SA D I:

GULIST AN OR FLOWER-
GULISTAN FLOWER-
GARDEN
GARDEN: TRANSLATED,
:

WITH AN ESSAY, BY
ROSS: AND
JAMES ROSS A NOTE
AND A
: NOTE
UPON THE TRANSLATOR BY
BY
CHARLES SAYLE.
SAYLE.

LONDON =:
LONDON
WALTER
,V SCOTT,
ALTER SCOTT,
WARWICK LANE.
24 WARWICK
24 LANE.
"Be
Be thou ware
'
ware where
where Sadi
Sadi dwells;
dwells
;

Wisdom of of the
the gods
gods is
is he,
he, -
Entertain it it reverently.
reverently.
Gladly
Gladly round that that golden
golden lamp
lamp
Sylvan
Sylvan deities
deities encamp,
encamp,
And simple
simple maids
maids and
and noble
noble youth
youth
Are welcome
welcome to to the man of
the man of truth.
truth.

Most
Most welcome
welcome they who need
they who need himhim most,
most,
They
They feed
feed the
the spring
spring which
which they
they exhaust:
exhaust
:

For
For greater
greater need
need
Draws better
Draws better deed:-
deed:
But,
But, critic,
critic, spare
spare thy
thy vanity,
vanity,
Nor show
Nor show thythy pompous parts,parts,
To vex
vex with
with odious
odious subtlety
subtlety
"
The cheerer
The cheerer of of men's
men's hearts."
hearts.

-Emerson.

Emerson.
 College

CONTENTS.

SHAIKH SADI ........ PAGE

......
•. TRANSLATOR'S NOTE 59
59

THE MOCADDAMAH ;
MOCADDAMAH; OR,
OR, INTRODUCTION TO THE

GULISTAN OF SHAIKH SADI . , . 611

6

CHAP. I. THE CUSTOMS OF KINGS •

OF THE
I.-OF . . . 77
77

CHAP. OF THE MORALS OF DARWESHES

H.-OF
II. •
. .126
126

CHAP. OF THE PRECIOUSNESS OF CONTENTMENT

IH.-QF
III. 167
167

CHAP. OF
IV.-OF
IV. THE BENEFIT OF BEING SILENT . 2OO
200

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

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

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

CHAP.
CHAP. VIII. OF THE
VIlI.-OF THE DUTIES OF SOCIETY
SOCIETY. . .
.272
272
 NOTE UPON THE TRANSLATOR,
TRANSLATOR.

JAMES Ross, son of Alexander

son of Alexander Ross,
Ross, aa burgess of Aber-
burgess of Aber-
deen, was
deen, was born
born in
in that
that city, 2ist
city, 21st June 1759.1759. He He was was
a
a student
student at at Marischal College from
Marischal College from 1774
1774 to to 1777,
1777, in in
.which year he
which year he graduated
graduated as as Master
Master of of Arts.
Arts. After
After studying
studying
medicine he
medicine he was
was appointed
appointed successively
successively to to the Vesuvius in
the Vesuvius in
1782; acting-surgeon
1782; acting-surgeon to the Enterprise
to the at Woolwich
Enterpnse at Woolwich till till
the return
the return of of the Galatea / assistant
the Galatea; assistant surgeon
surgeon to to the
the
Bountiful~' and
Bountiful; and inin 1783 proceeded to to Fort
Fort St. St. George
and Calcutta; in
and Calcutta; in 1784-5 to Barrackpur and
to Barrackpur and Burhampur;
Burhampur;
and Lucknow.
and in 1785 to Lucknow. In
in 1785 to In 1786 he marched
he marched from from
Lucknow
Lucknow to Midnapur, and in 1789 was
to and in was stationed
stationed at at
Dinajepur, on
Dinajepur, on the Establishment. In
the Bengal Establishment. In 1797 he he
returned
returned to to England on furlough, the
on furlough, the voyage taking eleven
voyage taking eleven
months. In
months. 1801 he
In 1801 he was
was acting-surgeon
acting-surgeon to to the i8th
the 18th
Regiment of of Native Infantry, and
Native Infantry, afterwards senior
and afterwards senior surgeon
surgeon
to one
to detachment. From
one detachment. From thethe year 1802 up to
year 1802 to the time of
the time of
his death,
his he was a member of the
death, he was a member of the Royal Asiatic Society. Asiatic Society.
He
He retired,
retired, owing to to ill-health,
ill-health, in in 1804, and and returned
returned to to
England, residing
England, residing atat various
various places
places in the South
in the South of of England
before he
before he finally
finally settled,
settled, inin 1810, at at Exeter,
Exeter, where,
where, at at his
his
residence in Summerland
residence in Summerland Place (now 2 Place 2 Higher Summer-
Summer·
lands), he
lands), he died, 2nd July
died, 222nd July 1831.
viii
viii NOTE
NOTE UPON THE TRANSLATOR.
TRANSLATOR.
The translation
The translation of
of the
the Gulistan
Gulistan was
was dedicated
dedicated to
to the
the
Chairman and
Chairman and Directors
Directors .of the East
of the East India
India Company;
Company; and
and
was published
was published in
in 1823.
1823. In aa
In memorandum prefixed
memorandum prefixed to to it,
it,
the translator
the translator stated
stated his
his intention
intention of supp~ementing his
of supplementing his
work by
work (I) aa rendering
by (i) rendering of of the
the Bustan;
Bustan; (2) (2) aa volume
volume
containing
containing one
one of
of the
the Heroic
Heroic Poems
Poems of
of Firdusi,
Firdusi, and
and
selections from
selections Nizam~ Anwari,
from Nizami, Anwari, Hafiz,
Hafiz, etc.
etc.; (3)
; (3) aa volume
volume
of Introductory
of Introductory matter,
matter, and
and aa rendering
rendering of of thethe two
two first
first
books of
books of Anwari
Anwari Sohaili,
Sohaili, with
with anan essay
essay on on the the Persian
Persian
Apologue and
Apologue and Bidpai's
Bidpai's Fables
Fables;; (4)(4) a~ Dictionary
Dictionary of of pure
pure
Persian words.
Persian words. Of Of these,
these, the
the first
first was
was advertised,
advertised, in in 1832,
1832,
as among
as among thethe forthcoming
forthcoming publications
publications under
under the the Oriental
Oriental
T ranslation Fund,
Translation Fund, but the work now reprinted
but the work now reprinted was the only
was the only
one which
one which eventually
eventually was
was produced.
produced.
A fine
fine medallion
medallion portrait
portrait of
of James
James Ross
Ross is is in
in existence,
existence,
in the
in the possession
possession of of his
his niece,
niece, Miss
Miss Bridget
Bridget Ross
Ross Ross,
Ross, of o
Hope
Hope House,
House, Topsham,
Topsham, near
near Exeter;
Exeter; to
to whom
whom II am
am
indebted for
indebted for the
the greater
greater part
part of
of the
the foregoing
foregoing facts.
facts.
c.S.
c. s.
 SHAIKH SAD I.
S H A I K H. SADI.

THIRTY yearsyear;; ago,

ago, when II firstfirst devoted
devoted myself
myself toto the
the
study
study of
of the
the Oriental
Oriental languages,
languages, it
it was my custom
custom to
to
translate into
translate into English
English any any classic
classic which my Munshi
-' .had
had recommended for for my perusal
perusal; and,
; and, among
among other
other
Persian books,
Persian books, II had in in this
this way
way made translations
translations of of
the Gulistan
the Gulistan and Bustan Bustan of of Sadi
Sadi: and now,
: now, with
with
diffidence, publish
much diffidence, publish that
that ofof the
the Gulistan,
Gulistan, with
with an an
abridgment of
abridgment of a larger
larger work,
work, being
being an Essay
Essay onon thethe
Life and Genius of
Life of the
the Author,
Author, intending
intending to to follow
follow
this up
this up next yearyear with
with my translation
translation of of the
the Bustan,
Bustan,
with aa prefatory
with prefatory critique
critique on Sadi's works, and making
Sadi's works, making
a volume equal
a equal inin size
size to
to this
this; but
; but each
each will
will otherwise
otherwise
be aa distinct
distinct work.
work.
Sadi hashas ever
ever been with me aa favourite
been with favourite Persian
Persian
classic; and after
classic ; after many
many and diligent
diligent perusals
perusals ofof his
his
KulIiat, or
Kulliat, or works,
works, II flatter
flatter myself
myself withwith having
having notnot
only mastered the
only the comparatively
comparatively easy easy task
task of
of fully-
fully
appreciating his
appreciating his intellectual
intellectual faculties,
faculties, but
but also
also thethe
difficult one of
more difficult of portraying
portraying the the features
features andand
passions of
passions of his
his mind.
mind. In this this sketch of of Sadi's life II
Sadi's life
shall duly avail
shall duly avail myself
myself of of my Asiatic authorities
authorities; as,
; as,
however, Oriental notions
however, Oriental notions of biography differ
of biography differ so so
essentially
essentially from ours that little little is to be gleaned
is to be gleaned from
from
them thatthat can interest
interest thethe European reader, II am
European reader,
743*
2 SHAIKH SADL
SADI.

fortunate
fortunate in finding
in finding thatthat anecdotes
anecdotes of of thethe temper,
temper,
manners,
manners, and
and habits
habits of
of so
so excellent
excellent a
a moralist and
moralist and
writer are
writer are constantly
constantly occurring
occurring in his own works
in his works; ;

and II have
and have only
only to quote them
to quote them to to givegive aa perfect
perfect
insight
insight into
into his
his character.
character.
Silghur, Turkish officer
Silghur, aa Turkish officer in in thethe service
service of of the
the
Saljuc Sultans,
Saljuc Sultans, usurpedusurped the
the government
government of
of Pars,
Pars, and
and
was
was the the origin
origin of of that
that dynasty
dynasty of of Atabaks,
Atabaks, or or
Attabegs,
Attabegs, who
who reigned
reigned there
there A.H.
A. H. 543,
543, 668.
668. And
of them
of them AtabakAtabak Toklah,
Toklah, or or Toglah,
Toglah, reigned
reigned A.H. A.H.
57 1
57 , 591,
!> 1)
an< 3 was
59 and was succeeded by
succeeded by his brother Atabak
his brother Atabak
Saad-bin-Zungi, who
Saad-bin-Zungi, who reigned
reigned A.H. 591, 623,
A.H. 591, and was
623, and was
succeeded by his
succeeded son Atabak
his son A tabak Abubakr, A.H. 623,
A.H. 623,
658, and
658, and he again was
he again was succeeded
succeeded by by his
his sonson Saad-bin-
Saad-bin-
Abibakr, who
Abibakr, who died
died within
\vithin aa twelvemonth,
twelvemonth, and and after
after aa
few and
few and feverish
feverish reigns
reigns of of women and and infants,
infants, con-
con-
sisting altogether
sisting altogether of
of nine
nine years,
years, the
the dynasty
dynasty became
became
extinct A.H.
extinct A.H. 668
668; all
; all these
these reigns
reigns are are included
included withinwithin
the first
the first three-fourths
three-fourths of of Sadi's
Sadi's life
life; but
; Dowlat Shah
but Dowlat Shah
must
must mistake
mistake in in dating
dating Sadi's
Sadi's deathdeath underunder one one of of
this Silghur,
this Silghur, or or Silaghur
Silaghur dynasty,
dynasty, or there must
or there must have
have
been
been aa second dynasty of
second dynasty of them.
them.
Dowlat
Dowlat Shah, in in his
his Tuzkirrah-ashshaara,
Tuzkirrah-ashshaara, or or Lives
Lives
of the
of the Persian
Persian Poets,
Poets, says
says that that Sadi's
Sadi's father
father heldheld
some
some office
office atat the
the Shiraz court, and
Shiraz court, and from from whatwhat SadiSadi
himself says,
himself in aa Kitah,
says, in K.itah, oror fragment
fragment of his book
of his book of of
Sahibayah, more
Sahibayah, immediately under
more immediately under the the Diwan, or or
prime minister,
prime minister, speaking
speaking in in eulogy
eulogy of of himhim-""My My
father was
father was thythy old domestic; he
old domestic ; he passed
passed his his whole
whole lifelife
in thy
in thy service.
service. Thy born slave, when
born slave, when he first saw
he first saw the
the
light, naturally
light, naturally cast
cast his
his eyes
eyes up to to thy
thy countenance,
countenance.
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADI. 33

II can
can never seek the
never seek the patronage
patronage of another, who
of another, who have
have
been the nurtured
been the nurtured child
child of
of thy
thy bounty."
bounty."
In the
In the first
first year of Atabak
year of Atabak Toklah's
Toklah's reign,
reign, or
or A.H.
A.H.
57
571,I, A.D.
A.D. II 94,
1194, Sadi
Sadi was
was born
born at
at Shiraz,
Shiraz, the
the capital
capital
of Pars,
of Pars, or
or Persia
Persia proper
proper; and
and the
the epithet
epithet of
; of Shirazi
Shirazi
applies equally
applies to him
equally to him and
and Hafiz, as much
Hafiz, as much honoured
honoured
natives of that
natives of that Dar
Dar u'lilom,
u'lilom, or
or seat
seat of
of learning.
learning.
Dowlat Shah says
Dowlat Shah says that
that his proper name
his proper name was
was Moslih
Moslih
u'd-din, or the
u'd-din, or the Umpire
Umpire of of the
the faith but he
faith; but
; he was
was better
better
_ known
known afterwards
afterwards by by that
that of of Shaikh
Shaikh Sadi Sadi Shirazi
Shirazi: :

'Shaikh properly signifying

Shaikh properly signifying the the head
head of an Arabian
of an Arabian
tribe; and
tribe ; among Mussulmans
and among Mussulmans it it was
was anywhere
anywhere con- con-
ferred upon
ferred upon aa senior, who commanded
senior, who commanded the love and
the love and
esteem of
esteem of his
his neighbours
neighbours from from authority,
authority, age,age, genius,
genius,
or piety
or ; and, on
piety; and, on account
account of the two
of the two last
last virtues,
virtues, isis
among the Persians more
the Persians more especially
especially applied
applied to to
Nizami
Nizami and Sadi; and
and Sadi ; and it is no
it is no small
small compliment
compliment that that
though the
though the former
former is is the
the senior and, next
senior and, next to to Firdausi,
Firdausi,
the best
the best Persian
Persian heroic
heroic poet,
poet, yet yet Sadi
Sadi is is appropriately
appropriately
the Shaikh
called the
called S/zaikh!!
Sadi, or
Again Sadi, or Saadi,
Saadi, signifying
signifying felicity,
felicity, isis his
his
Tokhullus, or
Tokhullus, or poetical name, and
poetical name, and was,
was, according
according to to
Dowlat
Dowlat Shah,Shah, given
given to to himhim by by Atabak
Atabak Saad-bin-
Saad-bin-
Zungi. This
Zungi. This is probable; but
is probable ; but hehe isis wrong in in saying
saying
that Sadi was
that Sadi was born
born inin that
that prince's reign. This
prince's reign. This mode
mode
of appellation
of appellation aa writer
writer in the East
in the does not
East does not affect
affect till
till
he
he has
has established
established his character as
his character as aa poet,
poet, when,
when, after
after
being confirmed
being confirmed to to him, like aa title
him, like title ofof nobility,
nobility, byby
some
some sovereign prince, he
sovereign prince, he takes
takes thethe first
first opportunity
opportunity
of introducing
of introducing his his Tokhullus
Tokhullus into into thethe Shah-bayit,
Shah-bayit,
or last
or last stanza of a
stanza of a ghazal,
ghazal, or other
or other poem, and and
4 SHAIKH SADI.
seldom omits to
to use it
it thus afterwards;
afterwards and Cowley
Cowley ;

among
among ourselves has happily· adopted
happily adopted this
this Oriental
custom-
custom

"" The wise example of the heavenly

example of heavenly lark,
lark,
Thy fellow-poet, Cowley, mark
fellow-poet, Cowley, mark; ;

Above the clouds let thy proud

let thy proud music
music sound,
sound,
"
Thy humble nest build
build on
on the
the ground
ground 1" !

Jami
Jami calls
calls Sadi Sharf-u'd-din Mislah, son
Mislah, son of of
Abdullah;
Abdullah and an Almyi,
; Alowi, or descendant of Ali.
Ali.

Sadi's
Sadi's father and mother were alive within his
alive within his own
recollection,
recollection, for
for he often mentions the
the first
first (Bust.
(Bust.
ii. 2;
ii. 2; ix.
ix. 13, 15, etc.);
13, 15, etc.); and his
his mother,
mother, very
very feelingly
feelingly
(Gul.
(Gul. vi.vi. 6);
6) ; but,
but, from his calling
his himself an
calling himself an
orphan,
orphan, both must have died
died while
while our Shaikh was
was
"
yet
yet a stripling,
stripling, for for he he says (Bust. ii. 2)-"
says (Bust. ii.
2) If the
If the
orphan
orphan come to to cry,
cry, who will
will soothe him?him ? if he be
if he be
pettish,
pettish, who will will put
put upup with
with his
his ill-humours? take take
heed,
heed, that he weep weep not not; for
; the throne
for the throne of the
of the
Almighty
Almighty is is shaken to and fro fro when the orphan orphan sets
a crying.
crying. Once my head was lofty, lofty, as that which
as that
wears a crown,
crown, for for then II could lay lay it
it upon
upon thethe bosom
of
of aa father;
father had a
;
a fly
fly but
but dared to to settle
settle on
on my body,body,
it
it would have been enough enough to to alarm
alarm a whole family;
a whole family
but were my enemies ready ready toto make me now their their
captive, none of my friends
captive, friends would come to to my
rescue:
rescue : II can
can feel
feel a a sympathy
sympathy for the helplessness
for the helplessness
of
of infancy,
infancy, because in in my childhood
childhood II lost lost my

fatlter."
father"
In
In his
his N afhat-u'l-ans, or
Nafhat-u'1-ans, or Memoirs
Memoirs of of the
the Sufis
Sufis,
JJami
ami says
says that
that he was descended
he was descended from Silarif, or
the Sharif,
from the or
 SHAIKH
. S'I£AIKH SADL
SADI. 5
noble house of Abdullah Hafaif;
1Zoble Hafaif but however dignified
; dignified
his birth,
birth, or lucrative his
his station at court,
court, both
both advan-
tages must have died with
tages with the father; otherwise we
the father;
should not find Sadi using using his
his interest with Sham
with sud-
Shamsud-
din to exempt
exempt his brother
brother from some extortion in
in

his mean occupation

occupation of retailing
retailing figs.figs. This prime
prime
minister,
minister, then,
then, it would seem,
it would viceroy on
seem, viceroy on the part of
the part of
Abaca-an,
Abaca-an, at
at Shiraz,
Shiraz, acted handsomely
handsomely on the occa-
occa-
sion
sion byby laying
laying a thousand
thousand gold gold dinars
dinars at at Sadi's
Sadi's feet,
feet,
~ -' _as
as a compensation
compensation to
to his
his brother,
brother, but
but would
would not,
not, as
as the
~tory
story adds,
adds, think of
of offering any money-compliment
offering any money-compliment
to a darwesh like himself. In
like himself. the Risallah,
In the Risallah, or tract
on the questions
questions of the
the Lord Diwan,
Diwan, this
this same
generous
generous friend
friend sends
sends him
him five
five hundred
hundred dinars
dinars under
under
the
the pretence
pretence of
of supplying
supplying food
food for
for his
his birds,
birds, of
of which
which
the
the servant,
servant, considering
considering himselfhimself as as one
one ofof Sadi's
Sadi's birds,
birds,
purloins
purloins a a hundred
hundred and and fifty, being, like
fifty, being, the Irishman,
like the Irishman,
not
not aware that that the
the letter, which accompanied
letter, which accompanied this this gift,
gift,
and
and itsits answer, would detect
answer, would detect him. him. On ascertaining
ascertaining
this knavery, the
this knavery, messenger is
the messenger is forth\vith
forthwith sent back
with an
with an order
order for for Sadi on on the the Shiraz treasury for
Shiraz treasury for

10,000 gold
gold dinars!
dinars ! And
And on on another
another occasion
occasion he he and
his
his brother
brother Vla-ud-din,
Ula-ud-din, joint joint ministers
ministers of that son
of that son and
successor
successor of of the
the Tartar
Tartar emperor,
emperor, HalakuHalaku Khan, sent
Sadi,
Sadi, then
then anan old resident in
old resident his hermitage
in his hermitage at at Shiraz,
Shiraz,
aa bag of of 50,000 dinars,dinars, or about £24,000
or about 24,000 of of our
our
money,
money, whichwhich he he waswas to to layout
lay out in building aa
in building

Caravan-saray under
Caravan-saray under the the citadel
citadel of of Cohindar,
Cohindar, near near
Shiraz,
Shiraz, andand which
which Sadi Sadi hadhad muchmuch at heart in
at heart in com-

pleting.
pleting. By thethe mother's
mother's side side Sadi's relations were
Sadi's relations
some of
some them eminent
of them eminent for for learning,
learning, and Mola Cut'b
and l\101a Cut'b
66 SHAIKH SADI.
SADI.

Alamah, his
Alamah, his maternal
maternal uncle,
uncle, is
is noticed
noticed as his first
C!S his first
master
master in science.
in science.
J ami says
Jami says that
that Sadi
Sadi was
was aa Sufi
Sufi of
of profound
profound learning,
learning,
or master in every branch of science,
or master in every branch of science, and
and accomplished
accomplished
in the
in the polite
polite arts,
arts, for,
for, according to
according to Dowlat
Dowlat Shah,
Shah, "he
"he
commenced his
commenced his studies
studies at
at the
the Nizamiah
Nizamiah college
college of
of
Baghdad," which,
Baghdad," which, during
during five
five centuries,
centuries, had
had been
been the
the
chief seat of Oriental learning,
chief seat of Oriental learning, and the magnificent
and the magnificent
residence of
residence of the
the Khalifs
Khalifs;; and
and there
there he
he held
held an
an Idrar,
Idrar,
or fellowship"
or fellowship" (Bust
(Bust. vii. 14), having
vii. 14), having had
had for
for his
his
tutor in science the learned Ab'ul Firah-ibin-Jozi
tutor in science the learned Ab'ul Firah-ibin-Jozi (Gul.
(Gul.
ii. 21),
ii. and in
21), and in theology
theology Abd-u'1-cadir
Abd-u'I--cadir the
the Gilani
GHani;; and
and
with the
with the last
last he
he made hishis first
first pilgrimage
pilgrimage to to Mecca,
Mecca,
which he repeated
which he repeated fourteen times,
fourteen times, and
and chiefly
chiefly on
on foot
foot; ;

and he
and often makes
he often makes his
his adventures
adventures on on such
such occasions
occasions
the subject
the subject of
of an
an apologue
apologue (Gul.
(Gul. ii.
ii. 25,
25, 26, etc.)'
26, etc.).
Being a classical,
Being a classical, as well as
as well as aa spoken
spoken idiom
idiom and
and
court dialect,
court dialect, the Tazi,
the or modern
Tazi, or modern Arabic,
Arabic, under
under the
the
illustrious
illustrious patronage of
patronage of the
the Khalifs,
Khalifs, reached
reached as
as great
great
perfection as has ever been the lot of
perfection as has ever been the lot any human
of any human
tongue. Sadi knew
tongue. Sadi knew and
and wrote
wrote it well, and
it well, and carried
carried the
the
practice of deluging
practice of deluging the Persian language
the Persian language with it
with it to
to aa
greater length
greater length than
than any
any ofof his
his predecessors
predecessors had
had done.
done.
In his Gulistan v. 21 he refers with fondness to it?
In his Gulistan v. 21 he refers with fondness to it~
currency in
currency in A.D.
A.D. 1256, at Baghdad,
1256, at Baghdad, little
little thinking
thinking
that in the course of two
that in the course of two years he
years he should have occa-
should have occa-
sion to
sion to pen
pen it
it in
in aa casidah,
casidah, or elegy, on
or elegy, on its being
its being sacked
sacked
by
by Halaku
Halaku the
the Tartar,
Tartar, its
its palaces
palaces and
and colleges plun-
colleges plun-
dered, and
dered, and thethe Khalif
Khalif Mustasim,
Mustasim, thethe last
last of
of the
the
Abissites,
Abissites, and
and all
all that
that were
were dignified
dignified and
and learned,
learned,
million and
with aa million
with and aa Jialf
half of
of its
its inhabitants
£lzhab£tants barbarously
barbarously
 SHAIKH SADI.
SADI. 7
7

murdered. Sadi
murdered. Sadi wrote
wrote aa book
book ofof Tazi
Tazi elegies
elegies;; but
but
that city
that city and its university
and its university were his alma mater,
were his alma mater,
the seat
the seat of
of the
the religion
religion he
he revered,
revered, and
and the
the muses
muses hehe
adored; and
adored ;and hehe consequently
consequently felt
felt aa pathos
pathos onon this
this
horrible event;;
horrible event and all that understand it must relish
and all that understand it must relish
its propriety
its propriety and elegance,
elegance.
Sadi mentions
Sadi mentions himself
himself to
to have
have been
been twice
twice married.
married.
Of his
his first marriage,
first marriage, at Aleppo,
at Aleppo, he tells aa pleasant
he tells pleasant
story, to
story, to which (Gul.
which (Gul. ii.
ii. 30)
30) II beg
beg toto refer
refer the
the reader,
reader,
~ .. desiring
desiring him to recollect that though
to recollect that though Sadi,Sadi, asas aa
l\1ussulman, had like the Jews
Mussulman, had like the Jews a legal
a legal right
right toto
repudiate his troublesome wife,
repudiate his troublesome wife, yet,
yet, in that case,
in that case, he
he
must have
must have repaid
repaid herher dowry,
dowry, andand he he was
was all
all his
his life
life
too improvident,
too improvident, if not poor,
if not to do
poor, to do that; besides,
that ; besides, aa
sense of
sense of family
family honour
honour will will deter
deter one
one ofof the
the orthodox
orthodox
from idly
from idly parting with the woman
parting with the woman of his of his former
former
affections; also
affections ; also he
he is
is obliged
obliged to to give
give three
three notices
notices ofof
his intention
his intention toto the
the CazyCazy; and
; and though
though during
during thethe
heat of
heat of passion
passion instances
instances occur
occur of first, and
of aa first, and perhaps
perhaps
a second,
a second, notice,
notice, after
after twenty
twenty years'
years' intercourse
intercourse with
with
never heard of a third,
them II never heard of a third, which was
which was toto complete
complete
it. Of his
it. his other
other wife
wife at
at Sanaa,
Sanaa, the
the capital
capital ofof Yamin,
he makes
he makes no no mention,
mention, but
but inin Bustan
Bustan ix. 25 laments
ix. 25 laments
their loss of an only
their loss of an only son with the feelings
son with the feelings of aa parent
of parent
-"" If
If despair
despair overwhelm
overwhelm theethee in this abode
in this abode of
of gloom,
gloom,
be wise
be wise and
and prepare
prepare for
for thyself
thyself aa place
place of
of greater
greater
cheerfulness; wishest thou the night
cheerfulness wishest
;
thou the night ofof the
the grave
grave to
to
be luminous
be luminous as as day,
day, carry
carry along
along with
with thee
thee ready
ready
trimmed the
trimmed the lamp
lamp of
of good works." Thus
good works." Thus could
could Sadi
Sadi
reconcile himself
reconcile himself to
to aa heavy
heavy loss;
loss; the
the duties
duties of
of his
his
religion inculcating
religion inculcating the
the sin
sin of
of complaining,
complaining, and
and his
his
8
8 SHAIKH SADI.
philosophy teaching
philosophy teaching him that
that it
it were fruitless
fruitless toto
repine
repine for
for what he could not recall.
recall. Two such
such trials
trials

terrified aa man of
terrified of Sadi's disposition
disposition from another
connection. He thought,
such connection. thought, perhaps,
perhaps, like like Cicero,
Cicero,
who being,
being, after
after his his divorce
divorce from Tullia, Tullia, invited
invited toto aa
second marriage,
marriage, repliedreplied he could could not not-"" simul
simul amare
et sapare
et sapare-be be wise and in in love
love at at the
the same time time! "JJ or,
! or,
"
as Sadi's old
as old friend
friend answered,
answered, " II do not like like to
to marry
marry
an old
an woman!"" ""Why,"
old woman !
Why," said said his adviser, ""do
his adviser, do
you not,
you not, now you
you are
are rich,
rich, choose
choose a
a young
young one?"
"
"Because,"
Because," he replied, ""when
he replied, when II was young young myself,
myself,
I did not
I did not love
love oldold women,
women, and cannot cannot hope, that now
hope, that
I am old,
I young woman can love
old, aa young love me "JJ (Gul.
(Gul. vi.
vi. 8).
8).
Instead of
Instead of the
the comforts
comforts of of aa family
family circle
circle Sadi
Sadi was
doomed to to pass
pass thethe sixty
sixty or or seventy
seventy last last years
years ofof his
his
extreme long long lifelife inin the
the cell
cell of
of aa hermit,
hermit, and latterly
latterly
seems to to have
have imbibed
imbibed aa reprehensible
reprehensible portion portion of of that
tha
ancient Grecian,
ancient Grecian, as as well
well as as Oriental
Oriental contempt
contempt for for the
the
fair sex, and
fair sex, and to to have
have entertained
entertained aa prejudiced
prejudiced and and
strange notion
strange notion aboutabout our our posterity
posterity and and the the marriage
marriage
duty (Gul.
duty (Gu1. vi. vi. 5).
5)- 1In Gulistan
Gulistan viii. viii. 55
55 he he says
says-
"
"Collsiliu11Z /amzillis invalidum
Consilium fceminis i1lvalidu1JZ:: it it be
be bad bad toto hold
hold
counsel with
counsel with women,"
women," or, or, as as he he adds
adds on on another
anothe
occasion, ""take
occasion, take youryour wife's
wife's opinion,
opinion, and and actact opposite
opposite
"
to it
to it!" And again
!
again (Bust.(Bust vi. 24), ""Choose
vi. 24), Choose aa freshfresh
wife every
wife spring or
every spring or new year's
year's day,day, for the almanack
for the almanack
of last
of last year
year is is good
good for for nothing!"
nothing! JJ According
According to to the
the
Mussulman creed, creed, prayers
prayers five five times
times aa day day bring
bring the
the
good believer
good believer half-way
half-way towardstowards the Deity, and
the Deity, and in in
this, as
this, as absolutely
absolutely necessary
necessary to to corporal
corporal purification,
purification
ablution
ablution is is each
each timetime included,
included, but with women certain
but with certain
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKII SADL 9g

physical
physical impurities
impurities (Bust
(Bust ix. ix. 13), prevent
13), prevent this this
ceremonial for
ceremonial some days
for some days monthly;
monthly yet yet Sadi
;
adds
Sadi adds
those
those do do not,
not, according
according to our European
to our European vulgarvulgar
notion,
notion, exclude women from
exclude women from Paradise.
Paradise. Nor, Nor, though
though
"
he recommends selfishness
he recommends selfishness (Bust.
(Bust. ii. 7)-"
ii.
7) Because
Because
the property
the property of my father
of my descended to
father descended to me,
me, it needs
it needs

not be
not be left
left to descend to
to descend my children.
to my children. Eat and drink,
Eat and drink,
spend
spend andand enjoy
enjoy itit thyself,
thyself, for
for why
why shouldst thou
shouldst thou
trouble
trouble thyself about those
thyself about those whowho are
are to succeed
to succeed
"
~. thee;"
thee; yet
yet hehe carries not this
carries not this misanthrophy
misanthrophy so so
fa"r
far as our prince
as our prince ofof existing
existing fashionable
fashionable poets has
poets has
done.
done.

"
But amidst
" But amidst thethe crowd,
crowd, thethe hum, and shock
hum, and shock of
of men,
men,
To hear,
To hear, toto see, to feel,
see, to and to
feel, and to possess,
possess,
And roam
And roam along the world's
along the world's tir'd
tir'd denizen,
denizen,
With none
\Vith who bless
none who biess us,
us, none whom we
none whom we can
can bless;
bless;

NNone kindred consciousness

with kindred
one with endued =
consciousness endued :

"
is to be alone, and my lov'd solitude
This is
This to be alone, and my lov'd solitude 1"- !

That he
That was not
he was not aa domestic
domestic man man andand hadhad no no
surviving was no of
family, was no fault of Sadi.
surviving family, fault Sadi. Like Socrates
Like Socrates
he put
he wedlock to
put wedlock to the double ordeal
the double ordeal ofof aa trial;
trial and if
and;
if

he
he enjoyed not the retirement of a
enjoyed not the social retirement of a Solon, he
social Solon, he
not the
felt not
felt the misanthropic
misanthropic celibacy
celibacy ofof aa Thales.
Thales. After After
those experiments
those experiments he he prided
prided himhim in his tempered
in his tempered
kinaat or
kinaat or contentment,
contentment, and and supported
supported himself,
himself, withwith
unaffected indifference,
unaffected on the
indifference, on the casual
casual charity
charity of of his
his
admirers during
admirers during the two last
the two third parts
last third parts ofof his
his life,
life,

either as aa wandering
either as mendicant or
wandering mendicant or solitary
solitary recluse.
recluse.
"
IC Never,"
does he
Never," does" he honestly
. exclaim (Gul.
honestly exclaim (Gul. iii.
iii.
19),
19),
io
10 SHAIKH SADL
SADI.
"
"did
did II complain
complain of of my forlorn
forlorn condition
condition but but onon one
one
occasion
occasion when my feet feet werewere barebare and
and II had had not
not
wherewithal to
wherewithal to shoe
shoe them.
them. Soon after after meeting
meeting aa
man without
without feet,feet, II was
was thankful
thankful for for the
the bounty
bounty of of
Providence to
Providence to myself,
myself, ' andand with with perfect
perfect resignation
resignation
submitted to
submitted to my want want of of shoes."
shoes."
Many suchsuch anecdotes,
anecdotes, incidents,
incidents, and and adventures,
adventures,
that occurred
that occurred to to him
him during
during his travels, we
his travels, we meet
meet in in
his works,
his works, and,
and, whether
whether creditable
creditable or or not,
not, told
told with
with the
the
same ingenuousness. Crimes,
same ingenuousness. Crimes, vices,
vices, and
and misfortunes
misfortunes
chiefly occupy
chiefly occupy the
the narratives
narratives of
of such
such adventurers
adventurers
ourselves, but
among ourselves, but even
even in in romance
romance the the hero's
hero's life
life
generally
generally concludes
concludes in
in his
his first
first wedlock.
wedlock. Our
Our rigid
rigid law
law
would construe
would construe Sadi's
Sadi's adventure
adventure with with thethe Brahmin
Brahmin at at
Sumnaat
Sumnaat (Bust.(Bust. viii.viii. 15),
IS), andand Moses'
Moses' slaughter
slaughter of of
the Egyptian
the Egyptian into into murder ; otherwise, however
murder; otherwise, however unfor-
unfor-
tunate, his
tunate, his personal
personal adventures
adventures seldom seldom havehave thethe stain
stain
of crime,
of crime, oror even
even vice.
vice. Nay, after he
Nay, after he had
had ceased
ceased to to
be married man
be aa married man and and enterprising
enterprising traveller,
traveller, hishis life
life
continues to
continues to interest
interest and and himself
himself to to be
be useful,
useful, for,
for, as
as
an Ascetic,
an Ascetic, he he waswas visited
visited by by the
the first
first characters
characters of of
his time,
his time, and
and consulted
consulted by by hishis contemporary
contemporary princes princes
and
and kings.
kings.
Dowlat
Dowlat Shah Shah says says "that
"that the the first
first thirty
thirty years
years of of
Sadi's long
Sadi's life was
long life was devoted
devoted to study and
to study and laying
laying upup aa
stock of
stock of knowledge
knowledge; the ; the next
next thirty,
thirty, or or perhaps
perhaps
forty, in
forty, in treasuring experience and
treasuring up experience and disseminating
disseminating
that knowledge
that knowledge during during his his wide-extending
wide-extending travels travels;;

and that some

and that some portion
portion should intervene between
should intervene between thethe
business of
business life and
of life and hour
hour of of death,
death,-and with him
that with
-and that him
chanced to
chanced to be be the
the largest
largest shareshare of it, he
of it, he spent
spent the
the
 SHAIKH SADL u
II

remainder of
remainder of his
his life,
life, or
or seventy
seventy years,
years, in
in the
the retire-
retire-
ment ofof aa recluse,
recluse, when he was exemplary
exemplary in in his
his
temperance
temperance and edifying in his piety."
edifying in his piety." Even when
a boy
a boy he confesses
confesses himself to have
himself to have been
been overmuch
religious (Gul.
religious (Gul. ii.
ii. 7),
7), and ingenuously mentions this
ingenuously mentions this
reproof of his
reproof of father-""You
his father You had better,"
better," said
said that
that
"
sensible parent,
sensible parent, "have yourself asleep
have been yourself asleep than
than toto
thus calumniating
be thus calumniating your your neighbours."
neighbours." In In Gul.
Gul. v.
v.
"
1 8 he says "that
18 that on the
the death of
of a young friend;
young friend,
says
-' -and himself still
and himself still aa young
young man,
man, he had vowed to to pass
pass
a life
a of retirement,
life of retirement, and to to fold
fold upup the
the carpet
carpet ofof
enjoyment"
enjoyment" And in
in the
the preface
preface of
of the
the Gulistan
Gulistan
he is
he is enticed
enticed byby another friend
friend to
to quit
quit such
such aa state
state
of abstraction
of retirement. He would
abstraction and retirement. would seem
seem toto
been sincere
have been sincere and affectionate
affectionate in
in his
his friendships
friendships; ;

many such
and many such disappointments,
disappointments, and an habitual
habitual
love of
love of seclusion, had often
seclusion, had often disgusted
disgusted him
him with
with social
social
life, and
life, and early
early inured
inured him toto the
the habits
habits of
of aa hermit
hermit
(Gul.
(Gul. ii. 30).
ii.30). However, real
However, real want,
want, II fear,
fear, had
had often
often
brought
brought him back into
back into the
the busy
busy world,
world, for
for he
he
positively tells
positively tells us,
us,

"
"Paupertas impulit audax
Paupertas impulit audax
Ut
Ut verses
verses facerem,"
facerem,"

that he
that he wrote
wrote for
for his
his bread.
bread. vi. $S :-"" The
Bustan
Bustan vi. :

belly puts
belly puts manacles
manacles uponupon the
the wrists,
wrists, and
and fetters
fetters
upon
upon the
the ankles;
ankles the
the ;
bounden slave
slave of
of the
the belly
belly
is constrained
is constrained in in his
his devotions
devotions; had
had Sadi's
; Sadi's belly
belly
in any
in any shape
shape resembled
resembled his
his back
back-that is, been
that is, been
tolerant of
tolerant of its
its load,
load, nobody
nobody would at at this
this day
day have
have
 12
12 SHAIKH SAD
SAnI.
I.

criticising his
been criticising his writings."
writings." And, And, in in Bustan
Bustan vii. vii
6,
6, hehe alludes
alludes to to hishis having
having commenced to to write
write at a
a late period,
a late period, and that that having
having onceonce begun,
begun, he he had
alternative but
no alternative but that
that of of proceeding.
proceeding.
] ami relates
Jami relates "that
"that Sadi Sadi had travelled
travelled much and
far,
far, and visited many strange
visited many strange countries. countries. He had
often made the
often the pilgrimage
pilgrimage of of Mecca on foot, foot,
once penetrated
and once penetrated so so far
far asas the
the pagoda,
pagoda, or bot-
or bot-
kadah, image-temple,
kadah, image-temple, at Sumnaat, at Sumnaat, on the
the Malabar
Malabar
coast, were he overthrew,
coast, overthrew, and broke in in pieces,
pieces, the the
great
great idol.
idol. He had much religious
religious and moral
moral inter-
inter-
course with
course with Shaikh Shohab-ud-din
Shohab-ud-din and other other reverend
reverend
gentlemen.
gentlemen. For
For a
a length
length of
of time
time he
he led
led the
the life of
life of aa
sacayi,
sacayi, or
or water-drawer,
water-drawer, in
in the
the Holy Land,
Holy Land, and was
thus administering
thus administering to to the
the thirsty
thirsty traveller,
traveller, till
till found
found
worthy of
worthy of an
an introduction
introduction to to the
the prophet
prophet Khizr,
Khizr, Elias
Elias
or the
or the Syrian
Syrian and Greek Greek Hermes,
Hermes, who moistened
moistened his his
mouth with with thethe water
water of immortality. A descendant
of immortality. desceI)dant
of Ali
of Ali disputed
disputed the the truth
truth ofof this
this with
with Sadi,
Sadi, and got got
reproved
reproved in
in a
a dream by
by the
the prophet
prophet for
for his
his incredu-
incredu-
lity. Another gentleman
lity. gentleman had also also doubted
doubted it, it, and
night had aa dream,
next night dream, or or rather
rather vision
vision; for
;
for itit
seemed to to him as as if if the
the gates
gates of of heaven
heaven were thrown
open, and aa host
open, host of of angels
angels descending
descending with with salvers
salvers of of
glory
glory in
in their
their hands.
hands. On asking
asking one
one of
of them
them for
for
whom those those were intended,
intended, he answered for for Shaikh
Shaikh
Sadi of
Sadi of Shiraz,
Shiraz, who has has written
written aa stanza
stanza of of poetry
poetry
that has
that has met the the approbation
approbation of of God Almighty,"
Almighty," as as
follows :-"" To the
follows : the eyeeye of of the
the intelligent
intelligent thethe foliage
foliage of of
the grove
the grove displays,
displays, in in every
every leaf,
leaf, aa volume of of the
the
"
Creator's works
Creator's works"-
 SHAIKH SADI.
SADJ. 13
"
" The
The meanest
meanest floweret
floweret of
of the
the vale,
vale,
The
The simplest
simplest note
note that
that swells
swells the
the gale,
gale,
The common
The common sun,
sun, the air, and
the air, and skies,
skies,
"
To
To him
him are
are opening
opening paradise
paradise 1"-!

"On recovering
recovering from
from his
his reverie,
reverie, that holy man
that holy man
forthwith proceeded
forthwith proceeded to the door of Sadi's cell,
to the door of Sadi's cell, in
in
order to
order to apologise
apologise for
for his incredulity, and
his incredulity, and to
to con-
con-
gratulate him
gratulate him upon
upon this
this auspicious vision. He
auspicious vision. He found
found
the Shaikh sitting
the Shaikh sitting up,
up, with a lighted
with a lighted taper
taper before
before
him, and
~. ~ him, and chanting
chanting- to
to himself;
himself; and,and, onon listening
listening
attentively, found that he was
attentively, found that he was singing the above
singing the above
stanza." Incredible
stanza." Incredible asas this is, one
this is, one of
of the
the fathers
fathers
"
of our
of church, St
our church, St Chrysostom,
Chrysostom, tells
tells us that, on
us "that, on
element bread and wine, he
consecrating the element of bread and wine,
consecrating the of he has
has
instantaneously
instantaneously seen
seen a
a multitude
multitude of white-robed
of white-robed
angels surrounding
angels surrounding the altar, and
the altar, and bowing
bowing their
their heads,
heads,
as soldiers do
as soldiers do in making their homage to
in their to the
the
"
sovereign ! "
sovereign !

In his
In Life of
his Life of Khosraw
Khosraw ofof Delhi,
Delhi, Jami
ami tells J
tells us
us
that this poet
that this asked Khizr a mouthful
poet also asked Khizr for a mouthful of
also for of
this inspiring
this but he
beverage;; but
inspiring beverage told him
he told him that
that Sadi
Sadi
had
had got
got the
the last
last of
of it
it Yet Hafiz, who
Yet Hafiz, is on
who is on this
this
account
account called
called Sadie
Sadie sani, or aa second
sani, or second Sadi,
Sadi, tells
tells us
us
"
in one
in one ofof his
his ghazals
ghazals-" Yesterday,
Yesterday, at at dawn, GodGod
delivered me
delivered me from
from all
all worldly affliction;; and
worldly affliction and amidst
amidst
the gloom of
the gloom of night
night presented
presented me
me with the water
with the water of
of
"
immortality I"
immortality !

Sadi states himself

Sadi states to be
himself to at Delhi
be at Delhi during the Patan
during the Patan
Aglamish's time,
Aglamish's after aa reign
time, who, after reign of
of twenty-six
twenty-six
years, died
years, died A.H. 633, or
A.H. 633, or in
in Sadi's
Sadi's sixty-second
sixty-second year;
year;
and if Amir
and if descended from
Amir Khosraw, descended from the
the Amirs,
Amirs, or
or
14
i4 SHAIKH
SHAIK.l.( SADL
SADI.
princes, of
princes, of the
the noble
noble tribe
tribe of
of Lachin
Lachin inin the
the province
province ofof
Balkh, was,
Balkh, was, as
as Jami
J ami says
says and
and is
is generally
generally believed,
believed, the
the
youth Sadi,
youth Sadi, in
in Gulistan
Gulistan v.
v. 17,
17, got
got so
so much
much enraptured
enraptured
with at
with at Cashghur,
Cashghur, and
and who
who died
died at
at Delhi,
Delhi, A.H. 715,
A.H. 715,
in his
in his seventy-fourth
seventy-fourth year;; allowing
year allowing Khosraw
Khosraw to to
have been
have been fourteen
fourteen when
when they
they met,
met, Sadi
Sadi was
was still
still aa
traveller in
traveller in A.H. 641, or
A.H. 641, or his
his seventieth year I
seventieth year I

In the
In the course
course ofof reading
reading his
his works,
works, II have
have re-re-
marked' that he mentions himself to have visited
marked that he mentions himself to have visited
in
in person Europe,
person Europe, Barbary,
Barbary, Abyssinia,
Abyssinia, Egypt,
Egypt, Syria,
Syria,
Palestine,
Palestine, Armenia, Asia
Armenia, Asia Minor, the three
Minor, the three grand
grand
divisions of
divisions of Arabia,
Arabia, and
and every
every province
province of
of Iran
Iran and
and
many parts
many parts of
of Turan,
Turan, or
or of
of Persia
Persia and
and Tartary,
Tartary, from
from
Busrah and
Busrah and Baghdad
Baghdad to the Scythian
to the Scythian Wall,
Wall, and
and at
at
Rudbar, Deilman on the Caspian
Rudbar, Deilman on the Caspian Sea,
Sea, Cashghur
Cashghur
beyond the
beyond the Jihun,
Jihun, oror Oxus,
Oxus, across
across the
the Sind'h,
Sind'h, oror
Indus, and into many
Indus, and into many parts
parts of Hindustan,
of Hindustan, etc.
etc. ; and,
and,
;

from aa poem
from poem inin his
his book
book ofof Fragments,
Fragments, itit appears
appears
that he
that he had
had aa practical
practical knowledge,
knowledge, forfor he
he quotes
quotes
aa line
line in
in each,
each, ofof eighteen
eighteen idioms,
idioms, dialects,
dialects, and
and
languages, as
languages, as spoken in
spoken in the
the many
many regions
regions into
into
which he
which had thus
he had thus travelled.
travelled.
Engelbert Kcempfer, who
Engelbert Kcempfer, who visited
visited Shiraz
Shiraz A.D. 1686,
A.D. 1686,
"
says
says of
of Sadi,
Sadi, "that
that videt
videt Egyptiam
Egyptiam et
et Italiam,.
Italiam ; and
and
that he
that was much
he was much skilled
skilled in
in the
the Oriental
Oriental languages
languages; ;

nay, that
nay, that he
he had
had studied
studied the
the Latin
Latin tongue,
tongue, andand had
had
"
diligently perused
diligently perused the
the works
works of
of Seneca!"
Seneca ! But
But any
any
partiality
partiality for
for the
the blemishes
blemishes of
of this
this Roman
Roman meta-
meta-
physician would
physician would better
better apply
apply to
to Jami
J ami than
than to to Sadi.
Sadie
A man
man ofof Sadi's
Sadi's character
character- and
and fame
fame was was recol-
recol-
lected with
lected with fondness
fondness and and veneration
veneration in in the
the many
many
 SHAIKH SAD
SA.DI.
I. 15

regions he
regions he thus
thus visited
visited;; and
and few
few of
of them,
them, especially
especially
those under
those under Mussulman
Mussulman governments, but retain
governments, but retain
some local
some local memorial
memorial of
of him
him; and in
in their
their collec-
;
collec-
tions of Persian
tions of Persian anecdotes,
anecdotes, and these,
and these, like
like our
our Joe
Joe
Miller's jests,
Miller's jests, abound
abound allall over
over thethe East,
East, their
their writers
writers
accommodate him him with
with aa niche,
niche, as
as he
he had
had himself
himself
complimented an
complimented an ^Esop
.tEsop or or Lucman,
Lucman, Socrates
Socrates or or
Plato, Hippocrates
Plato, Hippocrates or or Galen,
Galen, and
and even St.St. John
John thethe
Baptist and
Baptist and our
our blessed Saviour! Two examples
blessed Saviour ! examples
. - II shall
shall here
here translate
translate from
from hishis Badaya,
Badaya, oror book
book ofof
"
rhetorical ghazals
rhetorical ghazals;;
and first-"
first No man can in this
can in this
world listen
world to the
listen to the lamentations
lamentations of of Sadi
Sadi that
that must
must
not bear
not bear testimony
testimony to
to his
his complaints,
complaints, as
as originating
originating
in the very
in the very extremity
extremity of pain.
of pain. If
If Plato
Plato in
in his
his wisdom
is mysterious
is mysterious in
in defining
defining love,
love, the
the veil
veil shall
shall ultimately
ultimately
be withdrawn from the
be the face of his
face of his hidden
hidden secret"
secret."
This alludes
This alludes of
of course
course to
to the
the Platonic
Platonic love,
love, which
which
not so
was not so much aa doctrine
doctrine of
of Plato
Plato as
as of
of his
his refining
refining
followers,
followers, and which the
the followers
followers of
of Sadi
Sadi construed
construed
into downright
into downright sufiasm
sufiasm and mystery Again-"" It
mystery I Again 1 It
is the
is the vernal
vernal season
season; for
;for the
the heart
heart isis every
every moment
moment
longing
longing to
to walk in
in the
the garden,
garden, and every
every bird
bird of the
of the
grove
grove is
is melodious in
in its
its carols
carols as
as the
the nightingale.
nightingale.
wilt fancy
Thou wilt fancy itit the
the dawning
dawning zephyr
zephyr of of an early
early
spring,
spring, or
or new year's day morning;
year's day morning; but
but it
it is
is the
the
breath of
breath of Isa,
Isa, or
or Jesus
Jesus; for
;for in
in that
that fresh
fresh breath
breath and
"
verdure the
verdure the dead earth
earth isis reviving
reviving!"!

our blessed
Of our blessed Saviour Sadi and all all the
the best
best
Persian poets
Persian poets often
often speak,
speak, and always
always with
with respect
respect
reverence; and here,
and reverence ; here, as many other
as on many other occasions,
occasions,
he admits of of his
his power
power of of working mira~les, if
working miracles, if not
not his
his
1
16
6
SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADI.

divinity;and'and I Iwish
wishI I could
could speakasaswell wellininthe
the
divinity ; speak
converse of our Christian missionaries
converse of our Christian missionaries in the East
in the East!
!

And Gulistan ii.1010wewefind

AndininGulistan findSadi
Sadi prayingatatSt.St. John
ii. praying John
the Baptist's tomb at Damascus,
the Baptist's tomb at Damascus, and asked by the
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;
miracles
for Dowlat Shah tells us " "that, when
for Dowlat Shah tells us
when
; that,
settled asas anan Ascetic, the
finally settled the middling and and
finally Ascetic, middling
common orders of his neighbours supplied
common orders of his neighbours supplied him with 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
himself sparingly partake; but the best part he hung
himself sparingly partake but the best part he 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
their faggots from the wilderness.
One daya a thief,
day thief,
disguised likelike a a wood-cutter, made made free free with
with the
the
disguised wood-cutter,
basket,when
whenhis hisarm
armbecame
became instantly blasted, and,
basket, 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
to relieve him.
He answered
answered him him inin reproach:
reproach :

1 'If you are a wood-cutter, where are

If you are a wood-cutter, where are the callousness
the callousness
and scars of your business; and if a robber, where
and scars of your business and if a robber, where
;
that hardihood that would deaden your feelings
that hardihood that would deaden your feelings
to ~ trifling a wound?' Hethen
then prayed for,and and
to sp trifling a wound?' He prayed for,
healed him, and dismissed him with
healed him, and dismissed him with a portion of his
a portion of his
provisions."
provisions."
Nor was
Nor was hehe onon allall occasions
occasions anan idleidle traveller
traveller,
for he had fought against the enemies
for he had fought against the enemies of his faith
of his faith;
;

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,orora a pilgrimtoto l\iecca
added to the name of Haji, pilgrim Mecca,
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SA.DI. 17

the epithet
the epithet ofof Ghazi,
Ghazi, or
or aa holy
holy warrior.
warrior. Dastards
Dastards
are scurrilous
are scurrilous;;
but the
but the generous
generous speak
speak well
well even
even
oftheir
of theirfoes.
foes. InIn Bustan
Bustanvii.vii. 18, Sadi asks
18,Sadi asksaabrother
brother
recluse,who
recluse, who waswas railing
railing atat the Christians, ""whether
the Christians, whether
he had
he had ever
ever been
been engaged
engaged inin the the holy
holy wars
wars with
with
"
the Franks
the Franks?"
? Yet he
Yet he can
can confess
confess that,
that, any
any more
more
than Horace
than Horace oror Otway,
Otway, he
he was
was no
no warrior
warrior by
by pro-
pro-
fession, for
fession, for he and
he and another
another gay
gay youth,
youth, tricked
tricked out
out
in all
in . all the
the habiliments of
habiliments of war,
war, submitted
submitt€d toto bebe
~>plundered
plundered of
of them
them byby two two Hindu
Hindu robbers
robbers inin thethe
territory
territory of
of Balkh, rather
Balkh, rather than than risk
risk their lives
their lives in in
defendingthem
defending them(Gul.
(Gul.vii.vii. 13).
13).
Ibrahim Khan
Ibrahim Khan of of Banares,
Banares, inin his his Sohofi
Sohofi Ibrahim,
Ibrahim,
says
says :_H
:
"
AA few
few ofof the
the illustrious
illustrious results
results of
of Sadi's
Sadi's
extensive travels
extensive travels werewere the the sight
sight of of strange
strange cities
cities
and territories,
and territories, the the detail
detail of of marvellous
marvellous adventures,
adventures,
the vicissitudes
the vicissitudes of of life,
life, conversation
conversation of of enlightened
enlightened
sages,
sages, the
the acquisition
acquisition of
of science
science and
and knowledge,
knowledge, and, and,
above all,
above a mouthful of
all, a mouthful of the the prophet
prophet Khizr's
Khizr's water
water
of immortality 1"" Or,
of immortality ! Or, asas he he says
says himself,
himself, inin his his
"
Bustan vi.
Bustan 16 :_H
vi. 16 : Was not
Was not this this globe
globe shaken
shaken toto its
its
centrebefore
centre beforeititcame
cametotorest rest? ? Wasnot
Was notSadi
Sadi obliged
obliged
to travel
to travel before
before he he obtained
obtained science science andandknowledge,
knowledge,
"
the objects
the objects ofof his his heart
heart?" ? On his
On his worldly
worldly experi-
experi-
ence I I refer
ence refer the
the reader
reader toto Gul. iii.28,
Gul.iii. whereaafather
28,where father
dissuades his
dissuades his able-bodied
able-bodied son son from roaming from
from roaming from
home, and
home, and anticipates
anticipates his his disappointments
disappointments abroad. abroad.
And
Andof ofhishisown
own unsettled
unsettled state, state,whether
whether from from neces-
neces-
sity oror habit,
sity habit, he he speaks
speaks with with his
his usual
usual philosophy
philosophy
"
(Bust v.v. 2)2) :-"
(Bust : Fortune so
Fortune so ordained
ordained that that I I should
should
leave Ispahan,
leave Ispahan,for for I I had
had no no means
means of ofsubsisting
subsistingany any
744
744
 18
i8 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADL
longer
longer at at that
that place:
place my :
my destiny
destiny removedremoved me me from
from
!rac into Syria,
Irac into Syria, and in this happy
and in this happy land I made aa
land I made
pleasant
pleasant sojourn:
sojourn : the cup
the cup of my
of my allotted
allotted abodeabode in in

Syria
Syria again
again overflowed,
overflowed, and a longing
and a longing desire to see
desire to see
home drew
home drew me me thence;
thence and ;
and chance
chance again again ordained
ordained
that,
that, on my
on my return,
return, I should pass
I should pass through
through the the pro-
pro-
vince of !rac."
vince of Irac."
The following
The following story story must must be be familiar
familiar with with thethe
Persian tyro
Persian tyro of Bengal,
of Bengal, being being an extract of the
an extract of the
Travels
Travels of of Hatim
Hatim Tayi,Tayi, and and the the first
first Persian
Persian book book
. put
put into
into his
his hands,
hands, and
and is
is no
no doubt
doubt the
the prototype
prototype
of
of that
that wonderful
wonderful German German romance romance of of Leonora,
Leonora,
which
which somesome twenty
twenty years years ago ago was was popular
popular in in two
two
or
or three
three able
able translations
translations into into English.
English.
"
"OnOn one one occasion
occasion Sadi Sadi had had mademade aa long long enough
enough
stay
stay in
in Armenia
Armenia to
to unite
unite himself
himself in
in the
the bonds
bonds of of
friendship
friendship with
with aa youth
youth of
of his
his own
own age.
age. In
In that
that
country
country people
people then then died
died not not the the natural
natural deathdeath theythey
died
died elsewhere,
elsewhere, but but on on aa particular
particular day, day, once
once aa year,
year,
they
they met
met on on aa plain
plain by by their
their chief
chief cities,
cities, where
where they they
occupied
occupied themselves
themselves in
in recreation
recreation and
and amusement
amusement;
in
in the
the midst
midst of of which
which individuals
individuals of of every
every age age andand
rank
rank would
would suddenly
suddenly stop, stop, make a
make a reverence
reverence to to the
the
west,
west, gird
gird up up their
their loins,
loins, and,
and, setting
setting out out full
full speed
speed
towards
towards that that quarter
quarter of of thethe desert,
desert, were were no more
no more
seen
seen nornor heard
heard o( of. Sadi
Sadi had had often
often remarked
remarked that that
this
this was
was thethe lot
lot ofof many
many who who were were fathers,
fathers, mothers,
mothers,
brothers,
brothers, and and sisters
sisters of some or
of some or other
other of of his
his acquaint-
acquaint-
ance;
ance ; but
but these
these seemed
seemed indifferent
indifferent to to thethe event,
event,
and
and were
were reserved
reserved in in explaining
explaining it. it. At last,
At last, onon such
such
an
an anniversary,
anniversary, he he sawsaw that that friend
friend of of hishis affection
affection
 SHAIKH SAD
SHAIKH I.
SADI. 19

to set off, when he seized upon his girdle,

preparing
preparing to set off, when he seized upon his girdle,
and insisted upon knowing what it meant
and insisted upon knowing what it meant. The The
youth him to let him go, for that
youth solell}nly enjoined him to let him go, for that
solemnly enjoined
the Malic-al-mo-at, or Angel of Death, had already
the Malic-al-mo-at, or Angel of Death, had already
called dn him twice, and on the third call his destiny
called ~n ~im twice, and on the third call his destiny
would drag
would drag him him on, whether he
on, whether he would
would or or not.
not. YetYet
Sadi kept his hold, and found himself carried along
Sadi kept his hold, and found himself carried along
with such a velocity as soon deprived him of all
with such a velocity as soon deprived him of all
power of
power of knowing whither they
knowing whither went. At
they went. At last
last they
they
at a verdant plain in the midst of the desert,
_, stopped
stopped at a verdant plain in the midst of the desert,
when the
,vhen the youth stretched himself
youth stretched upon the
himself upon the earth,
earth,
and the turf opened like a grave and swallowed him
and "the turf opened like a grave and swallowed him
After throwing
up ! " After
up ! dust over
throwing dust over his
his body,
body, SadiSadi sat
sat
for some days by the head of the grave
for some days by the head of the grave; and and of
;
his
of" his
manifold lamentations the
manifold lamentations the following following is one :-" On
is one :
On
the day when thy foot was pierced with the thorn
the day when thy foot was pierced with the thorn
of death, would to God that the hand of fortune
of death, would to God that the hand of fortune
had clove
had clove my head with the sword of annihilation
my head with the sword of annihilation! !

that my eyes might not this day have seen the world
that my eyes might not this day have seen the world
without thee such am I seated at the head of thy
without thee; such am I seated at the" head of thy
;

as the ashes are on my own head

dust, as
dust, the ashes are on my own head!" After ! this
After this
he had his way to find back over rivers of molten
he had his way to find back over rivers of molten
gold,
gold, silver,
silver, andand copper,
copper, through deserts and
through deserts and wilder-
wilder-
nesses, and over mountains
nesses, and over mountains of snow, of which
snow, which he he accom-
accom-
after many other adventures.
plishes
plishes after many other adventures.
During his his many years of travel Sadi had to
During many years of travel Sadi had to
traverse a sufficiency of clime, and encountered a
traverse a sufficiency of clime, and encountered a
of adventure without driving us to the
diversity
diversity of adventure without driving us to the
shift of carrying him thus into fairyland, and making
shift of carrying him thus into fairyland, and making
him thethe hero of one of his own fables and amidst
him hero of one of his own fables; and amidst
;

the real distress of poverty, and the dissipation of

the real distress of poverty, and the dissipation of
20
20 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADL
SADI.
aa wandering
wandering and
and unsettled
unsettled life, he
life, he rose
rose to
to eminence
eminence
in
in wisdom
wisdom and and learning
learning; for,
; ill supplied
for, ill supplied withwith the
the
gifts of fortune,
gifts of fortune, the most precious
the most precious partpart of that life
of that life
was
was aa continued
continued sojourn
sojourn from
from city
city to
to city,
city, and
and from
from
kingdom to
kingdom to kingdom,
kingdom, first
first perhaps
perhaps led
led by
by aa hope
hope of
o
patronage and preferment,
patronage and preferment, and afterwards through
and afterwards through
choice and
choice and habit.
habit During this
During this period,
period, though
though hehe
began them late in life,
began them late in life, his Kulliat,
his Kulliat, or works,
or works, were
were
composed; and
composed ; and amidst
amidst aa roving
roving activity
activity he
he contrived
contrived
to write more
to writ,e more than another might,
than another might, in a like condition,
in a like condition
have managed
have managed to
to read.
read.
"
Dowlat Shah
Dowlat Shah sayssays-" The
The learning
learning andand wit wit of
o
Sadi have been the continued theme of the eloquent
Sadi have been the continued theme of the eloquen
ever since
ever since his time: his
his time : his works contain much
works contain much variety
variety
of poetry
of poetry and prose,
and prose, and of the former
and of the former there
there areare
nearly twenty thousand
nearly twenty thousand verses."
verses." Dowlat
Dowlat Shah
Shah lived
lived
two hundred
two hundred years
years after Sadi, when
after Sadi, when Persian
Persian literature
literature
was upon
was upon its decline,
its decline, and speaks
and speaks of his fame
of his fame inin Asia
Asia;;

and in the course of 480

and in the course of 480 years
years more,
more, Europe
Europe isis
getting aa relish
getting relish for
for him.
him. Kcempfer,
Krempfer, speaking
speaking of of Sadi
Sadi
and Hafiz,
and Hafiz, says
says "that
"that both
both are
are held
held in
in such
such esteem
esteem
throughout the
throughout the East
East that
that he
he can
can scarce
scarce be
be considered
considered
as aa respectable
as character who
respectable character who hashas not
not read
read their
their
works, and
works, and treasured
treasured upup their
their wisdom,
wisdom, soso as to make
as to make
them
them the
the rules
rules of
of his
his future life." And
future life." And Jami J
ami and
and
Ibrahim Khan
Ibrahim Khan both
both tell us ""that
tell us that men
men ofof genius
genius
have called
have the Diwan,
called the Diwan, or or poetical
poetical works
works of
of Sadi,
Sadi,
the Namakdan,
the N amakdan, oror Salt-cellar
Salt-cellar of
ofPoets
Poets; and
and reputable
; reputable
writers have
writers have declared that 4Sadi
declared that was inspired,"
Sadi was inspired," in
in
confirmation of
confirmation which, Molana
of which, Molana Hatifa,
Hatifa, the
the nephew
nephew of
of
J ami, and
Jami, and his
his superior
superior in
in genius,
genius, penned
penned the
the follow-
follow-
 SHAIKH SA.DI.
SHAIKH SADI. 21
21

"
ing
ing stanza
stanza :-" Notwithstanding
:
Notwithstanding what what the the prophet
prophet
Mohammed
Mohammed has has said,
said, that
that after
after me me no no prophet
prophet can can
come,
come, yet yet there
there are are among
among the the poets
poets threethree men men
endowed
endowed with with divine
divine inspiration-namely,
inspiration namely, Firdausi
Firdausi
in
in heroics,
heroics, Anwari
Anwari in
in elegy,
elegy, and Sadi in
and Sadi in the
the ghazal
ghazal
or
or ode."
ode."
Mulowi Mohammed
Mulowi Mohammed Rashid, Rashid, thethe able
able andand learned
learned
collator of
collator of the
the printed
printed Calcutta
Calcutta edition,
edition, in two
in two folio
folio
volumes,
volumes, A.D.
A.D. 1791-2,
1791-2, sayss~ys in
in his
his Persian
Persian introduc-
introduc-
"
tion :-" It
-' ,tion : It must
must not not be be omitted
omitted that that the the original
original
c~llector
collector and and editor
editor of of Shaikh
Shaikh Sadi'sSadi's Kulliat,
Kulliat, or or
Works,
Works, was
was Aliben-Ahmad
Aliben- Ahmad of
of Bisitun;
Bisitun ;
and
and in
in the
the
preface,
preface, which
which he he composed
composed at at the
the same
same time,time, and and
-which
which has has ever
ever since
since been
been the the constant
constant antecedent
antecedent
of
of the
the Works,
Works, he he accounts
accounts for for the
the occasion
occasion of of this
this
compilation,
compilation, and
and gives
gives the
the date
date of
of A.H.
A.I-I. 726
726 and
and 734,
734,
or 33 and
or 33 and 41 41 years
years after
after Sadi's
Sadi's demise."
demise." Bisitun,
Bisitun, the the
birthplace
birthplace of
of this
this friend
friend of
of Sadi,
Sadi, and
and the
the site
site of
of the
the
statuary
statuary Farhad's
Farhad's operations,
operations, lies lies inin thethe southern
southern
part
part ofof Irac
Irac Ajim,
Ajim, and and on on the
the high
high road
road fromfrom the the
city
city of
of Ramadan
Ramadan to to Gilanac
Gilanac and and Baghdad.
Baghdad.
D'Rerbelot,
D'Herbelot, as as in
in many
many of of his
his other
other Oriental
Oriental
statements,
statements, leadsleads SirSir W.W. Jones
Jones astray
astray in in making
making the the
Works
Works of of Sadi
Sadi to to consist
consist of of only
only three
three books-
books
namely,
namely, the the Gulistan,
Gulistan, Bustan,
Bustan, and and Mulumaat;
Mulumaat and ;
and
even
even Major
Major Stewart,
Stewart, in in his
his late
late catalogue
catalogue of of Tippoo
Tippoo
Sultan's
Sultan's library,
library, makesmakes them them to to consist
consist only only of of
seventeen
seventeen books;books but
;
but Ali-ben-Ahmad
Ali-ben- Ahmad more more correctly
correctly
enumerates
enumerates twenty-two;
twenty-two to ; to wit-
wit
1st,
ist, Rasallah,
Rasallah, or or Tract.
Tract.
2nd,
2nd, Rasallah,
Rasallah, or or Tract.
Tract
 22
22
SHAIKHSAD
SHAIKH SADL
I,

3rd, Rasallah, or Tract.

3rd, Rasallah, or Tract.
4th, Rasallah,ororTract
Tract.
4th, Rasallah,
5th, Rasallah,or orTract
Tract.
5th, Rasallah,
6th, Rasallah, or Tract.
6th, Rasallah, or Tract
7th, Gulistan,oror Flower-garden.
7th, Gulistan, Flower-garden.
8th, Bustan, or Fruit-garden.
8th, Bustan, or Fruit-garden.
9th, Arabian Casaids, or Elegies.
9th, Arabian Casaids, or Elegies,
loth, Persian
Persian Casaids,oror Elegies.
roth, Casaids, Elegies.
11th, Mirazi,oror Dirges.
nth, Mirazi, Dirges.
12th, Mulumaat, or mixed poems of
1 2th, Mulumaat, or mixed
of Persian
Persian and
and
poems
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 plain and less mystical ghazals.
15th, Badaya, or rhetorical and
1 5th, Badaya, or rhetorical
and more
more mystical
mystical
ghazals.
ghazals.
16th, Khowatim, or what Sadi wrote
1 6th, Khowatim, or what Sadi
wrote inin his
his old
old
age.
age.
17th, Kudim, or what he wrote inin his
1 7th, Kudim, or what he wrote
his younger
younger
days.
days.
18th, Sahibiyah, or poems of eulogy and admoni-
1 8th, Sahibiyah, or poems of eulogy and admoni-
tion, chiefly addressed
addressed toto hishis patron Shams-ud-
Shams-ud-
tion, chiefly patron
din.
din.
19th, Macaittaat, or fragments.
I9th, Macaittaat, or fragments.
20th, Khubisaat, oror prose and and poetry on on impure
2Oth, Khubisaat, prose poetry impure
and ludicrous subjects.
and ludicrous subjects.
21st, Robiayat, or tetrastics with regular rhymes.
2 1st, Robiayat, or tetrastics with regular rhymes.
22nd, Muffridaat,orordistiches
disticheswith
with regular rhymes.
22nd, Muffridaat, regular rhymes.
Of these two-and-twenty books,
Of these two-and-twenty books, the the six
six books
books ofof
Rasallahs, the the Gulistan, and
and part ofof the
the Khubisaat,
Rasallahs, Gulistan, part Khubisaat,
are prose, and all the rest poetry: the Bustan con-
are prose, and all the rest poetry the Bustan con-
:

sists of couplets, oror the

sists of
the heroic
heroic line
line of
of Firdausi
Firdausi and
and
couplets,
 SHAIKH
SIIAIKH SADI.
SA.DL 23

Nizami, of
Nizami, of ten
ten and
and eleven
eleven syllables,
syllables, and
and correspond-
correspond-
ing with
ing that of
with that of Pope
Pope and
and Addison
Addison in in English
English: the
the :

rest are
rest are chiefly
chiefly casaids,
casaids, or
or elegies,
elegies, and
and ghazals,
ghazals, or
or
odes, the
odes, the first
first two
two lines
lines forming
forming aa couplet
couplet of
of eleven
eleven
to
to seventeen syllables,
seventeen syllables, and
and the
the alternate
alternate lines
lines
throughout the
throughout the poem
poem rhyming
rhyming to to this,
this, and
and inin aa
manner peculiar
manner peculiar to
to Persian
Persian and
and Arabic
Arabic poetry.
poetry. The
The
fourteenth book,
fourteenth book, oror that
that of
of Taybaat,
Taybaat, forms
forms of
of itself
itself
nearly aa Diwan,
nearly Diwan, or
or collection
collection of
of ghazals
ghazals; the
the two
two ;

~, first
first lines
lines of
of the
the first
first four
four of
of them
them terminate
terminate in
in an
an
Alif,
Alif, and the
and the others
others inin succession
succession in in each
each letter
letter of of the
the
alphabet
alphabet Ibrahim
Ibrahim Khan
Khan says-"
says That
"That it
it must
must not
not
be concealed
be concealed fromfrom thethe decorators
decorators of of thethe poetical
poetical
grove
grove that
that the
the ghazal
ghazal bower
bower was
was first
first reared
reared by
by
Sadi !"" But
Sadi ! "But inin this
this he
he was
was mistaken
mistaken; for for Khacani,
;
Khacani,
Jabali, and
Jabali, and many
many others,
others, his
his seniors,
seniors, write
write ghazals
ghC!-zals; ;

and indeed
and indeed thethe word
word Chamah
Chamah in in old
old Persian
Persian has has thethe
same signification
same signification as as the
the Arabic
Arabic word word ghazal,
ghazal, as as
Chaghanah
Chaghanah has
has of
of Casidah;
Casidah and
and
;
poems
poems of
of these
these two
two
forms, of
forms, of the
the ode
ode and
and elegy
elegy respectively,
respectively, must must have have
been common
been common with with thethe Persians
Persians from from time time im- im-
memorial. Now,
memorial. Now, whatever
whatever Hafiz Hafiz maymay be, be, cancan II
subscribe to
subscribe to Dowlat
Dowlat Shah's
Shah's opinion
opinion "of "of Amir Amir
Khosraw being
Khosraw being superior
superior toto Sadi
Sadi inin the
the ghazal."
ghazal."
In the
In the library
library atat the
the India
India House,
House, London,
London, there there is is
aa curious
curious copy
copy ofof Sadi's
Sadi's Kulliat,
Kulliat, ofof aa date
date previous
previous to to
the collated
the collated copy
copy of of Ali-bin-Ahmad
Ali-bin-Ahmad: it it had
: had beenbeen
deposited there
deposited there by by mymyoid shipmate, Sir
old shipmate, Sir Harford
Harford
Jones, who
Jones, who hadhad received
received it,it, II think,
think, as as aa present
present
during his
during his last
last embassy
embassy to to Persia.
Persia. II had had itit forfor aa few
few
minutes in
minutes in my
my hand
hand in in 1814;
1814; and,and, from
from the the little
little II
 24 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADI.
could thus
could thus see
see of
of it, should
it, should esteem
esteem itit aa valuable
valuable
reference to any
reference to any future
future publisher
publisher of
of Sadi's
Sadi's text.
text
II had
had myself
myself aa personal
personal knowledge
knowledge of of the
the Calcutta
Calcutta
printed edition
printed edition of
of Sadi's
Sadi's works,
works, in
in two
two small
small folio
folio
volumes, being
volumes, being collated
collated with much skill
with much skill and
and diligence
diligence
by Mulowi
by Mulowi Mohammed
Mohammed Rashid,
Rashid, from
from four
four valuable
valuable
MS. copies,
MS. copies, some
some of of which
which II also
also recognised
recognised inin that
tha
library; but
library ;
but the
the text
text one,
one, once
once honoured
honoured with
with aa place
place
in the library
in the library of
of the
the mighty
mighty and
and great
great Moghul
Moghul ShahShah
Jihan, isis now
Jihan, now inin my
mypossession.
possession. OfOfthat
that printed
printed copy
copy
the text
the text ofofthe
the Gulistan
Gulistan occupies
occupies nearly
nearly aa third
third of
of the
the
first volume,
first volume, oror aa sixth
sixth ofof the
the whole,
whole, andand from
from thatthat II
made my
made my collated
collated translation,
translation, and and should
should still
still prefer
prefer
it;
it; but
but Mr.
Mr. Gladwin
Gladwin chose,
chose, as
as the
the basis
basis of
of his
his
Calcutta edition,
Calcutta edition, the
the text
text of of Gentius
Gentius; and
;
and aa reprint
reprint
ofof that
that having
having been
been made
made in in London,
London, 1809, under the
1809, under the
supe;intendance
superintendance of
of Sir
Sir Gore
Gore Ouseley,
Ouseley, and
and patronised
patronised
byby the professors of
the professors of thethe East
East India
India Company's
Company's
colleges,
colleges, and
and my
my chief
chief view
view in
in this
this translation
translation being
being
toto facilitate
facilitate the
the studies
studies of of their
their Persian
Persian pupils,
pupils, II was
was
under the
under the necessity
necessity of of modelling
modelling itit to their taste.
to their taste.
Any particulars
Any particulars II shall
shall specify
specify in in aa memorandum
memorandum at at
the conclusion
the conclusion of ofthis
this Essay.
Essay.
Sadi had
Sadi had aa personal
personal acquaintance
acquaintance with with some
some of of the
the
principal
principal poets poets and
and literary
literary characters
characters of
of his
his time:
time :

some, however,
some, however, andand particularly
particularly he he andand Jilal-ud-din
Jilal-ud-din
Rumi, commonly
Rumi, commonly known known as as the
the Mulowi
M ulowi Manowi,
Manowi, or or
mystical doctor,
mystical doctor, and
and equally
equally patronised
patronised by by Shums-
Shums-
ud-din, the
ud-din, the prime
prime minister
minister of of Abaca-an,
Abaca-an, make make no no
mention of
mention of each
each other.
other. HakimHakim Nizari Nizari and and SadiSadi
meeting accidentally
meeting accidentally in in the
the market-place
market-place at at Shiraz,
Shiraz,
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI. 25

andandhaving
havingsome ~omeconversation,
conversation,each eachsoon soonrecognised
recognised
a amutual
mutualpoet poet in his wit; and Sadihaving
in his wit ;
and Sadi havingofofcourse
course
invitedhim
invited himtotohis hisdwelling,
dwelling,and andhappening
happeningtotobebeflush flush
ofofcash,
cash,mostmost sumptuously
sumptuously entertained
entertained him. him. Some
Some
timeafter
time afterthey
theymet metininKhorasan,
Khorasan,where ·whereNizariNizariininturn
turn
received Sadi as hisguest
received Sadi as his guest; and,
; and, as a satireononhis
as a satire his
prodigality, the
prodigality, thefirst
first day treated him
daytreated him withwitha apotpotofof
boiled milk
boiled milkand and bread,
bread,the thesecond
secondday daywith
witha adish
dishofof
fish, and the third with ajoint
fish, and the third with a joint of roastmeat,
of roast meat,observing
observing
"H
to .himatatthe
-tohim thesame
sametime time- I I can
canafford
affordtotoentertain
entertain
youthus
you thus forforyears
years;but ;butthetheexpensive
expensivestyle styleininwhich
which
you entertained me
you entertained me could not have. lasted many
could not have lasted many
days." Yet
days." YetNizari
Nizariwaswasininfact fact anan epicure,
epicure,drunkard,
drunkard,
and debauchee
and debauchee; whereas
; whereas Sadi Sadiwas was habitually
habitually tem-tem-
perate, sober,
perate, sober, and
and chaste.
chaste. When
When Sadi
Sadi met him
met him atat
Shiraz, hehe asked
Shiraz, asked whether
whether hehe recollected
recollected any any ofof
Nizari'sverses
Nizari's verses; and
; answershim
and heheanswers him by byquoting
quotingthe the
Motla,
Motla, oror first
first stanza,
stanza, ofof one
one oror his
his own
own ghazals-
ghazals
"
"It was rumoured
It was rumoured abroad abroadthat that I I was was penitent,
penitent,andand
had forsaken
had forsakenwine wine; but
; but this
this isisa a gross
gross calumny,
calumny,for for
"
whathave
what haveI Itotodo dowith
withrepentance
repentance?" ?

Swift, Sterne,
Swift, Sterne, and and other
other witswits ofofour our last
last and
and thethe
preceding
preceding age, age, could
could relish
relish indecency
indecency and
and nastiness;
nastiness ;

andititisiscreditable
and creditableperhaps
perhapstotothe thepresent
presentgeneration
generation
that itit has
that has no no taste
taste forfor such
suchgrossnesses.
grossnesses. This Thiswaswas
not, however,
not, however, the the case
case inin the the age
age and and country
country inin
which Sadi
which Sadi flourished,
flourished, any any moremore than than itit was
wasinin the
the
earlyand
early andbest
bestparts
partsofofour ourown
ownliterary history. The
literaryhistory. The
works,not
works, notonly
onlyofofSadi,
Sadi,but
butofofmany
manyother
other Persian
Persian
poets and
poets and moralists,
moralists, afford
afford too
too many
many examples
examples ofof
coarseness and
coarseness and indelicacy,
indelicacy, both thought and
both ofof thought and
 26 SHAIKHSAnL
SHAIKH SADI.
expression; and, what is singular, Firdausi, Nizami,
expression and, what is singular, Firdausi, Nizami
;

Khacani, and
and all their
theirbest bestheroic
heroicpoets have scarcely
Khacani, all poets have scarcel
any
any
of
of them.
them. Nor
Nor isis
itit
inin his
his Khubisaat, or book of
Khubisaat, or book o
professed impurities, that
that Sadi
Sadi thus
thus violates
violates decency ;
professed impurities, decency
for even
for even the morality of the Gulistan and Bustan isi
the morality of the Gulistan and Bustan
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 vigorou
writer otherwise, is thegreatest
writer otherwise, is the culprit!
greatest culprit !

On
On my way to Europe, having occasion
my way to Europe, having occasionto topass the
pass th
months of December and
months of December and January 1796-7 in Cal January 1796-7 in Cal-
cutta, I put my translation of the Gulistan into the
cutta, I put my translation of the Gulistan into th
hands
hands of of my
myfriend
friend Mr. Mr. Gladwin, wishing to have his
Gladwin, wishing to have hi
opinion of it; when he told me he had also projected
opinion of it when he told me he had also projecte
;

aa translation
translation of it, and meant to obviate
of it, and meant to obviate another
anothe
indelicate
indelicate allusion, particularly in the fifthchapter,
allusion, particularly in the fifth by
chapter, by
changing the male for the female character. That I
changing the male for the female character. That
see he has
see he has done done; ;
and he has otherwise
and he has otherwise endeavoured endeavoured,
by castrating the English of it, to purify Gentius's
by castrating the English of it, to purify Gentius'
text.
text. But
But he has overlooked the
he has overlooked theoccasional
occasional instances
instance
of
of grossness and indelicacy of sentiment and
grossness and indelicacy of sentiment and expres-
expres
sion
sion to to which
which I I alludeallude above; and which I have
above; and which I hav
obviated
obviated by the simpler process of leaving out the
by the simpler process of leaving out th
translation of aa few
translation of few wordswords of of the
the Persian
Persian text,
text, th
the
first example
first example
of this occurring
of this occurring in Gulistan in Gulistan i.
i.
40.
40
However, in all such instances,
However, in all such instances, it has been my en
it has been my en-
deavourto
deavour topreserve, as much as common decency will
preserve, as much as common decency wil
permit of it, the English of Sadi's text, that the
permit of it, the English of Sadi's text, that th
college student may not be disappointed; particularly
college student may not be disappointed ; particularl
asas the author would
the author would seem here seem here alone
alone to
to indulge
indulge i
in
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 vest
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI. 27

detrocto "-the
detracto" the best apology I I would
best apology would offer
offer isis the
the
simplicity of and nakedness of
simplicity of heart and nakedness of diction
heart diction ofof
Oriental writers,
Oriental examples ofof which
writers, examples which occasionally
occasionally
occur in our Old Testament;and
occur in our Old Testament andthem
themthe
; theprofound
profound
scholarsofofJames's
scholars James's reign, puritythem-
consciousofofpurity
reign, conscious them-
selves, translated
selves, translated into
into downright and
downright and intelligible
intelligible
English;and,
English ;
if I am
and, if I am in anyin instance,with
anyinstance, withthetheview
view
ofofbeing
beingintelligible
intelligible in like manner, coarse,let
in like manner, coarse, let the
the
reader
readerskipskipoveroverit,it,asassome
someofofour ourqueasy clergydo
queasyclergy do
in readingthe
-'inreading morningand
themorning and evening lessons. Yet
eveninglessons. Yet-
Iwrrescoreferens
horresco riferens-I I mustmustnot overlook another
not overlook anotherpro- pro-
pensity to which Sadi is accused
pensity to which Sadi is accused of alludingwith of alluding witha a
reprehensible levity.
reprehensible levity. An example ofof this
An example this nature
nature
occurs in Gulistan where the Cazi
occurs in Gulistan v. 20, where the Cazi of Hamadan,
v. 20, of Ramadan,
characterininthe
a acharacter theEast East equally venerable and
equallyvenerable and sanc-
sanc-
tified asas a a Judge
tified Judge oror BishopBishop withwith us,us,isisininthe
thefirst
first
instancesentenced
instance sentencedtotocondigncondigndeathdeathand andannihilation,
annihilation,
but
butafterwards
afterwards his abomination isismade
hisabomination madethe thesubject
subject
of wit and
of wit repartee. But
and repartee. But whatever
whatever levitylevity hehe may
may
sport, itit inin no
sport, no instance appears that
instance appears that hehe criminally
criminally
countenanced, and
countenanced, and stillstill less, some, who
less, asas some, who have
have
slightly inspected
slightly inspected his his works,
works, suspect,
suspect, practised
practised this this
vice;for
vice ; foron onother occasionshehe speaks
otheroccasions speaksofofit,it,and
and itsits
abettors,with
abettors, withallalldue scornand
duescorn andabhorrence
abhorrence-a not~ble
a notable
exampleofofwhich
example whichoccurs
occursGulistan
Gulistan iii.14.
iii.
14-
In
In the Kholasah-u'l-Ashaar, from
the Kholasah-u'1-Ashaar, from which
which I I alsoalso
copiedthe
copied theabove
abovestory storyofofNizari,
Nizari,ititisisrelated
related" "that
that
Kh'ajah Humam-ud-din
Kh'ajah Humam-ud-din ofofTabreiz, Tauris,had
Tabreiz,ororTauris, hada a
son exquisitelyhandsome
sonexquisitely handsome; and
; andthat Sadi,who
thatSadi, whowaswasa a
great admirerofofhuman
greatadmirer humanbeauty, travelledtotoTabriez
beauty,travelled Tabriez
that he
that he mightmight see see him.him. He He waswas oneone dayday inin the the
 28 SHAIKHSA.DI.
SHAIKH SADI.

public
public bathing-room
bathing-room atat Tabriez, Tabriez, when when the the Kh'ajah
Kh'aja
entered,
entered,accompanied
accompanied by bythis
this son;
son and;
and as as he he always
alway
concealed
concealed him him from
from public
public view,
view,he hewas was offended
offended at a
"
meeting
meetingSadi, Sadi,and andasked
askedhim, him, "Whence
Whence come come you?"you ?
" "
Sadi answered, « From
Sadi answered, From Shiraz!"
Shiraz ! ""ItIt isis singular,"
singular,
"
said Humam,
said Humam, "that
that inin my city the Shirazians
my city the Shirazians should
shoul
"
bebe more
more than than the the dogs and
dogs and cats cats!" !
"
"InIn my city,"
my city,
"
replied
replied Sadi,"
Sadi, ititisisthethe reverse;
reverse for
;
for there
there the theTabrie-
Tabrie
zians
zians areare less!"
less /" LikeLike many many of of his
his townsmen,
townsmen,Sadi Sad
was
wasbald.
bald. HumamHumamturning turning the
the ewer
ewer he
he was
wasusing,
using, asa
isiscustomary
customaryinin OrientalOrientalablution,
ablution,upside
upside down,down,askedaske
"
Sadi,
Sadi, « How How comescomes itit that
that the the head
head of of aa Shirazian
Shirazia
"
should
should resemble
resemble this this utensil?"
utensil ? Sadi
Sadi promptly
promptl
answered
answered him him by by presenting
presenting his his own
own ewer ewer withwith the
th
"
empty
empty mouth
mouth upwards,
upwards, and
and saying, "
saying, Why Why is
is the
the head
head
ofof aa Tabriezian
Tabriezian so so very
very like
like this?"
this?" The The Kh'ajah,
Kh'ajah
who
whowas was himself
himself aa poet, poet, and
and gentleman
gentleman of ofconsider-
consider
able
able eminence
eminence and and fortune,
fortune, was was vexed
vexed at at these
these twotw
smart
smart replies;
replies ;
and, making
and, making his
his son
son sit
sit down
down behind
behin
"
him,
him, asked
asked Sadi,Sadi, "Have Have you you ever
ever heardheard of of any
an
ofof Kh'ajah
Kh'ajah Humam's
Humam's poetry
poetry at
at Shiraz?"
Shiraz?" Sadi
Sad
" "
answered,
answered, "Yes;" Yes ;
and
and repeated
repeated this this fragment-
fragment
" HHumam
"
umam isisaaveil veilbetween
between me me and
and my mybeloved;
beloved but
;
bu
the
the hour
hour isis fast
fast approaching
approaching when
when that
that too
too shall
shall be
b
removed."
removed." The The Kh'ajah
Kh'ajah was
was now
now made
made aware
aware that
tha
this
this could
could onlyonlybe be Sadi;
Sadi and,
; and,having
having made made him him the
th
usual
usualcompliments
complimentsof of marked
marked respect,
respect, took
took him
him home
home
toto his
his mansion,
mansion, where where he he continued
continued for for aa length
lengt
ofof time
time absorbed
absorbed in in contemplating
contemplating the the charms
charms of o
the
the son.
son. D'Herbelot,
D'Herbelot, in in his Bibliotheque Oriental~,
his Bibliotlteque Orientals
414,
414, quotes
quotes Lamai's
Lamai's Duftar-u'l-Lataif,
Duftar-u'1-Lataif, or or record
record of o
 SHAIKHSADL
SHAIKH SADL 29

witticismsininthe
witticisms theTurkish
Turkishlanguage,
language,asashishisauthority
authority
for one of the above repartees,
for one of the above repartees, and says and says-" "
TheTheveil veil
here alluded to is the human
here alluded to is the human body, which prevents body, which prevents
our ourseeing
seeingGod God;and
;
andthatthatbybythis thisverse
versehehe-namely,
namely,
Humam-intimated his
Humam intimated his approaching death." approaching death." And And
in Ibrahim Khan's relation of it
in Ibrahim Khan's relation of it there is a play upon there is a play upon
thetheword wordKun, Kun,nonouncommon
uncommonthing thingamong
amongmodern modern
Persian scribblers, but which
Persian scribblers, but which decency again forbids decency again forbids
me to translate
me to translate. .
. ~Veare
....We aretold
toldin inthe
theSayr-u'1-mota-kharin,
Sayr-u'l-mota-kharin,orormodern modern
history, of Gholam
history, of Gholam Hosain
Hosain-" " That among
That among other men other men
of rank and education who
of rank and education who fled from Persia fled from Persia in in Sadi's
Sadi's
days, in order to escape the rapacity and cruelty of
days, in order to escape the rapacity and cruelty of
thetheilliterate
illiterateJinghiz
JinghizKhan Khanand andhishisTartar
Tartarsuccessors,
successors,
wereAmir
were AmirKhosraw
Khosrawand andAmirAmirHasan,Hasan,bothbothpoets poetsofof
genius
genius and
and learning;
learning ;
when
when they
they found
found anan elegant
elegant and and
literary
literary
retirement
retirement with
with that
that accomplished
accomplished prince prince
SultanMohammed,
Sultan Mohammed,the thesonsonofofGiyath-ud-din
Giyath-ud-dinBoltan, Boltan,
the theGuri GuriKingKingofofDelhi,Delhi,who whoininhishisfather's
father'slife-time
life-time
heldhelda asort sortofofsovereign
sovereignauthority
authorityover overMultan,
Multan,and and
otherHindustani
other Hindustaniprovincesprovincesbordering
borderingononPersia Persia;in in
;

defenceofofwhich
defence whichheheafterwards,
afterwards,A.H. 683,A.D.
A.H.683, A.D.1284,
1284,
fellfellfighting
fightinggloriously
gloriouslyininbattle. battle. One Oneday daythose those
nobleexiles
noble exiles were
were holdingforth,
holding forth,in in thepresence
the presence ofof their
their
munificentpatron,
munificent patron,ononthe thewitwitandanderudition
eruditionofofShaikh Shaikh
SadiSadiofofShiraz,
Shiraz,whichwhichbothbothwereweresosoliberal
liberalininpraising,
praising,
asastotoinduce inducethe theShahzadah,
Shahzadah,ororheir heirapparent,
apparent,toto
depute a special messenger with many valuable gifts
depute a special messenger with many valuable gifts
totothe theShaikh,
Shaikh,and andananinvitation
invitationtotocome comeand andreside
reside
atatMultan,
Multan,where whereheheengaged
engagedtotobuild buildhim
hima amonas-monas-
tery.. and endow it with villages and lands;but
tery, and endow it with villages and lands ;
butSadi,
Sadi,
 30 SHAIKHSADI.
SIIAIKH SADL
because
becauseof ofhishisextreme
extremeage ageandand feeble
feeble frame,
frame,being
bein
then
then inin his his ninty-second
ninty-second year, year, declined
declined this
this friendly
friendl
offer.
offer. However,
However,inin return returnfor forthetheprince's
prince'shandsome
handsom
attention,
attention, hehesent
sent him
him a volume
a volume of
of pleasant
pleasant and
and elegant
elegan
verses,
verses, and
and the
the Bustan
Bustan and
and Gulistan
Gulistan copied
copied withhis
with hi
ownhand;
own hand and; and likelikea amanman ofofrealreal learning himself,
learning himself
hehe had
had the the generosity
generosity of of availing
availing himself
himself of of this
thi
opportunity,
opportunity, 'to
'
to recommend
recommend Amir
Amir Khosraw
Khosraw toto the
th
prince,
prince, and
and bestow
bestow a a candid
candid approbation
approbation onon his
hi
works,' which, by-the-bye,
works,' which, by-the-bye, are
arevery voluminous,
very voluminous, for
for his
hi
poetry
poetry alone
alone consists
consists ofof between
between 400,000
400,000 and
and 500,000
500,00
"
verses!
verses " !

