy graspgrasp of his paw:paw I must now putput up,up, like a with a bit of cheese. An old woman had like a lynx,lynx, with a bit of cheese.-An old woman had her I stainedstained her greygrey lockslocks black.black. I saidsaid toto her:her: 0,O, mymy dame! hair I admit thou canst antiquatedantiquated dame! thythy hair I admit thou canst turnturn dark but thou never canst make crooked dark byby art,art, but thou never canst make thythy crooked back back straight."straight" SHAIKHSHAIKHSADI. SADI. 241241

VI.VI.

OneOne day,day, inin thethe perversenessperversen_ess ofofyouth, youth,I I spokespoke withwith asperityasperity toto mymy mother.mother. VexedVexed atat heart,heart, sheshe satsat downdown inin aa corner,corner, andand withwith tearstearsin in herher eyeseyes waswassaying saying:: YouYouhave hav~ perhapsperhaps forgotforgot thethe daysdaysof of infancy,infancy, thatthatyou youare are speakingspeakingto tome me thusthus harshly.harshly. -" old observe to < ... :-~cHow Howwell welldid didan an oldwoman woman observe toher herown own son,son, whenwhen sheshe sawsaw himhim powerfulpowerful asas aa tyger,tyger, andand formidableformidable asas anan elephantelephant:: CouldstCouldst thouthou callcall toto mindmindthose thosedays daysof ofthy thyinfancy infancywhen when helplesshelplessthou thou wouldstwouldst clingclingto to thisthis mymy bosom,bosom, thouthou wouldstwouldst notnot thusthus assailassail meme withwith savagesavage fury,fury, nownow thouthou artart aa lion-likelion-likehero, hero,and andI Iam ama apoor poorold oldwoman." woman."

VILVIL

AA richrich misermiserhad had aa sonson whowho waswas grievouslygrievouslysick. sick. friends HisHiswell-wishers well-wishers andand friends spokespoke totohim, him,saying saying:: ItI t werewere properproper thatthat youyou eithereither readread thethe KoranKoran throughoutthroughout oror offeroffer anan animalanimalin in sacrifice,sacrifice,in in orderorder thatthatthe themost mosthigh high GodGod maymayrestore restorehim himto tohealth. health. AfterAftera a shortshortreflection reflection withinwithin himselfhimselfhe heanswered, answered, ItIt isis betterbetter toto readread thethe Koran,Koran,which which isis readyready atat hand and herds are at a distance. A hand;; and mymy herds are at a distance. A goodgood

this and : andand holyholy manman heardheard this andremarked remarked:He Hemakes makes choicechoiceof ofthe the readingreading partpart becausebecause thethe KoranKoranslips slips gliblygliblyover overthe thetongue, tongue,but buthis his moneymoneyis isto tobe bewrung wrung fromfrom thethesoul soul ofofhim. him.-cc"Fy Fyupon upon thatthatreadiness readinessto to bow the head in would that the hand of bow the head in prayerprayer;; would that the hand of 75875 8 242 SHAIKH SADL SHAIKH SADI. charity could accompany it! In bestowing a dinar charity could accompany it! In bestowing aask dinarhim he will stickle like an ass in the mire ; but he will stickle like an ass in the mire; but ask him to read the Al-hamdi, or first chapter of the Koran, toand readhe thewill Al-hamdi,recite it a orhundred first chaptertimes." of the Koran, and he will recite it a hundred times."

VIII. VIII. They asked an old man why he did not marry. They asked an old man why he did not marry. He answered : I feel no affection for an old woman. He answered: I feel no affection for an old woman. They said : Now you are rich make choice of a young They said: Now you are rich make choice of a young one. He replied : Since I, who am an old man, have one. He replied: Since I, who am an old man, have no affection for old women, then how can she, as a no affection for old women, then how can she, as a young woman, have any love for me, who am old ? young woman, have any love for me, who am old? " Robur requiritur, non aurum ; quia Herae -" RoburGratior requiritur,est Venus, nonquam aurum;Croesi quiaopes." Herre Gratior est Venus, quam Crresi opes."-

IX. IX. " I have heard that in these times a weak old man " I have heard that in these times a weak old man took a fancy in his dotage to choose himself a wife. took a fancy in his dotage to choose himself a wife. He wedded a beautiful virgin of the name of Gawhar, He wedded a beautiful virgin of the name of Gawhar, or the pearl, and shut her up from the sight of men or the pearl, and shut her up from the sight of men like a gem in a casket. He made the usual display in like a gem in hisa casket. Hebut madeon the the usualfirst displayonset inthe celebrating nuptials ; very celebrating his nuptials; but on the very first onset the old gentleman's staff went asleep. He drew his bow, old gentleman's staff went asleep. He drew his bow, but did not hit the target, for brocade can be stitched but did not hit the target, for brocade can be stitched only with a steel needle. He set forth a complaint only with a steel needle. He set forth a complaint to his friends, and offered proof that this impudent to his friends, and offered proof that this impudent slut had dishonoured his house and family. Such slutcontention had dishonouredand strife blazedhis houseforth betweenand family.the manSuchand contention and strife blazed forth between the man and SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADI. 243243 wifewife thatthat thethe flameflame reachedreached thethe superintendentsuperintendent ofof thethe policepolice andand cazi,cazi, oror judge,judge, andand mademade SadiSadi remarkremark:: AfterAfter allall thisthis altercationaltercation andand recrimination,recrimination, inin whatwhat isis thethe damseldamsel toto blame.blame. ItIt isis thythy handhand thatthat shakes,shakes, .. " andand howhow canstcanst thouthou borebore aa pearlpearl?"? CHAPTER VII. CHAPTER VII. OF THE IMPRESSIONS OF EDUCATION. OF THE IMPRESSIONS OF EDUCATION.

I. A CERTAIN nobleman had a dunce of a son. He A CERTAIN nobleman had a dunce of a son. He sent him to a learned man, saying : Verily you will sent him to a learned man, saying: Verily you will instruction to this youth, peradventure he may givegive instruction to this youth, peradventure he may become a rational He continued to give him become a rational being.being. He continued to give him lessons for some time, but they made no impression lessons for some time, but they made no impression upon him, when he sent a message to the father upon him, when he sent a message to the father saying: This son is not getting wise, and he has well- saying: This son is not getting" wise, and he has well­ nigh made me a fool ! Where the innate capacity nigh made me a fool !-" Where the innate capacity is education an it good, may make impression upon ; is good, education may make an impression upon it; but no furbisher knows how to give a polish to iron but no furbisher knows how to give a polish to iron which is of a bad temper. Wash a dog seven times in which is of a bad temper. Wash a dog seven times in the ocean, and so long as he is wet he is all the the ocean, and so long as he is wet he is all the filthier. Were they to take the ass of Jesus to Mecca, filthier. Were they to take the ass of Jesus to Mecca, on his return from that pilgrimage he would still be onan hisass." return from that pilgrimage he would still be an ass." II. II.

A philosopher was exhorting his children and A philosopher was exhorting his children and saying: O emanations of my soul, acquire knowledge, saying: 0 emanations of my soul, acquire knowledge, as no reliance can be placed on worldly riches and as no reliance can be placed on worldly riches and SHAIKHSHAlKH SADI.SADI. 245245

possessions,possessions, forfor onceonce youyou leaveleave homehome rankrank isis ofof nono use,use, andand goldgold andand silversilver onon aa journeyjourney areare exposedexposed toto thethe riskrisk eithereither ofof thievesthieves plunderingplundering themthem atat once,once, oror of the owner them but know- of the owner wastingwasting them byby degreesdegrees;; but know­ ledgeledge isis aa perennialperennial springspring andand ever-duringever-during fortune.fortuneo Were\Vere aa professionalprofessional manman toto loselose hishis fortune,fortune, hehe needneed notnot feelfeel regret,regret, forfor hishis knowledgeknowledge isis ofof itselfitself aa minemine of < ... 9f wealth.wealth. Wherever\Vherever hehe maymay sojournsojourn thethe learnedlearned manmOan willwill meetmeet respect,respect, andand bebe usheredushered intointo thethe upperupper seat,seat, whilstwhilst thethe ignorantignorant manman mustmust putput upup withwith offal " offal andand suffersuffer wantwant ::-" IfIf thouthou covetcovet thethe paternalpaternal heritage,heritage, acquireacquire thythy father'sfather's knowledge,knowledge, for thisthis thythy father'sfather's wealth\vealth thouthou maystmayst squandersquander inin tenten days.days. After been in it is hard to After havinghaving been in authority,authority, it is hard to obeyobey;; afterafter havinghaving beenbeen fondledfondled withwith caresses,caresses, toto putput upup

withwith men'smen's violenceviolence ::-ThereThere onceonce occurredoccurred anan insur-insur­ rectionrection inin Syria, andand everybodyeverybody forsookforsook hishis formerformer peacefulpeaceful abode.abode. TheThe sonssons ofof peasants,peasants, whowho werewere menmen ofof learning,learning, camecame toto bebe employedemployed asas thethe ministersministers ofof and the children of of kingskings;; and the children of noblemen,noblemen, of bankruptbankrupt understandings,understandings, wentwent aa beggingbegging fromfrom villagevillage toto village."village." III.III.

AA certaincertain learnedlearned manman waswas superintendingsuperintending thethe educationeducation ofof aa king'sking's son;son; andand hehe waswas chastisingchastising himhim withoutwithout mercy,mercy, andand reprovingreproving himhim withwith asperity.asperity. TheThe boy,boy, outout ofof allall patience,patience, complainedcomplained toto thethe kingking hishis father,father, andand laidlaid barebare beforebefore himhim hishis much-bruisedmuch-bruised body.body. TheThe kingking waswas muchmuch offended,offended, andand sendingsending forfor

thethe master,master, saidsaid:: YouYou dodo notnot treattreat thethe childrenchildren ofof mymy 246 SHAIKH SADL SHAIKH SA.DL meanest with the harshness and cruelty you meanest subjectsubject with the harshness and cruelty you do my boy; what do you mean by this ? He replied: do my boy; what do you mean by this? He replied: To think before they speak, and to deliberate before To think before they speak, and to deliberate before they act, are duties incumbent upon all mankind, and theymore act, are duties incumbent upon becauseall mankind,whatever and immediately upon kings ; more immediately upon kings; because whatever may drop from their hands and tongue, the special may drop from their hands and tongue, the special deed or word will somehow become the subject of deed oranimadversion word will somehowwhereas becomeact theor subjectremark ofof public ; any public animadversion; whereas any act or remark of the commonalty attracts not such notice: "Let a the commonalty attracts not such notice :-" Let a darwesh, or poor man, commit a hundred indis- darwesh, or poor man, commit a hundred indis­ cretions, and his companions will not notice one out will cretions,of the hundredand his companionsand let a butnotutter noticeone onefoolish out ; king of the hu·ndred; and let a king but utter one foolish word, and it will be echoed from kingdom to king- word, and" it will be echoed from kingdom to king­ dom : therefore in forming the morals of young dom : "-therefore in forming the morals of young princes, more pains are to be taken than with the princes, more pains are" to be taken than with the sons of the vulgar. Whoever was not taught good sons of the vulgar.-" Whoever was not taught good manners in his boyhood, fortune will forsake him manners in his boyhood, fortune will forsake him when he becomes a man. Thou mayst bend the when he becomes a man. Thou mayst bend the as thou likest but let it once green bough ; get dry, green bough as thou likest; but let it once" get dry, and it will require heat to straighten it : Verily thou and it will require heat to straighten it :-" Verily tlwu 'mayst bend the tender branch, but it were labour lost to mayst bend the tender branch, but £t were labour lost to attempt making straight a crooked billet" attt'mlt making straight a crooked billet." The king greatly approved of this ingenious detail, The king greatly approved of this ingenious detail, and the wholesome course of discipline of the learned anddoctor the wholesome course of disciplinehim a dress of theand learned ; and, bestowing upon largess, doctor; and, bestowing upon him a dress and largess, raised him one in his rank as a nobleman ! raised him one stepstep in his rank as a nobleman!

IV. IV.

In the west of Africa I saw a schoolmaster of a In the west of Africa I saw a schoolmaster of a sour aspect and bitter speech, crabbed, misanthropic, sour aspect and bitter speech, crabbed, misanthropic, SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADI. 247247

beggarly,beggarly, andand intemperate,intemperate, insomuchinsomuch thatthat thethe sightsight ofof himhim wouldwould derangederange thethe ecstasiesecstasies ofof thethe orthodox;orthodox; andand hishis mannermanner ofof readingreading thethe KoranKoran castcast aa gloomgloom overover thethe mindsminds ofof thethe pious.pious. AA numbernumber ofof hand-hand­ somesome boysboys andand lovelylovely virginsvirgins werewere subjectsubject toto hishis despoticdespotic sway,sway, whowho hadhad neitherneither thethe permissionpermission ofof aa smilesmile nornor thethe optionoption ofof aa word,word, forfor thisthis momentmoment < .... helfe wouldwould smitesmite thethe silversilver cheekcheek ofof oneone ofof themthem withwith hishis hand,hand, andand thethe nextnext putput thethe crystallinecrystalline legslegs ofof anotheranother inin thethe stocks.stocks. InIn shortshort theirtheir parents,parents, II heard,heard, werewere mademade awarea ware ofof aa partpart ofof hishis disloyaldisloyal violence,violence, andand beatbeat andand drovedrove himhim fromfrom hishis charge.charge. AndAnd theythey mademade overover hishis schoolschool toto aa peaceablepeaceable creature,creature, soso pious,pious, meek,meek, simple,simple, andand good-naturedgood-natured thatthat hehe nevernever spokespoke tilltill forcedforced toto dodo so,so, nornor wouldwould hehe utterutter aa wordword thatthat couldcould offendoffend anybody.anybody. TheThe childrenchildren forgotforgot thatthat aweawe inin whichwhich theythey hadhad heldheld theirtheir firstfirst master,master, andand remarkingremarking thethe angelicangelic disposi-disposi­ tiontion ofof theirtheir secondsecond master,master, theythey becamebecame oneone afterafter as as devils and on his anotheranother as wickedwicked as devils;; and relyingrelying on his clemency,clemency, theythey wouldwould soso neglectneglect theirtheir studiesstudies asas toto passpass mostmost partpart ofof theirtheir timetime atat play,play, andand breakbreak thethe tabletstablets ofof theirtheir unfinishedunfinished taskstasks overover eacheach other'sother's " headsheads ::-" WhenWhen thethe schoolmasterschoolmaster relaxesrelaxes inin hishis dis-dis­

cipline,cipline, thethe childrenchildren willwill stopstop toto playplay atat marblesmarbles inin thethe market-place."market-place." AA fortnightfortnight afterafter II passedpassed byby thethe gategate ofof thatthat mosquemosque andand sawsaw thethe firstfirst schoolmaster,schoolmaster, withwith whomwhom theythey hadhad beenbeen obligedobliged toto makemake friends,friends, andand toto restorerestore himhim toto hishis place.place. II waswas inin truthtruth offended,offended, andand callingcalling onon GodGod toto witness,witness, asked,asked, saying:saying: Why\-Vhy 248 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL havehave theythey againagain mademade a a devildevil thethe preceptorpreceptor ofof angels?angels? AA facetiousfacetious oldold gentleman,gentleman, whowho hadhad seenseen muchmuch ofof life;life, listenedlistened toto meme andand replied:replied: HaveHave youyou " notnot heardheard whatwhat theythey havehave saidsaid :-": AA kingking sentsent hishis sonson toto school,school, andand hunghung a atablettablet ofof silversilver roundround hishis neck.neck. OnOn thethe faceface ofof that·that tablettablet hehe hadhad writtenwritten inin goldengolden letters:letters : TheThe severityseverity ofof thethe mastermaster isis moremore usefuluseful thanthan thethe indulgenceindulgence ofof the the father."father."

v.V.

AA religiousreligious man'sman's sonson succeededsucceeded toto considerableconsiderable propertyproperty throughthrough thethe bequestbequest ofof hishis uncles,uncles, andand beganbegan a alifelife ofof debaucherydebauchery andand vice,vice, andand plungedplunged intointo allall mannermanner ofof profligateprofligate dissipation,dissipation, insomuchinsomuch thatthat therethere waswas nono sinsin hehe diddid notnot commit,commit, nornor anyany intoxicatingintoxicating drugdrug hehe diddid notnot indulgeindulge in.in. OnOn oneone occasionoccasion I I saidsaid toto himhim inin admonition:admonition : aO mymy son,son, incomeincome isis thethe currentcurrent ofof a adam-sluice,dam-sluice, andand expendi­expendi- tureture a arevorevolvingl ving mill-stone;mill-stone; thatthat isis toto say,say, a aprofuseprofuse expenseexpense cancan suitsuit onlyonly himhim whowho hashas anan adequateadequate " andand certaincertain incomeincome :-": IfIf thouthou hasthast nono income,income, bebe frugalfrugal inin thythy expense,expense, forfor thethe marinersmariners areare chantingchanting inin theirtheir songs.songs. WereWere nono rainrain to to fallfall inin KowhistanKowhistan oror thethe hillyhilly region,region, thethe TygrisTygris wouldwould becomebecome a abedbed ofof drydry sandsand withinwithin the the year."-Listenyear." Listen toto instructioninstruction andand reason,reason, andand foregoforego fooleryfoolery andand idleness,idleness, forfor whenwhen youryour meansmeans areare wastedwasted youyou willwill suffersuffer distress,distress, andand bebe putput toto shame.shame. SeducedSeduced byby a a tastetaste forfor convivialityconviviality andand music,music, thethe youngyoung manman disregardeddisregarded mymy remarks,remarks, andand inin SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SADL 249249 despite of my advice replied: It is repugnant to despite of my advice replied : It is repugnant to the good sense of the wise to disturb our present the good sense of the wise to disturb our present fleeting enjoyments with the gloomy thoughts of fleeting enjoyments with the gloomy thoughts of hereafter :-"" Why should the lords of voluptuous­ hereafter : Why should the lords of voluptuous- ness and good fortune let an apprehension of distress ness and good fortune let an apprehension of distress invol ve them in trouble? Go and enjoy thyself, involve them in trouble ? Go and enjoy thyself, o my heart-cheering charmercharmer; letlet usus notnot to-day O my heart-cheering ; to-day < ..... anticipate the sorrow of to-morrow:"-And it would anticipate the sorrow of to-morrow :" And it would more especially unsuit me, who am placed in the more especially unsuit me, who am placed in the president's chair of liberality, am under a contract president's chair of liberality, am under a contract with generosity, and the fame of my munificence with generosity, and the fame of my munificence is in everybody's mouth :-"" Whoever has reared is in everybody's mouth : Whoever has reared the standard of munificence must not again put a the standard of munificence must not again put a check upon his expenses. Once thy fame has got check upon his expenses. Once thy fame has got abroad in the street, thou canst not again shut thy abroad in the street, thou canst not again shut thy doordoor inin thethe faceface ofof it."it." I perceived that admonition had no effect, and I perceived that admonition had no effect, and that my warm breath made no impression upon his that my warm breath made no impression upon his cold iron. I ceased to advise him, quitted his society, cold iron. I ceased to advise him, quitted his society, and withdrew into the comer of safety. Conformably and withdrew into the corner of safety. Conformably with the sayings of the wise :-Exltort and admonish, with the sayings of the wise : Exhort and admonish, as in duty bound/and they will not lz'stelz, it can as in duty bound ; and ifif they will not listen, it can IZ0 furtlter concenz you :-"" Although thou art aware no further concern you : Although thou art aware that they will not hear, inculcate what thou knowest that they will not hear, inculcate what thou knowest ofof admonitionadmonition andand instruction.instruction. ItIt mustmust soonsoon comecome to pass, in their desperate plight, that thou shalt see to pass, in their desperate plight, that thou shalt see themthem withwith theirtheir feetfeet fastfast boundbound andand inin durance,durance, wringing their hands, and crying: Alas! that we wringing their hands, and crying : Alas ! that we did not listen to the good man's advice! ""-After did not listen to the good man's advice ! After a time, what I had predicted of his dissolute conduct a time, what I had predicted of his dissolute conduct came toto be verifiedverified; forfor II sawsaw himhim putting patch came be ; putting patch 250 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADL overover patchpatch onon hishis raggedragged clothes,clothes, andand wanderingwandering fromfrom doordoor toto doordoor beggingbegging crumbs.crumbs. I Ifeltfelt inin mymy heartheart forfor his his distresseddistressed state;state butbut deeming itit un­un- ; deeming generousgenerous toto hurthurt hishis feelingsfeelings withwith reproach,reproach, oror inin suchsuch a acasecase toto sprinklesprinkle a apoorpoor man'sman's soresore withwith salt,salt, I Iwhisperedwhispered toto myselfmyself: :-" The"The idleidle profligateprofligate inin hishis intoxicationintoxication ofof prosperityprosperity nevernever reflectsreflects onon thethe dayday ofof adversity.adversity. TheThe treetree is isinin summersummer profuseprofuse ofof itsits fruit,fruit, andand is isinin consequenceconsequence striptstript ofof itsits leavesleaves inin thethe winter."-winter."