I Ishall
shallquote
quoteone one more
moreinstance
instance of ofthethe respect
respect ini
whichSadi
which Sadiwas washeldheld fromfrom thethesixth
sixth Rasallah
Rasallahof ofhis
hi
own works,
own works, where where itit isis called
called his his interview
interview with wit
Sultan
SultanAbaca-an,
Abaca-an,then thenkingkingof ofPersia.
Persia.
"
Sadi
Saditellstellsus,us,saying-"
saying When
When ononmy myreturn
returnfromfroma
pilgrimage
pilgrimagetotothe theholy
holyMecca,
Mecca,I I arrived
arrivedatatthat thatseatsea
ofof sovereignty
sovereignty Tabriez,
Tabriez, and and had had enjoyed
enjoyed an an inter-
inter
course
course withwith some some learned
learned and and pious
pious men, men, whose
whos
society
societydid didme memuch muchhonour,
honour,I Igot gotdesirous
desirousof ofseeing
seein
those
thosetwo two illustrious noblemen,Kh'ajahs
illustrious noblemen, Kh'ajahs Ula-ud-din
Ula-ud-di
and
and Shums-ud-din,
Shums-ud-din,asas many manyclaims
claimsof offriendship
friendshiphad ha
ofofold
oldsubsisted
subsisted betweenbetween us; us and
;
andhaving
havingset setout
outoneon
day
daywith
withthe theviewviewof ofcalling
callingon on them,
them,I I chanced
chanced tot
meetthem
meet themon on my myway,way,riding
ridingon onhorseback,
horseback,inincom- com
pany
pany withwithAbaca-an,
Abaca-an, the the sovereign
sovereign of of the
the universe.
universe
Seeing
Seeingthem themsosoengaged,
engaged,I Idid didnotnotjudge
judgeititproper
propertot
intrude
intrude upon upon themthemwithwith a afriendly
friendlyvisit;
visit and
;
andwas wasini
the
theactactof oftaking
taking myself
myselfaside, when they
aside,when they bothbothdis-dis

mounted,
mounted,and, and,following
followingme meononfoot, bowedthemselves
foot,bowed themselve
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKII SAnI. 31

to to theearth
the earth;
; and,ononcoming
and, closeupuptotome,
comingclose kissed
me, kissed
handsand
mymyhands andfeet
feet;and,
and,
; congratulating
congratulating wretched
this
this wretched
creatureononhishissafe
creature safearrival,
arrival,said thiswas
saidthis wasnotnotjust
just
thatwewehad
that notbeen
hadnot apprisedofofthetheauspicious
beenapprised auspicious
approachofofour
approach our augustand
august andvenerable father I After
venerablefather After !

attendingtotothis
attending thisceremony, SultanAbaca-an
ceremony,Sultan Abaca-anre-re-
marked
marked-' How
'

Howmanymanyyears Shums-ud-dinbeen
hasShums-ud-din
yearshas been
service,and
mymyservice,
in in andhas knownmemeasasthethesovereign
hasknown sovereignofof
universe,yetyethehenever
theuniverse,
the madememesuch
nevermade homageand
suchhomage and
rc.spcct,
respect, hehe
asas hasshown
has thisman
shownthis man?'
?
'
And
Andononthethetwo
two
brothersrejoining
brothers him,and
rejoininghim, remountingtheir
andremounting theirhorses,
horses,
said, Who
'
hehe turnedround
turned Shums-ud-dinand
roundtotoShums-ud-din andsaid, "' Whois is
personwhom
thatperson
that whom you humbly,and
accostedsosohumbly,
you accosted and
answered, O'0
' '
receivedsosocivilly
received civilly?'
? Shums-ud-din
Shums-ud-dinanswered,
father 1' Then
'

Sire !
thiswas
Sire!this ·wasour
ourfather Thenthe
!
theSultan
Sultansaid,
said,
father,and
'

'Oftentimeshave
Oftentimes I asked
have I asked afteryour
after yourfather, andyou
you
were
wereanswering
answeringme, me,heheis isdead andnow
dead;and nowyou
; yousaid,
said,
replied, He
HeHereplied,
' '

thiswas
this wasour
ourfather
father!' !
, Heis isour
ourfather
father
and ourShaikh
andour possiblythe
Shaikh;possibly
; renownedname
therenowned nameofof
Shaikh Sadi of Shiraz
Shaikh Sadi of Shirazmay have reached his
may have reached hisroyal
royal
highness's ear,forforhishissayings
highness'sear, celebratedallallover
arecelebrated
sayingsare over
the world.'
the world.' Abaca-an commanded
Abaca-an commandedthem, them,saying,
saying,
You
'Youmust introducememetotohim.'
'

mustintroduce him.' They

Theyreplied,
replied,
"
'
We heardand
haveheard
, Wehave andshall
shallobey.'
obey.'" Accordingly,after
Accordingly, after
associatingwith
associating withthe Shaikhforfor some
the Shaikh some days,
days,theythey
askedhim
asked himtotoattend
attendthe theking buthehewas
king;but ; wasdeclining
declining
"
invitationand
theirinvitation
their andsaying, Relieve me
saying, "Relieve mefrom
fromthis this
"
ceremony, and make
ceremony, and makemy my excuses." They said, You
excuses," They said, "You
assuredlygogoforforour
willassuredly
will sakes,and
oursakes, andshall yourown
shallbebeyour own
"
master in every matter else." The
master in every matter else." The Shaikh adds, For
Shaikh adds, "For
theirsatisfaction
their satisfactionI Iagreed accompanythem
agreedtotoaccompany them;and and ;
 32 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADI.
having attended at
having attended at court,
court, andand had had an an audience
audience of of the
the
king, when about
king, when about to take my
to take my leave,
leave, his
his majesty
majesty was
was
pleased
pleased to to say, Give me
say, 'Give me aa maxim
'
maxim of of advice.'
advice.' I
'You can
replied, 'You
replied, can take take along
along with with you,you, fromfrom this thi
world into
world into thethe next,
next, nothing
nothing but reward or
but reward or punish-
punish-
ment now,
ment; ; now, or or in in this
this world,
world, be thou charitable
be thou charitabl
' ' "
and righteous!
and righteous ,,, Abaca-an
! Abaca-an said,
;

said, "Put Put the

the purport
purportof o
this sentiment into
this sentiment into verse;"
verse;" and and the Shaikh uttered
the Shaikh uttered

this
this extemporary
extemporary fragment fragment on on Equity
Equity and and Justice-
Justice
"
That king
"That king who who isis thethe pastor
pastor of of thethe people,
people, let hi
let his

revenue be
revenue be sacred,
sacred, for for it
it is the hire
is the hire of of the
the shepherd;
shepherd
but if
but not the
if not the people's
people's guardian,
guardian, let let it be his
it be his deadly
deadly
poison,
poison,for whatever he
for whatever he exacts
exacts is an imposition
is an imposition on on the
the
faithful." Abaca-an wept,
faithful." Abaca-an wept,and and repeatedly
repeatedly asked,asked, "Am "Am
that pastor
II that pastor or not?" And
or not?" And the Shaikh each
the Shaikh each timetime
"
answered,
answered, "If If you
you are, the first
are, the first couplet
couplet is is in favour of
in favour o
your
your case, otherwise the
case, otherwise second literally
the second literally applies
applies to to it"
it
The Shaikh
The Shaikh adds adds that,
that, "On "On takingtaking my my final
final leave,
leave
II repeated these few
repeated these few verses
verses:-' A : A king
'

king isis the shadow

the shadow
of God,
of God, and shadow should
and aa shadow should be be thethe image
image of of its
it

principal; the
principal the disposition
;
of the
disposition of the subject not
subjectis not capable
is capable
of good
of unless itit be
good ·unless be restrained
restrained by by the sword of
the sword of the
the
sovereign. Any
sovereign. Any peaceable demeanour
peaceable demeanour that is found that is found
in
in this world originates
this world originates in the justice
in the justice of of its
its princes.
princes.
That
That sovereign's
sovereign's government never
government never can be just can be whose
just whose
"
entire
entire judgment founded wickedness.'
judgment is founded in wickedness.'" Which
is in Which
met Abaca-an's
met Abaca-an's fullest Ali-bin-Ahmad
concurrence. Ali-bin-Ahmad
fullest concurrence.
"
adds, That in his
adds, " That in his days days pious and learned
pious and learned men men wouldwould
not venture to admonish even
not venture to admonish even a common shopkeeper a common shopkeeper
after this
after this manner,
manner, and and thatthat in matters of
in matters of right the
right the
had
times had degenerat~d
times to
degenerated to what they what then
they then were." were."
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SA.DI. 3333

Thushave
Thus havemoralists
moralistsininallallages
agescomplained
complainedofofthe
the
degeneracy ofoftheir
degeneracy theirownown daysdays; and
andoccasionally
occasionally
;

ventured onon such

ventured suchadvice.
advice.-Agatho,
Agatho, the thepoet
poetand
and
friendofofEuripides,
friend Euripides,admonished
admonishedArchelaus,
Archelaus,king
kingofof
Macedon,saying
Macedon,
"
saying-" AAprince
princeshould
shouldkeep
keepininmind
mind
threemaxims
three maxims: ist,1st,that
: thatheherules
rulesover
overmen
men;2nd,
2nd, ;

thatheheought
that oughttotorule
ruleaccording
accordingtotolaw
law;
;
and,3rd,
and, 3rd,
"
thathehecannot
that cannotrule ever 1" Also,
ruleforforever Also,it itis isproper
! propertoto
warnthe
warn thereader
readerthat
thatthere
theremust
musthave
havebeen beentwotwo
~S.hums-ud-dins-one
Shums-ud-dins theminister
one the ministerofofa aking
kingofofthe
the
Atabak Dynasty,
Atabak Dynasty, who
who reigned
reigned atat Shiraz, and
Shiraz, and
patronised
patronised Sadi's
Sadi's father,
father, and
and another
another thethe Diwan,
Diwan, or or
prime
prime minister
minister ofof Abaca-an
Abaca-an A.H.
A.H. 663, 680,
663, 680, by by whomwhom
hehe waswasemployed
employedininoffices officesofof greattrust,
great trust,butbutwas
wasput put
totodeath,
death,A.H.
A.H.683, 683,bybythe theson
sonand andsuccessor,
successor,SultanSultan
ArghunKhan,
Arghun Khan,onon the the strange
strange chargecharge ofofhaving having
poisoned
poisoned hishis father
father Abaca-an,
Abaca-an, andand such
such a a circumstance
circumstance
musthave
must havetended
tendedtotoembitter
embitterthe thelatter
latterdaysdaysofofSadi.Sadie
YetYetwhywhyshould
shouldheheregretregret thethe death
death ofofhishis illustrious
illustrious
friendand
friend andpatron,
patron,who whoif ifa agood goodman manonly onlywent went
beforehim
before himtotobebehappy, happy,where wherehe,he,asasa agood goodman man
himself,and
himself, andlong longdead deadtotolife'slife'senjoyments,
enjoyments,might might
hope,nay,
hope, nay,wish,
wish,soon soontotojoin joinhim.
him. EarlyEarlyororlate latewewe
mustallallgogo;and
must ;
andthetheheartiest
heartiestand andmostmostsanguine
sanguineofof
usus is is
asas muchdead
much deadtotothatthatpartpartofof hislife
his lifethat
thatis isgone
gone
asasthatthatfriend
friendthen thenwas,was,and andmustmustsoon soonbebetotowhat what
remainsofof
remains it. it. Sadi's
Sadi'slifelifewas
wasunusually
unusuallylong, long,butbutthe the
latterpart
latter partofof it it was,I fear,
was, I fear,tootoounhappy
unhappyforforhim, him,like like
thetheoldoldPersian
Persian(Gul. (Gul.vi.vi.
i) 1)hehewas wascalled
calleduponupontotovisitvisit
at at Damascus,
Damascus, toto regrethishisatatlast
regret lastparting
partingwith withit. it.
And,at atitsitsbest,
And, best,thethelongest
longestlifelifeis isbutbuta adrop
dropofof
745745
34
34 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADL
rain
rain falling
falling fromfrom aa cloud
cloud intointo the ocean of
the ocean of eternity,
eternity,
where it
where it is swallowed up
is swallowed and lost
up and lost in in this
this immensity,
immensity,
unless it
unless it find the body
find the body of of aa Sadi
Sadi to nurture it
to nurture it into
into
that
that pearl
pearl thethe Gulistan
Gulistan in in its
its original
original classical
classical Persian.
Persian.
This II have
This have attempted
attempted to translate into
to translate into English;
English; but but
itit is
is a a translation,
translation, and,
and, in order to
in order make it
to make it useful,
useful,

necessarily aa literal
necessarily one therefore
literal one; ;
therefore the reader must
the reader must
not be
not be disappointed
disappointed if he find
if he find thethe bright water of
bright water of
Sadi's
Sadi's pearlpearl again
again evaporated
evaporated into into thethe clouds,
clouds, and and
little
little else
else left but the
left but the shell once contained
that once
shell that contained it it
Yet will
Yet will mymy object be obtained
object be obtained if if this translation shall
this translation shall
enable the
enable the young student to
young student understand Sadi's
to understand Persian
Sadi's Persian
text,
text, and,and, by by relishing
relishing suchsuch aa classic, recover that
classic, recover that
pearl which II was
pearl which was forced
forced to to drop.
drop. .
However much
However much hishis biographers
biographers vary vary in the specific
in the specific
number,
number, they they allall agree
agree in in making
making him him above
above aa
hundred and
hundred; ;
and Dowlat
Dowlat Shah Shah andand Ibrahim
Ibrahim Khan Khan say say
that Sadi
that Sadi lived hundred and
lived aa hundred and twotwo years.
years. But But Jami,Jami,
who was
who was Dowlat
Dowlat Shah's
Shah's contemporary,
contemporary, and and as as aa
brother
brother poet more
poet more interested
interested in the
in exact
the exact truth,truth, states
states
him as
him as having
having beenbeen born
born at at Shiraz,
Shiraz, A.H.A.H. 571,
571, or or A.D.
A.D.
and as
1194, and as having
1194, died the same
having died at the same place,
at A.H.
place, A.H. 690; 690;
by which it
by which it would appear that he reached the very
would appear that he reached the very
advanced
advanced age age ofof one hundred and
one hundred and twenty
twenty lunar,
lunar, or one
or one
hundred and sixteen
hundred and sixteen solar years! solar years ! This date
This date of his of his
death Dowlat Shah
death Dowlat Shah also confirms; also for
confirms; for he says he says "that"that
Sadi departed
Sadi departed this life at Shiraz, in the reign o
this life at Shiraz, in the reign o
Atabak Mohammed
Atabak Mohammed Shah, Shah, the the son son of Muzuffar
of Muzuffar
Silaghur
Silaghur Shah-bin-Saad-bin-Zungi, and
Shah-bin-Saad-bin-Zungi, and that aa dear that dear
friend records the date of that
friend records the date of that noble personage's noble personage's
demise as
demise as follows
follows :-It
: was on
It was on the
the evening
evening of of Friday,
Friday,
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI. 3535

ororthe
theMohammedan
MohammedanSabbath,
Sabbath,ininthe
themonth
monthShowal,
Showal,
ofofthe
the Arabian
Arabian year
year 690,
690, that
that the
the eagle
eagle ofof the
the
immaterial soul
immaterial soul ofof Shaikh
Shaikh SadiSadi shook
shook from
from hishis
plumagethe
plumage thedust
dustofofhishisbody."
body." This
Thissublime
sublimesenti-senti-
ment was no doubt borrowed 'from
ment was no doubt borrowed from the following the following
twolofty
loftycouplets
coupletsofofSadi's
Sadi'sown
own(Bust. "
(Bust.vi.vi.i):I) :-" Now
two Now
thatthe
that thefalcon
falconofofhis
hissoul
soulwould
wouldtower
towerintointothe thezenith
zenith
ofof thesky,
the sky,why
whyhast
hastthou
thouburthened
burthenedhis
hispinion
pinionwith
with
a aload
loadofofcovetousness
covetousness? ? Hadst thou
Hadst thou released
released his his
.s~irtfrom
• skirt fromthe thetalons
talonsofofcarnal
carnaldesires
desireshehewould
wouldhave
have
so~redononhigh
soared highintointothe theangel
angelGabriel's
Gabriel'sabode."
abode." InIn
fact,
fact, a a dozen
dozen equally appropriate
equally appropriate and
and beautiful
beautiful
epitaphs
epitaphs might might be be selected
selected from
from his
his works.
works. AsAsinin
someparts
some parts ofofScotland,
Scotland, it itisiscustomary
customary with with thethe
people
people inin the
the East
East toto plant
plant rose-bushes
rose-bushes and
and other
other
flowering shrubs
flowering shrubs round roundthe theplain
plain graves
graves ofof their
their
defunctfriends,
defunct friends,ininallusion
allusiontotowhich
whichSadiSadisays
says(Gul.
(Gul.vii.
vii.
"
1 16):-"
6): 'Alas!'
'Alas ! I I '
said,
said,
'
'how
how grateful
grateful didst
didst thou
thou prove
prove
totomy myheart
heartsosolong longasasthe theverdure
verdureofofthy thyexistence
existence
flourishedininthe
flourished thegarden.'
garden.' Have
'
'Havepatience,'
patience,'hehereplied,
replied,
'
O'0my myfriend
friend! tilltillthe
! thereturn
returnofofthethespring,
spring,and
andthou
thou
mayst
mayst again again see
see verdure
verdure andand flowers
flowers shooting
shooting from
from
mymy bosom.'"
bosom.'" Or, Or, asasmy myown ownmaster
masterininrhetoric,
rhetoric,
DoctorBeattie,
Doctor Beattie,beautifully
beautifullyexpresses
expressesit it-
" " Noryet
Nor yetforforthe
theravage
ravageofof winterI mourn,
winter I mourn,
Kindnature
Kind naturethe theembryo
embryoblossoms
blossomswillwillsave
save;
;

Theroses
The rosesshall
shallbloom
bloomround
roundmy mymouldering
moulderingurn, urn,
Andspring
And springagainagaindawn
dawnononthe
thenight
nightofofmymygrave."
grave."

Butthese
But theselast
lastcouplets
coupletsofofBustan,
Bustan,iv.iv.16,16,are
arestill
stillmore
more
"
appropriate-"
appropriate Take heed
Take heed yeye that
that treadtread onon my my
36 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADL
ashes;
ashes ; by
by thethe dust of of the generous
generous II crave crave youryour
remem brance, that though
remembrance, that though Sadi be be mouldered
mouldered into
dust,
dust, what
what has has hehe to apprehend who during
to apprehend during his his life-
life-
time
time had also been
also been humble as the dust? In helpless-
as the dust? In helpless-
ness
ness hehe laid
laid his
his body
body prostrate
prostrate on the earth,
on the earth, and then then
he encompassed
he encompassed the globe the globe like the wind (by
like the wind travelling
(by travelling
over
over it).
it). It
It may soon soon happen
happen that that the
the earth
earth shall
shall
consume him,
consume him, and the wind may again
and the wind again whirl him
whirl him like
like

dust round the universe! Behold,

dust round the universe! Behold, while the rose-
while the rose-
bower
bower of of mysticism
mysticism blossomedblossomed in in it
it no
no nightingale
nightingale
warbled so melodiously;
warbled so melodiously ;
now it strange, when
it were strange,
were
that
that nightingale
nightingale is is dead,
dead, if if roses
roses diddid not
not spring from
spring from
its bones."
its bones."
Dowlat
Dowlat Shah says says that Sadi's tomb is
that Sadi's is situated
situated in in aa
charming
charming spot, spot, in the midst of fountains and buildings,
in the midst of fountains and buildings,
and
and isis held
held inin much estimation
estimation as as aa place of pilgrimage;
place of pilgrimage;
and Ibrahim Khan ' speaks
and Ibrahim speaks of of it under the
it under name of
the name of
Sadiyah,
Sadiyah, but he means,
but he means, I fancy,
I fancy, that gate
that gate of Shiraz
of Shiraz
which
which formerly
formerly led led to to it.
it. Krempfer
Kcempfer mentions
mentions those those
buildings to be the numerous
buildings to be the numerous cemeteries of cemeteries other
of other
great
great and and learned
learned men, and and among them them that that ofof
Hafiz;
Hafiz ; but
but thethe whole
whole was was in his time,
in his time, AD. A.D. 1686,
1686,
rather
rather neglected
neglected and and dilapidated.
dilapidated. friend, Colonel
My friend, Colonel
W. Franklin,
Franklin, found it,
found it, in A.D. 1787,
in A.D. 1787, "just
"just in in the
the state
state
it
it was in in when Sadi Sadi was was burfed,"
buried," and and as as Kcempfer
Krempfer
had
had found
found it, it, with
with the the sides
sides engraved
engraved with with many
sentences in the old N oskhi character,
sentences in the old Noskhi which neither
character, which neither
of
of those
those gentlemen
gentlemen thought of copying. The
thought of.copying. The Colonel
Colonel
visited
visited it in Karim Khan's
it in Khan's time, time, a great adorner
a great adorner of of
Shiraz and and thatthat neighbourhood,
neighbourhood, who built aa new
built new
monument for for Hafiz,
Hafiz, but but left
left Sadi's
Sadi's as as it was; how-
it was ; how-
 SHAIKHSADL
SHAIKH SADI. 3737

ever,heheneeds
ever,
needsnonosuch
suchfrail
frailsupport,
support,for
forininhis
hisliterary
literary
works hehe erected
works erected a a monument
monument which,
which,like
like that
thatofof
Horace,must
Horace, mustoutlast
outlastthe pyramids I
thepyramids !

With respect
With respect toto the
the externals
externals ofof Sadi's
Sadi's person,
person,
from some
from pictures ofof him
some pictures him inin aa richly-emblazed
richly-emblazed
copyofof his
copy his works,
works, now
nowinin the
thelibrary
libraryatatthe
the India
India
House,and
House, and one
oneofofthe
the four
four I I mentioned
mentionedabove,
above,his
his
head isis represented
head represented asas bald,
bald, and
and illuminated
illuminated with
with
rays of glory. From
rays of glory.
From different
different passages
passages ofof his
his
~' Bustan and
Bustan and Gulistan
Gulistanwe
we may judgethat
thathis
hisstature
stature
may judge
was low,
was low, and
and habit
habit ofof body
body spare
spare and
and slim
slim; and
and ;

from carelessness ofof dress,

from a a carelessness dress, too
too common
common withwith
literary men, a person naturally compact, carried,
literary men, a person naturally compact, carried,
fromitsitssmallness,
from smallness,a a mean
mean andandperhaps
perhapsshabby
shabbylook
look
(Bust. iv. 6). In order to cover such defects
(Bust. iv. 6). In order to cover such defects with the
with the
least trouble to himself, he wore over
least trouble to himself, he wore over his inner his inner
garments the
garments Kharcah-moshayakh, oror long
the Kharcah-moshayakh, long blue
blue
gown of the Darweshes (Gul. iv. 19); and,
gown of the Darweshes (Gul. iv. 19) and, in the in
;
the
picture adjoining to his tomb, Colonel F. found
picture adjoining to his tomb, Colonel F. found him
him
represented in this dress, with a pastoral staff in
represented in this dress, with a pastoral staff in
hishand,
his hand,another
anotheremblem
emblemofofa apilgrim
pilgrimand
andhermit.
hermit.
Like the Menippian and Varronean satire, ofofwhich
Like the Menippian and Varronean satire, which
Petronius,Seneca,
Petronius, Seneca,and
and Boetius
Boetiuswere
werethe
thechief
chiefLatin
Latin
composers, and Colonel Forrester's Polite Philosopher
composers, and Colonel Forrester's Polite Philosopher
is anan example
is example inin English, the Gulistan
English, the Gulistan isiswritten
written
partly in prose and
partly in prose and partly
partly inin poetry.
poetry.
Better than
Better than
twenty years ago I sent to our Asiatic Society atat
twenty years ago I sent to our Asiatic Society
Calcutta anan-Essay
Calcutta Essay onon thethe Coincidences
Coincidences ofof the the
Oriental and European A pologue, the
Oriental and European Apologue, the former chiefly former chiefly
extracts ofof Sadi's
extracts Sadi's works,
works, and
and particularly
particularly ofof thethe
Gulistan.
Gulistan. To the Apologues
To the Apologues of
of this
this I I give a more
give a more
38 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADI.
epigrammatic form
epigrammatic form byby leaving
leaving out
out the
the poetry,
poetry, which
which
is in fact only a repetition in most instances
is in fact only a repetition in most instances of the of the
sentiment as expressed before
sentiment as expressed before in prose. in prose. Part
Part of o
that Essay appears in the Asiatic Annual
that Essay appears in the Asiatic Annual Register, Register
xii. 403,
xii. 403, 416
416; part,
;
part, oror the
the whole
whole majlis
majIis and
and fifth
fifth
sermon in the Bombay Literary
sermon in the Bombay Literary Transactions, i.i Transactions,
146, 158;
146, 158; and
and part
part inin the
the Asiatic
Asiatic Journals
Journals of
of April
April
and June 1817, April and June 1818,
and June 1817, April and June 1818, and December and December
1821.
1821.
The MS.
The MS. copies
copies of of thethe Gulistan,
Gulistan, usedused throughout
throughout
the East India Company's
the East India Company's Empire of Hindustan Empire of Hindustan
as a common school book, three of which II have
as a common school book, three of which have
in my possession, are perhaps
in my possession, are perhaps a sixth part larger a sixth part larger
than what
than what isis there
there called
called the the Balaat,
Balaat, or or the
the Calcutta
Calcutta
printed text
printed text of 1791
of 1791; ;
partly in consequence
partly in consequence of
of
absurd insertions of many corresponding
absurd insertions of many corresponding passages passages
of Sadi's
of Sadi's other
other works,
works, and and partly
partly from from foreign
foreign
in terpolations.
interpolations.
The Rosarium
The Rosarium PoliticumPoliticum of of Georgius
Georgius Gentius, Gentius,
published at Amsterdam A.D.
published at Amsterdam A.D. 1651, with a Latin
165 I, with a Latin
translation, I had in my
translation, I had in my possession possession for
for some
some years,
years,
and found
and found its its Persian
Persian text text agreeagree moremore with with the the
Calcutta printed
Calcutta printed copy thancopy than with
with any
any of
of the
the common
common
Bengal manuscripts. A
Bengal manuscripts. A few few small
small additions
additions and and
corrections,
corrections, whichwhich indeed
indeed II have
have made
made in
in the
the margin
margin
of my
of my own
own copy
copy of of it,it, would
would improve
improve itit much much; and
;
and
if there should
if there should be
be aa demand
demand soon
soon for
for aa reprint
reprint of
of
this text-book,
this text-book, as
as used
used in
in the
the Company's
Company's colleges, colleges,
II am
am also
also ready
ready to to superintend
superintend it, it, and
and prevent
prevent such such
frequent
frequent
errors
errors as
as the
the 'two
two last
last lines
lines of
of the
the first
first page,
page,
or aa fitrat
or fitrat of prose being
of prose being mistaken
mistaken and and written
written as as
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADL
SADI. 39
39

poetry ;/
poetry and the
and the second
second ' line
line of
of the
the next
next bayit,
bayit, or
or
couplet, having
couplet, three feet
having three feet of
of its text
its omitted!
text omitted! The
The
Persianischer Rosenthal
Persianischer Rosenthal of
of Olearius
OIearius (Schleswig,
(Schleswig, 1654)
1654)
II never
never saw.
saw.
Commentaries and
Commentaries and keyskeys of of the
the Gulistan,
Gulistan, after
after thethe
plan
plan of
of our
our Clavis
Clavis Homerica,
Homerica, have
have been
been composed
composed
both in
both in Persian
Persian and and Arabic.
Arabic. One One of of them,
them, called
called
the Sharahi-Gulistan,
the Sharahi-Gulistan, II also also had
had once
once in in mymy pos-
pos-
session,
session, and
and Mr.
Mr. Gladwin
Gladwin showed
showed me
me one
one in
in Arabic;
Arabic ;

< .-Jlil~ewise
likewise he he gavegave me me aa MS. MS. copy
copy of of the
the notes,
notes, as as
numbered for
numbered for Gentius's
Gentius's Rosarium,
Rosarium, but but omitted
omitted in in
my copy;
my copy ;
all
all of
of them, however,
them, however, seemed
seemed to
to me
me equally
equally
bald and
bald and uninteresting.
uninteresting.
Few authors
Few authors are are more
more original
original in in their
their composi-
composi-
tions,
tions, more
more just
just in
in their
their conception
conception of
of a
a subject,
subject,
or more
or more fortunate
fortunate in in their
their choice
choice ofof anan expression
expression
than Sadi.
than Sadi. Yet Yet hehe is
is aa mannerist
mannerist sui suigeneris
generzs ;/ notnot as as
implying
implying aa servile
servile imitation
imitation of
of any preceding
any preceding admired
admired
model in
model in Persian,
Persian, but but as as constantly
constantly recurring
recurring to to aa
manner of
manner of deliverance
deliverance peculiarly
peculiarly his his own.
own. Perhaps
Perhaps
Firdausi isis the
Firdausi the only
only Persian
Persian author
author exempt
exempt from from thisthis
charge
charge of
of either
either copying
copying others
others in
in his
his characters,
characters, or
or of
of
being
being the
the mannerist
mannerist of
of himself.
himself. He
He has
has as
as many
many
distinct warriors,
distinct warriors, for for example,
example, as as Homer
Homer and and Virgil
Virgil
have put
have put together
together; yet
;
yet his
his Zal-zar
Zal-zar andand Rostam,
Rostam, his his
Sohrab and
Sohrab and Ispindiyar,
Ispindiyar, have have their
their appropriate
appropriate charac-
charac-
teristics and
teristics and epithets,
epithets, and and areare distinguished
distinguished from from the the
warriors of
warriors of allall other
other poets,
poets, andand from
from each
each other
other; and
;
and
so itit is
so is with
with his his females,
females, for for no
no critic
critic would
would think
think
of confounding
of confounding Rudabah,Rudabah, Tahiminah,
Tahiminah, the the Gord-afrid,
Gord-afrid,
or Shirin
or Shirin withwith each
each other
other; and
;
and inin expressing
expressing himself,
himself,
40 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SA.DI.
his favourite
his favourite mode isis either
mode patho~ or
either pathos or sublimity,
sublimity, with
with
an unaffected
an unaffected hardness,
hardness, the
the special
special gift
gift of
of real
real inspira-
inspira-
tion, whereas Nizami, whose favourite mode is energy
tion, whereas Nizami, whose favourite mode is energy
and strength,
and strength, combines
combines withal
withal aa brevity
brevity and
and obscurity
obscurity
which act as
which act as aa constant
constant drawback
drawback otherwise
otherwise on on the
the
vigour of his language and philosophic justness o
vigour of his language and philosophic justness of
his reflections
his reflections;; and Mulowi
and Mulowi Manowi,
Manowi, whose whose favourite
favourite
mode again
mode again is is enthusiasm
enthusiasm and and rapture,
rapture, has has such
such aa
perpetual medley
perpetual medley
of
of carnal
carnal and
and divine
divine love,
love,
and
and ten-
ten-
dency
dency to
to aa re-union
re-union with
with the
the Deity,
Deity,
as
as resolves
resolves
everything into
everything into sufiasm
sufiasm and and mystery.
mystery. On On the the other
other
hand, Sadi's
hand, Sadi's favourite
favourite mode mode isis aa simplicity
simplicity and and
tenderness of
tenderness of heart,
heart, aa delicacy
delicacy of of feeling
feeling and and judg-
judg-
ment, and
ment, and that
that exquisitely
exquisitely natural
natural veinvein in in which
which he he
relates his
relates his many
many apologues
apologues and and parables
parables with with aa sort
sort
of sententious
of sententious and and epigrammic
epigrammic turn. turn. Where,
Where, how- how-
ever, like
ever, like the
the Greek
Greek epigram,
epigram, the the point
point isis so so very
very
fine that,
fine that, inin order
order thatthat his his European
European reader reader may may
perceive and feel it, his translator must give it some
perceive and feel it, his translator must give it some
substance, otherwise
substance, otherwise this manner, constituting
this manner, constituting the the
very essence of his original, shall
very essence of his original, shall entirely escape entirely escape
him. This
him. This II have have in in mymy translation
translation endeavoured
endeavoured
to catch;
to catch ;
and if I have transgressed
and if I have transgressed in one in one part
part of
of
it more than in another, it is in
it more than in another, it is in making my author making my author
appear more
appear more sententious
sententious than than he he really
really is.
is.
Engaged in such a task, a translator
Engaged in such a task, a translator finds consider- finds consider-
able difficulty in transferring this
able difficulty in transferring this real manner of real manner of
his author with spirit and fidelity,
his author with spirit and fidelity, even from one even from one
language of
language of Europe
Europe into into another,
another, and and stillstill more
more
from an Oriental language, having
from an Oriental language, having the additional the additional
obstacles of
obstacles of aa change
change of of manners,
manners, customs,
customs, laws,laws, and
and
 SHAIKH SADI. 41
SHAIKH SADL 41
religion to encounter by the way. There are two
religion to encounter the way. There are two
ways of turning thebysentiments of an author from
ways of turning the sentiments of an author from
one language into another-namely, translation and
one language into another namely, translation and
imitation, and Pope with ourselves tried both; and,
imitation, and Pope with ourselves tried both and,
in his imitations of Horace's Satires and Epistles, ;

in his imitations of Horace's Satires and Epistles,

is thought to have succeeded; but, as Bentley told
is thought to have succeeded but, as Bentley told
himself, his translation of Homer,
;
though a very
his translation of Homer, a very
pretty poem, can, to a person that though
himself,
does not u1lder-
pretty poem, can, to a person that does not under-
stand the original Greek, give no idea of Homer.
stand the original Greek, give no idea of Homer.
Cowper says it is impossible to give in rhyme a
Cowper says it is impossible to give in rhyme a
just translation of any ancient poetry of Greece or
just translation of any ancient poetry of Greece or
Rome; and still more of Arabic and Persian. Cowper
Rome and still more of Arabic and Persian. Cowper
tried his hand at Horner in blank verse, and was
;

tried his hand at Homer in blank verse, and was

still more unfortunate than Pope. A translation,
still more unfortunate than
to succeed, must not violatePope.
A on the one
simplicity translation,
to succeed, must not violate simplicity on the one
hand, nor sink into tameness on the other; and, for
hand, nor sink into tameness on the other and, for
this purpose, a prose translation, even of poetry, is
;

this purpose, a prose translation, even of poetry, is

preferable either to rhyme or blank verse.
preferable either to rhyme or blank verse.
But a perfect idea of any author can be formed
But a idea of author can be formed
understanding any
only byperfect him in his original, and for
only by understanding him in his original, and for
this purpose all such translations and imitations as
this purpose all such translations and imitations as
those of Pope, and we have an abundance of them
those of Pope, and we have an abundance of them
done out of all foreign languages in to English, are
done out of all foreign languages into English, are
of little or no use; and as my chief object is to
of little or no use and as my chief object is to
assist the young student at the
;
East India Company's
assist the young student at the East India Company's
colleges in his translations, this translation of the
colleges in his translations, this translation of the
Gulistan is rendered 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-
English and Persian language will admit and, for-
tunately, I have found a greater similarity ;
in their
tunately, I have found a greater similarity in their
idioms than our European critics are aware of. I
idioms than our European critics are aware of. I
shall not say how 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 the Gulistan, but I have now five lying by me
each done at a distant interval from another, and
done at a distant interval from another, and
I each
am surprised how little they differ. True trans-
I am surprised how little they differ. True trans
lation is in composition what expression is in
lation is in composition what expression is i
painting; and by thus seizing the various attitudes,
and thus
by of my the various
painting and looks
gestures, ;
Persian text, I attitudes
seizing think I
and looks of my Persian text, I think
have embodied them into an uniform and general
gestures,
have embodied them into an uniform and genera
design, and after frequent inspections am not dis-
and after frequent inspections am not dis
design, with
pleased my English result.
Duringwith
pleased the my result.
English and
sixteenth seventeenth Christian
the sixteenth and seventeenth Christia
Duringwith the view of translating
centuries, the Scriptures,
centuries, with the view of translating the Scriptures
our English doctors turned their minds to Oriental
our English doctors turned their minds to Orienta
learning, many of them became proficients in the
learning, manyof of them became proficients in th
sister dialects Hebrew, Syriac, and Arabic; but,
sister dialects of Hebrew, Syriac, and Arabic
finding the Persian so different from those three but ;
in
finding the Persian so different from those three i
idiom, though otherwise much the simpler and easier
idiom, though otherwise much the simpler and easie
language, they had little or no knowledge of it.
language, they had little or no knowledge of i
Accordingly, Bishop Walton's first edition of the
Accordingly, Bishop Walton's first edition of th
polyglot scriptures, which he dedicated to Cromwell,
polyglot scriptures, which he dedicated to Cromwell
has no Persian text, the four Ingil, or Evangelists, in
has no Persian text, the four Ingil, or Evangelists, i
this dialect having been added afterwards to the
this dialect having been added afterwards to th
edition dedicated to Charles the Second. When
edition dedicated to Charles the Second.
the great Moghul Acbar, A.D. 1580-90,
When
applied to
the great Moghul Acbar, A.D. 1580-90, applied t
the Pope for a copy of our Scriptures, he asked only
the Pope for a copy of our Scriptures, he asked onl
for the Tawrit, or Pentateuch, having already, he
for the Tawrit, or Pentateuch, having already, h
said, copies of the Psalms and Evangelists in
said, copies of the Psalms and Evangelists i
Persian, and this last was what Bishep W. or some
Persian, and this last was what Bishop W. or some
of his coadjutors had got through the Germans.
of his had got through the Germans.
But it iscoadjutors
not so well known in Europe that copies
But it is not so well known in Europe that copie
of the Zabur, or Psalms, were also common at that
of the or were also common at tha
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 specifically states David to have written
them I
them !

Nor is it generally known among us that no two

Nor is it generally known among us that no two
languages differ more in idiom and words than the
languages differ more in idiom and words than the
Persian and Arabic; yet when Persia was subdued by
Persian and Arabic yet when Persia was subdued by
the immediate successors of Mohammed, they made
;

the immediate successors of Mohammed, they made

a special point of forcing their language, as well as
a special point of forcing their language, as well as
religion, upon their new subjects; but after three
religion, upon their new subjects but after three
centuries of this unnatural tyranny, on the decline of
;

centuries of this unnatural tyranny, on the decline of

the" Khalifat, the Persians, under native princes, re-
the Khalifat, the Persians, under native princes, re-
covered not the Pahlowi, which had been .the court
covered not the Pahlowi, which had been the court
dialect during the Sasan dynasty; but the Parsi, which
dialect during the Sasan dynasty, but the Parsi, which
had been the dialect of the Kayan dynasty, and I
had been the dialect of the Kayan dynasty, and I
fancy all along the current dialect of Persia; and,
all along the current dialect of Persia
fancy
in the Gulistan, Baharistan, N agaristan, and and,other ;

in the Gulistan, Baharistan, Nagaristan, and other

popular prose Persian classics, the Parsi and Arabic
popular prose Persian classics, the Parsi and Arabic
are, as Sir W. Jones observes, so blended" "that one
are, as Sir W. Jones observes, so blended that one
period often contains both languages, wholly distinct
period often contains both languages, wholly distinct
from each other in expression and idiom, but per-
from each other in expression and idiom, but per-
fectly united in sense and construction, not as Roman
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 right reason, conformable to the nature of
things, which 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 by forbidding but as the Latin
and Ellglz'sh are in this:" "The true lez is recta ratio,
;

and English are in this The true lex is recta ratio,

:

conformable naturre, which by commanding vocat ad

conformable natures, which by commanding vocat ad
ojftdum, by forbidding afraude deterreat."
officium, by forbidding a fraude deterreat."
And a striking instance 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 preface of his
Gulistan, the three prophet
panegyric last lines of the second page of the
the three last lines of the second of the
Persian text being a prose medley of page
Gulistan,
Persian 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 top of the thir
page a couplet of pure Arabic; the next
;
two lines a
page a couplet of pure Arabic the next two lines
couplet of pure Persian; and the next four lines a
;

couplet of pure Persian and the next four lines

tetrastic of pure Arabic! ;

tetrastic of pure Arabic !

Mr. Gladwin, in his occasionally idle way, makes

Mr. Gladwin, in his occasionally idle way, makes
four distinct sentences in his English of this passage;
four distinct sentences in his English of this passage
but it is all one sentence, or, more properly, only part
but it is all one or, more properly, only par
of one; for thesentence,same sentence also includes the
of one; for the same sentence also includes th
parable, of which I recognise that of the importunate
parable, of which I recognise that of the importunat
widow (Luke xviii. 2-8) as the prototype.
widow (Luke xviii. 2-8) as the prototype.
Every classic scholar admires the address with
Every classic scholar admires the address wit
which Virgil introduces his apostrophe of-" tu Mar-
which Virgil introduces his apostrophe of " tu Mar-
cellus eris;" and this is a happy example of the
cellus eris and this is a example of th
same figure ;" of rhetoric: indeedhappyhis commencement of
same figure of rhetoric indeed his commencement o
:

this graceful preface with a thanksgiving to the Deity,

this graceful preface with a thanksgiving to the Deity
this praise of his prophet, his panegyric of the King,
this praise of his prophet, his panegyric of the King
his encomium on the heir-apparent, and eulogy of the
his encomium on the and eulogy of th
prime minister, are allheir-apparent,
felicitous instances of that
prime minister, are all felicitous instances of tha
manner which I have noted as characteristiC of Sadi
manner which I have noted as characteristic of Sad
in his Persian and Arabian compositions.
in his Persian and Arabian compositions.
The chief difficulty in translating any such Arabian
The chief difficulty in translating any such Arabia
quotation is its being in common a text of the Koran,
is its in common a text of the Koran
a tradition ofbeing
orquotation the prophet, which though ready in
or a tradition of the prophet, which though ready i
the memory of a pious Mohammedan gentleman-
the memory of a pious Mohammedan gentleman
and however much our flippant travellers and even
and however much our travellers and eve
learned doctors choose to flippant
declaim on his ignorance, a
learned doctors choose to declaim on his ignorance,
believer in the Koran can applicably quote it as the
believer in the Koran can applicably quote it as th
record of his law and the guide of his morals-yet,
record of his law and the guide of his morals yet
to a translator like myself, such a passage is often
to a translator like myself, such a passage is ofte
obscure even when complete, and still 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,
 SHAIKHSAD1.
SHAIKH SADI. 4545

ininthe
theGulistan,
Gulistan,i. i.I, I,where
wherethe thewell-disposed
well-disposedVizier Vizier
says-"
says
" sud"
suck as as are
are restrai1li1lg'
restraining
their
their anger,
anger, andand for-
for-
giving
giving-
their
their fellow-creatures:
felloiv-creatures : andand God
God will
will befriend
befriend
the bel1evolelzt,"without
thebenevolent', 1
without using using the theexplanatory
explanatorypre- pre-
liminary of-"" Paradise is for such as are," which I
liminary of Paradise is for such as are" which I
am, I
am, fancy,
I fancy, thethe first
first whowho has
has correctly supplied
correctly supplied by
by a a
referencetotothe
reference thewholewholeininthe theKoran
Koran;and
;
andthere
therewe we
seea astriking
see strikingimitation
imitationofofMatthew Matthewv.v.3-11, 3-11,where
whereareare
enumeratedthe
enumerated thesuccessive
successiveorders ordersofofgood gooddoers,
doers,forfor
whom paradise
whom paradise isis designed,designed,asastheir theirultimate
ultimate and and
blessedplace
blessed placeofofresidence
residence! !

Andanother
And anotherconstant
constantsource sourceofoftrouble
troubletotoa atrans-
trans-
lator isis the
lator theambiguity
ambiguityofofthe theArabian
Arabianmoods moodsand and
tenses; for
tenses ;
for notnotonly onlythe thesame
sametense, tense,for forexample,
example,
answersfor
answers forthe thepresent
presentand andfuture,
future,but butheheisisoften
often
obliged
obliged toto give
give
the
the preterite
preterite
tense
tense a a present
present significa
significa-
4

tion:and,
tion: and,ififhehehad haditsitsimmediate
immediatecontext,
context,this thismight
might
bebemanaged
managed; but ;
butwith withsuchsuchfragments
fragmentsofofsentencessentences
thatI Ihave
asasthat havequoted,
quoted,ififI Iam amobliged
obligedtotoadapt adaptthethe
Arabian quotation to the
Arabian quotation to the Persian context, the Persian context, the
scholar who is capable of detecting this will I I
scholar who is capable of ·detecting this will
doubtnot
doubt notbebealso alsoliberal
liberalenough
enoughininoverlooking
overlookingoror
admitting the necessity
admitting the necessity of it of it
vVhat our
What our travellers
travellersand and doctors
doctorsthus thus assert
assertofof
considering Marafat,
Mussulmans considering Marafat, or the divinity ofof
Mussulmans or the divinity
theKoran,
the Koran,asascomprehending
comprehending allall necessary necessaryknow- know-
ledge, might have been true,
ledge, might have been true, as far as respected
as far as respected
Mohammed himself,
Mohammed himself, and and hishis four
four immediate
immediate suc- suc-
cessors, as residents
cessors, as residents at Madainah
at Madainah; ;
for we
for we can allcan all
recollect the Khalif Omar's
recollect the Khalif Omar's reply, when Amru, the reply, when Amru, the
conquerorofofEgypt,
conqueror Egypt,asked askedhim himwhatwhatwas wastotobebedonedone
 46 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADL
with the
with the library
library at at Alexandria,
Alexandria, he answered
he answered-
"
What contained
"What is contained in these books you
is in these books mention isi
you mention
either
either agreeable
agreeable to
to what
what is
is written
written in
in the
the Koran,
Koran,or o
book of
book of God,
God,or not ifif itit be,
orititisisnot; ;
then the
be,then Koran isi
the Koran
sufficient without them;
sufficient without them ifif otherwise,
; otherwise, itit isis fit fit they
the
should be But on
should be destroyed." . But on the establishment of
destroyed." the establishment o
the Khalifat
the Khalifat at at Damascus,
Damascus, and and still more of
still more of theth
Abassi dynasty
Abassi dynasty atat Baghdad,
Baghdad, the the Tazi,
Tazi, or modern
or modern
Arabic,
Arabic,was was gradually enriched with
gradually enriched with words,
words,so so as t
as to
admit of
admit ofitsits technically
technicallyexpressing
expressing the terms of
the terms of the
th
arts and sciences,
arts·and sciences,which Harun Rashid
which aa Harun Rashid had had trans-
trans
lated into
lated from the
into itit from the Persian,
Persian, Copt it, and
Coptic, and Greek;
Greek
and modern Europe
and modern Europe owes owes chiefchief part
part of what iti
of what
derived from
derived from the the first
first two,
two, and and even
even more more of of its
it

Greek knowledge,
Greek knowledge,to totranslations
translations through
throughthe theArabic,
Arabic
than immediately
than immediately from from thethe originals
originals of of them,
them,or th
or the
Greek.
Greek.
Whereas the
Whereas more ancient
the more ancientGreeks,
Greeks,as, as,for
forinstance,
instance
Hippocrates
Hippocrates in in physic,
physic, we we now now findfind copied
copied their thei

knowledge
knowledge direct direct from from the the Persians,
Persians, for for all all his
hi
medicines have
medicines have pure names and
Persian names;
pure Persian ;
down tot
and down
timesof
thetimes
the ofGalen
Galenand and Dioscorides,
Dioscorides,those Greeksand
thoseGreeks an
their
theircopyists,
copyists,the theRomans,
Romans,were werecontent
contentwith withsimples,
simples
which are
which hence called
are hence Galenicals. Kimiya,
called Galenicals. Kimiya,signify-
signify
ing art,
ing art, trick,
trick, hnposture,
imposture, chemistry,
chemistry,etc., also aapure
etc.,isis also pur
Persian word,
Persian word, whichwhich the Arabs borrowed
the Arabs borrowed with with the th
art from the Persians and the manufacture
art -from the Persians; and the manufacture and use
;
and us
of chemical medicines
of chemical medicines and drugs, and as
drugs,as applied
appliedto physic
to physi
and the
and other arts,
the other modern Europeans
arts, modern Europeans owe owe imme-imme-
to the
diatelyto the Arabs.
diately Arabs. Nay, the chemical
Nay,the chemical preparations
preparation
ofquicksilver,
of quicksilver,now nowfoundfoundso soserviceable
serviceablein in all viscera
allvisceral
 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADI. 47
47
obstructions,was wasfirst
first adoptedinto into European practice,
obstructions, adopted European practice,
within my recollection, by Dr. Peasely, of Madras, in
within my recollection, by Dr. Peasely, of Madras, in
the case of Lord Pigot; and
the case of Lord Pigot
and asasa a simple,meadow meadow
; simple,
saffron root has been used lately and
saffron root has been used lately and successfully for
successfully for
the gout; and I could mention a dozen
the gout and I could mention a dozen other articles,
other 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.

In
empire in the East.
the writings of Michael Servetus, who lived a
In the writings of Michael Servetus, who lived a
centurybefore
before Harvey,there thereisisa ahint
hint respectinghis his
century Harvey, respecting
curious discovery of the circulation of
curious discovery of the circulation of the blood but
the blood; but
;
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
O well-disposed man man! isisa a meadow
!
meadow through which
through
which
are flowing three hundred and sixty
are flowing three hundred and sixty rivulets." And
rivulets." And
the two distichs, Bustan viii. 14,
the two distichs, Bustan viii. 14, contain our most
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
Were not the fresh air to
respiration and digestion
pass by respiration into into the
the lungs,the theintestine
intestineheatheat
pass by respiration lungs,
would throw the body into a ferment;
would throw the body into a ferment and did not the
and did not the
;

potofofthethe stomach
stomach dulyconcoct concoct the the food,the thefair
fair
pot duly food,
and plumpform
and form ofofthethe bodywould would getshrunk shrunkand and
plump body get
withered."
withered."
The Persian word Khun,
The Persian word Khun, or blood, has or blood, has
also the idiomatic signification of the
also the idiomatic signification of the soul and life,
soul and life,
as existing in the blood; did
as existing in the blood
did thethe ingenious John
; ingenious John
Hunter borrow his idea of the life ofofthe
Hunter borrow his idea of the life theblood from
bloodfrom
this?
this?
On the
On the subjectofof aerostatics,I Ioffer offerthethe following
subject aerostatics, following
curious extract of my copy of the Persian dictionary,
curious extract of my copy of the Persian dictionary,
 48 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADL
the Farhangi
the Farhangi Jihangiri,
Jihangiri, the the manuscript
manuscript being being itsel itsel

upwards
upwards of one hundred
of one hundred and and fifty years
fifty years old:
old it
: itisis ini

explanation
explanationof ofthe
thecompound
compoundidiomatic word "Tasht
idiomaticword-"Tasht-
wo-Khayah,
wo-Khayah, the the basin
basin andand egg,
egg, oror thethe exhibition
exhibition of o
filling
filling the membraneous coat
the membraneous coat of of an an animal's
animal's testicle
testicl
with Shobnim,
with Shobnim, or or night-dew,
night-dew,and and after
after tying
tying up up the th
vent,
vent,placing
placingititon onaabrass
brassvessel heatedinin the
vesselheated the sun,
sun,or o
over the
over the fire and as
fire; and
;
the air
asthe withinititgets
airwithin getswarm,
warm,the th
vapour
vapourwillwill rarify
rarify andand expand
expandit; it when,
; when,raising
raisingitself
itsel

on one
on one end, it will hop up
end, it will hop and down
upand down for a while, as
for a while, asif
dancing,
dancing,and and atat last mountinto
lastmount intothe theair, andfly
air,and flyoutoutof o
:,ight!" remember the
sight!" I I remember the late Doctor Black,
late Doctor Black, in in his
hi
ChemicalLectures
Chemical Lecturesat atEdinburgh,
Edinburgh,1777-78,
1777-78,when whenon ontheth
subject
subjectof offactitious
factitiousair, air,suggesting
suggestingthis preciseexperi~
thisprecise experi
ment but
ment; ;
butthe Frenchsome
theFrench someyears afterwards had
years afterwards had the th
credit of
credit of putting
putting itit in in practice
practice on on thethe large scaleof
largescale o
balloons.
balloons. Also, Also, SadiSadi alludes
alludes to to this same pheno-
this same pheno
"
menon inin his
menon his Bustan,
Bustan, iv. iv. 14-
14. "WhyWhy shouldshould that tha

befall
befallyou, whichbefalls
you,which befallsthethefierce-burning
fierce-burningtorch; torch that;
tha

you should fly

you should from yourself,
fly from yourself, as as the bubble flies
the bubble flies up up
fromthe
from thewater."
water."
Likewise,in
Likewise, theFarhangi
inthe FarhangiJihangiri,
Jihangiri,in inits idiomati
itsidiomatic

sense,
sense, thethe Fanus-khiyat, another
Fanus-khiyat, another supposed supposed modernmodern
invention, mentioned namely, "A magic
invention,is mentioned-namely,
is
"
A magic lantern,
lantern
with which they
with which show off
they show off images
images and and figures,
figures, and and
with a sort of
witha sort of phosphorus, or
phosphorus,or artificial fire,
artificial fire,give
givethemthem
the appearance
the appearance of of being
being inin aa flame;"
flame;" and andaacouplet
couplet
of the
of the Persian
Persian poet Ghazali isis quoted,
poet Ghazali quoted, signifying
signifying as as
"
follows The
follows-" The celestial sky
celestial a
sky is a magic
is lantern
magic lantern; and ;
and
this
thisglobe
globeisison onits
its progress
progress moving
moving throughthrough it, while
it, while

mankind are
mankind are wandering over
wandering over the globe, the like
globe, like the the
 SHAIKH SA.DI. 49
SHAIKH SADI. 49
figures of a m~gic lantern." And would not the bulk
figures of a
exceed all reasonabl~
magic lantern."
bounds,AndI would
could not the bulk
quote many
exceed all reasonable bounds, I could quote many
such sound, and what we in Europe consider as
such sound, and what we in Europe consider as
modern, hints of philosophy immediately from Sadi.
modern, hints of philosophy immediately from Sadi.
The detailed minutire of the arts and sciences are
The detailed minutiae of the arts and sciences are
lost in the changes and translations of languages, and
lost in the changes and translations of languages, and
in such revolutions of government as Persia has been
in such revolutions of government as Persia has been
specially subject to; yet its remaining monuments
specially subjectto toprove,
yet toits remaining monuments
are sufficient ;
the latest posterity of
are sufficient to prove, to the latest posterity of
Adam, the originality and superiority of Persian
Adam, the originality and superiority of Persian
knowledge; and the value in this sense of such books
and the sense of such books
as the Gulistan, invalue
in
knowledge; which thisglimpses remain of that
as the Gulistan, in which glimpses remain of that
knowledge.
knowledge.
Of the sublime and stupendous, we have in Europe
Of the sublime wethat
no monuments ofand stupendous,
human structure have in Europe
can compare
no monuments of human structure that can compare
with the Chihl-minar, or palace of many columns, at
with the Chihl-minar, or palace of many columns, at
Istikhar, the Persepolis of the Greeks; the statues of
the of Greeks the statues of
Istikhar, Shirin, and the
Khosraw andPersepolis other massy works of the
;

Khosraw and Shirin, and other massy works of the

statuary Farhad at Bisitun, in Irac Ajem; the still
Farhad at in Irac the still
more ancient imagesBisitun,
statuary of the Sorkh-botAjem and Khing-bot,
;

more ancient images of the Sorkh-bot and Khing-bot,

so called from being one of a red' and the other of a
so called from being one of a red and the other of a
grey-coloured stone, and said to be each fifty-two
and said to be each fifty-two
gaz, or yards, stone,
grey-coloured high, and believed by the Persians to
gaz, or yards, high, and believed by the Persians to
represent their first King Gayumars and his wife at
Balkh, andand in thatwife
his
Bamiyan,their
represent near first KingofGayumars
the city partatof
Bamiyan, near the of Balkh, and in that of
Cabul bordering on city Badakhshan; and thepart many
Cabul bordering on Badakhshan and the many
sculptures and excavations in the contiguous rocks
;

sculptures and excavations in the contiguous rocks

and mountains; the tower of Babel; the aqueducts
and mountains the tower of Babel the aqueducts
of the Tigris and Euphrates; the wall of the
; ;

of the Tigris and Euphrates the wall of

Darband, supposed to be built by Alexander, the
;
and
Darband, supposed to be built by Alexander, and
repaired by Nushirowan: but above all in that mode
repaired by Nushirowan but above all in that74mode
:
6
746
50So SHAIKHSAnI.
SHAIKH SADL
ofof subterraneous irrigation p~culiar
subterraneous irrigation peculiar toto Persia,
Persia, andan
managed
managed most most ingeniously
ingeniously by by sinking
sinking Karezes,
Karezes, or o
shafts,
shafts,andand connecting
connecting these
these withwith Mings,
Mings,or or under-
under
ground
ground canals,
canals,where
wheresprings
springsare arefound
foundatatthe thefoot
footofo
mountains,
mountains,and andextending
extendingfor forfifty
fiftyororsixty
sixtymiles
milesoverove
the
thecontiguous
contiguouschampagne
champagnecountry.
country.
InIn mechanism
mechanism the theancient
ancient Persians
Persians no nodoubt
doubtex- ex
celled us;
celled us ;
for
for even now we are at a loss toexplain
even now we are at a loss to explai
how
how suchsuch massy
massy buildings
buildings were were reared,
reared, otherwise
otherwis
than
thanlikelikeourourforefathers,
forefathers, when they first
when they firstdiscovered
discovere
many
many ofofthem them during
during the the dark
dark ages,
ages, and and ascribed
ascribe
them
themtotoKimiya,
Kimiya, oror magic.
magic. InIn the
the modern
modern andand more
mor
comparative
comparative architecture
architecture of
of the
the East
East I Iwould
would refer
refertot
the
the mausoleum
mausoleum ofofTaj-Mahal,
Taj-Mahal, the
the favourite
favourite Sultana
Sultan
ofofthethegreat
greatMoghul
MoghulShah ShahJihan,
Jihan,atatAgra, Agra,a abuilding
buildin
equal
equal ininextent
extent to
to Saint
Saint Paul's,
Paul's, London,including
London, includingthe th
churchyard;
churchyard and
and
;
the
the meanest
meanest material
material which
which enters
enter
itsitscomposition
compositionisisthe thepurest
purestwhite marble. Had
whitemarble. Hadthattha
magnificent sovereign
magnificent sovereign concluded
concluded his
his reign
reign inin peace,
peace
hehe h~dhad projected
projected a a similar
similar oneone for for himself
himselfon on the
th
opposite
opposite side
side ofofthat
that noble
noble river
river the
the J umma;
Jumma ;
and
and tot
unite
unite thethe twotwo with
with a a bridge
bridge of of the
the same
same valuable
valuabl
materials
materials: - :

" "Her
Herbed
bedisisIndia;
India there
thereshe
; shelies-a
lies apearl; "
pearl;"

but
butthe
the last
lastseven
seven years
years ofofhishis life
lifehe
he was,
was,bybythat
tha
hypocrite
hypocrite Aurangzib,
Aurangzib, his son, doomed
his 5011, doomed toto pass pass ini
honorary
honoraryconfinement;
confinement and and having,
; having, inin 1803,
1803, visited
visite
the
theapartments
apartments he
he had
had in
in that
that durance
duranceoccupied
occupied ini
the
thepalace
palaceof ofAgra,
Agra,I Ihad
hadsome
someofofthe theplaster
plasterchipped
chippe
 SHAIKH SADI. 51
SHAIKH SADL 51
off, and found ·the walls richly gilded; for, as his
off, and found the walls richly gilded for, as his
memoirs tell us, he had them done over with common
;

memoirs tell us, he had them done over with common

mortar, as more suitable to his humbled condition.
mortar, as more suitable to his humbled condition.
The centre dome had some years before been injured
The centre dome had some years before been injured
by a cannon-ball, and a peepil tree, one of the most
a cannon-ball, and a peepil tree, one of the most
bydestructive for such buildings, was growing out of it;
destructive for such buildings, was growing out of it
but Marquis Hastings has, with much taste and at a ;

but Marquis Hastings has, with much taste and at a

great expense, had it since repaired, and it is now as
great expense, had it since repaired, and it is now as
fresh as the day, one hundred 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. Also, the Jamai Masjid, at Delhi, is
another specimen of the many elegant and modern
another specimen of the many elegant and modern
Oriental structures which, even in the present de-
Oriental structures which, even in the present de-
generacy of the arts, rival · any buildings of modem,
generacy of the arts, rival any buildings of modern,
and perhaps ancient Europe, whether we regard the
and perhaps ancient Europe, whether we regard the
symmetry of the parts or sublimity of the whole.
symmetry of the parts or sublimity of the whole.
Recent from viewing those, before I took my last
Recent from viewing those, before I took my last
passage to Europe, I had an opportunity of com-
passage to Europe, I had an opportunity of com-
paring the Governor-General's palace at Calcutta,
paring the Governor-General's palace at Calcutta,
then finished, at an enormous expense, by Marquis
then finished, at an enormous expense, by Marquis
Wellesley, which, notwithstanding its marble hall
Wellesley, which, notwithstanding its marble hall
and other pompous apartments, I found a heavy and
and other pompous apartments, I found a heavy and
clumsy mass of brick and mortar!
clumsy mass of brick and mortar !

In their taste for gardening, specimens of which

In their taste for of which
beautiful specimens
often occur in the gardening, descriptions of their
often occur in the beautiful descriptions of their
poets, the Persians much excelled us. Milton, who
poets, the Persians much excelled us. Milton, who
travelled over the East in books, and had a judgment
travelled over the East in books, and had a judgment
which qualified what he read, availed himself of those
which qualified what he read, availed himself of those
descriptions in laying out his Paradise; and Addison
descriptions in laying out his Paradise and Addison
gave the English nation a taste for Milton, nature,
;

gave the English nation a taste for Milton, nature,

and good gardening which modern Europe has since
and good gardening which modern Europe has since
been endeavouring to copy.
been endeavouring to copy.
 52 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADL
The Persians
The Persians have have aa saying,
saying, that
that it it was
was as as absurd
absur
for
for aa person
person ignorant
ignorant of geography
of geography to write history
to write history
or
or for
for aa person
person ignorant
ignorant of of algebra
algebra to to write
write uponupon
astronomy,
astronomy, as as for
for one
one ignorant
ignorant of of grammar
grammar to to write
writ
poetry.
poetry. In In moral
moral philosophy
philosophy they they excel,
excel, andand par par
ticularly in what we
ticularly in what we call polite call polite literature; no
literature ;
no bad bad
specimens
specimens of which are the two works of Sadi,
of which are the two works of Sadi, which
which
II have
have undertaken
undertaken to to translate-namely,
translate namely, the the Gulistan
Gulistan
and Bustan,
and Bustan, and Pilpay's
and Pilpay's Fables,
Fables, which are ready
which are ready to t
follow. And
follow. And as I have said,
as I have said, in this favourite depart-
in this favourite depart-
ment
ment of of literature
literature we we have
have frequent
frequent glimpses
glimpses of of their
thei
skill in the more abstruse branches of natural and
skill in the more abstruse branches of natural and
experimental
experimental philosophy,
philosophy, of mathematics,
of mathematics, algebra algebra,
decimal
decimal notation,
notation, and
'
and ciphering
ciphering in in arithmetic,
arithmetic, o o
whose characters' the ancient Persians were no doubt
whose characters the ancient Persians were no doubt
the
the inventors;
inventors ; of
of thethe phenomena
phenomena of of light
light and and
colours;
colours of ;
of electricity,
electricity, of
of which
which they specify
they specify many many
facts
facts besides
besides the the attractive
attractive pow:er
power of amber as
of amber as itit is
i

detailed
detailed by by our
our European
European ancients;
ancients ; of
of printing;
printing ; o
o
gunpowder
gunpowder and and fireworks
fireworks (the (the last
last is is noticed
noticed by by Sadi,
Sadi,
Gul. vii. 14);
Gul. vii. 14) ; of
of gems,
gems, of
of which
which they give
they give the
the most
most
rational
rational classification
classification we we yetyet have,
have, and
and detail
detail some
some
particulars
particulars in in their
their composition
composition of of which
which Sir Sir H.
H. Davy
Davy
has
has lately
lately availed
availed himself,
himself, and
and of
of their
their treatise
treatise on
on this
this

last
last wewe have
have lately
lately recovered
recovered a
a copy;
copy ; and
and however
however
vague
vague theirtheir hints
hints maymay seemseem at at knowledge
knowledge which which we we
have
have not not yet yet attained,
attained, we
we are
are from
from time
time to
to time
time
obliged
obliged to to give
give themthem credit
credit for for things
things that that onceonce
appeared
appeared incredible,
incredible, and
and which
which they
they certainly
certainly derived
derived
from
from sources
sources still
still more
more ancient
ancient than than themselves,
themselves, and and
perhaps
perhaps antediluvian.
antediluvian. It It is
is curious
curious that what happened
that what happened
 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADI. 53
53

to the
to the Israelites,
Israelites, in
in their
their conquest
conquest of of the
the Holy
Holy
Land, and
Land, and the
the idolatrous
idolatrous nations
nations they
they dispossessed
dispossessed of
of
it, also happened to the Persians under
it, also happened to the Persians
under Gayumars
Gayumars
when they
when they descended
descended from
from the
the Kordistan
Kordistan mountains
mountains
and dispossessed
and dispossessed the
the Dives of Persia
Dives of Persia; and
and Firdausi
Firdausi ;

tells us
tells us that
that those
those Dives
Dives taught
taught the the arts
arts to to their
their
conquerors; but
conquerors; but what what isis still
still more
more curious,
curious, the the
Brahmins of
Brahmins of India
India admitadmit themselves
themselves to to bebe those
those
Dives, and
Dives, that they
and that they camecame into
into India
India from
from Persia.
Persia.
~ Among
Amongthe the smaller
smaller articles
articlesof ofPersian
Persian taste
taste II would
would
mention three in particular: 1st The
mention three in particular: ist The wool, or rather wool, or rather
hair, of a species of goat found in many parts of
hair, of a species of goat found in many parts of
Persia, as
Persia, as well
well asas inin Tibet,
Tibet,from
from which
which they
they havehave from
from
time immemorial manufactured
time immemorial manufactured that beautiful fabricthat beautiful fabric
the shawl
the shawl; and to
; and to which
which ourour best
best staple
staple broad cloth isis
broadcloth
so much i1lfert'or.
so much inferior. 2nd. The murrhine vase
2nd. The murrhine vase so highly so highly
esteemed by Pliny, Nat. Hist., xxxvii.
esteemed by Pliny, Nat. Hist., xxxvii. 2, and which, as 2, and which, as
he correctly supposes
he correctly supposes it it to
to be, is also the produce
be, is also the produce of of
Persia,
Persia, and
and what
what is
is called
called with
with us
us the
the Portland
Portland vase
vase
is aa specimen
is specimen of of itit; and
;
and of of this
this the
the late
late ingenious
ingenious
porcelain wareman,
porcelain wareman,
Mr.
Mr. Wedgewood, energetically
Wedgewood, energetically
remarked-"
remarked " that the composition of it implied a
that the composition of it implied a
knowledge of
knowledge ofchemistry,
chemistry, of ofwhich
which modern
modern EuropeEurope has has
not yet
not yet reached
reached the the elements."
elements." Indeed Indeed our our boasted
boasted
chemical improvements
chemical improvements can can neither
neither produce
produce the the
materials of
materials of those
those sculptured
sculptured and and coloured
coloured vases, vases,
cups, gems, and rings, now collected by our curious
cups, gems, and rings, now collected by our curious
travellers in
travellers in Persia,
Persia, nornor supply
supply any any instruments
instruments of of aa
sufficiently
sufficiently
hard
hard temper
temper to
to cut
cut and
and carve
carve them.
them. And,
And,
3rd, the Sohaili, or what Europeans call Morocco
3rd, the Sohaili, or what Europeans call Morocco
leather, which
leather, which forms
forms the the binding
binding of of most
most of of the
the old
old
 5454 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADL
Persian
PersianMSS., MSS.,and andhas hasa afragrance
fragrance and and quality
quality inin i
that preserves
that preservesthem from
them frombeing
beingdestroyed
destroyed by byinsects
insect
This is a distinct article from the Kaimakht,
This is a distinct article from the Kaimakht,another anothe
preparation
preparation of ofthethe hides
hidesof ofanimals
animals made madeinin Persia Persi
in to a sort of shagrin,
into a sort of shagrin,and used for the handles o
and used for the handles
swords,
swords, dirks,dirks, etc.
etc. ToTo prove
prove thatthat allall those
those threethre
articles are indigenous
articles are indigenous to Persia,
to Persia, in the Persian
in the Persia
dictionaries
dictionariesthey theyhavehaveeach
eachperhaps
perhapsa adozendozenofofnames names
all of them pure
all of them purePersian words.
Persian words.
AndAnd besides
besides them them I I may may mention
mention the the glossy
gloss
smoothness
smoothness ofof the the Yizd
Yizd silks,
silks, the
the delicacy
delicacy of of theth
fabric
fabricof ofcotton
cottoninto intoTuzTuzmuslin
muslinand andflax
flaxintointoTattah
Tatta
cambric;
cambric their ;
their embroidery
embroidery on on satin,
satin, leather,
leather, and an
other
other stuffs,
stuffs, at
at Ispahan;
Ispahan ; their
their glass
glass ofof Shiraz,
Shiraz, or o
cutlery
cutlery of ofthat
that place
place and
and ofofKhorasan;
Khorasan ;their
their Nisham-
Nisham
pur
pur filigree
filigree of ofgold
goldand andsilver;
silver; their
theirpenmanship
penmanshipofo
manuscripts;
manuscripts ;the
the animalism
animalism atat Hirat
Hirat ofof coloured
coloure
silk
silkand
andcotton
cotton stuffs;
stuffs the
;
thecarpets
carpets of
of that
that city;
city the
;
th
richness
richnessof oftheir
theirdies,
dies,and
andthe thefreshness
freshnessand anddurability
durabilit
ofoftheir
theirpaints,
paints,a abright
brightand andbeautiful
beautifulazureazurespecimen
specime
ofof which
which I I have have often often admired,
admired, while,while, inin 1803, 1803
ascending
ascending into
into the
the fort
fort of
of Gwalior,
Gwalior, where
where itit has
ha
remained
remained on on thethe faceface of of the
the palace
palace for
for centuries
centurie
exposed
exposedtotothe theopen
openair. air.

Persian
Persianhorsemanship
horsemanship and and archery
archeryhave havebeen beenpro- pro
verbial
verbial from from time
time immemorial;
immemorial and ;
and thethe breedbreed of o
horses,
horses,camels,
camels,asses,
asses,mules,
mules,sheep,
sheep,and andother
otherdomestic
domesti
animals,
animals, are are superior
superior toto any any other.
other. Sadi, Sadi, inin his hi
Bustan
Bustani. I,I,says
i.
sayshe meta aperson
hemet personriding
ridingon ona alionlionand an
using
usinga a snakesnake asas a a whipwhipI But, !
But,seriously,
seriously,who whoever eve
thought
thought ofof taming taming elephants,
elephants, rhinoceroses,
rhinoceroses, lions, lions
 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKHSADL ss
55

tigers, and
tigers, and serpents,
serpents, but
but the patient and
the patient i1lgenious
and ingenious
Asiatic?
Asiatic ?
But the
But the best
best use
use of
of education
education is
is that
that of
of instructing
instructing
aa fellow-being,
fellow-being, which
which gives
gives dignity
dignity to
to the
the creature,
creature,
and enables
and enables him
him properly
properly to
to know
know and
and respect
respect his
his
Creator!
Creator ! And what
And what isis more
more simple
simple thanthan thatthat useful
useful
system
system of
of educating the
educating the poor poor which
which Dr.
Dr. Bell
Bell has
has the
the
credit of
credit of adopting
adopting from from the the Asiatics
Asiatics and and applying
applying
to the
to the European
European charity
charity schools
schools at at Madras,
Madras, and and Mr.Mr.
• ""Lancaster
LCl:ncaster ofof bringing
bringing intointo practice
practice forfor the
the cheap
cheap and and
easy instruction
easy instruction of of the
the illiterate
illiterate ofof all
all denominations
denominations
in England,
in England, and and since
since that
that very
very generally
generally over over thethe
continent of
continent of Europe.
Europe. (See (See Gulistan
Gulistan vii., passim.)
vii., passim?)
These are
These are aa few few of of many
many positive
positive factsfacts which
which
readily suggest
readily suggest themselves
themselves to
to any
any Oriental
Oriental scholar,
scholar,
and which
and which I,I, who
who passed
passed twenty
twenty of of the
the most
most precious
precious
years of
years of my
my life
life in
in India
India andand inin familiar
familiar and and daily
daily
intercourse with
intercourse with all all descriptions
descriptions of of natives,
natives, andand am am
well read
well read in in their
their books,
books, set set in
in opposition
opposition to to the
the
trifling remarks
trifling remarks of of idle
idle sojourners
sojourners and and thethe dogmatical
dogmatical
censures of
censures of some
some superficial
superficial travellers
travellers who who have
have lately
lately
visited the
visited the East
East andand have
have presumed
presumed to to disgorge
disgorge their
their
ill-digested opinions
ill-digested opinions uponupon the the European
European world, world, with-
with-
out possessing
out possessing either lang~age or
either language or intuition
intuition to to instruct
instruct
it in
it in the
the history
history andand antiquities,
antiquities, in in the
the laws,
laws, manners,
manners,
customs, and
customs, and religions,
religions, or or in
in the
the literature
literature and and arts
arts of
of
past or
past or present
present Asia.
Asia.
Mankind, emerging
Mankind, emerging from from barbarity,
barbarity, fall fall into
into some
some
regularity of
regularity of government,
government, and, and, getting
getting ashamed
ashamed of of
their ignorance,
their ignorance, feel feel desirous
desirous of of literary
literary information
information
and improvement
and improvement in in the
the arts
arts j but
;
but before
before theythey reach
reach
56 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADL
SADI.
any' superior
any superior excellence
excellence they
they too
too often
often exchange
exchange thethe
elegance of nature for the gorgeousness
elegance of nature for the gorgeousness of art. Nor
of art. Nor
could Persia,
could Persia, in
in its
its many
many revolutions,
revolutions, escape
escape such
such
transitions; but
transitions ;but though
though itit suffered
suffered temporary
temporary eclipses
eclipses
from the
from the barbarity
barbarity and envy of
and envy of such
such conquerors
conquerors as
as
Zohhac, Afrasiyab,
Zohhac, Alexander, Omar,
Afrasiyab, Alexander, Omar, Jingiz J
ingiz Khan,
Khan,
Timur,
Timur, Nadir
Nadir Shah,
Shah, and
and Mohammed
Mohammed Aga, yet
Aga, yet the the
basis was
basis was so
so broad
broad that
that the
the column
column of of true
true taste
taste has
has
never been
never been totally
totally overthrown,
overthrown, and
and has
has during
during such
such
reigns
reigns of
of barbarity
barbarity stood
stood amidst
amidst aa waste
waste of
of apathy
apathy aa
monument
monument of of what
what had
had been
been magnificent,
magnificent, and
and served
served
as aa copy
as copy for
for the
the native
native dynasties
dynasties of
ofaa Firedown,
Firedown, Kai-
Kai-
cobad, Ardishir
cobad, Ardishir Babigan,
Babigan, Saboctagin,
Saboctagin, Alap
Alap Arselan,
Arselan
the Atabaks
the Atabaks ofof Syria
Syria and
and Faristan,
Faristan, aa Shah
Shah Abbas,
Abbas,
Acbar, and
Acbar, and Shah Jihan, and
Shah Jihan, and aa Karim
Karim Khan,Khan, andand
Fatah-Ali Shah-shahan,
Fatah-Ali Shah-shahan, to to patronise
patronise and
and imitate.
imitate.
We
We should
should recollect
recollect that
that the
the Persian
Persian isis not
not only
only
the sole
the sole language
language of of the
the many
many andand extensive
extensive pro-
pro-
vinces of
vinces ofPersia,
Persia, but the medium
but the medium of of official
official and
and polite
polite
intercourse of
intercourse of the
the rich
rich and
and populous
populous regions
regions ofof
Hindustan, Turkey,
Hindustan, Turkey, and
and the
the wide
wide domains
domains of ofTartary.
Tartary.
Versed as
Versed as many
many Oriental
Oriental scholars
scholars among
among ourselves
ourselves
now
now are in the literature and
are in the literature and poetry
poetry of of Persia,
Persia, and
and
some
some of of them
them inclined
i1l:clined like
like myself
myself to to communicate
communicate
their knowledge, we
their knowledge, we cannot
cannot but
but lament
lament thatthat obstinacy
obstinacy
in our English
in our English critics of taking
critics of taking every
every direct
direct andand
collateral occasion
collateral occasion of of peremptorily
peremptorily degrading
degrading its its
language, as
language, as that
that only
only of
of conceit
conceit and
and false
false thoughts,
thoughts,
and of
and ofrating
rating usus as
as admirers
admirers of of tinsel
tinsel instead
instead of of gold.
gold.
In charity
In charity to to their
their knowledge
knowledge and and their
their judgment,
judgment,
we
we must
must conclude
conclude that that they
they speak
speak rather
rather ofof Jami
] ami
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SAD I.
SAIJL 57
57
and imitators than
his imitators
and his host of
the host
than the of Persian poets who
Persian poets who
adorned
adorned the long period of 500 years previous to
the long period of 500 years previous his
~o his
time. If Athens had its Periclesan, and Rome its
time. If Athens had its Periclesan, and Rome its
Augustan, Persia
Augustan, also had
Persia also its classic
had its age, not
classic age, not ter-
ter·
in aa solitary
minating in
minating solitary or
or short reign, nor
short reign, nor confined
confined to
to
the narrow
the of one
limits of
narrow limits city or
one city or province, but extend-
province, but extend·
to ten ages, and embracing places within herself
ing to ten ages, and embracing places within herself
ing
a thousand miles apart.
a thousand miles apart.
The
The taste, words, and
taste, words, style of
and style of the language of
the language of
"" every
every polished nation must
polished nation suffer in the
must suffer in
the vicissitudes
vicissitudes
of time and fortune, and bad poetry will be engen-
of time and fortune, and bad poetry will be engen·
dered. But
dered.
But is Persia alone
is Persia alone toto be
be called to so
called to so rigid
rigid
an account for the extravagance and folly of the
an account for the extravagance and folly of the
dregs of her
dregs of her poets
poets?? Nay, will admit
Nay, II will admit that
that examples
examples
of hyperbole may be quoted from the pages of
of hyperbole may be quoted from the pages of
Firdausi, Nizami,
Firdausi, J abali, Khacani,
Nizami, Jabali, Jilal·u'd.din Rumi,
Khacani, Jilal-u'd-din Rumi,
and Sadi; but
and Sadi ;
if thus
but if thus nice
nice inin marking every devia-
marking every devia·
tion from propriety of sentiment and metaphor, what
tion from propriety of sentiment and metaphor, what
would become
would become of Shakespeare and
of Shakespeare and Milton
Milton among
among
of Dante and Ariosto
ourselves, of Dante and Ariosto with the
ourselves, with Italians, or
the Italians, or
perhaps of
perhaps even Homer
of even Homer and Virgil ??
and Virgil
A company of
A company of British merchants have
British merchants have established
established
an
an empire of the finest
empire of the finest provinces of
provinces of Asia,
Asia, nearly
nearly equal
equal
in population and extent to all Europe, where Persian
in populatz'on and extent to all Europe, where Persian
is the language of law, religion, commerce, and in fact
is the language of law, religion, commerce, and in fact
of all civilised usages and instead of falsifying and
of all civilised usages; and instead of falsifying and
;

abusing this
abusing language, our
this language, our duty, as well
duty, as well as
a's interest,
interest,
as Englishmen, point out the justice of righting and
as Englishmen, point out the justice of righting and
supporting itit; and
supporting ;
let our
and let scholars, now
our scholars, brought up
now brought up
to a classical knowledge of it at the East India Com-
to a classical knowledge of it at the East India Com·
. pany's colleges, endeavour
pany's colleges, endeavour to to weed
weed what they will
what they will
58 SHAIKHSADL
SHAIKH SADL
find the
find the current
current language of Hindustan of its vzczous
language of Hindustan of its vicious
metaphors, immoderate
metaphors, immoderate hyperboles, hyperboles, silly silly conceits,
conceits,
prettinesses, bombast, and idle verbiage
prettinesses, bombast, and idle verbiage of the last
of the last
three centuries, or since A.D. 1450, and
three centuries, or since A.D. 1450, and restore it restore it to
to
the sublime and pathetic z'magery, and
the sublime and pathetic imagery, and the just dictionthe just diction
of its
of its golden
golden age age from
from Dakiki
Dakiki and and Rodaki,
Rodaki, A.D. 950,
A.D. 950,
to Jami and
to Jami and Hatifa Hatifa; ;
and rescue it
and rescue it from being from being
mangled by
mangled by menmen learned
learned and and respectable
respectable in in their
their
knowledge of Greek and Latin,
knowledge of Greek and Latin, but vulgar and but vulgar and
illiberal in their ignorance and prejudices
illiberal in their ignorance and prejudices in what- in what-
ever respects
ever respects the
the languages
languages and and literature
literature of of the
the East,
East,
and in particular of this scientific, diplomatic,
and in particular of this scientific, diplomatic, financial, financial,
legz'slative, and commercial dialect of a hundred millions
legislative, and commercial dialect of a hundred millions
of our
of our fellow-subjects
fellow-subjects! With !
With some some diffidence,
diffidence, II
repeat that I offer the following
repeat that I offer the following translation of translation of aa
prose Persian classic, who flourished
prose Persian classic, who flourished in the era of in the era of
its greatest purity;
its greatest purity; and if there is anything
and if there is anything for- for-
bidding in
bidding in the
the baldness
baldness of of its
its literality,
literality, itit willwill thus,
thus,
at all
at all events,
events, enable
enable perhaps
perhaps the the student
student more more per-per-
fectly
fectly
to
to understand
understand the original;
the original ;
and
and it
it is
is only
only by by
reading
reading that
that with
with a
a knowledge,
knowledge, that
that he
he can
can relish
relish
and enjoy
and enjoy itit
JAMES ROSS,
JAMES ROSS.
1stJanuary
1st 1823-
January 1823.
 TRANSLATOR'S NOTE.

In the following Translation of the Gulistan, the

I.
TRANSLATOR'S NOTE.
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
II. And
poetical as the
passages sentiment
of the thewhether
original oftext, is often
poetry Persian
only a repetition that of the prose, in order
. or Arabic, are distinguished from the prose by beingto
of
and give
enforce within it a more marked emphasis, the
included inverted commas.
personal pronoun and verb are used in the singular
II. And as the sentiment of the poetry is often
number in the poetical passages.
only a repetition of that of the prose, in order to
III. Pure passages of Arabic, whether poetry or
enforce and give it a more marked emphasis, the
are in the
personal pronoun
prose, and verb by
distinguished arebeing
used in the singular
printed
Italian character.
number in the poetical passages.
I IIV.
1. Pure additionalofwords
Any passages thatwhether
Arabic, warranted
are not poetry or
prose,
by the Persian but are
are distinguished by necessary
text, in the
being printed in the
English
I talian are enclosed in crotchets, unless where
character.
translation,
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.
 THE
THE
MOCADDAMAH;
MOCADDAMAH;
OR,
OR,
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION TO
TO THE
THE GULISTAN
GULISTAN
OF
OF
SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADI.
•
InInthe Name of God
the Name Godthe
the
Compasst'onate, the
the
Mercifull I
of Compassionate, Merciful
THANKSGIVING be
THANKSGIVING betotoa aDeity Deity
ofofmajesty and
majesty and
glory;
glory ;
for submission [in prayer] conciliates his presence,
for submission [in prayer] conciliates his presence,
and
and a a sense of gratitude towards him increases his
sense of gratitude towards him increases his
munificence. Every breath that is inhaled is an
munificence. Every breath that is inhaled is an
elongation ofoflife, and when it is exhaled it exhilarates
elongation life, and when it is exhaled it exhilarates
the spirits; accordingly, inin every single breathing
the spirits ; accordingly, every single breathing
two
two benefits are forthcoming, and for each benefit
benefits are forthcoming, and for each benefit
a athanksgiving isisowing-" "Whose Whose hand handand
andtongue
thanksgiving owing tongue
can so enact that he shall acquit himself
can so enact that he shall acquit himself of this
of this
obligation ofofgratitude"-bebezealous, ye sons of Davt'd!
obligation gratitude" zealous, ye sons of David!
wz'tlz thanksgivt'ng, for small Z"S the gratiful
with thanksgiving, for small is the grateful portion
pordon
of my servants-" "that servant is approved who,
that servant is approved who,
of my servants
conscious of his fault, sues for mercy at ,the threshold
conscious of his fault, sues for mercy at the threshold
ofofGod;
God otherwise no person can presume to offer
otherwise no person can presume to offer
;

anything asasworthy his his

supreme presence."
anything worthy supreme presence."
62 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI.
Theshower
The showerofofhis hisinfinite
infinitemercy
mercyhas
hasbeen
beensprinkled
sprinkled
upon all,
upon all, and
and the the table
table ofof his
his all-comprehensive
all-comprehensive
bounty isis spread
bounty spread forth
forth everywhere.
everywhere. He He will
will not
not
remove the
remove the veil
veil from
from the
thereputation
reputation ofofhis
hisservants
servants
because ofoftheir
because their egregious
egregious iniquities,
iniquities, nor
nor withdraw
withdraw
the daily
the daily bread
bread ofof the the poor
poor onon account
account ofoftheir
their
impious idolatries
impious idolatries-" All-gracious Providence!
"All-gracious Providence! who who
from a a secret
from secret hoard
hoard art
art supplying
supplying the
the Guebre
Guebreand and
Infidelwith
Infidel withfood,
food,how
howcanst
canstthou
thouexclude
excludethythyfriends
friends
[theorthodox],
[the thou Iwho
orthodox],thou whowilt
1 wiltlook
lookwith
withcompassion
compassion
"
onthy
on thyfoes
foes?"
?

He directed
He directed his
hischamberlain,
chamberlain,the
the breeze
breezeofofdawn,
dawn,
totospread
spreadabroad
abroadananemerald
emerald carpet
carpet;
;
andheheordered
and ordered
hishandmaid,
his handmaid,the
thevernal
vernalcloud,
cloud,totonurse
nursethe
thedaughters
daughters
ofvegetation
of vegetation[or
[oryoung
youngherbage]
herbage]ininthe
thecradle
cradleofofthe
the
earth.
earth. As aa new
As new year's
year's day
day garment
garment hehe covered
covered
the bosoms
the bosoms ofof the
the trees
trees with
with mantles
mantles ofof verdant
verdant
foliage; and
foliage ;
and on
on the
the approach
approach ofofthe
the spring
spring season
season
hecrowned
he crownedthe
theinfant
infanttwigs
twigswith
withgarlands
garlandsofofsmiling
smiling
flowers;
flowers ;
throughhis
through his mighty
mightypower
powerthe
thejuice
juiceofofthe
the
sugar-canereed
sugar-cane reed waxed
waxed sweet
sweetasasvirgin
virgin honey
honey; and
and ;

by
by his
his fostering
fostering care
care the
the kernel
kernel ofof the
the date
date grew
grew into
into
a a"stately
statelypalm palm-" The clouds,
"The clouds,wind,
wind,moon,
moon,sun,
sun,and
and
sky
sky act
act inin co-operation;
co-operation ;
that
that thou
thou mayst get
mayst get thy thy
daily
daily bread,
bread, and
and not
not eat
eat itit with
with indifference:
indifference : all
all

revolvefor
revolve thysake,
forthy sake,and
andare are obedient
obedienttoto command
command; ;

ititmust
mustbebeanan equitable
equitablecondition
conditionthatthat thou
thou shalt
shalt bebe
obedient"
obedient"
ItItisisinintradition
tradition[or
[ora asaying]
saying]ofofthe theprince
princeofofthe
the
universe,glory
universe, gloryofofcreatures,
creatures,mediator
mediatorofofbothbothworlds,
worlds,
most immaculate ofof men,
most immaculate men, the the consummation
consummation ofof
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADI. 63

revolving time
revolving time [or
[or last
last of
ofthe prophets], Mohammed
the prophets], Mohammed
upon whom
Mostafa, upon
Mostafa, whom and and his
his bebe God's
God's blessing
blessz"ng and
and
"
peace-"
peace accepted intercessor, and
accepted intercessor, and liberal-minded
liberal-minded pro-
pro-
" "
phet,gracious,
phet, gracious,portly, s1JZz'ling,and
portly, smiling, sealed~·
andsealed ; "-"how
how can
can
the rampart
the rampart of
of that
that faith
faith totter
totter which
which has
has thee
thee for
for
its prop? What
its prop? What can
can he
he fear
fear from
from the
the billows
billows of
of
the sea who has Noah for his pilot? "-" he reached
the sea who has Noah for his pilot?" "he reached
tIle pinnacle
the pinnacle ofglory
of glory {during
[during his
hzs Mara/]
Mara)"] through
through his
his
perfections;/ he illuminated the gloom
perfections he illuminated the gloom of chaos byhis
of chaos by hls
4splendour~·
splendour allhis
; all Izis habits
habz"ts were
were elegant
elegant; peace bebeupon
; peace upon
"
him and
him andhis
hisfollowers
followers!! "-that,
that, atat any
any time,
time,when
when aa
sinful and distressed servant shall raise the hand of
sinful and distressed servant shall raise the hand of
repentance with
repentance with the
the hope
hope ofof forgiveness
forgiveness before
before the
the
tribunal of a just,
tribunal of a just, glorious,
glorious, and sublime being,
and sublime being, the
the
most high God
mosthigh God will
will not noticehim
not notice him: he
hewill
:willreiterate
reiterate
his suit,
his suit, and
and be
be aa second
second time
time disregarded
disregarded;
; he will
he will
again supplicate
again supplicate with
with mortification and humility
mortification and humility; ;

thenwill
then willthe
theglorified
glorifiedand
andsublime
sublimejudge
judgedeign
deigntotosay
say
- Verily,
Verz"ly,my
myangels ! II was
angels! wasabashed
abashedon
on account
account of
ofmy
my
servant,who
servant, whohad
hadno
noProvidence butme
Providence but me; therefore did
; therefore did
II pardon
pardon himhim-I granted his
I granted his prayer
prayer andand satisfied
satisfied
his desire
his desire; for
; for I I am
am ashamed
ashamed ofof the
the importunate
importunate
"
supplication and
supplication and complaint
complaintof ofaadependant
dependant-" behold
behold
the benevolence
the benevolence and and condescension
condescension ofof the the Lord
Lord
[Paramount]; the
[Paramount] ; the servant
servant was
was inin fault,
fault, and
and he he the
the
"
master ashamed ! "
masterisisashamed !

The
The assiduous
assiduous residents
residents atat the
the fane
fane ofof his
his glory
glory
[or temple
[or tern pIe atat Mecca]
Mecca] confess
confess aa negligence
negligence ofofpiety,
piety,
and say, We
and say, We did did not not worship
worship thee
thee commensurately
commensurately
wz"th theworship
with the worshipof ofthee;
thee; and the
and the mystical
mysticalencomiasts
encomiasts
ofthe
of theattributes
attributesofofhis his charms,
charms,rapt
raptininananecstasy,
ecstasy,cry,
cry,
 64 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADL
WeWeknew
knewthee theenot
notsuitably
suitably totothetheknowledge
knowledgeof ofthee!
thee
"
Wereany
" Were anyperson
persontotoask askme metotodetail
detailhishis attributes,
attributes
helpless
helplessasasI Iam, am,howhowshall
shallI Idescribe
describewhat whatisiswithout
withouta
parallel? Loversfell
parallel ? Lovers fellthe devotedvictims
thedevoted victimsof ofthe
themistress
mistres

[God],but
[God], butno notidings
tidingsare returnedof
arereturned suchvictims."
ofsuch victims."

AA good
good and and pious
pious man manreclined
reclinedhis head on
his head on the
th
bosom ofofcontemplation,
bosom contemplation,and and was immersed inin the
was immersed th
oceanof
ocean ofreverie.
reverie. At At thetheinstant
instant whenwhen he awake
he awaked
fromthis
from vision,one
thisvision, oneofofhis
hisfriends
friendsby wayofofpleasantry
byway pleasantr
said, Whatrare
said, What raregift have you
gifthave broughtusus from
you brought from that
tha

garden
garden wherewhere you you have have beenbeen recreating?
recreating? He He
replied, fancied toto myself
replied, I I fancied myself and and said, when I I can
said, when ca
reach the rose-bower I I will
the rose-bower fill my with theth
reach will fill my lap lap with
flowers,
flowers,andandbringbringthemthemasasa apresent
presenttoto my my friends;
friends

but when I I got

butwhen therethe
got there thefragrance
fragrance of the roses
ofthe roses so s
intoxicated me
intoxicated me that the skirt
that the skirt dropped
dropped from from my my
"
hands. "0
hands. O birdbird of dawnI learn
of dawn ! learn the warmth ofo
the warmth
affection from
affection from the the moth, that scorched
moth,for that scorched creature
for creatur
gave
gave up the
up the ghost and uttered
ghostand uttered not a groan;not a groan these
;
thes
vain
vain pretenders are
pretendersare ignorant of him
ignorantof him they seek
theyseek after, after

for himthat
ofhim
forof knewhim
thatknew him we wenever heard again.
neverheard again. 0 O
thou who
thou! ! whotowerest
towerest aboveabovethe theflights
flightsof ofconjecture,
conjecture
opinion, and
opinion, and comprehension, whatever
comprehension, whatever has has beenbee
reported of thee we have heard
reportedof thee we have heard and read; the con- and read ;
the con
gregation
gregationis dismissed,
is and drawn to
dismissed,and life drawn to a close; and
life a close ;
an
"
we our encomium
we still rest at our first encomium of thee I"
still rest at first of thee !

ThePanegyrzc
The Panegyricof
ofthe Princeof
thePrince ofIslamism, orReigning
Islamisni,or Reignin
King;
King ;may
mayGod Godperpetuate hisReign.
perpetuateItis Reign.
Thehandsome
The handsomemention
mentionofofSadi, whichisiscurrent
Sadi,which currentini
the fame of
every mouth; the fame of his sayings, which has
every mouth; his sayings, which ha
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SA.DI.
SADL 65

spread all over the wide extent of the earth;thethe

spread all over the wide extent of the earth ;

amicablewriting
amicable writingreed
reedof of
hishis narrations,
narrations, whichman-
which man-
kindarearedevouring
kind devouringas asthey
theywould
wouldsugar-cane;
sugar-cane;and
and
hishis newest
newest literary fragments, whic::h have the credit
literary fragments, which have the credit
of of bills
bills of of exchange
exchange [and bank-notes]-all this cannot
[and bank-notes] all this cannot
be be ascribed
ascribed to to
any superiority of of
any superiority hishis learning and wit;
learning and wit;
butbutthat
thatthetheLord
LordParamount,
Paramount,AxisAxisof ofrevolving
revolving
Time,
Time, confirmedSuccessor
confirmed Successor
of of Solomon,Defender
Solomon, Defenderof of
thetheFaithful,
Faithful,mighty
mightyKing
Kingand
andpotent
potentSovereign,
Sovereign,
(" Klozuffar-u'd-din
Mozuffar-u'd-din Abubakr,
Abubakr, sonson
of of Saad,
Saad, sonson
of of Zungi,
Zungi,
thethe Shadow
Shadow of of
thethe most
most highGod
high God
onon earth, approve
earth, approve
of of him,O 0Providence,
him, Provzaence,andand gratifyhishiswishes
gratify wishes!
! has has
regarded with him an eye of patronage,
regarded with him an eye of patronage, has bestowed has bestowed
upon
upon himhimhishis exaltedcommendation,
exalted commendation, andandhashas shown
shown
him unfeigned attachment; consequently,
him unfeigned attachment consequently, everybody,
;
everybody,
forforhishissake,
sake,whether
whethernoble
no1?leor orplebeian,
plebeian,is iswell
well
inclin~d,forformankind
inclined, mankindreadily
readilyadopt
adoptthethefaith
faithof of
their
their princes
princes :
:-"
" Ever
Ever since
since thou
thou didst
didst deignto to
deign look
look
graciously on wretched me, my
graciously on wretched me, my merits are becomemerits are become
manifest
manifest as as
thethe sun.Verily,
sun. Verily,
werewere this
this servant
servant covered
covered
all over with blemishes, every vice
all over with blemishes, every vice that the King that the King
might approve of would become
might approve of would become a virtue. Engageda virtue.-Engaged
oneonedayday
in in
thethe public
public bath,
bath, I had
I had a piece
a piece of of scented
scented
clay
clay handed
handed me me by my
by my mistress.mistress. I I
addressed it, it,
addressed
saying:
saying : ArtArt thou
thou ambergris
ambergris or ormusk, forforI am
musk, I am
charmedwith
charmed withthythygrateful odour? It It
gratefulodour? replied,
replied, I
I
waswasa aworthless
worthlesspiecepieceof ofclay;
clay;butbutforfora awhile
while
associatedwith
associated withthetherose:
rose:thence
thenceI partook
I partookof of thethe
sweetnessof ofmymycompanion
sweetness companion;otherwise
;
otherwiseI am I amthat that
vile
vile piece
piece of of earth
earth I I seem."-
seem.
"

Myl1,fyGod
God! benefit
! benefit Mussul11lalzs,
Mussulmans, or or
thethe faith/ul, by
faithful, by
747747
 6666 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADL
prolonging
prolonginghz's hislifelife/ ; augment
augmentthe thereward
rewardof ofhz's
his virtues
virtue
and
and peifectz"ons
perfections; / exalt the states of
exalt the states ofhis friends
his friends and an
allies
allies; and
/ and confound
confoundhts foeshis and
foesand ill-u'z'shers,
ill-wishers,according
accordin
tototlte
thetexts,
texts,as asrecorded
recordedininthe theKoran.
Koran. lIf.y MyGod!God !protect
protec
"
his
hisdomaz'n,
domain,and andbebethe theguardian
guardian of ofltis
hissonson:-"
: as,
as, z'lz
i
truth,
truth, the
thehappiness
happiness of of thts
this world
world orz'gz'nates
originates with
with him,
him
letlethis
hishappiness
happinesslast last for ever; andsuccour
forever/and succourIzim, him,0 thou tho
most
mostIzigh!
high ! 'lvz'th
with the
the ensz'gns of victory.
ensigns of victory. InIn like
like manne
manner
letletthe
theseedlz'ng,
seedling,or orson,
son,flourish,
flourish,of ofwhz'ch
whichlze, he,tIle
tJieking,
king,is
thetheroot/for
root; forthe theexcellellce
excellenceof ofthe
theearth's
earths produce sources
produce source
inin generous
generous seed."-Let
seed'' Let the the most
most high high and and mighty
might
GodGod preserve
preserve till
till the
the day
day of
of judgment
judgment the the pure
pur
territory
territoryof ofShiraz
Shiraz inin securesecure peace
peace through
through a a dread drea
ofof a a righteous
righteous magistracy
magistracy and and a a deference
deference for for an a
"
industrious
industrious people.-" people. Know
Know yeye not
not why
why I I wen
went
abroad
abroad and and stayed
stayed some some timetime inina aforeign
foreigncountry?
country
I Ileft homebecause
lefthome becauseof ofthetheanarchy
anarchyI Isaw sawoccas.ioned
occasione
by bythe theTurks,
Turks,for forthe theworld
worldwas wasfallen
fallen intointodisorder,
disorder
likethe
like thehair
hairof ofan an Ethiopian;
Ethiopian they; theywerewereall huma
allhuman

beings,
beings,but buthad hadsharpsharpclaws smearedwith
claws smeared withblood,
blood,like lik
thoseof
those ofwolves:
wolves within
: within the the city
citywalls
wallsa apeople
peoplewell-well

disposedasasangels;
disposed angels without
;
withouta ahost hostof ofwarlike
warliketygers.
tygers
WhenI Ireturned
\Vhen returned I I found found the thecountry
countryatatpeace; peace the ;
th
tygers
tygershad hadlaid laidaside
asidetheir theirtygerish
tygerishdispositions;
dispositions such ;
suc
ititwas was whenwhen I I first first sawsawit,it, a a country
countryoverrun
overrun with wit
contention,
contention,anarchy, anarchy,and andfamine;
famine and;
andthus becam
thusititbecame
during
duringthe thereignreignof ofa ajust
justsovereign,
sovereign,AtabakAtabakAbubakr Abubak
"
bin-saad
bin-saadZungi."-"
Zungi." The
The Persian territory
Persian territoryhas nothing
has nothin
totoapprehend
apprehend from from the thebuffetings
buffetingsof offortune,
fortune,so solong
lon
. asas its head can find the shelter of such a godlike
its head can find the shelter of such a godlik
shadowasasthou
shadow thouart. art. Throughout
Throughoutthe theexpanse
expanseofofthe th
 SHAIKHSADJ.
SHAIKH SADI.
67
globe nonein inthesethese dayscan canafford
affordsuch
suchanan asylumofof
globe none days asylum
resignationasasthat thatatatthe
thethreshold
thresholdatat thy gate :-it
it is
is
resignation thy gate :

thine to comfort the afflicted; our duty

thine to comfort the afflicted our duty to be grate-
to be grate-
;

ful;and
ful
andit itrests
restswith
withGodGodthetheCreator
Creatortotonotice
noticeandand
;

reward us. So long, 0 Providence t

reward us. So long, O Providence as earth and sky !
as earth and sky
shall endure, preserve the land of
shall endure, preserve the land of Persia from the
Persia from the
storm of anarchyand
storm of
mischief t " -
andmischief "
anarchy !

Sadi's Reason for writing tlte Gulistan.

Sadi's Reason for writing the Gulistan.

One nightI Iwas

One was thinking upon my pasttime time;
night thinking upon my past ;

reflectingwith with regret upon my prodigaluse useofoflife

life;
reflecting regret upon my prodigal ;

boringthe the flintymansionmansion ofof myheart heartwithwiththe the

boring flinty my
diamond of my tears and repeating these verses, asas
diamond of my tears;
;
and repeating these verses,
applicable to the state of my affairs:-
applicable to the state of my affairs :

" "Every moment a breath is expiring of my life;

Every moment a breath is expiring of my life ;

when I curiously inspect it,I Ifind

when I curiously findthat
that onlya alittle
littleis is
inspect it, only
left.
left.
0 man t fifty years of thy life
O man fifty years of thy life are gone, and
!
are gone, and
thou art still in a dream; perhaps thou
thou art still in a dream perhaps thou mayest avail
mayest avail
;

thyself of the remaining five days. Shame Shame"ononhim him

thyself of the remaining five days.
who departed, and had not finished
who departed, and had not finished his task the his task; the
;

call of march was beaten, and he had not made up

call of march was beaten, and he had not made up
his baggage; the fascinating drowsiness of the morning
his baggage the fascinating drowsiness of the 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 dwelling to
;

another,and andthatthatother
otherininlike
likemanner
manner gratifiedhishis
another, gratified
vanity;but butnone
noneofofthemthem puta a finishinghand handtotothis this
vanity; put finishing
building.-Set not thy affections on so
Set not thy affections on so fickle a mis-
fickle a mis-
building.
tress;a a beingsoso capriciousmerits
tress
meritsnotnot thy attachment.
attachment.
; being capricious thy
68 SHAIKH SADI.
68 SHAIKH SADI.
Since the good and bad are alike doomed to die,
Since the good and bad are alike doomed to die
happy is he who carried off the prize of virtue! Let
happy is he who carried off the prize of virtue ! Let
the means of future enjoyment proceed thee to the
the means of future enjoyment proceed thee to th
grave; dispatch them before, for nobody can send
for nobody can send
grave;after
them thee; them
dispatch life isbefore,
like snow, and the sun is
them after thee life is like snow, and the sun i
burning hot; the vanities, 0 sir! of the present day
;

soon melt hot

burning awaythe
;
four O
vanities,
!-The sir
contending
! of the present day
and refractory
soon melt away The four contending and refractor
temperaments may chime harmoniously for some few
!

temperaments mayofchime for some few

days; but let one them harmoniously
once get the upper hand
but let one of them once the hand
daysit will thrust the sweet soul get
and ;
from itsupper
dwelling;
and it will thrust the sweet soul from its dwelling
consequently a prudent and upright man sets not his
consequently a prudent and upright man sets not hi
heart on the life of this world.-Yes! thou hast gone
heart on the life of this world. Yes thou hast gone
empty-handed to market; I fear of thee that thou
!

empty-handed to market I fear of thee that thou

wilt not bring thy turban back; that man who can
;

wilt not bring thy turban back that man who can
eat up his crop of unripe wheat , must ;
be content at
eat up his crop of unripe wheat must be content a
harvest to glean his neighbour's field.-Listen with a
harvest to glean his neighbour's field. Listen with
willing ear to the admonition of Sadi; such is the
willing ear to the admonition of Sadi such is th
path, be resolute and follow it."- ;

path, be resolute and follow it."

After pondering on this mystery I saw its policy,
After on this mystery I saw its policy
and said,pondering
I will betake myself to the cell of retire-
and said, I will betake myself to the cell of retire
ment, withdraw my skirt from social enjoyment, erase
ment,my withdraw my skirt from social enjoyment, eras
from tablets all vain compositions, and hencefo~th
from my tablets all vain compositions, and hencefort
refrain from idle confabulations:-"To have the tongue
refrain from idle confabulations: "To have the tongu
cut out and to be seated deaf and dumb in a corner
cut out and to be seated deaf and dumb in a corne
were preferable to his condition who cannot govern
were preferable to his condition who cannot govern
his tongue":-till at length one of my friends who had
his till at length one of friends who had
beentongue":
the litter-companion of mymytravels and the
been the litter-companion of my travels and th
chamber-chum of my studies entered my cell with
chamber-chum of
his usual familiarity;my
studies entered my cell wit
but however much he indulged
his usual familiarity; but however much he indulge
in pleasantry and mirth and spread abroad the carpet
in pleasantry and mirth and spread abroad the carpe
of social intercourse, I made him no return, nor raised
of social intercourse, I made him no return, nor raise
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SA.DI. 69
69

my head
my head from
from the
theknee
kneeofofpious
pious abstraction.
abstraction. Offended
Offended
at my
at mybehaviour,
behaviour,hehe looked
looked wistfully
wistfully at
atme
meand
and said
said :- :

"" Now that thou hast the faculty of speech, converse,

Now that thou hast the faculty of speech, converse,
Oo brother
brother 1 with
with cheerfulness
!
cheerfulness and
and joy,
joy, for
for to-morrow
to-morrow
that the
that the messenger
messengerof
ofdeath
death shall
shall present
present himself
himselfthou
thou
must of
must of necessity
necessity restrain
restrain thy
thy tongue."
tongue."-One One of of mymy
comrades made
comrades made him him aware
aware of of these
these events,
events, saying,
saying,
Such aa person
Such person has has firmly
firmly resolved
resolved and and fully
fully deter-
deter-
<" mined to
mined
... to pass
pass his
his remaining
remaining life life inin this
this world
world in in
contemplative devotion
contemplative devotion and and to to observe
observe silence
silence; do
;
do
thou also,
thou also, ififthou
thou artart able,
able,keep
keep thine
thine ownown counsel
counsel and and
take thyself
take thyself aside. aside. He replied and swore,
He replied and swore, By our By our
glorious faith and ancient friendship,
glorious faith and ancient friendship, I will neither
I will neither
breathe nor
breathe nor stir
stir till
till he
he shall
shall have
have answered
answered me me with
with
his accustomed freedom and in his
his accustomed freedom and in his usual frank man- usual frank man-
nerner; for
;
for itit were
were savage
savage to to grate
grate the
the hearts
hearts of of friends,
friends,
and it is easy to compromise an oath. Moreover, itit isis
and it is easy to compromise an oath. Moreover,
repugnant to
repugnant to good
good sense
sense and
and anan infringement
infringement on on the
the
policy of the wise that Ali's sword
policy of the wise that Ali's sword should rest in its
should rest in its
scabbard and that Sadi's tongue should
scabbard and that Sadi's tongue should cleave to his cleave to his
palate.-"
palate.
" What, 0 wise man, is the tongue in the
What, O wise man, is the tongue in the
mouth?
mouth? It It isis aa key
key toto the
the casket
casket ofof the
the intellectual
intellectual
treasurer;
treasurer ;
so long as the lid remains
so long as the lid remains shut how shut how can
can
any person say
any person say whether whether he
he be
be a dealer
a dealer in
in gems
gems or
or in
in
pedlery
pedlery ??-Though
Though in
in the
the estimation
estimation of
of the
the wise
wise
silence be
silence be mannerly,
mannerly, at at the
the season
season ofof giving
giving advice
advice
it
it were
were better
better to
to be
be explicit.
explicit.
Two
Two circumstances
circumstances cast
cast
aa shade
shade over
over thethe understanding
understanding-that ofsilence
that of silence when
when
we should
we should speak,
speak, and and that
that ofofspeech
speech when
when we we should
should
be silent"
be silent."
In short,
In short, II could
could no no longer
longer reserve
reserve myself
myself inin
 70
SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADL
answering him, nor see it generous to withhold being
answering him, nor see it generous to withhold being
familiar,
familiar,
for
for he
he had
had ever
ever been
been aa mostmost companionable
companionable
and
andsincere
sincerefriend.-"
friend.
"If forced into a combat, with him
If forced into a combat, with him
be
be the
the fight whom thou hast strength to cope with or
fight whom thou hast strength to cope with o
legs
legs
to
to escape from."
escape from."
As
As aa matter
matter of ofnecessity I spoke, and went joyfully
necessity I spoke, and went joyfull
abroad
abroad during
during
the
the spring,
spring,
when
when the
the cold
cold of
ofwinter
winter was
was
meliorated
meliorated and the auspicious season of the roses
and the auspicious season of the roses had
had
arrived
arrived:-" The
"
Theleafy vestments
vestments of
of the
thetrees
trees(from being
:
leafy (from being
green) resembled the holyday apparel of the orthodox
green) resembled the holyday apparel of the orthodox
or
or happy. On the 1st of Ardebihist, or April, that
happy. On the ist of Ardebihist, or April, tha
charming month, the nightingales were carolling on
charming month, the nightingales were carolling on
their pulpits,
their pulpits, the tree
the tree boughs, and the dew-fallen
boughs, and the dew-fallen
pearl on the damask rose rivalled
pearl on the damask rose rivalled the perspired drop
the perspired drop
on the cheek of our chiding
on the cheek of our chiding mistress." mistress."
II happened one night to fall into a nocturnal con-
happened one night to fall into a nocturnal con-
versation in a
versation in a garden with a friend, a lovely and
garden with a friend, a lovely and
refreshing spot, and its heart-gladdening groves
refreshing spot, and its heart-gladdening groves
intertwining overhead;
intertwining overhead
its
its
walks
walks you might say
; you might say
were
were strewed with spangles of crystal, and clusters
strewed with spangles of crystal, and clusters
of
offruit
fruit like
like the
the pleiades hung aloft from its boughs:-
pleiades hung aloft from its boughs:
""Meadows,
Meadows, the the water
waterof whose rivulets meandered lz"ke
of whose rivulets meandered lik
tlze a chain~·
the links of a chain ; bowers, the
lbzks of bowers, the melodies
melodies of wlzose
of whose
aviaries were harmonious: those studded
aviaries were harmonious : those studded with flowers with flowers
of
of various
various colours, and these loaded with fruits of
colours, and these loaded with fruits o
divers kinds;
divers kinds while
while the the zephyrs in the moving
; zephyrs in the moving
(moonlight and) shade of the
(moonlight and) shade of the trees were spreading
trees were spreading
aa carpet of variegated
carpet of variegated hues."
hues."-
AtAt dawn,
dawn, whenwhen the the thought of going home over-
thought of going home over-
came
came aa wish wish for for sitting still, I remarked that my
sitting still, I remarked that my
companion had filled his skirt
companion had filled his skirt with roses,
with roses, hyacinths,
hyacinths,
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADL
SADL 71

spikenards, and
spikenards, and sweet-basils,
sweet-basils, and
and was
was desirous
desirous of
of
returning to the city.
returning to the city. I said,
I As
said, As you
you well
well know,
know, the
the
flower of
flower of the
the garden
garden has
has no
no continuance,
continuance, nor can we
nor can we
confide in the promise
confide in the promise of the rose-bower,
of the rose-bower, and philo-
and philo-
sophers have
sophers have told
told us
us whatever
whatever is not lasting
is not lasting merits
merits not
not
our affection.
our affection. He asked, What
He asked, What is
is our
our alternative
alternative?? I
I

replied, For the

replied, For the gratification
gratification of
of beholders
beholders and
and recrea-
recrea-
tion of
tion of spectators
spectators II can
can write
write such
such aa Kitabi
Kitabi Gulistan,
Gulistan,
or book
or book of
of aa Flower-garden,
Flower-garden, as
as neither
neither the
the rude
rude storm
storm
(" ...of
of autumn
autumn shall shall be
be able
able toto lay
lay the
the hand
hand of of usurpation
usurpation
upon
upon its
its leaves,
leaves, nor
nor the
the revolution
revolution of
of the
the season
season
convert the
convert the serenity
serenity of its summer
of its summer into into thethe gloom
gloom of of
"
winter.-" What
winter. What can can aa basket
basket (or(or nosegay)
nosegay) of of flowers
flowers
avail thee?
avail thee? Pluck Pluck but but one
one leaf
leaf from
from my my Flower-
Flower-
gardeh;
garden ; a
a rose
rose can
can thus
thus continue
continue five
five or
or six
six days,
days, butbut
"
this rose-bower must
this rose-bower must bloom
bloom to to all
all eternity
eternity 1"-
!

So soon
So soon as as II uttered
uttered these
these words
words he he let
let the
the flowers
flowers
drop
drop from
from his
his lap
lap and
and seized
seized upon
upon my my skirt,
skirt, saying:
saying :

As
A s the generous man
the generous man promised,
pro1Jlzsed, so so hehe performed!
peiformed!
That same
That same day day twotwo chapters
chapters (vii.
(vii. and
and viii.),
viii.), one
one ofof
them
them on on the
the Accomplishments
Accomplishments of of Education,
Education, and and the
the
other on
other on the
the Rules
Rules forfor Conversation,
Conversation, were were recorded
recorded in in
my note-book
my note-book in in such
such aa clothing
clothing as may come
as may come in in
practice with
practice with orators,
orators, andand decorate
decorate the the style
style ofof letter-
letter-
writers. In
writers. In short,
short, roses
roses yet yet continued
continued to to flourish
flourish
in the garden
in the garden when when the the book
book of of the
the Gulistan
Gulistan was was
finished.
finished.
And
And itit really
really will
will be complete when
be complete when itit shall
shall have
have
met
met aa favourable
favourable reception
reception at at court
court and and obtained
obtained
the indulgent
the indulgent perusalperusal of of that
that prince,
prince, the the asylum
asylum of of
the world, shadow
the world, shadow of of omnipotence,
omnipotence, ray ray ofof gracious
gracious
72
SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADL
providence, treasury of the age, refuge of the faith,
providence, treasury of the age, refuge of the faith
fortified
fortified from above,
from above, victorious
victorious over
over his
his foes, arm· o
foes, arm o
triumphant fortune, luminary of resplendent
triumphant fortune, luminary of resplendent religion religion
most
most illustrious
illustrious of of mankind,
mankind, glory of orthodoxy, Saad
glory of orthodoxy, Saad
the
the son of the mighty Atabak, all-powerful emperor
son of the mighty Atabak, all-powerful emperor,
ruler
ruler over
over the
the necks
necks of of the
the people, lord-paramoun
people, lord-paramount
of
of Arabia
Arabia and and Persia, monarch of the sea and land
Persia, monarch of the sea and land
successor
successor of the throne of Solomon,
of the throne of Solomon, Mozuffar-zu'd-din
Mozuffar-zu'd-din,
may
may God on high perpetuate the
God on high perpetuate the dominion
dominion of of both
both
father
father and son, augment their dignified state, and
and son, augment their dignified state, and
favour
favour all all their
their charitable
charitable enterprises.-"
enterprises.
If graced
"If graced
with
with the
the favour
favour ofof his
his majesty
majesty thethe king, it will become
king, it will become
the
the portrait gallery
portrait gallery of
of China
China and picture portfolio
and picture portfolio o
o
Mani;
Mani none
;
none will,
will,
we
we trust, inspect
trust, inspect it
it with
with dissatisfac-
dissatisfac-
tion,
tion, for
for this
this reason,
reason, thatthat aa Gulistan,
Gulistan, oror flower-garden
flower-garden,
isis not
not thethe seat
seat of of chagrin, more especially as its
chagrin, more especially as it
auspicious preface
auspicious preface is
is inscribed
inscribed with
with the
the name
name of of Saad
Saad
Abu-bakr
Abu-bakr Saad-bin
Saad-bin Zungi."
Zungi."

The
The Panegyrlc
Panegyric of of the
the mighty
mighty Lord,Lord, Fakhr-u'd-dhz
Fakhr-u' d-din
Abu-bakr-bin-Abu
Abu-bakr-bin-Abu Nasr. Nasr.
Again
Again thethe bride
bride of
of my
my intellect, conscious of her
intellect, conscious of her
defective
defective charms,
charms, dares
dares not
not lift
lift her
her head
head or
or raise
raise the
the
eye
eye of
of solicitude
solicitude from
from musing
musing on
on the
the back
back of
of the
the foot
foot
of
of bashfulness,
bashfulness, nor
nor dares
dares she
she come
come forward
forward with with all
all
her
her glory
glory into
into the
the assembly
assembly of
of the
the lovely
lovely
till
till she
she can
can
deck
deck herself
herself \vith
with that
that gem,
gem, thethe approbation
approbation ·of of the
the
mighty
mighty lord,
lord, intelligent, just,
intelligent, just,
succoured
succoured from
from above,
above,
victorious
victorious over
over foes,
foes, prop
prop of of the
the imperial throne,
imperial throne,
counsellor
counsellor ofof state,
state, asylum
asylum of of the
the indigent, resort of
indigent, resort of
the
the stranger,
stranger, patron
patron ofof the
the learned,
learned, friend
friend of
of the
the pious,
pious,
 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADL 7373
glory
gloryofofthe Persianrace,
thePersian race,right handofofthe
righthand theempire,
empire,
prince
princeof favourites,
of favourites,glory of church and
gloryof church and state, support
state, support
ofof the
the faith
faith and and faithful, confidant ofofkings
faithful, confidant kings and and
sovereigns, Abu-bakr-bin-Abu
sovereigns, Abu-bakr-bin-Abu N asr. Nasr. Prolong, aO
Prolong,
God
God t his life, increase his power,
!his life, increase his exhilarate
power,exhilarate his hisheart,
heart,
and
and multiply rewards he
multiplyhis rewards; for he is celebrated among
his ;
for is celebrated among
grandeesofofthe
thegrandees
the thefour quartersofofthe
fourquarters theglobe,globe,and anda a
"
compendium of laudable
compendiumof laudable qualifications qualifications. Whoever
.....:..." Whoever
findsa ashelter
finds shelterunderunderthe shadowofofhis
theshadow hispatronage,
patronage,
. his
his contumacy
contumacybecomes becomes obe.dience,
obedience,and and his foe a a
his foe

friend."-
friend."

OfOfthe retinueofofservants
theretinue servantsand anddependants
dependantseach each
hasa aspecial
has specialduty, duty,and andififininthe thedischarge
dischargeofoftheir their

offices
officesthey
theymay mayininany anytrifle
triflebe benegligent
negligentand andidle,
idle,

they
theywill somehowincur
willsomehow incurreprehension,
reprehension,and andbebetaken taken
tototask,
task,allallexcept
exceptthis thistribe Darweshes(like
tribeofofDarweshes (likeSadi),
Sadi),
whomit itbehoves
whom behovestotobebegratefulgratefulfor forthe bountyofofthe
thebounty the
great,
great,andand toto offer offer inin return panegyriconontheir
returna apanegyric their

virtue anda ablessing

virtueand blessingonontheir theircharity.
charity. However,
However,the the
performanceofofthis
performance thisservice
serviceis ismore commendableinin
morecommendable
privatethan
private thanininpublic,
public,for forthis
thismight borderononthe
mightborder the
fulsomeand
fulsome andspecious,
specious,and andthat wereless
thatwere lessadulatory
adulatory
"
andceremonious
and ceremonious :-" The
: Thecrooked
crookedback backofofthe thesky
sky(or (or
fortune) became
fortune)became straight straightthrough
throughjoy thatshe
joythat shegave
gavea a
sonlike
son liketheetheetotothe motherofofthe
themother times. ItItisisa a
thetimes.
choiceinstance ofofwisdom
choice instance wisdomwhen whenthe benevolenceofof
thebenevolence
theCreator
the Creatorselectsselectsa aservant
servantfor forthe instructionofof
theinstruction
the
the people; he obtained immortal
people he obtained immortal fortune whose
;
fortune whose
fame survived him
goodfame survived him; for after he is dead the
good ;
for after he is dead the
report of his virtue makes his name
reportof his virtue makes his name live for ever; it itlive for ever ;

mattersnot
matters whetherthe
notwhether theeloquent
eloquentpraisepraisethee theeorornot; not ;
 74
74 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKHSADL

for the
for the soul-deluding
soul-deluding cheek
cheek requires
requires not
not the
the tire-
tire-
woman'sart."
woman's art."

Theexcuse
The excusefor
forneglect
neglectinz'nmaking
maklngcourt,
court,and
andthe
thereason
reason
forpreferring
for preferrz"ngretirement.
re#rement.
Any backwardness
Any backwardness and
and neglect
neglect that
that take
take place
place
inin mymy paying
paying courtcourt atat the the levee
levee ofofmy my lord
lord (the
(the
prime minister) have this
prime minister) have this precedent precedent: : that
that a abody ofof
body
thesages
the sagesofofHind
Hind were werediscussing
discussingthe thequalifications
qualifications
ofofBuzarchamahar,
Buzarchamahar,and andcouldcould after
afterallall discover
discoveronlyonly
thisdefect
this defect-namely,
namely, that
that there
there isis a a slowness
slowness in
in his
his
utterance;
utterance; that
that isistoto say,
say, he
he isis making
making some
some consider-
consider-
ablehesitation,
able hesitation,andand ititbehoves
behoveshis hishearer
hearertotosuspend
suspend
his judgment
his judgment till till hehe can can explain
explain himself.
himself. Buzar-Buzar-
chamaharheard
chamahar heard this this andand answered,
answered, ItIt isis betterbetter toto
deliberate what
deliberate what I I am am toto say saythanthan toto bebe ashamed
ashamed
"
ofofwhat
what I I have
have saidsaid 1-"
! Thewell-instructed
The well-instructed orator, orator,
experienced
experienced from
from age, ponders
age, ponders over
over his
his words,
words, and and
then gives
then gives them
them utterance.
utterance. Waste Waste not not thythy breath
breath
inin speaking
speakingwithout
withoutthought,
thought, speak speak totothe thepurpose,
purpose,
andwhat
and whatharm
harmisistheretherethough
thoughthou thoumay maydeliberate
deliberate? ?

Arrangethy
Arrange thyspeech,
speech,and andthenthen deliver
deliveritit;but
;
butbring
bringitit
totoananend
endbefore
beforetheytheytelltellthee
theetotohave havedone.done. InInthe the
facultyofofspeech
faculty speechman manexcelsexcelsthe thebrute
brute;but;
butififthou
thou
"
utterestwhat
utterest whatisisimproper,
improper,the thebrute
bruteisisthy thysuperior
superior:"
:

-more especially inin the

more especially the sight
sight ofof the the eyes
eyes (or(or
grandees) ofof his
grandees) his excellency
excellency the the prime
prime minister,
minister,
dignijied.z"n
dignified hz'sservice,
.in his service,asasthey theyare area acompendium
compendiumofof
thegenerous
the generousand and pious,
pious,and and a a rallying
rallyingpoint pointofofthe the
profoundlylearned,
profoundly learned,for forififI Icould
could makemakebold, bold,I Imight
might
have presumptuously
have presumptuously intruded, intruded, and and brought
brought base base
 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADI. 7575
merchandise
merchandiseinto into his
his highness
highness the the Vizier's
Vizier's presence;
presence;
and
andaaglass
glass bead
bead were
were not
not worth
worth aa barley-corn
barley-cornin in the
the
mart
mart of of jewellers,
jewellers, aa torch
torch would
would glimmer
glimmer in
in giving
giving
light
light before
before thethe face
face ofof thethe sun,
sun,and and aa lofty
lofty minaret
minaret
would
would 100m
loom small
small at at the
the footfoot of Mount Alwand.-
of Mount Alwand.
"
"Whoever
Whoevermay may exalt
exalt his
his neck
neck with
with arrogance,
arrogance,aa foe foe
will
will beset
beset himhim on on every
every side;
side ; the
the generous-minded
generous-minded
Sadi
Sadiisishumble
humble and and prostrate,
prostrate,no no person
person will will combat
combat
.' with
with himhim that
that isis fallen
fallen (and asking
(and asking for
for quarter).
quarter).
First
First use
use deliberation,
deliberation, then then speech;
speech the ;
the foundation
foundation
was
waslaid,
laid,and
andthen
thenthe thewall
wallraised.
raised. I Iamamaagardener,
gardener,
but
but not
not inin aa garden.
garden. I I am
am aa charmer,
charmer, but
butnot notsuch
such
asasJoseph
Joseph was
was in
in Canaan."
Canaan."
They
They asked
asked Lucman,
Lucman, Of Of whomwhom didst didst thou
thou learn
learn
wisdom ? He
wisdom? Herepli~d,
replied, Of
Of the
the blind,
blind, who
who put
put not
not their
their
feet
feetforward
forward tilltill they
they feel
feel their
their ground.
ground. The
The Arabs
Arabs
say, Secure
say, Secure aa retreat
retreat before
before you you stepstep forward
forward toto the the
assault:-prove
assault: proveyouryourvirility,
virility,then then venture
venture on on aa wife!
wife !

-" "Though
Thoughthe thecock
cockbe beeager
eager for for the
thefight,
fight,what
whatcan can
heheeffect whenopposed
effectwhen opposedto tothethebrazen-taloned
brazen-taloped falcon? falcon ?
AtAtseizing mouse aa cat
seizingaamouse cat isis asas bold
bold as asaalion;
lion but
;
butisis
herself mousewhen
herselfaamouse when pitted
pitted withwithaatiger."
tiger."
Nevertheless,
Nevertheless, relyingrelying on on the
the liberal
liberal disposition
disposition of of
the
thegreat,
great,whowho willwill wink
wink atat the the faults
faultsof ofthe
thehumble,
humble,
and
and refrain
refrain fromfrom exposing
exposing the the defects
defects of of their
their
inferiors,
inferiors, I I passed
passed aa portion
portion of of my my precious
precious life life in
in

reducing
reducing into into aa summary
summary form, form, and and comprising
comprising inin
this
this volume,
volume, the the rare
rare adventures,
adventures, maxims, maxims, sciences,
sciences,
apophthegms,
apophthegms,and andcustoms
customsof ofpassed
passed kings,kings,on whom
onwhom
be God's mercy!
be God's mercy and ! and such such werewere my my reasons
reasons for for
. writing
writing the the Gulistan,
Gulistan, or or Flower-garden.-"
Flower-garden. "This This
76
SHAIKHSADL
SHAIKH 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 isa apicture,
picture,which
which mayremain
remainasasa amemorial
memorial
design is may
of me, for I cannot foresee any long continuance ofof
of me, for I cannot foresee any long continuance
thisexistence
this existenceunlessunlesssome
some good soul
soul may,oneone day,
good may, day,
inin compassion,
compassion, offer
offer a a blessing upon the
blessing upon
the work
work ofof
a apoor
poorman."
man."
After matureconsideration
After mature considerationinin planningthis
thisbook,
book,
planning
andarranging
and arrangingitsits chapters,I Ideemed
deemed itit expedienttoto
chapters, expedient
abridge its detail, that I might reduce this bower
abridge its detail, that I might reduce this bower
ofof resignation
resignation andand sublime
sublime enclosure
enclosure into
into eight
eight
mansions like those of paradise;
mansions like those of paradise ;
and it
and it was was thus
thus
madeshort
made shortofofthat
thatitit mightnot
not fatigue.
might fatigue.

Scheduleofofthe
AA Schedule theChapters.
Chapters.
Ofthe
ChapterI.I. Of theCustoms
CustomsofofKings.
Kings." '
Chapter
Ofthe
Chapter2.2. Of theMorals
MoralsofofDarweshes.
Darweshes.
Chapter
Chapter 3. Of the Preciousness of Contentment.
Chapter 3. Of the Preciousness of Contentment.
Chapter4.4. Of
Ofthe
theBenefit
BenefitofofSilence.
Silence.
Chapter
Chapter 5. Of Love and
Chapter 5. Of Love and Youth.
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.
Chapter8.8. Of
Ofthe
theDuties
DutiesofofSociety.
Society.
Chapter

ThedaU
The dateofofpublishingthe thebook
bookofofthe
theGulistan.
Gztlzstan.
publishing
" "At that season (the period
At that season (the period between the between the two
two
Eeds) which is with us Mohammedans
Eeds) which is with us Mohammedans a time of
a time of
rejoicing,inin the
the yearsix sixhundred
hundred andandfifty-six
fifty-sixafter
after
rejoicing, year
the Hijrah (A.D. 1258),my
theHijrah myobject
objectwas
wastotogive
giveadvice,
advice,
(A.D. 1258),
which having offered, I left its fulfilment
which having offered, I left its fulfilment with God, with God,
and took
and took mymy leave."
leave."
 CHAPTER
CHAPTER I.I.
OF
OF THE
THE CUSTOMS
CUSTOMS OF
OF KINGS.
KINGS.

I.

II HAVE
HAVE heardheard of of aa king
king who who made
made the the sign
sign toto put
put
aa ca pti ve
captive
to
to death.
death. The
The poor wretch,
poor wretch, in
in that
that state
state of
of
desperation,
desperation, began
began to
to abuse
abuse the
the king
king in
in the
the dialect
dialect
which
which he he spoke, and to revile him with asperity, as
spoke, and to revile him with asperity, as
has
has been
been s,aid;
said whoever
;
whoever shallshall wash
wash hishis hands
hands of of life
life
will
will utter
utter whatever
whatever he he may
may harbour
harbour in
in his
his heart:-
heart:
"" When
When aa man man z'sis desperate he will give a latz'tude
desperate he will give a latitude
toto his
his tongue, lz'ke as a cat at bay will fly at a dog":-
tongue, like as a cat at bay will fly at a dog
"
:

"at
"
at the
the moment
moment of of compulsion
compulsion when when itit isis impossible
impossible
toto fly, the hand will grasp the sharp edge of a sword."
fly, the hand will grasp the sharp edge of a sword."
-The The king
king asked,
asked, saying, What does he say? One
saying, What does he say? One
ofof the Viziers (or nobles in attendance),
the Viziers (or nobles in and a well-
attendance), and a well-
disposed
disposed man, man, made made answer,
answer, 0O my my lord lord1 he
! he isis
expressing himself and saying, (paradise
expressing himself and saying, (paradise is for such}
is for such)
asas are
are restraining their anger and forgiving their
restraining their anger and forgiving their
fellow-creatures ~.; and
and God God wz'll
will befriend
befriend the the bene-
bene-
fellow-creatures
volent.
volent. The
The king felt compassion for him, and
king felt compassion for him, and
desisted
desisted from from shedding
shedding his his blood.
blood. Another
Another noble- noble-
man,
man, andand the the rival
rival ofof that
that former,
former, said,
said, It It is
is inde-
inde-
corous
corous forfor such
such peers, as we are, to use any
peers, as we are, to use any language
language
but
but that
that of of truth
truth in in the
the presence
presence of of kings;
kings this
j
this man
man
 SHAIKH SA.DI.
78 SHAIKH SADL
abused his majesty, and spoke what was unworthy
abused his majesty, and spoke what was unworthy
of him. The king turned away indignant at this
of him. The king turned away indignant at this
remark, and replied, I was better pleased with his
remark, and replied, I was better pleased with his
falsehood than with this truth that you have told;
falsehood than with this truth that you have told
for that bore the face of good policy, and this was ;

for that bore the face of good policy, and this was
founded in malignity; and the intelligent have said,
founded in malignity and the intelligent have said,
A peace-mingling falsehood is preferable ' to a mis-
;

Achief-stirring truthfalsehood
peace-mingling preferable
:-" Whatever to a mis-
is
prince may do that
"
chief-stirring truth Whatever prince may do that
which he (his counsellor) will recommend, it must
:

which he (his counsellor) will recommend, it must

be a subject of regret if he shall advise ought but
be a subject of regret if he shall advise ought but
good."
good."
They had 'ltJrt'tten over the portlco of Kz'ng Ft'redowJl,'s
They had written over the portico of King Firedowtts
palace :-" This world, 0 brother! abides with none.
Set thy"This
palace: O
upon its brother!
heart world,
abides with none.
maker, and let him suffice
Set thy heart upon its maker, and let him suffice
thee. Rest not thy pillow and support on a worldly
not thy pillow and support on a worldly
domainRest
thee.
which has fostered and slain many such as
domain which has fostered and slain many such as
thou art Since the precious soul must resolve on
thou art Since the precious soul must resolve on
going, what matters it whether it departs from a
throne what
going, matters it whether it departs from a
or the ground."
throne or the ground."
II.
II.

One of the kings of Khorasan saw, in a dream,

One of
Sultan the kings of Khorasan saw, in a dream,
Mahmud, the son of Saboktagin, an hundred
Sultan Mahmud, the son of Saboktagin, an hundred
years after his death, when his body was decayed and
his death, when his body was decayed and
fallen after
years irito dust, all but his eyes, which as heretofore
fallen into dust, all but his eyes, which as heretofore
were moving in their sockets and looking about them.
were moving in their sockets and looking about them.
All the learned were at a stand for its interpretation,
All the learned were at a stand for its interpretation,
excepting one darwesh, who made his obeisance, and
who made his obeisance, and
said :-Heone
excepting is darwesh,
still looking about him, because his
said: He is still looking about him, because his
kingdom and wealth are possessed 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

 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SA.DI.
SADL 79
79

ground, of whose existence above it not one vestige

ground, of whose existence above it not one vestige
isis left;
left and
and of
;
of that
that old
old carcase
carcase which
which theythey committed
committed
toto the
the earth,
earth, the
the earth
earth has
has so
so consumed
consumed itit that that not
not
one
one bone
bone isis left
left Though'
Though' manymany ages
ages
are
are gone
gone since
since
Nushirowan
Nushirowan was was inin being, yet in the remembrance of
being, yet in the remembrance of
his
his munificence
munificence isis hishis fair
fair renown
renown left
left. Be
Be generous,
generous,
oO my my friend!
friend and
! and avail
avail thyself of life, before that they
thyself of life, before that they
proclaim
proclaim itit asas an
an event
event that
that such
such aa person
person is is not
not left"
left."

III.
III.

II have
have heard
heard of of aa king's son who was short and
king's son who was short and
mean,
mean, and
and his
his other
other brothers
brothers were
were lofty in stature and
lofty in stature and
handsome.
handsome. On On one one occasion
occasion the the king, his father,
king, his father,
looked
looked at at him
him withwith disparagement
disparagement and
and scorn.
scorn. The
The
son,
son, in
in his
his sagacity,
sagacity,
understood
understood him,
him, and
and said,
said, 0O
father aa short
father! ! short wise
wise man
man isis preferable
preferable to
to aa tall
tall block-
block-
head;
head itit isis not
;
not everything
everything that
that is
is mightier
mightier inin stature
stature
that
that isis superior
superior in in value:-a
value : a sheep's flesh is wholesome,
sheep's flesh is wholesome,
that
that of
ofanan elephant
elephant carrion.-"
carrion.
" Of the mOUlltat"1zs of this
Of the mountains of this
earth
earth Sinai
Sinai is is one
one ofof the
the least,
least,
yet
yet is
is itit most
most mighty
mighty
before
before God
God illin state
state and
anddignity."-"
dignity"
" Heardst thou not
Heard st thou not
what
what an an intelligent lean man said one day to a sIeck
intelligent lean man said one day to a sleek
fat dolt?
fat dolt? An An ArabArab horse,
horse, notwithstanding
notwithstanding his his slim
slim
make,
make, isis more
more prized thus than
prized thus than aa herdherd of of asses."-The
asses." The
father
father smiled;
smiled the the pillars
;
of the state, or courtiers,
pillars of the state, or courtiers,
nodded their
nodded their assent,
assent, and and the the other
other brothers
brothers were were
mortified to the
mortified to the quick.quick.-" " Till a man has declared his
Till a man has declared his
mind,
mind, his virtue and
his virtue and vice
vice maymay have have lain lain hidden;
hidden do;
do
not
not conclude that the thicket is unoccupied, per-
conclude that the thicket is unoccupied, per-
adventure
adventure the the tiger
tiger isis gone
gone asleep!"-
asleep !
"
80 SHAIKH SADIo
8o SHAIKH SADL
I have heard that about that time a formidable
I have heard that about that time a formidable
antagonist appeared against the king. Now that an
army was appeared
antagonist levied in against the the
each side, king. firstNow that an
person that
army
mountedwas hislevied
horsein each side, the first
and sallied upon theperson plain that
was
mounted and horse
that son, his and salliedI upon
he exclaimed: (C cannot thebe that
plain was
man
"
that man
that
whoseson, andthou
back he exclaimed
mayest see onI the
: cannot day be of battle, but
whose
am him back thou
thou mayest mayestdescryonamidst
see the day of
the thick
battle,ofbut
it,
am
withhim
mythouhead mayest
covereddescry amidst
with dust andtheblood; of it,
thick for he
with my headincovered
that engages the contest withsports
dust withand blood
his own for
;
he
blood,
that
but he
engages in the contest
who flees from it sports with his own
sportswith the bloodblood, of an
but
army whotheflees
he on dayfrom it sports with the blood of an
of fight." He so spoke, assaulting
army on the day
the enemy's of fight."
cavalry, He so spoke,
and overthrew some assaulting
renowned
the enemy's cavalry, and overthrew some renowned
warriors. When he came before the king he kissed
the earth When
warriors. he came
of "obeisance, said, "((the
andbefore king he
0 thou, whokissed
didst
the earth of obeisance, and said, O thou, who didst
view my body with scorn, whilst not aware of valour's
view whilst not aware of valour's
roughmyexterior,
body with it isscorn,
the lean steed that will prove of
rough
service,exterior, it is the lean
and not the fatted ox, steed on thethat daywill prove of
of battle."
and not the
They have reported that
service, fatted the
ox,the enemy's
or) of battle."
day cavalry was
They have
immense, those ofthat
andreported the the
king few incavalry
enemy's number; wasa
immense, and those of the king few in number; a
body of them was inclined to fly, when the youth
them and inclined to fly, when the youth
was said,
calledofaloud,
body Be resolute, my brave men,
called aloud, and said, Be resolute, my brave men,
that you may not have to wear the apparel of women !
that you may not have to wear the apparel of women
The troops were more courageous on this speech, and !

The
attacked were more courageous
troopsaltogether. I have heardonthat this speech, and
on that day
attacked altogether. I have heard that on that day
they obtained a complete victory over the enemy.
The king
they kisseda his
obtained face andvictory
complete eyes, and the enemy.
overfolded him in
The kissed his face and eyes, and folded him in
his arms, and became daily more attached to him, till
king
his arms, and became daily more attached to him, till
he declared him heir-apparent to the throne. The
he declared him heir-apparent to the throne. The
brothers bore him a grudge, and put poison into his
brothers bore him a grudge, and put poison into his
food. His sister saw this from a window, and flapped
food. His sister saw this from a window, and flapped
to the shutter; and the boy understood the sign, and
to the shutter ;
and the boy understood the sign, and
 SHAIKHSAD
SHAIKH SADI.
I. 81

withdrew his
withdrew his hand
hand from
from the the dish,
dish, andand said,
said, ItIt isis
hard that
hard that the
the virtuous
virtuous should
should perish
perish and and that
that the
the
vicious should
vicious should occupy
occupy their
their places.
places.-" Were the
"Were the
homayi,oror phoenix,
homayi, phren ix,toto bebe extinct
extinct inin the
theworld,
world,none
none
would take refuge
would take refuge under
under the the shadow
shadow ofof anan owl."
owl."-
They informed
They informed the the father
father ofofthis
this event
event; hehesent
;
sentforfor
the brothers
the brothers and and rebuked
rebuked them,
them, asas they
they deserved.
deserved.
Thenhehemade
Then madea adivision
divisionofofhishisdomains,
domains,and andgave
gaveaa
~uitableportion
suitable portiontotoeach,
each,that
thatdiscontent
discontentmight
mightcease
cease; ;

but the
but the ferment
ferment was
was increased,
increased, asas they
they have
have said:
said:
Tendarweshes
Ten darweshescancansleep
sleeponon one
onerug,
rug,but
buttwo
two kings
kings
cannot bebe accommodated
cannot accommodated inin a a wholewhole kingdom.
kingdom.-
" "When a man after God's heart can eat the moiety of
When a man after God's heart can eat the moiety of
hisloaf,
his loaf,the
theother
othermoiety
moietyhehewill
willgive
give inin alms
almstotothe
the
poor. A
poor. A kingking may
may acquire
acquire the
the sovereignty
sovereigntyofof oneone
climateororempire
climate empire;and
.andhehewill
;
willinin like
like manner
mannercovet
covet
the possession of another."
the possession of another."

IV.
IV.

A Ahorde
hordeofofArab
Arabrobbers
robbershad
hadpossessed
possessedthemselves
themselves
ofofthe
the fastness
fastness ofofa amountain,
mountain,and
andwaylaid
waylaidthethetrack
track
ofofthe car~van. The
thecaravan. Theyeomanry
yeomanryofofthe
thevillages
villageswere
were
frightened atattheir
frightened theirstratagems,
stratagems,and
andthe
theking's
king'stroops
troops
alarmed,
alarmed, inasmuch
inasmuch as
as they
they had
had secured
secured anan im-
im-
pregnablefortress
pregnable fortress onon the
the summit
summitofofthe the mountain,
mountain,
and madethis
andmade thisstronghold
strongholdtheir
theirretreat
retreatand
anddwelling.
dwelling.
Thesuperintendents
The superintendentsofofthe theadjacent
.adjacentdistricts
districtscon-
con-
sultedtogether
sulted togetherabout
aboutobviating
obviatingtheir
theirmischief,
mischief,saying:
saying:
IfIfthey
theyare
areininthis
thisway
wayleft
lefttotoimprove
improvetheir
theirfortune,
fortune,
anyopposition
any oppositiontotothem
themmay
mayprove
proveimpracticable.
impracticable.-
74 8
748
 SHAIKH SADI.
82 SHAIKH SADL
"The tree that has just taken root, the strength of
"The tree that has just taken root, the strength of
one man may be able to extract; but leave it to
one man may be able to extract but leave it to
remain thus for a time, and the machinery of a pur-
;

remain thus for a time, and the machinery of a pur-

chase may fail to eradicate it: the leak at the dam-
chase may fail to eradicate it the leak at the dam-
:

head might have been stopped with a plug, which

head might have been stopped with a plug, which
now it has a vent we cannot ford its current 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 they should set a
spyFinally
over them, and watch an opportunity when they
over
spy madethem, and watch an opportunity when they
had a sally upon another tribe, and left their
had made a sally upon another tribe, and left their
citadel unguarded. Some companies of able warriors
citadel unguarded. Some companies of able warriors
and experienced troops were sent, that they might
and experienced troops were sent, that they might
conceal themselves in the recesses of the mountain.
conceal themselves in the recesses of the mountain.
At night, when the robbers were returned, jaded with
At when the robbers were returned, jaded with
theirnight,
march and laden with spoil, and had stript
their march and laden with spoil, and had stript
themselves of their armour, and deposited their
themselves of their and deposited their
plunder, the foremost armour,
enemy they had to encounter
plunder, the foremost enemy they had to encounter
was sleep. N ow that the first watch of night was
was Now that the first watch of night was
gone sleep.
:-"" the disc of the sun was withdrawn into a
gone : the disc of the sun was withdrawn into a
shade, and] onas had stepped into the fish's mouth:"
shade, and Jonas had stepped into the fish's mouth :"
-the bold-hearted warriors sprang from their ambush
the bold-hearted warriors sprang from their ambush
and secured the robbers by pinioning them one after
and secured the robbers by pinioning them one after
another.
another.
In the morning they presented them at the royal
In the morning they presented them at the royal
tribunal, and the king gave an order to put the whole
tribunal, and the king gave an order to put the whole
to death. There happened to be among them a
to death. There to be among them a
stripling, the fruit ofhappened
whose early spring was ripening
stripling, the fruit of whose early spring was ripening
in its bloom, and the flower-garden of his cheek
in its and the flower-garden of his cheek
shootingbloom,
into blossom. One of the viziers kissed the
shooting into blossom. One of the viziers kissed the
foot of the imperial throne, and laid the face of
foot of the imperial throne, and laid the face of
intercession on the ground, and said, This boy has
intercession on the ground, and said, This boy has
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SAJDL 83

not
not yetyet tasted
tasted the the fruit
fruit ofof thethe garden
garden of of life,
life, nor
nor
enjoyed
enjoyed the the fragrance
fragrance of of the
the flowers
flowers of of youth:
youth such
: such
isis mymy confidence
confidence in in the
the generous
generous disposition
disposition of of his
his
majesty
majesty that that itit will will favour
favour a. ,devoted
a devoted servant by
servant by
sparing
sparing his his blood.
blood. The The kingking turned
turned his his face
face awayaway
from
from this
this speech;
speech as;
as itit did
did notnot accord
accord withwith his his lofty
lofty
"
way
way of of thinking,
thinking, he he replied The
replied :-" The rays
:
rays of the
of the vir-
vir-

tuous
tuous cannot
cannot illuminate
illuminate such as are radically
such as are radically vicious;
vicious ;

. ._ toto give
give education
education to to the
the worthless
worthless is is like
like throwing
throwing
. \valnuts
walnuts upon upon a dome: "-it were wiser to
a dome:" it were wiser to eradi-
eradi-
cate the tree of their wickedness,
cate the tree of their wickedness, and annihilate their
and annihilate their
tribe; for to put
tribe;
for to put out a fire and leave the embers,
out a fire and leave the embers, and and
to kill a viper
to kill a viper and foster its young,
and foster its young, would not be the
would not be the
"
acts of rational beings.-"
acts of rational beings. Though
Though the clouds pour
the clouds pour
down the
down the water
water of ofvegeta tion, thou
vegetation, thou canst
canst never
never gather
gather
fruit
fruit from
from aa willow
willow twig. twig. Exalt
Exalt not not the
the fortune
fortune of ofthe
the
abject,
abject, for thou canst never extract sugar
for thou canst never extract sugar from a mat
from a mat
or common cane."
or common cane."
The vizier
The vizier listened
listened to to this
this speech;
speech willingly
; willingly or or not
not
he approved
he approved of it, of it, and applauded
and applauded the goodthe good sense of
sense of
the king,
the said : What
king, and said: What his majesty,
and his majesty, 'Whose dominion
whose dominion
t'siseternal,
eternal, isis pleased
pleased to to remark
remark isis the the mirror
mirror of ofprobity
probity
and essence of good
and essence of good policy,
policy, for had he been brought
for had he been brought .
upup inin the
the society
society of of those
those vagabonds,
vagabonds, and and confined
confined to to
their service,
their service, he would have followed their vicious
he would have followed their vicious
courses.
courses. Your Your servant,
servant, however,
however,trusts trusts that
that hehe maymay be be
instructed
instructed to to associate
associate with with the the virtuous,
virtuous, and
and take
take to
to
thethe habits
habits of of the
the prudent;
prudent ; for
for he
he is
is still
still aa child,
child, and
and
the
the lawless
lawless and and refractory
refractory principles
principles of of that
that ganggang
cannot
cannot havehave yet yet tainted
tainted his
his mind;
mind ; and
and it
it is
is in
in tradi-
tradi-

tion that Whatever

tion that- Whatever child child is is bor1Z,
born, andand he he t'sis verily
verily
 SHAIKH SADI.
84 SHAIKH SADL
born after the right way of orthodozy, namely Islamism
born after the right wayand
of orthodoxy namely Islamism,
afterwards his father his mother bring Ilim up as a
',

afterwards his father and his mother bring him up as a

Jew, Christian, or Gttebre.-" " The wife of Lot asso
Jew, Christian, or Guebre. The wife of Lot asso-
ciated with the wicked, and her posterity failed in
ciated with the wicked, and her posterity failed in
the gift of prophecy; the dog of the seven sleepers
the gift of prophecy; the dog of the seven sleepers
[at Ephesus] for some time took the path of the
[at Ephesus] for some time took the path of the
righteous, and became a rational being."
righteous, and became a rational being."
He said this, and a body of the courtiers joined
He said this, and a body of the courtiers joined
him in intercession, till the king acceded to the
him in intercession, till the king acceded to the
youth's pardon, and answered: 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 Za
I saw not the good of it. Knowest thou what Zal
said to the heroic Rostam: Thou must not consider
said to the heroic Rostam Thou must not consider
:

thy foe as abject and helpless. I have often found

thy foe as abject and helpless. I have often found
a small stream at the fountain-head, which, when
a small stream at the fountain-head, which, when
followed up, carried away the camel and its load."
followed up, carried away the camel and its load."
In short, the vizier took the boy home, and edu-
In the vizier took the home, and edu-
him with kindness andboy
catedshort, liberality. And he
cated him with kindness and liberality. And he
appointed him masters and tutors, who taught him
appointed him masters and tutors, who taught him
the graces of logic and rhetoric, and all manner of
the graces of logic and rhetoric, and all manner of
courtier accomplishments, so that he met genera
courtier accomplishments, so that he met general
approbation. On one occasion the vizier was de-
approbation. On one occasion the vizier was de-
tailing some instances of his proficiency and talents
tailing some instances of his proficiency and talents
in the royal presence, and saying: The instruction of
in the royal presence, and saying : The instruction of
the wise has made an impression upon him, and his
the wise has made an impression upon him, and his
former savageness is obliterated from his mind. The
former savageness is obliterated from his mind. The
king smiled at this speech, and replied :-" " The whelp
king smiled at this speech, and replied : The whelp
of a wolf must prove a wolf at last, notwithstanding
of a wolf must prove a wolf at last, notwithstanding
he may be brought up by a man."
he may be brought up by a man."
Two years after this a gang of city vagabonds got
Two after this a of city vagabonds got
him, and joined gang
about years in league, till on an oppor-
about him, and joined in league, till on an oppor-
tunity he murdered the vizier and his two sons; and,
tunity he murdered the vizier and his two sons ; and,
 SHAIKH SADI. 85
SHAIKH SADL 85
carrying off an immense booty, he took up the station
off an immense he took up the station
of his father in the denbooty,
carrying of thieves, and became a
of his father in the den of thieves, and became a
hardened villain. The king was apprised of this
hardened villain. The king was apprised of this
event; and, seizing the hand of amazement with the
event and, seizing the hand of amazement with the
teeth of regret, said :-"" How can any person manu-
;

teeth of said How can any person manu-

facture a regret,
:

tempered sabre from base iron; nor can a

facture a tempered sabre from base iron nor can a
base-born man, 0 wiseacre, be made a gentleman by
;

base-born man, O wiseacre, be made a gentleman by

any education I Rain, in the purity of whose nature
any education Rain, in the purity of whose nature
!

• -- there is no anomaly, cherishes the tulip in the garden

there is no anomaly, cherishes the tulip in the garden
and common weed in the salt marsh. Waste not thy
and common weed in the salt marsh. Waste not thy
labour in scattered seed upon a briny soil, for it can
labour in scattered seed upon a briny soil, for it can
never be made to yield spikenard; to confer a favour
never be made to to confer a favour
a likespikenard
on the wicked is ofyield import, as if thou didst an
;

on the wicked is of a like import, as if thou didst an

injury to the good."
injury to the good."
v.V.
At the gate of Oghlamish Pat an, King of Delhi, I
At the gate of Oghlamish Patan, King of Delhi, I
[namely Sadi] saw an officer's son, who, in his wit
[namely Sadi] saw an officer's son, who, in his wit
and learning, wisdom and understanding, surpassed
and learning, wisdom and understanding, surpassed
all manner of encomium. In the prime of youth, he
all manner of encomium. In the prime of youth, he
at the same time bore on his forehead the 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
good fortune above his from his prudent
conduct, the star of superiorityhead,
:

shone conspicuous."
conduct, the star of superiority shone conspicuous."
In short, it was noticed with approbation by the
In short, it was noticed with approbation by the
king that he possessed bodily accomplishments and
king that he possessed bodily accomplishments and
mental endowments. And sages have remarked that
mental endowments. And sages have remarked that
worth rests not on riches, but on talents; and the
worth rests not on riches, but on talents and the
discretion of age, not in years, but on good sense. His
;

discretion of age, not in years, but on good sense. His

comrades envied his good fortune, charged him with
comrades envied his fortune, charged him with
disaffection, and vainlygood
attempted to 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 ourwhat
charmer isbut
: can the rival effect so long as the
friend?"
"
charmer is our friend ?
The king asked, saying, Why do they show such
The king asked, saying, Why do they show such
a disinclination to do you justice? He replied: Under
athe
disinclination do you
shadow ofto his majesty's He replied
justice ?good fortune Under
I have
:

the shadow
pleased of his excepting
everybody, the envious
majesty's good I have
fortuneman, who
is not toeverybody,
pleased but with athe
be satisfiedexcepting envious
decline man,
of my who
success;
is not to be satisfied but with a decline of my success ;
and let the prosperity and dominion of my lord the
and
kingletbetheperpetual !-«
prosperity and dominion
I can of my
so manage to the
aslord give
"
be
umbrage perpetual
king can butmanage
to no man's Iheart;
! so as to
what can I do give
with
umbrage to no man's heart but what can I do with
the envious man, who harbours within himself the
;

the envious man, who harbours within himself the

cause of his own chagrin? Die,O ye envious, that ye
cause of his
may get a deliverance; thisO isyesuch
own chagrin ? forDie, that ye
an evil
envious, that
for this is such an evil that
may can aget
you get deliverance
rid of it only
;
by death.-Men soured by
you can
misfortune rid of death.
desirebythat
get anxiously only
it Men and
the state soured by
fortune
misfortune
of the prosperous desire that state and
anxiouslymay decline; if the eye offortune
the
the bat
of
is the
not suited may decline
for seeing
prosperous by day, howif the eye of the bat
;
can the fountain
is not suited for seeing by day, how can the fountain
of the sun be to blame? Dost thou require the
of the sun be to blame? Dost thou the
truth? It were better a thousand such require
eyes should
truth? It were better a thousand such eyes should
suffer, rather than that the light of the sun were
rather than that the light of the sun were
obscured."
suffer,
obscured."
VI.
VI.

They tell a story of a Persian king who had

They tell a story of a Persian king who had
stretched forth the arm of oppression over the sub-
stretched forth the arm of oppression over the sub-
jects' property, and commenced a system of violence
rapacity and
and property,
jects' commenced
to such a system
a degree that oftheviolence
people
and
emigrated to such a
to avoid the vexatiousness
rapacity degree that the
of his tyranny,
people
to avoid the vexatiousness of his tyranny,
and took the
emigrated road of exile to escape the annoyance
and took the road of exile to escape the annoyance
of his extortions. Now that the population was
of his extortions. Now thatof the
diminished and the resources the population was
state had failed,
diminished and the resources of the state had failed,
 SHAIKH SAVIo
SHAIKH SADL 87

the
the treasury
treasury remained
remained empty, empty, and and enemies
enemies gathered
gathered
"
strength
strength on
on all
all sides.-"
sides. Whoever
Whoever may
may expect
expect aa
comforter on
comforter on the the day day of of adversity,
adversity, say, say, letlet him
him
practise
practise humanity
humanity during during the the season
season of of prosperity;
prosperity ;

ifif not
not treated
treated cordially,
cordially, thy thy devoted
devoted slaveslave will
will forsake
forsake
thee;
thee show
;
show him him kindness
kindness and and affection,
affection, and and thethe
stranger
stranger may may become become the the slave
slave of of thythy devo-
devo-
tion."
tion."
One
One day day they
they werewere reading,
reading, in in his
his presence,
presence, from from
the
the Shahnamah,
Shahnamah, of of the
the tyrant
tyrant Zohhak's
Zohhak's declining
declining
dominion
dominion and and the the succession
succession of of Firedown.
Firedown. The
The
vizier
vizier asked
asked the the king,
king, saying:
saying Can: Can youyou so so far
far com-
com-
prehend
prehend that that Firedown
Firedown had had no no revenue,
revenue, domain,
domain, or or
army,
army, and and howhow the the kingdom
kingdom came came to to·.be
be confirmed
confirmed
with him?
with him ? He He answered:
answered As : As you
you have
have heard,
heard, aa body
body
of
of people
people collected
collected aboutabout him him from
from attachment,
attachment, and and
gave
gave theirtheir assistance
assistance till till he
heacquired
acquired aa kingdom.
kingdom. The The
vizier
vizier said: :
Since, 0O sire,
said Since, sire, aa gathering
gathering of of the
the people
people isis
the
the means
means of of forming
forming aa kingdom,
kingdom, how come you
how come you inin
fact to cause their
fact to cause their dispersion dispersion unless
unless it
it be
be that
that you
you
"
covet
covet not not aa sovereignty
sovereignty?_H ? SO
So farfar were
were goodgood that that
thou
thou wouldst
wouldst patronise
patronise the the army
army withwith all all thy
thy heart,
heart,
for a
for a kingking with
with an
an army
army constitutes
constitutes aa principality."
principality."
The
Theking kingasked:
asked \Vhat
: Whatare are the
thebest
best means
meansof ofcollecting
collecting
an
an army
army and
and yeomanry?
yeomanry ? He
He replied:
replied : Munificence
Munificence isis
the
the dutyduty of
of a a king,
king, that
that the
the people
people may may assemble
assemble
around
around him, him, and
and clemency,
clemency, that that they
they maymay restrest secure
secure
under
under the the asylum
asylum of
of his
his dominion
dominion and
and fortune,
fortune, neither
neither
have. HA A tyrant
"
of
ofwhich
which you you have.- tyrant cannot
cannot govern
govern aa king-
king-
dom,
dom, for
for the
the duty
duty of
ofa a shepherd
shepherd is
is not
not expected
expected from from
the
the wol£ wolf. AA king
king that
that can
can anyhow
anyhow be
be accessory
accessory
8888 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI.
toto tyranny
tyranny will
will undermine
undermine the
the wall his own
wall ofof his own
sovereign ty."
sovereignty."
The
Theadvice
adviceofofthe
theprudent
prudentminister
ministerdid
didnot
notaccord
accord
withthe
with thedisposition
dispositionofofthe
theking.
king. He orderedhim
Heordered himtoto
. beconfined,
be confined, and immured him in adungeon.
and immured him in a dungeon. Itsoon
It soon
came
came topass
to pass that the sons of theking's
that the sons of the king'suncle
unclerose
roseinin
opposition, leviedananarmy
opposition,levied armyininsupport
supportofoftheir
theirpreten-
preten-
sions, and claimed thesovereignty
sions, and claimed the sovereigntyofoftheir father. AA
theirfather.
hostofofthe
host people,who
thepeople, whohad
hadcruelly
cruellysuffered
sufferedunder
underthe
the
arm
armofofhishis extortion
extortionand and were
weredispersed,
dispersed,gathered
gathered
aroundand
around andsuccoured
succouredthemthemtilltillthey dispossessedhim
theydispossessed him
ofofhis
hiskingdom
kingdomand andestablished
establishedthem themininhis
hisstead.
stead.-
"
That
"Thatkingkingwhowhocan
canapprove
approveofoftyrannising
tyrannisingoveroverthe
the
weak
weakwillwillfind
findhis
hisfriend
frienda abitter
bitterfoe
foeininthe
theday
dayofo
hardship.
hardship. Deal fairly
Deal fairly with
withthy thysubjects,
subjects,and
andrest
rest
easy
easy about
about the
the warfare
warfare ofof thine
thine enemies,
enemies, for
for with
with anan
upright prince
upright prince his
his yeomanry
yeomanry is is
an an army."
army."

VII.
VII.

A kingwas
Aking wasembarked
embarkedalong alongwith witha aPersian
Persianslave
slaveonon
board ship. The
boarda aship. Theboy boyhadhadnever neverbeen
beenatatsea,
sea,nornor
experiencedthe
experienced theinconvenience
inconvenienceofofa aship. ship. He Hesetsetupup
a aweeping
weepingand andwailing,
wailing,andandallallhishislimbs
limbswere
wereinina a
stateofoftrepidation
state trepidation;and,
; howevermuch
and,however muchtheytheysoothed
soothed
him,hehewas
him, pacified. The
nottotobebepacified.
wasnot Theking's
king'spleasure-
pleasure-
partywas
party disconcertedbybyhim
wasdisconcerted him;but
; butthey
theyhadhadnonohelp.
help
OnOnboard
boardthatthatship
shipthere
therewas physician. He
wasa aphysician. Hesaid
saidtoto
the king,IfIfyou
theking, youwill
willorder
orderit,it,I Ican
canmanage
managetotosilence
silence
him. The
him. Theking replied:ItItwill
kingreplied :
willbebeananact actofofgreat
great
favour.
favour. The
Thephysician
physiciansosodirected
directedthat
thatthey
theythrew
threw
 SHAIKH SA.DI. 89
SHAIKH SADL 89
the boy into the sea, and after he had plunged
the boy into the sea, and after he had plunged
repeatedly, they seized him by the hair of the head
repeatedly, they seized him by the hair of the head
and drew him close to the ship, when he clung with
and drew him close to the ship, when he clung with
both hands by the rudder, and, scrambling upon the
both hands by the rudder, and, scrambling upon the
deck, slunk into a corner and sat down quiet. The
deck, slunk into a corner and sat down quiet. The
king, pleased with what he saw, said: What art is
king, pleased with what he saw, said : What art is
there in this? He replied: Originally he had not
there in this ? He replied Originally he had not
:

experienced the danger of being 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 ship in like manner,
aware ofbeing
. "a s a person issafety the preciousness
;
of health 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 calamity of sickness.
barley loaf of bread has, 0 epicure,
A
no relish for thee.
barley loaf of bread has, O epicure, no relish for thee.
That is my mistress who appears so ugly to thy eye.-
That is my mistress who appears so ugly to thy eye.
To the huris, or nymphs of paradise, Iraf, or purgatory,
To the huris, or nymphs of paradise, Iraf, or purgatory,
would be a hell; ask the inmates of hell whether
would be a hell ask the inmates of hell whether
purgatory is not paradise.-There is a distinction
;

purgatory is not paradise. There is a distinction

between the man that 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 eyes are fixed on the door
expecting her."
expecting her."

VIII.
VIII.

They asked Hormuz, son of Nushirowan, What

They asked Hormuz, son of Nushirowan, What
fault did you find with your father's ministers that
fault did you find with your father's ministers that
you ordered them into confinement? He replied: I
you ordered them into confinement ? He replied I :

saw no fault that might deserve imprisonment; yet I

saw no fault that deserve yet I
perceived that anymightreverence for imprisonment
me makes a slight
;

perceived that any reverence for me makes a slight

impression on their minds, and that they put no
impression on their minds, and that they put no
implicit reliance on my promise. I feared lest from
implicit reliance on my promise. I feared lest from
an apprehension of their own safety they might con-
an apprehension of their own safety they might con-
spire my ruin; therefore, put in practice that maxim
spire my ruin ;therefore, put in practice that maxim
 90 SHAIKH SADI.
90 SHAIKH SADL
of philosophers who have told us._CC Stand in awe, 0
of philosophers who have told us. "Stand in O
wise man, of him who stands in awe of thee, awe,
notwith-
wise man, of him who stands in awe of thee, notwith-
standing thou canst cope with a hundred such as he.
standing thou canst cope with a hundred such as he.
Therefore will the snake bite the herdsman's foot,
Therefore will the snake bite the herdsman's foot,
because it fears that he will bruise its head with 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
desperate it will tear out the tiger's eyes with its
claws."
claws."
IX.
IX.

In his old age an Arab king was grievously sick,

In his old an Arab king was grievously sick,
and had no age
hopes of recovery, when, lo! a messenger
and had no hopes of recovery, when, lo a messenger !

on horseback presented himself at the palace-gate, and

on horseback presented himself at the palace-gate, and
joyfully announced, saying: Under his majesty's good
joyfully announced, saying Under his majesty's good
:

fortune we have taken such a stronghold, made the

fortune we have taken such a stronghold, made the
enemy prisoners of war, and reduced all the land-
enemy of and reduced all the land-
and vassalswar,
holdersprisoners of that quarter to obedience as
holders and vassals of that quarter to obedience as
sUbjects. On hearing this news the king fetched a
On this news the fetched a
subjects.
answered: These gladking
cold sigh, andhearing tidings are not
cold sigh, and answered These glad tidings are not
:

intended for me but for my rivals, namely, 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 sovereignty. " My precious life has, alas been !

wasted in the hope that what my heart chiefly coveted

wasted in the hope that what my heart chiefly coveted
might enter at my gate. l\ly bounden hope was
might enter at my gate.
gratified; yet what do I benefit My bounden
by that?hope
was
There is
gratified yet what do I benefit by that ? There is
no hope that my passed life can return."-cc The hand
;

no hope that my passed life can return." " The hand

of death beat the drum of departure. Yes, my two
of death beat the drum of departure. Yes, my two
eyes, you must bid adieu to my head. Yes, palm of
eyes, you must bid adieu to my head. palm of
my hand, wrist, and arm, all of you sayYes, farewell, and
my and all of say farewell, and
each the other. you
take leave ofarm,
hand, wrist,
Death has overtaken
each take leave of the other. Death has overtaken
me to the gratification of my foes; and you, 0 my
me to the gratification of my foes and you, O my
friends, must at last be going. My days were blazed
;

friends, must at last be going. My days were blazed

 SHAIKH SA.DI. 9I
SHAIKH SADL 91
away in folly; what I did not do let you take warning
in folly
awaydo]." what I did not do let you take warning
[and ;

[and do]."
x.
X.

At the metropolitan mosque of Damascus I was

At the metropolitan mosque of Damascus I was
one year fervent in prayer over the tomb of Yahiya,
one year fervent in prayer over the tomb of Yahiya,
or John the Baptist and prophet, on whom be God's
or John the Baptist and prophet, on whom be God's
blessing, when one of the 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
pilgrimage, and he put up his supplication, asked a
benediction, and craved his wants.-" The rich and
benediction, and craved his wants. "The rich and
poor are equally the devoted slaves of this shrine, and
poor are equally the devoted slaves of this shrine, and
the richer they are the more they stand in need of
the richer they are the more they stand in need of
succour."-Then he spoke to me, saying: In conformity
succour." Then he spoke to me, saying: In conformity
with the generous resolution of darweshes and their
with the generous resolution of darweshes and their
sincere zeal, you will, I trust, unite with me in prayer,
sincere zeal, you will, I trust, unite with me in prayer,
for I have much to fear
for I have much to fear from a
from a powerful enemy. I
I
answered him, Have compa:ssion powerful on your enemy.
own weak
answered him, Have compassion on your own weak
subjects, that
that you may not see disquiet from a strong
may not see disquiet from a strong
subjects,
foe.-" With ayou
mighty arm and heavy hand it is
foe. "With a mighty arm and heavy hand it is
dastardly to wrench the wrists of poor and helpless.
dastardly to wrench the wrists of poor and helpless.
Is he not afraid who is hard-hearted with the 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 slip his foot nobody will take him by the
hand ?-Whoever sowed the seed of vice and expected
hand ? Whoever sowed the seed of vice and expected
aa virtuous
virtuous produce, pampered a vain brain and
produce, pampered a vain brain and
encouraged an idle whim. Take the cotton from thy
encouraged an idle whim. Take the cotton from thy
ear and do mankind justice, for if thou refusest them
ear and do mankind justice, for if thou refusest them
justice there
there isis a day of retribution."-The sons of
a of retribution." The sons of
justice
Adam are
Adam membersday
are members one of another, for in their crea-
one of another, for in their crea-
tion they have a common origin. If the vicissitudes
tion they have a common origin. If the vicissitudes
of fortune involve one member 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-
members will feel a sympathy. Thou, who art indif-
ferent to other men's affliction, if they call thee a qlan
ferent to other men's affliction, if they call thee a man
art un worthy of the name."
art unworthy of the name."
XI.
XI.
A darwesh, whose prayers had a ready acceptance
A darwesh,
[with whose prayers had a ready acceptance
God], made his appearance at Baghdad. Hojaj
made his appearance at Baghdad.
[with
Yusuf God],
[a great tyrant] sent for him and said: Hojaj
Put up
Yusuf [a great tyrant] sent for him and said Put up
a good prayer for me. He prayed, 0 God! take
:

a good prayer for me. He prayed,

from him his life! Hojaj said, O God
For God's
take
!

sake, what
from him his life For God's sake, what
manner of prayer isHojaj said,
this? He answered: It is a
!

manner of prayer is this ? He answered It is a

salutary prayer for you, and for the whole sect of
:

salutary for and

prayer 0 mighty sir,for
you, the whole sect of
Mussulmans.-" thou oppressor of the
Mussulmans. " O mighty sir, thou oppressor of the
feeble, how long can this violence remain marketable?
feeble, how long can this violence remain marketable ?
For what purpose came the sovereignty to thee?
For what purpose came the sovereignty to thee?
Thy death were preferable to thy tyrannising over
Thy death were preferable to thy tyrannising over
mankind."
mankind."
XII.
XII.
An unjust king asked a holy man, saying, What
An unjust
is more king asked
excellent
a holy man, saying, What
than prayers? He answered: For
is more excellent than prayers ? He answered
you to remain asleep till mid-day, that for thisFor
one :

you to remain till mid-day,

asleep not afflict that for this one
interval you might mankind.-" "
I saw a
interval you might not afflict mankind. saw a
tyrant lying dormant at noon, and said,I This is
dormant at and This is
tyrant and is best lullednoon,
lying
mischief, to sleep. said,
It were better
mischief, and is best lulled to sleep. It were better
that such a reprobate were dead whose state of sleep
that such a reprobate were dead whose state of sleep
is preferable to his being awake."
is preferable to his being awake."

XIII ..
XIII.
I have heard of a king who had turned night illto
I have heard of a king who had turned night into
day in the midst of conviviality, and in the 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 thought of evil or good, and care for nobody " !

A naked darwesh, who had taken up his rest in the

A naked darvvesh, who had taken up his rest in the
cold outside, answered,-"" 0 thou who in good fortune
cold outside, answered, O thou who in good
hast not thy equal in the world, I admit
fortune
that thou
hast not thy equal in the world, I admit that thou
hast no cause of care for thyself, 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 was at this He
< - put a purse of aking thousandpleased
dinars out at speech.
the window,
put a purse of a thousand dinars out at the window,
and said:
and said : O0 darwesh
darwesh! hold up your skirt.
! hold up your skirt
He
He
replied, Where can I find a skirt, who have not a
replied, Where can 1 find a skirt, who have not a
garment. The king was still more touched at the
garment. The king was still more touched at the
hardship of his condition, and adding an honorary
hardship of his condition, and adding an honorary
dress to that donation, sent them out to him.
dress to that donation, sent them out to him.
The darwesh squandered all that ready cash within
The darwesh all that ready cash within
a few days, and squandered
falling again into distress, returned.-
a few days, and falling again into distress, returned.
""Money makes no stay in the hand of a religious
Money makesneither
independent;
no stay in the hand of a religious
does patience in a lover's heart,
independent neither does patience in a lover's heart,
nor water in a sieve."-At a time when the king had
;

nor water in a sieve." At a time when the king had

no thought about him they obtruded his ~ase, and he
no thought about him they obtruded his case, and he
took offence and turned away his face. 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 prudence and experi-
ence have remarked that it behoves us to guard
ence have remarked that it behoves us to guard
against the wrath and fury of kings, whose noble
against the wrath and fury of kings, whose noble
thoughts are chiefly occupied with important affairs
thoughts are chiefly occupied with important affairs
of state, and cannot endure the importunate clamours
of state, and cannot endure the importunate clamours
of the vulgar.-" The bounty of the sovereign is
of the vulgar. " The bounty of the sovereign is
forbid to him who does not watch a proper oppor-
forbid to him who does not watch a proper oppor-
tunity. Till thou canst perceive a convenient time
tunity. Till thou canst perceive a convenient time
for· obtruding an opinion, undermine not thy con-
for obtruding an opinion, undermine not thy con-
sequence by idle talk."-The king said, Let this
sequence by idle talk." The king said, Let this
 94
94
SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADI.

impudent beggar and spendthrift be beaten and driven

impudent beggar and spendthrift be beaten and driven
away, whowho in in aa short
short time
time dissipated such such aa sum
sum of of
away, dissipated
money, for for the
the treasury of of the
the Beat-al-mal,
Beat-aI-mal, or or charity
charity
money, treasury
fund, is intended to afford mouthfuls to the poor, and
fund, is intended to afford mouthfuls to the poor, and
not bellyfuls to
not to the
the imps of of the
the devil.
devil.-" " That fool
That fool
bellyfuls imps
who can illuminate the day
who can illuminate the day with a camphorated 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
One of his
his discreet
discreet ministers
ministers saidsaid: O0 king,
:
king, itit were
were
expedient to to supply suchsuch people with with their
their means
means
expedient supply people
of subsistence
of subsistence by instalments,
instalments, that that they may not not
by they may
squander theirtheir absolute
absolute necessaries
necessaries; but,but, with
with respect
respect
squander ;

to what
to what your majesty commandedcommanded as as to
to coercion
coercion and and
your majesty
prohibition, though itit be be correct,
correct, aa party might might
prohibition, though party
impute it to parsimony. Nor does it moreover accord
impute it to parsimony. Nor does it moreover accord
with the
with the principles of of the
the generous to to encourage aa
principles generous encourage
man to
man to hope for for kindness
kindness and and then
then overwhelm
overwhelm him him
hope
with heart-breaking distrust
with distrust :-" " Thou must not open
Thou must not open
heart-breaking :

upon thyself the door of covetousness; and

upon thyself the door of covetousness ;
and whenwhen
opened,
opened,
thou
thou must
must not
not shut
shut it
it
with
with harshness.-N
harshness. 0-
No-
body
body
will
will see
see the
the thirsty pilgrims crowding towards
towards
thirsty pilgrims crowding
the shore
the shore of of thethe briny
briny ocean
ocean; but
;
but men,
men, birds,
birds, andand
reptiles will
will flock
flock together
together wherever
wherever they they can
can meet
meet
reptiles
aa fresh
fresh water
water fountain."
fountain."

XIV.
XIV.

One of
One of the
the ancient
ancient kings was was easy withwith thethe
kings easy
yeomanry in collecting his revenue, but
yeomanry in collecting his revenue, but hard on the
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
showed its
its face,
face, these
these all
all turned
turned their
their backs.
backs.-
enemy
 SHAIKH SADI. 95
SHAIKH SADL 95
«" vVhenever the king is remiss in paying his troops,
Whenever the king is remiss in paying his troops,
the troops will relax in handling their arms. What
the troops will relax in handling their arms. What
bravery can he display in the ranks of battle whose
bravery can he display in the ranks of battle whose
hand is destitute of the means of living."
hand is destitute of the means of living."
One of those who had excused themselves was
One of those who had excused themselves was
in some sort my intimate. I reproached him and
in some sort my intimate. I him and
said, He is base and ungrateful, reproached
mean and disreput-
said, He is base and ungrateful, mean and disreput-
able who, on a trifling change of circumstances, can
able on a trifling change of circumstances, can
< .., desertwho,
his old master and forget his obligation of
desert his old master and forget his obligation of
many years' employment. He replied: Were I to
many out,
years' employment. He Were I to
I swear by generosityreplied
:

speak you would excuse

swear would excuse
horse was you
by generosity
I
speakPeradventure, my
out,
me. without corn, and
me. Peradventure, my horse was without corn, and
the housings of his saddle in pawn.-And the prince
the of his saddle in pawn. And the
who,housings
through parsimony, withholds his army'sprince
pay
who, through parsimony, withholds his army's pay
cannot expect it to enter heartily upon his service.-
cannot expect it to enter heartily upon his service.
"Give
" money to the gallant soldier that he may be
Give to the gallant soldier that he may be
zealous money
in thy cause, for if he is stinted of, his due he
zealous in thy cause, for if he is stinted of his due he
will go abroad for service.-So long as a warrior is
will go abroad for service. So long as a warrior is
replenished with food he will fight valiantly, and when
replenished with food he will fight valiantly, and when
his belly is empty he will run away 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 displaced, and withdrew
into a fraternity of darweshes, whose blessed society
into a fraternity of darweshes, whose blessed society
made its impression upon him and afforded consola-
made its impression upon him and afforded consola-
tion to his mind.. The king was again favourably
tion to his mind. The was again favourably
disposed towards him, andking
.

offered his reinstatement

disposed towards him, and offered his reinstatement
in office; but he consented not, and said, With the
in but he consented and With the
it is deemed preferable tonot,
wiseoffice; 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 dogs, and shut the
mouths of mankind; they destroyed their writings,
mouths of mankind they destroyed their writings,
and broke their writing reeds, and escaped the lash
;

and broke their writing reeds, and escaped the lash

and venom of the critics."-The king answered: At
and venom of the critics." The king answered: At
all events I require a prudent and able man, who is
all events I require a prudent and able man, who is
capable of managing the state affairs of my kingdom.
capable of managing the state affairs of my kingdom.
The ex-minister said: The criterion, 0 sire, of a wise
The ex-minister said: The criterion, O sire, of a wise
and competent man is that he will not 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 homayi, or phoenix, is hon-
oured above all other birds because it feeds on bones,
oured above all other birds because it feeds on bones,
and injures no living creature."
and injures no living creature."
AA Tamsil,
Tamsil, or applz'catz'on in point. - They asked
or application in point. asked
a Siyah-gosh, or lion-provider, Why doThey you choose
a Siyah-gosh, or lion-provider, Why do you choose
the service of the lion? He answered: Because I
the service of the lion? He answered: Because I
subsist on the leavings of his prey, and am secure
subsist on the leavings of his prey, and am secure
from the ill-will of my enemies under the asylum of
from the ill-will of my enemies under the asylum of
his valour. They said: Now you have got within the
his valour. They said Now have got within the
protection and you
:

shadow of his admit a ~rateful sense of

shadow of his protection and admit a grateful sense of
his bounty, why do you not approach more closely,
his bounty, why do you not approach more closely,
that he may include you within the circle of select
that he may include you within the circle of select
courtiers and number you among his chosen servants?
courtiers and number you among his chosen servants?
He replied, I should not thus be safe from his violence.
He replied, I should not thus be safe from his violence.
-" Though a Guebre may keep his fire alight for a
"Though a Guebre may keep his fire alight for a
hundred years, if he fall once within its flame it will
hundred years, if he fall once within its flame it will
a a
bum him.-Procul Jove, procul fltlmine. It on one
burn him. Procul d Jove, procul d fulmine. It on one
occasion may chance that the courtier of the king's
occasion may chance that the courtier of the king's
presence shall pick up a purse of gold, and the next
shall up a purse of gold, and the next
that he shall pick
presence lie shorter by the head. And philoso-
that he shall lie shorter by the head. And
phers have remarked, saying, It is incumbent philoso-
on us to
phers have remarked, saying, It is incumbent on us to
be constantly aware of the fickle dispositions of kings,
be constantly aware of the fickle dispositions of kings,
who will one moment take offence at a salutation, 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
actanother
at make
of rudeness; an
andhonorary
they have said,the
dress That an
to beforover
return
of rudeness and have
much facetious is the accomplishment
act ; they That to be over
said, of courtiers and
much
blemishfacetious is the
of the wise.-" of courtiers
Be wary, and preserve
accomplishment and
the state
"
blemish of the wise. Be
of thine own character, andwary, and
leave sport and buffoonery
preserve the state
of jestersown
to thine andcharacter, and leave sport and buffoonery
courtiers."
to jesters and courtiers."

XVI.
XVI.
One of my associates brought me a complaint of
hisOne of myfortune,
perverse saying,
associates I haveme
brought smalla complaint
means andofa
large family, and cannot
his perverse fortune, have small
saying,bear up with my load
I means and ofa
poverty.
large family, and cannot bear
Often has a thoughtupcrossed my with my mind,
load of
suggesting,Often
poverty. Let me hasremove
a thought my mind,
crossedcountry,
into another that
in whateverLet
suggesting, wayme remove
I can manageinto aanother
livelihood none that
country, may
bewhatever
in informed way
of my I can
goodmanage a livelihood
or bad luck.-" Often nonehe went
may
"
be informed
asleep hungry,of my
andgood
nobodyor bad wasluck.aware,Often
saying,he went
Who
is he? hungry,
asleep Often didandhis life hang
nobody wasupon aware, lip, and Who
his saying, none
is he ? Often
lamented overdidhim."-On the other
his life hang his lip,I and
upon hand, reflectnone
on
lamented
the exultation of my On
over him." other hand,
the saying,
rivals, TheyI will on
scoff-
reflect

inglyexultation
the sneer behindof my myrivals,
back, saying,
and impute They my will zeal in
scoff-

ingly of mybehind
behalfsneer familymy wantand
to aback, impute my zeal
of humanity.-" Do butin
"
behalf mygraceless
beholdofthat a want ofwho
family tovagabond can never Do
humanity. but
witness
behold
the facethat
of good fortune.
graceless He will
vagabond whoconsult
can neverthe witness
ease of
the own ofperson
his face and abandon
good fortune. He will consult his
to distress the wife
easeandof
own person and
children."-And,
his as isabandon
known, Itohave some
distress hissmall and
wife skill
children."
in the science as is known,
of accounts.
And, have some
If,Ithrough yoursmall
respected
skill
in the science of accounts.
interest, any office can be obtained If, through that yourmay be the
respected
means ofany
interest, quieting my be
office can obtained
mind, I shallthat not,may
duringbe the
the
means of of life, my
remainderquieting be able
mind,toI express
shall not, my sensethe
during of
remainder
its gratitude.of life, be able 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
twofold
I replied, O brother,
prospect-a hope theofservice
maintenance
of kings and a fear
offers a
for existence;
twofold prospect and aithopeaccords not with the and
of maintenance counsel of
a fear
the existence
for wise, underand
; thatit expectation,
accords not with to incur
the this risk.-
counsel of
" Nowise,
the tax-gatherer will
under that enter the darwesh's abode,
expectation, to incur this risk.