VI.VI.

AA kingking gavegave hishis sonson intointo thethe chargecharge ofof a apre­pre- ceptor,ceptor, andand said:said : ThisThis is isyouryour child,child, educateeducate himhim asas youyou wouldwould oneone ofof youryour own.own. ForFor somesome yearsyears hehe labouredlaboured inin teaching him, butbut toto nono good purpose; teaching him, good purpose ; whilstwhilst thethe sonssons ofof thethe preceptorpreceptor excelledexcelled inin eloquenceeloquence andand knowledge.knowledge. TheThe kingking blamedblamed thethe learnedlearned man,man, andand remonstratedremonstrated withwith him,him, saying:saying : YouYou havehave violatedviolated youryour trust,trust, andand infringedinfringed thethe termsterms ofof youryour engagement.engagement HeHe replied:replied :0 Oking,king, thethe educationeducation is is thethe same,same, butbut theirtheir capacitiescapacities areare different!­different ! " "ThoughThough silversilver andand goldgold areare" extractedextracted fromfrom stones,stones, yetyet it itis isnotnot inin everyevery stonestone thatthat goldgold andand silversilver areare found.found. TheThe Sohail,Sohail, oror starstar Canopus,Canopus, is issheddingshedding hishis raysrays allall overover thethe globe.globe. InIn oneone placeplace hehe producesproduces commoncommon leather,leather, inin another,another, oror inin Yamin,Yamin, thatthat calledcalled Adim,Adim, oror perfumed."-perfumed." VII.VII.

I Iheardheard a acertaincertain learnedlearned seniorsenior observingobserving toto a a disciple:disciple : IfIf thethe sonssons ofof AdamAdam werewere asas solicitoussolicitous SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. 251

afterafter Providence,Providence, oror God,God, asas theythey areare afterafter theirtheir meansmeans ofof sustenance,sustenance, theirtheir placesplaces inin ParadiseParadise wouldwould " surpasssurpass thosethose ofof thethe angels.angels.-" GodGod diddid notnot overlookoverlook theethee inin thatthat statestate whenwhen thouthou wertwert aa senselesssenseless embryoembryo inin thythy mother'smothers womb.womb. HeHe bestowedbestowed uponupon theethee aa soul,soul, reason,reason, temper,temper, intellect,intellect, symmetry,symmetry, speech,speech, judgment,judgment, understanding,understanding, andand reflection.reflection. HeHe accom-accom- < .... modatedrnodated thythy handshands withwith tenten fingers,fingers, andand suspendedsuspended twot~o armsarms fromfrom thythy shoulders.shoulders. CanstCanst thouthou nownow suppose,suppose, O0 good-for-nothinggood-for-nothing wretch,wretch, thatthat hehe willwill " forgetforget toto provideprovide thythy dailydaily breadbread?"?

VIII.VIII.

II observedobserved anan ArabArab whowho waswas informinginforming hishis son:son:- Oo mymy child,child, GodGod willwill askask theethee onon thetlte dayday ofofjudgment judgment:: WhatvVlzat hastIlast thouthou donedone inin thisthis lifelife?? butbut hehe willwilt notnot inquireillquire ofofthee thee:: Whence didstdidst thoutllOU derivederive thythy originorz'gill??

-ThatThat is,is, theythey [or[or God]God] willwill ask,ask, sayingsaying:: WhatWhat areare youryour worksworks?? ButBut hehe willwill notnot questionquestion you,you, sayingsaying:: " WhoWho isis youryour fatherfather ??-" TheThe coveringcovering ofof thethe KaabahKaabah atat Mecca,IVlecca, whichwhich thethe pilgrimspilgrims kisskiss fromfrom devotion,devotion, isis notnot prized fromfrom itsits being thethe fabricfabric ofof aa silk-wormsilk-worm; prized being ; forfor aa whilewhile itit associatedassociated withwith aa venerablevenerable friend,friend, andand became,became, inin consequence,consequence, venerablevenerable likelike him."him."

IX.IX.

TheyThey havehave relatedrelated inin thethe booksbooks ofof philosophersphilosophers thatthat scorpionsscorpions areare notnot broughtbrought forthforth accordingaccording toto thethe commoncommon coursecourse ofof nature,nature, asas otherother animalsanimals are,are, butbut thatthat theythey eateat theirtheir wayway throughthrough theirtheir mothers'mothers' wombs,worn bs, SHAIKH SADI. 252 SHAIKH SADL tear open their bellies, and thus make themselves a tear open their bellies, and thus make themselves a passage intointo thethe world;world andand thatthat thethe fragments ofof skinskin passage ; fragments which we find in scorpions' holes corroborate this fact. which we find in scorpions' holes corroborate this fact. On one occasion I was stating this strange event to a On one occasion I was stating this strange event to a good-and great man, when he answered: My heart is good and great man, when he answered : My heart is bearing testimony toto thethe truthtruth ofof thisthis remark;remark nornor bearing testimony ; can it be otherwise, for as they have thus behaved can it be otherwise, for as they have thus behaved towards their parents in their youth, so they are towards their parents in their youth, so they are approved and beloved in their riper years :-" "On approved and beloved in their riper years : On his death-bed a father exhorted his son, saying: 0 his death-bed a father exhorted his son, saying: O generous youth, keep in mind this maxim: Whoever generous youth, keep in mind this maxim : Whoever is ungrateful to his own kindred cannot hope that is ungrateful to his own kindred cannot hope that fortunefortune shallshall befriendbefriend him."him."

x.x. They asked a scorpion: Why do you not make They asked a scorpion: Why do you not make your appearance during the winter? It answered: your appearance during the winter ? It answered : What is my character in the summer that I should What is my character in the summer that I should comecome abroadabroad alsoalso inin thethe winter?winter ?

XI.XI. The wife of a darwesh was pregnant, and the term The wife of a darwesh was pregnant, and the term of her gestation completed. During his whole life the of her gestation completed. During his whole life the darwesh had never had a son. He said: If a great darwesh had never had a son. He said : If a great and glorious Deity will bestow upon me a son, I will and glorious Deity will bestow upon me a son, I will distribute in charity to the poor all the property I have, distribute in charity to the poor all the property I have, excepting this ragged garment I am now wearing. It excepting this ragged garment I am now wearing. It came to pass that his wife bore a son, at which he came to pass that his wife bore a son, at which he rejoiced, and made an entertainment for his brethren rejoiced, and made an entertainment for his brethren in performance of his vow. Some ye~rs after, as I was in performance of his vow. Some years after, as I was SHAIKH SADI. 253

returning from a journey into Syria, I passed by that friend's dwelling, and made inquiry after him. They

said : He is in the of the said: He is in the superintendent of the police's jail. I asked:asked : How comes that?that ? They said:said : His son got drunk, had a quarrel, killed a man, and fled from the city; and on his "accountaccount the father has chains on his legs and an iron collar round his neck.neck. I repliedreplied:: He this misfortune himself to < _ brought this misfortune upon himself by praying to " God for it-"it. Were thy pregnant wife, O0 prudent man, to bring forth a snake at her time of lying-in, that would suit better with the good opinion of the wise than if she might bear thee an undutiful son."

XII,XII.

When a boy I asked a great and holy man what were the signs of pubertypuberty?? He answeredanswered:: In books of science three are noticed of science three signs are noticed-first,first, the age of fifteen nocturnal emission and the fifteen;; second, nocturnal emission;; and third, the growth of hair about the pubes. But in truth there is only one sign-namely,sign namely, that you are more the devoted servant of the Most High than the bounden slave of own vile and whoever not your own vile appetitesappetites;; and whoever possesses not this one qualification, the good and pious do not consider him as arrived at years of discretiondiscretion:­: "After it had remained forty days in the womb, a of water took the human form but if after drop of water took the human form;; but if after forty years he has not reason and discretion, thou couldst not in truth consider him a man:"man: "-""Imagine Imagine not that manhood is a mere material form for that manhood is a mere material form;; for generosity of disposition and urbanity of manners are constituent 254254 SHA.ll(HSHAIKH SADl.SAD1.

of it. Virtue is also for the of partsparts of it. Virtue is also necessary;necessary ;for the figurefigure of a a humanhuman bodybody cancan bebe paintedpainted withwith vermilionvermilion andand verdigrisverdigris uponupon thethe wallwall ofof a apalace.palace. WhereWhere a amanman isis deficientdeficient inin virtuevirtue andand benevolence,benevolence, whatwhat differencedifference isis therethere betweenbetween himhim andand suchsuch a apicturepicture onon a awallwall ? ? ItIt isis notnot inin subduingsubduing a awholewhole worldworld thatthat thouthou showestshowest thythy knowledge.knowledge. MakeMake a aconquest,conquest, ifif thouthou artart able,able, ofof the mind of one of the mind of one humanhuman beingbeing [that[that is,is, of thyself]."thyself]." XIII.XIII. OneOne yearyear a a dissensiondissension arosearose amongamong thethe foot·foot- travellerstravellers onon a apilgrimagepilgrimage toto Mecca,Mecca, andand thethe authorauthor [Sadi][Sadi] waswas alsoalso a apedestrianpedestrian amongamong them.them. InIn truth,truth, wewe fellfell headhead andand earsears together,together, andand accusationaccusation andand recriminationrecrimination werewere bandiedbandied fromfrom allall sides.sides. lover·I over- heardheard a akajawah,kajawah, oror gentleman,gentleman, ridingriding onon one one sideside ofof a acamel·litter,camel-litter, observingobserving toto hishis adil,adil, oror oppositeopposite com­com- panion:panion : HowHow strangestrange thatthat thethe ivoryivory piyadah,piyadah, oror pawns,pawns, onon reachingreaching thethe toptop ofof thethe shatranj,shatranj, oror chess~chess- become or that board,board, become fazzin,fazzin, or queens;queens ; that is,is, theythey getget or become better than were and the rank,rank, or become bettey' than theythey were; ; and the or of that piyadah,piyadah, or pawnspawns of thethe pilgrimage-thatpilgrimage is,is, ourour foot-pilgrims-havefoot-pilgrims have crossedcrossed thethe desertdesert andand bec.omebecome " woyse.-"worse. SaySay fromfrom meme toto thatthat haji,haji, oror pilgrim,pilgrim, thethe pestpest ofof hishis fellow·pilgrims,fellow-pilgrims, thatthat hehe lacerateslacerates thethe skinskin ofof mankindmankind byby hishis contention.contention. ThouThou artart notnot a arealreal pilgrim,pilgrim, butbut thatthat meekmeek camelcamel isis oneone whowho isis feedingfeeding onon thornsthorns andand patientpatient underunder itsits burthen."burthen."

XIV.XIV. AA Hindu,Hindu, oror Indian,Indian, waswas teachingteaching thethe artart ofof playingplaying offoff fireworks.fireworks. AA philosopherphilosopher observedobserved toto him:him : ThisThis SHAIKH SADL SHAIKH SADI. 255255 isis anan unfitunfit sportsport forfor you,you, whosewhose dwellingdwelling isis mademade ofof " straw.straw.-" UtterUtter notnot aa wordword tilltill thouthou knowestknowest thatthat itit isis the mirror of what is correct and do not a the mirror of what is correct;; and do not putput a ques-ques­ tiontion wherewhere thouthou knowestknowest thatthat thethe answeranswer mustmust bebe unfavourable."unfavourable." XV.xv. AA fellowfellow hadhad aa complaintcomplaint inin hishis eyes,eyes, andand wentwent tofo aa horse-doctor,horse-doctor, sayingsaying:: PrescribePrescribe somethingsomething forfor meme?? TheThe doctordoctor ofof horseshorses appliedapplied toto hishis eyeseyes whatwhat hehe waswas inin thethe habithabit ofof applyingapplying toto thethe eyeseyes ofof quadrupeds,quadrupeds, andand thethe manman gotgot blind.blind. TheyThey carriedcarried theirtheir complaintcomplaint beforebefore thethe hakim,hakim, oror judge.judge. HeHe decreeddecreed:: ThisThis manman hashas nono redress,redress, forfor hadhad hehe notnot beenbeen anan assass hehe wouldwould notnot havehave appliedapplied toto aa horsehorse

or ass doctor ! The moral of this that or ass doctor!-The moral of this apologueapologue is,is, that whoeverwhoever cancan employemploy anan inexperiencedinexperienced personperson onon anan affairaffair ofof importance,importance, besidesbesides beingbeing broughtbrought toto shame,shame, hehe willwill incurincur fromfrom thethe wisewise thethe imputationimputation ofof aa weakweak mind.mind.-""A A prudentprudent man,man, withwith anan enlightenedenlightened under-under­ standing,standing, entrustsentrusts notnot affairsaffairs ofof consequenceconsequence toto oneone ofof meanmean capacity.capacity. TheThe plaiterplaiter ofof mats,mats, notwithstandingnotwithstanding hehe bebe aa weaver,weaver, theythey wouldwould notnot employemploy inin aa silksilk manufactory."manufactory." XVI.XVI.

AA certaincertain greatgreat ImaanImaan hadhad aa worthyworthy son,son, andand hehe died.died. TheyThey askedasked him,him, saying:saying: WhatWhat shallslrall wewe inscribe inscribe uponupon thethe urnurn atat hishis tomb.tomb. HeHe repliedreplied:: VersesVerses ofof thethe holyholy KoranKoran areare ofof suchsuch superiorsuperior reverencereverence andand dignitydignity thatthat theythey shouldshould notnot bebe writtenwritten 256 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADf. inin placesplaces wherewhere timetime mightmight efface,efface, mankindmankind treadtread or defile them if an be upon, dogs ; yet, epitaph upon, or dogs defile them; yet, if an epitaph" be necessary,necessary, letlet thesethese twotwo coupletscouplets sufficesuffice ::-" II saidsaid:: Alas! howhow gratefulgrateful itit waswas provingproving toto mymy heart,heart, soso long asas thethe verdureverdure ofof thythy existenceexistence mightmight flourishflourish inin thethe garden.garden. HeHe repliedreplied:: O0 mymy friend,friend, havehave patiencepatience tilltill thethe returnreturn ofof thethe spring,spring, andand thouthou maystmayst againagain seesee roserose blossomingblossoming onon mymy bosom,bosom, oror shootingshooting fromfrom mymy dust"dust" XVII.XVII.

AA holyholy manman waswas passingpassing byby aa wealthywealthy personage'spersonage's mansion,mansion, andand sawsaw himhim withwith aa slaveslave tiedtied upup byby thethe hands chastisement. He said : hands andand feet,feet, andand givinggiving himhim chastisement. He said: like Oo mymy sonson!! GodGod AlmightyAlmighty hashas mademade aa creaturecreature like yourselfyourself subjectsubject toto youryour command,command, andand hashas givengiven youyou aa superioritysuperiority overover him.him. RenderRender thanksgivingthanksgiving toto thethe Most and deal not with him so Most HighHigh Judge,Judge, and deal not with him so savagely;savagely j lestlest hereafter,hereafter, onon thethe dayday ofof judgment,judgment, hehe maymay proveprove the more worthy of the two, and you be put to the more" worthy of the two, and you be put to shame : Be not so with bondsman shame :-" Be not so enragedenraged with thythy bondsman ;j torturetorture notnot hishis body,body, nornor harrowharrow upup hishis heart.heart. ThouThou mightestmightest buybuy himhim forfor tenten dinars,dinars, butbut hadsthadst notnot afterafter allall thethe powerpower ofof creatingcreating himhim ::-ToTo whatwhat lengthlength willwill this and insolence thee there this authority,authority, pride,pride, and insolence hurryhurry thee;; there isis aa MasterMaster mightiermightier thanthan thouthou art.art Yes,Yes, thouthou artart aa lord of slaves and vassals, but do not forget thine own lord of slaves and vassals, but do "not forget thine own LordLord ParamountParamount-namely,namely, GodGod!! "-ThereThere isis aa tradi-tradi­ tiontion ofof thethe prophetprophet Mohammed,Mohammed, onon whomwhom bebe blessing,blessing, announcingannouncing ::-OnOn thethe dayday ofof resurrection,resurrection, thatthat willwill bebe thethe mostmost mortifyingmortifying eventevent whenwhen thethe goodgood slaveslave willwill SHAIKHSHAIKH SAD1.SADL 257 bebe takentaken upup toto heaven,heaven, andand thethe wickedwicked mastermaster sentsent " downdown toto hellhell : :-"Upon Upon thethe bondsman,bondsman, whowho isis sub-su b­ servientservient toto thythy command,command, wreakwreak notnot thythy ragerage andand boundlessboundless displeasure.displeasure. ForFor itit mustmust bebe disgracefuldisgraceful onon thethe dayday ofof reckoningreckoning toto findfind thethe slaveslave atat libertyliberty andand thethe mastermaster inin bondage."bondage." .

XVIII.XVIII.

OneOne yearyear II waswas onon aa journeyjourney withwith somesome SyriansSyrians fromfrom Balkh,Balkh, andand thethe roadroad waswas infestedinfested withwith robbers.robbers. OneOne ofof ourour escortescort waswas aa youthyouth expertexpert atat wieldingwielding hishis shieldshield andand brandishingbrandishing hishis spear,spear, mightymighty asas anan elephant,elephant, andand casedcased inin armour,armour, soso strongstrong thatthat tenten ofof thethe mostmost powerfulpowerful ofof usus couldcould notnot stringstring hishis bow,bow, oror thethe ablestablest wrestlerwrestler onon thethe faceface ofof thethe earthearth throwthrow himhim onon hishis back.back. Yet,Yet, asas youyou mustmust know,know, hehe hadhad beenbeen broughtbrought upup inin luxuryluxury andand rearedreared inin aa shade,shade, waswas inexperiencedinexperienced ofof thethe world,world, andand hadhad nevernever travelled.travelled. TheThe thunderthunder ofof thethe greatgreat war-drumwar-drum hadhad nevernever rattledrattled inin hishis ears,ears, nornor hadhad thethe lightninglightning ofof thethe trooper'strooper's " scimitarscimitar everever flashedflashed acrossacross hishis 'eyes eyes: :-"He He hadhad nevernever fallenfallen aa captivecaptive intointo thethe handshands ofof anan enemy,enemy, nornor beenbeen overwhelmedoverwhelmed amidstamidst aa showershower ofof theirtheir arrows."arrows." ItI t happenedhappened thatthat thisthis youngyoung manman andand II keptkept running onon together; andand any venerablevenerable ruin that running together ; any ruin that mightmight comecome inin ourour wayway hehe wouldwould overthrowoverthrow withwith thethe strength ofof hishis shouldershoulder; andand any huge treetree thatthat we strength ; any huge we mightmight seesee hehe wouldwould wrenchwrench fromfrom itsits rootroot withwith hishis " lion-seizinglion-seizing wrist,wrist, andand boastfullyboastfully crycry : :-"Where Where isis thethe . 759759 258 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADL elephant,elephant, thatthat hehe maymay beholdbehold thethe shouldershoulder andand armarm ofof warriors?warriors ? WhereWhere thethe lion,lion, thatthat hehe maymay feelfeel thethe " wristwrist andand gripegripe ofof heroes?heroes ?" SuchSuch waswas ourour situationsituation whenwhen twotwo HindusHindus darteddarted fromfrom behindbehind aa rockrock andand preparedprepared toto cutcut usus off,off, oneone ofof themthem holdingholding aa bludg~onbludgeon inin hishis hand,hand, andand thethe otherother havinghaving aa mallet mallet underunder hishis arm.arm. I Icalledcalled toto thethe " youngyoung man,man, WhyWhy dodo youyou stopstop ?-"? DisplayDisplay whateverwhatever strengthstrength andand couragecourage thouthou hast,hast, forfor thethe foefoe camecame onon " hishis ownown feetfeet upup toto hishis grave:grave :"-1I perceivedperceived thatthat thethe youth'syouth's bowbow andand arrowsarrows hadhad droppeddropped fromfrom hishis hands,hands, " andand thatthat aa tremortremor hadhad fallenfallen uponupon hishis limbslimbs :-": ItIt isis notnot hehe thatthat cancan splitsplit aa hairhair withwith aa coat-of-mailcoat-of-mail cleavingcleaving arrowarrow thatthat isis ableable toto withstandwithstand anan assaultassault " fromfrom thethe formidable:formidable :"-NNo0 alternativealternative waswas leftleft usus butbut thatthat ofof surrenderingsurrendering ourour arms,arms, accoutrements,accoutrements, andand " clothes,clothes, andand escapingescaping withwith ourour lives.-"lives. OnOn anan affairaffair ofof importanceimportance employemploy aa manman experiencedexperienced inin business,business, whowho cancan bringbring thethe fiercefierce lionlion withinwithin thethe noosenoose ofof hishis halter the be of arm and has halter; ; thoughthough the youthyouth be strongstrong of arm and has thethe bodybody ofof anan elephant,elephant, inin hishis encounterencounter withwith aa foefoe everyevery limblimb willwill quakequake withwith fear.fear. AA manman ofof experi­experi- enceence isis bestbest qualifiedqualified toto exploreexplore aa fieldfield ofof battle,battle, asas oneone ofof thethe learnedlearned isis toto expoundexpound aa pointpoint ofof law."law."

XIX.XIX.

I Isawsaw aa richrich man'sman's sonson seatedseated byby hishis father'sfather's tomb,tomb, andand inin aa disputationdisputation withwith thatthat ofof aa darweshdarwesh holdingholding forthforth andand saying:saying : MyMy father'sfather's mausoleummausoleum isis builtbuilt ofof granite,granite, thethe epitaphepitaph inscribedinscribed withwith lettersletters ofof gold,gold, thethe SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADI. 259259

pavement andand lininglining marble, andand tessellatedtessellated withwith slabsslabs of turkois;turkois; andand whatwhat isis therethere leftleft ofof youryour father'sfather's tomb butbut two oror threethree bricksbricks cementedcemented togethertogether withwith aa fewfew handfulshandfuls ofof mortar?mortar? TheThe poorpoor man'sman's sonson heardheard this,this, andand answeredanswered:: II praypray youyou peacepeace!! forfor beforebefore youryour fatherfather cancan stirstir himselfhimself underunder thisthis heavyheavy loadload ofof stonestone minemine shallshall havehave risenrisen upup toto heavenheaven!! And there is a tradition of the that death to <" ... And there is a tradition of the prophet,prophet, that death to " thethe poorpoor isis aa statestate ofofrest rest.-" ThatThat assass proceedsproceeds allall thethe lighterlighter onon hishis journeyjourney onon whomwhom theythey loadload thethe lightestlightest burthenburthen ::-thethe poorpoor darwesh,darwesh, whowho sufferssuffers underunder aa loadload ofof indigence,indigence, willwill inin likelike sortsort enterenter thethe gatesgates ofof deathdeath with an burthen but with him who luxuriates in with an easyeasy burthen;; but with him who luxuriates in peace,peace, plenty,plenty, andand affluence,affluence, itit mustmust bebe aa realreal hard-hard­ shipship toto diedie amidstamidst allall thesethese comforts.comforts. AtAt allall eventsevents considerconsider thethe prisoner,prisoner, whowho isis releasedreleased fromfrom hishis thral-thral­ dom,dom, asas betterbetter offoff thanthan thethe princeprince whowho isis justjust fallenfallen aa captive."captive." XX.xx.

II askedasked aa learnedlearned manman thethe meaningmeaning ofof thisthis tradi-tr~di­ tion,tion, thatthat thethe -mostmost hostilehostile ofof youryour enemiesenemies isis youryour passionpassion ofof lust,lust, whichwhich hashas itsits seatseat inin thethe loins.loins. HeHe repliedreplied:: AnyAny foefoe whomwhom youyou treattreat courteouslycourteously willwill becomebecome aa friendfriend exceptingexcepting lust,lust, which,which, thethe moremore " use will the civillycivilly youyou use it,it, will getget the moremore perverse.perverse.-" ByBy temperancetemperance aa manman maymay acquireacquire anan angelicangelic disposi-disposi­ tion but if like a he will sink into tion;; but if he-indulgehe.indulge like a beast,beast, he will sink into aa mineral.mineral. WhateverWhatever appetiteappetite thouthou mightestmightest favourfavour wouldwould obeyobey thythy order,order, unlessunless lust,lust, which,which, nownow itit hadhad itsits will,will, wouldwould rebel."rebel." 260 SHA.lKHSHAIKH SADI.SAD1.

XXI.XXI.

II sawsaw aa certaincertain personperson inin thethe garbgarb ofof darweshes,danveshes, butbut notnot withwith theirtheir meekness,meekness, seatedseated inin aa company,company, andand fullfull ofof hishis abuse.abuse. HavingHaving openedopened thethe volumevolume ofof reproach,reproach, andand begunbegun toto calumniatecalumniate thethe rich,rich, hishis discoursediscourse ha9had reachedreached thisthis place,place, stating:stating : TheThe handhand ofof thethe poorpoor man'sman's abilityability isis tiedtied up,up, andand thethe footfoot " ofof thethe richrich man'sman's inclinationinclination crippledcrippled :-": MenMen ofof liberalityliberality havehave nono commandcommand ofof money,money, nornor havehave thethe opulentopulent andand worldly-mindedworldly-minded aa spiritspirit ofof liberality."liberality." Owing,Owing, asas II am,am, mymy supportsupport toto thethe bountybounty ofof thethe great,great, II consideredconsidered thisthis animadversionanimadversion asas unmerited,unmerited, andand replied:replied : 0O mymy friend!friend ! thethe richrich areare thethe treasurytreasury ofof thethe indigent,indigent, thethe granarygranary ofof thethe hermit,hermit, thethe fanefane ofof thethe pilgrim,pilgrim, resting-placeresting-place ofof thethe traveller,traveller, andand thethe carrierscarriers ofof heavyheavy burthensburthens forfor thethe reliefrelief ofof theirtheir fellow­fellow- creatures.creatures. TheyThey putput forthforth theirtheir handhand toto eateat whenwhen theirtheir servantsservants andand dependantsdependants areare readyready toto partakepartake with and the of their with them;them ; and the bounteousbounteous fragmentsfragments of their tablestables theythey distributedistribute amongamong widowswidows andand thethe aged,aged, " theirtheir neighboursneighbours andand kindredkindred :-": TheThe richrich havehave theirtheir consecratedconsecrated foundations,foundations, charitablecharitable endowmentsendowments andand ritesrites ofof hospitality;hospitality; theirtheir alms,alms, oblations,oblations, manu­manu- missions,missions, peace-offerings,peace-offerings, andand sacrifices.sacrifices. HowHow shaltshalt thouthou riserise toto thisthis pomppomp ofof fortunefortune whowho canstcanst per­per- formform onlyonly thesethese twotwo genuflexions,genuflexions, andand themthem afterafter " manifoldmanifold difficulties?difficulties ? "-WhetherWhether itit respectrespect theirtheir moralmoral dignitydignity oror religiousreligious duty,duty, thethe richrich areare atat easeease within themselves for their is sanctified within themselves;; for their propertyproperty is sanctified byby SHAIKH SADI. 261 SHAIKH SAD!.

and their hallowed clean- givinggiving tithes,tithes, and their apparelapparel hallowed byby clean­ their and minds liness,liness, their reputationsreputations unblemished,unblemished, and minds content. The are that the zeal of content. The intelligentintelligent are awareaware that the zeal of devotion is warmed and the devotion is warmed byby goodgood fare,fare, and the sinceritysincerity of rendered more serene in a of vesture of pietypiety rendered more serene in a nicetynicety of vesture;; for it is evident what ardour there can be in a for it is evident what ardour there can be in a stomach what in hungryhungry stomach;; what generositygenerosity in squalidsqualid penurypenury;; what of with a bare foot and ability travelling ; < ... what ability of travelling with a bare foot; and what at from an hand : \vhat alacrityalacrity at bestowingbestowing from an emptyempty hand :­ " must be the of him whose "UneasyUneasy must be the night-slumbersnight-slumbers of him whose for to-morrow is not : the ant provisionprovision for to-morrow is not forthcomingforthcoming: the ant is a store in summer that she is layinglaying byby a store in summer that she maymay enjoyenjoy an abundance in winter." It is clear that an abundance in winter."-It is clear that indigenceindigence and can never nor have and tranquillitytranquillity can never gogo together,together, nor have fruition and want the same : the one had fruition and want the same aspectaspect: the one had himself for and the other sat composedcomposed himself for prayer,prayer, and the other sat anxious, and thinking on his supper; how then could anxious, and thinking on his supper; how then "could this ever come in with that ? The this ever come in competitioncompetition with that ?-" The lord of has his fixed on God when a plenty mind ; lord of plenty has his mind fixed on God;" when a is so is his heart : accord- man'sman's fortunefortune is bankrupt,bankrupt, so is his heart: "-accord­ the devotion of the rich is more ingly,ingly, the devotion of the rich is more acceptableacceptable at of because their are at thethe templetemple of God,God, because their thoughtsthoughts are and and their minds not absent presentpresent and collected,collected, and their minds not absent and for have laid the conveniences and distracted;distracted; for theythey have laid upup the conveniences and at their leisure their ofof goodgood living,living, and digesteddigested at their leisure their The Arabs scripturalscriptural quotationsquotations [for[for prayer].prayer]. The Arabs say:say: God us and Godpreserve preserve usfrom from, overwhelmingoverwhelmingpoverty poverty;; andfrom from him whom he loves tJie thethe companyC011lpa7ZY ofof him wlwm he loves not,110t, namely,1Za11le/y, tlte And there is a tradition of the infidel:t"njidel :-And there is a tradition of the prophet,prophet,­ ftak has a in this world and in that povertypovert)' has a gloomygloo11ZY aspectaspect t"n this world and t"n next ! thethe next! 262 SHAIKH SADI.SADI.

My antagonist said: Have you not heard what the blessed prophet has declared ?-poverty? poverty is my11l)' glory /-1! I replied:replied : Be silent, for the allusionallu~ion of the Lord of both worlds applies to such as are heroes in the field of resignation, and the devoted victims of their fate, and not to those who put on the garb of piety, that they may entitle themselves to the " bread of charity.-"charity. 0O noisy drum I! thou art nothing but an sound with the but an empty sound;; unprovided with the means, what canst thou effect on the last day of account? If thou art a man of spirit, turn thy face away from from fellow-creature and begging charity from thy fellow-creature;; and keep not repeating thy rosary of a thousand beads."beads."­ Being without divine knowledge, a darwesh, or poor man, rests not till his poverty settles into infidelity; for /zehe that is poor iszs well-nigh being an infidel :-nor: nor is it practicable, unless through the agency of wealth, to clothe the naked, and to liberate the prisoner from jailjail:: how then can such mendicants as we are to their or what is there aspire to their dignity;dignity ; or what comparison .is there between the arm of the lofty and the hand of the abject?abject ? Do you not perceive that the glorious and great God announces, in the holy book of the KorKoran,an, xxviii., the enjoyments of the blessed in ParadiseParadise?­? that to this communlty,community, 1zamely,namely, the orthodoxorthodo~ Mussul-Mussul­ mans, a provisionprovzsion lsis allotted ,·-in; in order that you may understand that such as are solely occupied in looking after their daily subsistence are excluded from this of the blessed that the from this portion of the blessed;; and that the property of present enjoyment is sanctioned under " the seal of providence :-": to the thirsty it will seem SHAIKH SAD 7. 263 SHAIKH SADl. in their dreams as if the face of the earth were in their dreams as if the face of the earth were wholly a fountain." You may everywhere observe wholly a fountain."-You may every\T;here observe that, instigated by his appetites, a person who has that, instigated by his appetites, a person who has suffered hardship and tasted bitterness will engage sufferedin hardship and tasted bitternessindifferent will engageto the dangerous enterprises ; and, in daI)gerous enterprises; and, indifferent to the consequences, and unawed by future punishments, he consequences, and unawed by future punishments, he will not discriminate between what is lawful and what will not discriminate" between what is lawful and what is forbid : Should a clod of earth be thrown at the is forbid :-" Should a clod of earth be thrown at the head of a dog, he would jump up in joy, and take it < --- head of a dog, he would jump up in joy, and take it for a bone or were two a on ; people carrying corpse for a bone; or were two people carrying a corpse on a bier, a greedy man would fancy it a tray of a bier, a greedy man would fancy it a tray of victuals." Whereas the worldly opulent are regarded victuals."-Whereas the worldly opulent are regarded with the benevolent eye of Providence, and in their with the benevolent eye of Providence, and in their enjoyments of what is lawful are preserved from enjoyments of what is lawful are preserved from things illegal. Having thus detailed my arguments things illegal. Having thus detailed my arguments and adduced my proofs, I rely on your justice for an and adduceddecree my proofs,whether I rely onever yoursaw justicea felon forwith an equitable ; you equitable decree; whether you ever saw a felon with his arms a immured in a pinioned ; bankrupt jail ; his arms pinioned; a bankrupt immured in a jail; the veil of innocency rent, or the arm mutilated for the veil of innocency rent, or the arm mutilated for theft, unless in consequence of poverty : for lion-like theft, unless in consequence of poverty: for lion-like heroes, instigated by want, have been caught under- heroes, instigated by want, have been caught under­ mining walls, and breaking into houses, and have got mining walls, and breaking into houses, and have got themselves suspended by the heels. It is moreover themselves suspended by the heels. It is moreover that a poor man, urged to it by an inordinate possible that a poor man, urged to it by an inordinate appetite, may feel desirous of gratifying his lust; and, appetite, may feel desirous of gratifying his lust; and, unable to get himself a woman, he may fall the victim unable to get himself a woman, he may fall the victim of some accursed sin : for the bally and privities are of some accursedthat sin: forchildren the bellyof andthe sameprivitiesbirth are twin brothers, is, two ; twin brothers, that is, two children of the same birth; and whenever that is pampered with food, these get and whenever that is pampered with food, these get rampant : as I have heard of a certain darwesh rampant: as I havein heardan act ofof a abominationcertain darweshin who was surprised ; who was surprised in an act of abomination; in SHAIKH SADI. 264 SHAIKH SADI. of the shame that he was and the consequenceconsequence of the shame that he was putput to,to, and the dread of stoned to he called aloud : O dread of beingbeing stoned to death,death, he called aloud: 0 Mussulmans ! I have no to a M ussulmans! I have no moneymoney to buybuy myselfmyself a wife,wife, nor sufficient forbearance to restrain my appetite ; nor sufficient forbearance to restrain my appetite j what can I for the monastic Christians is what can I do,do, for the monastic celibacycelibacy ofof Cltristz"mzs is not a rite And of the manifold means of not a rite oflslamism!of Islamis1lt! And of the manifold means of mental and which are mental tranquillitytranquillity and corporealcorporeal enjoymentenjoyment which are the lots of the one is that the specialspecial lots of the opulent,opulent, one is that everyevery nightnight can command a fresh and theythey can command a fresh mistress,mistress, and everyevery dayday a new such as must excite the possesspossess a new charmer,charmer, such as must excite the envyenvy of the glorious dawn, and stick the foot of the stately of the glorious dawn, and stick the" foot of the stately in the mire of shame : She had her cypresscypress in the mire of shame :-HShe had dippeddipped her hands in the blood of her and the hands in the blood of her lovers,lovers, and tingedtinged the tipstips of her with so that it were of her fingersfingers with jejubs:"jejubs:"-so that it were impossible,impossible, with such before their for them to with such lovelylovely objectsobjects before their eyes,eyes, for them to desire what is forbidden or to wish to commit sin : desire what is forbidden or to wish to commit sin :­ " should such a heart as the or HWhyWhy should such a heart as the huries,huries, or nymphsnymphs of Paradise, have captivated and plundered, show any of Paradise, have captiva.ted and plundered," show any way partial to the idols of Yaghma [or a city in way partial to the idols of Yaghma "" [or a city in Turkistan famous for its ? He who has Turkistan famous for its beauties]beauties] ?_H He who has in both his hands such dates as he can will not . in both his hands such dates as he can relish,relish, will not think stones at the bunches dates on their think ofofthrowing throwing stones at tlte bunches ofof dates on their trees" In common, such as are in circum- trees." In common, such as are in indigentindigent circum­ stances will contaminate the skirt of with stances will contaminate the skirt of innocencyinnocency with sin and such as are from will steal ; suffering hunger sin; and" such as are suffering from hunger will steal bread : When a ravenous has found a of bread :-" When a ravenous dogdog has found a piecepiece of meat, he asks not, saying : Is this the flesh of the meat, he asks not, saying: Is this the flesh" of the Salah's camel or Antichrist's ass ? prophetprophet Salah's camel or Antichrist's ass? "-l\1anyMany are the chaste who, because of their have are the chaste who, because of their poverty,poverty, have fallen into the sink of wickedness, and given their fair fallen into the sink of wickedness, and given" their fair to the blast of : The virtue reputationsreputations to the blast of infamyinfamy :_H The virtue SHAIKH SADI SHAIKH SADI. 265 of remains not with a state of of temperancetemperance remains not with a state ofbeing being famished and circumstances will snatch famished;; and bankruptbankrupt circumstances will snatch the rein from the hand of abstemiousness." the rein from the hand of abstemiousness." The moment I had finished this the The moment I had finished this speech,speech, the let the rein of forbearance danvesh,darwesh, mymy antagonist,antagonist, let the rein of forbearance from the hand of moderation unsheathed the dropdrop from the hand of moderation;; unsheathed the sabre of his set the steed of at sabre of his tonguetongue;; set the steed ofeloquence eloquence at full over the of fullspeed speed over theplain plain ofarrogance arrogance;; and,and,galloping galloping up to me, said : You have so exaggerated in their < "'u-p to me, said : You have so exaggerated in their and with such that praise,praise, and amplifiedamplified with such extravagance,extravagance, that we them an antidote to the we mightmight fancyfancy them an antidote to the poisonpoison of and a to the store-house of Pro- ::>f povertypoverty and a keykey to the store-house of Pro­ vidence are a fasti- vidence;; yetyetthey they are a proud,proud,self-conceited, self-conceited, fasti­ and insatiate after wealth and dious,dious, andoverbearing overbearingset, set, insatiate after wealth and and ambitious of rank and who property,property, and ambitious of rank and dignitydignity;; who not a word but to or exchangeexchange not a word but to expressexpress insolence,insolence, or a look but to show Men of science deigndeign a look but to showcontempt contempt Men of science call and the for theythey callbeggars, beggars, and theindigent indigentthey theyreproach reproach for their wretched Proud of the their wretched raggedness.raggedness. Proud of the propertyproperty and vain of the rank theytheypossess, possess, and vain of the rank theytheyclaim, claim,they they take the hand of and deem themselves take the upperupper hand of all,all, and deem themselves Nor do ever condescend everybody'severybody'ssuperior. superior. N or do theythey ever condescend to return unmindful of the to returnany anyperson's person'ssalutation,· salutation, unmindful of the maxim of the wise : That whoever is inferior to others maxim of the wise: That whoever is inferior to others in and is their in inhumility, humility, and is theirsuperior superior in opulence,opulence,though though in appearance he be rich, yet in reality he is a in appearance" he be rich, yet in reality he is a : If a worthless because of his beggarbeggar :-" If a worthless fellow,fellow, because of his wealth, treats a learned man with reckon wealth, treats a learned man withinsolence, insolence, reckon him the podex of an ass, he be the amber- him the podex of an ass,although although he be the amber­ ox." grisegrise ox." T : Do not calumniate the for are Ireplied replied: Do not calumniate therich, rich, forthey they are 266 SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKHSADL

the lords of munificence. He said : You mistake the lords of munificence. He said: You mistake them, for they are the slaves of dinars and dirams, or them, for they are the slaves of dinars and dirams, or their gold and silver coins. For example, what profits their gold and silver coins. For example, what profits it though they be the clouds of the spring, if they it thoughnot send theyus berain the orcloudsthe fountain of the ofspring,the if theyand may ; sun, mayshine not sendno usone rain;or or the fountainbe of the sun, andon upon ; though they mounted shine upon no one; or though they be mounted on the steed of capability, and advance not towards any- the steed of capability, and advance not towards any­ body ? They will not move a step for the sake of body? They will not move a step for the sake of God, nor bestow their charity without laying you God, nor bestow their charity without laying you under obligation and thanks. They hoard their under obligation and \ thanks. They hoard their money with solicitude, watch it while they live with money with solicitude, watch it while they live with sordid meanness, and leave it behind them with sordid meanness, and leave it behind them with deadening regret, verifying the saying of the wise: deadening regret, verifying the saying of the wise: That the money of the miser is coming out of the That the money of the miser is coming out of" the earth when he is himself going into it : One earth when he is himself going into it :-" One man hoards a treasure with pain and tribulation, man hoards a treasure with pain and tribulation, another comes and spends it without tribulation or another comes and spends it without tribulation or pain." I replied : You could have ascertained the parsi- I replied: You could have ascertained the parsi­ mony of the wealthy only through the medium of mony ownof the wealthy otherwiseonly throughto himthe mediumwho of your beggary ; lays your own beggary; otherwise to him who lays covetousness aside the generous man and miser seem covetousness aside the generous man and miser seem all one. The touchstone can prove which is pure all one. The touchstone can prove which is pure gold, and the beggar can say which is the niggard. gold, and the beggar can say which is the niggard. said : I of them from for He speak experience ; they He said: I speak of them from experience; for they station dependants by their doors, and plant surly station dependants by their doors, and plant surly porters at their gates, to deny admittance to the porters at their gates, to deny admittance to the worthy, and to lay violent hands upon the collars of worthy, and to lay violent hands upon the collars of : There is at and the elect, and say nobody home ; the elect, and say: There is nobody" at home; and verily they tell what is true : When the master ( verily they tell what is true :-" When the master has not reason or judgment, understanding or has not reason or judgment, understanding or SHAIKHSHAIKHSAD SADI.7. 267 discernment,discernment,the theporter porterreported reportedright rightof ofhim, him,saying saying:: ThereThereis isnobody nobodyin inthe thehouse." house."

I repliedI replied:: They Theyare areexcusable, excusable,inasmuch inasmuchas asthey they areareworried worried outout ofoftheir theirlives livesby byimportunate importunate memorialists,memorialists,and cmdjaded jadedto totheir theirhearts heartsby byindigent indigent solicitors and it be doubted solicitors;; and itmight might be reasonablyreasonably doubted whetherwhetherit itwould wouldsatisfy satisfythe theeye eyeof ofthe thecovetous covetousif if thethesands sandsof ofthe thedesert desertcould couldbe beturned turnedinto intopearls pearls:: < ~"The"The eye eyeof ofthe thegreedy greedyis isnot notto tobe befilled filledwith with worldlyworldlyriches, riches,any anymore morethan thana awell wellcan canbe bereplen- replen­ ishedishedfrom fromthe thedew dewof ofnight." night."-AndAnd had hadHatim HatimTayi, Tayi, whowhod \veltdweltin inthe thedesert, desert,come cometo tolive livein ina acity, city,he he wouldwouldhave havebeen beenoverwhelmed overwhelmedwith withthe theimportunities importunities ofofmendicants, mendicants,and andthey theywould wouldhave havetorn tornthe theclothes clothes " fromfromhis hisback back: :-"Look Looknot nottowards towardsme, me,lest lestthou thou shouldshoulddraw drawthe theeyes eyesof ofothers, others,for forat atthe themendi- mendi­ cant'scant'shand handno nogood goodcan canbe beexpected." expected."

HeHesaid said:: I Ipity pitytheir theircondition. condition. I Ireplied replied:: Not Not so but them their were so;; butyou youenvy envy them theirproperty. property. WeWe were thusthuswarm warmin inargument, argument,and andboth bothof ofus usclose closeengaged. engaged. WhateverWhateverchess chesspawn pawnhe hemight mightadvance advanceI wouldI wouldset set oneonein inopposition oppositionto toit; it;and andwhenever wheneverhe heput putmy my kingkingin incheck, check,I wouldI wouldrelieve relievehim himwith withmy myqueen; queen; tilltillhe hehad hadexhausted exhaustedall allthe thecoin coinin inthe thepurse purseof ofhis his resolution,resolution,and andexpended expendedall allthe thearrows arrowsof ofthe thequiver quiver " ofofhis hisargument. argument-"Take Takeheed heedand andretreat retreatnot notfrom from thetheorator's orator'sattack, attack,for fornothing nothingis isleft lefthim himbut but metaphormetaphorand andhyperbole. hyperbole. Wield"Vieldthy thypolemics polemicsand and lawlawcitations, citations,for forthe thewordy wordyrhetorician rhetoricianmakes makesa showa show ofofarms armsover overhis hisgate, gate,but buthas hasnot nota soldiera soldierwithin withinhis his fortfort:" :"-AtAt length, length,having havingno nosyllogism syllogismleft, left,I madeI made 268 SHAIKH SADI. 268 SHAIKH SADI. him crouch in mental submission. He stretched forth him crouch in mental submission. He stretched forth the arm of and with vain abuse. As the arm of violence,violence, and beganbegan with vain abuse. As is the case with the when beaten their is the case with the ignorant,ignorant, when beaten byby their in fair shake the chain of antagonistantagonist in fair argument,argument, theythey shake the chain of rancour like the when he could no rancour;; like Azor,Azor, the idol-maker,idol-maker, when he could no contend with his son Abraham in words he longerlonger contend with his son Abraham in words he fell him with as God has said in the fell uponupon him with blows,blows, as God has said in the Koran thou wilt not this I will over- Koran-IfIf tltott wilt not yieldyield tltis point,pot"nt, 1 will over­ w/telm thee ivith stones: He me and I Iwlzelm thee 'lvith st01U!S :-He gavegave me abuse,abuse, and I retorted him with he tore upon asperity ; my collar, retorted upon him with asperity;" he tore my collar, and I his beard : He had fallen me and I pluckedplucked his beard :-" He had fallen uponupon me and I and a crowd had round us and I uponupon him,him, and a crowd had gatheredgathered round us the A whole world the enjoyingenjoying the sport.sport. A whole world gnawedgnawed the of astonishment when it heard and understood ringerfinger of astonishment when it heard and understood what had taken between us." what had taken placeplace between us." In we referred our to the and In short,short, we referred our disputedispute to the cazi,cazi, and to abide his decree : That the agreed to abide byby his equitableequitable decree: That the of the or judgejudge of the Mussulmans,Mussulmans, or faithful,faithful, mightmight bringbring about a and discriminate for us between the about a peace,peace, and discriminate for us between the and rich. After noted our poorpoor and rich. After havinghaving noted our physiog-physiog­ and listened to our the cazi rested nomies,nomies, and listened to our statements,statements, the cazi rested his chin on the breast of deliberation after due his chin on the breast of deliberation;; and,and, after due raised and said : Be it known to consideration,consideration, raised it,it, and said: Be it known to you,you, who were lavish in of the and who were lavish in youryour praisepraise of the rich,rich, and spokespoke of the that there is no rose with- disparaginglydisparagingly of the poor,poor, that there is no rose with­ out its thorn intoxication from wine is followed out its thorn;; intoxication from wine is followed byby a hidden treasure has its a qualmqualm;; hidden treasure has its guardianguardian dragondragon;; where the is there swims the where the imperialimperial pearlpearl is found,found, there swims the shark the of man-devouringman-devouring shark;; the honeyhoney of worldlyworldly enjoy-enjoy­ ment has the of death in its and between ment has the stingsting of death in its rear;rear; and between us and the of stands a us and the felicityfelicity of paradiseparadise stands a frightfulfrightful SHAIKHSHAIKHSADLSADL 269

demon,demon, namely,namely, Satan.5atan.-""So 50 longlong asas thethe charmercharmer slewslew not not herher admirer,admirer, whatwhatcould could thetherival's rival's malicemalice availavail himhim?? TheThe roserose andand thorn,thorn, thethetreasure treasure andand dragon,dragon,joy joy andand sorrow,sorrow, allall minglemingle intointo one."one."-DoDo youyou notnot observeobserve thatthat inin thethe gardengarden therethere areare thethe sweet-scented willows and the withered trunks so sweet-scented willows and the withered trunks;; so amongamongthe theclasses classesof ofthe therich rich somesomeare aregrateful gratefuland and some thankless and the orders of the some thankless;; andamong among the orders of thepoor poor " are : < .,...some some are resignedresigned andand somesome impatientimpatient :-"Were Were everyeverydrop dropof ofdew dewto toturn turninto intoa apearl, ·pearl,in in thethemarket market pearlspearlswould wouldbe beas ascommon commonas asshells." shells." NearN earby bythe the thronethrone ofofa a greatgreat anda.nd gloriousglorious JudgeJudgeare are thetherich rich meekmeekin inspirit, spirit,and andthe thepoor poorrich rich inin resolution.resolution. AndAnd thethechief chiefof ofthe theopulent opulentis ishe hewho whosympathises sympathiseswith with the sorrows of the and the most virtuous of the sorrows of theindigent indigent;; and the most virtuous of thetheindigent indigentis ishe hewho whocovets covetsnot notthe the societysocietyof ofthe the opulentopulent: :-GodGod is isall-sufficient atl-suifidentfor forhim himwho whotrusts trustsin ilt God.God. ThenThen thethe cazicazi turnedturnedthe theface face ofofanimadversion animadversion fromfromme metowards towardsthe thedarwesh, darwesh,and andsaid said:: O 0 youyouwho who havehave chargedcharged thethe richrichwith with beingbeing activeactivein in sin,sin,and and intoxicatedintoxicated withwith thingsthings forbidden,forbidden, verilyverily therethere isis suchsuch aa tribetribeas asyou youhave havedescribed described them,them,illiberal illiberalin in their and of God's who are their bigotry,bigotry, and stingystingy of God'sbounty bounty;; who are collectingcollecting andandhoarding hoarding money,money,but butwill will neitherneither useuse it. for there nornorbestow bestow it If,If, for example,example, therewas wasa a drought,drought, oror ifif thethe wholewhole earthearth waswas delugeddeluged withwith aa flood,flood, confidentconfident ofoftheir their ownown abundance,abundance,they they wouldwould notnot inquireinquire afterafterthe the poorpoorman's man'sdistress, distress,and, and,fearless fearless ofof " the divine exclaim : in his the divinewrath, wrath, exclaim :-"If, If, in hiswant wantof ofevery- every­ another be I have thing,thing, anotherperson person beannihilated, annihilated, I haveplenty plenty;; SHAIKH SADL 270 SHAIKH SADI.

and what does a care for a ? Such as are and what does a goosegoose care for a deluge?deluge Such as are in their and in the lollinglolling z"n their /ltters,litters, and indulgingindulging z·n the easyeasy pacepace ofof a not the a female camel,camel, feelfeel not for the foot-travellerfoot-traveller perish­perish- amidst sands : The z"nging amidst overwhelmingoverwhelming sands :-The mean..;spirited,mean-spirited, when could with their own would when theythey could escapeescape with their own rugs,rugs, would : What care we should the whole world die." cry:cry What care we should the whole world die." Such as have stated there is a tribe Such as youyou have stated them,them, there is a tribe of rich men but there is another of rich men;; but there is another class,class, who,who, havinghaving the table of and made a spreadspread the table of abundance,abundance, and made a publicpublic declaration of their and smoothed the declaration of their munificence,munificence, and smoothed the brow of their are solicitous of a brow of their humility,humility, are solicitous of a reputationreputation and forgiveness, and desirous of enjoying this world and forgiveness, and desirous ~f enjoying this world and the next like unto the servants of his and the next;; like unto the servants of his majestymajesty the of the vic- the sovereignsovereign of the universe,universe, just,just, confirmed,confirmed, vic­ lord and of torious,torious, lord paramountparamount and conquerorconqueror of nations,nations, defender of the of successor of defender of the strongholdstronghold of Islamism,Islamism, successor of most of Solomon,Solomon, most equitableequitable of contemporarycontemporary kings,kings, Mozuffar-ud-din Atabak-Abubakr-Saad, God Mozuffar-ud-din Atabak-Abubakr-Saad, maymay God give him a long life, and grant victory to his give him a "long life, and grallt victory to his standards ! A father could never show such standards 1-" A father could never show such benevolence to his son as liberal hand has benevolence to his son as thythy liberal hand has bestowed the race of Adam. The was bestowed uponupon the race of Adam. The DeityDeity was desirous of a kindness man, and in desirous of conferringconferring a kindness uponupon man, and in his made thee of the world." his specialspecial mercymercy made thee sovereignsovereign of the world." Now that the cazi had carried his to this N ow that the cazi had carried his harangueharangue to this and had the steed of extreme,extreme, and had gallopedgalloped the steed of metaphormetaphor our we of beyondbeyond our expectation,expectation, we of necessitynecessity acquiescedacquiesced in the absolute decree of and in the absolute decree of beingbeing satisfied,satisfied, and for what had between us and apologisedapologised for what had passedpassed between us;; and after altercation we returned into the of after altercation we returned into the pathpath of laid the heads of at each reconciliation,reconciliation, laid the heads of reparationreparation at each SHAIKHSHAIK.lISADL SADI. 271

other'sother's feet,feet, mutuallymutually kissedkissed andand embraced,embraced,and, and, let-let­ ting mischief fall asleep, and war lull itself into peace, ting mischief fall asleep, and war lull itself into" peace, concludedconcluded thethewhole whole inin thesethese twotwoverses verses: :-"O 0 poorpoor manman!! complaincomplainnot notof ofthe the revolutionsrevolutions ofof fortune,fortune, forfor gloomygloomymight might bebe thythylot lot wertwert thouthou toto diedie inin suchsuch sentiments.sentiments. AndAnd now,now, O0 richrich manman!! thatthat thythy handhand andandheart heartadminister administerto tothy thypleasures, pleasures,spend spendand andgive give away,away, thatthat thouthou maystmayst enjoyenjoy thisthis worldworld andand thethe ~ .....next" next" CHAPTER VIII. CHAPTER VIII.

OF THE DUTIES OF SOCIETY. OF THE DUTIES OF SOCIETY.

L I. RICHES are intended for the comfort of and not RICHES are intended for the comfort of life, and not life for the of riches. I asked a life for the purpose of hoarding riches. I asked a wise man, : Who is the fortunate and wise man, saying:saying Who is the fortunate man, and who is the unfortunate ? He said : That man was who is the unfortunate? He said: That man was fortunate who and and that man un- fortunate who spent and gave away, and that man un­ fortunate who died and left behind : not for that fortunate who died and left behind :-"Pray"Pray not for that man who did for he good-for-nothing man who did nothing, for he passed his life in and did not them." his life in hoarding riches, and did not spend them."

II. II. The on whom be admonished The prophet Moses, on whom be peace, admonished Carum, Be bounteous in like manner as God Carum, saying: Be bounteous ill like manner as God has been bounteous to tliee: but he listened not, and you has been bounteous to thee :-but" he listened not, and you have heard the end of him. Whoever did not an act have heard the end of him.-" Whoever did not an act of with his silver and sacrificed his future of charity with his silver and gold, sacrificed his future on his hoard of and silver. If desirous prospects on his hoard of gold and silver. If desirous that thou shouldst benefit the wealth of this that thou shouldst benefit by the wealth of this world, be with as God has been be generous with thy fellow-creature, as God has been with thee." generous with thee." The Arabs : Show but make it The Arabs say :-Skow thytIl)' generosity, but make it SHAIKHSHAIKHSAD SADA.I 273

notnotobligatory, obligatory,that thatthe thebenefit benefitof ofit itmay 1nayredound redoundto to theet!tee: :-thatthat is, is,bestow bestow andand makemake presents,presents,but butdo do notnotexact exactan anobligation obligationthat thatthe theprofit profitof ofthat thatact act " maymay bebe returnedreturned totoyou. you.-"Wherever Wherever thethe treetreeof of generositygenerositystrikes strikesroot rootit itsends sendsforth forthits itsboughs, boughs,and and theytheyshoot shootabove abovethe theskies. skies. IfIfthou thoucherishest cherishesta ahope hope ofofenjoying enjoyingits itsfruit, fruit,by bygratitude gratitudeI Ientreat entreatof ofthee thee " notnotto tolay laya asaw sawupon uponits itstrunk." trunk."-"Render Renderthanks thanksto to his < God,"'God,that thatthou thouwert wertfound foundworthy worthyof of hisdivine divinegrace, grace, thatthathe hehas has not notexcluded excludedthee theefrom fromthe theriches richesof ofhis his bounty.bounty. EsteemEsteem itit nono obligationobligation thatthat thouthou artart servingservingthe the king,king,but butshow showthy thy gratitudegratitude totohim, him, namelynamelyGod, God,who whohas,hasplaced placedthee theein inthis thisservice." service."