"No
saying,tax-gatherer
Pay me the will rent of a field
enter theand orchard; abode,
darwesh's either
put up Pay
saying, me
with trouble and chagrin, or orchard
the rent of a field and give thy either
; heart-
strings
put up t.owiththe trouble
crows toand pluck."
chagrin, or give thy heart- .
He said, This speechpluck."
strings to the crows to is not made as applicable to
myHe case,
said,nor have
This you given
speech is notme made
a categorical
as applicableanswer.
to
Have
my case, you not heard
nor have you given me
what has beena remarked,
categorical His
answer.
Have
hand will you tremble
not heard on whatrendering his account
has been remarked,who Hishas
been accessory to a dishonest
hand will tremble on renderingact.-" Righteousne£s
his account who has
will insure
been accessory the divine favour; I act.
to a dishonest never "met him going
Righteousness
astray
will insurewhothe took the favour
divine righteousI never
; path."-Andmet himphiloso-
going
phers have
astray who took said, the
Fourrighteous
orders ofpath." peop"le Andare mortally
philoso-
afraid have
phers of four said,others-the
Four orders revenue
of peopleembezzler, of the
are mortally
king; the thief, of the watchman; embezzler,
afraid of four others the revenue the fornicator,of theof
the eavesdropper;
king ;
the thief, of and the adulteress,
the watchman ;
the of the censor.
fornicator, of
Buteavesdropper
the what has he to and ; fear thefromadulteress,
the comptroller
of the who has
censor.
a fair set of account-books ?-" Be
But what has he to fear from the comptroller who
not extravagant has
aandfaircorrupt
set of while in office if "Be
account-books? thou not wishest that the
extravagant
malice
and of
corrupt thy rival
while may
in be
office circumscribed
if thou wisheston settling
that the
thy accounts.
malice of thy Be may
rival undefiled, 0 brother, in settling
be circumscribed on thy in-
tegrity,
thy and fearBenobody;
accounts. undefiled, O brother,
washermen willinbeat
thyonly
in-

dirty
tegrity, clothes
and against
fear nobody a ;stone."washermen will beat only
I replied,
dirty The story
clothes against Qf that fox suits your case,
a stone."
which they saw
I replied, Therunning
story of away,thatstumbling
fox suitsand your getting
case,
up. Somebody
which they saw asked him, What
running away, stumbling calamity and has hap-
getting
pened
up. to
Somebodyput you in
asked suchhim, a What
state of trepidation?
calamity has He
hap-
said,
pened I tohave heard
put you in that
such they
a are
state of putting a
trepidation 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
what connection
requisition. The has other a camel
answered, withOyou, sillyoranimalwhat !

resemblance
what connection is therehasbetween
a camelyou and you,
with it? or He said,
what
Be silent; foris were
resemblance there the enviousyou
between from andmalevolence
it ? He said, to
insist that this
Be silent ;
for iswere
a camel, and I should
the envious be seized for
from malevolence to
one,
insistwho
that would
this is beaso solicitous
camel, and Iabout should mebeas seized
to inquire for
into my case?
one, who would be And before they
so solicitous aboutcanme bring
as to theinquire
anti-
_, dote
into from
my case Irac? theAnd person bitten
before they by canthe bring
snakethe mayanti-be
dead. In like manner, you possess
dote from Irac the person bitten by the snake may be knowledge and
integrity,
dead. Indiscrimination
like manner, and you probity,
possess yet spies lieand
knowledge in
ambush, and informers
integrity, discrimination lurk
and in corners, who,
probity, yet spies notwith-
lie in
standing
ambush, and your moral
informers rectitude,
lurk in will note down
corners, who, notwith- the
opposite;
standing · your and should you anyhow
moral rectitude, will stand
note downarraigned the
before the king, and
opposite and should you anyhow
;
occupy .the place of his
stand reprehen-
arraigned
sion,
before whothe inking,thatandstate
occupy would the step
placeforward in your
of his reprehen-
defence?
sion, who inAccordingly,
that state I
would would step advise
forward that you
in your
should
defence? secureAccordingly,
the kingdomI of contentment,
would advise that and give you
up all thoughts
should secure the of preferment.
kingdom of As the wise have
contentment, andsaid:
give
-" The
up all benefitsof of
thoughts a sea voyage
preferment. As the arewiseinnumerable;
have said :

but" if
Thethou seekestoffora sea
benefits safety, it
voyage is to
are be found
innumerable only ;

on
butshore."
if thou seekest for safety, it is to be found only

onMy friend listened to this speech; he got into a

shore."
passion,
My friendcavilled at my to
listened fable,
thisand began he
speech ;
to question
got into ita
with warmth
passion, cavilled and at asperity,
my fable, saying,
and What
began to wisdom
question or it

propriety,
with warmth goodand sense or morality,
asperity, saying, is
Whatthere in
wisdom this?or
Here is verified
propriety, good thatsensemaxim of the is
or morality, sage, which
there tells
in this?
us they
Here are friends
is verified thatalone
maxim thatofcan the serve
sage, us
whichin a jail,
tells
for all our
us they are enemies
friends alone may that pretend can friendship
serve us inata jail, our
own
for alltable.-"
our enemiesEsteem may him pretend
not a friend who
friendship during
at our
"
thy
own prosperity
table. will braghimof not
Esteem his alove friendandwho brotherly
during
affection.
thy prosperity I account
will braghim of a friend
his love whoand will brotherly
take 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
overwhelmed
friend with
by the hand misfortune."
when struggling with despair, and
I perceivedwith
overwhelmed within myself, saying, He is disturbed,
misfortune."
and listens to
I perceived my myself,
within advice saying, He is disturbed,
with impatience; and,
having
and calledto upon
listens the sahib
my advice withdiwan, or lord and,
impatience ; high
treasurer,
having in virtue
called uponofthe a former
sahib intimacy
diwan, or thatlordsubsisted
high
between us, virtue
treasurer, in I stated his
of case and
a former spoke that
intimacy so fully upon
subsisted
his skill us,
between andI stated
merits,histhatcaseheandputspoke
him in so nomination
fully upon
for skill
his a trifling
and office.
merits, After
that he someputtime,
him having adverted
in nomination

to his
for a kindly disposition and approved
trifling office. After some time, having of adverted
his good
management,
to his kindly his 'promotion
disposition andwas in train,ofand
approved his hegoodgot
confirmed in a much
management, his higher station.train,
promotion was in Thus was
and he gotthe
star of hisingood
confirmed a much fortune
higherin ascension,
station. Thus
till it rose
was into
the
the of
star zenith of ambition;
his good fortune in andascension,
he became tillthe favourite
it rose into
of his majesty the king, towards whom all turned for
the zenith of ambition ;
and he became the favourite
counsel,
of and upon
his majesty the whom all eyeswhom
king, towards restedalltheir
turned hopesfor I
I rejoiced
counsel, and at this
upon whom
prosperous all change
eyes of
rested his affairs,
their hopes and!

Isaid :-"Repine
rejoiced at thisnot at thy bankrupt
prosperous change circumstances,
of his affairs, and nor
let thy"Repine
said: heart despond,
not at thy for bankrupt
the fountain of immortality
circumstances, nor
hasthyitsheart
let source of chaos.-Take
despond, for the fountain heed,of0immortality
brotlter -in
ajjliction
has I a1zd of
its source be chaos.
not disheartened,
Take heed, forO God brotherhas in -in
store
afflictionmany/ and
hiddenbe mercz"es.-Sit
not disheartened, not down
for God soured
has at
in
the revolutions
store many hidden of the times, Sit
mercies. not downis soured
for patience bitter, yet at
it will
the yield sweet
revolutions fruit."
of the times, for patience is bitter, yet
At that
it will yieldjuncture
sweet fruit."I happened to accompany a party
ofAt friends on a journey
that juncture to Hijaz,
I happened or Arabia aPetr~a.
to accompany party
Onfriends
of my return on afrom the
journey pilgrimage
to Hijaz, orto Arabia
Mecca, he came
Petraea.
On
out my tworeturn
stages to the
from meet me. I to
pilgrimage perceived
Mecca, he thatcame his
outward
out plight to
two stages wasmeetwretched,
me. and his garbthat
I perceived thathis of
darweshes.
outward plight I asked, How is this?
was wretched, and his Hegarb replied,
thatJustof
as you said, Ia asked,
darweshes. factionHow boreisme He replied,
a ?grudge
this and chargedJust
as you said, a faction bore me a grudge and charged
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADI. 101
101

me
me with malpractices; and
with malpractices
the king, be Ids reign
and the king, be his reign
;
eternal, would not investigate the truth of that charge,
eternal, would not investigate the truth of that charge,
and
and my old and best friends stood aloof
myoid and best friends stood from my
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
has fallen, the whole world will put their feet upon
their feet upon
his neck;
his neck
when
when they see that fortune has taken him
they see that fortune has taken him
;
by the hand, they will put their hands upon their
by the hand, they will put their hands upon their
. --: breasts, and be loud in his praise.II-In short, I under-
breasts, and be loud in his praise." In short, I under-
went all manner of persecution till within this
went all manner of persecution till within week,
this week,
that the tidings of the safe return
that the tidings of the safe return of the pilgrims
of the pilgrims
reached us, when I got a release from my heavy
reached us, when I got a release from my heavy
durance
durance and and aa confiscation of my hereditary tene-
confiscation of my hereditary tene-
ments.
ments.
I said, At that time you did not listen ,to my
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
ous you either get a treasure or perish miserably.
:
perish miserably.-
"The
"
The merchant
merchant gains the shore with gold in both his
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
beach." Not deeming it generous
deeming it any further to
generous any further to
irritate a poor man's
irritate a poor man's wound with
wound with the asperity of
the asperity of
reproach, or or
to sprinkle
to sprinkle
his
his
sore
sore
with
with
the
the
salt
salt
of harsh
of harsh
reproach,
words, II made made a summary conclusion in these two
a summary conclusion in these two
words,
verses, andand said
said
:-"" Wert
Wert thou
thou
not
not
aware
aware that
that
thou
thou
verses, :

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 scorpion's hole till thou canst endure
the
the
pain of its
of its
sting."
pain sting."
XVII.
XVII.

II was
was the companion of a holy fraternity, whose
the companion of a holy fraternity, whose
 102
loa
SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADI.
manners were
manners were correct
correct from
from piety, and
and minds
minds dis-
dis-
piety,
ciplinedfrom
from probity. AnAneminent
eminent princeentertained
entertained
ciplined probity. prince
a high and respectful opinion of the worth of this
a high and respectful opinion of the worth of this
brotherhood, and had assigned it an endowmen
brotherhood, and had assigned it an endowment
Perhaps one of them committed an act unworthy o
Perhaps one of them committed an act unworthy of
the character of darweshes; for
the character of darweshes
for the
the good opinionofo
; good opinion
that personage was forfeited, and the market of thei
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
attempted toto wait waitononthethe greatman man;but buthis
his porter
attempted great ; porter
opposed my entrance, and and turned
turned me me away with with
opposed my entrance, away
rudeness.
rudeness.
I excused him conformably
I excused him conformably with what the
with what the
wittyhave
havesaidsaid :-"
" Till thou canst take an introduc-
Till thou canst take an introduc-
witty :

tion along with thee approach not the gate of a

tion along with thee approach not the gate of a
prince, vizier, or lord; for for the
the dog and and the
the door-
door-
prince, vizier, or lord ; dog
keeper,on on espyinga a beggar,will will the
the one
one seize
seize his
his
keeper, espying beggar,
skirt and the other his
skirt and the other his collar."
collar."-
When the
When the favourite
favourite attendants
attendantsofofthat that greatman man
great
were aware of my situation, they ushered
were aware of my situation, they ushered me into his
me into his
presencewith
with respect,and andoffered
offeredme methethe highestseatseat;
presence respect, highest ;
but in humility I took the lowest, and said :-"
but in humility I took the lowest, and said :
" Per-
Per-
mit that I, the slave of the abject, should
mit that I, the slave of the abject, should seat myself
seat myself
onona alevel
levelwith
withservants."
servants."-TheThe greatgreatman man answered,
answered,
My God, my God God! whatwhat roomroom isis there
there forfor this
this
My God, my
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 uponthe the carpet,whenwhenI I saidsaid :-"" What fault
What fault
brought upon carpet, :

did the lord

did the lord of
of past munificence
munificence
remark, that his
that his
past remark,
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADI.
SADL 103
103

servant
servant should
should seemseem so so contemptible
contemptible in in his
his sight
sight
Individually
Individually
with
with God
God is
is the
the perfection
perfection
of
of majesty
majesty
and
andgoodness, who can discern our failings and con-
goodness, who can discern our failings and con-
tinue
tinueto tous
ushis
his support."-When the prince heard this
support." When the prince heard this
sentiment
sentiment he he subscribed
subscribed to to its
its omnipotence;
omnipotence; and, and,
with
with regard
regard
to
to the
the stipendiary
stipendiary
allowance
allowance of
of my
my
friends, he ordered its continuance as heretofore, and
friends, he ordered its continuance as heretofore, and
aafaithful
faithfuldischarge of all arrears. I Ithanked
discharge of all arrears. thankedhim him for
for
... his
hisgenerosity,
generosity,
kissed
kissed the
the dust
dust of
ofobeisance,
obeisance, apologised
apologised
for
for mymy boldness,
boldness, and and atat the
the moment
moment of of taking
taking my my
leave,
leave, added:
added: "When
"When the the fane
fane of of the
the Cablah,
Cablah, at at
l\1ecca,
Mecca, became
became their
their object from a far-distant land,
object from a far-distant land,
pilgrims
pilgrimswould
would hurry
hurryon on totovisit
visitititfor
formany
manyfarsangs.
farsangs.
I It behoves thee to put up with such as we
t behoves thee to put up with such as we are,
are,for
for
nobody will throw a stone
nobody will throw a stone at a tree that bears no
at a tree that bears no
fruit"
fruit."

XVIII.
XVIII.

AA prince
prince inherited
inherited immense
immense riches
riches byby succeeding
succeeding
toto his father. He
his father. He opened
opened the the hand
hand of of liberality,
liberality,
displayed
displayed hishis munificence,
munificence,and andbestowed
bestowed innumerable
innumerable
gifts upon his troops and people. "The
gifts upon his troops and people.
"
The brain
brain will
will
not be perfumed by a censer of green aloes wood,
not be perfumed by a censer of green aloes wood,
place
placeititover
overthethefire
firethat
thatititmay
maydiffuse
diffusefragrance like
fragrance like
ambergris.
ambergris. IfIf ambitious of a great name, make aa
ambitious of a great name, make
practice
practice of munificence,for
of munificence, forthe
thecrop
cropwill
will not
notshoot
shoottill
till

thou shalt sow the seed."-

thou shalt sow the seed."
AAnarrow-minded
narrow-mindedcourtiercourtierbegan
began toto admonish
admonishhim,him,
saying,
saying, Verily, former sovereigns have collected
Verily, former sovereigns have collected this
this
wealth
wealth with
with scrupulosity and stored it advisedly.
scrupulosity and stored it advisedly.
Check
Check your
your hand
hand inin this
this waste,
waste, for
for accidents
accidents wait
wait
 io4 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI.

ahead,and
ahead, andfoes
foeslurk behind. God
lurkbehind. Godforbid
forbidthat
thatyou
you
"
should want it on aday
should want it on a day of need.-" Wertthou
of need. Wert thouto to
distributethethecontents
distribute contentsofofa agranary
granaryamong
amongthethe
people,
people, every master of family
every master of a a family might receive
might receive a grain
a grain
ofof rice;why
rice ;why not exact agrain
not exact a grain of silver fromeach,
of silver from each
thatthou
that thoumightest
mightestdaily
dailyhoard
hoarda achamber
chamberfullfullof o
"
treasure?
treasure ? "
TheThe prince
prince turned
turned hishis faceaside
face asidefrom
fromthis
thisspeech,
speech
so so
contrary to his own
contrary to his ownloftyloftysentiments,
sentiments, and
and harshly
harshly
reprimandedhim,
reprimanded him,saying,
saying,A Agreat
greatand gloriousGod
andglorious God
made me
made mesovereign
sovereign of thisproperty,
of this property, thatI Imight
that migh
enjoy
enjoy andspend
and spendit it;and
and postedmeme
posted
; not
not a sentinel,
a sentinel, to to
"
hoard and watch over it.-" Carownperished,
hoard and watch over it. Carown who
perished, who
possessedforty
possessed fortymagazines
magazinesofoftreasure
treasure;Nushirowan
N ushirowan ;

died
died not, who
not, who left
left behind him
behind him
a a fair
fair reputation."
reputation."

XIX.
XIX.

They
They haverelated
have related thatthat at at a hunting
a hunting seatseat they
they were
were
roasting some
roasting somegame game forNushirowan,
for N ushirowan, and as there
and as there
waswasnonosalt saltthey
theywere weredespatching
despatchinga aservant servantto tothethe
village to fetch some. N ushirowan calledto tohim,
village to fetch some. Nushirowan called him,
saying,Take
saying, Takeit itat atitsitsfair fairprice,
price,andandnotnotbybyforce, force,
lesta abad
lest badprecedent
precedentbebeestablishedestablishedand andthethevillage
village
desolated. They
desolated. Theyasked, asked,What Whatdamage damagecan canensue
ensue
fromthis
from trifle? HeHeanswered,
thistrifle? answered,Originally,
Originally, thethebasis
basis
ofof oppression
oppression in in
thisthis world
world waswas small,
small, andand every
every new-
new-
comer
comeradded added to to
it, it,
tilltill
it it reached
reached to to
itsits present
present extent:
extent :

-"Let
"Let thethe monarch
monarch eateatbut but
one one apple
apple from
from a peasant's
a peasant's
orchard,and
orchard, andhishisguards,
guards,or orslaves,slaves,willwillpullpullupupthethe
tree
tree byby itsits root. From
root From thetheplunder
plunderofoffive fiveeggs,
eggs, that
that
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SA.DI. 10
1055
the
the king
king shall
shall sanction, his troops
sanction, his troops will
will stick aa
thousand fowls on their spits."
spits."

xx.
XX.

II have
have heard of revenue-collector who would
of a revenue-collector
distrain
distrain the
the huts of the the peasantry,
peasantry, that he might might
enrich
enrich thethe treasury
treasury of thethe sovereign,
sovereign, regardless
regardless of of that
that
.... maxim of of the
the wise,
wise, who have said, said, Whoever can
offend
offend thethe Most
Most High, that he may gain
High, that gain thethe heart
heart
of a fellow-creature,
of a fellow-creature, God on high will
on high will instigate that
instigate that
creature
creature against
against him, till he
him, till he dig
dig out the foundation of
out the of
"
his fortune :-" That crackling
his fortune: That crackling in the flame is not
in the flame is not
caused
caused by by burning
burning rue, rue, but but it is the
it is the sigh
sigh of of the
the
afflicted that occasions it"
afflicted that occasions it"

say, Of all
They say, all animals
animals the the lion
lion isis the chief; and
the chief;
of beasts the ass is the meanest; yet,
of beasts the ass is the meanest ; yet, with the
with con-
the con-
currence of the wise,
currence of the wise, the burthen-bearing
the burthen-bearing ass ass isis
preferable
preferable to to the
the man-devouring
man-devouring lion. Hon.-"" The poor poor
ass,
ass, though
though devoid
devoid of of understanding,
understanding, will will be heldheld
precious
precious when
when carrying
carrying a
a burthen;
burthen ; oxen
oxen and asses
asses
that
that carry
carry loads
loads are preferable to
are preferable to men that that injure
injure
their
their fellow-creatures."
fellow-creatures."
The king king hadhad reported
reported to to himhim a a part
part of of his
his
nefarious
nefarious conduct He put put him
him to
to the
the rack,
rack, and
"
tortured him him toto death.-"
death. Thou
Thou canstcanst notnot obtain
obtain the the
sovereign's approbation
sovereign's approbation till
till thou
thou make
make sure
sure of
of the
the
good-will
good-will of of his
his people.
people. Wishest
Wishest thou that God
thou that
shall
shall be bountiful
bountiful to thee, be
to thee, be thou
thou goodgood thyself
thyself to to
the
the creatures
creatures of of God."-
God."
One who had had suffered
suffered fromfrom his his oppression
oppression passed
passed
106
106 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADL
SADI.
"
him at
him at the
the time
time of
of his
his execution,
execution, and
and said
said :-" It isis not
It : not
every man
every man that
that may
may have
have the
the strong
strong arm
arm of
of high
high
station,
station, that can
that can inin his
his government
government taketake an
an im-
im-
moderate freedom
moderate freedom with the subjects'
with the subjects' property.
property. ItIt is
is
possible to cram
possible to cram aa bone
bone down
down the
the throat,
throat, but
but when
when itit
sticks at
sticks at the
the navel
navel it will
it will burst
burst open
open the
the belly."
belly."

XXI.
XXI.

They tell
They tell aa story
story of
of an
an evil-disposed
evil-disposed person
person who
who
struck aa pious
struck pious good
good man
man on the head
on the head with
with aa stone.
stone.
Having no
Having no power
power of
of revenge,
revenge, the
the darwesh
darwesh was was
keeping the
keeping the stone
stone by
by him
him till an
till an occasion
occasion when
when the
the
sovereign let
sovereign let loose
loose the
thearmy of
army of his
his wrath,
wrath, and
and cast
cast
him into
him into aa dungeon.
dungeon. The poor
The poor man
man went
went up
up and
and
flung that
flung that stone
stone at
at his
his head.
head. The
The person
person spoke
spoke to
to
him, saying, Who
him, saying, Who are
are you,
you, and
and why
why did
did you
you throw
throw
this stone
this at my
stone at my head
head?? He He answered,
answered, II am
am that
that
poor man,
poor man, and
and this isis the
this the same stone
same stone that
that you
you on
on aa
certain occasion
certain occasion flung at
flung at my head.
my head. He said,
He said, Where
Where
have you been all
have you been all this time ? this time? The
The poor
poor manman
answered,
answered, I
I stood
stood in
in awe
awe of
of your high station,
your high station, but but
now that I found you
now that I found you in a dungeon,
in a dungeon, I availed myself
I availed myself
of the
of the opportunity,
opportunity, as as they
they have said-"H Whilst
have said Whilst they
they
saw "the
saw worthless man
the worthless man in in prosperity, the wise
prosperity, the wise thought
thought
proper to
proper to show
show him respect. Now
him respect. N ow thou
thou hast
hast not
not
sharp
sharp and
and tearing nails,
tearing nails, it
it is
is prudent
prudent for
for thee
thee to
to defer
defer
to engage
to engage with the wicked.
with the wicked. Whoever
Whoever grappled
grappled with
with
aa steel-armed
steel-armed wrist
wrist exposed
exposed his his own
own silver
silver arm to
arm to
torture. Wait
torture. Wait tilltill fortune
fortune can can manacle
manacle his his hands,
hands,
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKII SADL 10 7
107

then
then beat
beat out
out his
his brains
brains to
to the
the satisfaction
satisfaction of
of thy
thy
friends."
friends."

XXII.
XXII.

AA king
king of of Khorasan
Khorasan was was afflicted
afflicted with
with so so shocking
shocking
aa distemper
distemper that
that it
it is
is better
better not
not to
to enter
enter upon
upon its its

pathology.
pathology. AA body
body of
of Greek
Greek physicians agreed
physicians agreed that
that
..' -there
there was
was in in fact
fact no
no other
other remedy
remedy for for this
this disease
disease but but
the
the gall
gall of
of aa person
person whom
whom they
they identified
identified under
under aa
certain
certain temperament.
temperament. The
The king
king ordered
ordered that
that they
they
would
would makemake inquiry,
inquiry, andand theythey discovered
discovered aa peasant's
peasant's
son
son who
who answered
answered that that description
description which which the the faculty
faculty
had
had specified.
specified. He
He called
called his
his father
father and
and mother,
mother, and and
secured
secured their
their consent
consent-by giving
by giving them
them aa large present.
large present.
The
The Cazy
Cazy issued
issued aa death-warrant,
death-warrant, stating, stating, It It is
is lawful
lawful
to
to shed
shed aa subject's
subject's blood
blood in
in order
order to
to restore
restore health
health to
to
the
the sovereign;
sovereign ;
and
and the
the executioner
executioner stood
stood ready
ready to to
carry
carry the
the sentence
sentence into
into effect
effect The
The youth
youth cast cast his
his
eyes up
eyes up to
to heaven, and, smiling
heaven, and, smiling the
the while,
while, was
was mutter-
mutter-
ing
ing something
something between between his his teeth.
teeth. The The kingking asked,
asked,
saying,
saying, InIn this
this situation
situation what
what room
room is
is there
there for for
smiling?
smiling ? HeHe replied,
replied, Children
Children look
look to
to their
their parents
parents
toto caress
caress them;
them their
;
their wrongs
wrongs they they refer
refer to to the
the Cazy
Cazy
toto redress
redress them,
them, andand from from the the sovereign
sovereign they they expect
expect
justice.
justice. Now that
Now that my my father
father and and mother,
mother, for for vain
vain
and
and worldly
worldly considerations,
considerations, have have consigned
consigned me me to to
death,
death, thethe judge,
judge, by by his his warrant,
warrant, has has sanctioned
sanctioned my my
-execution,
execution, and and the the king
king lookslooks forfor his
his own
own safety
safety in in
mymy destruction,
destruction, II can can havehave no no refuge
refuge but but with
with God God
"
onon high.-"
high. Before
Before whomwhom can can II raise
raise the
the handhand of of
io8
[08 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SA.DI.

complaintagainst
complaint againstthee;
thee; atatthy handam
thyhand amI Itotoseek
!leek
"
justiceagainst
justice againstthee
thee?"-
?

The
Theking's
king'sheart
heartwas wastouched
touchedatatthis thisspeech,
speech,andand
thetears
the tearsstood
stoodcollected
collectedininhis
hiseyes.
eyes. HeHesaid,
said,MyMy
deathwere
death prefer~bletotoshedding
werepreferable sheddingthe theblood
bloodofofone
onesoso
innocent Then
innocent Thenhehekissedkissedhis hishead
headand andeyes,
eyes,took
took
himininhis
him hisarms,
arms,gave
gavehim himimmense
immensepresents,
presents,andandsetset
him
himatatliberty.
liberty. They Theyhave haverelated
relatedthatthatwithin
withinthat
that
week
week the the king
king was was cured
curedofofhis hiscomplaint.
complaint-" "As As
applicable
applicable to to which
which is is that
that stanza
stanza ofof mine,
mine, which
which anan
elephant-driver
elephant-driver rehearsed
rehearsed on
on the
the bank
bank ofof the
the river
river
Nile. IfIfthou
Nile. thouknowest
knowestnot notthe
theant's
ant'sstate
stateunder
underthythy
foot,it itisis like
foot, thine own
like thine own asas trampled
trampled onon bybyanan
elephan t."-
elephant."

XXIII.
XXIII.

One
OneofofKing
KingUmraw-layas's
U mraw-Iayas'sslavesslaveshad
hadabsconded,
absconded,
andandpeople
peoplethat
thatwent afterhim
wentafter broughthim
himbrought himback.
back.
The vizier,who
Thevizier, whohadhada adislike
disliketotohim,
him,used
usedhishisinterest
interest
havehim
totohave himputputtotodeath,
death,that
thatthetheother
otherslaves
slaves[as [as
hehepretended]
pretended]mightmightnot notcommit
committhe thesame
sameoffence.
offence.
TheThepoor
poorslave
slavefell
fellatatUmraw-layas's
Umraw-Iayas'sfeet, feet,and
andsaid
said: :

"
"Whatever
Whatevermay maybefall
befallme,
me,ififthou
thouapprove
approveofofit,it,it itis is
sosofar proper. What
farproper. Whatplea
pleacan
cana avassal
vassaloffer
offeragainst
againsthis
his
"
lordand
lord andmaster's
master'sdecree
decree?
? "-Nevertheless, inasmuch
Nevertheless, inasmuch
asasI I am
amthethenurtured
nurturedgiftgiftofofthis house,I Icould
thishouse, couldnot
not
wish thatononthe
wishthat thelast
lastday's
day'sreckoning
reckoningmy myblood
bloodshould
should
standcharged
stand chargedtotoyour
youraccount.
account. If,If,atatallallevents,
events,you
you
areresolved
are resolvedtotoput
putthis
thisyour
yourslave
slavetotodeath,
death,letletit itbebe
done
donewithwitha aplea
pleaofoflegality,
legality,that
thatyou
youmaymaynot notbebe
censuredatatthe
censured theday
dayofofresurrection.
resurrection. The
Theking
kingasked,
asked,

•
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADL 10 9
109

How
How can can II setset up a legal plea? He replied, Issue
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
an order to put me to death
to put me to death inin retaliation
retaliation for
for him,
him,
that you may kill me
that you may kill me according according to
to law!
law!
The
The king
king
smiled
smiled and
and asked
asked thethe vizier, What is your advice in
vizier, What is your advice in
this case?
this case ?
The
The vizier said, O sovereign
vizier said, 0 of the world!
sovereign of the world !

II beg, for
for the
the sake
sake of
of God,
God,
that
that you will
will manumit
manumit thisthis
beg, you
C ,0_ audacious
audacious fellow
fellow as
as aa propitiation at
at the
the tomb
tomb of
of your
your
propitiation
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 When
saying of the wise, who have warned us :

thou
thou didst
didst enter
enter the
the lists with a practised slinger,
lists with a practised slinger,
inin thy want of skill thou exposedst thine own head
thy want of skill thou exposedst thine own head
to
to bebe broken.
broken. When
When thou thou didst
didst discharge thine
discharge thine
arrow
arrow at at thy antagonist's face face thou
thou shouldst
shouldst have
have
thy antagonist's
been upon
been upon thy guard, for thou hadst become his
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 One
present, and spoke well of them when absent
of
of his acts happened to
his acts happened to displease
displease
the
the king,
king,
who
who put
put
him under stoppages, and in rigorous
him under stoppages, and in rigorous confinement. confinement.
The
The officers
officers of
of the
the crown
crown were
were sensible
sensible of
ofhis
his former
former
benefits, and pledged to show their gratitude
benefits, and pledged to show their gratitude of them.
of them.
Accordingly, whilst under their charge, they treated
Accordingly, whilst under their charge, they treated
him
him with courtesy and
with courtesy and benevolence, and would not
benevolence, and would not
use or violence :-" If
use any coercion or violence: "If thou desirest
any coercion thou desirest to
to
remain
remain at peace with a rival, whenever he slanders
at peace with a rival, whenever he slanders
thee
thee behind
behind thy back speak well of him to his face.
thy back speak well of him to his face.
no
IIO SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADI.
The perverse
The perverse man man cavils
cavils for for the
the last
last wordword; unless
;
unless
thou preferest
thou preferest hishis bitter
bitter remarks,
remarks, make make his his mouth
mouth
sweet."-
sweet."
Of the
Of the charge
charge against
against him him atat the
the king's
king's exchequer
exchequer
part had been adjusted according
part had been adjusted according to its settlement,
to its settlement,
and he
and he remained
remained in in durance
durance for for the balance. A
the balance. A
bordering prince sent him underhand
bordering prince sent him underhand a letter, stating, a letter, stating,
The sovereign
The sovereign of of that
that quarter
quarter has has not not appreciated
appreciated
such worth, nay, has dishonoured
such worth, nay, has dishonoured it, and with it, and with us us itit
bore a heavy
bore a heavy price. price. If the precious mind
If the precious mind of a certain of a certain
personage, .may
personage, may God God facilitate
facilitate his his deliverance,
deliverance, will will
incline favourably towards us, every
incline favourably towards us, every possible exertion possible exertion
shall be
shall be made
made to to conciliate
conciliate his his good-will,
good-will, and and thethe
cabinet ministers of this kingdom
cabinet ministers of this kingdom are exulting in the are exulting in the
prospect of seeing him, and anxious
prospect of seeing him, and anxious for the answer of for the answer of
this letter.
this letter. The minister made himself
The minister made himself master of the master of the
contents. He
contents. He pondered
pondered on on the
the danger,
danger, wrote wrote suchsuch
a brief answer as seemed discreet
a brief answer as seemed discreet upon the back of upon the back of
the letter, and returned
the letter, and returned it. it. One of the hangers-on
One of the hangers-on at at
court had
court had notice
notice ofof this
this circumstance.
circumstance. He He apprised
apprised
the king, saying, A certain person whom you have
the king, saying, A certain person whom you have
put
put in
in confinement is corresponding
confinement is corresponding with a neigh- with a neigh-
bouring prince.
bouring prince. The The king king was was wroth,
wroth, and and ordered
ordered
an investigation
an investigation of ofthis
this intelligence.
intelligence. The The messenger
messenger
was seized,
was seized, and
and letter
letter read.
read. On On the
the backback of ofitit he
he had
had
written, stating,
written, stating, The
The good opinion
good opinion ofof his
his majesty
majesty
exceeds the
exceeds the merits
merits of of this
this slave
slave; but
;
but the the honoured
honoured
approbation he
approbation he has
has bestowed
bestowed upon upon aa servant
servant cannotcannot
possibly
possibly have
have his
his consent,
consent, for
for he
he is
is the
the fostered
fostered gift
gift
of this
of this house,
house, andand hehe cannot
cannot on on aa trifling
trifling change
change of of
affection betray
affection betray his
his ancient
ancient benefactor
benefactor and and patron.
patron.
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADI. in
III

_CC" Though
Though once once inin hishis life
life he
he may
may grate thee with
grate thee with
harshness,
harshness, excuse
excuse him
him who
who on
on every
every
occasion
occasion else
else
has
has soothed
soothed theethee with
with kindness."-The
kindness." The king
king
com-
com-
mended
mended his his fidelity, bestowed on him an honorary
fidelity, bestowed on him an honorary
dress
dress andand largess, and made his excuses, saying, I
largess, and made his excuses, saying, I
was
was to to blame,
blame, that
that could
could do do youyou an an injury.
injury.
He
He
replied,
replied,
In
In this
this instance, my lord,
instance, my lord, your your servant
servant sees
sees
..... no
no blame
blame thatthat attaches
attaches to to you;
you but
;
but such
such waswas thethe
ordination
ordination of of God,
God, 'whose
ivhose name
name was
was glorified,
glorified,
that
that this
this
your
your devoted
devoted slave
slave should
should verily be overtaken with a
verily be overtaken with a
calamity.
calamity.
Accordingly,
Accordingly, itit is is more
more tolerable
tolerable at at the
the
hand
hand ofofyou,
you, who
who possess
possess the
the rights
rights
ofofpast good,
past good, and
and
have
have claims
claims ofof gratitude on this servant:-"Be
gratitude on this servant: "Be notnot
offended
offended withwith mankind
mankind should should any any mischief
mischief assail
assail
thee,
thee, for
for neither
neither pleasure nor pain originate with thy
pleasure nor pain originate with thy
fellow-being.
fellow-being.
Know
Know that the
that the contrariety
contrariety of of foe
foe and
and
friend
friend proceeds from God, and that the hearts of
proceeds from God, and that the hearts of
both
both areare at
at his
his disposal.
disposal.
Though
Though the the arrow
arrow may may
seem
seem to to issue
issue from
from the the bow,
bow, thethe intelligent can see
intelligent can see
that the archer gave it its
that the archer gave it its aim." aim."-

xxv.
XXV.

II have
have heard
heard thatthat one
one ofof the
the kings
kings of
of Arabia
Arabia
directed
directed the officers of his treasury, saying, You
the officers of his treasury, saying, You
will
will double
double aa certain
certain person's salary, whatever it may
person's salary, whatever it may
be, for he is constant in attendance and ready for
be, for he is constant in attendance and ready for
orders,
orders, while
while the
the other
other courtiers
courtiers are
are diverted
diverted by
by play,
play,
and negligent
and negligent of
of their
their duty.
duty.
AA good
good and
and holy
holy man
man
overheard
overheard this,
this,
and
and heaved
heaved aa sigh
sigh
and
and groan
groan from
from the
the
bottom
bottom of of his
his bosom.
bosom. They asked, saying,
They asked, saying, What
What
 112
ii2 SHAIKHSADL
SHAIKH SADL
VIsion did
vision did you
you see?
see? He replied,
He replied,The
The exalted
exalted man-
man-
sionsof
sions ofhis
hisdevoted
devotedservants
servantswill
willbe
beafter
afterthis
thismanner
manner
portioned out at the judgment-seat of a Most High
portioned out at the judgment-seat of a Most High
and Mighty
and Deity !-"
MightyDeity " If for two mornings a person
If for two mornings a person
!

isassiduous
is assiduousaboutaboutthe
theperson
personof ofthe
theking,
king,ononthe
thethird
third
he will
he will inin some
some shape
shape regard
regard himhim with
with affection.
affection:
Thesincerely
The sincerelydevout
devoutexist
existininthe
thehope
hopethat
thatthey
theyshall
shall
notdepart
not depart disappointed
disappointed fromfrom God's
God's threshold.
threshold. TheThe
rank of
rank of aa prince
prince isis the
the reward
reward of of obedience.
obedience. Dis-Dis-
obedience toto command
obedience command isis aa proof proof of of rejection.
rejection.
Whoever has
Whoever has the
the aspect
aspect of of the
the upright
upright and
and good
good
willlay
will laythe
the face
faceofofduty
dutyatatthis
thisthreshold."
threshold."

XXVI.
XXVI.

Theytell
They tellaastory
storyofofaatyrant
tyrantwho
who bought
bought fire-wood
fire-wood
from the
from thepoor
pooratataalow
lowprice,
price,and
andsold
solditittotothe
therich
richatat
an advance.
an A
advance. A good goodandandholy
holy man
man went
went up up toto him
him
and said,
and said, ""Thou
Thou artart aa snake,
snake,who
who bitest
bitest everybody
everybody
thou seest
thou seest; or
;
or an
an owl,
owl, who
who diggest
diggestup upandandmakest
makestaa
ruin of
ruin ofthe
the place
place where
where thou
thou sittest
sittest :-Although
Although thy
:
thy
injustice may
injustice
may pass
pass unpunished
unpunished among among us, us,itit cannot
cannot
escape God, the knower of secrets.
escape God, the knower of secrets. Be not unjust Be not unjust
with the people of this earth, that their
with the people of this earth, that their complaints complaints
maynot
may notrise
riseupuptotoheaven."
heaven."-
They say the unjust
They say the unjust man man was was offended
offended atat his his
words, turned aside his face, and
words, turned aside his face, and showed him no showed him no
civility, as they have expressed it [in the
civility, as they have expressed it [in the Koran]
Koran] :
:-Hc,
He,
theglorified
the glorifiedGod,
God,overtook
overtookhimhimamidst
amidsthis sins: :-till
hissins one
till one

night, when the fire of his kitchen fell upon

night, when the fire of his kitchen fell upon the stack
the stack
of wood,
of wood, consumed
consumed all all his
his property,
property, and and laid
laid him
him
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SAD
SADI. I.
113

from the
from the bed
bed of
of voluptuousness
voluptuousness upon
upon the
the ashes
ashes of of hell
hell
torments.
torments. That good
That good and holy
and man
holy man happened
happened to to be
be
passing and
passing and observed
observed him
him that
that he
he was
was remarking
remarking to to
his friends,
his friends, II cannot
cannot fancy
fancy whence
whence this
this fire
fire fell
fell upon
upon
my dwelling. He
my dwelling. said, From
He said, the smoke
From the smoke ofof the
the hearts
hearts
"
of the
of poor !-"
the poor !Guard against
Guard against the
the smoke of
smoke of the
the sore-
sore-
afflicted heart,
afflicted heart, for
for an inside
an inside sore
sore will at
will at last
last gather
gather
into aa head.
into head. Give nobody's
Give nobody's heart
heart pain
pain so so long
long as as
~ . . .thou
thou canst
canst avoid
avoid it,it, for
for one
one sigh
sigh may
may setset aa whole
whole
world into
world into aa flame."
flame."
They
They have
have related that
related tltat tJiese
tluse verses
verses were
were inscribed
inscribed in in
"
golden letters
golden letters upon
upon Kai-khosraw
Kaz"-khosraw'scrown:-"
's crown : How
How many many
years, and
years, and what
what aa continuance
continuance of of ages,
ages, that
that mankind
mankind
shall on
shall on this
this earth
earth walk
walk over
over my head. As
my head. As the the
kingdom came
kingdom came to to me
me from
from hand
hand to to hand,
hand, so so itit shall
shall
pass into
pass into the
the hands
hands of of others."
others."-

XXVII.
XXVII.

A person had become

person had become aa master
master in
in the
the art
art of
of wrest-
wrest-
ling; he
ling he
;
knew
knew three
three hundred
hundred and and sixty
sixty sleights
sleights in
in
this art,
this art, and could
and exhibit aa fresh
could exhibit fresh trick
trick for
for every
every day
day
throughout the
throughout the year.
year. Perhaps
Perhaps owing
owing to
to aa liking
liking that
that
aa corner
corner of
of his
his heart
heart took
took for the handsome
for the handsome person
person of
of
one of
one of his
his scholars,
scholar$, he taught him
he taught him three
three hundred
hundred andand
fifty-nine of
fifty-nine of those
those feats,
feats, but
but he
he was
was putting
putting off
off the
the
instruction of
instruction of one,
one, and under some
and under some pretence
pretence deferring
deferring
it.
it.

In short
In short the youth became
the youth became such
such aa proficient
proficient in
in the
the
art
art and talent of wrestling
and talent of wrestling that none of his contem-
that none of his contem-
poraries
poraries had ability
had ability to
to cope
cope with
with him,
him, till
till he
he at
at length
length
75 0
75
JI4
ii 4 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADI.
SAD I.
had
had one oneday boasted before the reigning sovereign,
day boasted before the reigning sovereign
saying,
saying,
ToTo any
anysuperiority my master possesses over
superiority my master possesses ove
me,
me, he he isisbeholden
beholden to
to mymyreverence
reverenceof ofhishisseniority,
seniority
and
and inin virtue
virtue of ofhis his tutorage;
tutorage ;
otherwise
otherwise I I amam not no
inferior
inferiorinin power,
power,
and
and amam his
his equal
equal
inin skill.
skill. This
Thi
want
wantofofrespect displeased the king. He
respect displeased the king. Heordered
ordered a
wrestling
wrestling
match
match totobebe held,
held, and
and a a spacious
spacious
field
field totobeb
fenced
fenced inin for for the
theoccasion.
occasion. The Theministers
ministers of ofstate,
state
nobles
nobles ofofthe the court,
court, andand gallant
gallant
men
men ofof the
the realm
real
were
wereassembled,
assembled,and and thetheceremonials
ceremonials of ofthethecombat
comba
marshalled.
marshalled. Like Like a a huge huge and
and lusty
lusty elephant,
elephant, the
th
youth
youth rushed
rushed into
into the
the ring
ring
with
with such
such a acrash
crash that
that had
ha
a abrazen
brazenmountain
mountainopposedopposedhim himhe hewould
wouldhave havemovedmove
ititfrom
from its base. The master being aware that
its base. The master being aware that theth
youth
youth was was hishis superior in strength, engaged him in
superior in strength, engaged him i
that
thatstrange
strangefeat featof ofwhich
which he hehadhadkept kepthim himignorant
ignorant
The
The youth was unacquainted with its guard. Advanc-
youth was unacquainted with its guard. Advanc
ing, nevertheless, the master seized him with both
ing, nevertheless, the master seized him with bot
hands,
hands,and, and,lifting him bodily from the ground, raised
lifting him bodily from the ground, raise
him
him above his headand
above his head andflung him on the earth. The
flung him on the earth. Th
crowd
crowd set up a shout The kingordered
set up a shout The king orderedthem themtotogive giv
the
themaster
masteran anhonorary
honorarydress dressand and handsome
handsomelargess, largess
and
and the youth he addressed with reproach
the youth he addressed with reproach and an
asperity, saying, You played the traitor with your
asperity, saying, You played the traitor with you
own
ownpatron,
patron,and andfailed
failedininyour
yourpresumption
presumptionof ofoppos-
oppos
ing
ing him.
him. He
He replied,
replied, O
0 sire
sirel mymy
!
master
master diddid notno
overcome
overcomeme meby bystrength and ability, but one cunning
strength and ability, but one cunnin
trick
trickininthe the art
art of ofwrestling was left which he was
wrestling was left which he wa
reserved
reservedininteaching
teaching me, me, and
and by
bythat
thatlittle
littlefeat
feathad hadto- to
day
day the
the upper
upper hand
hand ofofme.
me. The
The master
master said,
said,
I Ireserved
reserve
myself
myselffor forsuch
sucha aday dayasasthis.
this. As Asthe thewise
wise have
havetold tol
 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKHSADL 115

us,
us, Put
Put itit not
not so
so much
much into
into aa friend's
friend's power
power that,
that, if
if

hostilely
hostilely disposed,
disposed, he he can
can dodo you
you anan injury.
injury. HaveHave
you
you not
not heard
heard what
what thatthat man
man said
said who
who waswas treacher-
treacher-
"
ously
ously dealt
dealt with
with by by his
his own
own pupil
pupil :-" Either
: Either in in fact
fact
there
there was
was no no good
good faith
faith inin this
this world,
world, or
or nobody
nobody has has
perhaps
perhaps practised
practised itit inin our
our days.
days. No No person
person learned
learned
the
the art
art of
of archery
archery fromfrom me me who
who diddid not
not inin the
the end
end
.... 1Ilake
make me me his
his bu tt."
butt"

XXVIII.
XXVIII.

AA solitary
solitary darwesh
darwesh had had taken
taken upup his
his station
station at at the
the
corner
corner of of aa desert.
desert A A king
king was
was passing
passing by by him.
him.
Inasmuch
Inasmuch as as contentment
contentment isis the the enjoyment
enjoyment of of aa
kingdom,
kingdom, the the darwesh
darwesh did did not
not raise
raise hishis head,
head, nor nor
show
show himhim the
the least
least mark
mark of of attention;
attention and, and, inasmuch
;
inasmuch
asas sovereignty
sovereignty isis regal
regal pomp,
pomp, the
the king
king took
took offence,
offence,
and
and said,
said, The
The tribe
tribe of of ragged
ragged mendicants
mendicants resemble
resemble
brute
brute beasts,
beasts, and
and havehave neither
neither grace
grace nornor good
good man- man-
ners.
ners. The
The vizier
vizier stepped
stepped up up toto him,
him, andand said:
said 0O
:

generous
generous man! man the !the sovereign
sovereign of of the
the universe
universe has has
passed by you;
passed by you why ;
why did
did you
you not
not do
do him
him homage,
homage, and and
discharge
discharge the the duty
duty of of obeisance?
obeisance ? He He answered
answered and and
said, Speak
said, Speak to
to your
your sovereign, saying Expect service
sovereign, saying: Expect
: service
from
from that
that person
person who who willwill court
court your
your favour;
favour let
;
let him
him
moreover
moreover knowknow that that kings
kings are
aremeant
meant for
for the
the protection
protection
ofofthe
the people,
people, andand not not the
the people
people forfor the
the subjects
subjects of of
"
kings.-"
kings. Though
Though it
it be
be for
for their
their benefit
benefit that
that his
his glory
glory
isis exalted,
exalted, yetyet isis the
the king
king but
but the
the shepherd
shepherd of of the
the
poor.
poor. The
The sheep
sheep are
are not
not intended
intended for
for the
the service
service of
of
the
the shepherd,
shepherd, but
but the
the shepherd
shepherd is
is appointed
appointed to
to tend
tend
the
the sheep.-To-day
sheep. To-day thou thou mayest
mayest observe
observe one one man man
n6
II6 SHAIKH SAD
SHAIKH SAD!.
I.

from sore from

proud prosperity, another
proud from prosperity, another with
with aa heart
heart sore from
adversity have patience for a few days till the dust
adversity; have patience for a few days till the dust
;

of the grave can consume the brain of that vain and

of the grave can consume the brain of that vain and
foolish head. When destiny came
foolish head.
When the record of
the record
to
of destiny came to
take effect, the distinction of liege and subject dis-
take effect, the distinction of liege and subject dis-
appeared. WereWere aa person
of the
appeared. to turn
person to turn up the dust
up the dust of the
defunct, he
could not
defunct, he could that of
distinguish that
not distinguish of the rich man
the rich man
from the poor."
from the poor."
These sayings made a strong impression upon the
These sayings made a strong impression upon the
king ;
he said Ask me for
king; he said: Ask me for something.
: He replied:
something. He replied
:

What I desire is, that you will not trouble me again

What I desire is, that you will not trouble me again!
!

The king said, Favour me with a piece of advice. He

The king said, " Favour me with a piece of advice. He
them now
to them
answered Attend
answered :-" Attend to that the
now that the good
good things
things
:

of this life are in thy hands for wealth and dominion

of this life are in thy hands; for wealth and dominion
;

are passing from one hand into another."

are passing from one hand into another."

XXIX.
XXIX.

One of the king's ministers went to Zu-an-nun

One of the king's ministers went to Zu-an-nun
and asked his
(J onah), the
(Jonah), the Egyptian, blessing, saying,
Egyptian, and asked his blessing, saying,
Day and I am occupied in the service of my
night I am occupied
Day and night
in the service of
my
for his favour and his dis-
prince, hoping
prince, hoping for his favour and dreading
dreading his dis-
and answered: Had
Zu-an-nun
wept and
answered: I
pleasure. Zu-an-nun wept
pleasure. Had I
feared the most high God as you have feared the king,
feared the most high God as you have feared the king,
I should have been among the number of elect!
I should have been among the number of elect!-
"
Were there not the of reward and
" Were there not the hope
hope of reward and punishment
punishmen t
hereafter, the foot of the darwesh had stept into the
hereafter, the foot of the darwesh had stept into the
celestial sphere. Had the vizier stood in the same
celestial sphere. Had the vizier stood in the same
awe of God that he did of the king, he might have
awe of God that he did of the king, he might have
been an angel of heaven."
been an angel of heaven,"
 SHAIKH SADI. II7
SHAIKH SADL 117

XXX.
xxx.
A king ordered an innocent person to be put to
A
death.king
ordered an innocent
The man said, Seek notperson
to be put to
your own hurt by
death. The man said, Seek not your own hurt by
venting any anger you may entertain against me.
venting any anger you may entertain against me.
The king asked, How? He replied, The pain 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 you for ever. " The
period of this life passes by like the wind of the
period of this life passes by like the wind of the
desert. Joy and sorrow, beauty and deformity,
desert. and sorrow, beauty and deformity,
Joy away.
equally pass The tyrant vainly thought that
equally pass away. The tyrant vainly thought that
he did me an injury, but round his neck it clung and
he did me an injury, but round his neck it clung and
passed over me."
passed over me."
The king profited by this advice, spared his life,
The king profited by this advice, spared his life,
and asked his forgiveness.
and asked his forgiveness.

XXXI.
XXXI.
The cabinet ministers of Nushirowan were debating
The cabinet ministers of Nushirowan were debating
an important affair of state, and each delivered his
an important affair of state, and each delivered his
opinion according to the best of his judgment. In
opinion according to the best of his judgment. In
like manner the king also delivered his sentiments,
like manner the king also delivered his sentiments,
and Abu-zarchamahr, the prime minister, accorded in
and Abu-zarchamahr, the prime minister, accorded in
opinion with him. The other ministers whispered
opinion with him. The other ministers
him, saying, What did you see superior in whispered
the kings
him, saying, What did you see superior in the king's
opinion that you preferred it to the judgment of so
opinion that you preferred it to the judgment of so
many wise heads? He replied: Because the event is
many wise heads ? He Because the event is
doubtful, and the opinionreplied
:

of all rests in the pleasure of

doubtful, and the opinion of all rests in the pleasure of
the most high God whether it shall be right or wrong.
the most high God whether it shall be right or wrong.
Accordingly it is safer to conform with the jUdgment
Accordingly it is safer to conform with the judgment
 lIS
n8 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADI.

of the king, becauseififthat

of the king, because
thatshall
shall prove wrong,our our
prove wrong,
obsequiousness totohishiswill
willshall
shallsecure
secureususfrom
fromhishis
obsequiousness
displeasure.-"" To sport an opinion contrary
To sport an opinion contrary to the to the
displeasure.
judgment of the king were to wash our hands in our
judgment of the king were to wash our hands in our
ownblood.
own blood. Were
Werehehe verilytoto saythis
this dayisis night,
verily say day night,
it would behove us to
it would behove us to reply
reply: Lo l there
Lo there are
: !
arethe
themoon
moon
and seven stars."-
and seven stars."
XXXII.
XXXII.

AnAn impostor plaitedhis hishair

hairand
and spake, saying,I I
impostor plaited spake, saying,
am a descendant of Ali;
am a descendant of AH and he entered and he enteredthe the city
; city
alongwithwiththe
thecaravan
caravanfrom from Hijaz, saying,I Icome comea a
along Hijaz, saying,
pilgrim from Mecca; and he presented a Casidah or
pilgrim from Mecca and he presented a Casidah or
;

elegytotothethe king, saying,I Ihave have composedit it! The The

elegy king, saying, composed !

king gavehim him money,treatedtreatedhimhimwithwith respect,and and

king gave money, respect,
ordered him to be shown much flattering
ordered him to be shown much flattering attention
attention;
;

till one of the courtiers, who had that day returned

till one of the courtiers, who had that day returned
froma a voyageatat sea, said,I Isaw
from sawhimhimononthethe Eeduzha,
voyage sea, said, Eeduzha,
or anniversary of sacrifice at Busrah;
or anniversary of sacrifice at Busrah; how then can
how then can
he be a Haji, or
he be a Haji, or pilgrim? pilgrim? Another- said,
Another said, Now NowI I
recollect him, his father was a Christian
recollect him, his father was a Christian at Malatiyah
at Malatiyah
(Malta); how then can he be a descendant of Ali?
(Malta) how then can he be a descendant of AH ?
;
And they discovered
And discovered his hisverses
verses inin the
the diwan
diwan ofof
they
Anwari.
Anwari.
The king ordered that they
The king ordered that they should beat should beat
and drive him away, saying, How came
and drive him away, saying, How came you to utter
you to utter
so many falsehoods? He
so many falsehoods ?
He replied,O0 sovereignofofthe the
replied, sovereign
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
ment you you maycommand.
command. The The king asked,What What
may king asked,
maythatthatbebe? said :-" If
He said " If a peasant bring thee a a
He a peasant bring thee
may ? :

cupofof junket,two twomeasures

measuresofofit itwillwillbebewater
waterandand
cup junket,
 SHAIKH SAD
SHAIKH SAJJI.
I. Il9
119

one spoonful
one spoonful of
of itit buttermilk.
buttermilk. If If thy
thy slave
slave spake
spake idly
idly
be not
be not offended,
offended, forfor great
great travellers
travellers deal
deal most
most in
in the
the
marvellous! ""-The
marvellous !The king king smiled
smiled andand replied,
replied, You
You
never in
never in your
your life spake
life spake aa truer
truer word.
word. He directed
He directed
them to
them to gratify
gratify his
his expectations,
expectations, and
and he
he departed
departed
happy
happy and
and content
content

XXXIII.
XXXIII.

They have
They have related
related that
that oneone ofof the
the viziers
V1Zlers would
would
compassionate the weak and meditate
compassionate the weak and meditate the good of the good of
everybody.
everybody. He happened to fall under
He happened to fall under the royal the royal
displeasure, and they all strove to obtain his release.
displeasure, and they all strove to obtain his release.
Such as
Such as hadhad him
him in in custody
custody were were indulgent
indulgent in in their
their
restraint,
restraint, and
and his
his fellow-grandees
fellow-grandees were
were loud
loud in
in pro-
pro-
claiming
claiming
his
his virtues,
virtues, till
till the
the king pardoned
king pardoned his
his fault.
fault.
good and
A good and holy
holy manman was was apprised
apprised of of these
these events,
events,
and said
and said :-"
:
" In order to conciliate the good-will of
In order to conciliate the good-will of
friends, itit were
friends, were better
better to to sell
sell our
our patrimonial
patrimonial garden
garden;;

in order
in order toto boil
boil the
the pot
pot of of well-wishers,
well-wishers, itit were
were good
good
to convert
to convert our our household
household furniture
furniture into
into fire-
fire-wood.
wood.
Do good
Do good even
even toto the
the wicked
wicked; itit is
;
is asas well
well toto shut
shut aa
dog's
dog's
mouth
mouth with
with aa crumb."-
crumb."

XXXIV.
XXXIV.

One of
One of Harun-ar-rashid's
Harun-ar-rashid's children
children went
went upup toto his
his
father in
father in aa passion,
passion, saying,
saying, certain officer's
A certain officer's son
son has
has
abused me
abused me in
in my
my mother's
mother's name.
name. Harun
Harun asked
asked his
his
ministers, What
ministers, What ought
ought toto be
be such
such aa person's
person's punish-
punish-
ment ?? One
ment One made
made aa sign
sign to
to have
have him
him put
put toto death
death; ;

another to
another to have
have his
his tongue
tongue cut
cut out
ollt; and
and aa third,
;
third, to
to
120
120
SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADI.

have him fined and banished. Harun said: 0 my

have him fined and banished. Harun said O my :

child! itit were

child
were generous to to forgive him
him; but
but ifif you
!
generous forgive ; you
have not resolution . to do that, do you
have not resolution to do that, do you abuse his
abuse his
mother in return, yet not to such a degree as to
mother in return, yet not to such a degree as to
exceed the bounds of retaliation, for in that case the
exceed the bounds of retaliation, for in that case the
injury would
would be be on
on our
our part, and
and the
the complaint on on
injury part, complaint
that of the
that of
the antagonist.-" " In the opinion of the
In the opinion of the
antagonist.
prudent he he isis no
no hero
hero that
that can
can dare
dare·toto combat
combat aa
prudent
furious elephant;
furious elephant
but that man is in truth a hero who
but that man is in truth a hero who,
;
when provoked to anger, will not speak intemperately
when provoked to anger, will not speak intern per ately.
-A cross-grained fellow
A cross-grained fellow abused
abused aa certain
certain person; he he
person ;
bore it patiently, and ·said, 0 well-disposed
bore it patiently, and said, O well-disposed man
man! I
I !

am still more wicked than thou art

am still more wicked than thou art calling me forcalling me; for
;
1 know my defects better than thou 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 o
I was seated in a vessel along with some persons of
distinction, when
when aa boat
boat sunksunk astern
astern of
of us
us and
and two
two
distinction,
brothers were drawn into the
brothers were drawn into the whirlpool.
whirlpool. One of
One of ourour
gentlemen called
called to
to the
the pilot, saying, Save
Save those
those two
two
gentlemen pilot, saying,
drowning men and I will give you a hundred dinars
drowning men and I will give you a hundred dinars.
The pilot went
The went and
and rescued
rescued oneone ofof them, butbut the
the
pilot them,
other perished.
other perished.
I observed, That man's
I observed, That man's time was
time was
come, therefore
therefore you were
were tardy in in assisting him, and
and
come, you tardy assisting him,
alert in saving this
alert in saving this other.
other. The pilot smiled,
The pilot smiled, and and
replied, What
What you say isis the the essence
essence ofof inevitable
inevitable
replied, you say
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
the desert he set me on a camel; whereas, when a
the desert he set me on a camel whereas, when a
;

boy, II had
had received
received aa horsewhipping from from that
that other.
other.
boy, horsewhipping
 SHAIKH SA.DI. 121
SHAIKH SADL 121
-God Almighty was all Justke and equity: whoever
God Almighty
laboured zmto goodwas all justice and equity: whoever
experienced good in himself/ and he
laboured imto
who toiled 1tnto evil experienced
good experienced in himself
goodevil.-" and Jie
So ; long as
"
who toiled unto evil experienced evil. So
thou art able grate nobody's heart, for in this path long as
thou
there art able
must begrate
thorns. Expedite
nobody's thefor
heart, in this path
concerns of the
there must be thorns. the
poor and needy; for thy own concerns may need
Expedite concerns of theto
"< ..I poor and needy for thy own concerns may need to
be expedited." ;

be expedited."
XXXVI.
XXXVI.
There were two brothers in Egypt, one of whom
Therethe
served king,two
were andbrothers
the otherinate one of
the bread
Egypt, whom
ofhis own
served the king, and the other ate the bread of his own
industry. . On one occasion the rich man said to his
poor brother,
industry. On Whyone occasion
do you the serveman
not rich king,to that
the said his

poor Why do you not serve the king, that

you may relieve yourself from the hardship of labour?
brother,
relieve yourself from the hardship of labour?
He may
you replied, Why do you not engage in business, that
He Why doyourself
you may release
replied, you not engage
from the in business, that
ignominy of
you may release yourself from the ignominy of
service? As philosophers have said :-To eat barley-
bread andAs
service ?
sit philosophers
at our own ease, more To
haveissaid : eat barley-
creditable than
bread and sit at our own ease, is more creditable than
to wear a golden girdle and stand up in service.-" "
To
use the hands in making quicklime into mortarTois
to wear a golden girdle and stand up in service.
use the hands in making quicklime into mortar is
better than to cross them on the breast in attendance
better than to cross them on the breast in attendance
on a prince.-My precious life was wasted in the
on a prince. My precious life was wasted in the
thought of what I must eat in the summer, and wear
thought of what I must eat in the summer, and wear
in the winter. Be content, 0 ignoble belly! with a
crust of bread, Be
in the winter.
thatcontent, O ignoble
thou mayest not bend with
belly thy
!
backa
crust of bread, that thou mayest not bend thy back
double in servitude."
double in servitude."
XXXVII.
XXXVII.
A person announced to N ushirowan the Just,
A person
saying, I haveannounced Nushirowan
heard thatto God, the great,
glorious and Just,
I have heard that God, glorious and
has removed
saying, from this world a certain man who was
great,
has removed from this world a certain man who was
 I22
122 SHAIKHSAD
SHAIKH SA.D£. I.

your enemy.
your enemy. He He said,
said, Have
Have you
you had
had any
any intelli-
intelli-
gence
gence
that
that he
he has
has overlooked
overlooked me
me ?
" In the death of
?-"In the death of
a arival
rival I I have
havenonoroom
room for
forexultation,
exultation,since
sincemymylife
life
alsoisisnot
also nottotolast
lastfor
forever."
ever."

XXXVIII.
XXXVIII.

AtAt the
thecourt
court ofofKisra,
Kisra,oror Nushirowan,
Nushirowan, a a cabinet
cabinet
council were
council were debating
debating some state affair.
some state affair. Abuzar-
Abuzar-
chamahr, who
chamahr, who sat
sat asas president,
president, was
was silent
silent They
They
askedhim,
asked him,Why
Whydodoyou
younotnotjoin
joinususininthis
thisdiscussion
discussion?
?

Hereplied,
He replied,Such
Suchministers
ministersofofstate
stateare
arelike
likephysicians,
physicians,
and a a physician
and physicianwill
will prescribe
prescribea a medicine
medicineonlyonlytotoa a
sickman
sick man;
;
accordingly, so long as I see that your
accordingly, so long as I see that your
opinions are judicious, it were ill-judged in me to
opinions are judicious, it were ill-judged in me to
obtrudea aword.
obtrude word.-"
" While business can proceed with-
While business can proceed with-
outmy
out myinterference,
interference,ititdoes
doesnot
notbehove
behoveme
metotospeak
speak
on the
on the subject
subject; but
;
but were
were I I toto see
see a a blind
blind man
man
walkinginto
walking intoa apit,
pit,I I would
would bebe much blameififI I
much toto blame
remainedsilent"
remained silent"
XXXIX.
XXXIX.

Whenhehereduced
When reducedthethe kingdom
kingdomofofMisr,
Misr,ororEgypt,
Egypt
to obedience, Harun-ar-rashid said, In
to obedience, Harun-ar-rashid said, In contempt ofcontempt o
that impious rebel [Pharaoh], who, in
that impious rebel [Pharaoh], who, in his pride ofhis pride o
the sovereignty of Egypt, boasted a divinity,
the sovereignty of Egypt, boasted a divinity, I will I will
bestow itsits government
bestow government onlyonly onon the
the vilest
vilest ofof my
my
slaves.
slaves. He had a negro bondsman, called
He had a negro bondsman, called Khosayib, Khosayib,
preciouslystupid,
preciously stupid,and
andhim
himheheappointed
appointed totorule
ruleover
over
Egypt. They tell us that his judgment
Egypt. They tell us that his judgment and under- and under-
standing were
standing were such,
such, that
that when
when a a body
body ofof farmers
farmers
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADL 12 3
123
complained to him, saying, We had planted some
complained to him, saying, We had planted some
cotton
cotton shrubs
shrubs on on the
the banks
banks ofof the
the Nile, and the rains
Nile, and the rains
came
came unseasonably, and
and swept them
them all away;-he he
unseasonably, swept all away ;

replied, You
You ought
ought
to
to sow
sow wool,
wool,
that
that itit
might not
not be
be
replied, might
swept away! AA good and and holy man
man heard
heard this, and
and
swept away !
good holy this,
said
said:-" Were
"
Wereour ourfortune
fortuneto tobe
beincreased
increased in in proportion
:
proportion
to
to our
our knowledge, none could be scantier than the
knowledge, none could be scantier than the
share
share ofofthethe fool;
fool but fortune ;m
but fortune
;
bestow such wealth
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. Power
Power and fortune depend not
and fortune depend not on on know-
know-
ledge, they are are obtained
obtained only through the
the aid
aid of
of
ledge, they only through
heaven; for it has often happened in
heaven for it has often happened in this world that
;
this world that
the
the illiterate are honoured, and the wise held in
illiterate are honoured, and the wise held in
scorn.
scorn. The fool in
The fool in his
his idleness
idleness found
found aa treasure
treasure underunder
aa ruin;
ruin ;
the
the chemist, or projector, fell the
chemist, or projector, fell the victim
victim of of
disappointment and and chagrin."
disappointment chagrin."

XL
XI*

[This Apologue isispartly omltted.]

[This Apologue 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
of intoxication ... and
intoxication .and passion
. .
he forced her upon a
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
his nose, and the lower one doubled down
nose, and the lower one doubled down upon his
upon his
chin.
chin. He had such a hideous appearance
He had such a hideous appearance that the that the
demon
demon Sakhr
Sakhr would
would havehave been
been terrified
terrified at
at seeing
seeing
him, and fountains of liquid pitch trickled
him, and fountains of liquid pitch trickled from his
from his
arm-pits.-"" Thou
Thou mayest affirm that, till the end of
mayest affirm that, till the end of
arm-pits.
time, beauty and deformity had their extreme in
time, beauty and deformity had their extreme in
Joseph and him.
and him. He He was
was not
not aa person who had such
person who had such
Joseph
124
SHAIKHSADL
SHAIKH SADL

a asort
sort ofof forbidding aspect that
forbidding aspect
that anywords
any
words could
could
describe his
describe his ugliness. God
God deliver
deliver usus from
from the
the
ugliness.
noisomenessofofhis
noisomeness his arm-pits;it itwas
wasa acarcase
carcasewelter-
welter-
arm-pits ;
ing in a dog-day sun."
ing in a dog-day sun."
The negrowas
The wasatatthat
that juncturethe
theslave
slaveofofhis
his
negro juncture
libidinous andcarnal
libidinousand carnal appetites:hehe gave waytotohis
his
appetites gave way:

I ust, and deflowered the damsel. InIn the

lust, and deflowered the damsel.
the morning
morning
the king soughtafter
the afterbut
butdid didnotnotfindfindher.her. They
They
king sought
informedhim
informed himwhatwhathad had happened. He He gotfurious,
furious,
happened. got
andordered
and orderedthat that theyshould shouldbind bindthe the negro and and
they negro
damselhand
damsel handand andfoot,
foot,and
and precipitatethem them together
precipitate together
fromthe
from the pinnacleofofthe thecastle
castletotothethebottom
bottomofofthe the
pinnacle
moat One
moat. Oneofofhis hisministers,
ministers,and anda aman manofofbenevo-
benevo-
lence, laid the face of intercession on the earth, and
lence, laid the face of intercession on the earth, and
said:
said : LetLetthe theuniverse
universeaccord
accordwith withthethewishes
wishesofofhis his
majesty, and let fortune and dominion
majesty, and let fortune and dominion be his hand-
be his hand-
maids. InInthis
maids. thisinstance,
instance,the the negrowas wasnot notininfault
fault;
negro ;

for all the servants and dependants

for all the servants and dependants about the court about the court
are accustomed to the bounty and
are accustomed to the bounty and munificence of his munificence of his
highness.
highness.
He replied: Had he restrained
He replied Had he restrained his passion
:
his passion
forone
for onenight,
night,whatwhatwould
wouldhave havebeenbeenhis hisloss,
loss,for
forI I
would in her room have given
would in her room have given him a more precious him a more precious
bondswoman?
bondswoman ? HeHesaidsaid:O0 my
:
mylord lord!have
!
haveyou younotnot
heard what the witty
heard what the witty have remarked have remarked-" "
When a a
When
person parched with thirst reaches
person parched with thirst reaches a clear and limpid
a clear and limpid
fountain, fancy not that he would
fountain, fancy not that he would regard a furious
regard a furious
elephant. AA hungry
elephant.
hungryinfidel,
infidel,ororhypocrite,
hypocrite,alone aloneinin
a house replenished with food,
a house replenished with food, would not have the would not have the
grace to think that it was Ramazan,
grace to think that it was Ramazan, or the Moham-
or the Moham-
medanmonth
medan monthofofLent."Lent."
The king was pleased atatthis
The king was pleased thisjest.
jest. He Hereplied,
replied,TheThe
 SHAIKH
SHATKH SADI.
SAD I. 125
V

negro I bestow upon you; now what am I to do with

negro I bestow upon you now what am I to do with
;

the
the damsel?
damsel ? He He said, Give her to the negro, for it is
said, Give her to the negro, for it is
meet
meet that
that aa dog
dog should
should eat
eat the
the leavings of a dog.-
leavings of a dog.
"Never
"
Never approve of her as a mistress who can
approve of her as a mistress who can go
go aa
wandering into forbidden places. The heart of the
wandering into forbidden places. The heart of the
thirsty can never be brought to relish sweet water
thirsty can never be brought to relish sweet water
that
that hashas passed the lip of a stinkard. Now
passed the lip of a stinkard. Now the
the
orange is soiled by having fallen in the mire,
orange is soiled by having fallen in the mire, how can
how can
~ .. ' itit again grace the hand of a king? how can the heart
again grace the hand of a king ? how can the heart
of
of the parched wish
the parched wish for
for the
the drink
drink- where
where the
the cup
cup
has
has been in contact with a mouth offensive in
been in contact with a mouth offensive in its
its
"
breath?
breath ?"
XLI.
XLI.

They
They asked
asked Sikander
Sikander Rumi,Rumi, or or Alexander
Alexander the the
Greek, saying,
Greek, saying, How
How came
came you
you to
to conquer
conquer the
the regions
regions
of
ofthe
the east
east and
and west,
west,when
when former
former monarchs
monarchs exceeded
exceeded
you
you in
in years
years andand treasures,
treasures, in in dominion
dominion and and power,
power,
and none of
and none of them
them gained
gained such
such easy
easy victories?
victories? He
He
answered,
answered, Whatever
Whatever kingdom I subdued,
kingdom subdued, through
I through the
the
grace
grace ofof aa most
most high
high God,God, II never
never oppressed
oppressed its its
people,
people,
nor
nor took
took the
the names
names of
of ,
i ts
its kings,
kings,
unless
unless in
in
good part.-"
good part
" Men of sense esteem him not magnani-
Men of sense esteem him not magnani-
mous
mous whowho can
can speak
speak disrespectfully
disrespectfully of of the
the mighty
mighty
and great A
and great A throne
throne andand dominion,
dominion, command
command and and
prohibition, conquest
prohibition, conquest
and
and triumph,
triumph, all
all these
these are
are
vanity
vanity and
and folly
folly
once
once they
they are
are gone by.
gone by. Traduce
Traduce
not
not the
the fame
fame of of such
such as as went
went before,
before, that
that thy
thy fair
fair
name
name may
may remain
remain as
as aa memorial
memorial ofof thee,"
thee."
 CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER II.

OF THE
OF THE MORALS
MORALS OF
OF DARWESHES.
DARWESHES.

I.

AA PERSON of distinction
PERSON of distinction asked
asked aa parsa, oror devout
parsa,
devout
and holy man,
and What do
man, saying, What do you offer
offer inin justi-
justi-
holy saying, you
fication ofaacertain
fication of certain abid,
abid,another
another species
speciesof
of Moham-
Moham-
medan monk,
medan monk, whose
whose character
character others
others have
have been
been soso
ready to question? He He replied: In In his
his outward
outward
ready to question ? replied :

behaviour I see nothing to blame,

behaviour I see nothing to blame, and with theand with the
secrets of his heart I claim no
secrets of his heart I claim no acquaintance.acquaintance.-
""Whomsoever thou seest in a pars a's habit, con-
Whomsoever thou seest in a parsa's habit, con-
sider him
sider him aa parsa,
parsa, oror holy,
holy, and
and esteem
esteem him
him asas aa
good man
man; andand ififthou
thou knowest
knowest not
not what
whatisispassing
passing
good ;

in his
in his mind, what business has the mohtasib, or
mind, what business has the mohtasib, or
censor, with the inside of the house?"
censor, with the inside of the house ?
"

II.
II.

I I saw
sawaadarwesh
danvesh who,
who,having
having laid
laid his
his head
head atat the
the
fane of the Cabah of Mecca, was complaining
fane of the Cabah of Mecca, was complaining and and
saying, 0 gracious, 0 merciful God! thou thou knowest
knowest
saying, O gracious, O merciful God !

what can proceed from the sinful and ignorant

what can proceed from the sinful and ignorant that that
maybe be worthy
worthy of
ofthy acceptance !-"
thy acceptance " I brought my
I brought my
may !
 SHAIKH SAD
SHAIKH SADl I.
127

excuse of
excuse of imperfect performance, for
for II have
have no
no claim
claim
imperfect performance,
on the
on the score of obedience.
score of obedience. The
The wicked
wicked repent them them
repent
of their
of their sins;
sins; such
such as
as know
know God
God confess
confess aa deficiency
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,I, aa devoted
tion, merchants a profit on their traffic.
devoted
servant,
servant,
have
have brought hope, not
not obedience,
obedience,
and
and have
have
brought hope,
come as
come as aa beggar, andand not
not for lucre !-Do
for lucre Do unto
unto me
me
beggar, !

.... vvhat
'what is
is worthy
worthy ofof thyself
thyself;; but deal not
out deal not with
witlt me
me asas II
1nyse/f have deserved.-"" Whether
myself have deserved.
Whether thou thou wilt
wilt slay me
slay
me
or pardon
or pardon my my offence,
offence, my head
head and
and face
face are
are prostrate
my prostrate
at thy
at thy threshold.
threshold. ThyThy servant
servant has
has nono will
will of
of his
his own
own; ;

whatever thou
whatever thou commandest,
commandest, that that hehe will
will perform.-
perform.
A t the
At the door
door of
of the
the Cabah
Cabah II saw
saw aa petitioner, who who was
was
petitioner,
praying and
and weeping bitterly. I
I
ask
ask not, saying,
praying weeping bitterly. 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
Within the sanctuary
sanctuary ofof the
the Cabah,
Cabah, at at Mecca,
Mecca, II
saw Abd-u'l-cadur the Gilani, who
saw Abd-u'1-cadur the Gilani, who having laid having laid his
his
face upon the Hasa, or black stone,
face upon the Hasa, or black stone, was saying, was saying,
Spare and pardon me, 0 God! and if, at
Spare and pardon me, O God and !
at all
all events,
if,
events, II
am doomed to punishment, raise me
am doomed to punishment, raise me up at the up at the day
day
of resurrection blindfolded, that I may not
of resurrection blindfolded, that I may not be put be put to
to
shame in the eyes of the righteous.-"
shame in the eyes of the righteous. " Every morning
Every morning
when the day begins
the day begins toto dawn,
dawn, with
with my face
when my face in in the
the
dust
dust of humility, I am saying, O thou, whom II
of humility, I am saying, 0 thou, whom
never can
never can forget,
forget, dost
dost thou
thou ever
ever bestow
bestow aa thought
thought
on thy servant?"
on thy servant ?
"
I28
128 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADI.

IV.
IV.

A
A thief
thief got into a holy man's cell; but however
got into a holy man's cell but however
;

much
much he he searched, he could find nothing to steal,
searched, he could find nothing to steal,
and
and waswas going away disappointed. The The good soul
going away disappointed. good soul
was
was aware
aware ofof what
what waswas passing, and
and taking up the
passing, taking up the
rug onon which
which he
he had
had slept, he
he put itit in his
his way that
rug slept, put in way that
he
he might not
not miss
miss his
his object.-"" II have
have heard
heard that
that
might object.
the
the heroes
heroes onon the the path of
of God
God will
will
not
not distress
distress the
the
path
hearts
hearts ofof their
their enemies.
enemies. How
How canst
canst thou
thou attain
attain this
this
dignified station who art at strife and warfare with
dignified station who art at strife and warfare with
thy
thy
friends?
friends ?
""
The
The loving-kindness of the righteous, whether
loving-kindness of the righteous, whether
before
before your face or behind your back, is not such
your face or behind your back, is not such
that
that they will
will censure
censure you when
when absent, and offer to
absent, and offer to
they you
die
die for
for you when
when present.-"" Face
Face to
to face
face meek
meek as as aa
you present.
lam b, behind your back like a man-devouring wol£
lamb, behind your back like a man-devouring wolf.
Whoever
Whoever brings you, and sums up the faults of
brings you, and sums up the faults of
others, will doubtless
others, will doubtless
expose your defects
defects to to them."
them."
expose your

v.
V.

Some
Some travelling mendicants had agreed to club
travelling mendicants had agreed to club
in a body and participate in
in a body and participate in the
the cares
cares and
and comforts
comforts
of society.
of society. I expressed a wish that I might
I expressed a wish that I might be one
be one
of the party, but they refused to
of the party, but they refused to admit me.admit me. I
I said:
said
It is rare and inconsistent with the generous
It is rare and inconsistent with the generous disposi- disposi-
tions of
tions of darweshes
darweshes to to turn
turn their
their faces
faces from
from aa good-
good-
fellowship with the poor, and ~ to deny them its
fellowship with the poor, and to deny them its
benefits, for on my part II feel
benefits, for on my feel such
such aa zeal
zeal and
and
part
 SHAIKHSADL
SHAIKH SADI. 129

good-will, that in the service of the liberal I arp likely

good-will, that in the service of the liberal I am likely
to prove
to prove rather
rather an
an active
active associate
associate than
than aa grievous
grievous
" Though not one of those
load.-" who are
are mounted
1IZozmted
load. Though not one of those who
onthe
on thecamels,
camels,II will
willdo
do my tltatI1may
best,tfiat
my best, maycarry
carrytheir
their
saddle-cloths."-
saddle-cloths"
Oneof
One of them
them answered
answered and and said
said: Be
:
Benot not offended
offended
at what you have heard, for some days back aa thief
at what you have heard, for some days back thief
joined us in the garb of a darwesh,
joined us in the garb of a darwesh, and strung him-
and strung him-
. self
..selfupon
upon thethe cord
cord ofofour
our acquaintance.
acquaintance.-" " How can
How can
people know what he is that wears
people know what he is that wears that dress. The that dress. The
writer can alone tell the contents
writer can alone tell the contents of the letter." of the letter."-In In
consequenceof
consequence ofthat
thatreverence
reverence inin which
which the the darwesh
darwesh
characterisisheld,
character held,they
theydid didnot
notthink
thinkof of hishisprofligacy,
profligacy,
andadmitted
and admittedhim him into
into their
their society.
society.-" " The outward·
The outward
character of
character of the
the holy
holy isis aa patched
patchedcloakcloak; this
;
thismuch
much
isis sufficient,
sufficient, that
that itit has
has aa threadbare
threadbare hood. hood. Be Be
industrious inin thy
industrious thy calling,
calling, and
and wear
wear whatever
whatever dress dress
thouchoosest
thou choosest. Put Putaadiadem
diadem on on thy
thy head,
head,and and bear
bear
aa standard
standard on on thy
thy shoulder.
shoulder. Holiness
Holiness does does notnot
consistininaa coarse
consist coarsefrock.
frock. Let Let aa zahid,
zahid,ororholy holy man,
man,
bebetruly
trulypious,
pious,and
andhehe maymaydress
dress inin satin.
satin. SanctitySanctity
isis not
not merely
merely aa change
change of ofdress
dress; it·it isis an
;
an abandon-
abandon-
mentof
ment of the
theworld,
world,its
itspomp
pompand andvanity.
vanity. ItItrequiresrequires
herototowear
aa hero wearaacoat
coatof ofmail,
mail,forforwhat
·whatwouldwouldititprofit
profit
toto dress
dress an an hermaphrodite,
hermaphrodite, oror coward,
coward, inin aa suit suit ofof
armour?" " •
armour ?

InIn short
short wewe had
had one
one dayday travelled
travelled till till dark,
dark, andand
at night composed ourselves for sleep
at night composed ourselves for sleep under the wall under the wall
ofofaa castle.
castle. That
That graceless
graceless thief
thieftook
took up up hishis neigh-
neigh-
bour's ewer, saying, I am going
bour's ewer, saying, I am going to my ablutions to my ablutions;
;

and he
and he waswas setting
setting outout for
for plunder.
plunder.-" " Behold a
Behold a
75 1
751
 13 0
130 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADL
religiou.s
religious man,man, whowho threwthrew aa patched
patched cloak cloak over over hishi
shoulders; he made the
shoulders ;
he made the covering
covering of of the
the Cabah
Cabah the th
housing
housing of of anan ass."-So
ass." So soon
soon as as hehe got
got out out of of the
th
sight
sight of the darweshes,
of the darweshes, he scaled a bastion of the fort
he scaled a bastion of the for
and
and stole
stole aa casket.
casket. . Before
Before break
break of ofdayday that
that gloomy-
gloomy-
minded robber had got
minded robber had got a great
a great way
way off,off, and
and left
left his
hi
innocent companions
innocent companions asleep. asleep. In the morning
In the morning they they
were
were all
all carried
carried intointo the the citadel,
citadel, andand thrown
thrown into into a
dungeon.
dungeon. From From that that timetime we we have
have declined
declined any any
addition to our party,
addition to our party, and kept
and kept apart
apart to to ourselves,
ourselves
for
for there
there £s
is safety
safety in in unz"ty,
unity, but
but danger
danger z'n in dual£ty
duality or or aa
"
multitude.-"
multitude. When an
When an individual
individual of of aa sect
sect committed
committed
anan act
act of
of folly,
folly, the
the high
high andand the
the lowlow sunksunk in in their
thei
. dignity.
dignity. Dost
Dost thou
thou not
not see
see that
that one
one ox
ox in
in aa
pasturage
pasturage will
will cast
cast aa slur
slur upon
upon all
all the
the oxen
oxen of
of the
the
"
village?
village ?"
II said:
said: LetLet there
there be be thanksgiving
thanksgiving to to aa Deity
Deity of o
majesty
majesty and and glory
glory thatthat II am am notnot forbid
forbid the the benefits
benefits
ofof darweshes,
darweshes, notwithstanding
notwithstanding II am am in in appearance
appearance
excluded
excluded from from their
their society;
society and;
and II am am instructed
instructed by by
this
this narration,
narration, and and others
others like
like meme may may profit
profit by by its
its
"
moral
moral during
during their their remaining
remaining lives.-"
lives. From one
From one
indiscreet
indiscreet person
person in in an an assembly
assembly aa host host of of thethe
prudent
prudent may may get hurt If
get hurt. If they
they fill
fill aa cistern
cistern to to the
the
brim
brim with
with rose-water,
rose-water, and and let
let aa dog
dog fallfall into
into it,
it, the
the
whole
whole will
will bebe contaminated."
contaminated."

VI.
VI.

AA Zahid
Zahid was
was the
the guest
guest of
of aa king. When he
king. When he sat
sat
down at table ate more
down at table he ate more sparingly
he sparingly from that than
from that than
 SHAIKH SADL 13 1
SHAIKH SADL 131
his appetite inclined him, and when he stood up at
prayers
his he continued
appetite longer
inclined him, and atwhen
themhethanstood it was
up at his
custom; that they might
prayers he continued longer form a high opinion ofhis
at them than it was his
sanctity.-"
custom ;
that I they
fear, might
0 Arab! formthat thouopinion
a high wilt notofreachhis
"
the Cabah;
sanctity. I fear, O Arab
for the road that
! thatthou
thouartwilttaking leads
not reach
to Turkistan,
the Cabah foror the
; the road
regionthatof infidels."
thou art taking leads
When he returned
to Turkistan, homeofheinfidels."
or the region ordered the table to be
When that
spread he might
he returned home
eat. heHis son was
ordered theatable
youthto of be a
~shrewdthat
. spread understanding.
he might eat. He Hissaid: 0 father,
son was a youth perhaps
of a
you ateunderstanding.
shrewd little or nothing He atsaidthe O
: feast of the
father, king?
perhaps
He
you answered,
ate little In
or his presence
nothing at the I ate
feastscarce
of the anything
king?
Hethatanswered,
could answer
In his its purpose!
presence I ateThenscarceretorted
anything the
that Repe~t
boy, could also its
answer your prayers,
purpose ! Then
that nothing
retorted thebe
omitted
boy, Repeat that can
also serve a purpose.-"
your prayers, that Yes, thy
nothing virtues
be
"
thou hast
omitted thatexposed in the
can serve palm of thy
a purpose. hand,
Yes, thythy vices
virtues
thouhast
thou hastexposed
hid underin thethy
palmarm-pit.
of thy hand,Takethy heed,
vices0
hypocrite,
thou hast hidwhatunder
thou thywilt arm-pit
be able toTake purchase
heed, withO
this basewhat
hypocrite, money thouonwiltthe bedayableoftoneed or day
purchase withof
judgment."
this base money on the day of need or day of
judgment." VII.
VII.
I remember that in my early youth I was overmuch
religious
I remember and that
vigilant,
in my andearlyscrupulously pious and
youth I was overmuch
abstinentandOne
religious night and
vigilant, I satscrupulously
up in attendance
pious onand my
abstinent. One night
father, on whom be God's mercy,
I sat never
up in once closed
attendance on my my
father, on whom
eyes during thebe whole night, never
God's mercy, and held
oncethe precious
closed my
Koran
eyes open the
during on my
whole lap,night,
while and
the company
held the around
preciousus
were fast
Koran openasleep.
on my lap,I said to my company
while the father: Not
aroundan indi-
us
vidual
were fastof asleep.
these willI raise
said his
to head that heNot
my father mayanperform
: indi-
his genuflections,
vidual of these will or ritual
raise his of
headprayer;
that hebut they
may are all
perform
so genuflections,
his sound asleep, that you might
or ritual of prayer conclude
but they
; they
are were
all

so sound asleep, that you might conclude they were

13 2 SHAIKH SADI.
1 32 SHAIKH SADI.
dead. He replied: 0 emanation of your father, you
dead.
had alsoHe
better have O
replied : emanation
slept than that of you
yourshould you
father,thus
had also better
calumniate the have
failings of than
slept that youThe
mankind.-" should thus
braggart
"
calumniate
can discern the
onlyfailings
his ownof mankind. The braggart
precious person; he will
can discern his own precious person he will
draw the veil of conceit
only all around him. W ere fortune
;

draw
to the veil
bestow uponof him
conceit all around him.
God's Were
all-searching eye, he fortune
would
to bestow upon him God's all-searching eye, he would
find nobody weaker than himself."
find nobody weaker than himself."

VIII.
VIII.
In a company they were extolling a gentleman of
In a company they were his a gentleman of
distinction and magnifying splendid
extolling virtues. He
distinction and magnifying his splendid virtues.
raised his head, and said, I am such as I know I am He
raised his head, and said, I am such as I know I am
_" It suffices with thee, 0 sir, that summest up my
"It
good works, as they
suffices thee, O
withappear outwardly, summest
sir, that but up my
"thou knowes
good as they appear outwardly, but thou knowest
not the secrets of my heart."-"" In the eyes of mankind
works,
not the secrets of my heart" the eyes of mankind
my outward person is a goodlyInobject; but my head
my outward person is a goodly object
hung down in shame at the deformity but ;
of my head
mymind.
hung down in shame at the deformity of my mind.
People are crying up the rich and variegated plumage
of the are
People peacock, up the
cryingand he rich and variegated
is himself blushingplumage
at the
of the peacock, and he is himself blushing at the
sight of his ugly feet."
sight of his ugly feet."
IX.
IX.
One of the holy men of Mount Lebanon, whose
One of were
discourses the holy men and
esteemed, of Mount Lebanon,
his miracles whose
renowned
discourses were esteemed, and his miracles renowned
throughout the regions of Arabia, entered the metro-
throughout the regions of Arabia, entered the metro-
politan mosque at Damascus; and was performing
his ablutions by at
politan mosque theDamascus the was
reservoir atand
;
well,performing
when, his
his ablutions by the reservoir at the well, when, hi
foot slipping, he fell into the cistern, and extricated
foot slipping, he fell into the cistern, and extricated
himself from it with considerable difficulty. After
himself from it with considerable difficulty. After
they had finished their prayers one .of his companions
they had finished their prayers one of his companions
 SHAIKH SAD
SHAIKH SADI.
I. 133

said:
said
: A point
A point of some perplexity
of some offers itself,
perplexity offers which
itself, which
with your leave,
with leave, II will
will state.
state. The
The holyholy manman asked,
asked,
What is
What is it?
it ? He said:
He can recollect
said II can
:
recollect thatthat the
the Shaikh,
or his
or his reverence, would would walkwalk on on thethe surface
surface of of the
the
western ocean, and
western and notnot wetwet his
his -foot
foot. How
How camecame it it

to-day that, in in this

this scarcely
scarcely a man's depth of
a man's of water,
water,
you werewere all drowned ? what
but drowned?
all but what doesdoes thisthis mean
mean??
The holy man
The man dropped his 'head on
his -head on the bosom of
the bosom of
< .. _ reflection,
reflection, and and after some profound
after some profound thought raised raised

it,
it, and answered, Have
and Have you not heard what
not heard what that
that
prince
prince of the universe, Mohammed
of the Mohammed Mustofa, upon upon
whom
whom be God's blessing
be God's and'peace
blessing and peace, said
\ There is
said :-Tltere
: is a time
a time
when II am
Whe1Z am with God; and
with God/ and hehe will
will not show the
not show the favour

he
he does
does meme toto the
the angels
angels of his and prophets
affictz(J1Z and
his affection prophets of
his
his revelat£on.-But
revelation. But he did not
he did not say it it isis always so. so.
On one
On one occasion
occasion thatthat he he described, he he would
would not not
converse with
converse with Gabriel
Gabriel and and Michael
Michael; and
;
and on on another,
another,
he could
he hold an
could hold an intercourse with Hofzah
intercourse with Hofzah and and Zynob
[two of of his
his wives].-The
wives]. The visions
visions of of the inspired are
the inspired are
revelation and
revelation and tenabrosity;
tenabrosity ;
he
he isis directing
directing and and be-be-
them. " Thou
wildering them.-" Thou unveilest
unveilest thinethine eyes and and
continence
preachest up continence; thou givest
;
thou an activity to
givest an activity to the
the
mart where they are
mart where are sold, and it:Jflamest
sold, and inflamest our our desires.
desires.
I/ behold
behold him him [God] whom whom my heart heart desires with-
desires with-
out tlze veil of intervention, therefore
out the veil I
therefore I become like him
become like him
who loses his way, he stirs up aa flame and
who loses his he stirs then quenches
and then
it
it by sprinkl£ng
sprinkling water,
water, on on which
whiclz account
account thou seest me
thou seest me atat
moment and
oue moment burning and the next drowning.
one the next A
drowni1zg.-A person person
questioned Jacob, or him who
or him who had lost Joseph, his
had lost his
O and
son, saying, 0 illustrious and intelligent
son, illustrious intelligent old old man,
thou didst
thou smell the
didst smell the perfume of of his
his garment at at the
the
i34
134
SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADL
distance of Egypt, how earnest thou not to discover
distance of Egypt, how earnest thou not
" to discover
in the well of Canaan?" He
him
him when hid in the well of Canaan ?
when hid He replied
replied::

condition is that of lightning as at one moment

My condition
My is that of lightning; as at one moment
;

seen in a flash, and the next disappearing. This

seen in a flash, and the next disappearing. This
instant I can aspire to the highest mansion of heaven,
instant I can aspire to the highest mansion of hea~en,
and the next I cannot discern the instep of my foot
and the next I cannot discern the instep of my foot.
Could the darwesh's mind remain fixed on its object
Could the darwesh's mind remain fixed on its object
the contemplation and adoration of the
(namely, the
(namely, contemplation and adoration of the
he wash his hands of this world and the
might wash
Deity), he might
Deity), his hands of this world and the
next (that is, attain his re-union with God).
next (that is, attain his re-union with God).

X.
x.
On one occasion, at the metropolitan mosque of
On one occasion, at the metropolitan mosque of
Balbuk, I was holding forth, by way of admonition, to
Balbuk, I was holding forth, by way of admonition, to
a congregation cold and dead at heart, and not 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 ofof mysticism. I perceived that the spirit of my
paths mysticism.. I perceived that the spirit of my
discourse was making no impression, nor were the
discourse was making no impression, nor were the
of my enthusiasm likely to strike fire into their
sparks "of
sparks my enthusiasm likely to strike fire into their
humid wood. I grew weary of instructing brutes, and
humid wood. I grew weary of instructing brutes, and
of holding up a mirror to an assembly of the blind
of holding up a mirror to an assembly of the blind; ;

but the door of exposition was thrown open, and the

but the door of exposition was thrown open, and the
chain of argument extended and in explanation of
chain of argument extended; and in explanation of
;

this text in the Koran, We. are nearer to him

this text in the Koran,- We are nearer to him
[God] than the vein of his neck. I had reached that
[God] than tlte vein of his neck.-I had reached that
passage of of my sermon where I thus express myself:
passage
"
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 myself, but this is marvellous that I am
than I am to myself, but this is marvellous that I am
from her. What shall I say, and to whom
estranged from
estranged her. What shall I say, and to whom
 SHAII-(H SADI. 135
SHAIKH SADI. 135
can I I tell
tell it, that
thatsheshe lies
lies on
on mybosombosom and and I I am
can it, my am
alienated from
alienated from her."
her."-
The intoxicating spirit ofofthis
The thisdiscourse
discourseran ran into
into
intoxicating spirit
my head,and andthe the dregsofofthe the cupstill
stillrested
rested inin my
my head, dregs cup
hand, when a traveller, as passing by, entered the
my
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 I exclaimed,Praise
in unison.
PraisebebetotoGod
God!thosethose farfar
exclaimed, !

off are present in their knowledge, and

off are present in their knowledge, and those near by
those near by
are distant from their
are distant from their ignorance.
ignorance.-" " If the hearer
If the hearer has
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
not the vigour of genius in the preacher.
Give a a
scope totothe the field
field ofof inclination,that
thatthetheorator
orator may
it."may
scope inclination,
have room to strike the ball of eloquenceover
have room to strike the ball of
overit."
eloquence

XI.
XL
One nightininthe
One thedesert
desertofof Mecca,from from anan excess
excess
night Mecca,
cf drowsiness, I had not a foot to enable
cf drowsiness, I had not a foot to enable me to pro-
me to pro·
ceed; and, laying my head on the earth, I gave
ceed ; and, laying my head on the earth, I gave
myself up for for lost,andand desired
desired the
the camel-driver
camel-drivertoto
myself up lost,
leave me to my
leave me to my fate.
fate.-"
" How could the foot of the
How could the foot of the
poor jaded pedestrian go on,now nowthat
thatthe
theBactrian
Bactrian
poor jaded pedestrian go on,
dromedary got impatientofofits itsburden.
burden. While
Whilethe the
dromedary got impatient
bodyofofa afat
fatman
man isis getting lean,a a leanlean man
man must
must
body getting lean,
fall the victim of a hardship."
fall the victim of a hardship."
Thecamel-driver
The camel-driver replied: O0 brother, holyMecca Meccaisis
replied :
brother, holy
ahead,andand the
the profane robber
robberbehind
behind;ifif youcome come
ahead, profane ;you
forward
forward
you escape, but
but if if you stay here
here
you die!-
die
you escape, you stay you !
 136 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADT.

" "During
Duringthe thenight
nightjourney
journeyof ofthe
thecaravan,
caravan,and
andininthe
th
track
trackofofthe
the desert,
desert,ititisisfascinating
fascinatingtotodose
doseunder
underthe
th
acacia-thorn tree;
acacia-thorn tree but, on this indulgence,
but, on this indulgence, we
;
we must
mus
resign
resignall
allthoughts
thoughtsof ofsurviving
survivingit."
it."

XII.
XII.

I I saw
sawon on the
thesea-shore
sea-shorea aholy holymanmanwho whohad hadbeenbee
torn
torn by by a atyger,
tyger, and
and could
could get
get no
no salve
salve toto heal
heal his
hi
wound. For
wound. Fora alength
length ofoftime
timehehesuffered
suffered much
much pain,
pain
and
andwas wasallallalong
alongoffering
offeringthanks
thankstotothe the Most
Most High.
High
They
Theyaskedasked him,him,saying,
saying,Why Whyare are you
you soso grateful?
grateful
HeHeanswered,
answered, God
God bebe praised
praised that
that I I amam overtaken
overtake
"
with
with misfortune
misfortune and and not not with
with sinsinl-" Were
! Were that tha
beloved
belovedfriend, God,
friend, God, to
to give
give me
me over
over toto death,
death, take
tak
heed,
heed,and andthink
thinknotnotthat
thatI Ishould
shouldbe besolicitous
solicitous aboutabou
life.
life. I Iwould
wouldask,ask, What
What hast
hastthou
thou seen
seen amiss
amiss inin thy
th
poor
poor servant
servant that
that thy
thy heart
heart should
should take
take offence
offence ata
me?
me? for for that
that could
could alone
alone give
give me me a a moment's
moment'
uneasiness."
uneasiness."

XIII.
XIII.

Having
Havingsome
somepressing
pressingoccasion,
occasion,a adarwesh
darweshstole
stolea
rug
rug from
from the
the hut
hut ofofa a friend.
friend. TheThe judge
judgeordered
ordere
that
that they
theyshould
should cutcut off
offhishis hand.
hand. The The owner
owner ofo
the rug made intercession
the rug made intercession for
for him,
him, saying, I I have
saying, hav
forgiven
forgivenhim.
him. The Thejudge
judge replied,
replied, At
Atyour
your instance
instanc
I I cannot
cannot relax
relax thethe extreme
extreme sentence
sentence of of the
the law.
law
HeHe said:
said In
: In what
what youyou ordered
ordered you
you spoke justly.
spoke justly
Nevertheless,
Nevertheless, whoever
whoever steals portion of
steals a a portion ofany
any pro-
pro
perty
perty dedicated
dedicated totoalms
alms must
must not
notsuffer
sufferthe
the forfeiture
forfeitur
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADE.
SAD I. 137
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
proprietor of anything; and whatever appertains to
darweshes is devoted to the necessitous.
darweshes is devoted to the necessitous. The judge
The judge
withdrew his hand from punishing him,
withdrew his hand from punishing him, and by way
and by way
of reprimand asked, Had the world become
of reprimand asked, Had the world become so cir-
so cir-
cumscribed that you could not commit
cumscribed that you could not commit a theft but
a theft but
in the dwelling of such
in the dwelling of such a friend?
a friend? He answered,
He answered,
Have
Have you not
not
heard
heard
what
what they have
have said, Sweep
you they 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
but knock not at the doors of your enemies.
enemies.-" " When
When
overwhelmed
overwhelmed with calamity let not thy body pine
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
friends of their
jackets."-
jackets."

XIV.
XIV.

A
A king said to a holy man, Are you ever thinking
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
He will wander all around
getting God Almighty ! will wander all around
whom God shall drive from his
whom God shall drive from his gate andgate; he will
and he will
;
not
not let him go to another door whom he shall
let him go to another door whom he shall
direct into his own."
direct into his own."

XV.
XV.

One
One ofof the righteous in a dream saw a king in
the righteous in a dream saw a king in
paradise, and a pars a, or holy man, in hell. He He
paradise, and a parsa, or holy man, in hell.
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
we have fancied their
have fancied converse? A
their converse ? A voice came from
voice came from
above, answering, ThisThis king is in heaven because
is in heaven because
above, answering, king
138 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADJ.
SADI.

of his
of his affection
affection for
for the
the holy,
holy, and
and that
that parsa
parsa isis inin
hell because
hell because ofof his
his connection
connection with
with the
the kingly.
kingly.-
"
"What
Whatcan canaacoarse
coarse frock,
frock,rosary,
rosary,and
and patched
patched cloak
cloak
avail?
avail ? Abstain from such
Abstain from such evil evil works
works as may
as maydefile
defile
thee. There
thee. There isis nono occasion
occasion toto put
put aa felt
feltcowl
cowlupon
upon
thy
thy head.
head. Be
Be a a darwesh
darwesh inin thy actions,
thy actions, and
and wear
wear aa
Tartarian coronet"
Tartarian coronet."

XVI.
XVI.

AA pedestrian,
pedestrian,naked
naked from
from head
head toto foot,
foot,left
leftCufah
Cufah
withthe
with thecaravan
caravanofofpilgrims
pilgrims for
for Hijaj,
Hijaj,ororMecca,
Mecca,and
and
came along
came along with us. I I looked
with us. looked atat and
and saw
saw him
him
destitute of
destitute of every
every necessary
necessary for
for the
the journey
journey; yet
;
yet
he was
he was cheerfully
cheerfully pushing
pushing on,on, and
and bravely
bravely remark-
remark-
"
ing :-"
ing : I I am
am neither
neither mounted
mounted on on aa camel
camel nor nor aa
mule under
mule burden. II am
under aa burden. am neither
neither the
the lord
lord of
of
vassals nor
vassals nor the
the vassal
vassal of lord. I I think
of aa lord. think not not of
of
present sorrows
present sorrows oror past
past vanities,
vanities, butbut breathe
breathe the the
breathof
breath ofease
easeand
andlive
livethe
thelife
lifeof freedom 1""
offreedom !

AA gentleman
gentlemanmounted
mounted on on aa camel
camel said him,O0
said toto him,
darwesh, whither
darwesh, are you
whither are you going?
going? return,
return, oror you
you
must perish
must miserably. He
perish miserably. He did
did not
not heed
heed what
what hehe
said, but
said, but entered
entered the
the desert
desert on
on foot
foot and
and proceeded.
proceeded.
On our
On our reaching
reaching the
the palm
palm plantation
plantation of
of Mahmud,
Mahmud,
fate overtook
fate overtook the
the rich
rich man, and
man, and hehe died.
died. The The
darwesh went
darwesh went upup toto his
his bier
bier and said, II did
and said, did not
not
perish
perish amidst
amidst hardship
hardship on
on foot,
foot, and
and you expired on
you expired on
aa camel's
camel's back.
back.-" "AA person
person sat
sat all
all night
night weeping
weeping
by
by the
the side
side of
of aa sick
sick friend.
friend. N ext
Next day
day he
he died;
died, and
and
the invalid
the invalid recovered
recovered I-Yes!
! Yes ! many aa fleet
many fleet horse
horse
perishedby
perished bythe
the way,
way, and
and that
that lame
lame ass
ass reached
reached the
the
 SHAIKHSAD.l.
SHAIKH SADJ. 139
139

endof
end ofthe
the journey. How many of the vigorous and
How many of the vigorous and
journey.
hale did
hale did they put underground, and
and that
that wounded
wounded
they put underground,
man recovered !""
manrecovered !

XVII.
XVII.

AA king
king invited
invited an an abid,
abid, oror holy man,
holy
man, toto aa feast.
feast.
He pondered within himself, saying I will take aa
He pondered within himself, saying::
I will take
medicine that
medicine that shall
shall weaken
weaken me me; peradventure that that
; peradventure
< ·respect which
which the the king entertains
entertains for for my sanctity
respect king my sanctity
may be increased. They say it was a deadly poison.
may be increased. They say it was a deadly poison.
He swallowed
He swallowed it,it, and and died.
died.-" " That fellow who
That fellow who
seemed
seemed to me full of meat as aa pistachio
to me full of meat as pistachio nut,nut, his
his
brain was all fold over fold
brain was all fold over fold like an onion.like an onion. Such
Such
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;
whilst thus the
whilst thus the zahids,
zahids, oror hermits,
hermits, of of Omar,
Omar, Bakar,
Bakar,
and Zayid [fictitious names] pretend
and Zayid [fictitious names] pretend not to any not to any
godliness, forfor you
you are are hypocrites.
hypocrites. When When aa person
person
godliness,
calls himself
calls himselfthe the servant
servant of of God,
God, itit behoves
behoves him him toto
know
know God,God, and
and him
him only."
only."

XVIII.
XVIII.

In the
In the territory
territory of
of the
the Greeks
Greeks aa caravan
caravan was
was
attacked by
attacked by robbers,
robbers, and
and plundered
plundered ofof much
much pro-
pro-
perty. The
The merchants
merchants setset up
up aa lamentation
lamentation and
and
perty.
complaint, and besought the intercession of God
complaint, and besought the intercession ofcc God
and the
and the prophet; but
bu t all
all toto no
no purpose.-" When
When
prophet ; purpose.
the
the gloomy-minded robber is flushed with victory,
gloomy-minded robber is flushed with victory,
whatwill
what hefeel
willhe feelfor
forthe
thetraveller's
traveller'S despair."
despair."
 MO SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADI.

Lucman,
Lucman, the the fabulist
fabulist andand philosopher,
philosopher, happened
happened to t
be
be among
among them.
them. One One of of the
the travellers
travellers spoke
spoke to to him,
him,
saying, Direct
saying, Direct somesome maxims
maxims of of wisdom
wisdom and and admoni-
admoni-
tion to
tion to them;
them perhaps they may restore a part
;
perhaps they may restore a part of of our
our
goods;
goods ;
for
for it
it were
were aa pity that articles
pity that articles of
of such
such value
value
should
should be be cast
cast away.
away. He He answered:
answered It : It were
were aa pitypit
to
to cast
cast away
away the the admonitions
admonitions of of wisdom
wisdom upon upon them!
them
-""From
From thatthat iron
iron which
which the the rust
rust has
has corroded
corroded thou thou
canst
canst not
not eradicate
eradicate the the canker
canker with with aa file.
file. What
What
purpose
purpose willwill it it answer
answer to to preach
preach to to the
the gloomy-
gloomy-
minded
minded infidel?
infidel ? A A nail
nail of
ofiron
iron cannot
cannot penetrate
penetrate into int
aa piece
piece of
of flint."
flint"
Perhaps
Perhaps the the fault
fault has
has beenbeen on on ourour part
part [in [in not
not
"
being charitable],
being charitable], as
as they
they have
have said
said :-"
: On
On the
the day
day of
o
thy ·prosperity
thy prosperity remember
remember the
the bankrupt
bankrupt and
and needy,
needy,
for by
for by visiting
visiting the the hearts
hearts of of the
the poor
poor withwith charity
charit
thou
thou shalt
shalt divert
divert calamity.
calamity. When When the the beggar
beggar solicits
solicit
alms
alms fromfrom thee,thee, bestow
bestow it
it with
with aa good
good gracegrace;
otherwise
otherwise the the tyrant
tyrant may
may come
come and and take
take itit by
by force."
force."

XIX.
XIX.

However
However muchmuch my my ghostly
ghostly tutor,tutor, Shaikh
Shaikh Shums-
Shums-
u'd-din
u'd-din Abu'l-firah-bin-J uzi,
Abu'1-firah-bin-Juzi, of
of Baghdad,
Baghdad, might incul-
might incul
cate
cate my relinquishment
my relinquishment of
of the
the darwesh's
darwesh's dance
dance and
and
song,
song, and
and recommend
recommend aa life
life of
of monastic
monastic privacy and
privacy and
retirement,
retirement, he
he could
could not
not reach
reach the
the ear
ear of
of my
my assent,
assent
the
the spring-tide
spring-tide of
ofyouth
youth would
would overflow,
overflow, and
and vigour
vigour ofo
sensuality prevail.
sensuality prevail. Wretch
Wretch as
as II was,
was, in
in opposition
opposition to
t
that
that preceptor's
preceptor's good
good sense,
sense, II would
would let let my
my feet
feet lead
lead
me
me astray,
astray, and
and give way
give way to
to the
the enjoyment
enjoyment of
of music
music
 SHAIKH SAD
SHAIKH SADI.
I. 141

and conviviality; and

and and whenever
whenever thethe advice
advice ofof that
that
conviviality;
sage might cross
cross my thought, II would would whisk
whisk me
me aa -
sage might my thought,
circular dance, and
circular and cry,-" " Were the crazy to sit down
Were the crazy to sit down
dance, cry,
in our
in our party, he
he would
would clap his his hands
hands from
from joy; were
were
party, clap joy;
the censor
the censor to
to drink
drink wine,
wine, he he would
would overlook
overlook those
those that
that
get intoxicated
intoxicated: ""-till
till
one night that
one that II got into
into aa
get :
night got
mixed company, and
mixed and met
met among them them aa minstrel.
minstrel.-
company, among
.,. ""Thou mayest say, the
Thou mayest the bow
bow of of his
his violin
violin isis breaking
say, breaking
the cat-gut string of
the of existence,
existence, and and his his voice
voice isis more
more
cat-gut string
harsh than
harsh than that
that ofof aa man
man howling on on the the death
death of of his
his
howling
father."-One
father." moment the fingers of
One moment the fingers of the auditors are the auditors are
on his
on his account
account in in their
their ears,
ears, and
and the the nextnext moment
moment
on their lips, motioning silence !-" " The heart may be
on their lips, motioning silence ! The heart may be
charmed by the
charmed the voice
voice ofofsweet melody~' but
sweet melody but such
such aa singer
singer
by ;
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
feel any delight in thy singing till the hour of thy the hour of thy
departure, whenwhen itit will
will cease.
cease. When When that that lute-player
departure, 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 into m'y ear,
either pour quicksilver my ear, that that II may may notnot
hear, or open the door for me, that
hear, or open the door for me, that I may run out."
I may run out."-
In short,
short, out
out of of regard
regard for for my companions,
In my companions, II accom- accom-
modated myself to their wishes, and
modated myself to their wishes, and turned night into turned night into
day after manifold vexations.-"
day after manifold vexations. "The mouzzin, or
The mouzzin, or
crier at the mosque, gives his notices
crier at the mosque, gives his notices of prayer out of of prayer out of
all season;
all season ;
he is not aware how much
he is not aware how much of the night is of the night is
gone. Ask the length of the night
gone. Ask the length of the night from my eye-lids,
from my eye-lids,
for my
for my eyes
eyes havehave notnot been
been indulged
indulged with with oneone wink
wink of of
sleep."-At
sleep."
dawn, by way of benediction,
At dawn, by way of benediction, I took the I took the
turban from
turban from my my head,
head, and
and aa diramdiram from from my my girdle,
girdle,
and, laying
and, laying
them
them at
at his
his feet,
feet,
folded
folded him
him in
in my
my
arms, and
and returned him
him many thanks. My friends
arms, returned many thanks. My friends
 SHAIKH SADI.
142 SHAIKH SADI.
considered my endeavours to do him justice as contrary
considered my endeavours to do him justice as contrary
to what was usual, imputed it to a weakness of under-
to what was usual, imputed it to a weakness of under-
standing, and turned it into ridicule behind my back.
standing, and turned it into ridicule behind my back.
One of them let loose the tongue of animadversion,
One of them let loose the tongue of animadversion,
and began to 'admonish me, saying, In this instance
and began to admonish me, saying, In this instance
you did not act as became a prudent man, for you
you did not act as became a prudent man, for you
bestowed the distinguishing garment of a Shaikh
bestowed the distinguishing garment of a Shaikh
upon this singer, who has not during his whole life had
upon this
a diram insinger, who of
the palm has not during his whole life had
his hand, 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 tambourine. " Such a minstrel, far
let him remain from this happy mansion, nobody has
let him remain from this happy mansion, nobody has
seen twice in the same place. Truly, when his voice
seen twice in the same place. Truly, when his voice
issued from his mouth, it made people's hair stand on
issued from his mouth, it made people's hair stand on
end on their bodies: the bird on the house-top is
end on their bodies the bird on the house-top is
frightened away by the howl; it distracts our brains,
:

frightened by the
away our howl it distracts our brains,
and tears open windpipe."-I
;
replied: It were as
and tears open our windpipe." I replied It were as
well to restrain the tongue of animadversion, in as
:

well to restrain the tongue of animadversion, in as

much as his faculty of working miracles is hereby
much as his faculty of working miracles is hereby
made manifest He said: Let us also benefit by this
made manifest He said Let us also benefit by this
discovery, that we may all unite and apologise for the
:

discovery, that we may all unite and apologise for the

rudeness we committed. I answered, on this account,
rudeness we committed. I answered, on this account,
that my reverend Shaikh had repeatedly forbid my
that my reverend Shaikh had repeatedly forbid my
frequenting the darwesh's dance and song, and often
frequenting the darwesh's dance and and often
warned me against them; but I neversong, thought of his
warned me against them but I never thought of his
advice till this night, that my propitious stars and
;

advice till this night, that my propitious stars and

good fortune directed me to this house; and I vowed,
good fortune directed me to this house and I vowed,
on the hand of this minstrel, that I would
;
not
on the hand of this minstrel, that I would not
again engage in the circular dance or convivial song:-
again engage in the circular dance or convivial song:
""When sweet melody escapes from a lovely throat,
When sweet
mouth, and lip,melody
whetherescapes
from a
not, itthroat,
harmonious orlovely must
mouth, and lip, whether harmonious or not, it must
fascinate; but were it the musical mode of Oshshac,
fascinate ;
but were it the musical mode of Oshshac,
 SHAIKH SAD
SHAIKH SADI.
I. 143
143

Ispahan,or
Ispahan, or Hijaz,
Hijaz,itit would
would disgust,
disgust, ififproceeding
proceeding from
from
the pipe
the pipe of
ofso
so vile
vile aa minstrel."
minstrel."

xx.
XX.

They asked
They asked Lucman,
Lucman, the the fabulist,
fabulist, from
from whom
whom did did
you learn
you learn manners
manners? ? He answered,
He answered, From From the
the un-un-
mannerly,
mannerly, for
for II was
was careful
careful to
to avoid
avoid whatever
whatever part
part of
of
. . "'their behaviour seemed
their behaviour seemed to to me
me bad.bad.-" " They will not
They will not
speak aa word
speak word inin joke
joke fromfrom which
which thethe wise
wise cannot
cannot
derive instruction
derive instruction; let
;
let them
them read
read aa hundred
hundred chapters
chapters
ofof wisdom
wisdom to to aa fool,
fool, and
and they
they will
will all
all seem
seem but
but aa jest
jest
to him."
to him."
XXL
XXI.

They tell
They tell a·a story
story of
ofan
an abid,
abid, who
who ininthe
the course
course of of .aa
night
night
would
would eat
eat ten
ten mans,
mans, or
or pounds,
pounds, of
of food,
food, and
and in
in
his devotions
his devotions repeat
repeat the
the whole
whole Koran
Koran before
before morning.
morning.
AA good
good and
and holyholy man
man heard
heard this,
this, and
and said,
said, Had
Had he he
eaten half
eaten halfaa loaf
loafofofbread,
bread, and
and gone
gone toto sleep,
sleep,hehe would
would
have done
have done aa moremore meritorious
meritorious actact-"" Keep
Keep thy thy inside
inside
unencumbered with
unencumbered with victuals,
victuals, that
that the
the light
light of of good
good
works may
works may shine
shine within
within thee
thee; but
;
but thou
thou artart void
void of of
wisdom and
wisdom and knowledge,
knowledge, because
because thouthou artart filled
filled upup to
to
the nose
the nose with
with food."
food."

XXIL
XXIL

The divine
The divine favour
favour had
had placed
placed the
the lamp
lamp of
of grace
grace
in the
in thepath of
path of aa wanderer
wanderer in
in forbidden
forbidden ways,
ways, till
till itit
 144
144 SHAIKH SAD
SHAIKH SADI.
I.

directed
directed him into
him into the
the circle
circle of
of the
the righteous,
righteous, and
and the
the
blessed society
blessed society of
of darweshes
darweshes;; and and their
their spiritual
spiritual
co-operation _enabled him to convert his wicked
co-operation enabled him to convert his wicked
propensities into praiseworthy deeds, and to restrain
propensities into praiseworthy deeds, and to restrain
himself in
himself in sensual
sensual indulgences
indulgences; yet
yet were
were the
;
the tongues
tongues
of calumniators
of calumniators questioning
questioning his
his sincerity,
sincerity, and
and saying,
saying
He retains
He retains his
his original
.original habits,
habits, and
and there
there isis no
no trusting
trusting
to his piety and goodness.-"
to his piety and goodness. " By the means of repent-
By the means of repent-
ance thou
ance thou mayest
mayest getget delivered
delivered from
from the
the wrath
wrath ofof
God, but ' there is no escape from the
God, but there is no escape from the slanderous slanderous
tongue of
tongue of man."
man."-He was unable
He was unable to
to put
put up
up with
with the
the
virulence of their remarks, and took his complaint
virulence of their remarks, and took his complaint to to
his ghostly
his ghostly father,
father, saying,
saying, II am
am much
much troubled
troubled by
by the
the
tongues of
tongues of mankind.
mankind. TheThe holy
holy man
man wept,
wept, and
and
answered, How can you be sufficiently grateful for
answered, How can you be sufficiently grateful for thisthis
blessing, that you are better than they represent you?
blessing, that you are better than they represent you ?
-"" How often wilt thou call aloud saying, The malig-
How often wilt thou call aloud saying, The malig-
nant
nant andand envious
envious are are calumniating
calumniating wretched
wretched me, me, that
that
they rise up to shed my blood, and that
they rise up to shed my blood, and that they sit down they sit down
to devise
to devise meme mischief.
mischief Be Be thou
thou good
good thyself,
thyself, and
and letlet
people
people speakspeak evil
evil of
of thee;
thee ;
it
it is
is better
better than
than to
to be
be
wicked,
wicked, and
and that
that they
they should
should consider
consider thee
thee as
as good."-
good."
But, on
But, on the
the other
other hand,
hand, behold
behold .me,me, ofof whose
whose perfect-
perfect-
ness all
ness all entertain
entertain the the best
best opinion,
opinion, whilewhile II am am thethe
mirrorof
mirror ofimperfection.
imperfection.-" " Had I done what they have
Had I done what they have
said, II should
said, should have
have been
been aa pious
pious and and moral
moral man."
man."-
""Verily, I may conceal myself from the sight of my
Verily, I may conceal myself from the sight of my
neighbour, but God knows what £s secret and what is
neighbour, but God knows what is secret and what is
open.-There
open. There isis aa shut
shutdoor
doorbetween
between me meandand mankind,
mankind,
that they
that they may~ay notnot prypry into
into mymy sins
sins; but
;
but what,
what, O0
Omniscience! can
Omniscience !
can aa closed
closed door
door avail
avail against
against thee,
thee,
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADI. 145
145
who art
who art equally informed
informed of
of what
what manifest or
IS manifest
is
or
equally
concealed?? ""
concealed
XX IlL
XXIIL

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

XXIV.
XXIV.

They asked one of the Shaikhs of Sham, or Syria,

They asked one of the Shaikhs of Sham, or Syria,
saying: What
What isis the
the condition
condition of of the
the Sufi
Sufi sect
sect??
saying :

He answered, Formerly they were in this world aa

He answered, Formerly they were in this world
. fraternity dispersed in in the
the flesh,
flesh, but
but united
united inin the
the
fraternity dispersed
spirit; but
but now
now they
they are
are aa body
body well
well clothed
clothed carnally,
spirit; carnally,
and ragged in
and in divine
divine mystery.
mystery.-""Whilst
Whilst thythy heart
heart
ragged
will be every moment wandering into a different
will be every moment wandering into a different place, place,
in thy
in thy recluse
recluse state
state thou
thou canst
canst not
not see
see purity
purity; but
but
;

though thou possessest rank and wealth,

though thou possesses! rank and wealth, lands and
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
On one occasion
occasion we
we had
had marched,
marched, II recollect,
recollect, all
all
the night along
the along with
with the
the caravan,
caravan, and
and halted
halted towards
towards
night
75 2
752
146 SHAIKHSADL
SHAIKH SADL
morning
morning on on thethe skirts
skirts ofof the
the wilderness.
wilderness. One
One
mystically
mystically
distracted,
distracted, who
who accompanied
accompanied
us
us on
on that
that
journey,
journey,
set
set up
up a
a loud
loud lamentation
lamentation at
at dawn,
dawn, went
went
a-wandering
a-wandering into into the
the desert, and did not take a
desert, and did not take a
moment's rest
moment's rest N ext day
Next day II saidsaid toto him,
him, What
What
condition
condition was was that?"
that ? He
He replied,
replied,
I
I remarked
remarked the
the
nightingales
nightingales
that
that they
they
had
had come
come to
to carol
carol in
in the
the
groves, the pheasants to prattle on the mountains,
groves, the pheasants to prattle on the mountains,
the
the frogs to croak in the pools, and the wild beasts to
frogs to croak in the pools, and the wild beasts to
roar in the
roar in the forests, and thought with myself, saying, It
forests, and thought with myself, saying, It
cannot
cannot be be generous
generous thatthat all
all are
are awake
awake in in God's
God's praise
praise
and
and I I am wrapt up in the sleep of forgetfulness 1-
wrapt up in the sleep of forgetfulness !

"" Last
Last night
night a a bird
bird was
was carolling towards the morn-
carolling towards the morn-
ing; it stole my patience and reason,
ing it stole my patience and reason, my fortitude
;
my fortitude
and understanding.
and understanding. My lamentation
My lamentation had had perhaps
perhaps
reached the ear of one of my dearly-beloved
reached the ear of one of my dearly-beloved friends. friends.
He said, I did not believe that the singing
said, I did not believe that the singing of a bird
of a bird
could so ·distract
could so distract thee thee!
!
I answered, This is
I answered, This is not the not the
duty of the hu,man species, that the birds
duty of the human species, that the birds are singing are singing
God's
God's praise and that I am silent"
praise and that I silent"

XXVI.
XXVI.

Once,
Once, on
on a a pilgrimage
pilgrimage to to Hijaz,
Hijaz, II was
was the
the fellow-
fellow-
traveller
traveller of
of some
some piously-disposed young
piously-disposed young men, andmen, and
on
on aa footing
footing of
of familiarity
familiarity
and
and intimacy
intimacy with
with them.
them.
From
From time
time toto time
time wewe were
were humming
humming aa tune tune andand
chanting
chanting a
a spiritual hymn,
spiritual hymn,
and
and an
an abid,
abid, who
who bore
bore
us
us company,
company, keptkept disparaging
disparaging thethe .morals
morals of of thethe
darweshes,
darweshes, and
and was
was callous
callous to
to their
their su fferings, till
sufferings, till
we
we reached
reached the
the palm plantation
palm plantation of
of the
the tribe
tribe of
of Hulal,
Hulal,
 SHAlKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADL 147
147

when
when aa boy boy of of aa tawny
tawny complexion
complexion issued issued fromfrom the the
Arab
Arab horde
horde and and sung sung such
such a
a plaintive melody
plaintive melody as
as
would arrest the
would arrest the bird
bird inin its
its flight through
flight through
the
the air.
air. II
remarked
remarked the the abid's
abid's camel
camel that that it it kicked
kicked up up and
and
pranced,
pranced, and, and, throwing the abid, danced into the
throwing the abid, danced into the
wilderness.
wilderness. II said: said 0 :O reverend
reverend ShaikhShaikh 1 that
!that spiritual
spiritual
strain
strain threw
threw aa brute
brute intointo an
an ecstasy,
ecstasy,
and
and itit isis not
not in in
like
like manner
manner working
working a
a change
change in
in you
you 1-" !
" Knowest
Knowest
thou
thou what
what that
that nightingale of the dawn whispered to
nightingale of the dawn whispered to
me.
me. What
What sortsort of of man
man artart thou,
thou, indeed,
indeed, who who art art
ignorant
ignorant of of love?-The
love ? The camel
camel is is inin anan ecstasy
ecstasy of
of
delight from the Arab's song. If
delight from the Arab's song. If thou
thou hast
hast no no taste
taste
to
to relish
relish this, thou art a cross-grained brute.-Now
this, thou art a cross-grained brute. Now
that
that the camel is
the camel is elated
elated with
with rapture
rapture and and delight,
delight, if a
if a
man is insensible to these he is an
man is insensible to these he is an ass. Tlie zephyr, ass.-The zephyr,
gliding
gliding through
through the the verdure
verdure Ollon tlte
the earth,
earth, sltakes
shakes the the twig
twig
of the ball-tree, but moves 1Iot the solid
of the ban-tree, but moves not the solid rock. Whatever rock.- Whatever
thou
thou beholdest
beholdest is is loud
loud inin extolling him. That heart
extolling him. That heart
which
which has an ear is full of the divine mystery.
has an ear is full of the divine mystery. It It isis

not
not the nightingale that alone serenades his rose for
the nightingale that alone serenades his rose; ;
for
every
every thorn
thorn on on the the rose-bush
rose-bush is is a a tongue
tongue in in hishis oror
"
God's praise!
God's praise "!

XXVII.
XXVII.

AA king
king had
had reached
reached the the end
end of
of h}s
his days
days and
and had
had no
no
heir to
heir to succeed
succeed him.
him. He He made
made his
his will, stating,
will, stating,
You
You
will
will place the crown of sovereignty upon the head of
place the crown of sovereignty upon the head of
whatever
whatever person
person first
first enters
enters the
the city gate in the
city gate in the
morning,
morning, and
and commit
commit the
the kingdom
kingdom to
to his
his charge.
charge.
It
It
happened
happened that
that the
the first
first man
man that
that presented
presented himself
himself at
at
the
the city gate was a beggar, who had passed his whole
city gate was a beggar, who had passed his whole
148 SHAIKH SADL
SHAII{H SADI.
life in scraping broken meat and in
life
The in scraping broken meat and in patching patching rags.
ministers of state and nobles of the court fulfilled
rags.
The ministers of state and nobles of the
the conditions of the king's will, and laid the keys of
court fulfilled
the conditions of the king's will, and laid the keys of
the treasury and citadel at his feet.
theFortreasury and citadel at his feet.
a time the darwesh governed the kingdom, till
For a time
some of the chiefs the darwesh governed the kingdom, till
of the empire swerved from their
some of theand chiefs of the empire swerved from their
the princes of the territories on every
allegiance,
allegiance, and the princes of the territories
side rose in opposition to him, and levied armies for
on every
side rose
the contest in opposition to him, and levied
In short, his troops and subjects were
armies for
the contest In short, his troops and
routed and subdued, and several of his provinces taken
subjects were
routed
from him. and subdued, and several of his provinces taken
from him.
The darwesh was hurt to the soul at these events,
The one
when darwesh was hurt to the soul at these events,
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
a journey of his
and found state himof poverty, returned from
in such dignity. He
aexclaimed
journey and found himbe into such dignity.
a Deity of majesty
He
:
Thanksgiving
exclaimed:
and glory that Thanksgiving be to ' a Deity of majesty
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
and till you arrived thorns were extracted from your with
at this elevated rank
feet,
!
Along
and till you arrived at this elevated rank I-Along with
hardship there is ease ; or, to sorrow succeeds joy.
hardship
"
The plant there is ease / or, to sorrow succeeds joy.-
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
clothed with leaves." He time naked and at another
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
tion.
me condolence, for here is
When you last saw me I had to think no place for congratula-
of getting
tion. When you last saw me I had
a crumb of bread now I have the cares of a whole
to think of getting
;
a crumb of bread; now I
" have the cares of a whole
If the world be adverse, we
kingdom on my head.
kingdom on my
are the victims of pain
head.-" If the world be adverse,
if prosperous, the fettered
we
;
are the victims of
slaves of affection for it
pain; if prosperous, the fettered
Amidst this life no calamity
slaves of affection for it. Amidst this life no calamity
is more afflicting than that, whether fortunate or not,
is more afflicting than that, whether fortunate or not,
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADL 149
149

the
the mind
mind isis equally disquieted. If
If thou
thou covetest
covetest
equally disquieted.
riches,
riches,
ask
ask not
not but
but for
for contentment,
contentment,
which
which isis an
an
immense
immense treasure.
treasure. Should
Should aa rich
rich man
man throw
throw money
money
into
into thy lap, take heed, and do not look upon it as a
thy lap, take heed, and do not look upon it as a
benefit;
benefit forfor II have
have often
often heard
heard fromfrom the
the great and
; great and
good that the patience of the poor is more meritorious
good that the patience of the poor is more meritorious
than
than the
the gift of the rich. vVere
Were King Bahram Ghor to
gift of the rich. King Bahram Ghor to
distribute
distribute aa whole
whole roasted
roasted elk,
elk,
it
it
would
would not
not be
be equal
equal to
to
the gift of a locust's leg from an
the gift of a locust's leg from an ant." ant."

XXVIII.
xxvm.
AA person had a friend who was holding the office of
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
he
he had not seen him
had not seen him forfor some
some time.
time. Somebody
Somebody
remarked, saying, Itis some time since
remarked, saying, It is some time since you saw such
you saw such
aa gentleman. He answered, I am
gentleman. He answered, I am no ways anxious
no ways anxious
about seeing him. One of the diwan's people
about seeing him. One of the diwan's people chanced chanced
to
to be
be present.
present.
He
He asked, What has happened amiss
asked, What has happened amiss
that
that you should dislike to visit
you should dislike to visit him?
him? He He replied,
replied,
There
There is no dislike but my friend, the diwan, can
is no dislike;;
but my friend, the diwan, can bebe
seen
seen at a time when he is out of office, and my idle
at a time when he is out of office, and my idle
intrusion
intrusion might not come amiss.-u" Amidst
might not come amiss. Amidst thethe state
state
patronage and authority of office they
patronage and authority of office they might take
might take
umbrage at their acquaintance; but on the day of
umbrage at their acquaintance but on the day of
;

vexation
vexation and loss
and loss of
of place they would impart their
place they would impart their
mental disquietudes to their friends."
mental disquietudes to their friends."

XXIX.
XXIX.

Abu-Horairah
Abu-Horairah was
was making a daily visit to the
making a daily visit to the
prophet rvfustafa l\iohammed, on whom be God's
prophet Mustafa Mohammed, on whom be God's
 ISO SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADL
blessing
blessing and and peace.
peace. He He said:
said 0OAbu-Horairah!
: Abu-Horairah I let le

mealone
me aloneevery
everyother day,that
otherday, thatsosoaffection
affectionmaymayincrease
increase/
that
that is, is, come
come notnot every
every day,
day,that
that wewe may
may getget more
mor
loving!
loving !

They
They saidsaid to to aa good
good and
and holyholy man,
man, NNotwith
otwith-
standing
standingall allthese
these charms
charms which
which the the sun
sun commands,
commands
we have
we have never
never heard
heard of of anybody
anybody that that has
has fallen
falle
in love with
in love with him!
him He
! He answered,
answered, ItIt isis because
because heh
is seen every
is seen every day,
day, unless
unless during
during the the winter, when
winter, when
he
he isis veiled
veiled [in
[in the
the clouds],
clouds], and
and thus much coveted
thus much covete
"
and loved. To
and loved.-" To visit mankind has no blame ini
visit mankind has no blame
it,it, but
but notnot toto such
such aa degree
degree as as toto let
let them
them say,
say
Enough
Enough of it. of it. If we see occasion to interrogate
If we see occasion to interrogat
ourselves,
ourselves, we we need
need notnot listen
listen toto thethe reprehension
reprehensio
of others."
of others."

xxx.
XXX.

Having
Having taken
taken offence
offence with with thethe society
society of of mymy
friends
friends atat Damascus,
Damascus, I I retired
retired into
into the
the wilderness
wildernes
of
of the
the Holy
Holy Land,
Land, or or Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, and and sought
sought the th
company
company of brutes till such time as I was made a
of brutes till such time as I was made
prisoner
prisoner by by the
the Franks,
Franks, and and employed
employed by by them,
them,
along with some
alongwith some Jews,Jews,in digging
in diggingearthearthininthetheditches
ditche
of
of Tripoli.
Tripoli. AtAt length
length one one of of the
the chiefs
chiefs of of Aleppo,
Aleppo,
between whom and me
between whom and me an intimacy an intimacyhad of old
had of old sub-
sub-
sisted,
sisted, happening
happening to pass
to pass that way,
that way, recognised
recognised me, me,
and
and said, How isis this?
said, How this? and and howhow camecame you you toto be be
"
thus occupied?
thus occupied ? I replied:
I : What
replied What can I say can I say?-" I
?

was
was fiying
flying from
from mankind
mankind into intothe
theforests
forestsand moun-
and moun-
tains,
tains, for my
for resource in God
my resource was in God and in none
was and in none
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SAD.!.
SADL 151

else.
else. Fancy
Fancy to to thyself what my condition must
thyself what my condition must
now
now be,be, when
when forced
forced to
to associate
associate with
with aa tribe
tribe scarcely
scarcely
human
human?-To ? To be be linked
linked in in aa chain
chain with with aa company
company
of
of acquaintance
acquaintance were were pleasanter than to walk in a
pleasanter than to walk in a
garden
garden with
with strangers."
strangers."
He
He took
took pity on my situation; and,
pity on my situation ; and, having
having for
for
ten
ten dinars
dinars redeemed
redeemed me me from from captivity
captivity
with
with the
the
Franks,
Franks, carried
carried me me along
along with
with him
him to
to Aleppo.
Aleppo.
Here
Here
he
he had
had aa daughter, and her he gave me in marriage,
daughter, and her he gave me in marriage,
with
with aa dower
dower of of aa hundred
hundred dinars.
dinars. Soon Soon after
after this
this
damsel turned
damsel turned out out aa termagant
termagant and and vixen,
vixen, andand dis-
dis-
covered
covered such such aa perverse
perverse spirit and virulent tongue
spirit and virulent tongue
as
as quite unhinged all my domestic comfort.-"
quite unhinged all my domestic comfort.
"A
A
scolding wife in the dwelling
scolding wife in the dwelling of a peaceable of a peaceable
man
man isis his his hell
hell eveneven in in this
this world.
world. Protect
Protect andand
guard us against a
guard us against a wicked inmate.wicked inmate. Save
Save us, us, O
0
Lord, and preserve us from
Lord, and preserve us from the fiery, or hell, the fiery, or hell,
torture."
torture."
Having
Having on on one
one occasion
occasion givengiven aa liberty to the
liberty to the
tongue
tongue of reproach, she was saying, Are you not
of reproach, she was saying, Are you not·
the fellow whom my father
the fellow whom my father redeemed from the redeemed from the
captivity of the Franks for ten dinars? II replied,
captivity of the Franks for ten dinars? replied,
Yes, I
Yes, I am that
am that samesame he he delivered
delivered from from captivity
captivity
for
for ten ten dinars,
dinars, and and enslaved
enslaved me me withwith youyou forfor aa
hundred
hundred !-"
!
"I
I have
have heard that a reverend and
heard that a reverend and
mighty relea~ed
mighty man released aa sheep
man sheep from from the the paws
paws and and
jaws
jaws of of aa wolf.
wolf. That That samesame night
night he he was
was sticking
sticking
aa knife
knife into
into its
its throat,
throat, when
when the the spirit of the sheep
spirit of the sheep
reproached him,
reproached him, saying, saying, Thou
Thou didst
didst deliver me
deliver me from
from
the
the clutches
clutches of of aa wolf,
wolf, when
when II at
at length saw
length saw that
that
thou
thou didst
didst prove
prove aa wolf
wolf toto me
me thyself."
thyself."
J52 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI.

XXXI.
XXXI.
Omitted.
Omitted.
XXXII.
XXXII.
AA king asked an
abid, oror holy
king asked an abid, man, who
holy man,
had a
who had a
family,
family,
how he managed his precious time.
how he managed his precious time.
He
He
answered, My whole in
pass in communing
answered, I
My whole night
night I pass communing
with God, my morning in supplicating his blessing
with God, my morning in supplicating his blessing
and support, and my entire day in earning the means
and support, and my entire day in earning the means
of a livelihood. from this state-
of a livelihood. Comprehending
Comprehending from this state-
ment the good man's drift, the king commanded that
ment the good man's drift, the king commanded that
they should his subsistence and relieve
they should provide
provide his subsistencedaily,
daily,
"
and relieve
his mind from the cares of a family. Thou must
his mind from the cares of a family.-" Thou must
not again fancy thyself free who art bound by the
not again fancy thyself free who art bound by the
foot with the thoughts of a family. The care of
foot with the thoughts of a family. The care of
children, their bread, raiment, and meat, incapacitate
children, their bread, raiment, and meat, incapacitate
thee from soaring into the angelic abode. The live-
thee from soaring into the angelic abode.-The live-
long day I am occupied with thinking how I can
' long day I am occupied with thinking how I can
devote my night to God. At night, when settling
devote my night to God. At night, when settling
I reflect what
prayer, I reflect what my
at babes
myself
myself at prayer, my babes are are toto
eat next morning."
eat next morning."
XXXIII.
XXXIII.
One men of had
One of
the
holy men of Syria
of the holy passed many
Syria had passed many
of devotion in the and was
years of devotion in thewilderness,
years wilderness, and was feeding
feeding
on the leaves of trees. The king of that country,
on the leaves of trees. The king of that country,
in the way of a pilgrimage, visited him, and said, If
in the way of a pilgrimage, visited him, and said, If
of
removing intomy
you can see the into
propriety ofremoving
you can see thepropriety mycapital
capital
I will prepare an abode, where you may perform your
I will prepare an abode, where you may perform your
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADL IS3
153

devotions
devotions more more at at ease
ease than
than in in this
this place, and others
place, and others
may benefit by the blessing of your spiritual com-
may benefit by the blessing of your spiritual com-
munion, and and be
be edified
edified by the
the example
example
of
of your pious
your pious
munion, by
labours.
labours. The
The hermit
hermit was was adverse
adverse toto this
this advice, and
advice, and
turned
turned away his
his face.
face.
One
One of
of the
the king'~ ministers
ministers
away king's
spoke to him, saying: For the satisfaction of his
spoke to him, saying For the satisfaction of his
:

majesty, itit were were proper that you would for a few
majesty, proper that you would for a few
days remove into the city, and ascertain the nature of
days remove into the city, and ascertain the nature of
.... the place;
the place ;
when, if it should prove that your purity
when, if it should prove that 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
wicked, you have still the option left of moving
left of moving
back.
back.
It
It is reported that they prevailed on the hermit to
is reported that they prevailed on the hermit to
accompany them into the city; and, in a garden near
accompany them into the city and, in a garden near
;

the
the sacred residence of
sacred residence of the
the king, prepared for him a
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
damask
damask roses were blooming as the cheeks
roses were blooming as the cheeks ofof the
the
lov~ly, and its tufted spikenard like the ringlets of
lovely, and its tufted spikenard like the ringlets of
our mistresses. It
our mistresses. It had
had asas much
much to to fear
fear from
from the
the angry
angry
blasts
blasts of winter as the babe who has not yet tasted its
of winter as the babe who has not" yet tasted its
nurse's milk boughs
nurse's milk: :
of trees on wkz'ch hung crim,son
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"
Forthwith
Forthwith the the king sent him a moon-faced damsel.
king sent him a moon-faced damsel.
-"" Such
Such was this delicate crescent
was this delicate crescent of of the
the moon,
moon, and
and
fascination
fascination of the holy, this form of an angel, and
of the holy, this form of an angel, and
decoration
decoration of of aa peacock, that let them once behold
peacock, that let them once behold
her, and continence must cease to exist in the con-
her, and continence must cease to exist in the con-
stitutions
stitutions of of the
the chaste."
chaste."
And,
And, in like manner,
in like there followed her a youth of
manner, there followed her a of
youth
154
154 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADI.

such rare
such rare beauty
beauty and
and exquisite
exquisite symmetry,
symmetry, that
that the
the
powerful grasp
powerful grasp of his charms had broken the wrists of
of his charms had broken the wrists o
the pious,
the pious, and
and tied
tied up
up behind
behind their
their backs
backs the
the arms
arms of
o
"
the upright.
the upright.-" Mankind
Mankind stand
stand around
around him parclted
him parched
with thirst,
with thirst, whilst he,
whilst he, who seems thy
who seems thy cup-bearer,
cup-bearer, will
wil
give thee
give tftee no drink.-The
no drink. The eye
eye could
could not
not be
be satiated
satiated by
by
beholding
beholding him, him, like
like the
the dropsical
dropsical man
man with water
with water byby
looking at
looking at the
the river
river Euphrates."
Euphrates."
The
The hermit
hermit began
began to to relish
relish dainty
dainty food,
food, and
and to
towear
wear
sumptuous apparel
sumptuous apparel; to
; to regale
regale himself
himself with
with fruits,
fruits,
perfumes,
perfumes, and
and sweetmeats;
sweetmeats; and
and to
to behold
behold with
with delight
delight
the charms
the charms of of the
the handmaid
handmaid and bondsman. And
and bondsman. And
the wise
the wise have said, The
have said, The ringlets
ringlets ofof the
the lovely
lovely are
are aa
chain on
chain on the
the feet
feet of
ofreason,
reason, and
and aa snare
snare for
for the
the bird
bird of
of
"
wisdom.-"
wisdom. To
To thethe mystery
mystery of of thy
tliy service
service II devoted
devoted
my heart,
my heart, religion,
religion, andand all
all mymy mental
mental faculties
faculties; ;

verily,
verily, II am
am now
now the
the bird
bird of
of reason,
reason, and
and thou
thou art the
art the
lure and
lure and bait."
bait."
In short,
In short, thethe good
good fortune
fortune of of his
his many
many years
years ofof
"
sanctity
sanctity ran
ran to
to waste,
waste, as
as has
has been
been said
said
: :-" Whatever
Whatever
he had
he had laid
laid upup from
from theologician,
theologician, sage,sage, or
or saint,
saint, or
or of
of
recondite knowledge
recondite knowledge from from the the eloquent
eloquent andand pure
pure ofof
spirit, now
spirit, now that
that he he had
had stooped
stooped to to mix
mix with
with aa vile
vile
world, like
world, like the
the foot
foot ofof aa fly
fly he
he got
got entangled
entangled inin itsits
honey."
honey."
The
The king
king had
had thethe curiosity
curiosity of making him
of making him another
another
visit, and
visit, and found
found the hermit much
the hermit much altered
altered from
from what
what
he first
he first saw
saw ofof him.
him. His His face had become
face had become fair
fair and
and
ruddy, and
ruddy, and hishis body
body plump
plump and and jolly
jolly; and
; and he he was
was
reclining at
reclining at his
his ease
ease on
on cushions
cushions of of brocade,
brocade, and
and had
had
the Hoori-like
the Hoori-like damsel
damsel lolling
lolling byby his side, and
his side, and thethe
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADL ISS
155

fairy-formed youth holding aa fly-flap of of peacock's

fairy-formed youth holding fly-flap peacock's
feathers
feathers in his hand, and standing by him in attend-
in his hand, and standing by him in attend-
ance. The
The king congratulated him upon his portly
ance. king congratulated him upon his portly
appearance, and they entered together upon a variety
appearance, and they entered together upon a variety
of
of topics, till his majesty concluded
topics, till his majesty concluded by observing, In
by observing, In
this world I have an affection for these
this world I have an affection for these two orders two orders of of
mankind, the learned and the recluse.
mankind, the learned and the recluse. A philosophic
A philosophic
vizier, and man of much worldly experience, happened
vizier, and man of much worldly experience, happened
•• to be present.
to be present. He
He said:
said :
0O sire!
sire!
such
such isis the
the canon
canon of of
affection that you should confer a
affection that you should confer a benefit on each. benefit on each.
Give
Give money to the learned man, that he may teach
money to the learned man, that he may teach
others; and
and give nothing
give to the hermit, that he may
others ; nothing to the hermit, that he may
remain an anchorite.-"
remain an anchorite. " A zahid, or hermit, stands in
A zahid, or hermit, stands in
need of
need of neither
neither diram
diram nor nor dinar;
dinar when when an
;
an anchorite
anchorite
takes either, look out for another.-Whoever
takes either, look out for another. Whoever is is vir-
vir-
tuously disposed, and holds a mystical communication
tuously disposed, and holds a mystical communication
with
with God, is sufficient of a hermit without requiring
God, is sufficient of a hermit without requiring
the
the bread of
bread of charity, or the crumbs of mendicity.
charity, or the crumbs of mendicity.
The
The tapering finger of the lovely,
tapering finger of the and her soul-delud-
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
ring or ear-jewel.
that piously-disposed
Tell that piously-disposed and and
serene-minded darwesh that he needs
serene-minded darwesh that he needs not the bread not the bread
of
of consecration
consecration or or scraping of beggary; tell
scraping of beggary ;
tell that
that
handsome and fair-faced matron
handsome and fair-faced matron that she does not that she does not
require paint, colouring, or
require paint, colouring, or jewellery.
jewellery.-When I
When I have have
of
of my
my own,
own, and
and covet' what is
covet what is another's, if they esteem
another's, if they esteem
me
me not
not aa hermit
hermit they treat me as I merit."
they treat me as I merit."

XXXIV.
XXXIV.
Conformably with the above apologue, a king had
Conformably with the above apologue, a king had
aa business of importance in hand.
business of importance in hand. He
He said:
said If this
If this :
156 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKHSADL
affair
prosper to
affair prosper to mymy wish will distribute
wish II will among the
distribute among the
recluse a certain sum in dirams. Now
recluse a certain sum in dirams. Now his object was his object was

accomplished, and
accomplished, mind made
and mind easy, he
made easy, thought itit
he thought
incumbent to fulfil the condition of his eleemosynary
incumbent to fulfil the condition of his eleemosynary
vow, and
vow, gave aa bag
and gave bag ofof dinars
dinars toto aa favourite
favourite servant,
servant,
he might distribute them
that he might distribute them among the
that among the anchorites.
anchorites.
This was
This discreet and
was aa discreet and considerate
considerate young man. He
young man. He
wandered about for the whole day
wandered about for the whole day; and, returning in
; and, returning in
the evening, kissed the bag of money, and laid it
the evening, kissed the bag of money, and laid it
before the king, saying, However much I sought after,
before the king, saying, However much I sought after,
I have met with no recluses! The
I have met with no recluses !
The kingking answered,
answered,
What
What aa story this,? for
story isis this.? myself know
for II myself know fourfour hundred
hundred
recluses within this city. He
recluses within this city.
said, O
He said, sovereign of
0 sovereign of the
the
universe! such
universe !
such as as are recluses do
are recluses not take
do not take money
money;;

and
and such
such asas take money are
take money are not anchorites! The
not anchorites !
The
king smiled,
king and observed to his
smiled, and observed to his courtiers, courtiers, However
However
much reverence and
much II reverence and favour tribe of
this tribe
favour this God's wor-
of God's wor-
this
shippers, this saucy
shippers, fellow
saucy fellow expresses for them
expresses for them aa spite spite
and
and ill-will ;
and, if
ill-will; and, if "you desire the
you desire truth, he
the truth, he has
has
justice on his side.-" Instead of that hermit who
justice on his side. Instead of that hermit
who
took dirams and dinars, get hold of one who is more
took dirams and dinars, get hold of one who is more
an
an anchorite."
anchorite."
XXXV.
xxxv.
They asked
They asked aa profoundly-learned
profoundly-learned man, man, saying,
saying,
What is your opinion of consecrated bread, or alms-
What is your opinion of consecrated bread, or alms-
taking?? He
taking If with
answered, If
He answered, the view
with the view ofof composing
composing
their minds, and promoting their devotions, it is law-
their minds, and promoting their devotions, it is law-
ful to take it; but if monks collect for the sake of an
ful to take it; but if monks collect
"
for the sake of an
forbidden.-" Good
endowment, itit isis forbidden.
endowment, Good and holy men
and holy men
have received the bread of consecration for the sake
have received the bread of consecration for the sake
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADI. 157
157

of religious retirement;
of retirement; and
and are
are not
not recluses,
recluses, that
that
religious
they may receive
receive such
such bread."
bread."
they may

XXXVI.
xxxvi.
A darwesh
A darwesh came came to to put up at at aa place wherewhere the the
put up place
master of the house was a gentleman
master of the house was a gentleman of an hospitable of an hospitable
disposition. He He had
had as as his
his guests an an assembly of of
disposition. guests assembly
learned and witty men, each of whom
learned and witty men, each of whom was repeating was repeating
• w such aa jest, or
such or anecdote,
anecdote, as as isis usual
usual with
with thethe facetious.
facetious.
jest,
Having travelled across a desert,
Having travelled across a desert, the darwesh was
the darwesh was
much fatigued, and well-nigh famished.
much fatigued, and well-nigh famished. One of the One of the
company observed,
observed, in in the
the way of of pleasantry, You You
company way pleasantry,
must also
must also repeat something. The The darwesh
darwesh answered,
answered,
repeat something.
Ilam
am not,
not, like
like the
the others,
others, overstocked
overstocked with with learning
learning
and wit,
and wit, nor
nor am am II much
much readread in in books
books; and and you must
must
; you
be satisfied with my reciting one distich.
be satisfied with my reciting one distich. One and all One and all
eagerly cried,
cried, Let
Let usus hear
hear it
it He He said,
said, "" Hungry as as II
eagerly Hungry
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
at the entrance
entrance of of aa bath
bath full
full of women I"
of women !
"

They applauded what he said, and

They applauded what he said, and ordered the tray
ordered the tray
to be placed before
to be placed before him. him. The lord of the
The lord of the feast said,feast said,
Stay your
your appetite,
appetite, my friend I till
my friend till my handmaids
handmaids can can
Stay !
my
prepare for you some
prepare for you some forced meat
forced meat He raised
He raised his his
head from the tray, and answered,
head from the tray, and answered, Say there is no ""Say there is no

need for
need for forced
forced meet
meet on on my
my tray,
tray, for
for aa crust
crust ofof plain
plain
bread
bread is
is sufficient
sufficient for
for one baked as I have
one baked as I have been in been in the
the
desert."
desert."
XXXVII.
XXXVII.
A disciple
A disciple complained
complained toto his
his ghostly father,
father, saying,
ghostly saying,
\Vhat can I do, for I am much annoyed
What can I do, for I am much annoyed by by the
the people,
people,
158 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKHSADL
who are
who are interrupting
interrupting me me with
with their
their frequent
frequent visits,
visits, and
and
break in upon
break in upon my my precious
precious hours with
hours with their
their imper-
imper-
tinent
tinent intrusions.
intrusions. He He replied, To such
replied, To such ofof them
them as as are
are
poor
poor lend money,
lend money, and from such as are rich ask
and from such as are rich ask
some in
some in loan;
loan and
;
and neither
neither ofof them
them will
will trouble
trouble youyou
"
again.
again. "Let
Let aa beggar
beggar be
be the
the harbinger
harbinger of an
of an army
army
of
of Islam,
Islam, oror the
the orthodox,
orthodox, andand the
the infidel
infidel will
will fly
fly his
his
importunity
importunity as
as far
far as
as the
the wall
wall of
of China."
China."

XXXVIII.
XXXVIII.

AA young
young divine
divine observed
observed to to his
his spiritual
spiritual preceptor,
preceptor,
saying, The
saying, The hypothetical
hypothetical and florid
and florid sermons
sermons of of our
our
theological declaimers make
theological declaimers make no impression no impression uponupon me,me,
for
for II do
do not
not observe
observe thatthat their
their works
works correspond
correspond withwith
"
their
their precepts.-"
precepts. They
They holdhold forth
forth to to mankind
mankind to to
abandon
abandon the the world,
world, and
and are
are themselves
themselves hoarding
hoarding
money
money and and corn.
corn. That That doctor
doctor who who can can fancy
fancy hishis
word
word enough
enough will
will prevail
prevail with
with nobody,
nobody, whatever
whatever he
he
may
may teach.
teach. That
That is
is a
a wise
wise man
man who
who does
does no
no evil;
evil

not
not he who will
he who will forbid
forbid the
the people,
people, and and isis himself
himself aa
sinner.-The
sinner. The learned
learned man, who may
man, who may consult
consult his own
his own
indulgences
indulgences and
and gratifications,
gratifications, is
is gone
gone astray
astray himself,
himself,
"
how can
how can hehe guide
guide another?
another ? "
The ghostly
The ghostly father
father replied:
replied O!
: O my
!
my son,
son, solely
solely
misled
misled by by this
this fallacious
fallacious reasoning,
reasoning, you you should
should notnot
reject
reject thethe instruction
instruction of of the
the preachers;
preachers nor;
nor choose
choose
for
for yourself
yourself the the path
path of of refractoriousness;
refractoriousness ; nor
nor con-
con-
sider
sider thethe learned
learned as as tainted
tainted with
with error;
error; nor,
nor, inin the
the
pursuit
pursuit of of an
an immaculate
immaculate teacher,
teacher, remain
remain yourself
yourself
excluded
excluded from from thethe benefits
benefits of of knowledge,
knowledge, like like that
that
 SHAIKH SAD
SHAIKH SADI.
I. 159
159

blind man
blind man who
who fell
fell one
one night
night into
into aa slough,
slough, and
and cried
cried
aloud,
aloud, O0 yeye faithful
faithful! will
!
will yeye at
at last
last place
place aa light
light inin
my
my wayway? ? AA courtesan
courtesan heard
heard him,
him, and
and replied,
replied,
You,
You,
who cannot
who cannot seesee aa light,
light, what
what can
can you
you do do with
with aa light
light??

In like
In like manner
manner the the sermon
sermon of of aa preacher
preacher isis likelike aa
market-place, where until you take ready money you
market-place, where until you take ready money you
can get no
can get no ware
ware; and
;
and here,
here, until
until you
you bringbring aa hearty
hearty
zeal, you cannot secure the felicity
zeal, you cannot secure the felicity of hereafter.
of hereafter.-
""Listen to his doctrine with the ear of the soul,
Listen to his doctrine with the ear of the soul,
, "notwithstanding
notwithstanding the the learned
learned man's
man's actions
actions may may notnot
correspond with his precepts. Vain
correspond with his precepts. Vain is that objection is that objection
of the
of the caviller,
caviller, How
How cancan he he who
who isis asleep
asleep awake
awake hishis
sieeping neighbour?
sleeping neighbour ?
It behoves a man
It behoves a man to attend toto attend to
instruction, notwithstanding the maxim
instruction, notwithstanding the maxim be written on be written on
aa wall.
wall.-A good and
A good and holy
holy man
man left
left aa monastery
monastery for for aa
college;
college ;
he broke the vow of his monkish
he broke the vow of his monkish fraternity. fraternity.
II asked,
asked, What
What isis the
the difference
difference between
between aa philosopher
philosopher
and abid, that thou shouldst prefer
and abid, that thou shouldst prefer that sect to -that sect to this
this??

He replied,
He replied, This
This would rescue a
would rescue a brother monk brother monk
from the
from the waves,
waves, and
and that,
that, oror the
the philosopher,
philosopher, would would
endeavour to
endeavour to save
save any
any drowning
drowning person."
person."

XXXIX.
XXXIX.

AA drunken
drunken fellow
fellow had
had lain
lain down
down to to sleep
sleep onon the
the
highway,
highway, and
and was
was quite
quite
overcome
overcome with
with the
the fumes
fumes of
of
intoxication. An
intoxication. An abid
abid was
was passing
passing close
closeby,
by,and
and look-
look-
ing at
ing at him
him with
with scorn.
scorn. The
The youth
youthraised
raised his
hishead,
head,and
and
said,
said, Whenever
W/ienever they pass anything shameful they
they pass anything shameful they pass itpass z't
with compassion.
with compassion.-" " Whenever thou beholdest a sinner,
Whenever thou beholdest a sinner,
hide and
hide and bear
bear with
wz'th his
his transgressions
transgressions: : thou, who art
thou, who art
 160
160
SHAIKHSA.DI.
SHAIKH
SADI.

aware of them, why not overlook my sins with pity?

aware of them, why not overlook my sins wlth plly?-
Turn not away, O reverend sir! from a sinner; bu
Turn not away, 0 reverend sir! from a sinner; but
look upon him with compassion. my
Though inin my
look upon him with compassion. Though
actions I am not a hero, do thou pass by as th
actions I am not a hero, do thou pass by as the
heroic would pass me."
heroic would pass me."
XL.
XL.
A gang ofof dissolute
A gang
dissolute vagabonds broke in upon
vagabonds broke in upon a
used opprobrious language, and beat an
darwesh, used
darwesh, opprobrious language, and beat and
ill-used him. In his helplessness he carried his com
ill-used him. In his helplessness he carried his com-
before his ghostly father, and said, Thus it ha
plaintbefore
plaint his ghostly father, and said, Thus it has
befallen me. He replied 0O my
befallen me. He replied:
:
my sonson
! the patche
I the patched
cloak of darweshes is the garment of resignation
cloak of darweshes is the garment of resignation;
whosoever wears this garb, and cannot bear wit
whosoever wears this garb, and cannot bear with
disappointment,isisaa hypocrite,
hypocrite,andand to him our clot
disappointment, to him our cloth
is forbidden.
"
A vast and deep river is not rendere
is forbidden.-" A vast and deep river is not rendered
turbid by throwing into it a stone. That religious man
turbid by throwing into it a stone. That religious man
who can be vexed at an injury is as yet a shallo
who can be vexed at an injury is as yet a shallow
brook. If thou art subjected to trouble, bear with it
brook.-If thou art subjected to trouble, bear with it;
for by forgiveness thou art purified from sin. Seeing
for by forgiveness thou art purified from sin. Seeing
O brother! that we are ultimately to become dust
obebrother! that we are ultimately to become dust,
humble as the dust, before thou moulderest int
be humble as the dust, before thou moulderest into
dust."
dust."
XLI.
XLI.
"
Hear what occurred once Baghdad inin aa dis-
at dis
"Hear what occurred once at Baghdad
pute that took place between a roll-up curtain an
pute that took place between a roll-up curtain and
standard. Covered with the road-dust, and jade
standard. Covered with the road-dust, and jaded
with a march, the standard, in reproach, observed t
with a march, the standard, in reproach, observed to
the curtain Thou and I are gentlemen in livery w
:

the curtain: Thou and I are gentlemen in livery; we ;

 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SAD I. 161

are fellow-servants at the court of his majesty. I

are fellow-servants at the court of his majesty. I
never enjoy a moment's relief from duty; early and
never enjoy a moment's relief from duty early and
late I am equally marching. Thou hast never ;

late I am equally marching. Thou hast never

experienced any peril or a siege, the heavy sand of
experienced any peril or a siege, the heavy sand of
the desert or dust of a whirlwind; my foot is most
foot is most
forward in any enterprise. Then my
the desert or dust of a whirlwind
why art thou my
;

forward in any enterprise. Then why art thou my

superior in dignity? Thou art cared for by youths
superior in dignity? Thou art cared for
with faces splendid as the moon, and by youths
handled by
with faces splendid as the moon, and handled by
< damsels scenting like jasmine; while I am fallen into
damsels scenting like jasmine while I am fallen into
th~ hands of raw recruits, am rolled up on our march,
;

the hands of raw recruits, am rolled up on our march,

and turned upside down. The curtain answered: I
and turned upside down. The curtain answered I :

lay my head humble at the threshold, and hold it 110t

lay my head humble at the threshold, and hold it not
up like thine, flaring in the face of heaven I Who-
like thine, flaring in the face of heaven
upever Who- !

is thus vainly rearing his crest exalts himself

ever is thus vainly rearing his crest exalts himself
only to be humbled."
only to be humbled."
XLII.
XLII.

AAgood
fellow,
good and holy man saw a huge and strong
and holy man saw a huge and strong
who, having got much enraged, was storming
fellow, who, having got much enraged, was storming
with passion and foaming at the mouth. He asked,
with passion and foaming at the mouth. He asked,
What has happened to this man? Somebody
What has happened to this man? Somebody
answered, Such a one has given him bad names!
answered, Such a one has given him bad names !

He said, This paltry wretch is able to carry a

He said, This paltry wretch is able to carry a
thousand-weight of stone, and cannot bear with one
thousand-weight of stone, and cannot bear with one
light word !-" " Cease to boast of thy strong arm and
light word ! Cease to boast of thy strong arm and
pretended manhood, infirm as thou art in mind, and
pretended manhood, infirm as thou art in mind, and
mean in spirit. What difference is there between such
mean in spirit. What difference is there between such
a man and a woman? Though thou art strong of
a man and a woman? thou art strong of
arm, let thy mouth utterThoughsweet words; it is no proof
arm, let thy mouth utter sweet words it is no proof
of courage to thrust thy fist into another man's face
;
:-
of courage to thrust thy fist into another man's face :

Though thou art able to tear the scalp off an elephant,

Though thou art able to tear the scalp off an elephant,
753
753
 1 62 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADL
ififdeficient
deficientininhumanity,
humanity,thou
thouart
artnonohero.
hero. The
Thesons
so
Adamare
ofofAdam areformed
formedfrom
fromdust;
dust ififnot
nothumble
;
humbleasasthe
t
dust,they
dust, theyfall short
fall shortofof beingm~n."
being men."

XLIII.
XLIII.

I Iquestioned
questioneda arespectable
respectabledivine divineupon uponthe thequali-
qual
fications
fications ofof the the sufi
sufi brotherhood.
brotherhood. He He answered:
answered
The
The meanest
meanest ofof them them isis that that they
they willwill consul
consu
the
the gratification
gratification ofof their their friends
friends inin preference
preference to
attending
attending toto their
their own
own special
special concerns.
concerns. AsAsphilo-
phil
sophers
sophers have
have said:
said: A A brother
brother who
who isis solely
solelydevoted
devote
"
totohimself
himselfisisneither
neithera abrother
brothernor nora akinsman.-"
kinsman. If Ifa
fellow-traveller
fellow-travellerhurries hurrieson, on,heheisisnot
notthethecompanion
companionof
thy
thyjourney;
journey fix;
fixthythyaffections
affectionson onhim himwho whofeels
feelsa
mutual
mutualaffection.
affection. IfIfa arelationrelationbebenot notofofthethesamesam
faith
faithandandritual,
ritual, totodissolve
dissolvesuch sucha aconnection
connectionisisbetterbette
than
thantotocourt
courtitsitskindred
kindredaffection."
affection."
I Irecollect
recollectthat
thata acaviller
cavillerobjected
objectedtotothe thesentiment
sentimen
contained
containedininthe theabove
abovedistich,
distich,andandsaid,
said,TheThemighty
might
andandsupreme
supremejudge judgehas hasininthe theglorious
gloriousKoranKoranforbid
forbi
a a separation
separation ofof kindred,
kindred, and and enjoined
enjoined the the tietie ofo

consanguinity;
consanguinity and ;
and what
what you you have
have inculcated
inculcated is
repugnant
repugnanttotothis thisprecept.
precept. I Ireplied,
replied,You Youare aremis-mis
taken
takenj for;
forit itaccords
accordswith withthe theKoran
Koran xxxi.,xxxi.,asasthe th
"
Most
MostHigh HighGod Godhas hasexpressed
expressedit it :-" Were
: Wereyour
yourtwo tw
parents
parentstotocommand
commandyou youtotogive giveme mesuchsuchpart1lers
partnersasa
you
youcouldcouldnotnotack1lowledge,
acknowledge,thm thenwould
wouldyou you1rot
notobeyobe
them
them;"/'-" A "A thousand
thousand relatives
relatives who who are are strangers
stranger
totoGod Godare arethethesacrifice
sacrificeofofone onestranger
strangerwho whoisishis hi
friend."
friend."
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADJ. 163

XLIV.
XLIV.
"A facetious old gentleman of Baghdad gave his
"A facetious old gentleman
daughter in marriage of Baghdad gave his
to a shoemaker. The flint-
in
daughterfellowmarriage to a shoemaker. The flint-
hearted bit so deeply into the damsel's lip that
hearted fellow bit so deeply into the damsel's lip that
the blood trickled from the wound. N ext morning
the blood trickled from the wound. Next morning
the father found her in this plight, he went up to his
the father found her in this plight, he went up to his
<" ., $on-in-Iaw, and asked him, saying: Low-born wretch!
son-in-law, and asked him, saying Low-born wretch
what sort of teeth are these that thou shouldst chew
: !

what sort of teeth are these that thou shouldst chew

her lips as if they were a piece of leather? I speak
her as if they were a piece of leather?
not lips
in play what I have to say. Lay jestingI speak
aside,
not in play what I have to say. Lay jesting aside,
and take with her thy legal enjoyment-When once
and take with her thy legal enjoyment. When once
a vicious disposition has taken root in the habit, the
a vicious disposition has taken root in the habit, the
hand of death can only eradicate it."
hand of death can only eradicate it."

XLV.
XLV.
A doctor of laws had a daughter preciously ugly,
A doctor of laws had a daughter preciously ugly,
and she had .reached the age of womanhood; but,
and she had reached the age of womanhood but,
notwithstanding her dowry and fortune, nobody ;

her in and
her
seemed inclined to askdowry
notwithstanding fortune,
marriage nobody
:-"" Damask
seemed inclined to ask her in marriage
or brocade but add to her deformity when put: Damask
upon
or brocade but add to her deformity when put upon
a bride void of symmetry."
a bride void of symmetry."
In short, they were under the necessity of uniting
In were under the of
the they
her inshort, bands of wedlock to anecessity
blind man. uniting
They
her in the bands of wedlock to a blind man. They
add, that soon after there arrived from Sirandip, or
add, that soon after there arrived from Sirandip, or
Ceylon, a physician that could restore sight to the
Ceylon, a physician that could restore sight to the
blind. They spoke to the law doctor, saying, Why
blind. They
do you not get spoke to the law
him to prescribe doctor,
for yoursaying, Why
son-in-law?
do you not get him to prescribe for your son-in-law ?
He answered: Because I am afraid he may recover
He answered: Because I am afraid he may recover
 1 64 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADI.
"
his
his sight,
sight, and
and repudiate
repudiate my
my daughter;
daughter for-"
for the
th ;

husband
husband ofof an
an ugly
ugly woman
woman should
should be
be blind."
blind."

XLVI.
XLVI.

A king
A king waswas regarding
regarding with with aa scornful
scornful eye eye aa com-
com-
pany
pany ofof darweshes.
darweshes. One One of of them,
them, from from sagacity
sagacity
penetrated
penetrated his his thoughts,
thoughts, and said 0O sire!
and . said: : sire ! in
in the
th
pomp
pomp of of this
this world
world we we are
are your
your inferiors,
inferiors, in in its
its enjoy-
enjoy-
ments
ments happier,
happier, in in death
death your
your equals,
equals, andand at at the
the dayday
'of
of judgment,
judgment, if if it
it please
please the
the Most
Most High High God, God, ou our
future
future state
state shallshall be be preferable
preferable::-""Though
Though aa con- con-
queror
queror of of regions
regions has has every
every indulgence,
indulgence, and and the the
darwesh 'is in want of!his daily bread,
darwesh is in want of his daily bread, when this when this and
and
that
that are
are alike
alike doomed
doomed to to die,
die, each
each cancan t.ake
take from
from thisthi
world
world only
only his
his winding-sheet
winding-sheet. When
When thou
thou shalt
shalt pack
pack
up
up the
the baggage
baggage of of quitting
quitting thythy present
present possessions
possessions
the
the beggar
beggar willwill depart
depart lighter
lighter andand happier
happier than than the the
king.".
king."
The
The outward
outward tokens tokens of of aa darwesh
darwesh.. are are aa patched
patched
garment
garment 'and
and a
a shaven
shaven head,
head, and
and the
the inward
inward signs signs
those
those ofof being
being alivealive inin the
the spirit
spirit andand deaddead in in the
the
"
flesh
flesh :-" Not
: Not he he who
who will
will sit
sit apart
apart from
from his
his fellow-
fellow-
creatures
creatures at at the
the door
door ofof supplication
supplication with with God,God, and and ii
he
he shall
shall reject
reject his
his prayer
prayer will
will stand
stand up
up in
in disobedi-
disobedi-
ence.
ence. Or
Or if if a a mill-stone
mill-stone comecome rolling
rolling down down aa
mountain,
mountain, he
he is
is not
not intelligent
intelligent in
in the
the ways
ways of of pro-
pro-
vidence
vidence that
that would
would riserise to
to avoid
avoid it."
it."

The
The ritual
ritual of of darweshes
darweshes is is gratitude
gratitude and and praise,
praise,
worship
worship and
and obedience,
obedience, contentment
contentment and
and charity,
charity,
and
and aa belief
belief in in thethe unity
unity and
and providence
providence of of God,
God,
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADL 165
having a reliance on and being resigned to his will,
having a reliance on and being resigned to his will,
confident of his favour, and forbearant with all.
confident of his favour, and forbearant with all.
vVhoever is endowed with these qualifications is in
Whoever is endowed with these is in
truth a darwesh, notwithstanding qualifications
he be arrayed in
truth a darwesh, notwithstanding he be arrayed in
gorgeous apparel. Whereas the irreligious and hypo-
gorgeous apparel. Whereas the irreligious and hypo-
critical vain-boaster, sensualist, and whoremonger,
critical vain - boaster, sensualist, and whoremonger,
who turns days into nights in his slavish indulgences,
who turns days into nights in his slavish indulgences,
and converts nights into days in his dreams of forget-
and converts into days in his dreams of forget-
~ •. fulness; whonightseats whatever falls in his way, and
fulness who eats whatever falls in his way, and
speaks whatever comes uppermost, is .a profligate,
;

speaks whatever comes uppermost, is a profligate,

though clothed in the sackcloth of a saint :-"" Many
clothed in the sackcloth of a saint Many
athough
:

believer is tricked out t'n vainglory, and many an

a believer is tricked out in vainglory, and many an
infidel wears the garb of piety :-yes I thy inside is
infidel wears the garb of piety: inside is
thyadorn
naked of piety, though thouyes
!

stark mayst thy

stark naked of piety, though thou mayst adorn thy
exterior with the robe of hypocrisy. Thou, who hast
exterior with the robe of hypocrisy. who hast
only a reed mat for thy floor, do Thou,
not display a
only a reed mat for thy floor, do not display a
gorgeous curtain before thy door."
gorgeous curtain before thy door."

XLVII.
XLVII.

"" I noticed some nosegays of fresh-blown roses tied

I noticed some nosegays of fresh-blown roses tied
dome with fastenings of grass. I said: What
on aa dome
on with of grass. I said What
bewitched such a fastenings
:

weed as 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 grass wept, and
exclaimed: Silence I the generous forget not an old
exclaimed Silence the generous forget not an old
: !

associate. Though I have no claim to its loveliness,

associate. I have no claim to its loveliness,
bloom, and Though
fragrance, after all am I not grass from its
bloom, and after all am I not grass from its
garden? II fragrance,
am the servant of a munificent
am the servant of a munificent master master
garden ?
-the fostered offspring of his ancient goodness.
the fostered offspring of his ancient goodness.
Whether I am precious, or whether I am worthless, I
Whether I am precious, or whether I am worthless, I
trust, nevertheless, to the mercy of God. Al though I
trust, nevertheless, to the mercy of God. Although I
1 66 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADL
SADIo
possess no
possess no store
store of merchandise, nor
of merchandise, claim from
nor claim from aa
of
stock of duty
stock and
duty and obedience, he
obedience, he can retrieve the
can retrieve the
servant, now
affairs of -his servant,
affairs of his now he has no
he has other mediator
no other mediator
left him.
left the custom
him. ItI t isis the masters who
of masters
custom of who practise
practise
manumission to liberate such
manumission to liberate such slaves as
slaves as are grown old
are grown old
in their
in service. O0 Lord
their service. Lord God, embellisher of
the embellisher
God, the of this
this
world, bestow
world, bestow liberty
liberty upon thine ancient
upon thine ancient servant.
servant.-
Take,
Take, O0 Sadi
Sadi! the
the path
!
path leading to the
leading to temple of
the temple o
O man of
resignation. 0 man of God,
resignation. follow the
God, follow the ways of God.
ways of God
Unhappy he who
Unhappy isis he who will
will turn
turn his face from
his face from this
this gate,
gate
for he
for shall never
he shall find another
never find to enter
another to enter at."
at."

XLVIII.
XLVIII.

They asked
They wise man
asked aa wise which was
man which was preferable,
preferable
munificence or
munificence or courage ? He
courage? He answered, Whoever
answered, Whoever has
has
"
munificence has no
munificence has no need
need of courage.-" On
of courage. the tomb-
On the tomb-
stone of
stone Bahram-gar was
of Bahram-gor inscribed: The
was inscribed The hand
hand of
:
o
is stronger than the arm of Hatim
liberality is stronger than the arm of power.
liberality power.-Hatim
Tayi remains
Tayi remains not,
not, yet
yet will
will his exalted name
his exalted name live
live
renowned
renowned forfor generosity
generosity toto all
all eternity.
eternity. Distribute
Distribute
the tithe of
the tithe thy wealth
of thy wealth inin alms,
alms, for the more
for the more thethe
gardener prunes
gardener his vine
prunes his the more
vine the more he he adds to his
adds to his
crop of
crop ofgrapes."
grapes."
 CHAPTERIII.
CHAPTER III.

ONTHE
ON THEPRECIOUSNESS
PRECIOUSNESSOF
OFCONTENTMENT.
CONTENTMENT.

I.
I.

AAmendicant
mendicantfromfromthe thewest
westofofAfrica
Africahadhadtaken
taken
his station amidst a group of shopkeepers
his station amidst a group of shopkeepers at Aleppo, at Aleppo,
andwas
and was saying:O0 lordslordsofof plenty 1had had yea a just
saying: plenty !
ye just
sense of equity, and we of contentment, allallmanner
sense of equity, and we of contentment, mannerofof
importunity would cease in this world 1-" "
O0content-
content-
importunity would cease in this world !

ment! do thou make me rich, for without

ment do thou make me rich, for without thee there
!
thee there
is no wealth.
is no wealth.
The treasure of patience was the
The treasure of patience was the choice choice
ofof Lucman.
Lucman. Whoever
Whoever has has nono patience has
patience
has nono
wisdom."
wisdom."

II.
II.

Theredwelt
There dweltininEgypt
Egypttwo twoyouths
youthsofofnoble
noblebirth,
birth,
one of whom applied himself to study knowledge,
one of whom applied himself to study knowledge, and and
the other to accumulate
the other to accumulate wealth. wealth. In process of
In process of time time
thatbecame
that becamethe thewisest
wisestmanmanofofhis
hisage,
age,and
andthis
this king
king
of Egypt Then was the rich man casting ananeye
of Egypt. Then was the rich man casting eyeofof
scorn upon
scorn upon hishis philosophic
philosophicbrother,
brother,and.and saying, I I
saying,
have reached a sovereignty, and you
have reached a sovereignty, and you remain thus remain thusinin
a state of poverty. He replied: 0
a state of poverty. He replied: O brother! I ambrother! I amallall
the more
the more grateful for the
for the bounty of a Most
of a Most High God,
God,
grateful bounty High
 j 68
168 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADL
name was
whose 11ame
whose was glorified, have found
that I I have
glorified, that found the
th
of the prophets namely, wisdom and you
heritage of the prophets-namely, wisdom; and you
heritage ;

have got estate of Pharaoh and Haman

the estate tha
have got the of Pharaoh"
and Haman-that
the kingdom of I am an emmet, tha
is, the kingdom of Egypt.-" I am an emmet, that
is, Egypt.
mankind shall
mankind shall tread under foot
tread under foot; not ;
not aa hornet, tha
hornet,that
shall complain of my sting. How
they shall Gomplain of my sting. How can I suffi-
they can I suffi

ciently express my
ciently express my grateful sense of
grateful sense of this
this 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.

heard of
I I heard of aa darwesh whowas
darwesh who was consuming th
consuming inin the
flame of after patch upon hi
flame of want, tacking patch after patch upon his
want, tacking patch
and solacing his mind with thi
ragged
ragged garment,
garment, and
"
solacing his mind with this
I can rest content with a dry crust o
couplet :-" I can rest content with a dry crust of
couplet :

bread and" aa coarse

bread and woollen frock,
coarsewoollen" for the burden o
frock,for the burden o
own exertion
my own
my exertion bears lighter than laying mysel
bears lighter than laying mysel
under
under obligation totoanother."-Somebody
obligation another." observed to
Somebodyobserved t
him, Why do you sit quiet, while a certain gentlema
him, Why do you sit quiet, while a certain gentleman
of this city is so nobly disposed and universall
of this city is so nobly disposed and universally
that he has girt up his loins in the servic
benevolent,that
benevolent, he has girt up his loins in the service
of the religious independents, and seated himself b
of the religious independents, and seated himself by
the door of their hearts ?
the door of their hearts ? Were Werehe heapprised
apprised of of your
you
condition, he would esteem himself
condition, he would esteem himself obliged, obliged, andand beb
in the
happy in the opportunity
happy of
opportunity of relieving
relieving it.
it. He
He said:
said
Be silent;
Be silent for it is better to die of want than t
for
;
it is" better to. die of want than to
expose ourour necessities before another, as they hav
expose necessities
"
" before· another, as they have
rema~ked :-=-" Patching
remarked :
Patching a" tattered cloak, and th
a "tatteiei:l cloak, and the
consequent treasure of
consequent treasure of conterit, content, isis more commend
more commend-
able than petitioning the great for every new gar
able than petitioning "tlie "great' for every new gar-
ment By
ment. By mymy troth,
troth, I I swear" were equal
swear itit were equal to to th
the
 SHAIKH SA.DI. 16 9
SHAIKH SADL 169
torments of hell to enter into paradise through the
torments of hell to enter into paradise through the
interest of a neighbour."
interest of a neighbour."

IV.
IV.

One of the Persian kings sent a skilful physician to

One of
attend the Persian kings sent a skilful physician to
Mohammed :Mustufa, on whom be salutation.
attend Mohammed Mustufa, on whom be salutation.
He remained some 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 nobody went to try his skill, or asked
him for any medicine. One day he presented himself
;

him for any medicine. One day he presented himself

before the blessed prince of prophets, and complained,
before of and complained,
saying,the Theblessed prince
king had sent prophets,
me to dispense medicine
saying, The king
to your companions;
had sent me to
but, till this dispense
medicine
moment, nobody
to your companions till this moment, nobody
has been so good ·as to but,
;
enable me to practise any skill
has been so good as to enable me to practise any skill
that this your servant may possess. The blessed
that this your servant may possess. The blessed
messenger of God was pleased to answer, saying, It is
amessenger
of God was
rule with this tribe never
to
to eat answer,
pleased till hardsaying,
It is
pressed by
a rule with this tribe never to eat till hard pressed by
hunger, and to discontinue their repast while ' they
hunger,yetandanto appetite.
have discontinue their repast while they
The physician said, This
have yet an appetite. The physician said, This
accounts for their health. Then he kissed the earth
accounts for their health. Then he kissed the earth
of respe~t and took his leave.-"" The physician will
of respect and took his leave. The physician will
then begin to inculcate temperance, or to extend the
then begin to inculcate temperance, or to extend the
finger of indulgence, when from silence his patient
finger of indulgence, when from silence his patient
might suffer by excess, or his life be endangered by
might suffer by or his life be endangered by
abstinence: of excess,
course, the skill of the physician is
abstinence of course, the skill of the physician is
advice, and the patient's regimen and diet yield the
:

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 breaking
abstinence andperson
would be making vows of
them. At last a reverend
abstinence and breaking them. At last a reverend
17
1700 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADI.

gentleman observed
gentleman observed to to him,
him, SoSo II understand
understand that
that
you make
you make aa practice
practice of of eating
eating to
to excess
excess; and
and that
;that
any restraint
any restraint onon your
your appetite,
appetite, namely,
namely, this
this vow,
vow, isis
weaker than
weaker than aa hair,
hair, and
and this
this voraciousness,
voraciousness, as
as you
you
indulge it,
indulge it, would
would break
break an an iron
iron chain
chain; but
but the
; the day
day
must come
must come whenwhen itit will
will destroy
destroy you.
you.-""
AA man
man was
was
rearing the
rearing the whelp
whelp of
of aa wolf
wolf;; when full
when full grown
grown itit tore
tore
its patron
its patron and master."
and master."

VI.
VI.

In the
In the annals
annals of
of Ardishir
Ardishir Babagan
Babagan it it isis recorded
rec'orded
that he
that he asked
asked anan Arabian
Arabian physician, saying, What
physician, saying, What
quantity of
quantity of food
food ought
ought to
to be
be eaten
eaten daily
daily?? He
He
replied,
replied, AA hundred
hundred dirams'
dirams' weight
weight were
were sufficient
sufficient.
The
The king said, What
king said, What strength
strength can can aa manman derive
derive
from so
from so small
small aa quantity
quantity? ? The
The physician
physician replied
replied: :

So much
So muck cancan support
supportyou;
you; but butin
t"n whatever
whateveryou you exceed
exceed
"
thatyou
that you must
must support
support it.t"t.-" Eating isis for
Eating for the
the purpose
purpose
of living,
of living, and
and speaking
speaking in in praise
praise ofof God
God; but
; but thou
thou
believest that we
believest that we live
live only
only toto eat."
eat."

VII.
VII.

Two
Two darweshes
darweshes of of Khorasan
Khorasan were
were fellow-com-
fellow-com-
panions on
panions journey. One
on aa journey. One was
was soso spare
spare and
and
moderate that
moderate that he
he would
would break
break his
his fast
fast only
only every
every
other night,
other night, and
and the
the other
other so
so robust
robust and
and intemperate
intemperate
that he
that he ate
ate three
three meals
meals aa day.
day. It It happened
happened that
that
they were
they were taken
taken upup·at the gate
at the gate of
of.a city on
.a city on suspicion
suspicion
of being
of being spies,
spies, and
and both
both together
together putput into
into aa place,
place,
the entrance
the entrance of
of which
which was
was built
built up
up with
with mud.
mud. After
After
 SHAlKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADI. 171
a fortnight it was discovered that they were inno-
a cent, when,itonwas
fortnight discovered
breaking openthat door,were
the they they inno-
found
on the door, they found
cent, when,
the strong man dead, and the weak one alive and
breaking open
the
well. They
strong man were
dead,astonished weak
and the. at thisone alive and
circumstat:lce.
well. They were astonished at this circumstance.
A wise man said, The contrary of this had been
Astrange,
wise man for this Thewas
said, one of this
a voracious
contrary hadand
eater, been
not
for this one was a voracious eater, and not
having strength to support a want of food, perished;
strange,
and that
having othertowas
strength support a want of
abstemious, andfood,
being patient,
perished ;

and that
< -according
other was and
to his habitual practice, survived
abstemious, being it-
patient,
his habitual practice, survived it.
" When ato person
according is habitually temperate, and a
"When
hardshipa shall
person cross
is
him,
habitually get over and
he willtemperate, a
it with
shall cross him, he will get over it with
ease; but if he has pampered his body and lived
hardship
in luxury,
ease; he has
but if and shall body and circum-
get intohisstraitened
pampered lived
in luxury, and shall get into straitened circum-
stances, he must perish."
stances, he must perish."

VIII.
VIII.

A certain philosopher admonished his son against

A certain
eating to anphilosopher admonished
excess, because repletionhis son against
made a man
to an excess, because repletion made a man
sick. The boy answered, 0 father, hunger will kill.
eating
Have The
sick.
you boy
not answered,
heard what O the witshunger
father, will kill.
have remarked,
Have
To die youofnota surfeit what better
heard were the witsthanhave
to bear with a
remarked,
To die of a surfeit were better than to bear with a
craving appetite? The father said, Study modera-
tion, for
craving ?
the Most
appetite The
Highfather said, Study modera-
God has told us in the
for the Most
Koran :-Eat ye and
tion, High
drinkGodye, has
but nottold us in the
to an excess : -
Koran Eat
"eat not so ye
: and drink
voraciously that
ye, but not
the foodto an excess :
shall be re-
"eat
gorgednot so voraciously that the food shall be re-
from thy mouth, nor so abstemiously that
from thy life
from depletion
gorged shall nor
mouth, so thee
desert :-though that
abstemiously food
from depletion life shall desert thee
be the means of preserving breath in the :
body. food
though Yet,
be the means of preserving breath in the body. Yet,
·if taken to excess, it will prove noxious. If conserve
if taken to excess, it will noxious.
of roses be frequently prove indulged willconserve
in it If cause a
of roses be frequently indulged in it will cause a
 172 SHAIKHSA.DI.
SHAIKH SADL
surfeit,
surfeit,whereas
whereasa acrust
crustofofbread,
bread,eaten
eaten after
aftera along
lon
interval,
interval,will
willrelish
relishlike
likeconserve
conserveof roses."
of roses."