III.III.

TwoTwopersons personslaboured labouredto toa avain, vain,and andstudied studiedto toan an unprofitableunprofitableend end:: he hewho whohoarded hoardedwealth wealthand anddid didnot not he science spendspendit, it,and and hewho whoacquired acquired scienceand anddid didnot not " practisepractiseit it: :-"However Howevermuch muchthou thouart artread readin intheory, theory, ififthou thouhast hastno nopractice practice thouthou artart.ignorant. ignorant. HeHeis is neitherneithera asage sagephilosopher philosophernor noran anacute acutedivine, divine,but buta a beastbeastof ofburthen burthenwith witha aload load of ofbooks. books. HowHowcan canthat that brainlessbrainlesshead headknow knowor orcomprehend comprehendwhether whetherhe hecarries carries " ononhis hisback backa alibrary libraryor orbundle bundleof offagots fagots?? "

IV.IV. -

LearningLearningis isintended intendedto tofortify fortifyreligious religiouspractice, practice, andandnot notto togratify gratifyworldly worldlytraffic traffic: :-WhoeverWhoever prosti- prosti­ tutedtutedhis histemperance, temperance,piety, piety,and andscience, science,gathered gatheredhis his harvestharvestinto intoa aheap heapand andset setfire fireto toit" it" 760 274 SHAIKH SADI. 274 SIfAIKH SADI.

V. V. An intemperate man of learning is like a blind An intemperate man of learning is like a blindit link-boy : He shows the road to others, but sees not link-boy:-He" shows the road to otlfers, but sees it not himself : whoever ventured his life on an unpro- himself:-" whoever ventured his life on an unpro­ ductive hazard gained nothing by the risk, and lost d uctive hazard gained nothing by the risk, and lost his own stake." his own stake." VI. VI. A kingdom is embellished by the wise, and A kingdom is embellished by the wise, and religion rendered illustrious by the pious. Kings religion rendered illustrious by the pious. Kings stand more in need of the company of the intelligent stand more in need of the company of the intelligent than the intelligent do of the society of kings : than the intelligent do of the society of kings:­ "If, O king ! thou wilt listen to my advice, in all "If, 0 king! thou wilt listen to my advice, in all thy archives thou canst not find a wiser maxim thy archives thou canst not find a wiser maxim than this : entrust thy concerns only to the learned, than this: entrust thy concerns only to the learned, notwithstanding business is not a learned man's notwithstandingconcern." business is not a learned man's concern. " VII. VII. Three things have no durability without their Three things have no durability without their concomitants : property without trade, knowledge concomitants: property without trade, knowledge without debate, or a sovereignty without government. without debate, or a sovereignty without government.

VIII. VIII. To compassionate the wicked is to tyrannise over To compassionate the wicked is to tyrannise over the and to the is to deal good ; pardon oppressor the good; and to pardon the" oppressor is to deal harshly with the oppressed: When thou harshly with the oppressed :-" When thou patronisestpatronisest and succourest the base-born man, he looks to be and succourest the base-born man, he looks to be made the partner of thy fortune." made the partner of thy fortune." SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADL 275275

IX.IX.

NoNo reliancereliance cancan bebe placedplaced onon thethe friendshipfriendship ofof kings,kings, nornor vainvain hopehope putput inin thethe melodiousmelodious voicevoice ofof for that like a and this boys;boys ; for that passespasses awayaway like a vision,vision, and this " vanishesvanishes likelike aa dreamdream :_rr: BestowBestow notnot thythy affectionsaffections a mistress has a thousand lovers if uponupon a mistress whowho has a thousand lovers; ; or,or, if < ..... - thouthou bestowestbestowest themthem uponupon her,her, bebe preparedprepared forfor aa separaseparation."tion." x.x.

RevealReveal notnot everyevery secretsecret youyou havehave toto aa friend,friend, forfor howhow cancan youyou telltell butbut thatthat friendfriend maymay hereafterhereafter becomebecome anan enemy.enemy. AndAnd bringbring notnot allall thethe mischiefmischief youyou areare ableable toto dodo uponupon anan enemy,enemy, forfor hehe maymay oneone dayday becomebecome youryour friend.friend. AndAnd anyany privateprivate affairaffair thatthat youyou wishwish toto keepkeep secret,secret, dodo notnot divulgedivulge toto anybody;anybody; for,for, thoughthough suchsuch aa personperson hashas youryour confidence,confidence, nonenone " cancan bebe soso truetrue toto youryour secretsecret asas yourselfyourself: :-" SilenceSilence isis safersafer thanthan toto communicatecommunicate thethe thoughtthought ofof thythy mindmind

toto anybody,anybody, andand toto warnwarn him,him, saying:saying : DoDo notnot divulgedivulge

it,it, 0O sillysilly man!man ! confineconfine thethe waterwater atat thethe dam-head,dam-head, forfor onceonce itit hashas aa ventvent thouthou canstcanst notnot stopstop it.it. ThouThou shouldstshouldst notnot utterutter aa wordword inin secretsecret whichwhich thouthou wouldstwouldst notnot havehave spokenspoken inin thethe faceface ofof thethe public."public."

XI.XI.

AA reducedreduced foe,foe, whowho offersoffers hishis submissionsubmission andand courtscourts youryour amity,amity, cancan onlyonly havehave inin viewview toto becomebecome aa strongstrong 276 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADLSADL enemy, as they have said : You cannot trust the enemy, as they have said : You cannot trust the sinceritysincerity ofof friends,friends, thenthen whatwhat areare youyou toto expectexpect fromfrom thethe cajolingcajoling ofof foesfoes?? WhoeverWhoever despisesdespises aa weakweak enemyenemy resemblesresembles himhim whowho neglectsneglects aa sparkspark ofof firefire:: " -" To-day that thou canstcanst quench it, put itit out; To-day that thou quench it, put out ; forfor letlet firefire riserise intointo aa flame,flaine, andand itit maymay consumeconsume aa wholewhole world.world. NowN ow thatthat thouthou canstcanst transfixtransfix himhim withwith thythy arrow,arrow, permitpermit notnot thythy antagonistantagonist toto stringstring hishis bow."bow."

XII.XII.

LetLet youryour verbalverbal intercourseintercourse betweenbetween twotwo rivalsrivals bebe suchsuch thatthat ifif theythey shouldshould hereafterhereafter compromisecompromise theirtheir " difference,difference, youyou maymay notnot bebe putput toto shameshame: :-"Between Between twotwo personspersons dissensiondissension ragesrages likelike aa fire,fire, andand thethe ill-conditionedill-conditioned tell-taletell-tale isis thethe bearerbearer ofof itsits fuel.fuel. ThisThis andand thatthat areare againagain ofof thethe- samesame wayway ofof thinking,thinking, andand thethe lucklessluckless go-betweengo-between standsstands thethe objectobject ofof bothboth theirtheir execration.execration. ItIt isis notnot prudentprudent toto kindlekindle aa firefire betweenbetween twotwo people,people, andand toto thrustthrust thyselfthyself intointo thethe " midstmidst ofof itsits flames."flames."-" SpeakSpeak inin anan under-voiceunder-voice withwith thythy friends,friends, lestlest thythy bloodthirstybloodthirsty foefoe maymay overhearoverhear whatwhat thouthou maystmayst say.say. BeBe cautiouscautious inin whatwhat thouthou utterestutterest beforebefore aa wall,wall, lestlest anan earear bebe listeninglistening behindbehind thethe wall."wall."

XIII.XIII.

WhoeverWhoever isis makingmaking aa leagueleague withwith theirtheir enemiesenemies hashas " itit inin hishis mindmind toto dodo hishis friendsfriends anan illill turnturn : :-"O 0 wisewise manman!! washwash thythy handshands ofof thatthat friendfriend whowho isis inin con-con­ federacyfederacy withwith thythy foes."foes." SHAIK1ISHAIKH SAD£.SADL 277

# XIV.XIV.

WhenWhen irresoluteirresolute inin thethe despatchdespatch ofof business,business, inclineincline " toto thatthat sideside whichwhich isis thethe leastleast offensiveoffensive :-": AnswerAnswer notnot withwith harshnessharshness aa mild-spokenmild-spoken man,man, nornor forceforce himhim intointo warwar whowho knocksknocks atat thethe gategate ofof peace."peace."

XV.XV. SoSo longlong asas moneymoney cancan answer,answer, itit werewere wrongwrong inin anyany businessbusiness toto putput thethe lifelife inin dangerdanger: :-asas thethe ArabsArabs saysay :-let: let thethe swordsword decidedecide afterafter stratagemstratagem hashas failed:failed: -""When When thethe handhand isis balkedbalked inin everyevery craftycrafty en­en- deavour,deavour, itit isis lawfullawful toto laylay itit uponupon thethe hilthilt ofof thethe sabre."sabre."

XVI.XVI. ShowShow nono mercymercy toto aa subduedsubdued foe,foe, forfor ifif hehe recoverrecover " himselfhimself hehe willwill showshow youyou nono mercymercy :-": WhenWhen thouthou seestseest thythy antagonistantagonist inin aa reducedreduced state,state, curlcurl notnot thythy whiskerswhiskers atat himhim inin contempt,contempt, forfor inin everyevery bonebone therethere isis marrow,marrow, andand withinwithin everyevery jacketjacket therethere isis aa man."man."

XVII.XVII. WhoeverWhoever putsputs aa wickedwicked manman toto deathdeath deliversdelivers mankind from his mischief, and the wretch himself mankind from his mischief," and the wretch himself fromfrom God'sGod's vengeancevengeance :-": BeneficenceBeneficence isis praise­praise- worthy;worthy; yetyet thouthou shouldstshouldst notnot administeradminister aa balsambalsam toto thethe woundwound ofof the the wicked.wicked. KnewKnew hehe notnot whowho tooktook compassioncompassion onon aa snake,snake, thatthat itit isis thethe pestpest ofof thethe sonssons ofof Adam."Adam." SHAIKH SADL 278 SHAIKH SADI.

XVIII. XVIII. ItItis iswrong wrongto tofollow followthe theadvice adviceof ofan anadversary; adversary; nevertheless it is to hear that do the nevertheless it isright right to hearit, it, thatyou youmay may do the and this is the essence of : contrary ; good policy " contrary; and this is the essence of good policy:­ "Sedulously Sedulouslyshun shunwhatever whateverthy thyfoe foemay mayrecommend, recommend, otherwiseotherwisethou thoumayst maystwring wringthe thehands handsof ofrepentance repentance on knees. he show thee to the a onthy thy knees. ShouldShould he show thee to theright right a as an turn aside from and pathpathstraight straight as anarrow, arrow, turn aside fromthat, that, and taketakethe thepath pathto tothe theleft." left."

XIX. XIX. deters from near ExcessiveExcessiveanger anger deterspeople people fromcoming coming near and ill-timed weakens Be you,you, and ill-timedlenity lenity weakensyour yourauthority. authority. Be not so severe as to cause shyness, nor so clement as to not so severe as to cause" shyness, nor so clement as to encourageencourageboldness boldness: :-"If Ifthou thouart artharsh, harsh,they theywill will of thee if the foe will be audacious fightfightshy shy of thee;; iflenient, lenient, the foe will be audacious and forward. It is best to with mild- and forward. It is best totemper temperseverity severity with mild­ like the who scarifies a and then ness,ness, like thesurgeon surgeon who scarifies asore, sore, and then a balsam. A wise man will not exceed in appliesapplies a balsam. A wise man will not exceed in nor his to lessen his austerity,austerity, norpermit permit hisclemency clemency to lessen hisdignity; dignity; will not overrate himself over-much hehe will not overrate himselfby by over-muchloftiness, loftiness, nor lower himself meanness." "A nor lower himselfby fiyabject abject meanness."-" Ashepherd shepherd addressed his : O wise man! teach me a addressed hisfather, father,saying saying: 0 wise man! teach me a maxim. He : Be so far benevolent as sagesage maxim. He repliedreplied: Be so far benevolent as notnotto toallow allowthe thesharp-fanged sharp-fangedwolf wolfto toget getinsolent" insolent" XX.xx. Two orders of mankind are the enemies of church Two orders of mankind are the enemies of church and state the without and the and state;; theking king withoutclemency, clemency, and theholy holy SHAIKHSHAIKHSAD SADI.I. 279

" manman withoutwithout learninglearning: :-"Let Let notnot thatthatprince prince havehave ruleruleover overthe thestate statewho whois isnot nothimself himselfobedient obedientto tothe the willwillof ofGod." God."

XXI.XXI.

ItItbehoves behovesa aking kingso soto toregulate regulatehis hisanger angertowards towards his enemies as not to alarm the confidence of his < ... -his enemies as not to alarm the confidence of his friends for the fire of falls first on the friends;; for the fire ofpassion passion falls first on theangry angry man afterwards its will dart forth towards man;; afterwards its sparkssparks will dart forth towards thethefoe, foe,and and himhim theytheymay mayreach, reach,or orthey theymay maynot. not.­ " "It Itill illbecomes becomesthe thechildren childrenof ofAdam, Adam,formed formedof ofdust, dust, totoharbour harbourin in theirtheirheads headssuch suchpride, pride,arrogance, arrogance,and and passion.passion. I I cannotcannot fancyfancy allall thisthis thythy warmthwarmth andand obstinacyobstinacyto tobe becreated created fromfrom earth,earth,but butfrom from fire.fire.-II wentwentto toa aholy holyman manin inthe theland landof ofBailcan, Bailcan,and andsaid said:: CleanseCleanse meme ofofignorance ignorance byby thythyinstruction instruction?? HeHe repliedreplied:: O0 fakih,fakih,or ortheologician theologician!! go goand and bearbearthings things patientlypatientlylike likethe theearth; earth;or orwhatever whateverthou thouhast hastread read letletit itall allbe beburied buriedunder underthe theearth." earth."

XXII.XXII.

AnAnevil-disposed evil-disposed manman isisa acaptive captivein inthe thehands handsof of an for wherever he anenemy enemy[namely, [namely,himself] himself];; for wherever hemay maygo go hehe cannotcannot escapeescape fromfrom the.the graspgrasp ofof thatthat enemy'senemy's " vengeancevengeance: :_HLet Leta awicked wickedman manascend ascendup upto toheaven, heaven, that he from the of even that hemay mayescape escape from thegrasp grasp ofcalamity calamity;; even thitherthitherwould wouldthe thehand handof ofhis hisown ownevil evilheart heartfollow follow himhimwith withmisfortune." misfortune." 2 So SHAIKH SADI. :230 SHAIKEI SAlJI.

XXIII.XXIII.

WhenWhen you seesee discorddiscord ragingraging amongamong thethe troopstroops ofof be on side but if see your enemy,enemy, be on your side quiet;quiet ; but if you see themthem united, thinkthink of your own disperseddispersed state:­state : " "WhenWhen thouthou beholdestbeholdest war amongamong thy foes,foes, gogo andand with friends but if thou findest them enjoyenjoy peace peace with thythy friends;; but if thou findest them ofof oneone soulsoul andand mind,mind, stringstring thythy bow,bow, andand rangerange stonesstones aroundaround thythy battlements."battlements."

XXIV. XXIV.

AA foefoe willwill shakeshake thethe chainchain ofof peacepeace whenwhen hehe hashas failedfailed in in allall hishis stratagems.stratagems. ThenThen hehe attemptsattempts toto effecteffect byby amityamity whatwhat hehe cannotcannot compasscompass asas anan openopen adversary.adversary. XXV. XXV. BruiseBruise thethe serpent'sserpent's headhead withwith thethe handhand ofof anan antagonist,antagonist, thatthat ofof twotwo thingsthings youyou maymay makemake suresure of of one for if the kill the ; adversary succeed, you reptile ; one; for if the adversary succeed, you kill the" reptile; and if this rid of a rival. Make not and if this prevail,prevail, youyou getget rid of a rival.-" l\1ake not sure of a weak on the of battle on sure of a weak enemyenemy on the dayday of battle;; for,for, on findingfinding himselfhimself desperate,desperate, hehe willwill teartear outout thethe brainbrain ofof aa lion."lion." XXVI. XXVI. KeepKeep toto yourselfyourself anyany intelligenceintelligence thatthat maymay proveprove unpleasant, till some person else has disclosed it. unpleasant," till some person else has disclosed it.­ " Bring,Bring, 0O nightingale!nightingale ! thethe gladglad tidingstidings ofof thethe spring,spring, andand leaveleave toto thethe owlowl toto bebe thethe harbingerharbinger ofof evil."evil." SlIAIKHSHAIKH SADLSAVIo 281

XXVII.

Do not inform the king of a person's treachery till informed of it otherwise labour fully informed of it yourself;yourself ; otherwise you may labour " to your own disgrace.-"disgrace. Open thy exordium and lay thy accusation when satisfied thy proofs must carry conviction." XXVIII.

vVhoeverWhoever is counselling a self-sufficient man stands himself in need of a counsellor.

XXIX.

Swallow not the wheedling of a rival, nor pay for the of a for that has laid the the ssycophancyycophancy of a parasite;parasite ; for that has laid the snare of ttreachery,reachery, and this whetted the palate of gluttony.-Thegluttony. The fool is puffed up with his own praise, like a dedeadad body, which on being stretched upon a " bier shows a momentary corpulency :-": Take heed and listen not to the sycophant's blandishments, who in return some small for expects in return some small compensation;compensation ; for shouldst thou any day disappoint his object he would in like style sum up two hundred of thy defects."

XXX.

Till some person may show its defects, the speech " of the orator will fail of correctness :-": Be not vain of the eloquence of thy discourse because it has the fool's good opinion, and thine own approbation." 282 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADI. SA.DIo

XXXI.XXXI.

Every person thinks his own intellect perfect, and Every person thinks his own intellect perfect, and his own child handsome :_UA Mussulman and a Jew his own child handsome : "A Mussulman and a Jew were warm in argument to such a degree that I were warm in argument to such a degree that I smiled at their subject. The M ussulman said in smiled at their subject. The Mussulman said in wrath: If this deed of conveyance be not authentic wrath: If this deed of conveyance be not authentic may I, 0 God, die a Jew! The Jew replied: On the may I, O God, die a Jew ! The Jew replied : On the Pentateuch I swear, if what I say be "false, I am a Pentateuch I swear, if what I say be 'false, I am a Mussulman like you! Were intellect to be annihi­ Mussulman like you ! Were intellect to be annihi- lated from the face of the earth, nobody could be lated from the face of the earth, nobody could be brought to say: I am ignorant." brought to say : I am ignorant."

XXXII.XXXII.

Ten people will partake of the same joint of meat, Ten people will partake of the same joint of meat, andand twotwo dogsdogswill will snarlsnarl overovera a wholewhole carcase.carcase. TheThe greedy man is incontinent with a whole world set greedy man is incontinent with a whole world set beforebefore himhim; thethe temperate manman isis contentcontentwith with hishis ; temperate crust of bread :_U" A loaf of brown bread may fill an crust of bread : A loaf of brown bread may fill an empty stomach, but the produce of the whole globe empty stomach, but the produce of the whole globe cannot satisfy a greedy eye :"-"" My father, when the cannot satisfy a greedy eye :" My father, when the sun of his life was going down, gave me this sage sun of his life was going down, gave me this sage advice, and it set for good, saying: Lust is a fire; and it set for : Lust is a fire advice, good, saying ; refrain from indulging it, and do not involve thyself in refrain from indulging it, and do not involve thyself in the flames of hell. Since thou hast not the strength the flames of hell. Since thou hast not the strength of burning in those flames [as a punishment in the of burning in those flames [as a punishment in the next world], pour in this world the water of continence next world], pour in this world the water of continence upon this fire-namely, lust." upon this fire namely, lust." SHAIKHSHAIKIISADL SADI. 283

XXXIII.XXXIII.

WhoeverWhoeverdoes doesnot notdo dogood, good,when whenhe hehas hasthe themeans means of doing it, will suffer hardship when he has not the of doing it, will suffer hardship when he has not the " meansmean3: :-"None None isis moremore unluckyunlucky thanthan thethe misan-misan­ thrope,thrope,for foron onthe theday dayof ofadversity adversityhe hehas hasnot nota asingle single friend."friend." XXXIV.XXXIV.

LifeLifestands stands onthe the verge ofofa a single breathbreath; andand on verge single ; thisthis worldworld isis anan existenceexistencebetween betweentwo two nonentities.nonentities.

SuchSuch asas trucktruck theirtheir deen,deen, oror religiousreligious practice,practice,for for worldlyworldlypelf pelfare are asses.asses. TheyTheysold sold Joseph,Joseph,and andwhat what gotgotthey theyby bytheir theirbargain bargain? ?-DidDid I 1not notcovenant covenantwith with you,you, O0 yeye sonssons ofofAdam, Adam, thatthatyou you shouldshouldnot 110t serveserve " Satan;Satan~·for forverily verilylie heis isyour youravowed avowedenemy: enemy:-"By Bythe the adviceadvice ofofa a foefoe you brokebroke yourfaith faithwith witha afriend friend; you your ; beholdbeholdfrom fromwhom whomyou youseparated, separated,and andwith withwhom whomyou you unitedunitedyourselves." yourselves." XXXV.XXXV.

Satandoes doesnot not prevailover overthe theelect elect; nornordoes doesthe the Satan prevail ; " kingkingover overthe thepoor poorand and bankruptbankrupt: :-"Trust Trustnot nothim him whowhoneglects neglects hishis prayersprayers toto God,God,though though hishis mouthmouth may verily gape widewide fromfrom hunger; forfor whoeverwhoever may verily gape hunger ; dischargesdischarges notnot hishis dutyduty toto thethe DeityDeitywill will equallyequally neglectneglecthis hisdebt debtto tothee." thee."

XXXVLXXXVL

WhateverWhatever isis producedproduced ini~ hastehaste goesgoes hastilyhastily toto " wastewaste: :-"I Ihave haveheard heard that,that,after aftera a processprocessof offorty forty 23 4 SHAIKH SADI.SADL years, they convert the clay of the East into a China porcelain cup. At Baghdad they can make an hundred cups in a day, and thou mayst of course conceive their respective value."-"value." "A A chicken walks forth from its and in of its food forth from its shell, and goes in quest of its food;; the young of man possesses not that instinct of prudence and discrimination. That which was at once comes to and this once something comes to nothing;nothing ; and this surpasses all creatures in dignity and wisdom. A piece of crystal or glass is foundfound everywhere, and held of no value a is with and there- value;; a ruby is obtained with difficulty, and there­ fore inestimable."

XXXVII.

Patience accomplishes its object, while hurry speeds " to its ruin :-": With my own eyes I saw in the desert that the deliberate man outstript him that had hurried on. The wind-footed steed is broken down in his speed, whilst the camel-driver jogs on with his beast to the end of his journey."

XXXVIII.

Nothing is so good for an ignorant man as silence, and if he knew this he would no longer be ignorantignorant:: -""When When unadorned with the grace of eloquence it is wise to keep watch over the tongue in the mouth.

The tongue, by abu.:-e,abu.-e, renders a man contemptible;contemptible ; levity in a nut is a sign of its being empty.empty.-AA fool was undertaking the instruction of an ass, and had SHA.lKH SA.DI. SHA1KPI SADI. 285 devoted his whole time to this occupation. A wise devoted his whole time to this occupation. A wise man said to him: What art thou endeavouring to do? man said to him : What art thou endeavouring to do? In this vain attempt dread the reproof of the censori­ In this vain attempt dread the reproof of the censori- ous! A brute can never learn speech from thee; do ous ! A brute can never learn from thee do speech ; thou learn silence from him :-That man who reflects thou learn silence from him : That man who reflects not before he speaks will only make all the more not before he speaks will only make all the more improper answer. Either like a man arrange thy improper answer. Either like a man arrange thy ~ ~. speech with judgment, or like a brute sit silent." speech with judgment, or like a brute sit silent."

XXXIX.XXXIX. Whoever shall argue with one more learned than Whoever shall argue with one more learned than himself that others may take him for a wise man, himself that others may take him for a wise man, only confirms them in his being a fool :-"" When a only confirms them in his being a fool : When a person superior to what thou art engages thee in person superior to what thou art engages thee in conversation do not contradict him, though thou conversation do not contradict him, though thou mayst know better." mayst know better." XL.XL.

HeHe cancan seesee nono goodgood whoWho willwill associateassociate withwith thethe wicked :_H" Were an angel from heaven to associate wicked : Were an angel from heaven to associate with a demon, he would learn his brutality, perfidy, with a demon, he would learn his brutality, perfidy, and hypocrisy. Virtue thou never canst learn of and hypocrisy. Virtue thou never canst learn of thethe viciousvicious; itit isis notnot thethe wolfswolf's occupation toto mend ; occupation mend skins"" [but to tear them]. skins [but to tear them].

XLI.XLL Expose not the secret failings of mankind, other­ Expose not the secret failings of mankind, other- wise you must verily bring scandal upon them and wise you must verily bring scandal upon them and distrust upon yourself. distrust upon yourself. 286 SHAIKH SADI.

XLII.XLIL

Whoever acquires knowledge and does not practise it resembles him who ploughs his land and leaves it unsown. XLIII.XLIIL

Expect no religious zeal from the heartless, nor profit from a nut-shell without a kernel.

XLIV.

It is not every man that is apt at argument that :_H" is expert in business : Many is the gracious form that is covered with a veil;veil but on withdrawing this ; on withdrawing thou discoverest a grandmother."

XLV.

Were every night a night of might, or the four­four- teenth night of the Mohammedan month Ramazan, then would the night of might become of little " might :-": Were every pebble a ruby of Badakhstan, pebbles and rubies would get of the same value."

XLVI.

It is not every man that has a handsome physical exterior that has a good moral character; for the good character ; the faculty of business or virtue resides in the heart and " not in the skin.-"skin. Thou canst in one day ascertain the intellectual faculties of a man, and what pro­pro- ficiency he has made in his degrees of knowledge; ficiency degrees knowledge ; SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI. 287 butbut bebe notnot securesecure ofof hishis mind,mind, nornor foolishlyfoolishly sure,sure, forfor itit maymay taketake yearsyears toto detectdetect thethe innateinnate basenessbaseness ofof thethe heart"heart." XLVII.XLVII.

WhoeverWhoever contendscontends withwith thethe greatgreat shedssheds hishis ownown blood :-"" Thou contemplatest thyself as a mighty blood : Thou contemplatest thyself as a mighty great man; andand they havehave truly remarkedremarked thatthat thethe great man ; they truly squintersquinter seessees double.double. Thou,Thou, whowho canstcanst inin playplay buttbutt withwith aa ram,ram, mustmust soonsoon findfind thyselfthyself withwith aa brokenbroken pate."pate." XLVIII.XLVIII.

ToTo grapplegrapple withwith aa lion,lion, oror toto boxbox againstagainst aa nakednaked scimitar,scimitar, areare notnot thethe actsacts ofof the the prudentprudent: :-""Brave Brave notnot thethe furiousfurious withwith warwar andand oppositionopposition beforebefore theirtheir armsarms ofof strengthstrength crosscross thythy handshands ofof submission."submission."

XLIX.XLIX.

AA weakweak man,man, whowho triestries hishis couragecourage againstagainst thethe strong, leagues with the foe to his own destruction: strong, leagues with the foe to his own destruction : " -" NurturedNurtured inin aa shade,shade, whatwhat strengthstrength cancan hehe havehave thatthat hehe shouldshould engageengage withwith thethe warlikewarlike inin battle;battle impotent ofof arm, hehe was falling the victim ; impotent arm, was falling the victim ofof follyfolly whenwhen hehe setset hishis wristwrist inin oppositionopposition toto aa wristwrist ofof iron."iron."

L.L.

WhoeverWhoever willwill notnot listenlisten toto admonitionadmonition harboursharbours of " thethe fancyfancy of hearinghearing reprehensionreprehension :-": WhenWhen adviceadvice gainsgains notnot anan admissionadmission intointo thethe ear,ear, ifif II givegive theethee reproof,reproof, hearhear itit inin silence."silence." 228888 SHAIKHSHA.lI(II SADLSADL

LI.LI.

TheThe idleidle cannotcannot endureendure thethe industriousindustrious anyany moremore thanthan thethe curscurs ofof thethe market-place,market-place, who,who, onon meetingmeeting dogsdogs employedemployed forfor sporting,sporting, willwill snarlsnarl atat andand preventprevent themthem passing.passing.

LII.LII.

AA meanmean wretch,wretch, thatthat cannotcannot vievie withwith anotheranother inin " virtue,virtue, willwill assailassail himhim withwith malignitymalignity : :-"The The narrow-narrow­ mindedminded envierenvier willwill somehowsomehow managemanage toto revilerevile thee,thee, whowho inin thythy presencepresence mightmight havehave thethe tonguetongue ofof hishis utteranceutterance struckstruck dumb."dumb."

LIU.LIII.

WereWere itit notnot fromfrom thethe cravingscravings ofof thethe belly,belly, notnot aa birdbird wouldwould fallfall intointo thethe snaresnare; nay, thethe fowlerfowler wouldwould ; nay, " findfind itit ofofno no useuse toto spreadspread hishis net.net-"The The bellybelly forgesforges manaclesmanacles forfor thethe wrists, andand fettersfetters forfor thethe legs; thethe wrists, legs ; slaveslave ofofthe the bellybelly neglectsneglects hishis worshipworship ofof the the Deity."Deity."

LIV.LIV.

Philosophers eateat theirtheir mealsmeals afterafter long intervalsintervals; Philosophers long ; abids, oror monks, taketake halfhalf aa bellyful; zahids, oror abids, monks, bellyful ; zahids, hermits, whatwhat isis sufficientsufficient toto sustainsustain lifelife; young hermits, ; young men, allall thatthat isis inin thethe dishdish; thethe oldold eateat tilltill they men, ; they sweatsweat again; butbut kalandarskalandars gorge toto suchsuch aa degree again ; gorge degree asasnot not toto leaveleave insideinsideof ofthem themroom roomenough enough toto breathe,breathe, " Fbr oror onon thethe dishdish whatwhat mightmight satisfysatisfy aa flyfly : :-"For twotwo nightsnights thethe gluttonglutton cannotcannot sleepsleep forfor thinking,thinking, firstfirst onon anan empty,empty, andand nextnext onon aa satedsated stomach."stomach." SHA.lKHSHAIKH SAD.l.SADL 289

LV.LV.

ToTo holdhold counselcounsel withwith womenwomen isis bad,bad, andand toto dealdeal " generouslygenerously withwith prodigalsprodigals aa faultfault :-": ShowingShowing mercymercy uponupon thethe sharp-fangedsharp-fanged pardpard mustmust proveprove anan injusticeinjustice toto thethe harmlessharmless sheep."sheep."

LVI.LVI.

WhoeverWhoever hashas hishis foefoe atat hishis mercy,mercy, andand doesdoes notnot " killkill him,him, isis hishis ownown enemyenemy :-": WithWith aa stone stone inin hishis hand,hand, andand thethe snake'ssnake's headhead convenient,convenient, aa wisewise manman hesitateshesitates notnot inin crushingcrushing it"it" CertainCertain peoplepeople havehave seenseen thisthis maximmaxim inin anan oppositeopposite pointpoint ofof view,view, saying:saying : ItIt werewere wiserwiser toto delaydelay thethe executionexecution ofof captives,captives, inasmuchinasmuch asas thethe optionoption isis leftleft so that can or can release them but so that youyou can slay,slay, or youyou can release them; ; but ifif youyou shallshall havehave heedlesslyheedlessly putput themthem toto death,death, thethe policypolicy isis defunct,defunct, forfor thethe opportunityopportunity ofof repairingrepairing itit " isis lostlost :-": ThereThere isis nono greatgreat difficultydifficulty toto separateseparate thethe soulsoul fromfrom thethe body,body, butbut itit isis notnot soso easyeasy toto restorerestore lifelife toto thethe dead:dead : prudenceprudence dictatesdictates patiencepatience inin givinggiving thethe arrowarrow flight,flight, forfor letlet itit quitquit thethe bowbow andand itit nevernever cancan bebe recalled."recalled."

LVII.LVII.

AA learnedlearned manman whowho hashas gotgot intointo anan argumentargument withwith thethe ignorantignorant cancan havehave nono hopeshopes ofof supportingsupporting hishis own and if an his own dignity;dignity ; and if an ignoramusignoramus byby his loquacityloquacity getsgets thethe upperupper handhand itit shouldshould notnot surprisesurprise us,us, forfor hehe " is a is a stonestone andand cancan bruisebruise aa gemgem :-": NoNo wonderwonder ifif 776161 SHAIKH SADI. 2 9o SHAIKH SADL hishis spirit flag; thethe nightingale isis cooped up inin thethe spirit flag ; nightingale cooped up same cage with the crow:-If the man of sense isis same cage with the crow : If the man of sense coarsely treated by the vulgar, let it not excite our coarsely treated by the vulgar, let it not excite our wrathwrath andand indignation; ififa a pieceof ofworthless worthless stonestone indignation ; piece can bruise a cup of gold, its worth is not increased, can bruise a cup of gold, its worth is not increased, nor that of the gold diminished." nor that of the gold diminished."

LVIILLVIII.

NoNowonder wonder thatthat aa wisewise manman isis notnot listenedlistened toto inin a company of low people, for the sound of the barbut a company of low people, for the sound of the barbut is lost amidst the rattling of the great drum, and the is lost amidst the rattling of the great drum, and the odour of ambergris overcome by the fector of garlic:­ odour of ambergris overcome by the fcetor of garlic : "The loud bawling of the ignorant reared its crest, "The loud bawling of the ignorant reared its crest, because it was brow-beating the learned by its because it was brow-beating the learned by its effrontery: art thou not aware that the musical mode effrontery : art thou not aware that the musical mode of Hijaz is confounded by the noise of the warlike of Hijaz is confounded by the noise of the warlike " drumdrum? ?" Lix.LIX. Let a gem fall into the mire, and it remains the Let a gem fall into the mire, and it remains the samesame precious stonestone itit waswas; andand letletdust dustbe bewhirled whirled precious ; up to heaven, and it retains its base origin. up to heaven, and it retains its base origin.

LX.LX. Genius without education is the subject of our Genius without education is the subject of our regret, and education without genius is labour lost regret, and education without genius is labour lost. Although embers have a lofty origin (fire being of a Although embers have a lofty origin (fire being of a noble nature), yet, as having no intrinsic worth, they noble nature), yet, as having no intrinsic worth, they fallfall upon aa levellevel withwith common dustdust; onon thethe otherother upon common ; SHAIKH SADL 291 SHAIKH SADI. hand, sugar does not derive its value from the cane, .hand, sugar does not derive its value" from the cane, but from its own innate : Inasmuch as the but from its own innate qualityquality :-" Inasmuch as the of Canaan was his descent from the dispositiondisposition of Canaan was bad,bad, his descent from the Noah stood him in no stead. Pride prophetprophet Noah stood him in no stead. Pride thyselfthyself on what virtue thou and not on ; on what virtue thou hast,hast, and not on thythy parentage;parentage the rose springs from a thorn-bush, and Abraham the rose springs" from a thorn-bush, and Abraham from Azor his father's or from Azor " [either[either his father's name,name, or fire].fire].

LXL LXI. That is musk which discloses itself by its smell, That is musk which discloses itself by its smell," and not what the us : If a and not what the perfumersperfumers imposeimpose uponupon us :-" If a man be in art he needs not tell for his man be expertexpert in anyany art he needs not tell it,it, for his own skill will show it" own skill will show it" LXIL LXIL A wise man like a vase in a A wise man is,is, like a vase in a druggist'sdruggist's shop,shop, silent, but full of virtues and the man silent, but full of virtues; ; and the ignorantignorant man resembles the drum of the warrior, being full of resembles the drum of the warrior," being full of and an babbler : The devout noise,noise, and an emptyempty babbler :-" The sincerelysincerely devout have remarked that a learned beset the have remarked that a learned man,man, beset byby the is like one of the in a circle of the illiterate,illiterate, is like one of the lovelylovely in a circle of the or the Koran in the of the blind,blind, or the holyholy Koran in the dwellingdwelling of the infidel." infidel." LXIII. LXIII. A friend whom they take an age to conciliate, A friend whom they take an age to" conciliate, it were all at once to alienate : In a series it were wrongwrong all at once to alienate :-" In a series of a stone into a take of yearsyears a stone changeschanges into a ruby;ruby ; take heed,heed, and it not at once it and destroydestroy it not at once byby dashingdashing it againstagainst another stone." another stone." 292 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI.

LXIV.LXIV.

ReasonReason isis inin likelike mannermanner enthralledenthralled byby passion,passion, asas anan uxoriousuxorious manman isis inin thethe handshands ofof anan artfulartful woman.woman.-"ThouU Thou maystmayst shutshut thethe doordoor ofof joyjoy uponupon thatthat dwellingdwelling wherewhere thouthou nearesthearest resoundingresounding thethe scoldingscolding voicevoice ofof aa woman."woman."

LXV.LXV.

Intellect,Intellect, withoutwithout firmness,firmness, isis craftcraft andand chicanery;chicanery; andand firmness,firmness, withoutwithout intellect,intellect, perversenessperverseness andand " obstinacyobstinacy:-cc: First,First, prudence,prudence, goodgood sense,sense, andand dis-dis­ crimination,crimination, andand thenthen dominion;dominion; forfor thethe dominiondominion andand goodgood fortunefortune ofof thethe ignorantignorant areare thethe armourarmour ofof rebellionrebellion againstagainst God."God."

LXVI.LXVI.

TheThe sinnersinner whowho spendsspends andand givesgives awayaway isis betterbetter thanthan thethe devoteedevotee whowho begsbegs andand layslays by.by.

. LXVII,LXVII.

WhoeverWhoever foregoesforegoes carnalcarnal indulgenceindulgence inin orderorder toto getget thethe goodgood opinionopinion ofof mankind,mankind, hashas forsakenforsaken aa lawfullawful passionpassion andand involvedinvolved himselfhimself inin whatwhat isis forbiddenforbidden : :­ " "What,What, wretchedwretched creaturecreature!! cancan thatthat hermithermit seesee inin hishis ownown tarnishedtarnished mirror,mirror, oror heart,heart, whowho retiresretires toto aa cell,cell, " butbut notnot forfor thethe sakesake ofofGod God?"? SHAIKH SADI. SHAIKH SA.DI. 293293

LXVIII.LXVIII.