IX.
IX.

They
They asked
asked a a sick
sick man:
man What
Whatdoes
: does your
your heart
hear
covet?
covet ? HeHereplied:
replied Only this,
Only this,
: that
that mymy heart
heart may
may
nothing!-" When
"
covet
covet nothing ! When the
the stomach
stomach isis oppressed,
oppressed
and
andthe
thebelly
bellysuffering
sufferingfrom
froma acholic,
cholic,ititcannot
cannotbenefit
benefi
though everything
though everything else
elsebe
berig~t"
right."

X.X.

InInthe
thecity
cityofofWasit
Wasita adealer
dealerinin corn
cornhadhadallovved
allowe
some
somesufis
sufistotorun
runup up a ascore
score with
with him,
him, and
and was
was daily
dail
dunning
dunning them
them for
for payment,
payment, and
and making
making use
use of
of very
ver
coarse
coarselanguage.
language. The The brotherhood
brotherhood were were hurt
hurttotothe
th
soul
soul by by his
his low
low abuse;
abuse ;
but
but they
they had
had nono remedy
remedy
besides patience. AA good
besides patience. good andand holy
holy man
man· among
among
them
them said,
said,ItItisis easier
easier totosatisfy
satisfythe
theappetite
appetite with
with a
promise
promise ofof nourishment
nourishment than than toto put
put off
off the
the grain
grai
"
merchant
merchantwith withan anassurance
assuranceof offuture
future payment
payment:-" ItI
:

were
werepreferable
preferabletotoforego
foregothe the beneficence
beneficence of ofa·apatron
patro
than
than totosubmit
submit toto thethe rudeness
rudenessof ofhishisdoor-keepers.
door-keepers
ItItisisbetter
bettertotoperish
perishof ofa acraving
craving forfor meat
meat than
thanbear
bea
with
withthetheexecrable
execrabledunning
dunningofofbutchers."
butchers."
• j

f .
XL
XI.

InIna abattle
battlewith
with the
the: Tartars,
Tartars,a agallant
gallantyoung
youngman
man
was
wasgrievously
grievously wounded.
wounded. Somebody
Somebody said
saidto
to him,AA
him,
 SHAIKH
SHAII(HSADL
SAnI. 173
173

certainmerchant
certain merchanthas
hasa astock
stockofofthe
the mummyantidote
mummy antidote; ;

if if you
you would
would ask ask him,him, hehe mightmight perhaps
perhaps accom-
accom-
modate you
modate you with
with a a portion
portion ofof it.it. They They say say thatthat
"
merchantwas
merchant wassosonotorious
notoriousfor forhis hisstinginess,
stinginess,that
that- If,
CC
If,

ininthetheplace
placeofofhishisloaf
loafofofbread,
bread,the the orb
orb ofofthe
the sun sun
hadbeen
had beenininhis
hiswallet,
wallet,nobody
nobodywould wouldhave haveseen
seenday-day-
lightininthe
light theworld
worldtilltillthe
thedaydayofofjudgment."
judgment."
Thespirited
The spiritedyouth
youthreplied
replied: Were
: WereI Itotoaskaskhim
himfor for
. this
thisantidote,
antidote,hehemight
mightgive giveit,it,ororhehemight
mightnotnot; and
;
andifif
hehediddidititmight
mightcure
cureme, me,ororititmight
mightnot not; atatany
;
anyrate,rate,
to ask such a man were itself
to ask such a man were itself a deadly poison a deadly poison!- !

"
Whateverthou
ccWhatever thouwouldst
wouldst ask askofofthe themean,
mean,ininobliga-
obliga-
tion,
tion, might might add
add to
to the
the body,
body, butbut would
would take
take from
from thethe
soul."-And
soul." philosophers have
And philosophers have observed,
observed,thatthat werewere
thethewater
waterofofimmortality,
immortality,for for example,
example,totobebesold soldatat
thetheprice
priceofofthe
thereputation,
reputation,a awise wiseman manwould
wouldnot notbuy buy
it,
it, for
for an
an honourable
honourable death
death is is preferable
preferable totoa a life
life ofof
"
infamy.-"
infamy. Wert
Wert thou
thou toto eat
eat colocynth
colocynth from
from the
the hand
hand
of ofthethe kind-hearted,
kind-hearted, itit would would relish relish better
better than
than a a
sweetmeatfrom
sweetmeat fromthat
thatofofthethecrabbed."
crabbed."

XII.
XII.

Oneofofthe
One the learned
learned hadhad a a large
largefamily
family and
andsmall
small
means.
means. He stated
He stated hishis case
case toto a a great
great man,
man, whowho
entertained a a favourable
entertained favourable opinion
opinion ofof hishis character.
character.
This turned
This turned away
away from
from hishissolicitation,
solicitation,and
and viewed
viewed
this prostitution
this prostitution ofofbegging
beggingasas discreditable
discreditablewithwith a a
" cc
gentleman
gentleman of
of education.-
education. IfIf soured
soured by
by misfortune,
misfortune,
present not
present not thyself
thyself before
before a a dear
dear friend,
friend, for
for thou
thou
174
174 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADI.
SADL
mayst
maystalsoalsoimbitter
imbitterhis hispleasure. When thou bringest
pleasure. When thou bringes
forward
forward a adistress,
distress,
do
do ititwith
with a a cheerful
cheerful andand smiling
smilin
face,
face,
for
for an
an openness
openness ofof countenance
countenance can
can never
never retard
retar
business."-They
business." They have
have related
related that
thathehe rose
rose a alittle
little ini
the
thepension,
pension,
but
but sunk
sunk much
much inin the
the estimation
estimation ofof the
th
great man. After
great man. Aftersomesome days, when he perceived this
days, when he perceived thi
falling
falling
off
offininhis
hisaffection,
affection,
hehesaid
said :
Miserable isistltat
:-" "Miserable tha
supply of food
supply offood
wldelz
which thou
thou obtaz'nest
obtainest in
in the
thehour
hour ofofneed;
need
the
thepot
pot isisputput toto boil, but my reputation is bubbled
boil, but my reputation is bubble
into
intovapour.-He
vapour. Headded
addedtotomy mymeansmeansofofsubsistence,
subsistence
but
buttook
tookfromfrommy reputation;
my reputation absolute
;
absolute starving
starvingwerewer
better
betterthan
thanthethedisgrace
disgrace
ofofbegging."
begging."

XIII.
XIII.

AAdarwesh
darwesh had hada apressing
pressing callcallfor for money.
money. Some- Some
body
body told
told him
him a acertain
certain person
person isisinconceivably
inconceivablyrich; rich
were
werehe hemade
madeawareawareofofyour want,
your want, hehewould
would somehow
someho
manage
managetotoaccommodate
accommodateit.it. He Hesaid,said,I Idodonot
notknow
kno
him.
him. The Theother
otheranswered,
answered, I Iwill
will introduce
introduce you;
you and
;
an
having
having taken
taken his
his hand,
hand, hehe brought
brought him
him to
to tl1at
tha
person's dwelling. The
person's dwelling. Thedarwesh
darwesh beheld behelda aman manwithwit
a a hanging lip,
hanging lip, and
and sitting
sitting
inin sullen
sullen discontent.
discontent He
H
said
saidnothing,
nothing,
and
and returned
returned home.
home. His
His friend
friend asked,
asked
What
What havehave you you done?
done? He He replied, His gift I gave
replied, His gift I gav
inin exchange
exchange for
for his
his look
look :-"
:
"Lay not thy words
Lay not thy word
before
beforea amanman withwitha asour sourface, otherwise thou mayst
face, otherwise thou mays
beberuffled
ruffledby byhis ill-nature. If
hisill-nature. Ifthou
thoutell est the
tellest thesorrows
sorrow
ofofthy
thy heart,
heart, let
let itit bebe to
to him
him ininwhose
whose countenance
countenanc
thoumayst
thou maystbebeassured
assuredof ofprompt
promptc,oconsolation."
nsolation."
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADL 175
175

XIV.
XIV.

One
One year
year there
there had had occurred
occurred such such aa drought
drought at at
Alexandria
Alexandria that that thethe reins
reins of of patience
patience dropped
dropped from from
the
the hands
hands of of the
the people;
people the ;
the flood-gates
flood-gates of of the
the skies
skies
were
were shut
shut against
against the the earth,
earth, and
and the
the lamentations
lamentations of of
the
the inhabitants
inhabitants of of the
the earth
earth mingled
mingled withwith thethe skies
skies :- :

"
•• "There
There was was notnot an an animal
animal amongamong the the beasts,
beasts, birds,
birds,
fish,
fish, and
and reptiles
reptiles whose
whose lamentation
lamentation in in its
its distress
distress diddid
not
not rise
rise upup toto heaven:
heaven strange
:
strange that
that the the heart-felt
heart-felt

sighs of
sighs of creatures
creatures were were notnot gathering
gathering so so as as to
to become
become
clouds, and
clouds, and thethe torrents
torrents of of their
their eyes
eyes toto fall
fall into
into rain."
rain."
During
During such such aa season
season therethere was
was aa hermaphrodite
hermaphrodite
-be be hehe far
far apart
apart from from ourour friends,
friends, for
for aa speech
speech in in
description
description of
of him
him were
were a a breach
breach of
of politeness, more
politeness, more
especially
especially in in the
the presence
presence of of the
the great
great andand good;
good yet
; yet
we must
we must not not from
from aa motive
motive of
of contempt altogether
contempt altogether
overlook
overlook him, him, lest
lest certain
certain people
people might
might chargecharge the the
narrator
narrator with
with incapacity;
incapacity therefore
;
therefore it
it was
was briefly
briefly
stated
stated in in these
these twotwo verses,
verses, where
where aa little
little was
was aa proof
proof
of much,
of much, and and a
a handful
handful the
the sample
sample of
of an
an ass-load
ass-load :- :

"
"Were
Were aa Tartar
Tartar to to kill
kill that
that hermaphrodite,
hermaphrodite, we we would
would
not
not demand
demand retaliation
retaliation upon
upon the
the Tartar.
Tartar. How
How long
long
must
must he he continue
continue like like the
the bridge
bridge at
at Baghdad,
Baghdad, with with
water underneath,
water underneath, and
and people
people on
on his
his back."
back."
Such
Such aa person
person as as II have
have summarily
summarily described
described was was
that
that year possessed
year possessed of
of immense
immense wealth;
wealth ;
and
and was
was
distributing
distributing gold gold and
and silver
silver among
among the
the needy,
needy, and
and
keeping
keeping an an open
open table
table for
for the
the traveller.
traveller. AA company
company
of
of darweshes,
darweshes, who, who, in in their
their extreme
extreme want,want, had had well
well
17 6 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADL
176

nigh perished, were inclined to accept his invitation,

nigh perished, were inclined to accept his invitation,
and
and came
came to to consult
consult meme on
on the subject. II turned
the subject. turned
away indignant, and
and said :-"" Were
Were he
he dying of
away indignant, said :
dying of
hunger
hunger
in
in his
his den,
den,
the
the lion
lion would
would not
not eat
eat the
the leavings
leavings
of
of a
a dog; let thy body suffer hunger and hardship,
dog let thy body suffer hunger and hardship,
;

but
but raise
raise not
not the
the hand
hand ofof petition before the mean;
petition before the mean ;

were
were he he another
another Firedown
Firedown in in wealth and dominion,
wealth and dominion,
account
account thethe dishonourable
dishonourable man man as nothing; silk
as nothing silk and
;
and
embroidery
embroidery
on
on a
a worthless
worthless man's
man's back
back is
is
like
like daub-
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,
heard of, a a person of a more independent spirit than
person of a more independent spirit than
yourself?
yourself?
He
He answered : Yes,
answered :
one day I had made
Yes, one day I had made
aa sacrifice of forty camels, and
sacrifice of forty camels, and invited invited the
the chief
chief of
of
every Arab tribe to a feast. Then I repaired
every Arab tribe to a feast. Then I repaired to the
to the
border
border ofof the
the desert, where I met a wood-cutter, who
desert, where I met a wood-cutter, who
had tied up his faggot
had tied up his faggot to to carry it into the city. II
carry it into the city.
said, Why do you not go to the
said, Why do you not go to the feast of Hatim,
feast of Hatim,
where a crowd have assembled
where a crowd have assembled round his round his carpet?
carpet?
He replied
He replied " Whoever can eat the bread of his own
:r-"
:-? 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
Hatim Tayi :-and
Tayi and in
in him
him II met
met mymy superior in spirit
:
superior in spirit
and independence:
and independence."
XVI.
XVI.

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

put up
put up a a prayer,
prayer, that
that the
the most
most high
high God
God would
would
bestowa asubsistence
bestow subsistenceupon
upon me,
me, for
forI Iam
am perishing
perishinginin
distress. The
distress. Theblessed
blessedMoses
Mosesprayed
prayedaccordingly,
accordingly,that that
Godon
God onhigh
highwould
wouldsuccour
succourhim.
him.
Some days
Some days afterwards,
afterwards,asashehewas wasreturning
returningfrom froma a
conference with
conference with God God on on Mount
Mount Sinai,
Sinai,hehe met metthatthat
darwesh in the hands of justice, and
darwesh in the hands of justice, and a mob following a mob following
him. He
him. Heaskedasked: What
: Whathas hasbefallen
befallenthisthisman man? ? They
They
,answered:
answered: He Hehad haddrunk
drunkwinewineandandgotgotintointoa aquarrel,
quarrel,
and having
and having killed
killed somebody,
somebody,they theyare are now nowgoing
goingtoto
"
exactretaliation.
exact retaliation.-" TheGod
The Godwho whoset setforth
forththe theseven
seven
climatesofofthis
climates this world
world assigned
assignedtoto everyeverycreature
creature itsits
appropriate lot.
appropriate lot. Had Had that
thatwretched
wretchedcat catbeenbeengifted
gifted
withwings,
with wings,she shewould
wouldnot nothave
haveleftleftone
onesparrow's
sparrow'segg egg
onon the earth. ItIt might
the earth. might happen
happen that that werewere a a weak
weak
man toto get
man get thethe ability,
ability,hehewould
would riserise andanddomineer
domineer
overhis
over hisweak
weakbrethren."
brethren."
The blessed
The blessed Moses Moses acknowledged
acknowledged the the wisdom
wisdom ofof
the creator
the creatorofofthe the universe,
universe, and,
and,confessing
confessinghis hisown
'own
presumption,
presumption, repeated repeated this
this verse
verse ofof thethe Koran:-
Koran :

WereGod
Were Godtotospread
spreadabroadabroadhishisstores
storesofofsubsistence
subsistencetoto
servants,verily
servants, verilytheytheywould
wouldrebel
rebelallallover
over the theearth
earth: : -
"
"What happened,O0vain
What happened, vain man
man! thatthou
! that thou didstdidstpre-
pre-
cipitate thyselfinto
dp£tatethyself i11todestruction
destruction? ? Wouldthat
Would thatthe
theant
ant
! "_uAA mean
" "
might not
might not have
have tJie the means
means ofofflying
.flying! mean
person,when
person, whenhehehas hasgotgotrank
rankandandwealth,
wealth,will willbring
bringa a
stormofofblows
storm blowsupon upon hishishead.
head. Was Wasnot notthis thisatatlast
last
theadage
the adageofofa a philosopher,
philosopher,ThatThatant antisisbest
bestdisposed
disposed
ofofthat
thathashasno nowings."
wings."-The fatherisisa aman
The father manofofmuch much
sweetnessofofdisposition,
sweetness disposition, but but the
the son
son isis full
fullofofheat
heat
"
I andand passions
passions :_U
: That Being,
That Being, God,God, whowho would would not not
754
754
 178
SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADI.
SADL
make
make thee
thee rich, must have known thy good better
rich, must have known thy good bette
than
thanthou
thou couldstthyself know
couldst knowit."
it"
thyself

XVII.
XVII.

I I saw
sawan an Arab, who was standing amidst a circle
Arab, who was standing amidst a circl
ofofjewellers atatBusrah, and saying: On one occasion I
Busrah, and saying On one occasion
jewellers :

had
had missed
missed my way inin the the desert, and having no
desert, and having n
my way
road-provision left, I had
had given myself up for lost,
road-provision left, I given myself up for los
when allall atat once
when once I I found
found a a bag ofofpearls. Never
Neve
bag pearls.
shall
shall I I forget that
that relish
relish and
and delight, soso long asas I
forget delight, long
mistook
mistookthem them for
forparched wheat; nor that bitterness
parched wheat nor that bitternes
;

and
and disappointment, when I discovered that· they
disappointment, when I discovered that the
were real pearls.-"
were real pearls. "In the
In the mouth
mouth ofof the the thirsty
thirst
traveller, amidst parched deserts and
traveller, amidst parched deserts and moving sands
moving sands,
pearl, oror mother-of-pearl, were equally distasteful.
pearl, mother-of-pearl, were equally distasteful
ToTo a man without provision, and knocked
a man without provision, and knocked up in the
up in th
desert, a piece of stone or of gold, in his scrip,
desert, a piece of stone or of gold, in his scrip, is al
is all
one."
one."
XVIII.
XVIII.

AnAnArab, suffering under all the extremity of thirst

Arab, suffering under all the extremity of thirs
ininthe
the desert,was
desert, was saying :-" "Would
WouldtotoGod
Godthat
thatyet,
saying:
yet
before 1 perish, 1 could but for one day
before I perish, I could but for one day gratify m
gratify my
wish:
^vish :that
thata astream
streamof water might dash against my
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 stomac
with
withit."
if
InIn like
like manner
mannera atraveller
traveller had
had got bewildered in
got bewildered i
the
the great desert, and
and had
had neither
neither provisions nor
provisions no
great desert,
strength left, yet
strength left, yet
a afew
few dirams
dirams remained
remained with
withhim
him ini
his
his scrip. HeHe kept wandering about,
kept wandering about,
but
but could
could not
no
scrip.
 SHAIKH SA.DI.
SHAIKH SADL 179
179

find
find the
the path,
path, and
and sunk
sunk under
under his
his fatigue.
fatigue. A A party
party of
of
travellers
travellers arrived
arrived where
where his
his body lay;
body lay they ; they saw
saw the
the
dirams
dirams spread
spread before
before him,
him, and
and these
these verses
verses written
written in
in

the sand:-"" Were

the sand : Were he he possessed
possessed of
of all
all the
the gold
gold of
of
Jafier
Jafier [a[a famous
famous gold
gold refiner],
refiner], aa manman without
without food
food
could
could not
not satisfy
satisfy his
his appetite.
appetite. To
To aa wretched
wretched mendi-
mendi-
cant,
cant, parched
parched in in the
the desert,
desert, aa boiled
boiled turnip
turnip would
would
relish
relish better
better than
than anan ingot
ingot of
of virgin
virgin silver."
silver."

XIX.
XIX.

II had
had never
never complained
complained of of the
the vicissitudes
vicissitudes of of
fortune,
fortune, nor
nor murmured
murmured at at the
the ordinances
ordinances of of heaven,
heaven,
excepting
excepting on on one
one occasion,
occasion, that
that my
my feet
feet were
were bare,
bare,
and
and II had
had notnot wherewithal
wherewithal to to shoe
shoe them.
them. In In this
this

desponding
desponding state state II entered
entered the
the metropolitan
metropolitan mosque
mosque
at
at Cufah,
Cufah, and
and there
there II beheld man that
beheld aa man that had
had no
no feet.
feet.

II offered
offered up
up praise
praise andand thanksgiving
thanksgiving forfor God's
God's good-
good-
ness
ness toto myself,
myself, andand submitted
submitted withwith "patience
patience to to mymy
"
want
want of of shoes.-"
shoes. In
In the
the eye
eye ofof one
one satiated
satiated with
with
meat
meat aa roast
roast fowl
fowl is is less
less esteemed
esteemed at at his
his table
table than
than
aa salad;
salad but
;
but to him who
to him who isis stinted
stinted of
of food
food aa boiled
boiled
turnip
turnip will
will relish
relish like
like aa roast
roast fow!."
fowl."

XX.
XX.

AA king,
king, attended
attended byby aa select
select retinue,
retinue, had,
had, onon aa
sporting
sportingexcursion
excursion during
during the
the winter,
winter,got
got at
at aa distance
distance
from
from any
any ofof his
his hunting
hunting seats,
seats, and
and the
the evening
evening waswas
closing
closing fast, when
fast, when they
they espied
espied from
from afar
afar aa peasant's
peasant's
cottage.
cottage. TheThe king
king said:
said: Let
Let usus repair"
repair thither
thither for
for
180
i8o SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADL
SADI.

the night,
the night, that
that we
we may
may shelter
shelter ourselves
ourselves from
from the
the
inclemency of
inclemency of the
the weather.
weather. OneOne of
of the
the courtiers
courtiers
replied It would
replied: It
: would not
not become
become the
the dignity
dignity of
of the
the
sovereign to
sovereign to take
take refuge
refuge in
in the
the cottage
cottage of
of aa low
low
peasant; we
peasant we can
can pitch
;
pitch aa tent
tent here
here and
and kindle
kindle aa fire.
fire.
The peasant
The peasant saw
saw what
what was
was passing
passing ;, he
he came
;
came forward
fonvard
with what refreshments
with what refreshments hehe had
had at
at hand,
hand, and,
and, laying
laying
them before
them before the
the king,
king, kissed
kissed the
the earth
earth of
of subserviency,
subserviency,
and said
and said: The
The lofty
lofty dignity
: dignity of
of the
the king
king would
would not
not be
be
lowered by
lowered by this
this condescension
condescension; but
but these
;
these gentlemen
gentlemen
did not choose
did not choose that
that the
the condition
condition of
of aa peasant
peasant should
should
be exalted.
be exalted. The
The king
king was
was pleased
pleased with
with this
this speech
speech; ;

and they
and they passed
passed the
the night
night at
at his
his cottage.
cottage. In In the
the
morning he bestowed an honorary
morning he bestowed an honorary dress and dress and hand-
hand-
some largess
some largess upon
upon him.
him. II have
have heard
heard that
that the
the peasant
peasant
was resting
was resting his
his hand
hand for
for some
some paces
paces upon
upon thethe king's
king's
"
stirrup,
stirrup, and
and saying:
saying : "The
The state
state and
and pomp
pomp of
of the
the
sovereign
sovereign suffered
suffered no
no degradation
degradation by by his
his condescen-
condescen-
sion in
sion in becoming aa guest
becoming guest at
at the
the cottage
cottage of
of aa peasant
peasant;;

but the
but the corner
corner of
of the
the peasant's
peasant's cap
cap rose
rose to
to aa level
level with
with
the sun
the sun when
when the
the shadow
shadow of of such
such aa monarch
monarch as as
thou art
thou art fell
fell upon
upon his
his head."
head."

XXI.
XXI.

They tell
They tell aa story
story of
of an
an importunate
importunate mendicant
mendicant who
who
had amassed
had amassed much riches . . A certain
much riches. certain king
king said It
said: It
:

seems that
seems that you
you possess
possess immense
immense wealth,
wealth, and
and II have
have aa
business of
business of some consequence
some consequence in in hand.
hand. If If you
you will
will
assist
assistme with
me with aa little
little of
of it,
it, by
by way
way ofof aa loan,
loan, when
when
the public
the public revenue
revenue isis realised
realised II will
will repay
repay itit and
and
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADL 181
1St

thank
thank you you to to the
the bargain.
bargain. He replied:
He replied 0 : O sire,
sire, itit

would ill become the sublime majesty

would ill become the sublime majesty of the sovereign
of the sovereign
of
of the
the universe
universe to to soil
soil the
the hand
hand ofof lofty
lofty enterprise
enterprise with with
the property
the property of such a mendicant as I am,
of such a mendicant as I am, which II
which
have
have scraped together grain
scraped together grain by grain. by grain. He said:
He said :

There is no occasion to vex yourself,

There is no occasion to vex for I mean
yourself, for I mean it it

for
for the
the Tartars,
Tartars, as
as impurities
impurities are
are suiting
suiting for
for the
the
"
impure :-" They
impure :
They said,
said, TheThe compost
compost of of aa dunghill
dunghill z"s is

~ .., u11clean.
unclean. We replied,
We replied, That
That with
with it
it we
we will
will fill
fill upup the
the
chinks
chinks of of aa 1zecessary
necessary :-If
: If the
the water
water ofof aa Christian's
Christian's
well is
well is defiled,
defiled, and we wash
and we wash aa Jew's
Jew's corpse
corpse in in it,
it, there
there
isis no
no sin."-I
sin." I have
have heard
heard that
that he
he disobeyed
disobeyed the
the royal
royal
command,
command, questioned
questioned its its justice,
justice, and
and resisted
resisted it it with
with
insolence.
insolence. The king
The king ordered
ordered that
that the
the exchequer
exchequer
stipulations
stipulations should
should be be put
put inin force
force with
with rigidness
rigidness and and
"
violence.-"
violence. When aa business
When business cannot
cannot be be settled
settled with with
fair
fair words,
words, we we must
must of of necessity make use
necessity make use of of foul.
foul.
When aa man
When man willwill not
not contribute
contribute of of his own free
his own free will,
will,
if
if another
another enforces
enforces himhim he he meets
meets his
his desert."
desert."

XXII.
XXII.

knew aa merchant
II knew merchant whowho hadhad aa hundred
hundred andand fifty
fifty
camels of
camels of burthen
burthen and
and forty bondsmen and
forty bondsmen and servants
servants
in
in his
his train.
train. One night
One night he he entertained
entertained meme atat his
his
lodgings
lodgings in in the
the island
island of
of Keish,
Keish, inin the
the Persian
Persian Gulf,
Gulf,
and
and continued
continued forfor the
the whole
whole night
night talking
talking idly,
idly, and
and
saying:
saying: Such a store of goods
Such a store of goods II have
have in
in Turkistan,
Turkistan, and
and
such
such an an assortment
assortment of of merchandise
merchandise in in Hindustan;
Hindustan ;

this
this is
is the
the mortgage-deed
mortgage-deed of of aa certain
certain estate,
estate, and
and this
this
the security-bond
the security-bond of a certain individual's concern.
of a certain individual's concern.
 1 82 SIIAIKff SADL
SUAIKFf SADI.

Then he
Then hewould
would say
say: IIhave
haveaa mind
:
mind to
to visit
visit Alexandria,
Alexandria,
the air
the air of
of which
which isis salubrious
salubrious;; but
but that
that cannot
cannot be,
be, for
for
theMediterranean
the Mediterranean Sea
Sea isis boisterous.
boisterous. Sadi I II have
O0 Sadi have
!

one more
one more journey
journey inin view,
view, and,
and, that
that once
once accom-
accom-
plished, I will pass my remaining life in retirement
plished, I will pass my remaining life in retirement
and leave
and leave off
offtrade.
trade. II asked
asked: What
Whatjourney
journey isis that
:
that?
?

He replied
He replied: II will
:
will carry
carrythe
the sulphur
sulphur of
ofPersia
Persiato
to Chin,
Chin,
where, II have
where, have heard,
heard, itit will
will fetch
fetch aa high
high price
price; thence
;
thence
_ II will
will take
take China
China porcelain
porcelain to to Greece
Greece; the
;
the brocade
brocade of of
Greece or
Greece or Venice
Venice II will
will carry
carry to to India
India; and
;
and Indian
Indian
steel II will
steel will bring
bringtoto Aleppo
Aleppo; the;
the glass-ware
glass-wareof ofAleppo
Aleppo
II will
will take
take to to Yamin
Yamin; and
;
and with
with the the bardimani,
bardimani, or or
striped stuffs, of Yamin I will return to Persia. After
striped stuffs, of Yamin I will return to Persia. After
that II will
that will give
giveupup foreign
foreign commerce
commerce and and settle
settle myself
mysel
in aa warehouse.
in warehouse. He Hewent
went on on in
in this
this melancholy
melancholystrain
strain
till he
till he was
was quite
quite exhausted
exhausted with with speaking.
speaking. He He said
said:
:

Oo Sadi
Sadi! do
!
do you
you too
too relate
relate what
what you you have
have seen
seen and
and
heard. II replied
heard. replied :-"
:
" Hast thou not heard that in the
Hast thou not heard that in the
desert of
desert of Ghor
Ghor as as the
the body
body of of aa chief
chief merchant
merchant fellfell
exhaustedfrom
exhausted from his
his camel,
camel,he he said,
said,Either
Either contentment
contentment
or the
or the dust
dust ofof the
the grave
grave will
will fill
fill the
the stingy
stingy eyeey~ of
of
the worldly-minded."
the worldly-minded."
XXIII.
XXIII.

II have
have heard
heard ofof aa wealthy
wealthy manman who
who was
was as
as notori-
notori-
ous for
ous for parsimony
parsimony as Hatim Tayi
as Hatim Tayi waswas famous
famous forfor
liberality.
liberality.
His
His outward
outward form
form was
was adorned
adorned with
with
worldly pelf
worldly pelf; but
but the
;
the vice
vice ofof innate
innate avarice
avarice was
was soso
constitutionally
constitutionally rooted
rooted in
in his
his heart
heart that
that he
he would
would not
not
part with a crumb of bread to save the life of a fellow-
part with a crumb of bread to save the life of a fellow-
creature, indulge Abu-harairah's
creature, indulge Abu-harairah's cat cat with
with aa mouthful
mouthful
 SHAIKH SADI. 183
SHAIKH SADI.
of or throw a bone to the of the seven
meat,
of meat, or throw a bone to the dog dog of the seven
sleepers at Ephesus. In short, nobody 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 poor
for dinner :-" unless from the smell of it the poor
darwesh had no intimation of his dinner, and the bird
darwesh had no intimation of his dinner, and the bird
could not pick up any crumbs from the shakings 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 imagination 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 ship 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 thy ill-conditioned disposition,
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 may be accom-
modated but the ship is not at all times indulged
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
prayer, and made much useless supplication, as God
prayer, and made much useless supplication, as God
WJien embarked on board a will
ship, ye
expressed it :

expressed it :- ~¥hen embarked on board a skip, ye will

pray to the Lord: "What can the hands of sincere
pray to the Lord :-" What can the hands of sincere
supplication avail that needy servant who opens them
supplication avail that needy servant who opens them
at the time of praying to God, but folds them under
at the time of praying to God, but folds them under
his arms when he should open them in charity :

his arms when he should open them in charity:-

Bestow comfort upon others in dealing forth thy gold
Bestow comfort upon others in dealing forth thy gold
and silver, and also partake thyself of their benefit
and silver,this
and also partake thyself of their benefit; ;

and that edifice, or the world, may endure tothee

and that this edifice, or the world, may endure to thee
hereafter, take [in building it] one brick of gold and
hereafter, take [in building it] one brick of gold and
one brick of silver."
one brick of silver."
have related that he had poor relations in Egypt
They have
They related that he had poor relations in Egypt
who were enriched with his remaining property. On
who were enriched with his remaining property. On
his death they tore their old garments in pieces, and
his death they tore their old garments in pieces, and
1 84 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADL
decked themselves
decked themselves in in silks and Damiyati
silks and Damiyati or or Egyptian
Egyptian
fine
fine linens.
linens. Within week II met
Within aa week met one
one of them ambling
of them ambling
along
along on on aa wind-fleet
wind-fleet charger, with an
charger, with an angel-faced
angel-faced
bondsman running
bondsman running by him on
by him on foot
foot. remarked to
II remarked to
"
myself Were itit possible,
myself :-" Were
: alas I that
possible, alas that the
! man
dead man
the dead
could return
could return and make his
and make his appearance
appearance amidstamidst hishis
and family,
tribe and
tribe family, aa restitution
restitution ofof the
the heritage would
heritage would
be more afflicting
be more to his
afflicting to his heirs
heirs than had been
than had been the death
the death
of their
of kinsman." In
their kinsman." In virtue
virtue of an intimacy
of an intimacy of of old
old

date,
date, II took him familiarly
took him familiarly by the sleeve,
by the and said
sleeve, and said :- :

"
"Enjoy,
Enjoy, mymy good
good andand honest
honest friend, what that
friend, what that ill-
ill

fated wretch hoarded,

fated wretch hoarded, butbut enjoyed
enjoyed not"
not."

XXIV.
XXIV.

A weak
A weak fisherman
fisherman got got aa strong
strong fish into his
fish into his net,
net,
but not
but not having
having thethe power
power of of mastering
mastering it, the fish
it, the fish got
got
the better
the better ofof him,
him, and,
and, dragging
dragging the from his
net from
the net his hand,
hand,
escaped
escaped :-" A :
"
A bondsman
bondsman went went that
that hehe might
might taketake
water from the
water from brook the
the brook; ;
the brook came to
brook came to rise and
rise and
carried off
carried off the bondsman. On
the bondsman. On most
most occasions
occasions the the
net would bring
net would bring outout the
the fish;
fish on this
on ;
occasion the
this occasion the fish
fish

escaped,
escaped, and and took
took away the net"
away the The other
net." The other fishermen
fishermen
expressed
expressed theirtheir vexation,
vexation, andand reproached
reproached him, him, saying,
saying,
Such aa fish
Such came into
fish came into your
your net, and you
net, and were not
you were not able
able
to master it
to master it He replied:
He replied Alas Alas I my
:
my brethren,
!
brethren, whatwhat
could be
could done ? It
be done? was not
It was not my my day
day of of fortune,
fortune, andand
fish had
the fish had in this way
the in this another day
way another day left
left it
it And they
And they
have said: Unless it
said Unless it be his lot, the fisherman cannot
have :
be his lot, the fisherman cannot
catch a fish in the
catch a fish in the Tigris; Tigris and,
; and, except
except it be its
it be its fate,
fate,
the fish not die on
the fish will not die on the dry
will the dry shore.
shore.
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADL 18s
185

xxv.
XXV.

AA person without hands or feet killed a millepede.

person without hands or feet killed a millepede.
AA good and holy man passed by him at the time, and
good and holy man passed by him at the time, and
said:
said Glory be to God I notwithstanding
Glory be to God the thousand
:
notwithstanding the thousand
!

feet he had when his destiny overtook him,

feet he had when his destiny overtook he was
him, he was
unable
unable to escape from one destitute of hand or foot.
to escape from one destitute of hand or foot.
~ .. -""When
When the the life-plundering foe comes up behind,
life-plundering foe comes up behind,
fate arrests the
fate arrests the speed of the swift-going warrior. At
speed of the swift-going warrior. At
the
the moment when the enemy
moment when the might approach step
enemy might approach step
by step itit werewere useless to bend the
useless to bend the kayani, or
by step kayani, or
Parthian bow."
Parthian bow."
XXVI.
XXVI.

I I met
met aa fat
fat blockhead
blockhead deckeddecked in in rich
rich apparel, and
apparel, and
mounted
mounted on an Arab horse, with a turban of fine
on an Arab horse, with a turban of fine
Egyptian linen linen on
on his
his head.
head. AA person said:
said 0O Sadi,
Egyptian person :
Sadi,
how
how comescomes itit that
that you see these garments of the
you see these garments of the
learned
learned on on this
this ignorant beast? I replied: It is a vile
ignorant beast ? I replied It is a vile
:

epistle which has been written in golden letters:-

epistle which has been written in golden letters :

"Verily
" this ass, with the resemblance of a man, has
Verily this ass, with the resemblance of a man, has
the
the carcase of a calf, and the voice
carcase of a calf, and the voice or
or bleating of a calf.
bleating of a calf.
-ThouThou canst not say that this brute appears like
canst not say that this brute appears like
aa man, unless in his garments, turban, and outward
man, unless in his garments, turban, and outward
form.
form. Examine
Examine into into allall the
the ways and means of his
ways and means of his
existence, and thou shalt find not~ing lawful but the
existence, and thou shalt find nothing lawful but the
shedding of his
shedding of his blood
blood :
:-though a man of noble birth
though a man of noble birth
be
be reduced to poverty, imagine not that his
reduced to poverty, imagine not that his lofty
lofty
dignity can be lowered; and
and though he may secure
though he may
dignity can be lowered ; secure
his
his silver
silver threshold
threshold with with aa hasp of gold, conclude not
hasp of gold, conclude not
that a Jew can be thereby
that a Jew can be thereby ennobled." ennobled."
 186
1 86
SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SA.DL

XXVII.
XXVII.

A thief
A thief said to a mendicant: Are
said to a mendicant
Are you notnot ashamed
ashamed
:
you
when you hold forth your hand to every
when you hold forth your hand to every mean fellow
mean fellow
for a barley-corn of silver?
for a barley-corn of silver ?
He replied: "" It is
He replied It is better
:
better
to hold forth the hand for one grain of silver
to hold forth the hand for one grain of silver than to
than to
have it cut off for one and a
have it cut off for one and a half
half dang."
dang."

XXVIII.
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 satisfy it, had reason to complain. He
stated his grievances to his father, and craved his
stated his grievances to his father, and craved his
permission, saying: II wish wish to travel, that peradventure
to travel, that perad venture
permission, saying:
II may, by the strength of my arm, lay hands upon
may, by the strength of my arm, lay hands upon
the skirt of my
the skirt of my object
object :
:-" " Science and knowledge
Science and knowledge
are useless till put in practice. Aloes-wood
are useless till put in practice.
Aloes-wood they
they
place upon the the
fire, and
and musk
musk they rub, in
in order
order
to
to
place upon fire, they rub,
extract their fragrance."
extract their fragrance."
The
The father replied: 0O my son, put this absurd
father replied : son, put this absurd
my draw
fancy out of your head, and the foot of con-
fancy out of your head, and draw the foot of con-
tentment within the mantle of safety, for
tentment within the mantle of safety, for philosophers
philosophers
have said, Fortune is not to be 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
aa blind man's eyebrows [that it may give a lustre to
blind man's eyebrows [that it may give a lustre to
the
the
eyesight]. 4
-Were two hundred
Were two hundred accomplishments
eyesight]. accomplishments
 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SA.DI. 187

appending to every hair of thy head, skill is of no

appending to every hair of thy head, skill is of no
practical use where bad luck prevails. What
practical use where bad luck prevails.
What can
can aa
powerful
powerful
but
but unlucky
unlucky man
man do?
do ? The
The hand
hand of
of fortune
fortune
is more
is more effective
effective than
than the
the arm
arm of
of strength."
strength."
The son said: O
The son said 0 father, the advantages of travelling
father, the advantages of travelling
:

are manifold;; from

are manifold from the
the enjoyments
enjoyments of
of the
the mind,
mind, and
and
allurements of
allurements of kind
kind acts
acts; from
from beholding
beholding strange
;
strange
'f _sights, and hearing wonderful adventures; from
sights, and hearing wonderful adventures ;
from thethe
recreation of
recreation of cities,
cities, and
and recognisance
recognisance of of former
former places;
places;
from the
from the acquisition
acquisition of of dignity
dignity and and urbanity,
urbanity, and and the
the
augmentation
augmentation of
of wealth
wealth and
and property;
property ;
and
and from
from aa
renovation of
renovation of old
old acquaintance,
acquaintance, and and anan experience
experience of of
the times
the times; as;
as our
our guides
guides in in the
the paths
paths ofof righteousness
righteousness
have pointed
have pointed out out.-" " Whilst thou loiterest at home
Whilst thou loiterest at home
and in
and in thy
thy shop,
shop, like
like aa pledge
pledge in in pawn,
pawn, never,
never, O 0 raw
raw
youth,
youth,
canst
canst thou
thou arrive
arrive at
at man's
man's estate;
estate ;
roam
roam
abroad in
abroad in the
the world,
world, andand take
take thy thy fill
fill of
of its
its enjoy-
enjoy-
ments before the day shall come
ments before the day shall come when thou must when thou must
quit it for good."
quit it for good."
The father
The father replied
replied: O
:
0 mymy son,son, such
such as as you
you have
have
stated them, the advantages of travelling
stated them, the advantages of travelling are numer- are numer-
ous; nevertheless,
ous ;
nevertheless, they they areare the
the special
special lot lot of of five
five
orders of mankind :-First,
orders of mankind: First, a merchant, who, in a merchant, who, in
consequence of his wealth and
consequence of his wealth and property, has soul- property, has soul-
alluring bondsmen and handmaids, and active menials
alluring bondsmen and handmaids, and active menials
about
about him him in in hishis service
se!Vice; and;
and has has every
every day day aa
different city, and every night a change
different city, and every night a change of stage, and of stage, and
at all
at all times
times aa place
place of
of recreation, where he can
recreation, where he can indulge indulge
in worldly
in worldly luxury:
luxury :-" Amidst mountains,
"Amidst mountains, wildernesses,
wildernesses,
or deserts,
or deserts, thethe rich
rich man
man is is no
no stranger
stranger; wherever
;
wherever he he
may
may go go he
he can
can pitch
pitch himself
himself a
a tent,
tent, and
and take
take up
up his
his
 I88 SHAIKH
188 SHAIKH SADI.
SADI.
abode;
abode but he who has not at command the comforts
but he who has not at command the comforts
;

and enjoyments
and enjoyments of life, is alike unknown and an alien
of life, is alike unknown and an alien
even at his own
even at his own home."
home."
Secondly, the man of learning, who, in his melli-
Secondly, the man of learning, who, in his melli-
fluous eloquence and attic wit, in his profound science
fluous eloquence and attic wit, in his profound science
and
and recondite knowledge, wherever
recondite knowledge, he may go is
wherever he may go is
generally sought for, and respected :-" " The presence
The presence
generally sought for, and respected :

of a wise man is like pure gold, which

of a wise man is like pure gold, which is of the same
is of the same
price and value wherever it is found; but the ignorant
price and value wherever it is found but the ignorant;
son of a nobleman is like paper
son of a nobleman is like paper or leather currency,
or leather currency,
which, in a strange place, will go for nothing."
which, in a strange place, will go for nothing."
Thirdly, aa handsome
handsome young man, whose society the
Thirdly, 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

wealth and they tell us, a lovely face is the solace
face is the solace
;
of wounded hearts and the key
of wounded hearts and the key of locked-up gates
of locked-up gates;
consequently, all will court its society, and esteem its
consequently, all will court its society, and esteem its
I service as a courtesy
service as a courtesy:
:-" "Wherever a lovely
Wherever a person
, lovely person
shall roam he will meet honour and
shall roam he will meet honour and respect, notwith-
respect, notwith-
standing his father and mother may have driven him
standing his father and mother may have driven him
in anger from
in anger from his home.
his home.-II found a peacock's feather
found a peacock's feather
within the leaves of a Koran, and
within the leaves of a Koran, and said to it, This
said to it, This
station is above thy condition.
station is above thy condition.
It replied:
It replied
Be
Be silent;
:
silent;
for that person who possesses the
for that person who possesses the charms of loveli-
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
to oppose him."
him." -""Where
Where there is a fondness and
there is a fondness and
partiality for the son, it costs us not a thought that
partiality for the son, it costs us not a thought that
the father is estranged
the father is estranged from him
from him; he
he is a jewel, let
is a jewel, let
;

him
him not make the world his casket, for everybody is
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 the
charming songster, who, with with the
the pipe
Fourthly, charming songster, who, pipe
 SHAIKHSADL
SHAIKH SADI. 189

ofDavid
of Davidand
andthe
thefascination
fascinationof
ofhis
hismelody,
melody,can
canarrest
arrest
theriver
the riverininits
itscurrent,
current,and
andthe
thebird
birdininits
itsflight
flight; con-
con- ;

sequently, through the means of this perfection he

sequently, through the means of this perfection he
cancaptivate
can cp,ptivatethe
thehearts
heartsof
ofhis
hisadmirers,
admirers,and
andthe
thelords
lords
of mystical
of mystical knowledge
knowledge will
will fondly
fondlycourt
court his
his society,
society,
and be
and be assiduous
assiduousininserving
serving him.
him.-"" How grateful is
How grateful is
the soft arid plaintive voice, vibrating
the soft and plaintive voice, vibrating on on the
the ears
ears of
of
]pvers giddy
'!' lovers giddyfrom
from aa morning
morning debauch
debauch; aamelodious
melodious
;

pipewill
pipe will fascinate
fascinate more than aa lovely
more than lovelyface,
face, for
for this
this
can seduce the sensual appetite, but that must
can seduce the sensual appetite, but that must enrap- enrap-
turethe
ture thesoul."
sou1."
Fifthly, a common mechanic, who can earn a sub-
Fifthly, a common mechanic, who can earn a sub-
sistence
sistence by bythethe industry
industry of of his
his hand,
hand, and and shall
shall not
not
have to stake his reputation for every
have to stake his reputation for every morsel of bread, morsel of bread,
as philosophers
as philosophers have have said said :-"
:
" Though obliged to
Though obliged to I

wander a stranger from

wander a stranger from his country, thehis country, the cobbler
cobbler oror
botcher would not suffer inconvenience
botcher would not suffer inconvenience or trouble or trouble;
;

butwere
but werehe, he,from
from anarchy,
anarchy,deposed
deposed from from his
his throne,
throne,
l\iumruzthe
Mumruz theking
kingwould
wouldperish
perishof ofhunger."
hunger."
Such qualities,
Such qualities, asas I I have
havedetailed
detailedthem,them, are,
are, O0 mymy
son,
son, the
the solace
solace of
of the
the heart,
heart,
and
and the
the means
means of
of sweet
sweet
enjoyment during
enjoyment during aa journey
journey; but;
but forfor any
anymanman that
that
doesnot
does notpossess
possessone oneof ofthem
themtototravel
travelabroad
abroadwerewerean an
idleundertaking,
idle undertaking,and andnonenonewould
wouldask askhishischaracter,
character,or or
inquire
inquire
after
after him.-"
him. " That man whom the revolutions
That man whom the revolutions
of the
of the skies
skies regard
regardwithwith aa malignant
malignant aspect,aspect,fortune
fortune
conduct toto anything
willconduct
will anything but but hishis good.
good. The Thepigeon
pigeon
that isis ordained
that ordained nevernever toto revisit
revisit itsits nest,
nest, destiny
destinyisis
enticing towards the bait and snare."
enticing towards the bait and snare."
Theson
The sonsaid
said: O0 father,
:
father,why
whyshould
should I I act
actinincontra-
contra-
diction toto the
diction the maxim
maxim of ofthethewise,
wise, whowho have
have told
toldusus
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADI.
SADI.
IQO
that though our lot be apportioned, yet there is a
that though our lot be apportioned, yet there is
condition appending to it; and though misfortune be
condition appending to it and though misfortune b
;
ordained, yet we are to turn aside from the door that
ordained, yet we are to turn aside from the door tha
leads to it :-" Though our daily bread will come to us
leads to it: "Though our daily bread will come to u
without our thought, it is the duty of reason to look
without our thought, it is the duty of reason to loo
for its approaches; although none will die till their
for its approaches: although none will die till thei
predestined time, there is no occasion to walk into
predestined time, there is no occasion to walk int
the mouth of a dragon."-And
the mouth of a dragon." And circumstanced
circumstanced as
as I
feel myself, I could assail a formidable elephant and
feel myself, I could assail a formidable elephant an
grapple with a ferocious lion. Accordingly, it were
grapple with a ferocious lion. Accordingly, it wer
advisable that I should travel, for I am not able to
advisable that I should travel, for I am not able t
put up any longer with indigence.-" "When When a a man
ma
put up any longer with indigence.
falls in his rank and station, what
falls in his rank and station, what can he apprehen
can he apprehend
that is worse? the world at large is his place of
that is worse? the world at large is his place o
residence.
residence.
The
The rich man at night repairs to his
rich man at night repairs to hi
mansion;
mansion the poor man makes
the poor man makes that place his inn
that place his in
;

where the
where the night overtakes him. But whatneed
night overtakes him. But what has
need ha
heheofofinn, resting-place, ororabode? Wherever
abode ? Wherever he ma
he may
inn, resting-place,
wander, allallisisthe the
dwelling ofofhis God."
his God."
wander, dwelling
HeHe so spoke, took leave of his father,
so spoke, took leave of his asked his
father, asked hi
blessing, and departed. And
And as he went alongthey
as he went along
blessing, and departed. the
heard him that he was
heard him that he was saying
saying :
:-" "When
Whenfortune may
fortune ma
not accord to his wish, the man of skill will travel
not accord to his wish, the man of skill will trave
where
wherehis name is not known."
his name is not known."
HeHe wasthus
was proceeding, till he reached a sea-shore,
thus proceeding, till he reached a sea-shore
where
where rocks were heaved
rocks were upon rocks by the force of
heaved upon rocks by the force o
itsitswaves, and the roaring of its billows was heard for
waves, and the roaring of its billows was heard fo
many furlongs :-" "Such Such was the
was awfulness of the
the awfulness of th
many furlongs :

deep, that the water-fowl found it not safe to rest on

deep, that the water-fowl found it not safe to rest o
itsits bosom;
bosom and its smallest wave would roll
and its smallest wave would mill-
roll mill
;

stones
stones
along its strand."
its strand."
along
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SAD I. 19 1
191

Here
Here he he saw
saw aa number
number of of people,
people, eacheach of of whom
whom
had
had for for aa small
small piece
piece of
of gold
gold taken
taken aa passage
passage in the
in the
ferry-boat,
ferry-boat, and
and had
had his
his luggage
luggage stowed
stowed by
by him.
him. The
The
young
young man, man, having
having no no money,
money, opened
opened the the mouth
mouth of of
entreaty;
entreaty ;
but
but however
however much
much he
he supplicated
supplicated them
them they
they
"
showed
showed him him no no favour,
favour, and and saidsaid:-" Without
: Without money money
thou
thou canst
canst not
not commit
commit violence
violence upon upon and and force
force any-
any-
~ .' body;
body and
;
and ifif thou
thou hast
hast money,
money, there there is is nono occasion
occasion
for
for force."-And
force." And thethe ungenerous
ungenerous master master of of the
the vessel
vessel
turned
turned towards
towards him,him, as as hehe pushed
pushed off off his
his boat,
boat, andand
with
with aa sneer, added :-""Thou
sneer, added : Thou hast hast nono gold,
gold, andand thou
thou
canst
canst not not cross
cross the
the seasea by by main
main strength;
strength what
;
what cancan
the
the prowess
prowess of of ten
ten heroes
heroes availavail thee?
thee ? BringBring me me thethe
passage
passage moneymoney of ofone
one man."
man."
The
The youth
youth was was much
much hurt hurt at at this
this sarcasm
sarcasm of of the
the
boatman,
boatman, and and wished
wished that that he he could
could revenge
revenge it; it
;
but
but
the
the boat
boat had
had putput off.
off. He
He called·
called aloud,
aloud, and said, If
and said, If
this
this garment
garment which which II am am wearing
wearing will will satisfy,
satisfy, II am am
ready
ready to to give
give itit you.
you. The The boatman
boatman was was avaricious,
avaricious,
"
and brought
and brought his
his vessel
vessel back
back ::-" Covetousness
Covetousness will will sew
sew
up the eyes of the
up the eyes of the wary, wary, and
and greediness
greediness decoy the bird
decoy the bird
and
and fishfish into
into the
the net"-So
net" So soon soon as as the
the young
young man man
could
could lay lay hands
hands on
on the
the boatman's
boatman's beard
beard and
and collar,
collar,
he dragged
he dragged him him fromfrom his his vessel
vessel and and belaboured
belaboured him him
"
most
most unmercifully
unmercifully :-"
: Whenever
Whenever thy
thy hand
hand can
can reach
reach
it,
it, tear
tear out
out thy
thy foe's
foe's brain,
brain, for for such
such an an opportunity
opportunity
washes
washes angeranger from
from the
the mind."-His
mind." His comrade
comrade disem-
disem-
barked,
barked, that
that he
he might
might back
back him;
him ;
but
but meeting
meeting the the
same
same rough treatment,
rough treatment, he
he turned
turned his
his back.
back. They
They
saw
saw itit advisable
advisable to to make
make theirtheir peace
peace withwith him,
him, andand
"
compromise
compromise for
for his
his passage
passage money money :-"
: When
When thou
thou
 SHAIKH SAD
SHAIKH SA.DI.
I.
192
witnessest a dispute, show a forbearance, for mild-
witnesses! a dispute, show a forbearance, for mild-
ness will shut the door of contention; where thou
ness will shut the door of contention ; where thou
seest a perseverance, oppose itit with
seest a perseverance,
with kindness, for for aa
oppose kindness,
sharp sword
sword cannot
cannot cutcut into
into aa silk-quilted corselet corselet
sharp silk-quilted
Use aa sweet
Use sweet tongue, courtesy, and and gentleness, and and
tongue, courtesy, gentleness,
thou mayst manage to guide
thou mayst manage to guide an elephant with a
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
after kissing withwith hypocrisy his head and
his head and
feet, and, kissing hypocrisy
face, they ushered
ushered him him on on board
board the the boat, and and pro-
face, they boat, pro-
ceeded on their voyage, till they came to the pillar
ceeded on their voyage, till they came to the pillar
which rises
which rises in the sea
in the sea out
out ofof some
some Grecian
Grecian ruins.
ruins.
The boatman said: The vessel is here
The boatman said: The vessel is here in some danger; 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
and hold aa hawser
hawser inin hishis hand
hand till till wewe can
can swing
swing
her head round. The youth, in
her head round. The youth, in the pride of that
the pride of that
courage which was uppermost in his thoughts, neither
courage which was uppermost in his thoughts, neither
regarded the the rancour
rancour of of an
an injured rival, nor nor put in in
regarded injured rival, put
practice thatthat maxim
maxim of of the
the wise, who who have
have said, ifif
practice wise, said,
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 secure against his revenge of that one offence;
not secure against his revenge of that one offence ;

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 :-'(
the smart of it will rankle in the heart :
" How well
How well
did the captain remark to his troop:
did the captain remark to his troop When thou hast:
\Vhen thou hast
made a cut at thy antagonist,
made a cut at thy antagonist, expect a thrust expect a thrust inin
return.
return. Now that another is suffering pain atat thy
Now that another is suffering pain thy
hand, trust
trust notnot that
that thy heart
heart shall
shall be be exempt from from
hand, thy exempt
affliction. Throw
affliction.
Throw not not aa stone
stone upon the the turret
turret ofof the
the
upon
citadel, for
for aa stone
stone may perhaps be be returned
returned fromfrom the
the
citadel, may perhaps
 SHAIKH SADL 193
SI/AlKlI SAD!. 193
"
castle : So soon had put the hawser
as the youth
castle:
over "-So soon
and as the youth
himself had put the hawser
on the
his arm, seated top of the
over
pillar,
his
thearm, and
boatman seated himself
dragged it
on
from the
his top
handof and
the
pillar, the boatman dragged it from his hand and
pushed off the vessel.
pushed off the vessel.
The deserted wretch stood aghast. For two days
he The deserted wretchand
suffered calamity
stood aghast. For two days
distress, and underwent
he suffered calamity and distress, and underwent
much hardship. On the third day sleep overpowered
muchprecipitated
and hardship. Onhimthe
into theday
third sea.sleep overpowered
After another
and
day
precipitated
and night he him into
reached the
the sea.
shore,
After
when another
well-nigh
" •reduced
day and tonight he reached
his last gasp.
the shore,
Here he beganwhentowell-nigh
eat the
reduced to his last gasp. Here
leaves of trees and roots of grass, till, getting he began to eat the
a little
leaves of trees and roots of grass,
refreshed, he was able to set forward in the desert,
till, getting a little
refreshed,
and he was ablewhen,
was proceeding to setovercome
forward in the desert,
with hunger,
and was proceeding when, overcome
thirst, and fatigue, he arrived at a well, where a crowd
with hunger,
thirst, and fatigue, he arrived at a
of people sat in a circle around it, and each had well, where a crowd a
of people sat in a circle around
draught of water presented to him in his turn, on
it, and each had a
draught of water presented to him
paying a pashiz or small species of coin. The youth
in his turn, on
paying
had no amoney
pashiz or he small
;
species of coin. The youth
begged a little water gratis, but
had no money
this they refused j he begged
he attempted a little water itgratis,
to reach but
; by force,
this they refused
but to no good purpose. j he attempted to reach
Some few he of courseit by force,
but to nodown,
knocked good but purpose. Some few he of course
they overpowered him with
knocked down, but they overpowered him with
numbers, and beat him unmercifully, and maimed
numbers,
him sadly and " beat him unmercifully, and maimed
:
Notwithstanding his huge and formid-
him aspect,
able sadly :-" whenNotwithstanding his huge and formid-
gnats act in concert they will bring
able aspect,
down when gnats
an elephant act inants
when
;
concert
set they
to workwill bring
and
down inan a elephant
move body, they
j when
can ants
strip a set to
fierce work
lion of and
his
move in a body, they can strip a fierce lion of his
hide."
hide."
Jaded and maimed, but impelled by necessity, he
Jaded and maimed, but impelled. by necessity, he
got up with the rear of a caravan, and made a shift
gotfollow
to lip with the
it.In the rearevening
of a caravan, and made a shift
they arrived at a place
to follow
much it. Inwith
infested evening they
the robbers. arrived the
He beheld at apeople
place
much infested with robbers. He beheld the755 people
755
 194 SHAIKH SADL
194 SHAIKH SADI.
of the caravan with bodies trembling in fear, an
of the caravan with bodies trembling in fear, and
minds occupied with their danger. He said Be no :

minds occupied with their danger. He said: Be not

alarmed, for I am one among you that can of mysel
alarmed, for I am one among you that can of myself
encounter any fifty, and the other youths will assis
encounter any fifty, and the other youths will assist
me. The people were encouraged by his boasting
me. The people were encouraged by his boasting,
and, overjoyed with his company, they supplied hi
and, overjoyed with his company, they supplied him
with food and drink. The fire of the youth's stomac
with food and drink. The fire of the youth's stomach
had blazed into a flame, and the rein of temperanc
had blazed into a flame, and the rein of temperance
from his hand. He devoured many mouth
dropped from
dropped his hand. He devoured many mouth-
fuls of the victuals, and gulped down several draught
fuls of the victuals, and gulped down several draughts
of water, before he could appease the demon of hi
of water, before he could appease the demon of his
belly, when sleep seized him and laid him at rest
belly, when sleep seized him and laid him at rest
Belonging to that caravan there was an experience
Belonging to that caravan there was an experienced
old man, who had seen much of the world. He said
old man, who had seen much of the world. He said:
O
othan
my friends, I am more
myfriends, I am more afraid of this your
afraid of this your guar
guard
of all the thieves beside, as they tell a story
than of all the thieves beside, as they tell a story,
that an Arab had hoarded a sum of money, an
that an Arab had hoarded a sum of money, and
could not sleep by himself at home from a dread o
could not sleep by himself at home from a dread of
the Luriyans, a tribe of notorious robbers. He go
the Luriyans, a tribe of notorious robbers. He got
one of his neighbours to abide with him, that in hi
one of his neighbours to abide with him, that in his
society he might dispel the gloom of solitude. I
society he might dispel the gloom of solitude. In
this way they passed some nights together, till th
this way they passed some nights together, till the
friend found out where he kept his money, when h
friend found out where he kept his money, when he
stole and made off with it. In the morning the
stole and made off with it In the morning they
found the Arab weeping and bewailing, and asked
found the Arab weeping and bewailing, and asked:
How comes this ? Perhaps the thief has made fre
How comes this? Perhaps the thief has made free
with that money. He replied Not he, by God bu
: !

with that money. He replied: Not he," by God! but

friend and guard has stolen it
myfriend : I can never si
my and guard has stolen it :-" I can never sit
down secure of my companion till I ascertain wha
down secure of my companion till I ascertain what
may bebe hishis disposition. The bite of a foe's toot
may disposition. The bite of a foe's tooth
must prove more cutting where it is given under th
must prove more cutting where it is given under the
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI. 195
195
semblance
semblanceofofa afriend." Who can
friend."-Who cansaysaybut thismay
butthis may
also be one of the thieves, who has introduced himself
also be one of the thieves, who has introduced himself
bybya astratagem amongus,us,that
stratagemamong maywatch
that hehemay watchhishis
opportunityofofgiving
opportunity intelligencetotohis
givingintelligence hiscomrades.
comrades.
Accordingly,I Isee
Accordingly, seeit itadvisable thatweweshould
advisablethat shouldleave
leave
him asleepand
himasleep anddepart.
depart.
This counselofofthe
Thiscounsel theold manmade
oldman madea astrong
strongimpres-
impres-
sion on his juvenile companions
f ..sion on his juvenile companions;and, ;
theystood
and,asasthey stood
.inawe
.in
aweofofhis
hisathletic
athleticpower,
power,they packedupuptheir
theypacked their
baggageand
baggage leftthe
andleft theyouth asleep. He
youthasleep. Hediddidnot
notget
get
awake till the sun shone
awake till the sun shone bright on his
bright on hisshoulders,
shoulders,
when, raisinghis
when,raising pead,hehefound
hishead, foundthat caravanwas
thecaravan
thatthe was
gone. In this -forlorn state he wanderedtotosome
gone. In this forlorn state he wandered some
distance,and
distance, andlost traceofofthe
lostallalltrace path. Overcome
thepath. Overcome
with thirst and fatigue, he threw himself up for lost.
with thirst and "fatigue, he threw himself up for lost.
HeHewas saying :-"Who
wassaying :
Whowill converse with me, now the
wz'll con~'erse with me, now the
camels are departed ; the stranger has no friend, unless
camels are departed~' the stranger has no friend, unless
it be a stranger : he will
£t be a stranger :-he willdeal harshlybybya astranger
dealharshly stranger
who has not been himself often a traveller and
who has not been himself often a traveller and
stranger."
stranger."
The
Thedesponding youthwas
despondingyouth utteringthis
wasuttering this speech
speech
while a king's son, who had dropped his retinue in the
while a king's son, who had dropped his retinue in the
pursuit of hunting sport, was standing over him.
pursuit of hunting sport, was standing over him. He He
listened to these words, and, looking at his aspect,
listened to these words, and, looking at his aspect,
beheld a graceful figure, but a mind in much affliction.
beheld a graceful figure, but a mind in much affliction.
He
Heasked
askedhim, saying:Whence
him,saying Whenceare
:
areyou, andhow
you,and howcame
came
youinto
you intothis
thisplace ?
place? He
Hemade statementofof
shortstatement
madea ashort
the whichhad
adventureswhich
theadventures befallenhim.
hadbefallen him. The
Theprince
prince
took compassionononhim,
tookcompassion gavehim
him,gave dressand
hima adress andlargess,
largess,
and sent a confidential servant to take him home.
and sent a confidential servant to take him home.
His fatherwas
Hisfather rejoicedatatseeing
wasrejoiced him,and
seeinghim, andthanked
thanked
 196 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADL
God
God forfor his
his safe
safe return.
return. At At nightnight he he entered
entered in i
detail
detail ofof what
what befell
befell him him inin the the affair
affair of of the
the ferry-
ferry
boat, the
boat, the insolence
insolence of of thethe boatman,
boatman, the the violence
violence of o
the
the peasants
peasants at
at the
the well,
well, and
and treachery
treachery of
of the
the caravan
carava
people
peopleon onthetheroad.
road. The Thefatherfathersaid:said 0O my
:
myson, son, did
di
not
not I I warn
warn you,you, at
at the
the time
time of
of your departure,
your departure, that
tha
the
the courageous
courageous wrist wrist of of the the empty-handed
empty-handed was was
"
manacled and
manacled and his his lion-like
lion-like arm arm broken
broken:_H How :How
happily
happilydid did that
that empty-handed
empty-handed man man of of war
war remark,
remark
AAbarley-corn
barley-corn of
of gold
gold isis worth
worth more
more than
than fifty
fiftymans',
mans'
ororpounds',
pounds',weight
weightof ofstrength."
strength."
The
Theson replied 0Ofather
son replied; : father1 till
! till you
you may maysomehow
somehow
undergo trouble,
undergo trouble, you you cannot
cannot acquire
acquire treasure;
treasure till
til
;

you put
you put youryour life
life in
in jeopardy
jeopardy you you cannot
cannot subdue
subdue
your
your enemy;
enemy and ;
and untiluntil you you maymay sow sow the the seed
seed you you
cannot
cannotreapreap the
the harvest.
harvest. DoDo you
you not
not perceive
perceivethat, that
inin return
return forfor the
the little
little fatigue
fatigue I I underwent,
underwent, what what a
store of
store of wealth
wealth I I acquired;
acquired ;
and
and for
for the
the sting
sting I
"
endured,what
endured, whataastock stockof ofhoney
honey I I secured
secured :-" Though
Though
:

wewecannot
cannotget get more
more than than our our predestined
predestined portion, portion,iti
behoves
behovesus usnot
not to to bebe idleidle in in looking
looking after after it it. Were
Were
the
thediver
diverto tothink
think on on thethe jaws
jawsof ofthetheshark
sharkhe he would
would
never lay
never lay hands
hands on on the the precious
precious pearl pearl:-the the lower
: lower
mill-stone takesnot
mill-stonetakes notitsitsturn
turnin incirculation,
circulation,and andsustains
sustains

consequencethe
ininconsequence thebrunt
bruntof ofthe
theburthen
burthen:-what : whatwould
would
the
theravenous
ravenouslion lionhave
haveto toeat
eatifhe
if heremained
remainedaasluggardsluggard
inin the
the corner
corner of of hishis den,
den,or or what
what powerpower of of soaring
soaring
after game
after game has has the the broken-winged
broken-winged falcon falcon? ? Wert Wert
thou
thou totoexpect
expectsportsportby bystaying
stayingat athome
homethou thouwouldst
wouldst
"
become
becomeall legsand
alllegs andarms,arms, likelikeaaspider
spider1" .!

The
The father said 0O my
father said: :
my son, son, on on this
this occasion
occasion the the
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADL 197
197

skies
skies co-operated,
co-operated, and and fortune
fortune was was youryour guide,
guide, so so
as
as to enable you
to enable you to pluck aa rose
to pluck from your
rose from thorn and
your thorn and
to
to extract
extract the thorn from
the thorn from your your foot.
foot. Moreover,
Moreover, an an
opulent
opulent gentleman
gentleman met met you you andand generously
generously investi-investi-

gated
gated your condition and
your condition and redressed
redressed your your brokenbroken
fortune otherwise,
fortune; ; otherwise, such such instances
instances are are rare,
rare, andand we we
ought
ought not not to to expect
expect and and trust
trust to wonders. Take
to wonders. Take
~ heed that,
... heed that, ledled away
away by by this
this greediness,
greediness, you you do do notnot
~gain enter the
again enter the circle
circle ofof desire,
desire, or or spread
spread the the carpet
carpet of of
covetousness :-"" The
covetousness : The sportsman
sportsman does does notnot every
every day day
make sure
make sure ofof his
his game.
game. IIt t may
may happen
happen that the tyger
that the tyger
shall one day
shall one day tear him."
tear him."
In like
In manner as
like manner as aa certain
certain kingking of of Persia
Persia had had aa
precious
precious gemgem set set inin aa ring.
ring. For the
For sake of
the sake of recreation,
recreation,
he went on
he went on oneone occasion
occasion with with aa select retinue to
select retinue the
to the

M near Shiraz,
ussala, near
Mussala, Shiraz, and and ordered
ordered that that they should
they should
fix the ring
fix the ring on on the dome of
the dome of Azud, with aa proclamation
Azud, with proclamation
that whoever
that whoever might shoot an arrow
might shoot an arrow through through its its hoop
hoop
should have
should have the ringthe a present. It happened
ring as a present.
as It happened that that
four hundred professed
four hundred archers who
professed archers who werewere in the royal
in the royal
train took their
train took their aim, but all
aim, but all of them missed
of them missed it. it.
AA boy
boy
at play
at on the terrace roof
play on the terrace roof of a public of a public building
building was was
shooting from bow
shooting from his bow at random,
his at and
random, and lo! the morn-
lo ! the morn-
ing breeze took
ing breeze took his arrow and
his arrow and carried
carried it it through
through the the
of the
circlet of the ring.
circlet ring. They
They complimented him
complimented him with the with the
gem and
gem and ring, and made
ring, and made him him manymany presents.
presents. After After
this the
this the boy burnt his bow and
boy burnt his bow and arrows. They arrows. They asked:asked :

Why did
\-Vhy did youyou do do so?so ? He He replied:
replied That That my
:
my first
first

instance of
instance of reputation
reputation may be
may be lasting.-"
lasting. "It
It at one
at one
time
time may chance that the clear-headed
may chance that the clear-headed sage sage shall be
shall be
mistaken in the counsel he
mistaken in the counsel he will offer; at another time
will offer ;
at another time
 198 SHAIKH
SHAJKHSADL
SADI.
we that an
find that
wefind anunskilful
unskilful boy
boy shall,
shall,through
through mistake,
mistake
hit the target with his arrow."
hit the target with his arrow."

XXIX.
XXIX.

I
I saw darwesh who
saw aa darwesh who had
hadwithdrawn into aa cave,
withdrawn into cave
the door
shut the
shut of communication
door of communication between theworld
between the world
and himself,and
and himself, andwith
with his loftyand
his lofty and independent
independent eye
eye
viewed
viewed emperors
emperors and
and kings
kings without
without awe
awe or
orreverence:
reverence
"
-"Whoever openstotohimself
Whoeveropens himselfthethe door
doorofofmendicity,
mendicity
must continue aa beggar
must continue till the
beggar till day of
the day .his death.
of his death.
Put covetousness
Put covetousness aside, and be independent asas aa
aside, and be independent
the neck
prince; the
prince ;
of contentment
neck of contentment can
can raise its head
raise its head
erect"
erect"
One
Oneof sovereignsof
the sovereigns
or-the ofthose sentaa message
partssent
thoseparts message
to him, stating So far I can rely on the generous
to him, stating: So far I can rely on the generous
:

disposition of his reverence, that he will one day

disposition of his reverence, that he will one day
favour me
favour
me by partaking of
by partaking of my bread and
my bread salt, by
and salt, by
becomingmy
becoming The shaikh, oror holy
guest. The shaikh,
myguest. man,con-
holyman, con-
sented
for the
sen ted; for
;
acceptance of
the acceptance such an
of such an invitation
invitation
accorded with the sunnat, or law and tradition of
accorded with the sunnat, or law and tradition of
the prophet. Next
the prophet.
daythe
Next day king went
the king went toto apologise
apologise
for the trouble he had caused him. The
for the trouble he had caused him.
The abid
abid rose
rose
from
from his place, took
his place, took the king inin his
the king arms, showed
his arms, showed
him much
him kindness,and
muchkindness, andwas
wasfullfull of
ofhis
his compliments.
compliments.
After he was
After he was gone, one of the shaikh's
gone, one of the shaikh's companions
companions
asked
askedhim, saying: Was
him,saying Wasnot
:
notsuch condescendingkind-
suchcondescending kind-
ness as you this day showed the king contrary to
ness as you this day showed the king contrary to
what usual; what
whatisisusual ;
whatdoes thismean
doesthis mean? ? He
Heanswered
answered: :

Have
Have you not heard what
you not heard what they have said:
they have said :-" "ItItisis
 SIfAIKHSAD
SHAIKH SADI.
I. 199
199

propertotostand
proper standup
upand
andadminister
administertotohim
himwhom
whomthou
thou
hastseated
hast seatedononthy
thycarpet,
carpet,orormade
madethy
thyguest"
guest"
" " He could so manage that, during his whole life, his
He could so manage that, during his whole life, his
ear
ear should should notnot indulge
indulge inin the
the music
music ofof the
the tabor,
tabor,
cymbal, and pipe. He could restrain
cymbal, and pipe. He could restrain his eyes from his eyes from
enjoying the garden, and gratify
enjoying the garden, and gratify his sense of smell
his sense of smell
without the
without the rose
roseorornarcissus.
narcissus. Though
Though hehehad hadnot not
~ a. .a·pillow
. pillow stuffed
stuffedwithwithdown,
down,hehecould
couldcompose
composehimself
himself
totorest restwith
with a a stone
stoneunder
under his
his head
head; though
;
thoughhehehad had
no heart-solacer as the partner of
no heart-solacer as the partner of his bed, he could his bed, he could
hug hughimself
himselftoto sleep
sleepwith
withhis
hisarms
armsacross
acrosshishisbreast.
breast.
IfIfhe hecould
could not
notride
rideananambling
amblingnag,nag,hehewas
wascontent
content
toto take takehishis walk
walk onon foot
;
foot; only
only this
thisgrumbling
grumblingand and
vilebelly
vile bellyhehecould
couldnot notkeep
keepunder,
under,without
withoutstuffing
stuffingitit
withfood."
with 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

restraint on my words is on that account Aadvisable,
I SPOKE to one of my friends, saying prudent
:

restraint on my words is on that account advisable,

because in conversation there on most occasions
because conversation there on most occasions
occur goodin and bad; and the eyes of rivals only note
occur
what isgood bad. Hebad
and and the
replied:
; eyes of rivals
0 brother! our note
that isonly best
what is bad. He
rival who does not,replied O brother that is
or will not, see our good !-"
: ! our best
The
"
rival who does not, or will not, see our good The
malignant brotherhood pass not by the virtuous man !

'lvit/tout
malignant brotherhood
imputing to him not the virtuous
what isbyinfamous:-To the
pass man
without
eye of enmity virtue
imputing to him what is infamous:
appears the ugliest blemish; Toitthe is
of virtue the
aeye
rose, 0enmity
Sadi! whichappears
to the eyes ugliest
of our rivals seems
blemish; it is
a
a rose, OThe
thorn. Sadi! which to the eyes
world-illuminating of our rivals seems a
brilliancy of the foun-
thorn.
tain Thesun,
of the appears of
in like manner,brilliancy
world-illuminating dimthe foun-
to the
tain of the sun, in like manner, appears dim to the
eye of the purblind mole."
eye of the purblind mole."

II.
II.

A merchant happened to lose a thousand dinars.

HeAsaid merchant It will to
happened
to his son: be lose a thousand
prudent dinars.
not to mention
He said to his son It will be prudent not to mention
this loss to anybody. The son answered: 0 father,
:

yourtoorders,
itthisis loss and IThe
anybody. shall mentionOit;father,
answered
son not but :

it is your orders, and I shall riot mention it ;

but
 SHAIKH SAD
SHAIKH SADI.
I. 201
201

communicate the
communicate the benefit
benefit so
so far,
far, as
as what
what the
the policy
policy
may be in keeping it a secret. He said That II may
may be in keeping it a secret. He said: That
:
may
not suffer two evils:
not suffer two evils one, the loss of my
one, the loss of my money;
:
money;
another, the
another, the reproach
reproach of
of my
my neighbour:
neighbour :-" Impart
"Impart
not thy grievances to rivals, for they are glad
not thy grievances to rivals, for they are glad at at
heart, while
heart, while praying, God preserve
praying, God preserve us us;,j or there isis
or there
.. ..,neither strength nor power, unless it be from
neither strength nor power, unless it be from God/"God I"

III.
III.

A
A sensible
sensible youth
youth made
made vast
vast progress
progress inin the
the arts
arts
and sciences,
and sciences, and
and was
was of
of aa docile
docile disposition
disposition; but
but
;

however much
however much he he frequented
frequented thethe societies
societies ofof the
the
learned, they
learned, they never
never could
could get
get him
him to
to utter
utter aa word.
word.
On one
On one occasion
occasion his
his father
father said
said: 0 my son,
: O myson, why
why do
do
not you
not you also
also say
say what
what you
you know
know onon this
this subject?
subject?
He replied
He replied: II am
am afraid
:
afraid lest
lest they
they question
question me
me upon
upon
what II know
what know not,
not,and
and put
put me
me to
toshame
shame :-"
:
" Hast thou
Hast thou
not heard
not heard of
of aa sufi
sufi who
who waswas hammering
hammering some
some nails
nails
into the
into the sole
sole of
of his
his sandal
sandal. An An officer
officer of
of cavalry
cavalry
took him
took him by
by the
the sleeve,
sleeve, saying,
saying, Come
Come along,
along, and
and shoe
shoe
my horse
my horse :-So long as
So long
: as thou
thou art
art silent
silent and
and quiet,
quiet,
nobody will
nobody will meddle
meddle with with thy
thy business
business; butbut once
;
once
thou divulgest
thou divulgest it,
it, be
be ready
ready with
with thy
thy proofs."
proofs."

IV.
IV.

AA man,
man, respectable
respectable for
for his
his learning,
learning, got
got into
into aa
discussion with
discussion with an
an atheist
atheist;; but,
but, failing
failing to
to convince
convince
him, he
him, he threw
threw down his
down his shield
shield and
and fled.
fled.
AA person
person
asked him,
asked him, With
\Vith all your
all your wisdom
wisdom and
and address,
address,
202 SHAIKH SA.DI.
SADI.

learning science, how came you

learning and science, you notnot toto con-
con-
trovert an infidel?
trovert an infidel? He replied:
replied: lVly
My learning
learning is is the
the
Koran,
Koran, and
and thethe traditions sayings of
traditions and sayings of our
our holy
holy
fathers;
fathers ; but
but hehe puts
puts no faith in the
faith in the articles
articles ofof our
our
belief,
belief, and what good
and what good could it
could it do to listen to
to listen to his
his
"
blasphemy
blasphemy ?-"? To him whom thou canst not convince
thou canst not convince
by
by revelation
revelation oror tradition,
tradition, the
the best
best answer is that
is that

thou shalt not answer him."

thou shalt not answer him."

v.
V.

The physician
physician Galen
Galen saw
saw aa blockhead
blockhead of of aa fellow
fellow
who hadhad laid
laid hold
hold of
of a learned man by
a learned by the
the collar,
collar,
and
and was treating him
was treating him most
most disrespectfully.
disrespectfully. He said
said::

Had thisthis been a a wise

wise man he would never
he would never have
permitted
permitted his his concerns
concerns with
with an an ignoramus
ignoramus to to come
"
to this pass.-"
to this pass. Strife
Strife and malignity
malignity occur
occur not
not
between two men of of sense.
sense. A wise
A wise man will not
will not

dispute
dispute with
with one thatthat isis hasty.
hasty. If an
If an ignoramus
ignoramus
is
is harsh
harsh in in his
his rude
rude brutality,
brutality, a
a prudent man will
prudent will

soothe
soothe himhim with
with mild
mild urbanity.
urbanity. A
A hair
hair can
can keep
keep
two good
good and holy holy men together, notwithstanding
together, notwithstanding
they
they are
are arguing
arguing a a difference
difference of of opinion;
opinion ; but if
but if on
on
both
both sides
sides contentious
contentious andand brutal, though it
brutal, though were
it were

an
an iron
iron chain,
chain, they
they would tear
tear it asunder."
it asunder."

VI.
VI.

They have
have esteemed
esteemed Sahban
Sahban Wabil
Wabil asas unrivalled
unrivalled
in
in eloquence, insomuch that he could speak
eloquence, insomuch that he could speak for
for aa
year
year before an assembly,
before an assembly, and would not use the
and would not use the
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI. 203

same
samewordword twice
twice; ororshould
; should hehechance
chancetotorepeat
repeatit,it,
hehe would
would give
giveitita a different
different signification
signification; and
;and this
this
one of thespecial
isisone of the specialaccomplishments
accomplishments of a courtier : -
of a courtier :

"
"Though
Though a aspeech
speechbebecaptivating
captivatingandandsweet,
sweet,worthy
worthy
ofofbelief,
belief, and meriting
and meritingapplause,
applause,yet
yetwhat
whatthouthou hast
hast
oncedelivered
once delivered thou
thou must
mustnotnotrepeat,
repeat,for
forififthey
theyeateat
a asweetmeat
sweetmeatonce oncethey
theyfind
findthat
thatenough."
enough."

VII.
VII.

I Ioverheard sage,who
overhearda asage, whowas
wasremarking
remarking:Never
Neverhas
:has
anybodyacknowledged
anybody acknowledgedhis hisown
ownignorance,
ignorance,excepting
excepting
that person
that personwho,
who,while
while another
another may
may bebetalking,
talking,and
and
has not
has not finished
finished what
what hehe has
has toto say,
say, will
will begin
begin
speaking: "A
speech,O0 wiseacre!
speaking :-" Aspeech, wiseacre! has
hasa a beginning
beginning
and
and anan end
end; bring
;bringnot
notone
onespeech
speechintointothe
themiddle
mi"ddleofof
another. AA man
another. man ofofjudgment,
judgment,discretion,
discretion,andand pru-
pru-
dence,delivers
dence, deliversnot
nothis
hisspeech
speechtill
tillhehe find
find anan interval
interval
ofsilence."
of silence."
VIII.
VIII.

Some
Some ofofthe
the courtiers Sultan Mahmud
courtiers ofofSultan Mahmud asked
asked
Husan
HusanMaimandi, saying: What
Maimandi,saying Whatdid
didthe
theking
:
kingwhisper
whisper
toto you
you to-day
to-dayonon a a certain
certainstate
stateaffair
affair?
? HeHesaid
said: :

You
Youare
arealso
alsoacquainted
acquaintedwith withitit They replied:You
Theyreplied You
:

arethe
are theprime
primeminister
minister: what:whatthethe king
kingtells
tellsyou,
you,hehe
doesnot
does notthink
think proper
propertoto communicate
communicatetotosuch suchasaswewe
are. He
are. replied: He
Hereplied : He communicates
communicateswith withme meininthe
the
confidencethat
confidence thatI Iwill
willnot
notdivulge
divulge toto anybody
anybody; then
;then
whydo
why doyou ask me
you ask me? ?-""
AAmanman ofofsense
sense blabs
blabsnot,
not,
whatever maycome
whateverhehemay cometotoknowknow;heheshould
shouldnot
; notmake
make
hisown
his ownhead
headthe
theforfeit
forfeitofofthe
theking's
king'ssecret."
secret."
 204
20 4 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADL

IX.
IX.

was hesitating
II was hesitating aboutabout thethe purchase
purchase ofof aa dwelling-
dwelling-
house.
house. A
A Jew said
: I am an old
Jew said: I am an old housekeeper
housekeeper in in this
this
street : ask the character of house
street: ask the character of this house from me and
this from me and
buy
buy it,
it, for
for itit has no fault.
has no fault. II replied: True l only
replied True
: that
only that
!

"
you are
you are its neighbour:-"
its neighbour :
Any such house as has
Any such house as has thee thee
for
for its
its neighbour
neighbour could could scarce
scarce be worth ten
be worth dirams of
ten dirams o
silver; yet
silver ;
should behove
yet it should behove us to hope
it us to that afte
hope that after
thy death itit may
thy death fetch aa thousand."
may fetch thousand."

x.
X.
A
A certain
certain poet
poet presented himself before
presented himself the chief
before the chie
of a
of a gang of
gang of robbers, and a
robbers, and recited a casidah,
recited or
casidah, or elegy,
elegy
in
in his praise. He
his praise. He ordered
ordered that
that they should strip
they should strip off
of

his
his clothes, and thrust
clothes, and thrust him him from
from thethe village.
village. TheThe
naked wretch was
naked wretch was going going awayaway shivering the
shivering in the cold,
in cold
and the
and the village
village dogs were barking
dogs were barking at at his
his heels.
heels. He He
stooped to
stooped to pickpick up a
up a stone, order
stone, in order to shy
in to shy at the
at th
dogs, but found
dogs, but found the earth frost~bound,
the earth frost-bound, and and was
was
disappointed. He exclaimed
disappointed. He exclaimed: What rogues What
: thes
rogues these
villagers
villagers are,
are, for
for they
they let loose their
let loose their dogs, and tie
dogs, and ti

up stones The chief robber

up their stones! The chief robber saw and over-
their ! saw and over

heard him from

heard him window. He
from aa window. He smiled
smiled at his wit,
at his wit

and, calling
and, him said O learned
calling him near, said: 0 learned sir l ask me
near, : sir ask
! me for
fo
a boon. He
a boon. He replied, ask for
replied, I ask for my
I own
my own garments,
garments, ii
vouchsafe to
you will vouchsafe to give
you will them / shall
: have
give them :-I shall have enough enoug
"
of boons
of boons z'n your
in your suffering me
suffering 'IIt.e to depart.-"
to depart, Mankind
Mankind
expect
expect charity from others;
charity from others II expect
expect no
;
no charity from
chanty from
 SHAIKH SADI. 205
SHAIKH SADI. 20 5

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
An astrologer
seated returned
with his wife. Hehome, andand
abused found a stranger
assailed him
'< ... ~eated with his wife. He abused and assailed him
with violence, and riot and uproar took place between
wIth violence,
A and riot and uproar took place between
them. goodly and holy man was apprised of this,
them.saidA goodly
and "
: Howand holy
canst man
thou was apprised of this,
tell what passes in the
and said :-"
celestial How canst thou tell what passes in the
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
himself 9f a harsh
a fine-spoken tone of voice fancied
man, and would hold forth
himself a fine-spoken man, and would You
at the mosque to a very idle purpose. hold forth
might
at the mosque to a very idle purpose. You might
say that the croaking of the raven of the desert was
say that
the burthen the croaking of the
of his chant, andraven of the
this text of desert
the Koranwas
the burthenofofhis his manner:
chant, andThe thismost
text abominable
of the Koran of
expressive
expressive
noises is theofbraying
his manner :-The "most
of an ass :
abominable
Whenever of
this ass
noises is the braying of an ass :_H Whenever
of a preacher sets up a braying, his voice will make the
this ass
of a preacher sets up a braying, his voice will make the
city of Istikhar, or Persepolis, shake to its base"
cityInofreverence
Istikhar, or ofPersepolz's,
his rank shake to its base."indulged
his townsmen
thisIn defect,
reverence of his not
and would rankdistress
his townsmen indulged
him by remarking
this
on it,defect, and would not distress him by remarking
till another preacher of those parts, actuated
on ait, till another preacher of those parts, actuated
by private pique, came on one occasion to tantalise
by
him,
a private
and pique,
said, I came
have on one
seen occasion to tantalise
you in a dream may it
;

him,
prove
and said,
fortunate I
!
have
He seen
asked you
:
in a have
What dream; may it
you seen ?
prove fortunate 1 He asked: What have you seen?
 206 SHAIKH SADI.
206 SHAIKH SADI.
He replied : So
seemed in my vision that your voice
it
He replied:
had So it seemedand
become harmonious, in my vision that
mankind your voice
were charmed
had become harmonious, and
with your melodious cadences.
mankind were charmed
For a while the
with your melodious
bowed his
cadences.
head in
Forthena while the
raised it,
preacher thought,
preacher bowed his head in thought, then
and said What a fortunate vision is it that you had,
:
raised it
and said: What a fortunate vision
that has made me sensible of my weakness
is it that you
!
had
I am
that aware
now has made me sensible of my weakness! I am
that I have an unpleasant voice, and that
now aware that I have an unpleasant voice, and
the people are distressed at my delivery.
that
I have
the people are distressed at my delivery.
vowed that I will henceforth preach only in a soft I have
vowed that I will
tone of voice. " henceforth preach only in a soft
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
Where is that rude and bold as rival
roses who
andwill
jassmines.
expose
Where is that rude
all my deformities ?
" and bold rival who will expose
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 asThe
drive all that heard him away in disgust.
to
drive all that heard him away in
intendant of that mosque was a just and well-dis-
disgust. The
intendant of that mosque was a just and weB-dis-
posed gentleman, who was averse to giving offence
posed gentleman, He who wasO averse to giving offence
to anybody. said 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 ofstanding, to each
five dinars
of Iwhom
now I allow a monthly
will give you ten to go
stipend ;
stipend
elsewhere.
of five
To this he agreed, and tookyou
dinars; now I will give ten tooff.
himself go
elsewhere. To this he agreed, and took
After a while he came to the nobleman, and said O
himself:
off.
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 me an injury when for ten dinars

to quit this station, for
you prevailed upon
you prevailed upon me to quit this station, for
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI. 207
20 7
went offered me
where
twenty toremove
to
removetoto
I
they offered me twenty
where I wentthey
another place, but I would not consent. The noble-
another place, but I would not consent. The noble-
man smiled and replied Take heed, and do not
man smiled and replied: Take . heed, and do not
:

be
may be content
for
accept"them,
accept they may
them, for they content toto give
give you
you
No can with a mattock
fifty !-" No person can with a mattock scrapeoff
fifty !
person scrape offthe
the
from the face of a hard
clay from the face of a hard rock gratinga a
rock in sosograting
clay in
manner as thy harsh voice is harrowing up my soul."
manner as thy harsh voice is harrowing up my soul."

XIV.
XIV.

AAperson with a harsh voice was

person with a harsh voice wasreciting
the Koran
reciting the Koran
in a loud tone. A and man went
in a loud tone. A good holy man wentup
good andholy uptoto
and asked What is
him,
him, and . asked: What is youryour monthly
?
monthly stipend
stipend?
:

He
He answered,
answered, Nothing. Then, added
Nothing. Then, added he, he,why
why give
give
so much trouble ? He said I am
yourself so much trouble? He said: I am reading
yourself reading
:

The
holy man
for the sake of God. and
for the sake of God. The good good and holy man
For sake do not read:
replied: For God's sake do not read :-" for ifthou
replied God's "for if
thou
:

chantest the Koran after this manner, thou must cast

chantest the Koran after this manner, thou must cast
a shade over the glory of Islamism or Mussulman
a shade over the 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 th:

THEY
Sultanasked Husanwho
Mahmud, Maimandi:
has so many Howhandsome
comes it bonds
that
Sultan
women,Mahmud,
each of who
whom hasis so
themany
wonderhandsome
of the bonds-
world an
women, each of
most select ofwhom is the
the age, wonder of
entertains notthe world
such and
fondne
most
and select of the
affection for age,
any entertains
of them asnot he such
does fondness
for Ayaz
and
whoaffection for any
can boast of noof superiority
them as he of does for Ayaz,
charms ? H
who can
replied boast of
Whatever
: no superiority
makes an of charms?
impression on the He
hea
"
replied: Whatever
seems lovely in the makes
eye. an That
impression
person on of the
whomheartt
seems
sultanlovely
makesin the
choiceeye.-"
mustThat person ofgood,
be altogether whomthoug the
sultan makes choice
a compendium mustbut
of vice be where
;
altogether good, though
he is estranged fro
a the
compendium of vice;
favour of the king but
nonewhere
of he
the is estranged
household willfrom
thin
the
offavour of the
courting king "none
him." Wereofathe hou~ehold
person to viewwill
it think
with
offastidious
courting him."-u
eye, the Were
form a person
of a to view
Joseph might it with
seem a
fastidious
deformity eye,;
the
but letform
him of
looka Joseph
with might
desire on seem
a demona
deformity;
and he willbut let him
appear likelook with desire
an angel on a demon,
and cherub."
and he will appear like an angel and cherub."
II.

II.
They tell a story of a gentleman who had a slav
They tell ahandsome
singularly story of a gentleman
and her he who
;
had awith
regarded slavea
singularly
eye of handsome;
fondness and and her
affection. he
Heregarded
observed with
to ano
one
eye of fondness and affection. He observed to one of
 SHAIKH
SHAiKH SADL
SADI. 20 9
209

his friends
his friends: \\That aa pity
What
: pity that
that this
this slave,
slave, with
with the
the
beauty and
beauty and grace
grace which
which she
she possesses,
possesses, should
should be
be aa
termagant and
termagant and vixen.
vixen. He replied: O0 brother,
He replied: brother, now
now
you have
you havemade
madeher her your
your companion,
companion, expect
expect not
not the
the
serviceof
service ofaawaiting
waitingwoman
woman; for
;
forwhere
where thethe lover
lover and
and
mistresscome
mistress come ininplay,
play, the
the distinction
distinction ofof master
master and
and
"
slaveisisdone
slave doneaway:
away:-"When
\\Then the
thegentleman
gentlemanbegins
beginstoto
.,. .joke
_Jokeand
andtoy
toywith
withhis
hisangel-faced
angel-facedandandhandsome
handsomehand- hand-
~aid,ititshould
maid, shouldnot
notsurprise
surpriseififshe
sheorder
orderlike
like aamaster,
master,
and he
and he bear
bear the
the burthen
burthen ofofcoquetry
coquetry like
like aa bonds-
bonds-
woman. ItItbecomes
woman. becomesthe thebondswoman
bondswomantotobe be aa water-
water-
carrier and
carrier and brickmaker.
brick maker. Let Let her
her be
be aa charmer
charmer andand
shebecomes
she becomesaaboxer
boxerandandbruiser."
bruiser."