LittleLittle uponupon littlelittle makesmakes a amuckle,muckle, andand dropdrop uponupon " little dropdrop gathersgathers intointo a atorrenttorrent :_H: A Alittlelittle andand a alittle becomesbecomes a agreatgreat deal,deal, andand graingrain uponupon graingrain a abarnfulbarnful ofof corn."corn." LXIX.LXIX. r_ A Awisewise manman shouldshould notnot throughthrough clemencyclemency overlookoverlook thethe insolenceinsolence ofof thethe vulgar,vulgar, otherwiseotherwise bothboth sustainsustain a a loss,loss, forfor theirtheir respectrespect forfor himhim is islessenedlessened andand theirtheir ownown brutalitybrutality confirmedconfirmed: :_H When"When thouthou addressestaddressest thethe lowlow withwith urbanityurbanity andand kindness,kindness, it itonlyonly addsadds toto theirtheir pridepride andand arrogance."arrogance."

LXX.LXX.

SinSin is isreprehensible,reprehensible, whoeverwhoever thethe transgressortransgressor maymay be,be, andand moremore soso withwith menmen ofof learning,learning, forfor knowledgeknowledge is the for with Satan and when is the weaponweapon for contendingcontending with Satan; and; when an armed man is taken prisoner, the stain of his an armed man is taken prisoner," the stain of his disgracedisgrace is isallall thethe deeperdeeper :_H: AnAn ignorantignorant andand lowlow man,man, ofof dissolutedissolute morals,morals, is ispreferablepreferable toto a alearnedlearned man without for that lost his from man without temperance;temperance for; that lost his wayway from a adefectdefect ofof sight,sight, butbut thisthis withwith bothboth eyeseyes openopen walkedwalked intointo a apit."pit."

LXXI.LXXI.

SuchSuch asas ateate notnot hishis breadbread duringduring lifelife willwill notnot praisepraise himhim nownow hehe is isdead.dead. 294 SIIAIKH SADI. 294 SHAIKH SADI.

LXXII.LXXII. The poor widow relishes the grapes, and not the The poor widow relishes the grapes, and not the great man that owns the fruit great man that owns the fruit

LXXIII.LXXIII. The benevolent Joseph, on whom be blessing, would The benevolent Joseph, on whom be blessing, would not, during the scarcity in Egypt, eat his fill, that he not, during the scarcity in Egypt, eat his fill, that he might keep the hungry in remembrance :-"" Who­ might keep the hungry in remembrance : Who- ever may indulge in ease and plenty, what can he feel ever may indulge in ease and plenty, what can he feel for the condition of the hungry? That man can for the condition of the hungry? That man can judge of the state of the distressed, who amidst his judge of the state of the distressed, who amidst his abundance is temperate and frugal :-Be aware, 0 abundance is temperate and frugal : Be aware, O thou! who art mounted upon a prancing steed, that thou ! who art mounted upon a prancing steed, that the poor thorn-bearing ass sticks in the flood and the poor thorn-bearing ass sticks in the flood and mire. Conclude not that there is a fire in the hovel mire. Conclude not that there is a fire in the hovel of thy indigent neighbour, the smoke that thou seest of thy indigent neighbour, the smoke that thou seest issuing from his chimney is the sigh of his heart." issuing from his chimney is the sigh of his heart."

LXXIV.LXXIV. In a season of drought and scarcity ask not the In a season of drought and scarcity ask not the distressed darwesh, saying: HoW' are you? Unless distressed danvesh, saying: How are you? Unless on the condition that you apply a balm to his wound, on the condition that you apply a balm to his wound, and supply him with the means of subsistence:­ and supply him with the means of subsistence : " "The ass which thou seest stuck in the slough with The ass which thou seest stuck in the slough with his rider, compassionate from thy heart, otherwise his rider, compassionate from thy heart, otherwise do not go near him. N ow that thou wentest and do not go near him. Now that thou wentest and SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL 295295 askedestaskedest himhim howhow hehe fell,fell, likelike a asturdysturdy fellowfellow bindbind upup thythy loins,loins, andand taketake hishis assass byby thethe tail."tail."

LXXV.LXXV.

TwoTwo thingsthings areare repugnantrepugnant toto reason:reason : toto expendexpend moremore thanthan whatwhat ProvidenceProvidence hashas allottedallotted forfor us,us, andand toto " diedie beforebefore ourour ordainedordained time.-"time. WhetherWhether offeredoffered upup inin gratitude,gratitude, oror uttereduttered inin complaint,complaint, destinydestiny cannotcannot bebe alteredaltered byby a athousandthousand sighssighs andand lamentations.lamentations. TheThe angelangel whowho presidespresides overover thethe store-housestore-house ofof thethe windswinds feelsfeels nono compunction,compunction, thoughthough hehe extinguishextinguish thethe oldold woman'swoman's lamp."lamp."

LXXVI.LXXVI.

oO youyou thatthat areare goinggoing inin questquest ofof food,food, sitsit down,down, thatthat youyou maymay havehave toto eat.eat. And,And, 0 Oyouyou thatthat deathdeath isis inin questquest of,of, gogo notnot on,on, forfor youyou cannotcannot carrycarry lifelife aloalongng withwith you.-"you. "InIn searchsearch ofof thythy dailydaily bread,bread, whetherwhether thouthou cxertestexertest thyself,thyself, oror whetherwhether thouthou dostdost not,not, thethe GodGod ofof MajestyMajesty andand GloryGlory willwill equallyequally provideprovide it.it. WertWert thouthou toto walkwalk intointo thethe mouthmouth ofof a a tigertiger oror lion,lion, hehe couldcould notnot devourdevour thee,thee, unlessunless byby thethe ordinanceordinance ofof thythy destiny."destiny."

LXXVII.LXXVII.

WhateverWhatever waswas notnot designed,designed, thethe handhand cannotcannot reach and whatever was it can attain in reach; ; and whatever was ordained,ordained, it can attain in " anyany situationsituation :-": ThouThou hasthast heardheard thatthat AlexanderAlexander gotgot 296 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADI. SADI.

as far as chaos; but afterall all this toil he drank not as far as chaos ; but after this toil he drank not thethewater waterof ofimmortality." immortality."

LXXVIII.LXXVIII.

TheThefisherman, fisherman,unless unlessit itbe behis hislot, lot,catches catchesno nofish fish ininthe the Tigris;and andthe the fish,unless unlessit itbe beits its fate,does does Tigris ; fish, fate, " notnotdie dieon onthe thedry dryland. land.-"The Thewretched wretchedmiser miseris is prowling all over the world, he in quest of pelf, and prowling all over the world, he in quest of pelf, and deathdeathin inquest questof ofhim." him."

LXXIX.LXXIX.

Thesinful sinfulrich rich manis isa a pieceof of gildedearth earth;and· and The man piece gilded ; thetheholy holydarwesh darwesha asoil-tarnished soil-tarnishedcharmer. charmer. ThisThisthe the patchedpatchedcloak cloakof ofMoses, Moses,and andthat thatthe theembroidered em broidered mantlemantleof ofPharaoh. Pharaoh.

LXXX.LXXX.

TheThebad badfortune fortuneof ofthe thegood goodturns turnstheir theirfaces facesup upto to heaven,heaven,and andthe thegood goodfortune fortuneof ofthe thebad badbows bowstheir their headsheadsdown downto tothe theearth. earth.-"Whoever"Whoever possesses possessespower power andanddominion, dominion,and andshows showsnot notwithal withala ameek meekdisposi- disposi­ tion,tion,tell tellhim himhe heshall shallnot, not,in inthe thekingdom kingdomto tocome, come, meetmeetwith witheither eitherpower poweror ordominion." dominion."

LXXXI.LXXXI.

TheTheenvious enviousman manis isniggard niggardof ofthe thegifts giftsof ofProvi- Provi­ " dence,dence,and andan anenemy enemyof ofthe theinnocent innocent: :-"I Imet meta adry- dry­ brainedbrainedfellow fellowof ofthis thissort, sort,tricked trickedforth forthin inthe therobe robe SADL SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI. 297297

of ! ofa a dignifieddignified person.person. I I saidsaid:: O0 sirsir! ififthou thou artart unfortunateunfortunate inin havinghavingthis this disposition,disposition,in inwhat whathave have thethefortunate fortunatebeen been toto blameblame?-? TakeTakeheed, heed,and andwish wish notnot misfortunemisfortune toto thethe misanthrope,misanthrope, forfor hishis ownown ill-ill­ conditionedconditioned lotlotis iscalamity calamitysufficient. sufficient. WhatWhatneed need isis therethere ofofshowing showing ill-willill-will toto him,him,who who hashas suchsuch anan enemyenemyclose closeat athis hisheels." heels."

LXXXII.LXXXII.

AA scholarscholar withoutwithout diligencediligence isis aa loverlover withoutwithout a traveller without is a bird moneymoney;; a traveller without knowledgeknowledge is a bird without a theorist without is a tree withoutwings wings;; a theorist without practicepractice is a tree without fruit and a devotee without is a without fruit;; and a devotee without learninglearning is a househousewithout withoutan anentrance. entrance.

LXXXIII. LXXXIII.

TheThe objectobject ofof sendingsending thethe KoranKoran downdown fromfrom heavenheavenwas wasthat thatmankind mankindmight might makemakeit ita amanual manualof of morals,morals,and andnot notthat thatthey theyshould shouldrecite reciteit itby bysections. sections.

LXXXIV. LXXXIV.

The sincere has on foot the The sincere publicanpublican hasproceeded proceeded on foot;; the slothfulslothfulPharisee Phariseeis ismounted mountedand andgone goneasleep. asleep.

LXXXV. LXXXV.

TheThesinner sinnerwho whohumbles humbleshimself himselfin inprayer prayeris is moremore acceptableacceptable thanthan thethe devoteedevotee whowho isis puffedpuffed upupwith with 298 SHAIKI:lSHAIKH SA.DI.SADL

" pride.-"pride. TheThe courteouscourteous andand kind-heartedkind-hearted soldiersoldier ofof fortunefortune isis betterbetter thanthan thethe misanthropicmisanthropic andand learnedlearned divine."divine."

LXXXVI.LXXXVI.

AA learnedlearned manman withoutwithout worksworks isis aa beebee withoutwithout " honey ;-" TellTell thatthat harshharsh andand ungenerous hornet: : As honey ; ungenerous hornet As thouthou yieldestyieldest nono honey,honey, woundwound notnot withwith thythy sting."sting."

LXXXVII.LXXXVII.

A man withoutwithout humanity isis aa woman; andand anan A man humanity woman ; avariciousavaricious devoteedevotee aa highwayhighway robber.-"robber. "Thou Thou who,who, toto getget aa namename inin thethe opinionopinion ofof mankind,mankind, hasthast putput onon aa whitewhite robe,robe, thythy reputationreputation isis black.black. WhetherWhether thythy sleevesleeve bebe shortshort oror long,long, itit behovesbehoves theethee toto contractcontract thythy intercourseintercourse withwith thethe world."world."

LXXXVIII.LXXXVIII.

TwoTwo ordersorders ofof mankindmankind cannotcannot letlet regretregret quitquit theirtheir thoughts,thoughts, nornor withdrawwithdraw theirtheir feetfeet fromfrom thethe sloughslough ofof self-delusion:self-delusion : thethe merchantmerchant whowho hashas sufferedsuffered ship­ship- wreck,wreck, andand thethe heirheir whowho associatesassociates withwith kalandars.­kalandars. " " UnlessUnless thythy propertyproperty bebe givengiven forfor theirtheir specialspecial endowment,endowment, sheddingshedding thythy bloodblood werewere aa mattermatter ofof indifferenceindifference withwith monks.monks. EitherEither gogo notnot toto associateassociate withwith thethe blue-frockedblue-frocked gentry,gentry, oror drawdraw thethe fingerfinger ofof aa blotblot overover thythy propertyproperty andand family.family. EitherEither makemake notnot companionscompanions ofof elephant-drivers,elephant-drivers, oror buildbuild thyselfthyself aa househouse fitfit toto accommodateaccommodate anan elephant"elephant" SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL 299299

LXXXIX.LXXXIX. ThoughThough aa dressdress presentedpresented byby thethe sovereignsovereign bebe honourable,honourable, yetyet isis ourour ownown tatteredtattered garmentgarment prefer-prefer­ able and the viands at a man's table be able;; and thoughthough the viands at a greatgreat man's table be delicate,delicate, yetyet isis ourour ownown homelyhomely farefare moremore sweetsweet:­: " our own "AA saladsalad andand vinegar,vinegar, thethe produceproduce ofof our own industry,industry, areare sweetersweeter thanthan thethe lamblamb andand breadbread saucesauce atat thethe tabletable ofof ourour villagevillage chief."chief."

xc.xc. ItI t isis contrarycontrary toto soundsound judgment,judgment, andand repugnantrepugnant toto thethe maximsmaxims ofofthe the prudent,prudent, toto taketake aa medicinemedicine onon conjecture,conjecture, oror toto followfollow aa roadroad butbut inin thethe tracktrack ofof thethe caravan.caravan. XCI.XCI. TheyThey askedasked ImaamImaam MursheedMursheed Mohammed-bin-Mohammed-bin­ Mohammed on whom be God's how l\1:~hammed Ghazali,Ghazali,oll whom be God's mercy,mercy, how hehe hadhad reachedreached suchsuch aa pitchpitch ofof knowledge.knowledge. HeHe repliedreplied:: WhateverWhatever II waswas ignorantignorant ofof myself,myself, II feltfelt nono " shameshame inin askingasking ofof othersothers ::-" ThyThy prospectprospect ofof healthhealth conformsconforms withwith reason,reason, whenwhen thythy pulsepulse isis inin chargecharge ofof aa skilledskilled physician.physician. AskAsk whateverwhatever thouthou knowestknowest not;not; forfor thethe condescensioncondescension ofof inquiringinquiring isis aa guideguide onon thythy roadroad inin thethe excellenceexcellence ofof learning."learning."

XCII.XCII. AnythingAnything youyou foreseeforesee thatthat youyou maymay somehowsomehow comecome toto know,know, bebe notnot hastyhasty inin questioning,questioning, lestlest youryour SHAIKH SADI. 330000 SHAIKH SADI. " consequenceconsequence andand respectabilityrespectability maymay suffersuffer :-": WhenWhen LucmanLucman perceivedperceived thatthat in·in thethe handshands ofof DavidDavid ironiron waswas miraculouslymiraculously mouldedmoulded likelike wax,wax, hehe askedasked himhim that not,not, HowHow didstdidst thouthou dodo it?it? forfor hehe waswas awareaware that his without hehe shouldshould knowknow it,it, throughthrough his ownown wisdom,wisdom, without asking."asking."

XCIII.XCIII.

ItIt isis oneone ofof thethe lawslaws ofof goodgood breedingbreeding thatthat youyou shouldshould foregoforego anan engagement,engagement, oror accommodateaccommodate your­your- " selfself toto thethe mastermaster ofof thethe entertainmententertainment :-": IfIf thouthou knowestknowest thatthat thethe inclinationinclination isis reciprocal,reciprocal, accommo­accommo- datedate thythy storystory toto thethe tempertemper ofof thethe hearer.hearer. AnyAny discreetdiscreet manman thatthat waswas inin Mujnun'sMujnun's companycompany wouldwould entertainentertain himhim onlyonly withwith encomiumsencomiums onon Laila."Laila."

XCIV.XCIV.

WhoeverWhoever associatesassociates withwith thethe profligate,profligate, thoughthough hehe maymay notnot be be impressedimpressed withwith theirtheir badbad habits,habits, willwill be with their evil in like be chargedcharged with followingfollowing their evil ways;ways ; in like mannermanner asas ifif aa personperson withdrewwithdrew intointo aa dram-shop,dram-shop, forfor thethe purposepurpose ofof sayingsaying hishis prayers,prayers, theythey wouldwould suspectsuspect " himhim ofof havinghaving gonegone toto tippletipple :-": ThouThou hasthast incurredincurred uponupon thyselfthyself thethe charactercharacter ofof ignorance,ignorance, becausebecause thouthou choosestchoosest toto associateassociate withwith thethe ignorant-Iignorant. I askedasked aa learned man to me his advice he me learned man to givegive me his advice;; he enjoinedenjoined me not to with the for if the not to keepkeep companycompany with the ignorant;ignorant ; for if the oracle of the in I should become an ass oracle of the ageage in learning,learning, I should become an ass;; and,and, ifif naturallynaturally weak,weak, anan absoluteabsolute idiot"idiot" SHAIKH SADL 301 SHAIKH SA.DI. 301

XCV.xcv.

Such is the of a that Such is the acknowledgedacknowledged docilitydocility of a camel,camel, that were a child to take it the and lead it for a were a child to take it byby the halter,halter, and lead it for a hundred it would not him but hundred parasangs,parasangs, it would not disobeydisobey him;; but should such a come in the way should such a dangerousdangerous precipiceprecipice come in the way as his life in and the in his as mightmight putput his life in jeopardy,jeopardy, and the child,child, in his in it it would tear the ignorance,ignorance, persistpersist in pushingpushing it on,on, it would tear the rein from his hand and refuse to rein from his hand and refuse anyany longerlonger to obeyobey him for at the instant of a it were him;; for at the instant of a difficultydifficulty it were repre-repre­ hensible to stand on On the other hensible to stand on ceremony.ceremony. On the other hand,hand, it has been remarked that an is not a whit the it has been remarked that an enemyenemy is not a whit the more from he is still the more friendlyfriendly from anyany courtesy;courtesy; nay,nay, he is still the more unreasonable. " Be submissive with him who more unreasonable.-" Be submissive with him who treats thee with kindness but if he close treats thee with kindness;; but if he resists,resists, close both his with mud. Waste not and both his eyeseyes upup with mud. Waste not urbanityurbanity and mildness the for iron is not to be mildness uponupon the perverse,perverse, for rustyrusty iron is not to be with a smooth file." polishedpolished with a smooth fiie."

XCVI. XCVI. Whoever the conversation of others to Whoever interruptsinterrupts the conversation of others to make a of his fund of makes make a displaydisplay of his fund of knowledge,knowledge, makes notorious his own stock of ignorance. Philosophers notorious his " own stock of ignorance. Philosophers have said : A man will not obtrude his have said :-" A prudentprudent man will not obtrude his answer till he has the stated to him in form. answer till he has the questionquestion stated to him in form. Notwithstanding the proposition may have its right Notwithstanding the proposition may have its right the cavil of the fastidious will construe demonstration,demonstration, the cavil of the fastidious will construe it wrong." it wrong." 302 SHAIKH SA.DI.SADL

XCVII. I had a sore under my clothes. My preceptorpreceptor­ be God's mercy upon him-wouldhim would daily ask, sayingsaying:: How is it? But he would not question me about where it was, being so far cautious as to avoid the mention of every member of the body. And the sage have remarked:remarked : Whoever shall not ponder his ques-ques­ tion " tion may be vexed at its answer :-": It behoves thee not to open thy mouth to speak till full well aaware ware that thy words are the essence of what are proper. If thou telltellest est the truth, and remainest in durance, it is better than by a lie to work out thy deliverance."

XCVIII. To tell a falsehood is like the cut of a sabre for To tell a falsehood is like the cut of a sabre;; for though the wound may heal, the scar of it will remain. In like manner as the brothers of the remain. ~n like manner as the brothers of the blessed notorious for a had no blessed Joseph, who, being notorious for a lie, had no credit afterwards when they spoke the truth :-God: God on high has said-Jacobsaid Jacob is supposed to speak­speak

Koran xii. ii. : but rather have con- Koran xii. (Sale ii. 35) :-Nay,Nay, but rather ye have COl/,­ trived this to gratify your own passion ; yet it behoves trived this to gratify" your own passion / yet -it behoves me to be patient :-": If a man who is in the habit of speaking trpthtrnth lets a mistake escape him, we can overlook it but if he be notorious for false- overlook it;; but if he be notorious for uttering false­ hoods, and tell a truth, thou wilt call it a lie."