III.
III. .
-

I I saw
saw aa parsa,
parsa, oror holy
holy man,
man, soso enamoured
enamoured of of aa
lovely person
lovely person that
that hehe had
had neither
neither fortitude
fortitude toto bear
bear
with, nor
with, nor resolution
resolution toto declare,
declare, his
his passion
passion; and,
;
and,
however much
however much he he was
was the
the object
object of of remark
remark and and
censure, he would
censure, he would not
not forego
forego this
this infatuation,
infatuation, and
and was
was
"
saying
saying :-"
: I I quit
quit not
not my
my hold
hold onon the
the skirt
skirt of
of thy
thy
garment,though
garment, though thou thou mayst
maystverily
verily smite
smite me
me with
with aa
sharp
sharp sword.
sword. Besides
Besides thee
thee I I have
have neither
neither asylum
asylum
nor defence; ifif I I am
nor defence ;
amtotoflee,
flee, I I must
musttake
take refuge
refuge with
with
thee."
thee."
OnOn one
oneoccasion
occasionI Ireproached
reproachedhim,
him,and
and said:
said:What
What
is become
is become ofofyour
yourprecious
preciousreason,
reason,that
thataavile
vilepassion
passion
should thus
should thus master you? He
master you? He made
made aa short
short pause,
pause,
"
and replied
and replied :-": Wherever the
Wherever the king
king of
oflove
love came,
came,hehe
left no
left no room
room for
for the
the strong
strong arm chastity. How
arm ofof chastity. How
75 6
756
2 TO SHAIKH SADI.
2tO SHAIKHSADL
can that wretch undefiled who has fallen in a
live
can that wretch live undefiled
" who has fallen in a
to the neck ?
quagmire up
quagmire up to the neck? "

IV.
IV.

A
certain
A certain person
had lost his heart and abandoned
person had lost his heart and abandoned
himself to despair. The object of his desire was not
himself to despair. The object of his desire was not
such a dainty that he could gratify his palate with it,
such a dainty that he could gratify his palate with it,
or a bird that he could lure it into his net, but a
or a bird that he could lure it into his net, but a
frightful precipice and overwhelming whirlpool :

"frightful precipice and overwhelming whirlpool:-

When thy gold attracts not the charmer's eye, dust
"When thy gold attracts not the charmer's eye, dust
or gold is of equal value with thee."
or gold is of equal value with thee."
His friends admonished him, saying: Put aside this
His friends admonished him, saying: Put aside this
vain fancy, for multitudes are in the durance and
vain 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 sighed aloud, and replied to my friends,
He sighed aloud, and replied :-" Say
:

Do not admonish me, for my eye isSay to my friends,

fixed on the wish
Do not admonish me, for my eye is fixed on the wish
of her. With strength of wrist and power of shoulders
of her. W,ith strength of wrist and power of shoulders
warriors overwhelm their antagonists and charmers
warriors overwhelm their antagonists and charmers
their lovers." Nor can it be consistent with the
their lovers."-Nor can it be consistent with the
condition of love that any thought of life should
condition of love that any thought 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 precious self,
"Thou, who art the slave of thine own precious self
playest false in the affairs of love. If thou canst not
playest false in the affairs of love. If thou canst no
make good a passage to thy mistress, it is the duty of
make good a passage to thy mistress, it is the duty o
a lover to perish in the attempt. I when
a loveris tono perish in the attempt.-I persist persist when
the
though the enemy
enemy may
left
policy
longer left me,
policy is no longer me, though may
cover me all over with the wounds of swords and
cover
arrows.
me all over with the wounds of s words
If I can reach her I will seize her sleeve, or
and
arrows. I f I can reach her I wiII seize her sleeve, o
at all events proceed and die at her threshold."
at all events proceed and die at her threshold."
 SHAIKIf SADL
SHAIKH SADI. 2II
211

His kindred,
His kindred, whose
whose business
business it
it was
was to
to watch
watch over
over
his concerns,
his concerns, and to
and to pity
pity his
his misfortunes,
misfortunes, gave
gave him
him
advice,
advice,
and
and put upon
put upon
him
him restraints,
restraints,
but
but all
all to
to no
no
good purpose
good purpose :_U " The physician is, alas! prescribing
:The physician is, alas prescribing !

bitter aloes,
bitter aloes, and
and his
his depraved
depraved appetite
appetite isis craving
craving
sweetmeats !-Heardest
sweetmeats thou what
Heardest thou
!
what aa charmer
charmer was was
saying
saying
in
in a
a whisper
whisper
to
to one
one who
who had
had lost
lost his
his heart
heart
.. - t~
to her: So
her :
So long long as as thou
thou maintainest
maintainest thine thine ownown
dignity,
dignity,
of
of what
what value
value can
can my dignity appear
my dignity appear in in
eye?? ""
thine eye
thine
They informed
They informed the the princess
princess who who was
was thethe object
object of of
his infatuation,
his infatuation, saying:
saying: A A youth
youth of of an
an amiable
amiable disposi-
disposi-
tion and
tion and sweet
sweet flow flow of of tongue
tongue is is frequent
frequent in in his
his
attendance at
attendance at the
the top
top of
of this
this plain
plain; and
;
and we we hear
hear himhim
delivering brilliant speeches and wonderful sallies of
delivering brilliant speeches and wonderful sallies of
wit; itit would
wit ;
would seem seem thatthat he he has
has aa mystery
mystery in in his
his
head and a flame in his heart, for
head and a flame in his heart, for he appears to be he appears to be
distractedly in
distractedly in love. love. The princess was
The princess was aware that aware that
she had
she had become
become the the object
object of of hishis attachment,
attachment,
and that this whirlwind of calamity
and that this whirlwind of calamity was raised was raised byby
himself, and spurred her horse
himself, and spurred her horse toward him. toward him. Now
Now
that the
that the youth
youth saw saw that
that itit was
was the
the princess's
princess's inten-
inten-
tion to
tion to approach
approach him, him, he he wept,
wept, and
and saidsaid :-"
:
" That
That
personage \\rho inflJcted upon
personage who inflicted upon me a mortal woundme a mortal wound
again presented
again presented herself
herself before
before me me ; perhaps
;
perhaps she she took
took
compassion upon her own victim."-However
compassion upon her own victim." However kindly kindly
she spoke,
she spoke, and and asked,
asked, saying:
saying: Who \Vho are are you,
you, andand
whence come you? what is
whence come you ? what is your name, and whatyour name, and what
your calling?
your calling? the the youth
youth was was so so entirely
entirely over-
over-
whelmed in
whelmed in the
the ocean
ocean of of love
love and
and passion
passion thatthat he he
absolutely
absolutely could
could not
not utter
utter aa word
word :-"
:
" Couldst thou
Couldst thou
212
212
SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADL
SADI.
Koran
repeat thethe seven or whole
in
Saba, or
fact
in fact repeat seven Saba, whole Koran by by
heart, if distracted with love, thou wouldst forget
heart, if distracted with love, thou wouldst forget
thy the princess continued: Why do
thy alphabet:"
alphabet: "-the princess continued: Why do
you not answer
you not answer me? me ? for I too am one of the sect
for I too am one of the sect
of darweshes, niy, I am their most devoted slave.
of darweshes, n l.y, I am their most devoted slave.
On the
On the strength
of
strength of this sympathising encouragement
this sympathising encouragement
of his beloved, the youth raised his head amidst
of his beloved, the youth raised his head amidst
the buffeting waves of tempestuous passion, and
the buffeting " waves of tempestuous passion, and
answered with thee
strange that
I
answered :-" ItIt is strange
is
that with thee present
present I
:

should remain in existence that after thou earnest

should remain in existence; that after thou camest
;

to talk, I should have speech left me." This he

to talk, I should have speech left me."-This he said, said,
a loud surrendered his soul to
and, uttering
and, uttering
" groan, surrendered his soul up
a loud groan, up to
God No wonder if he died by the door of his
God :-" No wonder if he died by the door of his
:

beloved's tent the wonder was, if alive, how he could

beloved's tent; the wonder was, if alive, how he could
;

have brought his life back in safety."

have brought his life back in safety."

V.
v.
AA boy
boy at
school much loveliness of
possessed much loveliness oLper-
at school possessed per-
son and sweetness of conversation and the master,
son and sweetness of c~nversation ; and the master
;

from the frailty of human nature, was enamoured of

from the frailty of human nature, was enamoured o
his blooming skin. Like his other he would
his blooming 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 whisper in his ear I
him in a corner he would whisper in his ear :-" I
:

am
am not, O celestial creature so with
occupied with thee,
not, 0 celestial creature! so occupied
!

thee
that I am harbouring in my mind a thought of
that I am harbouring in my mind a thought o
Were I to an arrow
perceive an arrow coming
myself. Were I to perceive
myself. coming right
righ
into it, I could not shut myeye from contemplating
into it, I could not shut my eye from contemplating
thee."
thee."
On
On one
occasion the
one occasion the boy
said Tn like
boy said: In like manner,
:
manner
as you inspect my studies, also animadvert on my
as you inspect my studies, also animadvert on my
 SHAlKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADL 21 3
213

tendency to
tendency to vice, in order that if you discern any
vice, in order that if you discern any
immorality
immorality in
in my
my behaviour, which has met my own
behaviour, which has met my own
approbation,
approbation, you you can
can warn
warn me
me against it, that I may
against it, that I may
correct
correct it it. He
He replied:
replied:
0O my
my child!
child !
propose
propose this
this
task
task toto somebody
somebody else;
else for
;
for the
the light
light
in
in which
which II view
view
you
you reflects
reflects nothing but virtue.-""That
nothing but virtue. That malignant
malignant
eye,
eye,
let
let it
it be
be plucked
plucked out
out in
in whose
whose sight his virtue
sight his virtue
~an seem
seem vice. Hadst
Hadst thou
thou butbut one
one perfection and
.can perfection and
'< .... vice.
seventy faults,
seventy faults, the
the lover
lover could
could discern
discern only
only
that
that one
one
perfection."
perfection."
VI.
VI.

One
One night, I recollect, a beloved friend entered my
night, I recollect, a beloved friend entered my
chamber-door.
chamber-door. II rose rose so so heedlessly from my seat
heedlessly from my seat
that
that the
the lamp was extinguished
extinguished by my sleeve
by my sleeve :-" A A
"
lamp was :

ViSz"01Z
vision made
made itsits appeara1Zce,
appearance,
wlziclz
^vhicll z"Iz
in its
its sple1Zdour
splendour
illumi1Zed chaos. II was
illuminedchaos. was surprised at my good fortune,
surprised at my good fortune,
"
exclaiming 'Vhence
exclaiming: :Whence camecame this
this treasure?
treasure ? "
She
She took
took aa seat,
seat, and
and began
began to to chide
chide me, me, saying,
saying,
Why
Why did did you
you put
put outout the
the light at the instant of
light at the instant of
seeing
seeing me?me ? II answered:
answered The The sun,
:
sun, II fancied,
fancied, was
was
getting
getting up
up! ! Also men of wit have said :-"" If
Also men of wit have said : If anan
austere
austere person should intrude
person should intrude upon
upon thethe light, rise and
light, rise and
drive
drive him
him with
with blows
blows fromfrom the
the assembly;
assembly; but but ifif aa

dimpling smiler and sugar-lipped charmer, take her

dimpling smiler and sugar-lipped charmer, take her
round
round thethe waist
waist and
and put
put out
out the
the taper."
taper."

VII.
VII.

AA person
person who
who had
had not
not seen
seen his
his friend
friend for
for aa length
length
of
of time,
time, said to him Where were you ? for
said to him: Where:
were you? for II have
have
214
2I4
SHAIKH
SIfAIKH SADL
SADL
been very solicitous about you. He replied, It is
been very solicitous about you. He replied,
"
It is
better to be sought after than loathed. H Thou hast
better to be sought after than loathed.- Thou hast
come
late, O
in a
intoxicating idol! I shall not
idol I shall
come late, 0 intoxicating !

not in a hurry
hurry
quit my
quit hold on
my hold on thy
skirt that mistress whom
thy skirt :-that mistre~s whom they
:

they
see but seldom is at last more desired than she is
see but seldom is at last more desired than she is
whom
whom they
are
they are cloyed
with
cloyed with seeing."
seeing."
The charmer that can bring companions along with
The charmer that can bring companions along with
her has come to quarrel for she cannot be void of
her has come to quarrel; "for she cannot be void of
;

and
jealousy and discontent :_H Whenever
discontent
jealousy :
Whenever thou
thou contest
comest to
to
visit me attended with comrades or rivals, though thou
visit me attended with comrades or rivals, though thou
comest in peace, yet thy object is hostile : for one single
comest in peace, yet thy object is hostile :-for one single
moment that my mistress associated with a rival, it
moment that my mistress associated with a rival, it
went well-nigh to slay me with jealousy. Smiling, she
went well-nigh to slay me with jealousy. 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 times, a friend and
recollect, a friend and I were
I I
In former times, I recollect, were
associating together like two kernels within one
associating together like two kernels within one
almond shell. I happened unexpectedly to go on a
almond shell. I happened unexpectedly to go on a
After some when I was he
journey. After some time,
journey. time, when I was returned,
returned, he
to chide this interval
began to chide me,
began saying: During
me, saying: During this long
long interval
never sent me a messenger.
replied: It vexed
you I It
you never sent me a messenger. I replied vexed
:

me to think that the eyes of a courier should be

me to think that the eyes of a courier should be
whilst I was
enlightened by
enlightened by your
your countenance,
countenan~e, whilst I was
debarred that happiness Tell my old charmer not
debarred that happiness:-Tell myoid charmer not
:

to impose a vow upon me with her tongue for I

to impose a vow upon me with her tongue; for I ;

would not repent, were she to attempt it with a

would not repent, were she to attempt it with a
sword. me to the lest another
sword. Envy
Envy stings
stings me to the quick,
quick, 'lest another
should be satiated with beholding thee, till I recollect
should be satiated with beholding thee, till I recollect
 SHAIKH SADl.
SHAIKH SADL 215

myself,
myself, and
and say:
say Nobody
Nobody can
can have
: have aa satiety
satiety of
of
that!"
that!"

IX.
IX.

II saw
saw aa learned
learned gentleman
gentleman the the captive
captive of of attach-
attach-
ment
ment for for aa certain
certain person,
person, and
and the
the victim
victim of
of his
his
reproach;
reproach ;
and
and he
he would
would suffer
suffer much
much violence,
violence, and
and
<" -' -bear
bear itit withwith great
great patience.
patience. On On one one occasion
occasion II said,said,
by
by wayway of
of admonition:
admonition : II know
know that
that inin your
your attach-
attach-
ment
ment for for this
this person
person you you have
have nono badbad object,
object, and and that
that
this
this friendship
friendship rests rests not
not onon any
any criminal
criminal design;
design yet, yet,
;

under
under this this interpretation,
interpretation, itit accordsaccords not not with
with the the
dignity
dignity of of the
the learned
learned to to expose
expose yourself
yourself to to calumny,
calumny,
and put
and put up up with
with the the rudeness
rudeness of of the
the rabble.
rabble. He He
replied
replied: :-0O my my friend,
friend, withdraw
withdraw the the hand
hand of of reproach
reproach
from
from the the skirt
skirt ofof mymy fatality,
fatality, for for II have
have frequently
frequently
reflected
reflected on on this
this advice
advice which
which you you offer
offer me,me, and
and find
find
itit easier
easier to to suffer
suffer contumely
contumely on on hishis account
account than than to to
forego
foregohis his company;
company and ;
and philosophers
philosophers have said It
havesaid: : It is
is

less
less arduous
arduous to to persist
persist inin the
the labour
labour of of courting
courting than than
to
to restrain
restrain the the eye eye from
from contemplating
contemplating aa beloved beloved
"
object:-" Whoever
object : Whoever devotesdevotes his his heart
heart to to aa soul soul
deluder
deluder puts puts hishis beard
beard or or reputation
reputation into into the the hands
hands
ofof another.
another. That That person,
person, without
without whom whom thou thou canst
canst
not
not exist,
exist, if if he
he do do thee
thee aa violence,
violence, thou thou mustmust bearbear
with
with it. it. The
The antelope,
antelope, thatthat isis led
led by by aa string
string cannot
cannot
bound
bound from from this
this side
side to
to that.-One
that. One day day II asked
asked aa
compact
compact of
of my
my mistress;
mistress how
;
how often
often have
have II since
since that
that
day
day craved
craved her
her forgiveness!
forgiveness A
!A lover
lover exacts
exacts not not
terms
terms of of his
his charmer;
charmer II relinquished
; relinquished my my heart
heart to to
whatever
whatever she she desired
desired me, me, whether
whether to to call
call meme up up to to
216 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADI.
her with kindness, or drive me from her with harsh-
her with kindness, or drive me from her with harsh-
ness she knows best, or it is her pleasure."
ness she knows best, or it is her pleasure."
X.
x.
such an event
In my
In
early youth
my early youth such an event (as you know)
(as you know)
will come to pass. I held a mystery and intercourse
will come to pass. I held a mystery and intercourse
with a young person,, because he had a pipe of
with a young person,. because he had a pipe 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
sipping the fountain of immortality,
moon :-" He is sipping
:

immortality,
who may taste the down of his cheek and he is
who may taste the down of his cheek; and he is ;

eating a sweetmeat, who can fancy the sugar of his

eating a sweetmeat, who can fancy the sugar of his
lips."
lips."
It happened that something in his behaviour having
It happened that something in his behaviour having
displeased me, I withdrew the skirt of communica-
displeased 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
regard est not my
not follow thine
thee; thou regardest
;
my 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 company
:

saying
the sun, the all-current brilliancy of that luminary
company of
the sun, the all-current brilliancy of that luminary
can suffer no diminution." He so expressed himself
can suffer no diminution."-He so expressed himself
and departed, and his vagabond condition much dis-
and departed, and his vagabond condition much dis-
tressed me the was
opportmzity of
me :-the opportunity of enjoyment
:

tressed enjoyment was lost,

and a man is insensible to the relish of prosperity till
lost,
and a man is -insensible to the relish of prosperity
he has tasted adversity : return and slay me, for to
till
he has tasted adversity :-return and slay
die before thy face were far more pleasant than to
me, for to
die before thy face
survive in thy absence."
were far more pleasant than to
survive in thy absence."
But, thanksgiving and praise to the Almighty, he
But, thanksgiving and praise to the Almighty, he
did not return till after some interval, when that
did not return till after some interval, when that
melodious pipe of David was cracked, and that
melodious pipe of David was cracked, and that
 SHAlKH SADL
SADI. . 2 17
SHAIKH 217
handsome
handsome form of Joseph in its wane; when
form of Joseph in its wane when that that
;

apple his chin was overgrown with hair like aa quince,

apple his chin was overgrown with hair like quince,
and the all-current lustre of his charms tarnished.
and the all-current lustre of his charms tarnished.
He
He expected me
expected me to fold him in my arms; but
to fold him in my arms
I "took
but I took
;

myself aside and said :-"" \Vhen the down of

When the down of loveliness loveliness
myself aside and said :

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
attractions from thy sight
now thouthou hast
hast come come to to
;
~ ... 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
The verdant foliage
verdant of thy spring is turned yellow;
foliage of thy spring is turned 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
How long wilt thou display this display this pomp and and vanity;
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
as will hire thee
thee:-The
:
verdure of the garden,
The verdure of the garden, they they
have told us, is charming; that person
have told us, is charming that person (Sadi) knows it
(Sadi) knows it
;

who is relating that story; or, in other

who is relating that story or, in other words, that the words, that the
;
fresh-shooting down on their charmers' cheeks is
fresh-shooting down on their charmers' cheeks is
what
what the hearts of their admirers
the hearts of their chiefly covet:-Thy
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

the more it will shoot :
year thou didst
Last year thou didst
it,
depart smooth as an antelope, to-day thou art
depart smooth as an antelope, to-day thou art
returned bearded like a pard.
returned bearded like a pard. Sadi admires the
Sadi admires the
fresh-shooting down, not not when when each hair is
each hair is stiff
stiff
fresh-shooting down,
as a packing-needle:-Whether
as a packing-needle : Whether thou thou hast patience
hast patience
with thy beard, or weed it from thy
with thy beard, or weed it from thy face, this happy
face, this happy
season of youth must come
season of youth must come to a conclusion.
to a conclusion. Had II
Had
the same command of life as thou
the same command of life as thou hast of beard, it
hast of beard, it
should not escape me
should not escape me till doomsday.
till doomsday.-I asked
I asked him
him
and
and said: \Nhat has become of the beauty of thy
said: What has become of the beauty of thy
countenance, that a beard has sprung up round
that a beard has
round the the
countenance, sprung up
2i8
218
SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADL
orb of the moon ? He answered I know not what
orb of the moon? He answered: I know not what:

has befallen my face, unless it has put on black to

has befallen my face, unless it has put on black to
mourn its departed charms."
mourn its departed charms."
XL
XI.
asked a doctor of laws, saying: Were a man
They asked
They a doctor of laws, saying: Were a man
chamber with a moon-faced
seated in aa private
seated in private chamber with a moon-faced
the doors
damsel, the doors shut, her attendants gone to sleep,
shut, her attendants
damsel, gone to sleep,
his appetite craving and lust domineering, as the
his appetite craving and lust domineering, as the
Arabs say The dates rife, and the gardener inviting
Arabs say:-
:

The dates ripe, and the gardener inviting

us to eat, might it be possible by the virtue of his
us to eat,-might it be possible by the virtue of his
chastity to
chastity to escape her temptations ? He answered
escape her temptations? He answered:
If he might resist dalliance with the damsel, he would
If he might resist dalliance with the damsel, he would
not escape the scandal of the slanderer "For though
the scandal of the slanderer :-" For tho!tgh
:
not escape
a man be safe from the mischief of his own lust, yet he
a man be safe from the mischief of his own lust, yet he
is not secure from the evil report of his rivals. It is
is not secure from the evil report of his rivals.- I t is
to restrain
possible to restrain thy own
thy own passion; but thou canst
passion but thou canst
possible ;

not curb the tongue of man. By repentance he may

not curb the tongue of man. By repentance he may
deprecate thethe wrath of God but he cannot escape
deprecate wrath of God; but ;
he cannot escape
the slander of his fellow-creature."
the slander of his fellow-creature."
XII.
XII.
shut
They shut up a
up a parrot in the
parrot in the same cage same
with a
cage with
They a
crow. The parrot was affronted at his ugly look,
crow. The parrot was affronted at his ugly look,
and said: What an odious visage is this, a hideous
and said: What an odious visage is this, a hideous
what an accursed appearance, and ungracious
figure what
figure; ;
an" accursed appearance, and ungracious
demeanour Would to God, O raven of the desert !
demeanour !-" Would to God,
!

0 raven of the desert!

we were wide apart as the east is from the west: The
we were wide apart as the east is from the west:-The
of his peaceful day would change into the
serenity of
serenity his peaceful day would change into the
gloom ofof night, who on issuing forth in the morning
gloom night, who on issuing forth in the morning
 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADI. 2I9
219
might cross thy aspect. An ill-conditioned wretch
might cross thy aspect An ill-conditioned wretch
like thyself
like should be
should be thy companion; but but where
where
thyself thy companion ;

could we
could we find
find such another in
such another in the
the world
world?"
?
"

But what
But what is
is more
more strange, the
the crow
crow was
was also
also out
out of
of
strange,
all patience, and vexed to the soul
all patience, and vexed to the soul at the at the society of
society of
the parrot.
the parrot. Bewailing his his misfortune,
misfortune, he
he was
was railing
Bewailing railing
at the
at the revolutions
revolutions of
of the
the skies
skies;;
and, wringing the
and, wringing the
-: -0' h~nds of chagrin, was lamenting his condition, and
hands of chagrin, was lamenting his condition, and
saying: What
saying
What an an unpropitious fate fate isis this
this; what
what
:
unpropitious ;

ill-luck, and untoward

ill-luck, and untoward
fortune!
fortune !
Could they
Could they any any
way suit the dignity of me,
way suit the dignity of me, who would in my who would in my
day strut with my fellow-crows along
day strut with my fellow-crows along the wall of a
the wall of a
garden :-"It were durance sufficient
garden: "It were durance sufficient for a good and
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:"
the wicked:"-What What sin sin have
have II committed
committed that that my
my
stars in retribution of it have linked
stars in retribution of it have linked me in the chainme in the chain
of companionship, and
of and immured
immured me me inin the
the dungeon
companionshfp, dungeon
of calamity, with a conceited blockhead,
of calamity, with a conceited blockhead, and good-for- and good-for-
nothing babbler :-" " Nobody will approach the foot of
nothing babbler :
Nobody will approach the foot of
a wall on which they
a wall on which they have have painted thy portrait portrait; wertwert
painted thy ;

thou to get a residence in paradise,

thou to get a residence in paradise, others would go others would go
in preference to
in preference to hell."hell."
I have introduced this parable to
I have introduced this
to show
show that
that how-
how-
parable
ever much learned men despise
ever much learned men despise the ignorant, thesethe ignorant, these
are aa hundredfold
are hundredfold more more scornful
scornful of of the
the learned
learned:- :

""A zahid, or holy man, fell in company with some

A zahid, or holy man, fell in company with some
wandering minstrels. One One of of them,
them, aa charmer
charmer of of
wandering minstrels.
Balkh, said to him: If thou art displeased
Balkh, said to him If thou art displeased with us, do
:
with us, do
not look
not look sour,
sour, for
for thou
thou art art already
already sufficiently
sufficiently offen-
offen-
sive.-An
sive.
assemblage is formed of roses
An assemblage is formed of roses and tulips, and tulips,
and thou
and thou artart stuck
stuck up amidstamidst themthem like
like aa withered
withered
up
220
220 SHAIKH SA.DI.
SHAIKH SADI.

stalk;
stalk like
like an
;
an opposing
opposing storm,
storm, and
and aa chilling
chilling winter
winter
blast;
blast like
like aa ball
;
ball of
of snow,
snow, or
or lump
lump of
of ice."
ice."

XIII.
XIII.

II had
had anan associate,
associate, who who was was for for years
years the the com-
com-
panion
panion of
of my travels, partook
my travels, partook of
of the
the same
same bread
bread and
and
salt,
salt, and
and enjoyed
enjoyed the
the many rights
many rights of
of a
a confirmed
confirmed
friendship.
friendship. At last
At last onon somesome trifling
trifling advantage
advantage he he
gave
gave me
me cause
cause of
of umbrage,
umbrage, and
and our
our intimacy
intimacy ceased.
ceased.
And notwithstanding
And notwithstanding all all this,
this, there
there was was aa hankering
hankering
of
of good-will
good-will on on both
both sides;
sides in ;
in consequence
consequence of of which
which
I heard that he was one day
I heard that he was one day reciting
reciting in a certain
in a certain
"
assembly
assembly these
these twotwo couplets
couplets of of my
my writings
writings :-" When
: When
my idol,
my idol, or
or mistress,
mistress, is
is approaching
approaching me
me with
with her
her
tantalising smiles,
tantalising smiles, she
she is
is sprinkling
sprinkling more
more salt
salt upon
upon
my
my smarting
smarting sores.
sores. How fortunate
How fortunate were were the the tips
tips ofof
her
her ringlets
ringlets to
to come
come into
into my hand,
my hand, like
like the
the sleeve
sleeve of
of
the
the generous
generous in in thethe hands
hands of of darweshes."
darweshes." - This This
society
society of
of his
his friends
friends bore
bore testimony,
testimony, and
and gave
gave
applause,
applause, notnot to to the
the beauty
beauty of of this
this sentiment,
sentiment, but but toto
the
the liberality
liberality of
of his
his own
own disposition
disposition in
in quoting
quoting it;
it

while
while he had himself
he had himself been been extravagant
extravagant in in his
his
encomiums,
encomiums, regretted
regretted the the demise
demise of of ourour former
former
attachment,
attachment, and and confessed
confessed how much he he was to to
blame.
blame. II was was mademade awareaware that that he he too
too was desirous
desirous
of
of aa reconciliation;
reconciliation ; and,
and, having
having sent sent him these these
"
couplets, made my peace
couplets, made peace :-" Was there
: there not not aa treaty
treaty
of
of good
good faith
faith between
between us, us, and
and didst
didst notnot thou
thou com-
mence hostilities,
mence hostilities, andand violate
violate the the compact?
compact ? II relin- relin-

quished
quished all manner of
all manner of society,
society, and and plighted
plighted my heart heart
 SHAIKH SAD
SHAIKH SADI.
I.
221
221

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

XIV.
XIV.

A man
A man had had aa beautiful
beautiful wife, wife, who
who died
died; but
;
but the the
'C ~. mother, a decrepid old dotard, remained ' a fixture in
mother, a decrepid old dotard, remained a fixture in
his house, because of
his house, because of the dowry. the dowry. He was teased
He was teased to to
death by herher company; . but, from the circumstance
death by company but, from the circumstance
;

of the dower,
of the he had no remedy. In
dower, he had no remedy.
In the
the meantime
meantime
some of his friends having come
some of his friends having come to comfort him, to comfort him, oneone
of them
of them asked asked: :
How is it with you, since
How is it with you, since the loss the loss
of that dear
of that dear friend?
friend ? He answered:
He answered The:
The absence
absence of of
my wife
my wife is not so intolerable as the presence of
is not so intolerable as the presence of
her mother :-"" They plucked the
her mother the rose,
rose, and
and leftleft meme
:
They plucked
the thorn;
the thorn ;
they plundered the treasure,
they plundered the treasure, and let the
and let the
snake
snake remain.
remain. To To have
have ourour eye pierced with a spear
eye pierced with a spear
were
were more tolerable than to see the face
more tolerable than to see the of an
face of an enemy.
enemy.
IItt were
were better
better to
to break
break with
with a
a thousand
thousand friends
friends than
than
to
to put up with
up with
one
one rival."
rival."
put

XV.
XV.

In
In my
my youth recollect I was passing through a
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
the moisture of the mouth, and
moisture of the mouth, and the
the Samum, or desert
Samum, or desert
hot-wind, melting the marrow of the
hot-wind, melting the marrow of the bones.
bones. From
From
the
the weakness of human nature I was unable to
weakness of human nature I was unable to
withstand
withstand thethe darting rays of a noon-tide sun, and
darting rays of a noon-tide sun, and
222
222
SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKHSADL
took refuge under the shadow of a wall, hopeful that
took refuge under the shadow of a wall, hopeful tha
somebody would
somebody would relieve
me from the oppressive heat
relieve me from the oppressive hea
of summer, and quench the fire of my thirst with a
of summer, and quench the fire of my thirst with a
at once
once II beheld
a
draught of
draught water. All
of water. 'A ll at beheld a luminary
luminary
in the shadowed portico of a mansion, so splendid an
in the shadowed portico of a mansion, so splendid an
falls short in
object that the
object that tongue of
the tongue of eloquence
eloquence falls short in
summing up its loveliness such as the day dawning
summing up its loveliness; such as the day dawning
;

upon a dark or the fountain of

night, or the fountain of immortality
upon a dark night, immortality
from chaos. She held in her hand a of
issuing from chaos. She held in her hand a goblet
issuing goblet o
snow-cooled water, into which she dropt some sugar,
snow-cooled water, into which she dropt some sugar
and tempered it with spirit of wine but I know not
and tempered it with spirit of wine; but I know not
;

whether she scented it with attar, or sprinkled it with

whether she scented it with attar, or sprinkled it with
a few blossoms from her own rosy cheek. In short, I
a few blossoms from her own rosy cheek. In short, I
received the beverage from her idol-fair hand
received the beverage 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
Such is not thirst that it is to be
life.-" Suck zs not my
life.
myparching
parching thirst that it is to be
were I to
quenched with
element
quenched with the limpid element of
tlte limpid of water,
water, were I to
swallow it in oceans: Joy to that happy aspect
swallow it in oceans:-Joy to that happy aspect
whose eye can every morning contemplate such a
whose eye can every morning contemplate such a
countenance as thine.
countenance as thine. A person
A person intoxicated with
intoxicated with
wine lies giddy and awake half the night but if
wine lies giddy and awake half the night; but if ;

intoxicated with the cup-bearer [God], the day of

intoxicated with the cup-bearer [God], the day of
judgment must be his dawn or
judgment must be his dawn or morning."
morning."

XVI.
XVI.
In the year that Sultan
In the year that Sultan
Mohammed Khowarazm-
Mohammed Khowarazm-
Shah had for some political chosen to make
reason
Shah had for some political reason
chosen to make
peace with the king of Khota, I entered the metro-
peace with the king of Khota, I entered the metro-
at and met a
politan mosque
politan Kashghar, and met a youth
mosque at Kashghar, youth
incomparably and exquisitely handsome
incomparably lovely,
lovely, and exquisitely handsome; ;
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI. 223
223

suchasasthey
such theyhave
havementioned resemblanceofofhim
mentionedininresemblance him: :

"
-"Thy
Thy master instructed thee inin every
master instructed thee bold and
every bold and
captivating grace
captivating grace; hehe taught
; taught thee coquetry and
thee coquetry and
confidence, tyranny
confidence, tyranny and
and violence.
violence. I I have seen nono
have seen
mortal with
mortal withsuch
such a a form
form and
andtemper, statelinessand
temper,stateliness and
manner; perhaps
manner; perhaps he learned these fascinating
he learned these fascinating ways
ways
fromananangel."
from angel."
~ ... _ He
He held
held the
the introduction
introduction ofof the the Zamakhshari
Zamakhshari
Arabic grammar
Arabic grammar in his hand,
in his hand, and was repeating
and was repeating:- :

Zaraba Zaidun Amranwa

Zaraba Zaidun Amranwa-Zaid beat Amru
Zaid beat Amru and and
isis the
the assailan t of Amru. I said: 0 my
assailant of Amru. I said: O my son!
son! the
the
Khowarazm
Khowarazmand andKhatayi
Khatayisovereigns
sovereignshavehavemade
madepeace,
peate,
and anddoes
doeswar
warthus
thus subsist
subsistbetween
between Zaid andAmru
Zaid and Amru? ?

He He smiled, and asked me

smiled, and asked me theplace
the place ofmy
of mynativity.
nativity.
answered: The
I I answered : Theterritory Shiraz. He
territoryofofShiraz. said: Do
Hesaid Do :

yourecollect
you recollectany
anyofofSadi's
Sadi'scompositions
compositions?
? I Ireplied
replied: :

-""/I am am enamoured
enamoured ^vith 'lvitlt the
the reader
readerofofthe thesyntax,
syntax,
who,taking
who, takilzgoffence, assailsme
ojfellce,assails meininlike mannerasasZaid
likemanner Z aid
does A mY1t. And
does Amru. And Zaid,
Z aid, whenwhen read readZaidin,
Z aidin, cannot
cannot
raisehis
raise ; and how
head/and
ltishead howcanst
canstthouthougivegi'l'eaazammah
zalllmalttoto
"
aaword
wordaccented
accentedwithwitltaakasrah
kasralt?"?
HeHe reflected
reflected a a little
little within
within himself,
himself,and and said
said: InIn
:

these partswe
theseparts wehavehave much
muchofofSadi's Sadi's compositions
compositionsinin
thePersian
the Persianlanguage
language; ififyou
; youwill spe~kininthat
willspeak thatdialect
dialect
we shallmore
weshall morereadily
readilycomprehend
comprehendyou, you,for youshould
foryou should
addressmankind
address mankindaccording
accordingtototheirtlzez'rcapacities.
capacities.
"
I I replied
replied :-"Whilst
:
Whilst thy thy passion
passion was was that
that ofof
studying grammar,
studying grammar, all
all trace
trace ofof reason
reason was
was erased
erased
from our
from ourhearts.
hearts. Yes Yes! the
!
the lover's
lover's heart
heart isis fallen
fallen a a
preytotothy
prey snare: we
thysnare :
we areare occupied
occupied aboutaboutthee,thee,andand
thouart
thou arttaken
takenup withAmru
upwith Amruand andZaid."
Zaid."
224 SHAIKH SAD I.
224 SHAIKH SADI.
On the morrow, which had been fixed on as the
On the morrow, which had been fixed on as the
period of our stay, some of my fellow-travellers had
period of our stay, some .of my fellow-travellers had
told him such a one is Sadi
perhaps told for I saw that
perhaps him such a one is Sadi; for I saw that
;

he came running up, and expressed his affection and

he came running up, and expressed his affection and
regret, saying: Why did you not during all this time
regret, saying: Why did you not during all this time
tell us that a certain person is Sadi, that I might
tell us that a certain person is Sadi, that I migh
have shown my gratitude by offering my service to
have shown my gratitude by offering " my service to
reverence.
your reverence. I answered : In thy presence
your I answered":-" In thy presence I
cannot even say that I am I ! He said " How good
:

cannot even say that I am I! "-He said: "How good

it were if you would tarry here for a few days, that
it were if you would tarry here for a few days, that
we might devote ourselves to your service."
we might devote ourselves to your service." I
replied That cannot be, as this adventure will explain
:

replied: That
" cannot be, as this adventure will explain
to you : In the hilly region I saw a great and holy
to you :-" In the hilly region I saw "a great and holy
man, who was content in living retired from the
man, who was content in living retired from the
world in a cavern. I said: Why dost thou not come
world in a cavern. I said: Why dost thou not come
into the city, that thy heart might be relieved from a
into the city, that thy heart might be relieved from a
load of servitude? He replied: In it there dwell
load of servitude? He replied: In it there dwell
some wonderful and angel-faced charmers, and where
some wonderful and angel-faced charmers, and where
the path is miry, elephants may find it slippery."-
the path is miry, elephants may find it slippery."-
delivered this speech, we kissed each other's
Having delivered
Having this speech, we kissed" each other's
head and face, and took our leaves : What profits
head and face, and took our leaves :-" What profits
it to kiss our mistress's cheek, and with the same
it to kiss our mistress's cheek, and with the same
breath to bid her adieu. Thou mightest say that the
breath to bid her adieu. Thou mightest say that the
apple had taken leave of its friends by having this
apple had taken leave of lits friends by having this
cheek red and that cheek yellow : Were I not to
cheek red and that cheek 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
charge me with being insincere in my attachments"
dlarge me 'lVitlt beillg itzsillcere ilZ my attac/lIllents."
XVII.
XVII.
A ragged darwesh accompanied us along with the
A ragged darwesh accompanied us along with the
caravan for Hijaz, and a certain Arab prince presented
caravan for Hijaz, and a certain Arab prince presented
 SHAIKH SADJ.
SHAIKH SADI.
225
him with a hundred dinars for the support of his
him with a hundred dinars for the support of his
family. Suddenly aa gang of of Khafachah
Khafachah robbers
robbers
family. Suddenly gang
attacked the caravan, and completely
attacked the caravan, and completely stripped it.
stripped it.
The merchants set up a weeping
The merchants set up a weeping and wailing, and and wailing, and
made much
made much useless
useless lamentation
lamentation and and complaint:-
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
all but that ragged wretch, who stood
plunder :

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?
that money ?
He replied:
He replied Yes, Yes, they took
took itit; but
but II
:
they ;
was not so fond of my pet as to
was not so fond of my pet as to break my heart atbreak my heart at
parting with with it it.-"" \¥e should not fix our heart so
We should not fix our heart so
parting
on any thing or
on or being as as to
to find
find any difficulty in in
any thing being any difficulty
removing it" it"
removing
I said:
I
said: What
What you have have remarked
remarked corresponds
you corresponds
precisely with what once
with what once befell
befell myself; for for in
in my
precisely
juvenile days II took took aa liking to
myself;
to aa young man, and
my
and
juvenile days liking young man,
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 II swear
liness of person.
swear that
that after
after
By friendship
his demise all loving intercourse
his demise all loving intercourse is forbidden
is forbidden; for no
for no
;

human emanation can stand a comparison

human emanation can stand a comparison with him." with him."
All at once the foot of his existence stumbled at
All at once the foot of his existence stumbled at
the grave of annihilation; and the sigh of separation
the grave of annihilation and the sigh of separation
;

burst from the dwelling of his family. For

burst from the dwelling of his family.
For many
many
days II satsat aa fixture
fixture at
at his
his tomb, and, of of the
the many
days tomb, and, many
dirges II composed upon his his demise, this
this isis one
one:-
dirges composed upon demise, :

757
757
22 6 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SAVIo

"On
"On that
that day,
day, when
when thy
thy foot
foot was
was pierced with the
pierced with the
thorn of
thorn of death,
death, would
would toto God
God the
the hand
hand of fate had
of fate had
cloven my
cloven my head with the sword of destruction,
head with the sword of destruction, that
that
eyes might
my eyes might not
not this
this day
day have
have witnessed
witnessed the
the world
world
without thee. Such am seated at the head
without thee. Such am I,I, seated at the head of of thy
thy
dust, as
dust, as the
the ashes
ashes are
are seated on my own
seated on own :-whoever
my whoever :

could not take his rest and sleep

could not take his rest and till they first had
sleep till they first had
spread aa bed
spread bed of
of roses
roses and
and narcissuses for him
narcissuses for him: the
the :

whirlwind of the sky

whirlwind of the sky has scattered the roses of
has scattered the roses of his
his
cheek, and
cheek, and brambles
brambles and
and thorns
thorns are
are shooting
shooting from
from his
his
grave."
grave." .
After
After my separation
my separation from
from himhim II came
came to to aa steady
steady
and firm determination,
and firm determination, that during
that during mymy remaining
remaining
life II would
life would foldfold up
up the
the carpet
carpet of enjoyment, and
of enjoyment, and
"
never re-enter the gay
never re-enter the gay circle of society
circle of society :-" : Were
Were itit
not for
not for the
the dread
dread ofof its waves, much
its waves, much would
would be be the
the
profits
profits of
of a
a voyage
voyage at
at sea;
sea ; were
were it
it not
not for
for the
the
vexation of
vexation of the
the thorn,
thorn, charming
charming might
might be be the
the society
society
of the
of the rose. Yesterday II was
rose. Yesterday was walking
walking stately
stately asas aa
peacock
peacock in the
in the garden
garden of
of enjoyment to-day II am
enjoyment; to-day ; am
writhing
writhing like
like aa snake
snake from
from the
the absence
absence of
of my
my
mistress."
mistress."
XVIII.
XVIII.

To
To aa certain
certain king
king of
of Arabia
Arabia theythey were
were relating
relating
the
the story of
story of Laila
Laila and
and Mujnun,
M uj nun, and
and his
his insane
insane
state, saying:
state, saying: Notwithstanding
Notwithstanding his his knowledge
knowledge and and
wisdom, he
wisdom, he has
has turned
turned his
his face
face towards
towards the
the desert,
desert,
and abando~ed himself
and abandoned himself to
to distraction.
d'istraction. TheThe king
king
ordered that
ordered that they brought him
they brought him into
into his
his presence
presence; ;

and
and hehe reproved
reproved him,
him, and
and spoke, saying: What
spoke, saying What have
: have
 SI£AIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADI. 227
you seen unworthy in the noble nature of man that
you seen unworthy in the noble nature of man that
you 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. AAlas las!!
reproach me for my love of for, namely Laila.
that they could oue day see her, that my
that they could one day see her, that my excuse might
excuse might
be manifest for me 1"-""Would
be manifest for me!"
\Vould to God that such as
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!
hearts !
that at the sight of thee they
that at the sight of thee they might, from
might, from
inadvertency, cut their own fingers instead of the
inadvertency, cut their own fingers instead of the
orange inin their hands
their hands
: "-Then
"
Then might the truth of
might the truth the
of the
orange :

reality bear testimony against the semblance of fiction,

reality bear testimony against the semblance of fiction,
what
what ma1lller
manner of perso1t that was for whose sake you
of person that was for whose sake you
were upbraiding
were upbraiding me.
me.
The
The king resolved within himself, on viewing in
king resolved within himself, on viewing in
person the charms of Laila, that he migL~ be able to
person the charms of Laila, that he migl.;. be able to
judge what her form could be which 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,
presence. Having searched through the Arab tribes,
they discovered and presented her before the king in
they discovered and presented her before the king in
the courtyard of his
the courtyard of his seraglio.
seraglio. He
He viewed her figure,
viewed her figure,
and
and beheld a person of a tawny complexion and
beheld a person of a tawny complexion and
feeble frame of body. She
feeble frame of body. She appeared to
to
him
him in
in
aa
appeared
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
excelled her in elegance.
his sagacity,
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
said It would behove you, O king, to contemplate the
:
the
charms of Laila through the wicket of a
charms of Laila through the wicket of a Muj nun's eye, Mujnun's eye,
inin order that the miracle of such a spectacle might be
order that the miracle of such a spectacle might be
illustrated
illustrated to
to you.-""Thou Thou canst have no fellow-feeling
canst have no
you. fellow-feeling
228 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADI.

suitme
must have
formy disorder;a acompanion
mydisorder companiontotosuit
for ;
me must have
the self-same malady, that I may sit by him the live-
the self-same malady, that I may sit by him the live-
two
repeatingmy
for
longday
long dayrepeating mytale
tale; forbybyrubbing
;
rubbing twopieces
pieces
of dry firewood one upon another they will burn all the
of dry firewood one upon another they will burn all the
brighter had that grove of verdant reeds heard the
brighter :-had
:

that grove of verda/Ii reeds Izeard tile

detailofofmy
mistress's
murmurings love^vhich
11lurmuringsofoflove whichinindetail my mistress's
have would somehow
story Ilavepassed
story tlzrougllmy
passedthrough myear, it
ear, it would somehow
have sympathised in my pain. Tell it, O my friends, to
have sympathised ill my jJaill. Tell it, 0 my friends, to
such as are ignorant of love ; would ye could be aware
such as are ignorant of love / would ye could be aware
ofofwhat me to the the of a
wrings me to thesoul:
whatwrings 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 only to a fellow-sufferer. It were idle

detail our aches only to a fellow-sufferer. It were idle
to talk of a hornet to him who has never during his
to talk of a hornet to him who has never during his
life smarted from its sting. condition
thy conditionmay
Till
life smarted from its sting. Tillthy may
in some sort resemble mine, my state will seem to
in some sort resemble mine, my state will seem to
thee an idle fable. not with that
Compare notmy
thee an idle fable. Compare mypain
pain with that
of another man he holds salt in his hand, but I hold
of another man; he holds salt in his hand, but I hold
;

it on a wounded limb."
it on a wounded limb."
XIX.
XIX.
They tell a of the of the of
story of thecazy
They tell astory city ofRamadan,
cazy of thecity Hamadan,
that he was enamoured of a farrier's daughter, and had
that he was enamoured of a farrier's daughter, and had
the horse-shoe of his heart made glowing hot in the
the horse-shoe of his heart made glowing hot in the
fire of a forge. For a time he
fire of a forge. For a time hewas waveringand
waswavering and
unsettled, desiring and expectant, and repeating, as
unsettled, desiring and expectant, "
and repeating, as
to what was
straightand
applicable This
applicable to what waspassing
passing :-" Thisstraight and
:

marched
loftycypress
lofty cypress marchedgraceful beforemy
gracefulbefore myeyeseyes;she
;
she
took the heart from my hand and trod it under her
teok the heart from my hand and trod it under her
This bold and lascivious was
luring my
foot.
foot. This bold and lasciviouseye eye wasluring my
heart into a snare. If thou wishest not to resign thy
heart into a snare. If thou wishest not to resign thy
heart to anybody thou must shut thy eyes."
heart to anybody thou must shut thy eyes."
 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADI. 229
229

I have
I have heardthat
heard shemet
thatshe metthethecazy cazyononthe thehighway.
highway.
Something
Something ofof this
this business
business had
had reached
reached her
her ears,
ears,andand
sheshewaswasbeyond
beyond measure
measure offended.
offended. She
She abused
abused him
him
vilely,
vilely,spoke
spoketotohim himharshly,
harshly,took tookup stonestotothrow
upstones throw
atathim,
him, and showedhim
andshowed mannerofof
himallallmanner rudeness. The
rudeness. The
cazy observed toto a a respectable
cazy observed respectable learned learned man man who who
"
attendedhim
attended himononhorseback
horseback :-" Behold
: Beholdthat thatcharmer,
charmer,
howhowoverwhelmed
overwhelmedshe sheis iswith
withanger;
anger attend
;
attendtotothat that
"
frown onon her
"frown her soursourandand sweet
sweet eyebrow:
eyebrow "-asas the
: the
Arabssay:
Arabs say the
: theblowblowofofour ourbeloved
belovedhas hasthetherelz'sl"
relishofof
"
raisins
raisins :_H: receivea aslap
totoreceive slapon onthe mouthfrom
themouth fromthy thy
handis ismore
hand moresweetsweetthan breadfrom
withbread
thantotofillfillit itwith frommy my
"
own "-Thus
own: : Thusdoes doesherheroutrageous
outrageousviolence violencegive giveoutout
the fragranceofofcourtesy;
thefragrance courtesy like;
likekings kingswho whowill de-
willde-
nouncehostilities
nounce hostilitieswhen whenthey theyperhaps
perhapsinintheir hearts
theirhearts

areare courting
courting peace.-" peace. Unripe
"Unripe grapes grapes have have a a tart
tart

taste;
taste have;
havepatience
patiencefor fora afewfewdays, days,thatthattheytheymay may
becomesweet"
become sweet"
HeHethus deliveredhimself,
thusdelivered himself,and andreturned
returnedinto intothethe
cazy's court Several
cazy'scourt Severalwell-disposed
well-disposedand andrespectable
respectable
persons,
persons, who who held heldoffices under him,
offices under kissed the
him, kissed the
earthofof
earth obeisance,
obeisance, saying:
saying With
: Withsubmission,
submission,and andasasinin
duty
dutybound,
bound,we wewould
wouldmake makea arepresentation
representationtotoyour your
"
lordship,
lordship,that thatalthough"
although it itmightmightbebedeemed deemedunpolite,
unpolite,
asasthe thesagesage have remarked:-ititis isnot
have remarked : not proper
proper toto
argue
argueeveryeverypoint; ;
to find
point to find fault with great
fault with greatmen menis is
itself
itself a
a fault :"-yet,
fault :" conscious that
yet,conscious that the past the munifi-
pastmunifi-
cenceofof
cence ourourlord
lord andandmaster
master wasthe
was causeofof
thecause the
the good
good
fortune of his
fortune of his servants, were
servants,it were a species
it a of
speciesof treachery
treachery
ininusustotobebeawareawareofofwhat whatis isright,
right,and andnot nottotonotice
notice
it. And
it. And this is the path
this is the of
pathof rectitude, that
rectitude,that you should
youshould
230 SHAIKH SADL
23° SHAIKH SADI.
shun the circle of delusion, and fold up the carpet of
shun the
criminal circle of delusion,
conversation and
with this fold
damsel upforthe
;
thecarpet
stationof
ofcriminal
a judge conversation with
is of such high this damsel; for the station
dignity that you should not
of a judge isitofwith
contaminate suchanhigh dignity that
abominable sin. you should
This not
object,
contaminate
which you have it with
in an abominable
contemplation, you
sin. This
should object,
consider
aswhich
your you
bane,have
and in contemplation,
her you should consider
story such as you have heard it :

as"Ayour
person bane, hasand her storymany
committed such disreputable
as you have crimesheard it :
;

-" Aregard
what personhas has she
committed
for themany disreputable crimes;
reputation of another.
what isregard
Many the good has she for the of
character reputation of another.
fifty years' stand-
Many is the good character
ing which one shameless act will tread under foot." of fifty years' stand-
ing which one shameless act will
The cazy approved of the unanimous advice of his tread under foot."
The and
friends, cazycommended
approved of the good
their unanimous
sense advice of his
and watch-
friends,
ful and commended
fidelity, and said : The their good sense and watch-
light in which my beloved
ful fidelity,
friends view the and policy
said: Theof my light in which
situation is themy mirror
beloved
offriends
what is view the policy of my situation is the mirror
right, and argument unanswerable :
"
Of
of what is right, and argument unanswerable
a truth, were friendship to be forfeited on our offering :-" Of
a truth, 'Were friendship to be
admonition, then might the righteous be accused offoifeited on our ojfering
admonition, nevertheless,
falsehood:" thell might the righteous me
"admonish be as mucho
accused
falsehood: "-nevertheless,-" admonish
as thou choosest, thou never canst wash a blackamoor me as much
as
white.thou choosest, thou never
I never can be made by anybody to canst wash a blackamoor
forget
white.I am
thee ;
I aneversnakecan withbemy madehead by anybody
bruised, and tocannot
forget
thee; I am
twist myself away." a snake with my head bruised, and cannot
twist
Havingmyself thusaway."delivered . himself, he deputed certain
Having thus delivered
people to ascertain the damsel's himself,circumstances,
he deputed certain and
people to ascertain the
was lavish of his cash, as has been remarkeddamsel's circumstances,
: Who- and
was lavish of his cash, as has
ever has gold in the scales commands the arms of the been remarked: Who-
ever has and
balance ;
goldhe in who
the scales
cannot commands
corrupt the the world
arms ofhasthe
balance; and he who
not a friend all throughout the world cannot corrupt :
the " world has
Whoever
not gold
sees a friend lowers allhis
throughout
head, though, the world
like the:-"scales
Whoever of
sees gold lowers his
Justice, he has iron-bound shoulders."
head, though, like the scales of
] In
ustice,
short,he he has oneiron-bound
eveningshoulders."
accomplished a private
In short, he one evening accomplished a private
 SHAIKHSADI. SADI.
SHAIKH 23231
I

interview and that same it was to the

reportedto the
nightit was reported
interview; and that same night
;

superintendent of the police that the cazy had all the

superintendent of the police that the cazy had all the
had wine in his head, and his mistress in his
eveninghad
evening wine in his head, and his mistress in his
arms that he had lain awake in ecstasy, and was
arms; that he had lain" awake in ecstasy, and was
;

Perhaps this
incessantly:-" Perhaps
singing incessantly this cock does not
singing :

cock does not

crow at
to-nightcrow his hour
properhour; the the lover is not yet
to-night at his proper ;
lover is not yet
done with his dalliance. The temple of his mistress,
done with his dalliance. The temple of his mistress,
fair within her curling ringlet, resembles the
lucidlyfair
lucidly within her curling ringlet, resembles the
inlaid upon the ebony chowgong club.
ivory-ballinlaid Be
- ivory-ball upon the ebony chowgong club. Be
on the
constantlyon the watch, lest that lover of mischief
watch,lest that lover of mischief fallfall
constantly
into a doze, and the opportunity of enjoyment pass
into a doze, and the opportunity of enjoyment pass
awayininregret. Till thou hearest the call for morn-
away regret. Till thou hearest the call for morn-
ingprayer at the
prayerat the metropolitan mosque,ororthe
metropolitanmosque, the beat of
ing beat of
the kettle-drum over the palace-gate of the King
the kettle-drum over the palace-gate of the King
Atabak,letlet lips be sealed to lips, like the eyelids of
Atabak, lips be sealed to lips, like the eyelids 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 silly bird
on the real crow of that silly bird! "
!

Such was the state of the cazy, when one of his

Such was the state of the cazy, when one of his
servants burst into his chamber, and called aloud
servants burst into his chamber, and called aloud:
:

Whydodoyou loiter in bed ? get up, and fly, now it is

youloiter
vVhy in bed? get up, and fly, now it is
possible forfor your rivals have calumniated you, nay,
possible; ;
your rivals have calumniated you, nay,
have
theyhave reported
reportedwhatwhat is true. Perhaps with the
they is true. Perhaps with the
water of prudence we may quench the fire of mischief,
water of prudence we may quench the fire of mischief,
which is yet low. God forbid that to-morrow, when
which is yet low. God forbid that to-morrow, when
risen into a flame, it should involve a whole world.
risen into a flame, it should involve a whole world.
The cazy turned towards him with a smile, and
The cazy turned
" towards him with a smile, and
replied:-" The The lion has laid his paw on the game,
replied lion has laid his paw on the game,
:

what cares he for the yelping of a dog? Face to face

what cares he for the yelping of a dog? Face to face
mistress, and leave thy rival to gnaw the
thymistress,
enjoythy
enjoy and leave thy rival to gnaw the
hand of jealousy."
hand of jealousy."
That same night they informed the king, saying
That same night they informed the king, saying: :
232 SHAIKH SADL
23 2 SHAIKH SADL
Such an act of wickedness has been perpetrated with-
in
Such anrealm act of wickedness has been perpetrated with-
what would your majesty order upon
your ;

in your realm; what would your majesty order upon

the occasion ? The king answered I know him to be :

the occasion? The king answered:

one of the most learned of the time, and I know him to be
the nonpareil
one of the most learned of the time, and
of his age. Possibly his rivals, from envy of his worth,
the nonpareil
have laid this plot, but till convinced by seeingworth,
of his age. Possibly his rivals, from envy of his it 1
have laid this plot, but till convinced " by seeing it I
cannot give ear to the fact :
Hastily to lay a hand
oncannot give ear to the fact :-" Hastily to lay a hand
the sword of anger must lead to gnaw that hand
on the sword of anger must lead to gnaw that hand
with the teeth of regret."
with the teeth of 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
the cazy's bed-chamber.
with
He asaw select train, entered
that the tapers
were alight, the charmer seated on the the
the cazy's bed-chamber. He saw that tapers
bed, the
were alight, the charmer seated on the bed, the
goblet broken, and the wine spilled, while the cazy
goblet broken,in and the wine spilled, while
a dream of drunkenness, and alto-
the cazy
lay stupefied
lay stupefied
unconscious
in a ofdream of drunkenness, and alto-
the royal presence. The king
gether
gether unconscious of the royal presence. The king
kindly waked him, and said Get up, for the sun is
:

kindly waked him, and said:

The cazy recollected how matters Get up, for the sun is
risen. stood, and
risen. The cazy recollected
asked From what quarter has he risen ? The king
:
how matters stood, and
asked: From what quarter has he risen? The king
was taken by surprise, and answered From the east,
:

was taken
as is usual !
by The cazy said Praised From
surprise, and answered:
:
the east,
be God that !

as is usual! The cazy said: Praised

the door of repentance is still open, according to
be God! that
the door
the tradition
of :
repentance
" is still open,
The gate of repentance is not, noraccording to
the tradition :-" Tlze gate of repentmzce
shall it be, shut upon his [God's] servants, till the sun
is not, 1Zor
shall it be, shut upon ltis
shall rise in the west : and[God's]
he added servants, till the SU1Z
/ ask
:
pardon
shall riseand in the west :-and he added
vow to him that I will repent :-1 ask pardo1Z
these
of God, :
of God, mzd vow to him that I will
two circumstances involved me in sin, my inauspicious repent :-these
two circumstances involved me in sin, my inauspicious
fortune, and a weak understanding. If thou over-
fortune, and a weak understanding.
takest me with punishment, I am deserving of it
If thou over-
;

takest me with punishment, I am

but if thou wilt forgive me, pardon is more desirable deserving of it;
but if thou wilt forgive me, pardon
than chastisement." The king replied: It is too late is more desirable
than chastisement"-The king replied: It is too late
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADL
SA.DI. 233
233

to repent, now
to repent, you know
now that
that
you know sentence
sentence ofof death
death isis
passed upon
passed upon you The : High has said :-Then
you :-The Most High
Most has said Then :

were itit impossible

were impossible their
their faith
faith could
couldavail,
avail, when
when they
they
"
became 'witnesses of
became ^vitnesses of my
my commencing
com11lendng wrath
'wrath::-" How
How
can itit benefit
can benefit the
the thief
thief to
to repent
repent at
at that
that time,
time, when
when
he cannot again
he cannot again throw his noose [by
throw his noose [by which he
which he climbs
climbs
up] into
up] into the
the balcony
balcony?? Warn
Warn the tall man
the tall man to
to with-
with-
< .... hold his hand from the fruit,
hold his hand from the fruit, for the dwarf cannot
for the dwarf cannot
~£ himself
of himselfreach
reach the
the branch." When you
branch."-When you fancied
fancied to
to
yourself such
yourself such aa crime
crime as has been
as has been proved,
proved, you
you could
could
not have
not have figured
figured any
any path
path of
ofescape.
escape.
Having thus
Having thus expressed
expressed himself,
himself, the
the king
king ordered
ordered
the executioners
the executioners of
of the
the law
law to
to lay
lay hands
hands on
on the
the
cazy. He
cazy. He said: I have one plea
said: I have one plea more to submit to
more to submit to
his majesty.
his majesty.The
The king asked: What
king asked: What may
may that
that be?
be?
"
He
He replied
replied :-"Notwithstanding
:
Notwithstanding thou spurnest me
thou spurnest me
with the
with the sleeve
sleeve of
of thy
thy displeasure,
displeasure, think
think not
not that
that
II will
will quit
quit the
the skirt
skirt of
of thy
thy garment.
garment. Though
Though im-im-
possible to
possible to fancy
fancy aa deliverance
deliverance from
from this
this sin
sin that
that
II am
am charged
charged with,
with, II can
can trust
trust inin that
that clemency
clemency
which thou
which thou possessest."
possessest"
The
The king said: You
king said :
You have
have spoken with much
spoken with much genius,
genius,
and
and anan admirable
admirable flowflow ofof wit
wit; yet
; yet isis itit repugnant
repugnant
to reason, and
to reason, and contrary
contrary to to law, for me
law, for me to to permit
permit
eloquence and
eloquence and wisdom
wisdom to to rescue
rescue you
you this
this dayday from
from
the hands
the hands of justice. II deem
of justice. deem itit wise
wise toto have
have you
you
thrown headlong
thrown headlong fromfrom the
the battlements
battlements of of the
the citadel
citadel
into the
into the ditch,
ditch, as
as an
an example
example for others. The
for others. The cazy
cazy
replied: O
replied: 0 sovereign
sovereign lord
lord of
of the universe! II am
the universe! am the
the
fostered child
fostered child of
of this
this royal
royal house,
house, and
and have
have not
not
been singular
been singular in the
in the commission of
commission of this
this crime
crime; let
let
;
 234 SHAIKH SADL
234 SHAIKHSADL
some person else be precipitated from the battle
some person else be precipitated from the battle-
ments, that I may take example by him. The kin
ments, that I may take example by him. The king
smiled at this remark, and was pleased to signif
smiled at this remark, and was pleased to signify
his pardon and he reproved his accusers, who ex
his pardon; ;
and he reproved his accusers,
" who ex-
pected his execution, and added : All of you ar
pected his execution, and added :-" All of you are
laden with your own sins do not reproach other
laden with your own sins; do not reproach others
;

with their failings. Whoever is aware of his ow

with their failings. Whoever is aware of his own
failing will not find fault with the failings of othe
failing will not find fault with the failings of other
men."
men." XX.
" xx.
There was a handsome and well-disposed youn
"There was a handsome and well-disposed young
man, who was embarked in a vessel with a lovel
man, who was embarked in a vessel with a lovely
damsel. I have read that, sailing on the mighty deep
damsel. I have read that, sailing on the mighty deep
they fell together into a whirlpool. When the pilo
they fell together into a whirlpool. When the pilot
came to offer him assistance, saying God forbi
:

came to offer him assistance, saying: God forbid

that he should perish in that distress, he was answer
that he should perish in that distress, he was answer-
ing from the midst of that overwhelming vortex
ing from the midst of that ovenvhelming vortex:
Leave me, and take the hand of my beloved ! Th
Leave me, and take the hand of my beloved! The
whole world admired him for this speech which
whole world admired him for this speech which,
as he was expiring, he was heard to make. Lear
as he thewas expiring, he was heard to make. Learn
not tale of love from that faithless wretch wh
not the tale of love from that faithless wretch who
can neglect his mistress when exposed to danger
can neglect his mistress when exposed to danger.
In this manner ended the lives of those lovers
InListen
this tomanner ended the lives of those lovers.
what has happened, that you may under
Listen to what has happened, that you may under-
stand;
for Sadi knows the ways and forms o
stand; for asSadi knows the ways and forms of
courtship well as the Tazi, or modern Arabic,
courtship as well as the Tazi, or modern Arabic,
understood at Baghdad. Devote your whole hear
is
understood at Baghdad. Devote your whole
to the heart-consoler you have chosen [namely, God]
heart
toand
theletheart-consolerbeyou have chosen [namely, God],
your eyes shut to the whole world beside
and
Werelet your eyes be shut to the whole world beside.
Laila and Mujnun to return into life, the
Were Laila and Mujnun to return into life, they
might read the history of love in this chapter."
might read the history of love in this chapter."
 CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTERVI.

OF IMBECILITYAND
OFIMBECILITY ANDOLD
OLDAGE.
AGE.

I. I.

•
IN the
IN the metropolitan mosque atat Damascus
metropolitan mosque Damascus I I was was
engaged
engaged in
in a a disputation
disputation with
with some
some learned
learned men,
men,
when
when a ayouth
youth suddenly
suddenlyentered
enteredthe the door,
door,and
and said:
said:
Does
Doesanyanyofofyou
you understand
understand thethe Persian
Persian language
language? ?

They
They directed
directed him
him toto me,
me, and
and I I answered:
answered: ItIt
isis true.
true.
He continued: An
He continued : old man
An old manofofa ahundred
hundred andand fifty
fifty
yearsofofage
years ageisisininthe
theagonies
agoniesofofdeath,
death,and
andisisuttering
uttering
somethingininthe
something thePersian
Persian language, whichwe
language,which wedo donotnot
understand. IfIfyou
understand. youwill
willhave
havethe
thegoodness
goodnesstotogo gototo
him
himyouyou may
maygetgetrewarded
rewarded; forforhehepossibly
; possiblymaymaybebe
dictatinghis
dictating hiswill.
will. When satdown
WhenI Isat downby
byhis
hisbedside
bedsideI I
"
heardhim
heard him reciting
reciting :
:-" I Isaid,
said,I Iwill
willenjoy
enjoymyself
myselffor for
a a few
fewmoments.
moments. Alas Alas! that
!
that mymysoul
soul took
took the the path
path
ofofdeparture.
departure. Alas
Alas! atatthe
! thevariegated
variegatedtabletableofoflife
lifeI I
partooka afew
partook fewmouthfuls,
mouthfuls,and andthethefates
fatessaid,
said,enough!"
enough!))
I Iexplained
explainedthethesignification
significationofofthese theselines
linesininArabic
Arabic
toto the
the Syrians.
Syrians. They
They were wereastonished
astonished that,
that, atat his
his
advanced time
advanced time ofoflife,
life,hehe should
should express
express himself
himselfsoso
solicitous about a a worldly
solicitous about worldlyexistence.
existence. I I asked
asked him him::

How
Howdo younow
doyou nowfind yourself? He
findyourself? replied: What
He replied : \Vhat
 236 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADI.
shall I
say? "Hast thou never witnessed what tortu
shall I say?-"Hast thou never witnessed what torture
that man suffers from whose jaw they are extractin
that man suffers from whose jaw they are extractingh
a tooth ? Fancy to thyself how excruciating is
a tooth? Fancy to thyself how excruciating is his
from whose precious body they are tearing a
painfrom
pain whose precious body they are tearing an
existence !"
existence! )J
I said: Banish all thoughts of death from you
I said: Banish all thoughts of death from your
mind, and let not doubt undermine your constit
mind, and let not doubt undermine your constitu-
tion for the Greek philosophers have remarked th
tion ; for the Greek philosophers have remarked that
;

althoughour our temperaments are vigorous, that is n

although temperaments are vigorous, that is no
of a
proofof a long long life and that although our sickne
proof life; and that although our sickness
;

is dangerous, that is no positive sign of immediat

is dangeroqs, that is no positive sign of immediate
dissolution. If you will give me leave, I will call in
dissolution. If you will give me leave, I will call in a
to prescribe some medicine that may cu
physicianto prescribe
physician some medicine
" that may cure
you. He replied Alas alas
: ! The landlord thin
!

you. He replied: Alas! alas !-" The landlord thinks

of refreshing the paintings of his hall, and the hous
of refreshing the paintings of his hall, and the house
is tottering to its foundation. The physician smit
is tottering to its foundation. The physician smites
the hands of despair when he sees the aged fallen
the hands of despair when he sees the aged fallen in
pieces like a potsherd the old man bemoans himse
pieces like a potsherd; the old map bemoans himself
;

in the agony of death while the old attendant nur

in the agony of death while the old attendant nurse
is anointing him with sandal-wood. When t
is anointing him with sandal-wood. When the
equipoise of the temperament is overset, neith
equipoise nor of the temperament is overset, neither
amulets medicaments can do any good."
amulets nor medicaments can do any good."

II.
II.
An old man was telling a story, saying: I ha
An old man was telling a story, saying: I had
married a young virgin, adorned the bridal chambe
married a young virgin, adorned the bridal chamber
with flowers, seated myself with her in private, an
with flowers, seated myself with her in private, and
riveted my heart and eyes upon her. Manya
riveted my heart and eyes upon her. Many
long night I would lie awake, and indulge
long night I would lie awake, and indulge in
pleasantries and jests, in order to remove an
pleasantries and jests, in order to remove any
 SHAIKHSADL
SHAIKH SADI. 237
237

coynessononher
coyness herpart,
part,and
andencourage
encouragefamiliarity.
familiarity. One
One
ofofthose
those nights
nightsI Iwaswasaddressing
addressingher,
her,and
andsaying
saying: :

Loftyfortune
Lofty fortunewas
wasyour
yourfriend,
friend,and
andthe
theeye
eyeofofyour
your
prosperity broad awake, when you fell into the
prosperity broad awake, when you fell into the
society of such an old gentleman as I am, being of
society of such an old gentleman as I am, being of
mature judgment,
mature judgment, well-bred,
well-bred, worldly
worldly experienced,
experienced,
inured toto the
inured the vicissitudes
vicissitudes ofof heat
heat and
and cold,
cold, and
and
« ..p~actisedininthe thegoods
goodsand andevils
evilsofoflife life; who whocan can
.practised ;

appreciate the rights of good-feIIowship,

appreciate the rights of good-fellowship, and fulfil the
and fulfil the
duties of loving
duties of loving attachmentattachment; and is kind and
and is kind and affable,
;
affable,
sweet-spokenand
sweet-spoken andcheerful
cheerful :-"
:
"
I Iwill
willtreat
treattheetheewith with
affection, as far as I can, and if thou
affection, as far as I can, and if thou dealest with me dealest with me
unkindly, I
unkindly, I cannot be unkind in return. If, like a a
cannot be unkind in return. If, like
parrot, thy food be sugar, I wiII devote my sweet life
parrot, thy food be sugar, I will devote my sweet life
for thynourishment
forthy nourishment:" "-and: and you youdid didnot notbecome
becomethe the
victim of a rude, conceited,
victim of a rude, conceited, rash, and headstrongrash, - and headstrong
youth,who
youth, whoone onemoment
momentgratifiesgratifieshis hislust,
lust,and andthe the
next
next hashasa a fresh
fresh object;
object ;
who every night
who every night shifts his shifts his
abode,
abode, and
and every day
every day changes changes his
his mistress
mistress :-"
:
" young
young
menare
men arelively
livelyand andhandsome,
handsome,but buttheytheykeepkeepgoodgoodfaithfaith
withnobody.
with nobody.Expect Expectnot notconstancy
constancyfrom fromnightingales,
nightingales,
whowill
who willevery
everymoment moment serenade
serenadea afresh freshrose rose:"-
:
"-

whereasmy
whereas myclass classofofseniors
seniorsregulate
regulatetheir theirliveslivesbyby
goodbreeding
good breeding and and sense,
sense,and andare arenot notdeluded
deludedbyby
youthful ignorance.- " ccCourt
Court the
the society ofofa asuperior,
superior,
youthful ignorance. society
and make
and make much much ofof the the opportunity
opportunity; for;
for inin the the
company
company ofof an an equal thy
equal thy good good fortune
fortune must
must decline."
decline."
Theold
The old"manmancontinued
continued: I Ispoke
:
spokea agreat greatdeal dealinin
thisstyle,
this style,and
andthought
thoughtthat thatI Ihad
hadcaught
caughther herheart
heartinin
mymysnare,
snare,andandmade madesuresureofofher herasasmy myprey prey;when
;
when
shesuddenly
she suddenlydrew drewa acold
coldsigh sighfrom
fromthe thebottom
bottomofofa a
 238 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADI.

much affiicted
much afflicted bosom,
bosom, andand answered:
answered All : All this
this speech
speech
which
which you have has
you have delivered has not, in the scale of
delivered not, in the scale of my
my
judgment,
judgment, the weight
the of that one sentence
weight of that one sentence which I which
have heard
have heard of my nurse:
of my nurse that: were better
that itit were better to to plant
plant
aa spear
spear in
in aa young
young maiden's
maiden's side
side than
than to
to lay
lay her
her by
by
"
an old man in bed ! Much
an old man in bed 1-" Much contention and strife contention and strif

will
will arise
arise in in that
that house where the
house where the wife
wife shall
shall getget up
up
dissatisfied
dissatisfied with with her husband. Unable
herhusband. Unable to to rise without
rise without

the
the help
help of of aa staff, how can
staff, how can an an old
old manman stir the staff
stir the staf
"
oflife?"
of life ?

In short,
In there being
short, there being nono prospect
prospect of of concord,
concord, theythey
agreed
agreed to to separate.
separate. AfterAfter thethe period
period prescribed
prescribed by by
the law,
the law, they united her
they united her in wedlock with
in wedlock with aa young
young
man of
man of anan ill-tempered
ill-tempered and and sullen
sullen disposition,
disposition, and and in
in

very narrow circumstances,

very narrow circumstances, so so that
that she endured much
she endured much
tyranny
tyranny and and violence,
violence, penury
penury and and hardship;
hardship yet
;
she
yet she
was thus
was thus offering
offering upup thanksgivings
thanksgivings for the Almighty's
for the Almighty's
goodness,
goodness, and and saying: Praised be
saying Praised
: God that
be God have
that II have
escaped
escaped from from suchsuch hell-torment,
hell-torment, and and secured
secured aa
"
blessing
blessing so so permanent
permanent:-" With
: With all all this violence and
this violence and
impetuosity
impetuosityof oftemper, bearwith
temper, II bear with thythy caprice, because
caprice,because
thou art
thou art lovely
lovely:-It
: were better
It were better for for meme to burn with
to burn with
thee
thee in hell-fire than
in hell-fire than to dwell in paradise
to dwell in paradise withwith another.
another.
The smell
The smell of an onion
of an from the
onion from mouth of
the mouth of the
the lovely
lovely
is sweeter than a rose in the hand of the ugly."
15 sweeter than a rose in the hand of the ugly."

III.
III.

In the territory
In the ofDiarbekr,
territory of or Mesopotamia,
Diarbekr, or was
Mesopotamia, II was
the
the guest of an old
guest of an old man, who was
man, who was very
very rich, and had
rich, and had
handsome son.
aa handsome One night
son. One he told
night he told aa story,
story, saying:
saying
 SHAIKIISADL
SHAIKH SA.DI. 239
239

During mywhole whole life

lifeI Inever
neverhadhadanyanychild
childbut butthis
this
During my
boy. And
And inin this
this valleya a certain
certaintree
tree isisa a place
placeofof
boy. valley
pilgrimage, where people go to supplicate their wants;
pilgrimage, where people go to supplicate their wants;
and manywas
and wasthethe nightthatthatI Ihave
havebesought
besoughtGod Godatat
many night
the foot of that
the foot of that tree tree before
before he
he would
would bestow
bestow upon
upon
memethis
this boy. I I havehave heard
heard thatthat the
the son
sonwas wasalso
also
boy.
whisperinghis his companions,and and saying: How HowhappyhappyI I
whispering companions, saying :

<: " 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
orderthat
thatI I might prayfor for the
the death
deathofof myfather.
order might pray my father.
The gentleman was
The was rejoicing and and saying
saying: What Whata a
gentleman rejoicing :

sensible youthisis myson son! andandthethe boywaswas complain-

sensible youth my !
boy complain-
ing and crying: What What a a tedious
tedious oldold dotard
dotardisis my
ing and crying :
my
father !-"Many years
father! "Many years are are passing
passing overover thy head,
thy
head,
during which thou didst not visit thy father's tomb.
during which thou didst not visit thy father's tomb.
What piousoblation
What oblation didst
didstthouthou make
maketotothe themanes
manes
pious
of a parent that thou shouldst expect
of a parent that thou shouldst expect so much from so much from
thyson
son?"
?
"
thy
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 eveningfound
I had made a forced march, and in the
found
evening
myself exhausted at the bottom of an
myself exhausted at the bottom of an acclivity. A
acclivity. A
feeble old man, who had deliberately
feeble old man, who had deliberately followed the followed the
pace of the caravan, came up to me and said: How
pace of the caravan, came up to me and said How :

comeyou
come you totolieliedown
down here
here?
?
Getup,
Get up,this
thisisisno
nofitfit
place for rest
place for rest.
I replied:
I replied How can I proceed,
How can I proceed, who
:
who
havenot
have nota afoot
foottotostand
standon.?
on,? He Hesaid
said: Have
Have younot not
:
you
heardwhat
heard whatthethe prudent
prudenthave
haveremarked
remarked? ?
Going on,
Going on,
and halting,
and halting, isis better
better than
than running
running ahead
ahead andand
breaking down !-"
breaking down !
" Ye who wish to reach the end
Ye who wish to reach the end
ofyour
of yourjourney,
journey, hurry
hurrynotnot on
on;practise
practise my advice,
; my advice,
24 o SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADL
and learn deliberation. The Arab horse makes a few
and learn deliberation. The Arab horse makes a few
stretches at full speed, and is broken down while the
stretches at full speed, and is broken down; while the
;

camel, atat its deliberate pace, travels on night and

camel, its deliberate pace, travels on night and
day [and
[and gets to the end of his journey]."
gets to
day the end of his journey]."

V.
v.
An active, merry,
An active, cheerful, and sweet-spoken youth
merry, cheerful, and sweet-spoken youth
was for a length of time in the circle of my society,
was for a length of time in the circle of my society,
whose heart had never known sorrow, nor his lip
whose heart had never known sorrow, nor his lip
ceased from being on a smile. An age had passed,
ceased from being on a smile. An age had passed,
which we had not chanced to meet. When
during which
during. we had not chanced to meet. When
I next saw him he had taken to himself a wife, and
I next saw him he had taken to himself a wife, and
got aa family;
family and the root of his enjoyment was
got ;
and the root of his enjoyment was
torn up, and the rose of his mirth blasted. I asked
torn 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 children, I ceased to play the child
father of children, I ceased to play the child :_H Now
: Now
thou art old, relinquish childishness, and leave it to
thou art old, relinquish childishness, and leave it to
the young to indulge in play and merriment. Expect
the young to indulge in play and merriment Expect
not the sprightliness of youth from the aged; for
not the sprightliness of youth from the aged; for
the stream that ran by can never return.
the stream that ran by can never return. N Now that
ow that
the corn is ripe for the sickle, it rears not its head
the corn is ripe for the sickle, it rears not its head
as when green and shooting. The season of youth
as when green and shooting.-The season of youth
has slipt through my hands alas when I think
has slipt through my hands; alas! when I think
!
;

on those heart-exhilarating days The lion has lost

on those heart-exhilarating days! The lion has lost
!

the sturdy grasp of his paw I must now put

the sturdy grasp of his paw: I must now put up,
:
up,
like a lynx, with a bit of cheese. An old woman had
like a lynx, with a bit of cheese.-An old woman had
stained her grey locks black. I said to her: O, my
stained her grey locks black. I said to her: 0, my
antiquated dame! thy hair I admit thou canst turn
antiquated dame! thy hair I admit thou canst turn
dark by art, but thou never canst make thy crooked
dark by art, but thou never canst make thy crooked
back straight"
back straight."
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADI.
SADI. 241
241

VI.
VI.

One
One day,
day, inin the perversen_ess ofof youth,
the perverseness youth,I I spoke
spoke
with asperity toto my
with asperity mother. Vexed
my mother. heart, she
Vexed atat heart, she
sat down
sat corner, and
down inin a a corner, and with tearsinin her
with tears her eyes
eyes
was saying: You
wassaying You have
:
hav~ perhaps forgot the
perhaps forgot days ofof
the days
infancy, that
infancy, you are
thatyou speakingtoto me
are speaking me thus
thus harshly.
harshly.
< How
-"
...:-~c Howwell
welldid oldwoman
didananold woman observe herown
observetotoher own
son, when
son, when she sa w him
she saw tyger, and
powerful asas a a tyger,
him powerful and
formidable asas anan elephant
formidable Couldst thou
elephant: Couldst
:
thou call
call toto
mind
mindthose days ofofthy
thosedays infancywhen
thyinfancy helplessthou
when helpless thou
wouldst this my
clingtoto this
wouldst cling bosom, thou
my bosom, thou wouldst
wouldst not
not
thus
thus assail
assailme with
me with savage fury, now
savage fury, now thou art a a
thou art
hero,and
lion-likehero,
lion-like andI Iam
ama apoor oldwoman."
poorold woman."

VIL
VIL

AA rich miserhad
rich miser son who
had a a son whowas wasgrievously
grievouslysick.sick.
His and friends
His well-wishers and friends spoke
well-wishers spoke toto him,
him,saying
saying::

ItI t were proper that

were proper that you either read
you either the Koran
read the Koran
or an animal
throughout or offer an animal in sacrifice,
throughout offer in sacrifice,inin order
order
thatthe
that themost
mosthighhigh God
God may restorehim
mayrestore himtotohealth.
health.
After
Aftera a short
shortreflection himselfheheanswered,
within himself
reflection within answered,
ItIt isis better read the
better to read the Koran,
to Koran,whichwhich isis ready
ready atat
hand ;
and
hand; and my herds are at a distance.
my herds are at a distance. A good A good
and holy man
and holy man heard thisand
heard this remarked:He
andremarked :
He makes
makes
choiceofofthe
choice the reading
reading part part because
because thethe Koran
Koran slipsslips
glibly over the tongue, but his moneyisistotobebewrung
glibly over the tongue, but his money wrung
from
from the soul ofofhim.
thesoul him.-cc "Fy upon that
Fyupon thatreadiness
readinesstoto
bow in prayer ;
would
bow the head in prayer; would that the hand
the head that the hand ofof
75875 8
 242 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADI.
charity could accompany it! In bestowing a din
charity
he will could
stickleaccompany
like an assit!in Inthe bestowing
mire butaaskdina
hi ;

hetowill
readstickle like an ass
the Al-hamdi, or in the mire; but ask him
first chapter of the Koran
toand
readhethe
willAl-hamdi,
recite it a or first chapter
hundred times." 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 anI feel
He answered old no
:
man why he
affection fordid
an not
old marry
woman
He answered: I feel no affection for an old woman
They said Now you are
: rich make choice of a youn
They
one. said: Now youSince
He replied are rich
:
make choice of a young
I, who am an old man, hav
one. He replied:
no affection for oldSince I, who am an old man, have
women, then how can she, as
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
-" Robur requiritur,
Gratior nonquam
est Venus, aurum; quia
Croesi Herre
opes."
Gratior est Venus, quam Crresi opes."-
IX.
IX.
"
I have heard that in these times a weak old ma
" I have
took heard
a fancy in that in thesetotimes
his dotage choosea weak old aman
himself wif
took
He awedded
fancy in his dotage to choose
a beautiful of the himself
name of a wife.
Gawhar
virgin
Heor wedded a beautiful
the pearl, and shut virgin
her upof from
the name of Gawhar,
the sight of me
orlike
the apearl,
gem in and shut herHe
a casket. upmade
from thetheusual
sight of men
display
like a gem
celebrating
in a
his casket.
nuptials
Hebutmade
;
on the
the usual display in
very first onset th
celebrating his nuptials;
old gentleman's but on
staff went the very first onset the
asleep. He drew his bow
old
butgentleman's
did not hit staff went asleep.
the target, He drew
for brocade can behisstitche
bow,
but did
only
not
with hit
a the
steel target,
needle. for brocade
He set can
forth be
a stitched
complain
only
to hiswithfriends,
a steel andneedle.
offered He set forth a complaint
proof that this impuden
toslut
his had
friends, and offered
dishonoured his proof
housethatandthis impudent
Suc
family.
slut had dishonoured his house and
contention and strife blazed forth between the manfamily. Such
an
contention and strife blazed forth between the man and
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADL
SADI. 243
243

wife that
wife that the
the flame
flame reached
reached the
the superintendent
superintendent of
of the
the
police
police and cazi,
and cazi, oror judge,
judge, and
and made made Sadi
Sadi remark
remark: :

After
After all this
all this altercation
altercation and
and recrimination,
recrimination, inin what
what
is the
is the damsel
damsel to to blame.
blame. It It isis thy
thy hand
hand that
that shakes,
shakes, ..
"
and how
and how canst
canst thou
thou bore
bore aa pearl
pearl?" ?
 CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VII.
OF THE IMPRESSIONS OF EDUCATION.
OF THE IMPRESSIONS OF EDUCATION.

I.
A CERTAIN nobleman had a dunce of a son. H
A sent him tonobleman
CERTAIN had a dunce of a son. He
a learned man, saying Verily you wi :

sent him to a learned man, saying: Verily you will

give instruction to this youth, peradventure he ma
give instruction to this youth, Heperadventure
continued tohe may
become a rational being. give hi
become a rational being. He continued
lessons for some time, but they made no impressi
to give him
lessons for some time, but they made no impression
upon him, when he sent a message to the fath
upon him,This whensonheis sent a message to the father
not getting wise, and he has wel
saying:
saying: madeThis meson aisfool
not getting
"
Wherewise,the
andinnate
he has well-
nigh !
capaci
nigh made me a fool !-" Where the
is good, education may make an impression upon i
innate capacity
is but
good,noeducation may make an impression upon it;
furbisher knows how to give a polish to ir
but no furbisher knows how to give a polish to iron
which is of a bad temper. Wash a dog seven times
which is of a bad temper. Wash a dog seven times in
the ocean, and so long as he is wet he is all t
the ocean,
filthier. Were they to takehe
and so long as is wet he is all the
the ass of Jesus to Mecc
filthier. Were they to take
on his return from that pilgrimage the ass of Jesus to Mecca,
he would still
onanhisass."
return from that pilgrimage he would still be
an ass."
II.
II.
A philosopher was exhorting his children an
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 an
as no reliance can be placed on worldly riches and
 SHAIKH
SHAlKH SADI.
SADI. 245
245

possessions, for
possessions, for once
onceyou leave home
you leave home rank
rank is
is of
of no
no
use, and gold
use, and gold and silver on a journey
and silver on a journey are exposed
are exposed toto
the risk
the risk either
either of
of thieves
thieves plundering
plundering them
them at
at once,
once, or
or
of the owner
of the owner wasting
wasting them
them byby degrees
degrees; but
but know-
know-
;

ledge is
ledge is aa perennial
perennial spring
spring and
and ever-during
ever-during fortune.
fortuneo
Were professional man
\Vere aa professional man to to lose
lose his
his fortune,
fortune, he he need
need
not feel
not feel regret,
regret, for
for his
his knowledge
knowledge is is of
of itself
itself aa mine
mine
< 9 f wealth.
... of wealth. Wherever
\Vherever he he may
may sojourn
sojourn the the learned
learned
man
mO an will meet respect,
will meet respect, andand be
be ushered
ushered into
into thethe upper
upper
seat, whilst
seat, whilst the ignorant man
the ignorant man must
must put put up up with
with
"
offal and
offal and suffer
suffer want
want :-": If thou
If thou covet
covet the the paternal
paternal
heritage, acquire
heritage, acquire thythy father's
father's knowledge,
knowledge, for for this
this thy
thy
father's wealth
father's \vealth thou
thou mayst
mayst squander
squander in in tenten days.
days.
After having
After having been
been in in authority,
authority, itit is
is hard
hard to to obey
obey;
;

after having
after having been
been fondled
fondled with
with caresses,
caresses, to to putput up
up
with men's
with men's violence
violence :-There
: once occurred
There once occurred an an insur-
insur-
rection in
rection in Syria,
Syria, andand everybody
everybody forsook
forsook his his former
former
peaceful
peaceful abode.
abode. The
The sons
sons of
of peasants,
peasants, who
who were
were men
men
of learning, came
of learning, came to to be
be employed
employed as as the
the ministers
ministers of of
kings;
kings ; and
and the
the children
children of
of noblemen,
noblemen, of
of bankrupt
bankrupt
understandings, went
understandings, went aa begging
begging from from village
village to to
village."
village."