XCIX. The noblest of creatures is man, and the vilest of is no animals is no doubt a dog; yet, in the concurring SHAIKH SADL 303 SHAIKH SADI. opinion of the wise, a dog, thankful for his food, is moreOpInIOnworthy of thethan wise,a ahuman dog, thankfulbeing who for ishisvoid food,of is gratitudemore worthy: "A thandog willa humannever forgetbeing thewhocrumb is voidthou of gavestgratitudehim, :-"though A dog thouwill nevermayst forgetafterwards the crumbthrow thoua hundredgavest him,stones thoughat his thouhead maystbut afterwardsfoster with throw a ; thy kindnesshundred a stoneslow man at forhis anhead;age, andbut onfosterthe smallestwith thy provocationkindness a helowwill manbe forup againstan age, theeand inonarms." the smallest provocation he will be up against thee in arms." C. c. No virtue is to be expected from the sensualist, and highNostation virtueis isnot to befitting expectedfor the fromilliterate the sensualist,and worth- and " lesshigh: stationShow isno notmercy fittingto forthe thefatted illiterateox, for andwhatever worth­ islessgluttonous :-" Showmust no bemercygiven to theto sloth.fatted ox,If fordesirous whateverof gettingis gluttonousfat and mustsleek be as givenan ox, tosubmit sloth. thyIf carcasedesirousto of othersgettingto fatbeat andit likesleekthat as anof ox,an ass."submit thy carcase to others to beat it like that of an ass." CI. cr. It is written in the Injeel, or Gospel, stating: O son Itof isman, writtenif I bestowin the richesInjeel,upon or Gospel,you you stating:will be 0 moreson ofintent man,upon if I bestowyour property riches uponthan uponyou youme, willand ifbe I moreleave intent inupon your propertywill thansit upon me, and if you poverty you down dejected ; howI leavethen youcan youin povertyfeel a relish you willto praisesit downor adejec"ted;zeal to " ? worshiphow thenme can (Proverbsyou feel a xxx.relish7, to8, praise9) : Inor thea zealday to ofworship thoume? art(Proverbsand xxx. 7,8,9) :-"in the In the day plenty proud negligent ; time of of plentyfull of thousorrow art proudand and negligent;since in in the time of want, dejected ; prosperity andwant,adversity full of sorrowsuch is andthy condition,dejected; itsincewere indifficult prosperityto stateand whenadversitythou suchwouldst is thyvoluntarily condition, doit werethy duty." difficult to state when thou wouldst voluntarily do thy duty." CII. crr. The pleasure of Him, or God, who has no equal, hurlsTheone pleasureman fromof Him,a throne or God,of whosovereignty, has no equal,and hurls one man from a throne of sovereignty, and 304 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL

" anotheranother hehe preservespreserves in ina fish'sa fish's belly:-"belly : HappyHappy pro­pro- ceedsceeds hishis timetime whowho is isenrapturedenraptured withwith thythy praise,praise, though,though, likelike Jonas,Jonas, hehe eveneven maymay passpass it itin inthethe bellybelly " ofof a fish!"a fish ! CIlI.CHI. WereWere thethe AlmightyAlmighty to tounsheathunsheath thethe swordsword ofof hishis wrath,wrath, prophetsprophets andand patriarchspatriarchs wouldwould drawdraw in intheirtheir heads and were he to a of his heads; ;and were he to deigndeign a glimpseglimpse of his benevolence,benevolence, it itwouldwould reachreach thethe wickedwicked alongalong withwith " thethe goodgood :_H: WereWere hehe onon thethe dayday ofof judgmentjudgment to to callcall usus to toa astrictstrict account,account, eveneven thethe prophetsprophets wouldwould havehave nono roomroom forfor excuse.excuse. Say,Say, withdrawwithdraw thethe veilveil fromfrom thethe faceface ofof thythy compassion,compassion, thatthat sinnerssinners maymay entertainentertain hopeshopes ofof pardon."pardon."

CIV.CIV.

WhoeverWhoever is isnotnot to tobebe broughtbrought intointo thethe pathpath ofof righteousnessrighteousness byby thethe punishmentspunishments ofof thisthis lifelife shallshall bebe overtakenovertaken withwith thethe punishmentspunishments ofof thatthat to tocome:-come : / will cause them to taste the lesser Verily,Verily 1', will cause them to taste the lesser punishmentpunishment overover andand aboveabove thethe greatergreater punishment:-punishment: KoranKoran " xxxii.xxxii. (Sale(Sale ii. ii.258)258) :-": Princes,Princes, in inchastising,chastising, ad­ad- and then confine when and monish,monish, and then confine; when; theythey admonish,admonish, and thouthou listenlistenest est not,not, theythey throwthrow theethee intointo prison."prison."

CV.CV.

MenMen ofof ausplClOUSauspicious fortunefortune wouldwould ratherrather taketake warningwarning fromfrom thethe preceptsprecepts andand examplesexamples ofof theirtheir predecessorspredecessors thanthan thatthat thethe risingrising generationgeneration shouldshould SHAIKH SAJDI. SHAIKH SA.DI. 305 " take from their acts : The bird will not take warningwarning. from their acts :_CC The bird will not the that is where it sees approachapproach the graingrain that is spreadspread about,about, where it sees another bird a in the snare. Take another bird a captivecaptive in the snare. Take warningwarning the mischance of that others not take byby the mischance of others,others, that others maymay not take thine." warningwarning byby thine." CVI. CVI. How can he himself who was born if he How can he helphelp himself who was born deaf,deaf, if he cannot hear and what can he do whose thread of cannot hear; ;and what can he do whose thread of fortune is him on that he not : fortune is draggingdragging him on that he maymay not proceed:proceed " The dark of such as are beloved of God _cc The dark nightnight of such as are beloved of God is serene and as the but this is serene and lightlight as the brightbright day;day ;but this goodgood fortune results not from thine own of fortune results not from thine own strengthstrength of arm,arm, till God in his to bestow it. To whom till God in his mercymercy deigndeign to bestow it.-To whom shall I of thee? for there is no shall I complaincomplain of thee? for there is no judgejudge else,else, nor is arm than thine. Him whom nor is anyany arm mightiermightier than thine. Him whom thou directest none can lead and him whom thou directest none can lead astray,astray, and him whom thou bewilderest none can direct his thou bewilderest none can direct uponupon his way."way."

CVII. CVIl. The beggar whose end is good is better off than The beggar whose end is good" is better off than the whose end is evil : That sorrow which the kingking whose end is evil :_cc That sorrow which is the of is to the which is the harbingerharbinger of joyjoy is preferablepreferable to the joyjoy which is followed sorrow." is followed byby sorrow." CVIIL CVIIL The enriches the earth with and the The skysky enriches the earth with rain,rain, and the earth gives it dust in return. As the Arabs say : earth gives it dust in return. As the " Arabs say: What the vessels have, that If moral What the vessels have, that theythey gz've.-"give, If mymy moral character strike thee as do not renounce character strike thee as improper,improper, do not renounce thine own character." thine own goodgood character." 762 3 o6 SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADI.

CIX.eIX.

TheThe MostMost HighHigh GodGod discernsdiscerns andand hideshides whatwhat isis improper; my neighbour seessees not, andand isis loudloud improper ; my neighbour not, " inin hishis clamourclamour: :-"God God preservepreserveus us!! ifif manman knewknew whatwhatis ishidden, hidden,none nonecould couldbe besafe safefrom fromthe theanimad- animad­ versionversionof ofhis hisneighbour." neighbour."

ex.ex.

GoldGold isis gotgot fromfrom thethe minemine byby diggingdigginginto into thethe earth and from the of the miser earth;; and from the graspgrasp of the miser byby takingtaking " awayawayhis his lifelife: :-"Misers Misers spendspendnot, not,but but watchwatchwith with solicitudesolicitude:: expectation,expectation, theythey say,say, isis preferablepreferable toto waste.waste. NextNext dayday observeobserve toto thethe joyjoy ofof theirtheir enemies,enemies,the thegold goldremains, remains,and andthey theyare aredead deadwithout without thetheenjoyment enjoymentof ofthat thathope." hope."

CXI.ex I.

SuchSuchas asdeal dealhard hard withwiththe theweak weakwill will suffersufferfrom from " thetheextortion extortionof ofthe thestrong strong: :-"It Itis is notnotevery everyarm armin in whichwhich therethereis is strengthstrengththat tliatcan canwrench wrenchthe thehand handof of aaweak weakman. man. BringBringnot notaffliction affliction uponuponthe thehearts heartsof of thethefeeble, feeble,lest lestthou thoumayst maystfall fall underunderthe thelash lashof ofthe the strong."strong." CXII.exII.

AAwise wiseman, man,where wherehe hemeets meetsopposition, opposition,labours laboursto to getgetthrough throughit, it,and andwhere wherehe hefinds findsquiet quiethe hedrops dropshis his anchor,anchor, forfor therethere safetysafety isis onon oneone side,side, andand herehere enjoymentenjoymentin inthe themiddle middleof ofit. it. SHAIKHSHAIKHSADLSADI. 307

CXIII.CXIII.

TheThegamester gamesterwants wantsthree threesixes, sixes,but buthe hethrows throwsonly only " threethree acesaces: :-"The The pasturepasture meadowmeadow isis aa thousandthousand timestimes richerricherthan than thethecommon, common,but butthe thehorse horsehas hasnot not hishistether tetherat atcommand." command."

CXIV.CXIV.

TheThedarwesh darwesh inin hishisprayer prayeris issaying saying:: O 0 God,God,have have compassioncompassionon onthe thewicked, wicked,for forto tothe thegood goodthou thouhast hast beenbeen abundantlyabundantlykind, kind,inasmuch inasmuchas as thouthou hasthastmade made themthemvirtuous. virtuous.

CXV.CXV.

JamshidJamshid waswas thethefirst first personperson whowho putputan an edgingedging roundroundhis hisgarment, garment,and anda aring ringupon uponhis hisfinger. finger. TheyThey askedaskedhim him:: WhyWhydid didyou you'bestow bestowall all thethedecoration decoration andand ornamentornamenton on thethe leftlefthand, hand,whilst whilst thethe rightright isis thethesuperior superior?? HeHeanswered answered:: SufficientSufficientfor for thetheright right " isis thethe ornamentornament ofof beingbeing right.right.-"Firedown Firedown com-com­ mandedmandedthe thegilders gildersof ofChina Chinathat thatthey theywould wouldinscribe inscribe uponupon thethefront frontof ofhis hispalace palace:: Strive, Strive,O 0 wisewise man,man,to to makemakethe thewicked wickedgood, good,for forthe thegood goodare areof ofthemselves themselves greatgreatand andfortunate." fortunate."

CXVI.CXVI.

TheyTheysaid saidto toa agreat greatand andholy holyman man:: Notwithstand- N otwithstand­ ingingthe the superioritysuperioritythat that thethe rightright handhand commands,commands, whywhydo dothey theywear wear thethering ringon on thetheleft left hand?hand? HeHe repliedreplied:: ArcAreyou you notnotaware aware thatthatthe the bestbestare aremost most 3 o8308 SHAIKHSHAIKHSADL SADI. " neglectedneglected! !-"He Hewho whocasts castsour ourhoroscope, horoscope,provision, provision, andandfortune, fortune,bestows bestowsupon uponus useither eithergood goodluck luckor or wisdom."wisdom." CXVII.CXVII.

It I ist isproper properfor forhim himto tooffer offercounsel counselto tokings kingswho who dreadsdreadsnot notto tolose losehis hishead, head,nor norlooks looksfor fora reward.a reward.­ " Whether"Whetherthou thoustrewest strewestheaps heapsof ofgold goldat athis hisfeet, feet, ororbrandishest brandishestan anIndian Indiansword swordover overthe theUnitarian's Unitarian's to or fear he is alike indifferent and in head,head, tohope hope or fear he is alike indifferent;; and in thisthisthe thedivine divineunity unityalone alonehe heis isresolved resolvedand andfirm." firm."

CXVIILCXVIII.

It I belongst belongsto tothe theking kingto todisplace displaceextortioners, extortioners, totothe thesuperintendent superintendentof ofthe thepolice policeto toguard guardagainst against murderers,murderers,and andto tothe thecazi cazito todecide decidein inquarrels quarrels andanddisputes. disputes. NoNotwo twocomplainants complainantsever everreferred referred " totothe thecazi cazicontent contentto toabide abideby byjustice. justice.-"When Whenthou thou ktiowestkl,owestthat thatin inright rightthe theclaim claimis isjust, just,better betterpay pay withwltha agrace gracethan thanby bydistress distressand andforce. force. If Ifa aman man is isrefractory refractoryin indischarging discharginghis hisrevenue, revenue,the thecollector collector mustmustnecessarily necessarilycoerce coercehim himto topay payit." it."

CXIX.CXIX.

EveryEveryman's man'steeth teethare areblunted bluntedby byacids acidsexcepting excepting " thethecazi's, cazi's,and andthey theyrequire requiresweets sweets: :-"That Thatcazi, cazi, ororjudge, judge,that thatcan canaccept acceptof offive fivecucumbers cucumbersas asa a bribe,bribe,will willconfirm confirmthee theein ina aright rightto toten tenfields fieldsof of melons."melons." SHAIKH SADI. g09 SHAIKH SADI. 309 CXX. cxx. The superannuated bawd feels no hesitation in The bawd feels no hesitation in forswearingsuperannuated fornication, nor the displaced police forswearing fornication, nor the displaced police magistrate in foregoing oppression.-"" A young man in A man magistratebecoming a foregoingrecluse oppression.is a lion-like heroyoung devoting a recluse is a lion-like hero becominghimself to the service of God. Not so decrepiddevoting age, himself to the service of God. Not so -' .\Yhich cannot of itself stir from the decrepidcorner ofage, its .which cannot of itself stir from the corner of its cell." cell." CXXI. CXXI. They asked a wise man, saying: Of the many asked a wise : Of the celebratedThey trees whichman, the sayingMost High Godmany has celebrated trees which the Most God has created lofty and umbrageous, they callHigh none azad or created and call none azad or free exceptinglofty umbrageous,the cypress, theywhich bears no fruit; free the which bears no whatexcepting mystery is therecypress, in this? He replied: fruit;Each what is there in this ? He : Each has itsmystery appropriate produce and appointedreplied season, has its and during appropriatethe continuanceproduce of whichappointed - it is freshseason, and the continuance of which it is fresh and duringblooming, and during their absence dry and withered; and their absence and withered blooming,to neither of duringwhich states is thedry cypress exposed,; to neither of which states is the cypress exposed, being always flourishing; and of this nature are ~he and of this nature are the being always flourishing ; azads, or religious independents :-"" Fix not thy heart or : Fix not heart azads,on what religiousis transitory;independents for the Dijlah or Tygristhy will on what is for the or will continue totransitory flow through; BaghdadDijlah after Tygristhe race of continue to flow after the race of Khalifs is extinct.through If thyBaghdad hand has plenty, be liberal Khalifs is extinct. If hand has be liberal as the date-tree; butthy if it affordsplenty, nothing to give as the date-tree but if it affords to away, be an azad,; or free man, like thenothing cypress." give away, be an azad, or free man, like the cypress." CXXII. CXXII. Two orders of mankind died, and carried with them Two orders of mankind and carried with them regret: such as had and diddied, not spend, and such as regret : such as had and did not spend, and such as 10 3 31 o SHAIKHSHAIKHSAD SADI.I. knew and did not practise :-"" None can see that knew and did not practise : None can see that wretchedwretchedmortal mortal aa misermiserwho whowill will notnotendeavour endeavourto to pointout outhis his faultsfaults; butbutwere were thethe generous manman toto point ; generous havehavea ahundred hundreddefects, defects,his hisliberality liberalitywould would covercoverall all hishisblemishes." blemishes."

THETHECONCLUSION CONCLUSION OFOFTHE THEBOOK. BOOK.

TheThebook bookof ofthe theGulistan, Gulistan,or orFlower-Garden, Flower-Garden,was was completedcompletedthrough throughthe theassistance assistanceand andgrace graceof ofGod. God. ThroughoutThroughoutthe thewhole whole ofofthis this workwork I I havehavenot notfol- fol­ lowedlowed thethe customcustom ofofwriters writers bybyinserting inserting versesversesof of " poetrypoetryborrowed borrowed fromfrom formerformer authorsauthors: :-"It Itis ismore more decorousdecorous toto wearwear ourour ownown patchedpatched andand oldold cloakcloak thanthanto toask askin inloan loananother anotherman's man'sgarment" garment" MostMostof ofSadi's Sadi'ssayings sayingshave havea adash dashof ofhilarity hilarityand and anan odourodour ofofgaiety gaiety aboutaboutthem, them, inin consequenceconsequence ofof whichwhich short-sightedshort-sighted criticscritics extendextend thethe tonguetongue ofof animadversion,animadversion,saying saying:: ItItis is notnot thetheoccupation occupation ofof sensiblesensible menmen toto solicitsolicit marrowmarrow fromfrom aa shrivelledshrivelled brain,brain, ororto to digestdigest thethe smokesmoke ofof aa profitless-profi tless lamp.lamp. NeverthelessNevertheless itit cannotcannot bebe concealedconcealed fromfrom thethe en-en­ lightenedlightenedjudgment judgmentof ofthe theholy holyand andgood, good,to towhom whom thesethese discoursesdiscourses areare speciallyspecially addressed,addressed, thatthat thethe pearlspearls ofofsalutary salutary admonitionadmonition areare threadedthreaded onon thethe cordcord ofof anan eleganceelegance ofof language,language, andand thethe bitterbitter potionpotion ofof instructioninstruction sweetenedsweetened withwith thethe honeyhoney ofof facetiousness,facetiousness, thatthatthe thetaste tasteof of thethereader reader maymaynot not taketake disgust,disgust, andand himselfhimself bebe debarreddebarred fromfrom thethe " pleasurepleasure ofofapproving approving ofofthem them: :-"On Onour ourpart partwe we offered some good adviceadvice, and spent anan age inin offered some good 3 and spent age SHAIKHSHAIKH SADI.SADL 3311II

bringingbringing itit toto perfection.perfection. IfIf thatthat shouldshould notnot meetmeet thethe earear ofof anybody'sanybody's good-good-will,.wilI, prophetsprophets deliverdeliver theirtheir messages, oror warn mankind;mankind andand thatthat isis messages, warn ; enough."enough." " "0O thouthou whowho perusestperusest thisthis book,book, askask tltetJie mercymercy ojof God on the autllor of it, Itis forgiveness 01l tlte tra1l­ God on the author of it, his forgiveness on tJie tran- scriber.scriber. PetitionPetition for wltateverwhatever cltaritablecharitable giftgift thouthou -- ' JJlaystmayst requirerequire for thyself,thyself, andand imploreimplore pardonpardon onon thethe oW1ler."owner" MayMay II cravecrave thythy prayerprayer onon thethe EnglishEnglish translator?translator ? TheThe bookbook isis finishedfinished thr01lgl1through thethe favour ofof thethe LordLord GodGod ParamountParamount a1zdand tltethe bestowerbestower ofof allall goodgood! I

THETHE END.END.

PrinttdPrinted byby WAl.TEHWALTER SCOTT,SCOTT, Ftlling.Felling, NNeiccaxtle-on-Tyne,e1ocaHtle.on.Tyne.