III.
III.

AA certain learned man

certain learned man was
was superintending
superintending thethe
education of a king's
education of a king's son;
son; and he was
and he was chastising
chastising him
him
without mercy,
without mercy, and reproving him
and reproving him with
with asperity.
asperity.
The
The boy,
boy, out of all patience,
out of all patience, complained
complained toto the
the king
king
his father,
his father, and laid
and laid bare before him
bare before him his
his much-bruised
much-bruised
body. The
body. The king was much
king was much offended,
offended, and
and sending
sending for
for
the master,
the said You
master, said: You do not treat the children of
: do not treat the children of my
my
 246 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SA.DL
meanest subject with the harshness and cruelty yo
meanest subject with the harshness and cruelty you
do my boy; what do you mean by this ? He replied
do my boy;
To think before what do you meanand by this? He replied:
to deliberate befor
they speak,
To think are before they speak, and to deliberate
duties incumbent upon all mankind, an
before
they act,
they act, are duties incumbent
more immediately upon kings upon all mankind,
because whateve
and
;

more immediately upon kings; because whatever

may drop from their hands and tongue, the specia
may drop from their hands and tongue, the special
deed or word will somehow become the subject o
deed or animadversion
word will somehow whereasbecomeact theor subject
remark of o
public ; any
public animadversion;
the commonalty attracts not
whereas any
such
act or
notice:
remark
"Let of
the commonalty attracts not such notice :-" Let a
darwesh, or poor man, commit a hundred indis
darwesh, and or poor man, commit a hundred indis-
his companions will not notice one ou
cretions,
cretions, and
of the hundred his companions
and let a king notutter
will but notice oneone out
foolis
;

of the andhu·ndred; and let a king but utter

it will be echoed from kingdom to king
one foolish
word,
word,
dom and
"
:
it will be echoed from kingdom to king-
therefore in forming the morals of young
dom : "-therefore in forming the morals of young
princes, more pains are to be taken than with th
princes, more pains are to be taken than with the
sons of the vulgar. " Whoever was not taught good
sons of the vulgar.-"
manners in his boyhood, Whoever was not taught good
fortune will forsake him
manners in his boyhood,
when he becomes a man. Thouwill fortune forsake him
mayst bend th
when he becomes a man. Thou mayst bend the
green bough as thou likest but let it once get dry
;

green bough as thou likest; but

and it will require heat to straighten it let it once
" get dry,
:
Verily tho
and it will require heat to straighten it :-" Verily tlwu
'mayst bend the tender branch, but it were labour lost t
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
Thethe
and king greatly approved
wholesome of this ingenious detail,
course of discipline of the learned
and the wholesome course of discipline
doctor and, bestowing upon him a dress and largess
of the learned
;

doctor; and, bestowing upon him

raised him one step in his rank as a nobleman
a dress and largess,
!

raised him one step 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,
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADL
SADI. 247
247

beggarly, and
beggarly, and intemperate,
intemperate, insomuch
insomuch that
that the
the sight
sight
of him
of him would
would derange
derange the
the ecstasies
ecstasies of
of the
the orthodox;
orthodox;
and his
and his manner
manner of
of reading
reading the
the Koran
Koran cast
cast aa gloom
gloom
over the minds
over the minds of
of the
the pious.
pious. A number A
number of of hand-
hand-
some boys
some boys and
and lovely
lovely virgins
virgins were
were subject
subject to
to his
his
despotic sway,
despotic sway, who
who had
had neither
neither the
the permission
permission ofof
a smile nor the option of a word,
a smile nor the option of a word, for
for this moment
this moment
< lfe would
.... he would smite
smite the
the silver
silver cheek
cheek of
of one
one ofof them
them with
with
his hand,
his hand, and the
and the next
next putput the
the crystalline
crystalline legs
legs of of
another
another in the
in the stocks.
stocks. In In short
short their
their parents,
parents, II
heard, were
heard, made aware
were made a ware of of aa part
part of of his
his disloyal
disloyal
violence,
violence, and
and beat
beat and
and drove
drove him
him from
from his
his charge.
charge.
And they
And they mademade over over his
his school
school to to aa peaceable
peaceable
creature, so
creature, so pious,
pious, meek,
meek, simple,
simple, andand good-natured
good-natured
that he
that he never
never spoke
spoke till
till forced
forced to to do
do so,
so, nor
nor would
would
he utter
he utter aa word
word thatthat could
could offend
offend anybody.
anybody. The The
children forgot
children forgot that
that awe
awe in in which
which theythey hadhad held
held
their first
their first master,
master, and
and remarking
remarking the the angelic
angelic disposi-
disposi-
tion of
tion of their
their second
second master,
master, theythey became
became one one after
after
another as
another as wicked
wicked as as devils
devils; and
;
and relying
relying on on hishis
clemency,
clemency, theythey would
would so
so neglect
neglect their
their studies
studies as
as to
to
pass
pass most
most part
part of
of their
their time
time at
at play,
play, and
and break
break the
the
tablets of
tablets of their
their unfinished
unfinished taskstasks over
over each
each other's
other's
"
heads :-"
heads : When the
When the schoolmaster
schoolmaster relaxesrelaxes inin his
his dis-
dis-
cipline,
cipline, the
the children
children will
will stop
stop to
to play
play at
at marbles
marbles
in the market-place."
in the market-place."
AA fortnight
fortnight after
after II passed
passed by by the
the gate
gate of of that
that
mosque and
mosque and sawsaw the
the first
first schoolmaster,
schoolmaster, with with whom
whom
they had
they had been
been obliged
obliged to to make
make friends,
friends, and
and to to
restore him
restore him to to his
his place.
place. II was was in in truth
truth offended,
offended,
and calling
and calling on on God
God to to witness,
witness, asked,
asked, saying:
saying: Why\-Vhy
 248 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADL
have
have they
they again
again mademade a a devil
devil the
the preceptor
preceptor of o
angels? AA facetious
angels? facetious oldold gentleman,
gentleman, who who had
had seen
see
muchofoflife;
much life,listened meand
listened toto me and replied: Haveyou
replied:Have yo
not heard what they
not heard what have said
"
they have said :-" A king
:A kingsent
sent his
hi
son to school,
son to school,and hung
and hunga tablet of silver round his
a tablet of silver round hi
neck. On
neck. On the face of that· tablet he had written ini
the face of that tablet he had written
golden
golden letters:
letters The :The severity
severity ofof the
the master
master isis more
mor
useful than the indulgence
useful than the indulgenceof the father."
of the father."

v.V.
AA religious
religious man'sman's sonson succeeded
succeeded toto considerable
considerabl
property
property through
through the the bequest
bequest of of his
his uncles,
uncles, and
an
began
began a a lifelife ofofdebauchery
debauchery and and vice,
vice, andand plunged
plunge
into all manner
into all mannerofof profligate
profligate dissipation,
dissipation, insomuch
insomuc
that
that there
there was was no no sin
sin he
he diddid not
not commit,
commit, nor nor any
an
intoxicating
intoxicating drug drug he he did
did not
not indulge
indulge in. in. On one
On on
occasion
occasion I I said said toto him admonition O my
him inin admonition: : a my son,
son
incomeisis the
income thecurrent
currentof ofa adam-sluice,
dam-sluice,and and expendi-
expendi
ture a revol
ture a ving mill-stone;
revolving mill-stone; that thatisistotosay,say,a aprofuse
profus
expense
expense can can suitsuit only
only himhim whowho has has an an adequate
adequat
and
and certain income:-" "IfIfthou
certain income : thou hast
hast no no income,
income, be b
frugal in thy
frugal in thyexpense,
expense,for the mariners are chanting
for the mariners are chantin
inin their
their songs.
songs. Were Were no norain
rain toto fall
fall inin Kowhistan
Kowhista
ororthethehilly
hillyregion,
region,the the Tygris
Tygriswould becomea abed
would become be
of dry
of drysand within the year."-Listen
sand within the year." Listen to instruction
to instructio
and reason,
and reason, and and forego
forego foolery
foolery and and idleness,
idleness, for
fo
whenyour
when your means
means are
are wasted
wasted you
you will
will suffer
suffer distress,
distress
and
andbe beputputtotoshame.
shame.
Seduced
Seduced by by a a taste
taste forfor conviviality
conviviality and and music,
music
the
the young
young man
man disregarded
disregarded my remarks, and
my remarks, and ini
 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADI. 249
249
despite of my advice replied: It
despite of my advice replied
It is
is repugnant to
to
repugnant :

the good
the good sense
sense of
of the
the wise
wise to
to disturb
disturb our
our present
present
fleeting enjoyments with with thethe gloomy thoughts of of
fleeting enjoyments gloomy thoughts
hereafter :-" " Why should the lords of voluptuous-
hereafter :
Why should the lords of voluptuous-
ness and
ness and good fortunefortune let let an
an apprehension of of distress
distress
good apprehension
invol ve them
involve them in in trouble
trouble?? Go Go andand enjoy thyself,
enjoy thyself,
Oo my my heart-cheering charmer
heart-cheering
charmer; let;
let usus not
not to-day
to-day
< ..... anticipate the sorrow of to-morrow:"-And it would
anticipate the sorrow of to-morrow :" And it would
more especially unsuit
more unsuit me, me, whowho am am placed in in the
the
especially placed
president's
president's
chair
chair of
of liberality,
liberality,
am
am under
under a
a contract
contract
with generosity, and and the the fame
fame of of my munificence
with generosity, my munificence
is in everybody's mouth :-" " Whoever has reared
Whoever has reared
is in
everybody's mouth :

the standard
the standard of of munificence
munificence must must not not again
again put aa
put
check upon his expenses.
check upon his expenses. Once thy fame has Once thy fame has got
got
abroad in
abroad in the
the street,
street, thouthou canst
canst notnot again shut shut thy
again thy
door in
door in the
the face
face ofof it."
it."
II perceived that that admonition
admonition had had no no effect,
effect, andand
perceived
that my warm breath made
that my warm breath made no impression upon his no impression upon his
cold iron.
cold iron. I ceased to advise him, quitted
I ceased to advise him, quitted his society,
his society,
and withdrew
and withdrew into into the
the corner
comer of of safety.
safety. Conformably
Conformably
with the sayings
with the sayings of the wiseof the wise:
:-Exltort and admonish,
Exhort and admonish,
as in duty bound/and if they
as in duty bound ; and if they will not listen, it will not lz'stelz, it can
can
IZ0 furtlter concenz
no further concern you : you :-" " Although thou art aware
Although thou art aware
that they
that they willwill not
not hear,
hear, inculcate
inculcate whatwhat thou
thou knowest
knowest
of admonition and
of admonition and instruction. instruction. It must soon
It must soon come come
to pass, in their desperate plight,
to pass, in their desperate plight, that thou shalt see that thou shalt see
them with their feet fast
them with their feet fast bound and in durance,bound and in durance,
wringing their hands, and crying: Alas Alas! that that wewe
wringing their hands, and crying : !

did not listen to the

did not listen to the good man's advice good man's advice! !
""-After
After
aa time,
time, what
what II had had predicted
predicted of of his
his dissolute
dissolute conduct
conduct
came to
came to bebe verified
verified; for
;
for II saw
saw himhim putting
putting patchpatch
 250 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADL
over
over patch on his ragged clothes, and wandering
patch on his ragged clothes, and wanderin
from
from door todoor
door to doorbegging
beggingcrumbs.
crumbs. I Ifelt
feltininmy
m
heart for his distressed
heart for his distressed state state; but
;
but deeming it itun-
deeming un
generous
generoustotohurt hurthishis feelings with reproach, or in
feelings with reproach, or i
such
such a case to sprinkle a poorman's
a case to sprinkle a poor man'ssore
sorewith
withsalt,
sal
I Iwhispered
whispered to myself: "The idle profligateininhis
to myself :-" The idle profligate hi
intoxication
intoxicationofofprosperity never reflects on the day
prosperity never reflects on the da
ofofadversity.
adversity.
The
Thetree
treeis isininsummer
summerprofuse of its
profuse of i
fruit, and is in consequence stript of its
fruit, and is in consequence stript of its leaves i
leaves in
the winter."-
the winter."
VI.
VI.

AA kingking gavegavehis hissonsonintointothethecharge

chargeofofa apre- pre
ceptor,
ceptor,
andand said:
said :
This
This is isyour
your child,educate
child, educate him hi
asasyou
you would
would one
oneofof your
your own.
own. For
For some
some years he
years h
laboured
labouredininteaching
teaching him,
him, but
but toto nonogood purpose;
good purpose
whilst
whilstthethesonssonsofofthe
thepreceptor excelled in eloquence
preceptor excelled in eloquenc
and
andknowledge.
knowledge. The Thekingkingblamed
blamedthe thelearned
learnedman,man
and
and remonstrated
remonstrated with with him, saying:
him, saying :
You
You have
hav
violated
violatedyour your trust,
trust,and
and infringed
infringed
the
theterms
terms ofofyour
you
engagement.
engagement He Hereplied:
replied :
0 Oking, the education is
king, the education
the
the same,
same, but but their
their capacities are different!-
capacities are different !

"Though
"
Though silver
silverand
and gold
gold are"
are extracted
extracted from
fromstones,
stones
yet
yetit itis isnot
notinin every
every stone
stone thatthat gold
gold andand silver
silve
are found. The
arefound. TheSohail,
Sohail,ororstar starCanopus,
Canopus,is isshedding
sheddin
his
hisrays
raysallallover
overthetheglobe.
globe.
InInone
oneplace he produces
place he produce
common
common leather, in another, or in Yamin,that
leather, in another, or in Yamin, thatcalled
calle
Adim, or perfumed."-
Adim, or perfumed."
VII.
VII.

I Iheard
hearda acertain
certainlearned
learned senior
seniorobserving
observingtotoa
disciple:
disciple
If
:Ifthe
thesons
sons of
ofAdam
Adam were
were asas solicitous
solicitou
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADI. 251

after Providence,
after Providence, or
or God, as
God, as they
they are
are after their
after their
means of
means of sustenance,
sustenance, their
their places
places in
in Paradise
Paradise would
would
surpass those of the angels.-"" God
surpass those of the angels.
God did
did not
not overlook
overlook
thee in
thee in that
that state
state when
when thou
thou wert
wert aa senseless
senseless embryo
embryo
in
in thy mother's
thy mothers womb.
womb. He bestowed
He bestowed upon upon thee
thee aa
soul,
soul, reason, temper, intellect, symmetry,
reason, temper, intellect, symmetry, speech, speech,
judgment, understanding,
judgment, understanding, and
and reflection.
reflection. HeHe accom-
accom-
< rnodated thy
.... modated thy hands
hands with
with ten
ten fingers,
fingers, and
and suspended
suspended
t~o arms
two arms from
from thy
thy shoulders.
shoulders. Canst thou
Canst thou now
now
suppose,
suppose, 0
O good-for-nothing
good-for-nothing wretch,
wretch, that
that he
he will
will
forget
forget
to
to provide thy daily
provide thy daily bread?"
bread ?
"

VIII.
VIII.

I observed
I observed an
an Arab
Arab who
who was
was informing
informing his
his son:
son:-
Oo my
my child,
child, God
God will
will ask
ask thee
thee on
on the
tlte day
day of
ofjudgment
judgment: :

vVlzat hast
What Ilast thou
thou done
done in
in this
this life
life? but he
? but he will
wilt not
not
illquire of thee: Whence didst tllOU derive thy orz'gill?
inquire of thee : Whence didst thou derive thy origin ?
-That is, they
That is, they [or
[or God]
God] will
will ask,
ask, saying
saying: What
What are
:
are
your works
your works?? But But hehe will
will not
not question
question you,
you, saying
saying: :

Who is
Who is your
your father
father ??-"" The covering of the Kaabah
The covering of the Kaabah
at Mecca,
at IVlecca, which
which thethe pilgrims
pilgrims kiss
kiss from
from devotion,
devotion, isis
not prized
not prized from
from its
its being
being the
the fabric
fabric of
of aa silk-worm
silk-worm; ;

for aa while
for while itit associated
associated with
with aa venerable
venerable friend,
friend, and
and
became, in
became, in consequence,
consequence, venerable
venerable like
like him."
him."

IX.
IX.

They have
They have related
related in
in the
the books
books ofof philosophers
philosophers that
that
scorpions
scorpions
are
are not
not brought
brought forth
forth according
according to
to the
the
common course
common course ofof nature,
nature, as
as other
other animals
animals are,
are, but
but
that they
that they eat
eat their
their way
way through
through their
their mothers'
mothers' wombs,
worn bs,
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADI.
SADL
252
tear
tearopen their bellies, and thus make themselves a
open their bellies, and thus make themselves
passage into the world; and that the fragments of skin
passage into the world and that the fragments of ski
;

which
whichwe we findininscorpions'
find holes corroborate this fact.
scorpions' holes corroborate this fact
OnOnoneoneoccasion
occasionI Iwaswasstating this strange event to a
stating this strange event to
good-and great man, when he answered:
answered My
good and great man, when he :
Myheart
heartis
bearing testimony totothe the truth
truth ofofthis
this remark;
remark nor
no
bearing testimony ;

can
canititbebeotherwise,
otherwise,
for
for as
as they have
have thus
thus behaved
behave
they
towards
towards their
their parents in their youth, so they are
parents in their youth, so they ar
approved and beloved in their riper years :-" "On O
approved and beloved in their riper years :

his
his death-bed
death-beda a father
father exhorted
exhortedhis hisson, saying:
son, saying: O
0
generous youth, keep inin mind mind this
this maxim:
maxim Whoever
Whoeve
generous youth, keep :

isis ungrateful toto hishis own

own kindred
kindred cannot
cannot hope that
ungrateful hope tha
fortune shall befriend him."
fortune shall befriend him."

x.x.
They asked a scorpion: Why do you not make
They asked a scorpion: Why do you not mak
your appearance during the winter? It answered:
your appearance during the winter ? It answered
What
What is my character in thesummer
is my character in the summerthat
that I I should
shoul
come abroad also in the winter?
come abroad also in the winter ?

XI.
XI.

The
Thewife
wifeofofa adarwesh
darweshwas waspregnant, and the term
pregnant, and the ter
ofofher gestation completed. During his whole life the
her gestation completed. During his whole life th
darwesh had never had a son. He said IfIfa agreat
darwesh had never had a son. He said: :
grea
and
andglorious Deity will bestow upon me a son, I will
glorious Deity will bestow upon me a son, I wil
distribute
distributeinincharity to the poor all the property I have,
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. I
came
came to pass that his wife
to pass that his wife bore
bore a ason, at which he
son, at which h
rejoiced, and made an entertainment for his brethren
rejoiced, and made an entertainment for his brethre
ininperformance ofofhis vow.
his vow. Some ye~rs
Some years after,asasI Iwas
after, was
performance
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADI. 253

returning from aa journey

returning from into Syria, I passed by that
journey into Syria, I passed by that
friend's dwelling, and made inquiry after him. They
friend's dwelling, and made inquiry after him. They
said He is in the superintendent of the police's jail.
said: He is in the superintendent of the police's jail.
:

asked How
II asked: How comes
: comes that?
that ? said
They said:
They His son
His:son got
got
had a killed a man, and fled from the
drunk, had a quarrel, killed a man, and fled from the
drunk, quarrel,
city;
city; and on his
and on his account the father has chains on his
"account the father has chains on his
legs and an iron collar round his neck. I replied: He
legs and an iron collar round his neck. I replied
He:

this misfortune upon himself by praying to

< _ brought
brought this misfortune
"
upon himself by praying to
God for
God for it. Were thy
it-" Were thy pregnant wife, O
pregnant wife, 0 prudent
prudent
man, toto bring forth a snake at her time of lying-in,
man, bring forth a snake at her time of lying-in,
that would suit better with the good opinion of the
that would suit better with the good opinion of the
wise than
wise if she might bear thee an undutiful son."
than if she might bear thee an undutiful son."

XII,
XII.

When aa boy
When boy II asked
asked aa great
great and holy man
and holy man what
what
were the signs of puberty ? He answered
were the signs of puberty? He answered: In In books
books :

of science three signs are noticed first, the age of

of science three signs are noticed-first, the age of
fifteen
fifteen; ;second, nocturnal
second, emission; and
nocturnal emission third, the
and third,
;
the
growth of hair about the pubes. But in truth there is
growth of hair about the pubes. But in truth there is
one sign namely, that you are more the devoted
only one
only sign-namely, that you are more the devoted
servant of the Most High
servant of the Most High than the bounden
than the slave of
bounden slave of
your own vile
appetites; and
your own vile appetites ;
and whoever possesses not
whoever possesses not
this one qualification, the good and pious do not
this one qualification, the good and pious do not
consider him as arrived at years of discretion
consider him as arrived at years of discretion:- :

"After it had remained forty days in the womb, a

"After it had remained forty days in the womb, a
drop of water
drop of water took the human
took the human form
form; but
;
if after
but if after forty
forty
he has not reason and thou
years discretion, thou couldst
years he has not reason and discretion, couldst
not in truth consider him a man:" "Imagine not
not in truth consider him a man: "-" Imagine not
that manhood is a mere material form
that manhood is a mere material form; for for generosity
generosity
;

of disposition and urbanity of manners are constituent

of disposition and urbanity of manners are constituent
 254
254 SHAIKHSADl.
SHA.ll(H SAD1.

parts
partsofofit.it. Virtue
Virtueisisalso
alsonecessary;
necessary for forthe
;
thefigure
figureofo
a human
a human body can be
body can be painted with
painted with vermilion and
vermilion an
verdigris
verdigrisupon thewall
uponthe wallofofa apalace.
palace. WhereWherea aman manisi
deficient in virtue and benevolence, what
deficient in virtue and benevolence, what difference isidifference
there betweenhim
therebetween himandandsuch
sucha apicture
pictureon ona awall
wall? ? ItI
is not in a whole world thou showes
is not in subduing a whole world that thou showest
subduing that
thy knowledge. Make
thy knowledge. Make a conquest, a thou
conquest,if thou art able,
if art o
able,of
the mind of one human
the mind of one human being being[that of
[thatis, of thyself]."
is, thyself]."

XIII.
XIII.
One year
One year a a dissension
dissension arosearose among
among the the foot·
foot
on a
travellers on a pilgrimage
travellers pilgrimage to Mecca,
to and the
Mecca,and the author autho
[Sadi]
[Sadi]waswasalso
alsoa apedestrian
pedestrian amongamong them.them. In Intruth,
truth
we fell head and ears together, and accusation an
we fell head and ears together, and accusation and
recrimination were
recrimination were bandied
bandied from fromall all sides.
sides. lover·
I over

heard a
heard a kajawah, or
kajawah,or gentleman,
gentleman,riding on one
ridingon one side side of o
a
a camel·litter,
camel-litter,observing
observingto his adil,
to his or
adil,or opposite
opposite com- com
panion:
panion How
: How strange
strange thatthat the the ivory
ivory piyadah,
piyadah, or o
pawns, on
pawns,on reaching the
reachingthe top of the shatranj,or chess~
topof the shatranj, or chess

board, become fazzin,

board, become or queens;
fazzin, or queens that;
that is,is, they
they get ge
or become
rank, or become bettey' than they
rank, better than were and
they were; ;
and the th
piyadah, or
piyadah, or pawns of the
pawns of the pilgrimage-that
pilgrimage that is, our
is, ou
foot-pilgrims-have
foot-pilgrims have crossed
crossed the the desert
desert and becom
and bec.ome
"
worse. Say from me
woyse.-" Say from me to that haji, to that or
haji, or pilgrim,
pilgrim, the th
of his
pest of his fellow·pilgrims,
pest that he lacerates
fellow-pilgrims,that he lacerates the skin the ski
mankindby
ofofmankind byhis contention. Thou
his contention. Thou art not a a real
art not rea
but that meek camel is one who is feeding on
pilgrim, but that meek camel is one who is feeding on
pilgrim,
thornsand
thorns andpatient underits
patientunder burthen."
itsburthen."

XIV.
XIV.
AAHindu,
Hindu,ororIndian, wasteaching
Indian,was theart
teachingthe ofplaying
artof playin
fireworks. AA philosopher
offfireworks.
off philosopherobserved him This
observedtotohim: This :
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADL
SADI. 255
255
is an
is
an unfit
unfit
"
sport for
sport you, whose
for you, dwelling isis made
whose dwelling made of
of
straw. Utter not a word till thou knowest that it is
straw.-" Utter not a word till thou knowest that it is
the mirror
the of what
mirror of what isis correct and do
correct; and
;
do not put aa ques-
not put ques-
tion where thou knowest that the answer must be
tion where thou knowest that the answer must be
unfavourable."
unfavourable."
xv.
XV.

A fellow had
A fellow had aa complaint
complaint in in his eyes, and
his eyes, and went
went
fo aa horse-doctor,
to
saying: Prescribe
horse-doctor, saying :
something for
Prescribe something for
me
me?? The doctor of
The doctor of horses
horses applied to his
applied to eyes what
his eyes what
he was
he was in habit of
the habit
in the applying to
of applying to the eyes of
the eyes of
and the
quadrupeds, and the man got
quadrupeds, man blind.
got blind. TheyThey carried
carried
their complaint before the hakim, or judge. He
their complaint before the hakim, or judge.
He
decreed: This
decreed :
This man has no
man has for had
redress, for
no redress, had hehe not
not
been an
been an ass he would
ass he not have
would not applied to
have applied to aa horse
horse
or ass doctor The moral of this apologue is, that
or ass doctor!-The moral of this apologue is, that
!

whoever
whoever can employ an
can employ an inexperienced person on
inexperienced person on an
an
affair of importance, besides being brought to shame,
affair of importance, besides being brought to shame,
he incur from
will incur
he will the wise
from the wise the imputation of
the imputation of aa weak
weak
mind. "A prudent man, with an enlightened under-
mind.-" A prudent man, with an enlightened under-
standing, entrusts not
standing, entrusts affairs of
not affairs consequence to
of consequence to one
one of
of
mean
mean capacity. The
capacity. The plaiter of
plaiter of mats,
mats, notwithstanding
notwithstanding
he be a weaver, they would not employ in a silk
he be a weaver, they would not employ in a silk
manufactory."
manufactory."
XVI.
XVI.
A
A great Imaan
certain
certain great Imaan had
had aa worthy son, and
worthy son, and
he asked him, saying: What shall we
he died.
died. They
They asked him, saying: What slrall we
inscribe upon the urn at his tomb. He
inscribe upon the urn at his tomb.
He replied
replied: :

Verses of the holy Koran are of such superior

Verses of the holy Koran are of such superior
reverence and dignity that they should not be written
reverence and dignity that they should not be written
256 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADf.
in
places where
in places where time
time might efface, mankind
might efface, mankind tread
tread
or defile them if an epitaph be
upon, or dogs defile them; yet, if an epitaph
upon, dogs yet,
;

"
be
necessary, let
necessary, these two
let these two couplets suffice :-" II said
couplets suffice :
said
Alas!
Alas! how grateful itit was
how grateful to my
proving to
was proving heart, so
my heart, so
as the verdure of existence might flourish in
long as the verdure of thy existence might flourish in
long thy
the garden. He
the garden. replied: O
He replied :
0 my friend, have
my friend, have patience
patience
till the return of the spring, and thou mayst again see
till the return of the spring, and thou mayst again see
rose blossoming on my bosom, or shooting from my
rose blossoming on my bosom, or shooting from my
dust"
dust"
XVII.
XVII.

A holy man
A holy man was
was passing by aa wealthy
passing by wealthy personage's
personage's
mansion, and
mansion, and saw him
saw him with aa slave
with slave tied by the
up by
tied up the
hands and
hands and feet, and him He
giving him chastisement. He said
feet, and giving chastisement.
said: :

O
o my son! God
my son God Almighty
!
has made
Almighty has made aa creature
creature like
like
subject to
yourself subject
yourself to your
your command, and
command, and has given you
has given you
a superiority over him. Render thanksgiving to
a superiority over him. Render thanksgiving to the
the
Most
Most High Judge, and
High Judge, deal not
and deal with him
not with him so
so savagely;
savagely j
lest hereafter, on
lest hereafter,
on the day of
the day judgment, he
of judgment, he may
may prove
prove
the more
the more" worthy of the
worthy of the two, two, and you be
and you put to
be put to
shame :-" Be
shame :
Be not
not so enraged with
so enraged thy bondsman
with thy bondsman j ;

torture not his body, nor harrow up his heart. Thou

torture not his body, nor harrow up his heart.
Thou
buy him
mightest buy
mightest for ten
him for dinars, but
ten dinars, hadst not
but hadst not after
after
all the power of creating him
all the power of creating him :-To : To what length will
what length will
this authority, pride, and insolence hurry thee
this authority, pride, and insolence hurry thee; there ;
there
is a Master mightier than thou art.
is a Master mightier than thou art Yes, Yes, thou art aa
thou art
lord of slaves and vassals, but do not forget thine own
lord of slaves and vassals, but do "not forget thine own
Lord Paramount
Lord namely, God
Paramount-namely, There is
God! "-There
!
is aa tradi-
tradi-
tion of the prophet Mohammed, on whom be blessing,
tion of the prophet Mohammed, on whom be blessing,
announcing
announcing :-On :On the day of
the day resurrection, that
of resurrection, will be
that will be
the most event when the good slave will
the most mortifying event when the good slave will
mortifying
 SHAIKH SAD1.
SHAIKH SADL 257

be taken
be taken up
up toto heaven,
heaven, and
and thethe wicked
wicked master
master sent
sent
down to
down to hell
hell :-"" Upon the bondsman, who is su b-
:
Upon the bondsman, who is sub-
servient to thy
servient to thy command,
command, wreak
wreak not not thy
thy rage
rage and
and
boundless displeasure.
boundless displeasure. ForFor itit must
must be
be disgraceful
disgraceful on
on
the day
the day of
of reckoning
reckoning to
to find
find the
the slave
slave at
at liberty
liberty and
and
the master in bondage."
the master in bondage." .

XVIII.
XVIII.

One year
One year II waswas on on aa journey
journey with with some
some Syrians
Syrians
from Balkh, and the road was infested
from Balkh, and the road was infested with robbers. with robbers.
One of
One of our
our escort
escort was was aa youth
youth expert
expert at at wielding
wielding
his shield and brandishing his
his shield and brandishing his spear, mighty as spear, mighty as an
an
elephant, and cased in armour, so
elephant, and cased in armour, so strong that ten of
strong that ten of
the most powerful of us could not
the most powerful of us could not string his bow, or string his bow, or
the ablest
the ablest wrestler
wrestler on on the
the face
face ofof the
the earth
earth throw
throw him him
on his back. Yet, as you must
on his back. Yet, as you must know, he had been know, he had been
brought up
brought up in in luxury
luxury and and reared
reared in in aa shade,
shade, was was
inexperienced of the world, and
inexperienced of the world, and had never travelled.
had never travelled.
The thunder
The thunder of of the
the great
great war-drum
war-drum had had never
never rattled
rattled
in
in his
his ears,
ears,
nor
nor had
had the
the lightning
lightning
of
of the
the trooper's
trooper's
scimitar ever
scimitar ever flashed
flashed across
across his eyes :-"
his 'eyes :
" He had
He had
never fallen
never fallen aa captive
captive intointo thethe hands
hands of of anan enemy,
enemy,
nor been
nor been overwhelmed
overwhelmed amidst amidst aa shower
shower of of their
their
arrows."
arrows."
It happened that
I t happened that this
this young
young man man and and II kept kept
running
running on
on together;
together ;
and
and any
any venerable
venerable ruin
ruin that
that
might
might come
come in
in our
our way
way he
he would
would overthrow
overthrow with
with the
the
strength
strength
of
of his
his shoulder;
shoulder ;
and
and any huge
any huge tree
tree that
that we
we
might
might see
see he
he would
would wrench
wrench from
from its
its root
root with
with his
his
lion-seizing wrist, and boastfully cry :-"
lion-seizing wrist, and boastfully cry :
" Where is the
Where is the
. 759
759
 258 SHAIKHSADL
SHAIKH SADL
elephant,
elephant,that that he he may
maybehold
behold the the shoulder
shoulder and and armarm
ofof warriors?
warriors ? Where Where the the lion,
lion, that
that he he maymayfeel feel the
the
"
wrist
wristandandgripe
gripeof ofheroes?
heroes ?"
Such
Such was was ourour situation
situation when when two two Hindus
Hindus darteddarted
from
from behind
behindaarock rock andand prepared
prepared to to cut
cut us us off,
off, one
one
ofof them holding aa bludg~on
them holding bludgeon inin his his hand,
hand, and and theth
other
otherhaving
havingaamalletmalletunderunderhis hisarm.arm. I Icalled
called to to the
th
"
young
young man,man,Why Whydo do youyou stop
stop?-" ? Display
Displaywhatever
whateve
strength
strengthand andcourage
couragethou thou hast,
hast, for for the
the foefoe came
came on on
"
his
hisown
own feet
feetup uptotohishisgrave:
grave "-1 I perceived
:
perceived that that theth
youth's
youth'sbow bowand andarrows
arrowshad haddropped
dropped from fromhis his hands,
hands
and
and that
that a a tremor
tremor had fallen
had fallen upon upon his
his limbs
limbs ::-""ItI
isis not
not he he that
that cancan split
split aa hairhair withwith aa coat-of-mail
coat-of-mai
cleaving
cleaving arrow
arrow that
that is
is able
able toto withstand
withstand anan assault
assaul
"
from
from thethe formidable:
formidable "-NNo: 0 alternative
alternative was was left
left us
u
but
butthat
thatof ofsurrendering
surrendering our
our arms, accoutrements,
arms, accoutrements, and
and
"
clothes,
clothes,and and escaping
escapingwith with our our lives.-"
lives. On
On an an affair
affai
ofofimportance employ
importance employ aa man
man experienced
experienced in
in business,
business
who
whocan can bring
bringthe thefierce
fiercelion
lion within
within the the noose
noose of of his
hi
halter;
halter though
; though the
the youth
youth bebe strong
strong ofof arm
arm and
and has
ha
the
the body
bodyof of an
an elephant,
elephant,in in hishis encounter
encounterwith withaafoe fo
every
every limb
limb will
will quake
quake with
with fear.
fear. AA man
man ofof experi-
experi
ence
ence isis best
best qualified
qualified to toexplore
exploreaafield field of of battle,
battle,as a
one
oneof ofthe
thelearned
learnedisisto toexpound
expound point a apoint ofof law."
law."

XIX.
XIX.

I I saw
sawaarich
rich man's
man'ssonsonseated
seated bybyhis
his father's
father'stomb,
tomb,
and
andininaadisputation
disputation with
with that
that of
of aa darwesh
darwesh holding
holding
forth
forth and
and saying:
saying My Myfather's
: father's mausoleum
mausoleum isis built
built of
o
granite,
granite,thetheepitaph
epitaphinscribed
inscribedwith
with letters
lettersof
of gold,
gold, the
the
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADL
SADI. 259
259

pavement and
pavement and lining marble, and
lining marble, and tessellated
tessellated with
with
slabs of
slabs of turkois;
turkois;and what
and is there
what is left of
there left of your
your father's
father's
tomb but two
tomb but two or
or three bricks cemented
three bricks together with
cemented together with
aa few
few handfuls
handfuls of mortar? The
of mortar? poor man's
The poor man's son
son
heard this, and
heard this, and answered
answered: II pray
pray you
:
you peace
peace! for
for !

before
before your father can
your father can stir himself under
stir himself under this
this heavy
heavy
load of
load stone mine
of stone shall have
mine shall have risen
risen up to heaven
up to heaven! !

<" ...
And
And there
there isis aa tradition
tradition of of the that death
prophet, that
the prophet, death toto
"
the
the poor is aa state
poor is state of rest.-" That
of rest That ass
ass proceeds
proceeds all all the
the
lighter on
lighter on his journey on
his journey on whom
whom theythey load
load the
the lightest
lightest
burthen
burthen :-the the poor
:
darwesh, who
poor darwesh, suffers under
who suffers under aa load
load
of
of indigence,
indigence, willwill in
in like
like sort enter the
sort enter gates of
the gates of death
death
with an
with easy burthen
an easy burthen; but
; but with him who
with him who luxuriates
luxuriates inin
peace, and
plenty, and affluence,
peace, plenty, must be a
affluence, it must be a real
it real hard-
hard-
ship die amidst
to die
ship to amidst all all these comforts. At
these comforts. At allall events
events
consider the
consider the prisoner, who released from
prisoner, who is released from his thral-
is his thral-
dom, as
dom, as better
better off off than
than the prince who
the prince who is
is just fallen aa
just fallen
captive."
captive."

xx.
XX.

I asked
I
learned man
asked aa learned man the meaning of
the meaning of this tr~di­
this tradi-
that
tion, that the most hostile of
tion, the -most hostile of your enemies
your enemies is is your
your
passion of
passion lust, which
of lust, which has
has itsits seat
seat in
in the loins. He
the loins. He
replied: Any
replied Any foe
:
foe whom
whom you you treat
treat courteously
courteously will will
become
become aa friend excepting lust,
friend excepting which, the
lust, which, the more
more
"
civilly you use it, will get the more
civilly you use it, will get the more perverse. perverse.-" By By
temperance aa man
temperance man may acquire an
may acquire an angelic
angelic disposi-
disposi-
tion; but
tion ; he.indulge like
but ifif he-indulge beast, he
like aa beast, will sink
he will sink into
into
mineral. Whatever
aa mineral. appetite thou
Whatever appetite mightest favour
thou mightest favour
would obey thy
would obey order, unless
thy order, unless lust, which, now
lust, which, now itit hadhad
its will, would rebel."
its will, would rebel."
260 SHAIKH SADI.
SHA.lKH SAD1.

XXI.
XXI.

II saw
saw aa certain
certain person
person in in the
the garb
garb of of darweshes,
danveshes,
but
but not not with
with their
their meekness,
meekness, seatedseated in in aa company,
company,
and full of
and full of his
his abuse.
abuse. Having
Having openedopened the the volume
volume
of reproach,
of reproach, and and begun
begun to to calumniate
calumniate the the rich,
rich, his
his
discourse ha9
discourse had reached
reached thisthis place,
place, stating: The
stating The hand
: hand
of
of thethe poor
poor man's
man's ability
ability is is tied
tied up, up, andand the the footfoot
"
of the rich man's inclination crippled
of the rich man's inclination crippled :-" Men of
: Men of
liberality have no command
liberality have no command of money, of money, nor have
nor have
the
the opulent
opulent and and worldly-minded
worldly-minded aa spirit spirit of of liberality."
liberality."
Owing,
Owing, as I am,
as I am, mymy support
support to the bounty
to the bounty of of the
the
great,
great, I considered this animadversion as unmerited,
I considered this animadversion as unmerited,
and
and replied:
replied 0 : O my my friend!
friend the! the rich
rich areare thethe treasury
treasury
of
of thethe indigent,
indigent, the the granary
granary of of the
the hermit,
hermit, the the fane
fane
of
of thethe pilgrim, resting-place
pilgrim, resting-place of
of the
the traveller,
traveller, and
and the
the
carriers
carriers of of heavy
heavy burthens
burthens for
for the
the relief
relief of
of their
their fellow-
fellow-
creatures.
creatures. They They put put forth
forth their
their hand
hand to to eat when
eat when
their
their servants
servants and and dependants
dependants are
are ready
ready to
to partake
partake
with
with them;
them and;
and the the bounteous
bounteous fragments
fragments of of their
their
tables
tables theythey distribute
distribute among
among widows
widows and
and the
the aged,
aged,
their
their neighbours
neighbours and kindred :-"" The
and kindred : The richrich have
have their
their
consecrated
consecrated foundations,
foundations, charitable endowments and
charitable endowments and
rites
rites of of hospitality;
hospitality; their their alms,
alms, oblations,
oblations, manu- manu-
missions,
missions, peace-offerings,
peace-offerings, and and sacrifices.
sacrifices. How shalt
How shalt
thou
thou rise rise toto this
this pomp
pomp of of fortune
fortune who who canst
canst per-per-
form
form only these two
only these two genuflexions,
genuflexions, and and themthem afterafter
"
manifold
manifold difficulties? Whether it
difficulties ? "-Whether it respect
respect their their
moral dignity or
moral dignity or religious
religious duty,
duty, the the rich
rich areare at at ease
ease
within
within themselves;
themselves for ;
for their
their property
property is is sanctified
sanctified by by
 SHAIKH SAD
SHAIKH SAD!.
I. 261

and their hallowed clean-

giving
giving tithes, apparel hallowed by
tithes, and their apparel by clean-
and
liness, their
liness,
their reputations unblemished, and minds
reputations unblemished, minds
content. The intelligent are aware that the zeal of
content. The intelligent are aware that the zeal of
devotion is warmed by good fare, and the sincerity
devotion is warmed by good fare, and the sincerity
of piety rendered more serene in a nicety of vesture
of piety rendered more serene in a nicety of vesture; ;

for it is evident what ardour there can be in a

for it is evident what ardour there can be in a
hungry stomach; what
hungry stomach ;
generosity in
what generosity squalid penury
in squalid penury; ;

what ability of travelling with a bare foot and

... what ability of travelling with a bare foot; and
;
<
what alacrity at bestowing from an empty hand
"\vhat alacrity at bestowing from an empty hand : -
:

Uneasy must be the of him whose

"Uneasy must be the night-slumbers
night-slumbers of him whose
for to-morrow is not the ant
provision for to-morrow is not forthcoming
provision forthcoming: the ant
:

is laying by a store in summer that she may enjoy

is laying by a store in summer that she may enjoy
an abundance in winter." It is clear that indigence
an abundance in winter."-It is clear that indigence
and tranquillity can never go together, nor have
and tranquillity can never go together, nor have
fruition and want the same aspect the one had
fruition and want the same aspect: the one had
:

himself for and the other

composed
composed himself for prayer, prayer, and the other sat sat
anxious, and thinking on his supper; how then could
anxious, and thinking on his supper; how then "could
this ever come in competition with that ? The
this ever come in competition with that ?-" The
lord of plenty has his mind fixed on God when a
lord of plenty has his mind fixed on God; "
;
when a
man's fortune is bankrupt, so is his heart accord-
man's fortune is bankrupt, so is his heart: "-accord-
:

the devotion of the rich is more

ingly, the devotion of the rich is more acceptable
ingly, acceptable
at the temple of God, because their thoughts are
at the temple of God, because their thoughts are
and their minds not absent
present collected, and
present and collected, and their minds not absent
and distracted; for they have laid up the conveniences
and distracted; for they have laid up the conveniences
of good living, and digested at their leisure their
of good living, and digested at their leisure their
The Arabs
scriptural quotations
scriptural quotations [for prayer]. The Arabs say:
[for prayer]. say:
God preserve us from overwhelming poverty ; and from
God preserve us from, overwhelming poverty; and from
the company of him whom he loves not, namely, tJie
the C011lpa7ZY of him wlwm he loves 110t, 1Za11le/y, tlte
And there is a tradition of the
t"njidel :-And there is a tradition of the prophet,
infidel: prophet,-
ftak poverty has a gloomy aspect in this world and in
that povert)' has a gloo11ZY aspect t"n this world and t"n
the next !
the next!
262 SAD I.
SHAIKH SADI.

My antagonist
antagonist said: Have you you not heard what
not heard what
the blessed prophet prophet has declared
declared ?-poverty
? poverty is
is my
11l)'
glory
glory /-1
! I replied:
replied : Be silent,
silent, for
for the
the allu~ion
allusion of
of the
the
Lord of both worlds applies applies to to suchsuch as as are are
heroes in the field field of resignation,
resignation, and the the devoted
victims of their fate, fate, and not to those those who put put onon the
the
garb
garb of
of piety,
piety, that they
they may entitle
entitle themselves
themselves to
to the
the
"
bread of charity.-"
charity. 0O noisy
noisy drum I thou ! thou artart nothing
nothing
but an an empty
empty sound;sound unprovided
; unprovided with with the the means,
means,
what canst thou effect on the last last dayday of account?
of account?
If
If thou art art a man of spirit, spirit, turn thy face away
thy face away from
begging
begging charity
charity from thy thy fellow-creature;
fellow-creature ; and keepkeep
not
not repeating
repeating thy thy rosary
rosary of a thousand thousand beads." beads."-
Being
Being without
without divine
divine knowledge,
knowledge, a a darwesh,
darwesh, or poor
or poor
man, rests
rests notnot till
till his poverty settles
his poverty settles into into infidelity;
infidelity;
for /ze
for he that
that is poor is
is poor zs well-nigh
well-nigh being being an an infidel
infidel :-nor
: nor
is
is it
it practicable,
practicable, unlessunless through
through the the agency
agency of of wealth,
wealth,
to
to clothe
clothe the the naked,
naked, and and to liberate the
to liberate the prisoner
prisoner
from jail
from jail: how then
: then can can such
such mendicants as as we
we are are
aspire to their dignity;
aspire to their dignity or what comparison
or
; comparison .is thereis there
between
between the arm of
the arm of the loftylofty andand the hand of
the hand of the
the
abject?
abject ? Do you not perceive
not perceive that the glorious
that the glorious and and
great God announces,
great announces, in in the
the holyholy book
book of of the
the Koran,
Koran,
xxviii.,
xxviii., thethe enjoyments
enjoyments of of thethe blessed
blessed in in Paradise
Paradise?- ?

that to this communlty,

that to this community, 1zamely,namely, the orthodo~ Mussul-
the orthodox Mussul-
mans,
mans, a a provision
provzsion ls is allotted
allotted ,·-in
; order that
in order that you
you may
understand that such as are solely
understand that such as are solely occupied
occupied in in
looking
looking after after their
their daily
daily subsistence
subsistence are are excluded
excluded
from this
from portion of
this portion of thethe blessed;
blessed ; and that
and that the the
property
property of present
of present enjoyment
enjoyment is sanctioned under
is sanctioned under
"
the
the seal
seal of of providence
providence :-" to : to the
the thirsty
thirsty it will seem
it will seem
 SHAIKH SAD 7. 263
SHAIKH SADl.
in their dreams as if the face of the earth were
in theira dreams as if You the face of the earth were
wholly fountain." 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
suffered hardship and tasted bitterness will engage
in dangerous enterprises and, indifferent to the
;

in daI)gerous and enterprises;

unawed by and, indifferent to the
consequences, future punishments, he
consequences, and unawed by future punishments,
will not discriminate between what is lawful and what
he
will not
is forbid
discriminate
:
" between what is lawful
Should a clod of earth be thrown at the
and what
is forbid
head :-" Should a clod of earth be thrown at the
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 people carrying a corpse on
;

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 Whereas
victuals."
greedy man would fancy it a tray of
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 thus lawful are preserved
detailed my arguments
from
things illegal. Having
things illegal. Having thus detailed
and adduced my proofs, I rely on your justice for an my arguments
and adduced my proofs, I rely on your justice for an
equitable decree whether you ever saw a felon with
;

equitable decree;
his arms pinioned
whether you ever saw a felon with
a bankrupt immured in a 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 have of poverty: for lion-like
been caught under-
heroes, instigated by want,
heroes, instigatedand by want, have into
been caught
and have under-
mining walls, breaking houses, got
mining walls, and breaking
themselves suspended by the heels.
into houses, and have
It is moreover
got
themselves suspended by the heels. It is moreover
possible that a poor man, urged to it by an inordinate
possible that a feelpoordesirous
man, urged to it by his
of gratifying an inordinate
appetite, may lust; and,
appetite, may feel desirous of gratifying
unable to get himself a woman, he may fall the victim
his lust; and,
unable to get himself a woman,
of some accursed sin
he may fall the victim
for the bally and privities are
:

of some accursed sin: for the belly and privities are

twin brothers, that is, two children of the same birth ;

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
as I have heard of a certain darwesh
food, these get
rampant :

rampant: as I have heard of

who was surprised in an act of abomination a certain darweshin
;

who was surprised in an act of abomination; in

 264 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADI.
consequence of the shame that he was put to, and the
consequence of the shame that he was put to, and the
dread of being stoned to death, he called aloud O :

dread of being stoned to death, he called aloud: 0

Mussulmans I have no money to buy myself a wife,
!

M ussulmans! I have no money to buy myself a wife,

nor sufficient forbearance to restrain my appetite
nor sufficient forbearance to restrain my appetite j ;

what can I do, for the monastic celibacy of Christians is

what can I do, for the monastic celibacy of Cltristz"mzs is
not a rite oflslamism! And of the manifold means of
not a rite of Islamis1lt! And of the manifold means of
mental tranquillity and corporeal enjoyment which are
mental tranquillity and corporeal enjoyment which are
the special lots of the opulent, one is that every night
the special lots of the opulent, one is that every night
they can command a fresh mistress, and every day
they can command a fresh mistress, and every day
possess a new charmer, such as must excite the envy
possess a new charmer, such as must excite the envy
of the glorious dawn, and stick the foot of the stately
of the glorious dawn, and stick the
" foot of the stately
cypress in the mire of shame She had her
cypress in the mire of shame :-HShe had dipped
:

dipped her
hands in the blood of her lovers, and tinged the tips
hands in the blood of her lovers, and tinged the tips
of her fingers with jejubs:" so that it were impossible,
of her fingers with jejubs:"-so that it were impossible,
with such lovely objects before their eyes, for them to
with such lovely objects before their eyes, for them to
desire what is forbidden or to wish to commit sin :

desire
" what is forbidden or to wish to commit sin : -
HWhy
should such a heart as the or
huries, or nymphs
Why should such a heart as the huries, nymphs
of Paradise, have captivated and plundered, show any
of Paradise, have captiva.ted and plundered,
" show any
to the idols of a
partial to the idols of Yaghma
way in
way partial Yaghma " [or[or a city
city in
Turkistan famous for its beauties] ? " He who has
Turkistan famous for its 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,
. think relish, will not
of throwing stones at the bunches of dates on their
think
trees"
of throwing stones at tlte bunches of dates on their
In common, such as are in indigent circum-
trees." In common, such as are in indigent circum-
stances will contaminate the skirt of innocency with
stances will contaminate the skirt of innocency with
sin and such as are from will steal
;
suffering from hunger
sin; and" such as are suffering hunger will steal
bread When a ravenous has found a of
When a ravenous dog dog has found a piece
:

bread :-"
he
piece of
meat, asks Is this the flesh of the
meat, he asks not, not, saying
:

saying: Is this the flesh " of the

prophet Salah's camel or Antichrist's ass ? Many
prophet Salah's camel or Antichrist's ass?
are the chaste who, because of their poverty, have
"-l\1any
are the chaste who, because of their 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
reputations to the blast of infamy
reputations :

infamy :_H The virtue

 SHAIKH SADI 265
SHAIKH SADI.
of temperance remains not with a state of
of temperance remains not with a state of being
being
famished and bankrupt circumstances will snatch
famished; and bankrupt circumstances will snatch
;

the rein from the hand of abstemiousness."

the rein from the hand of abstemiousness."
The moment I had finished this speech, the
The moment I had finished this speech, the
danvesh, my antagonist, let the rein of forbearance
darwesh, my antagonist, let the rein of forbearance
drop from the hand of moderation unsheathed the
drop from the hand of moderation; unsheathed the
;

sabre of his tongue set the steed of at

sabre of his tongue; set the steed ofeloquence
;
eloquence at
full speed over the plain of arrogance
full speed over the plain of 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

praise, and amplified with such extravagance, that
praise, and amplified with such extravagance, that
we might fancy them an antidote to the poison
we might fancy them an antidote to the poison
of poverty and a key to the store-house of Pro-
::>f poverty and a key to the store-house of Pro-
vidence yet they are a proud, self-conceited, fasti-
vidence; yet they are a proud, self-conceited, fasti-
;

dious, and overbearing set, insatiate after wealth and

dious, and overbearing set, insatiate after wealth and
property, and ambitious of rank and dignity who
property, and ambitious of rank and dignity; who ;

exchange not a word but to express insolence, or

exchange not a word but to express insolence, or
deign a look but to show contempt Men of science
deign a look but to show contempt Men of science
they call beggars, and the indigent they reproach for
they call beggars, and the indigent they reproach for
their wretched raggedness. Proud of the
their wretched raggedness. Proud of the property property
they possess, and vain of the rank they claim, they
they possess, and vain of the rank they claim, they
take the upper hand of all, and deem themselves
take the upper hand of all, and deem themselves
everybody's superior. Nor do ever condescend
everybody's superior. N or do they they ever condescend
to return any person's salutation, unmindful of the
to return any person's · 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 humility, and is their superior in opulence, though
in humility, and is their superior in opulence, though
in appearance he be rich, yet in reality he is a
in appearance" he be rich, yet in reality he is a
beggar : If a worthless fellow, because of his
beggar :-" Ifa a worthless fellow, because of his
wealth, treats learned man with reckon
wealth, treats a learned man with insolence,
insolence, reckon
him the podex of an ass, although he be the amber-
him the podex of an ass, although he be the amber-
grise ox."
grise 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 though they be the clouds of the spring, if they
may not send us rain or the fountain of the sun, and
;
may not send
shine upon no one
us rain; or the fountain of the sun, and
or though they be mounted on
;
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? norThey will not move a step
bestow their charity without laying you
for the sake of
God,
God, nor bestow
under obligation and thanks.
their charity without laying you
They hoard their
under withobligation and \ watch thanks.it while
They hoard their
money solicitude, they live with
money with solicitude, watch it
sordid meanness, and leave it behind them with
while they live with
sordid meanness, and leavetheit behindofthem with
the wise:
deadening regret, verifying saying
deadening
That the money regret, of verifying the saying of the wise:
the miser is coming out of the
That the money of the miser is coming out of
earth when he is himself going into it :
" the
One
earth when he is himself going
man hoards a treasure with pain and tribulation, into it :-" One
man hoards a treasure with pain
another comes and spends it without tribulation or
and tribulation,
another comes and spends it without tribulation or
pain."
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 own of the wealthy otherwise only through the medium
to him who lays
of
your beggary ;

your own beggary; otherwise

covetousness aside the generous man and miser seem
to him who lays
covetousness
all one. The aside the generous man and miser seem
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,
He said I speak of them fromwhich
and the beggar can say is the niggard.
:
experience for they
;

He said: I speak of them from experience;

station dependants by their doors, and plant surly
for they
station dependants by their doors, and plant surly
porters at their gates, to deny admittance to the
porters and
at their gates, to deny admittance
to lay violent hands upon the collars of
to the
worthy,
worthy, and to lay violent hands
the elect, and say There is nobody at home and
:
upon the collars o
;

the elect, and say: There is nobody

" at home;
When the master and
verily they tell what is true :

( has
verily not
theyreason
tell what is true :-" When the master
or judgment, understanding or
has not reason or judgment, understanding or
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSAD
SADI. 7. 267

discernment,
discernment, the
the porter
porter reported
reported right
right ofof him,
him, saying:
saying :

There
There is is nobody
nobody in in the
the house."
house."
I replied:They
I replied :Theyareareexcusable,
excusable,inasmuch
inasmuchas asthey
they
areworried
are worried outout ofoftheir
theirlives
livesbybyimportunate
importunate
memorialists,and
memorialists, cmdjaded
jadedto totheir
theirhearts
heartsbybyindigent
indigent
solicitors; and
solicitors ;
andit itmight
mightbebe reasonably
reasonablydoubted doubted
whetherit itwould
whether wouldsatisfy
satisfythetheeyeeyeofofthethecovetous
covetousif if
thesands
the sandsofof thedesert
the desertcould
could bebe turnedinto
turned intopearls
pearls::

< ~"The
"The eye eyeofofthethegreedy
greedyis isnotnotto tobebefilledfilledwith
with
worldly riches,
worldly riches, any any more
more than
than a a well
well can
can be be replen-
replen-
ished
ished fromthethe
from dewdewof of night."-And
night." And had had Hatim
Hatim Tayi,
Tayi,
whod \velt
who dweltin inthethedesert,
desert, cometo tolive
come livein ina acity,
city,
hehe
would
would have
have beenoverwhelmed
been overwhelmed with
with thethe importunities
importunities
ofof mendicants,
mendicants, andthey
and they wouldhave
would havetorntornthethe clothes
clothes
"
from back :-"
fromhishisback : Looknotnottowards
Look towardsme, me,lest lestthou
thou
shoulddraw
should drawthetheeyeseyesof ofothers,
others,forforat atthethemendi-
mendi-
cant'shand
cant's hand nono good
good cancan
bebe expected."
expected."
HeHesaid
said:I Ipity
: pitytheir
theircondition.
condition. I Ireplied
replied:Not
Not :

so so;but
;
butyou
youenvy
envythem
themtheir
theirproperty.
property. Wewere We
were
thus
thus warm
warm in in argument,
argument, and
and both
both of of
us us close
close engaged.
engaged.
Whatever
Whatever chesspawn
chess pawnhehemight mightadvance
advance I would
I would setset
one onein inopposition
oppositionto toit;it;and andwhenever
wheneverheheputputmymy
kingkingin incheck,
check,I would
I wouldrelieve
relievehimhimwith withmymyqueen;queen;
tilltill
hehehadhad exhausted
exhausted allall
the the coinin inthethepurse
coin purseof ofhishis
resolution,
resolution, and
and expended
expended allall
thethe arrowsof of
arrows thethe quiver
quiver
"
ofof hishis argument-"
argument. Takeheed
Take heedand andretreat
retreatnotnotfromfrom
the theorator's
orator'sattack,
attack,forfornothing
nothingis isleftlefthim himbutbut
metaphorand
metaphor andhyperbole.
hyperbole. Wield "Vieldthy thypolemics
polemicsand and
law law citations,
citations, forfor
the the wordy
wordy rhetoricianmakes
rhetorician makes a show
a show
ofof arms
arms over
over hishis gate,
gate, butbuthashas not
not a soldier
a soldier within
within hishis
fort :" :"-At
fort length,having
At length, havingnonosyllogism
syllogismleft, left,I made
I 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 violence, and began with vain abuse. As
the arm of violence, and began with vain abuse. As
the case with the when beaten their
ignorant, when beaten by
is
is the case with the ignorant, by their
in fair shake the chain of
antagonist in fair argument,
antagonist
argument, they
they shake the chain of
rancour like Azor, the idol-maker, when he could no
rancour; like Azor, the idol-maker, when he could no
;

longer contend with his son Abraham in words he

longer contend with his son Abraham in words he
fell upon him with blows, as God has said in the
fell upon him with blows, as God has said in the
Koran If thou wilt not yield this point, I will over-
Koran-If tltott wilt not yield tltis pot"nt, 1 will over-
w/telm thee ivith stones: He gave me abuse, and I
Iwlzelm thee 'lvith st01U!S :-He gave me abuse, and I
retorted upon him with asperity he tore my collar,
retorted upon him with asperity;
"
;
he tore my collar,
and I plucked his beard : He had fallen upon me
and I plucked his beard :-" He had fallen upon me
and I upon him, and a crowd had gathered round us
and I upon him, and a crowd had gathered round us
enjoying the sport. A whole world gnawed the
enjoying the sport. A whole world gnawed the
ringer of astonishment when it heard and understood
finger of astonishment when it heard and understood
what had taken place between us."
what had taken place between us."
In short, we referred our dispute to the cazi, and
In short, we referred our dispute to the cazi, and
agreed to abide by his equitable decree : That the
agreed to abide by his equitable decree: That the
judge of the Mussulmans, or faithful, might bring
judge of the Mussulmans, or faithful, might bring
about a peace, and discriminate for us between the
about a peace, and discriminate for us between the
and rich. After noted our
poor and rich. After having
poor having noted our physiog-
physiog-
nomies, and listened to our statements, the cazi rested
nomies, and listened to our statements, the cazi rested
his chin on the breast of deliberation after due
his chin on the breast of deliberation; and,
;
and, after due
consideration, raised it, and said : Be it known to you,
consideration, raised it, and said: Be it known to you,
who were lavish in your praise of the rich, and spoke
who were lavish in your praise of the rich, and spoke
disparagingly of the poor, that there is no rose with-
disparagingly of the poor, that there is isno rose with-
out its thorn intoxication from wine followed
out its thorn; intoxication from wine is followed by
;
by
a qualm hidden treasure has its guardian dragon
a qualm; hidden treasure has its guardian dragon;
; ;

where the imperial pearl is found, there swims the

where the imperial pearl is found, there swims the
shark the of
man-devouring shark; the honey
man-devouring ;
honey of worldly
worldly enjoy-
enjoy-
ment has the sting of death in its rear; and between
ment has the sting of death in its rear; and between
us and the felicity of paradise stands a frightful
us and the felicity of paradise stands a frightful
 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKHSADL 269

demon, namely,
demon, namely, Satan. "So
5atan.-" 50 long the charmer
long asas the charmer
slew not her
slew not her admirer, what
admirer, what could the rival's malice
could the rival's malice
avail him
avail him?
? The rose and
The rose thorn, the
and thorn, treasure and
the treasure and
dragon,joy
dragon, and
joy and sorrow, all mingle
sorrow, all mingle into one."
into one."-DoDo
you you not
not observe
observe thatthat inin the garden there
the garden there areare the
the
sweet-scented willows and the withered
sweet-scented willows and the withered trunks;soso trunks ;

amongamongthe classesofofthe
theclasses rich some
therich someare gratefuland
aregrateful and
some thankless and
some thankless; andamong
; among the orders ofthe
the orders of thepoor
poor
"
< some
.,... some are resigned and
are resigned and some impatient :-"Were
some impatient :
Were
every dropofofdew
everydrop dewtototurn
turnintointoa apearl, themarket
·pearl,inin the market
pearls wouldbebeasascommon
pearlswould shells." Near
common asasshells." N earby bythe
the
throne of a and
throne of a great a.nd glorious Judge are therich
great glorious Judge are the rich
meek spirit,and
meekininspirit, andthe
thepoor
poorrich resolution. And
rich inin resolution. And
the chiefofofthe
thechief opulentisishehewho
theopulent sympathiseswith
whosympathises with
the thesorrows
sorrowsofofthe indigent;and
theindigent ; andthethemost virtuousofof
mostvirtuous
the indigentisishehewho
theindigent covetsnot
whocovets notthe societyofofthe
the society the
opulent : God isisall-sufficient
opulent :-God atl-suifidentfor forhimhimwho whotrusts
trustsinilt
God.
God.
Then
Then the turned the
cazi turned
the cazi face ofof animadversion
theface animadversion
fromme
from metowards
towardsthe darwesh,and
thedarwesh, said:O0 you
andsaid youwho
:
who
have charged the
have charged richwith
the rich with being
being active sin,and
activeinin sin, and
intoxicated with
intoxicated with things
things forbidden, verily there
forbidden, verily there isis
such
such a atribe youhave
tribeasasyou havedescribed
described them,
them,illiberal
illiberalinin
their bigotry, and
their bigotry, stingyofofGod's
and stingy bounty;who
God'sbounty whoare
are ;

collecting and
collecting and hoarding money,but
hoarding money, butwill neither use
will neither use
norbestow
nor bestowit.it If,If,for therewas
example,there
for example, wasa adrought,
drought,
or
or the whole
if the
if
earth was
whole earth was deluged with a a flood,
deluged with flood,
confident their own
confident ofoftheir own abundance, they would
abundance,they would not
not
inquire afterthe
inquire after poorman's
the poor man'sdistress,
distress,and, fearlessofof
and,fearless
"
the divine
the divinewrath, exclaim :in his want
wrath, exclaim :-"If,If, in his wantofofevery-
every-
thing,another
thing, person bebeannihilated,
anotherperson annihilated, I I have
haveplenty
plenty; ;
270 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADI.
and what does a goosecare for a deluge ? Such as are
and what does a goose care for a deluge? Such as are
lolling in their litters, and indulging in the easy pace o
lolling z"n their /ltters, and indulging z·n the easy pace o
a female camel, feel not for the foot-traveller perish-
a female camel, feel not for the foot-traveller perish-
ing amidst overwhelming sands : The mean-spirited,
z"ng amidst overwhelming sands : -The mean..;spirited,
when they could escape with their own rugs, would
when they could escape with their own rugs, would
cry What care we should the whole world die."
:

cry: What care we should the whole world die."

Such as you have stated them, there is a tribe
Such as you have stated them, there is a tribe
of rich men but there is another class, who, having
of rich men; but there is another class, who, having
;

spread the table of abundance, and made a public

spread the table of abundance, and made a public
declaration of their munificence, and smoothed the
declaration of their munificence, and smoothed the
brow of their humility, are solicitous of a reputation
brow of their humility, are solicitous of a reputation
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 majesty
and the next; like unto the servants of his majesty
;

the sovereign of the universe, just, confirmed, vic-

the sovereign of the universe, just, confirmed, vic-
torious, lord paramount and conqueror of nations,
torious, lord paramount and conqueror of nations,
defender of the stronghold of Islamism, successor of
defender of the stronghold of Islamism, successor of
Solomon, most equitable of contemporary kings,
Solomon, most equitable of contemporary kings,
Mozuffar-ud-din Atabak-Abubakr-Saad, may God
Mozuffar-ud-din Atabak-Abubakr-Saad, may 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 thy liberal hand has
benevolence to his son as thy liberal hand has
bestowed upon the race of Adam. The Deity was
bestowed upon the race of Adam. The Deity was
desirous of conferring a kindness upon man, and in
desirous of conferring a kindness upon man, and in
his special mercy made thee sovereign of the world."
his special mercy made thee sovereign of the world."
Now that the cazi had carried his harangue to this
N ow that the cazi had carried his harangue to this
extreme, and had galloped the steed of metaphor
extreme, and had galloped the steed of metaphor
beyond our our expectation, we of necessity acquiesced
beyond expectation, we of necessity acquiesced
in the absolute decree of being satisfied, and
in the absolute decree of being satisfied, and
apologised for what had passed between us and
apologised for what had passed between us; and
;

after altercation we returned into the path of

after altercation we returned into the path of
reconciliation, laid the heads of reparation at each
reconciliation, laid the heads of reparation at each
 SHAIKH
SHAIK.lISADL
SADI. 271

other's feet, mutually kissed and embraced, and, let-

other's feet, mutually kissed and embraced, and, let-
tingmischief
ting mischieffall asleep,and
fall asleep, andwar itselfinto
lull itself
warlull into
"
peace,
peace,
concluded the whole in these two verses :-"O0 poor
concluded the whole in these two verses :
poor
man complainnot
man! complain
!
notof
ofthe revolutions ofof fortune,
the revolutions fortune, for
for
gloomy might be
gloomymight thylot
be thy wert thou
lot wert die inin such
thou toto die such
sentiments. And
sentiments. now, O0 rich
And now, rich man
man! that
!
thy hand
that thy hand
and heartadminister
andheart administertotothy
thypleasures,
pleasures,spend and
spend andgive give
that thou
away, that
away, thou mayst enjoy this
mayst enjoy world and
this world and thethe
~ . . next"
. next"
 CHAPTER
CHAPTER VIII.
VIII.

OF THE DUTIES OF SOCIETY.

OF THE DUTIES OF SOCIETY.

L
I.
RICHES are intended for the comfort of life, and not
RICHES are intended for the comfort of life, and not
life for the purpose of hoarding riches. I asked a
life for the purpose of hoarding riches. I asked a
wise man, saying Who is the fortunate man, and
:

wise man, 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 spent and gave away, and that man un-
fortunate who spent and gave away, and that man un-
fortunate who died and left behind :
"Pray not for that
fortunate who died and left behind :-"Pray not for that
good-for-nothing man who did for he
good-for-nothing nothing, for he passed
man who did nothing, passed
his life in hoarding riches, and did not spend them."
his life in hoarding riches, and did not spend them."
II.
II.
The prophet Moses, on whom be peace, admonished
The prophet Moses, on whom be peace, admonished
Carum, saying: 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 charity with his silver and gold, sacrificed his future
of charity with his silver and gold, sacrificed his future
prospects on his hoard of gold and silver. If desirous
prospects on his hoard of gold and silver. If desirous
that thou shouldst benefit by the wealth of this world,
that thou shouldst benefit by the wealth of this world,
be generous with thy fellow-creature, as God has been
be generous with thy fellow-creature, as God has been
generous with thee."
generous with thee." Show but make it
The Arabs say
The Arabs say :-Skow thy tIl)' generosity,
:

generosity, but make it

 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSAD I
SADA. 273

notobligatory,
not obligatory,that
thatthe
thebenefit of
1nayredound
benefitof ititmay redoundtoto
t!tee: :-that
thee and make
bestow and
that is,is,bestow butdodo
presents,but
make presents,
not exactananobligation
notexact obligationthat
thatthe profitofofthat
theprofit thatact
act
"
may bebe returned
may you.-"Wherever
returned totoyou. Wherever the treeofof
the tree
generosity rootit itsends
strikesroot
generositystrikes sendsforth boughs,and
forthitsitsboughs, and
they shootabove
theyshoot abovethe skies. IfIfthou
theskies. cherishesta ahope
thoucherishest hope
ofofenjoying
enjoyingitsitsfruit,
fruit,bybygratitude entreatofofthee
gratitudeI Ientreat thee
"
not laya asaw
nottotolay trunk."-"Render
uponitsitstrunk."
sawupon Renderthanks
thankstoto
thatthou
"'God,that
< God, wertfound
thouwert worthyofofhis
foundworthy hisdivine
divinegrace,
grace,
thathehehas
that notexcluded
hasnot theefrom
excludedthee fromthe richesofofhis
theriches his
bounty.
bounty. Esteem
Esteem it it nono obligation that thou
obligation that thou art
art
serving the
serving the king, but show
king,but show thy gratitude totohim,
thy gratitude him,
namely God,who
namelyGod, has placed
who,has placedthee
theeininthis
thisservice."
service."

III.
III.

Two personslaboured
Twopersons vain,and
labouredtotoa avain, studiedtotoanan
andstudied
unprofitableend
unprofitable end:hehewho
:
whohoarded wealthand
hoardedwealth didnot
anddid not
spend andhehewho
spendit,it,and whoacquired scienceand
acquiredscience didnot
anddid not
"
practiseit it
practise :
Howevermuch
:-"However muchthouthouartartread
readinintheory,
theory,
if
ifthou hastnonopractice
thouhast practice thou
thou art ignorant. He
art.ignorant. Heis is
neithera asage
neither philosophernor
sagephilosopher norananacute divine,but
acutedivine, buta a
beastofofburthen
beast burthenwithwitha aload books. How
loadofofbooks. Howcan canthat
that
brainless headknow
brainlesshead comprehendwhether
knowororcomprehend whetherhehecarries
carries
"
hisback
ononhis libraryororbundle
backa alibrary bundleofoffagots
fagots?? "

IV.
IV.
-

Learningisisintended
Learning intendedtotofortify
fortifyreligious
religiouspractice,
practice,
and
andnot
nottotogratify
gratifyworldly
worldlytraffic Whoever prosti-
traffic :-Whoever
:
prosti-
tutedhis
tuted histemperance, piety,and
temperance,piety, andscience,
science,gathered
gatheredhishis
harvest
harvestinto heapand
intoa aheap andset firetotoit"
setfire it"
760
 274 SHAIKH SADI.
274 SIfAIKH SADI.

V.
V.
An intemperate man of learning is like a blin
An intemperate mantheofroad
He shows learning is like a blind
to others, but sees it n
link-boy :

link-boy:-He"
whoever ventured his lifebut
shows the road to otlfers, on sees
an it not
himself : unpro
himself:-" whoever ventured his life on an
ductive hazard gained nothing by the risk, and lo
unpro-
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, an
A kingdom is embellished by the wise, and
religion rendered illustrious by the pious. King
religion rendered illustrious by the pious. Kings
stand more in need of the company of the intellige
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 a
!

"If, 0 archives
king! thou wilt listen to my advice, in all
thou canst not find a wiser maxi
thy
thy archives thou canst not find a wiser
than this entrust thy concerns maxim
:
only to the learned
than this: entrust thy concerns only to the learned,
notwithstanding business is not a learned man'
notwithstanding
concern."
business is not a learned man's
concern. "
VII.
VII.
Three things have no durability without thei
Three things have no without
concomitants
durability without their
property
:
trade, knowledg
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 ove
To compassionate
the the wicked
and to pardon is to tyrannise over
the oppressor is to dea
good ;

the good;with
andtheto pardon the" When
oppressor is to deal
thou patronises
harshly oppressed:
harshly with the oppressed :-" When thou patronisest
and succourest the base-born man, he looks to b
and succourest
made the base-born man, he looks to be
the partner of thy fortune."
made the partner of thy fortune."
 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADL 275
275

IX.
IX.

No reliance
No reliance can
can be
be placed
placed onon the
the friendship
friendship of of
kings,
kings, nor
nor vain
vain hope
hope put
put in
in the
the melodious
melodious voice
voice ofof
boys;
boys for
;
for that
that passes
passes away
away like
like aa vision,
vision, and
and this
this
vanishes dream :_rr" Bestow
like aa dream
vanishes like :Bestow notnot thy
thy affections
affections
upon
upon aa mistress who has
mistress who has aa thousand
thousand lovers;
lovers or,or, if
if
;

< ..... - thou

thou bestowest
bestowest themthem upon
upon her,
her, be
be prepared
prepared for
for aa
separa tion."
separation."

x.x.
Reveal
Reveal not not every
every secret
secret you
you havehave to to aa friend,
friend, for
for
how can
how can you you tell
tell but
but that
that friend
friend may
may hereafter
hereafter
become
become an enemy. And
an enemy. And bring
bring not not all
all the
the mischief
mischief
you
you areare able
able to to dodo upon
upon an an enemy,
enemy, for for he
he may
may oneone
day become your
day become your friend.
friend. And And anyany private
private affair
affair that
that
you wish to
you wish to keep
keep secret,
secret, do
do not
not divulge
divulge to to anybody;
anybody;
for,
for, though
though such such aa person
person hashas your
your confidence,
confidence, nonenone
can
can bebe so
so true
true toto your
your secret
secret as
as yourself
yourself: :-""Silence
Silence isis

safer
safer than
than to communicate the
to communicate the thought
thought of of thy mind
thy mind
to
to anybody,
anybody, and and toto warn
warn him,
him, saying:
saying Do: Do not
not divulge
divulge
it, 0O silly
it, man confine
silly man! ! confine thethe water
water at at the
the dam-head,
dam-head,
for once itit has
for once has aa vent
vent thou
thou canst
canst notnot stop
stop it.
it. Thou
Thou
shouldst not
shouldst not utter
utter a word
a word in secret
in secret which thou
which thou
wouldst not have spoken
wouldst not have spoken in the face of the public."
in the face of the public."

XI.
XI.

AA reduced
reduced foe, who offers
foe, who offers his
his submission
submission and
and courts
courts
your
your amity,
amity, can only
can in view to become
only have in view to become a strong
have a strong
276 SHAIKH SADL
SHAIKH SADL
enemy, as
enemy, as they
they have
have said
said : You
You cannot
:
cannot trust
trust the
the
sincerity of friends, then what are you to expect
sincerity of friends, then what are you to expect from
from
the cajoling
the cajoling of
of foes
foes?
? Whoever despises
Whoever despises aa weak
weak
enemy resembles him who neglects
enemy resembles him who neglects a spark of fire a spark of fire: :

-"" To-day that thou canst quench it, put it out;

To-day that thou canst quench it, put it out ;

for let
for let fire
fire rise
rise into
into aa flame,
flaine, and
and itit may
may consume
consume aa
whole world. N ow that thou canst
whole world. Now that thou canst transfix him transfix him with
with
thy arrow, permit not thy antagonist
thy arrow, permit not thy antagonist to string his to string his
bow."
bow."
XII.
XII.

Let your
Let your verbal
verbal intercourse
intercourse between
between two two rivals
rivals be
be
such that if they should hereafter compromise
such that if they should hereafter compromise their their
difference, you may not be put to shame :-"
difference, you may not be put to shame :
" Between
Between
two persons dissension rages like
two persons dissension rages like a fire, and a fire, and thethe
ill-conditioned tell-tale is the bearer of
ill-conditioned tell-tale is the bearer of its fuel. its fuel. This
This
and that
and that are
are again
again of
of the
the- same
same way
way of of thinking,
thinking, and and
the luckless go-between stands the
the luckless go-between stands the object of both object of both
their execration.
their execration. ItIt isis notnot prudent
prudent to to kindle
kindle aa firefire
between two people, and to thrust
between two people, and to thrust thyself into thethyself into the
midst of its flames."-"
midst of its flames." " Speak in an under-voice with
Speak in an under-voice with
thy friends,
thy friends, lest
lest thy
thy bloodthirsty
bloodthirsty foe foe maymay overhear
overhear
what thou mayst
what thou mayst say. say. Be cautious
Be cautious in
in what
what thou thou
utterest before a wall, lest an ear be
utterest before a wall, lest an ear be listening listening behind
behind
the wall."
the wall."

XIII.
XIII.

Whoever isis making

Whoever making aa league
league with
with their
their enemies
enemies has has
it inin his
it his mind
mind toto do
do his
his friends
friends an ill turn
an ill turn :-"
:
" 0 wise
O wise
man! wash
man !
wash thy
thy hands
hands of of that
that friend
friend whowho isis inin con-
con-
federacy
federacy with
with thy
thy foes."
foes."
 SHAIKH SAD£.
SHAIK1I SADL 277

#
XIV.
XIV.
When irresolute
When irresolute in the despatch of business, incline
in the despatch of business, incline
"
to that side whichisis the
to that side which the least offensive Answernot
least offensive :-" Answer
: not
with harshness a mild-spoken man, nor force him into
with harshness a mild-spoken man, nor force him into
war who knocks
war who knocks atat the gate of peace."
the gate of peace."
XV.
XV.
So long
So as money can answer, it were wrong in any
long as money can answer, it were wrong in any
business to put the life in danger: as the Arabs
business to put the life in danger :-as the Arabs
let the sword decide after stratagem has failed:
say :-let the sword decide after stratagem has failed:
say :

-""When
When the the hand is balked in every crafty en-
hand is balked in every crafty en-
it
deavour, it isis lawful to lay it upon the hilt of the
deavour, lawful to lay it upon the hilt of the
sabre."
sabre."
XVI.
XVI.
Show no
Show no mercy to a subdued foe, for if he recover
mercy to a subdued foe, for if" he recover
himself he will show you no mercy
himself he will show you no mercy :-" When
: When thou
thou
seest thy antagonist in a reduced state, curl not thy
seest thy antagonist in a reduced state, curl not thy
whiskers at him in contempt, for in every bone there
whiskers at him in contempt, for in every bone there
and within
marrow, and
isis marrow, within every jacket there is a man."
every jacket there is a man."
XVII.
XVII.
Whoever puts
Whoever man to
wicked man
puts aa wicked to death delivers
death delivers
mankind from his mischief, and the
mankind from his mischief, and the wretch himself
wretch himself
"
from God's vengeance Beneficence is praise-
from God's vengeance :-" Beneficence is praise-
:

worthy; yet thou shouldst not administer a balsam

worthy; yet thou shouldst not administer a balsam
to the wound of the wicked.
to the wound of the wicked. Knew Knew he not who took
he not who took
compassion on a snake, that it is the pest of the sons
compassion on a snake, that it is the pest of the sons
of Adam."
of Adam."
278 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI.
XVIII.
XVIII.
the advice of an
It is
wrongtotofollow
It iswrong follow the advice of anadversary;
adversary;
nevertheless it is right to hear it, that you may do the
nevertheless it is right to hear it, that you may do the
contrary;and essenceofofgood
theessence
and this isthe
contrary this is
goodpolicy
policy:-
:
;

"
Sedulouslyshun
"Sedulously shunwhatever thyfoe
whateverthy foemay
mayrecommend,
recommend,
otherwise thou mayst wring the hands of repentance
otherwise thou mayst wring the hands of repentance
on thy knees. Should he show thee to the right a
on thy knees. Should he show thee to the right a
path straight as an arrow, turn aside from that, and
path straight as an arrow, turn aside from that, and
take the path to the left."
take the path to the left."
XIX.
XIX.
Excessive anger deters people from coming near
Excessive anger deters people from coming near
weakens Be
you,and
you, andill-timed lenity weakensyour
ill-timedlenity 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
"
boldness If thou art will
encourage boldness :-" If thou artharsh,
encourage harsh,they
they will
:

fight shy of thee if lenient, the foe will be audacious

fight shy of thee; if lenient, the foe will be audacious
;

and forward. It is best to temper severity with mild-

and forward. It is best to temper severity with mild-
ness, like the surgeon who scarifies a sore, and then
ness, like the surgeon who scarifies a sore, and then
appliesa abalsam.
applies A wise manwill
balsam. A wiseman
not exceed in
will not exceed in
austerity, nor permit his clemency to lessen his dignity;
austerity, nor permit his clemency to lessen his dignity;
he will not overrate himself by over-much loftiness,
he will not overrate himself by over-much loftiness,
nor lower himself by abject meanness." "A shepherd
nor lower himself fiy abject meanness."-" A shepherd
addressed his father, saying O wise man! teach me a
addressed his father, saying: 0 wise man! teach me a
:

sage maxim. He replied: BeBesosofarfarbenevolent

sage maxim. He replied
: as
benevolent as
not to allow the sharp-fanged wolf to get insolent"
not to allow the sharp-fanged wolf to get 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
;
king withoutclemency,
and state; theking clemency, and theholy
holy
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSAD
SADI.
I. 279
"
man
man without learning :-"Let
without learning Let not
:
not that prince have
that prince have
rule overthe
ruleover statewho
thestate himselfobedient
not himself
whoisisnot obedienttotothe
the
willofofGod."
will God."

XXI.
XXI.

Itbehoves
It behovesa aking
kingsosototo regulate
regulate his angertowards
hisanger towards
-his enemies
his
< ... not toto alarm
enemies asas not alarm the
the confidence
confidence ofof his
his
friends
friends; for ;forthe fireofofpassion
thefire passionfalls first ononthe
fallsfirst theangry
angry
man
man; afterwards
; afterwards itsits sparks
sparks willwill dart forth towards
dart forth towards
the
thefoe, and him
foe,and theymay
him they reach,ororthey
mayreach, theymay maynot.
not.-
"
"ItItillillbecomes
becomesthe Adam,formed
childrenofofAdam,
thechildren formedofofdust,dust,
totoharbour
harbourinin theirtheirheads
heads such
such pride, arrogance,and
pride,arrogance, and
passion. I I cannot
passion. cannot fancy
fancy allall this
this thythy warmth
warmth and and
obstinacytotobebecreated
obstinacy created from earth,but
from earth, butfrom
from fire.
fire.-I
I
went
wenttotoa aholy holyman
manininthetheland Bailcan,and
landofofBailcan, and said
said:
:

Cleanse me
Cleanse me ofofignorance
ignorance by by thythyinstruction
instruction? ? HeHe
replied O
replied: 0 fakih,
: or
fakih, ortheologician
theologician!go
! and bear
go and bearthings things
patientlylike
patiently likethe earth;ororwhatever
theearth; whateverthou thouhasthastreadread
it all be buried under the earth."
let it all be buried under the earth."
let

XXII.
XXII.

An evil-disposed man
Anevil-disposed manisisa acaptive
captiveininthethehands
handsofof
an
anenemy
enemy[namely, himself];for
[namely,himself] forwherever
;whereverhehemay maygogo
he
he cannot escape from
cannot escape from the grasp ofof that
.the grasp that enemy's
enemy's
"
vengeance :_HLet
vengeance :
wickedman
Leta awicked manascend
ascendupuptotoheaven,
heaven,
that he
that hemay
mayescape from the
escape from thegraspgraspofofcalamity
calamity;even even;

thitherwould
thither thehand
wouldthe hisown
handofofhis evilheart
ownevil heartfollow
follow
him
himwith
withmisfortune."
misfortune."
2 So
:230
SHAIKH SAlJI.
SHAIKEI SADI.

XXIII.
XXIII.

When you
When see discord raging among the troops of
you see discord raging among the troops of
your
your enemy,
enemy, be on your
be on side quiet
your side but if
quiet; but
;
if you see
you see
them
them united,
united, think
think of
of your
your own
own dispersed
dispersed state
state:- :

"
When thou beholdest war among
"When thou beholdest war among thy foes, go
thy foes, and
go and
with thy friends if thou findest them
but if
enjoy
enjoy peace
peace with thy friends; but
;
thou findest them
of one soul and mind, string thy bow, and range
of one soul and mind, string thy bow, and range
stones around thy battlements."
stones around thy battlements."

XXIV.
XXIV.

A foe
A foe will shake the chain of peace when he has
will shake the chain of peace when he has
failed
failed inin all his stratagems. Then he
all his stratagems. Then he attempts to
attempts to
effect by amity what he cannot compass
effect as an
by amity what he cannot compass as an openopen
adversary.
adversary.
XXV.
XXV.
Bruise the serpent's head with the hand of an
Bruise the serpent's head with the hand of an
that of two things you may make sure of
antagonist,
antagonist, that of two things you may make sure of
one for if the adversary succeed, you kill the reptile
one; for if the adversary succeed, you kill the
;

"
reptile;
and if
and if this prevail, you get rid of a rival. Make not
this prevail, you get rid of a rival.-" l\1ake not
sure of a weak enemy on the day of battle on
sure of a weak enemy on the day of battle; for, on ; for,
himself desperate, he will tear out the brain of
finding himself desperate, he will tear out the brain of
finding
aa lion."
lion."

XXVI.
XXVI.
Keep toto yourself any intelligence that may prove
Keep yourself any intelligence that may prove
till some person else has disclosed it.
unpleasant,
"
unpleasant, till some person else has disclosed it.-
" Bring, O
Bring, 0 nightingale! the glad tidings of the spring,
nightingale the
!
glad tidings of the spring,
and leave to the owl to be the harbinger of evil."
and leave to the owl to be the harbinger of evil."
 SHAIKH SADL
SlIAIKH SAVIo 281

XXVII.

Do not inform the kingking of a person's treachery till

person's treachery till
fully
fully informed of it
it yourself;
yourself otherwise
otherwise
; you
you may labour
labour
"
to your own disgrace.-"
to your disgrace. Open thy
thy exordium and
and lay
lay
thy
thy accusation when satisfied
satisfied thy proofs
thy proofs must
must carry
carry
conviction."
XXVIII.
XXVIII.

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

XXIX.
XXIX.

Swallow notnot the

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

XXX.

Till some person

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

XXXI.
XXXI.

Every person thinks his own intellect perfect, and

Every person thinks his own intellect perfect, and
hisown
his own child
childhandsome
handsome :_UA Mussulman and
"A Mussulman andaa Jew
:
Jew
were warm
were warm in
inargument toto suchsuch aa degree that that I I
argument degree
smiled atat their
smiled their subject. The The Mussulman
M ussulman said said inin
subject.
wrath: IfIfthis
wrath: thisdeed
deed ofof conveyance be be notnot authentic
authentic
conveyance
may I,I, O0 God,
God,die
dieaa Jew! The The Jew replied: On Onthethe
may Jew Jew replied
! :

Pentateuch I I swear,
Pentateuch swear, ifif what
what I I say bebe'false,
"false, I I am
am aa
say
Mussulman like
Mussulman like you! Were Were intellect
intellect toto be
be annihi-
annihi-
you !

lated from
lated from the
the face
face of
of the
the earth,
earth, nobody could could be be
nobody
broughttoto say: I I amam ignorant."
brought say :
ignorant."

XXXII.
XXXII.

Ten peoplewill
Ten will partakeof ofthe
thesame
same jointof ofmeat,
meat,
people partake joint
and two dogs will snarl over a whole
and two dogs will snarl over a whole carcase. The carcase. The
greedy man man isis incontinent
incontinent with with aa whole
whole world
world setset
greedy
before
before himhim; ;
the temperate man is content
the temperate man is content with his with his
crustof
crust ofbread
bread :_U
:
" A loaf of brown bread may fill an
A loaf of brown bread may fill an
emptystomach,
stomach,but but the
the produce ofof the the whole
whole globe
empty produce globe
cannot satisfy a greedy
cannot satisfy a greedy eye :" eye :"-"" My father, when the
My father, when the
sun of
sun of his
his life
life was
was going
going down,
down, gavegave me me this
this sage
sage
advice, and it set for good,
advice, and it set for good, saying
saying: :
Lust is a
Lust is a fire fire;
;

refrain from indulging it, and do not involve

refrain from indulging it, and do not involve thyself in thyself in
the flames of
the flames of hell. hell. Since thou hast not the
Since thou hast not the strength strength
of burning inin those
of those flames
flames [as
[as aa punishment
punishment inin the the
burning
next world],
next world], pourpour inin this world the
this world the waterwater of
of continence
continence
upon this
thisfire
fire-namely, lust."
namely, lust."
upon
 SHAIKIISADL
SHAIKH SADI. 283

XXXIII.
XXXIII.

Whoeverdoes
Whoever doesnot
notdodogood,
good,when
whenhehehas
hasthe
themeans
means
ofdoing
of doingit,it,will
willsuffer
sufferhardship
hardshipwhen
when hehe has
hasnot
notthe
the
mean3 :-"
means " None is more unlucky than the misan-
None is more unlucky than the misan-
:

thrope, for on the day of adversity he has not a single

thrope, for on the day of adversity he has not a single
friend."
friend."

XXXIV.
XXXIV.
Lifestands
Life standson
on the
theverge
verge ofofa a single
single breath
breath;
;
and
and
this world
this world isis anan existence
existencebetween
betweentwo
two nonentities.
nonentities.
Such asas truck
Such truck their
their deen,
deen, oror religious
religious practice,
practice,for
for
worldly pelf
worldly pelf are
are asses.
asses. They
They sold
sold Joseph,
Joseph, and
and what
what
got they
got theyby bytheir bargain? ?-Did
theirbargain notcovenant
Did I1not covenantwith
with
you, O0 yeye sons
you, sons ofofAdam,
Adam, that
thatyou
you should
shouldnot
110tserve
serve
Satan~·for
Satan; verilylieheisisyour
forverily youravowed
avowedenemy:
enemy:-"" By the
By the
advice ofofa a foe
advice foe you
you broke
brokeyour
yourfaith
faithwith
witha afriend
friend; ;

beholdfrom
behold fromwhom
whomyou
youseparated,
separated,and
andwith
withwhom
whomyou
you
unitedyourselves."
united yourselves."
XXXV.
XXXV.
Satandoes
Satan doesnot
notprevail
prevailover
overthetheelect
elect; nor
;
nordoes
doesthe
the
king
king
over
over the
the poor
poor and
and bankrupt
bankrupt :
:-"
" Trust not him
Trust not him
whoneglects
who neglects his prayers toto God,
his prayers God,though
though hishis mouth
mouth
may verily
may verily gapegape wide
wide from
from hunger;
hunger ;
for
for whoever
whoever
discharges not
discharges not his
his duty
duty toto the
the Deity
Deitywill
will equally
equally
neglect his debt to thee."
neglect his debt to thee."

XXXVL
XXXVL
Whatever produced ini~ haste
Whatever isis produced haste goes
goes hastily
hastily toto
waste
waste :
:-"
" I have heard that, after a process of forty
I have heard that, after a process of forty
 23 4 SHAIKH SADI.
SADL
years,
years, they
they convert
convert thethe clay
clay of
of the East into
the East into aa China
China
porcelain
porcelain cup.cup. At Baghdad
Baghdad theythey can
can make an
hundred cups
cups in in a a day,
day, and thou mayst of
thou mayst of course
course
conceive their respective value." "A chicken walks
conceive their respective value."-" A chicken walks
forth
forth from its shell,
from its shell, and goes in quest of its
goes in quest of its food food;
the
the young
young of
of man possesses not
possesses not thatthat instinct
instinct o
of
prudence
prudence and discrimination.
discrimination. That which was at
at
once something
something comes to to nothing;
nothing and this
;
this surpasses
surpasses
all
all creatures
creatures in in dignity wisdom. A piece
dignity and wisdom. piece of
o
crystal or glass is found everywhere,
crystal or glass is found everywhere, and held
held of
of no
value;
value a ;
a ruby
ruby isis obtained
obtained with difficulty, and there-
with difficulty, there-
fore
fore inestimable."
inestimable."

XXXVII.

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

XXXVIII.

Nothing
Nothing is is so
so good
good for
for an ignorant
ignorant man as as silence,
silence,
and if
if he knew this
this he would no longer
longer be ignorant
ignorant: :

-""When
When unadorned with with the
the grace of eloquence
grace of eloquence itit is
is
wise
wise to
to keep
keep watch over
over the
the tongue
tongue in
in the
the mouth.
The tongue,
tongue, byby abu.:-e,
abu.-e, renders
renders a a man contemptible;
contemptible ;

levity
levity in
in a nut
nut is
is a sign
sign of its
its being
being empty.-A
empty. A fool
fool
was undertaking
undertaking the the instruction
instruction ofof an
an ass,
ass, and had
 SHA.lKH SADI.
SHA1KPI SA.DI.
285
devoted his
devoted his whole
whole time
time to
to this occupation. A
this A wise
wise
occupation.
man said
man said to
to him
him: What
What art
art thou
thou endeavouring to to do?
do?
:
endeavouring
In this
In this vain
vain attempt dread
dread the
the reproof ofof the
the censori-
censori-
attempt reproof
ous brute can
ous! A brute can never
never learn
learn speech from
from thee
thee; dodo
!
speech ;

thou learn
thou learn silence
silence from
from him
him : -That man who
That man
:
who reflects
reflects
not before
not before hehe speaks will
will only make
make allall the
the more
more
speaks only
improper answer.
answer. Either
Either like
like aa man
man arrange thy
improper arrange thy
~ ~. speech with
with judgment, oror like
like aa brute
brute sit
sit silent."
silent."
speech judgment,

XXXIX.
XXXIX.

Whoever shall
Whoever shall argue with
with one
one more
more learned
learned than
than
argue
himself that others may take him for a wise
himself that others may take him for a wise man, man,
only confirms them in his being a fool :-" " When a
When a
only confirms them in his being a fool :

person superior to to what

what thou
thou art
art engages thee
thee in
in
person superior engages
conversation do not contradict him, though
conversation do not contradict him, though thou thou
mayst know better."
mayst know better."
XL.
XL.

He can
He can see
see nono good who
Who will
will associate
associate with
with the
the
good
wicked
wicked :_H
:
" Were an angel from heaven to associate
Were an angel from heaven to associate
with aa demon,
with demon, hehe would
would learn
learn his
his brutality, perfidy,
brutality, perfidy,
and hypocrisy. Virtue
and Virtue thou
thou never
never canst
canst learn
learn of
of
hypocrisy.
the vicious
the vicious; itit is
is not
not the
the wolfs
wolf's occupation toto mend
mend
; occupation
skins"
skins
" [but to tear them].
[but to tear them].

XLL
XLI.

Expose not the secret failings of mankind, other-

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

XLII.
XLIL

Whoever
Whoever acquires knowledge and does not practise
acquires knowledge and does not practise
it resembles him
it resembles him who
who ploughs
ploughs his
his land and leaves
land and it
leaves it
unsown.
unsown.
XLIII.
XLIIL
Expect
Expect nono religious zeal from the heartless, nor
religious zeal from the heartless, nor
profit from a nut-shell without a kernel.
profit from a nut-shell without a kernel.

XLIV.
XLIV.

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

XLV.
XLV.

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

XLVI.
XLVI.

It
It is
is not
not every
every man thatthat has
has aa handsome
handsome physical
physical
exterior
exterior that
that has
has aa good
good moral character; for
moral character ;
the
for the
faculty
faculty ofof business
business oror virtue
virtue resides in the
resides in the heart
heart and
and
not
not inin the
the skin.-"
skin.
" Thou canst in one day ascertain
Thou canst in one day ascertain
the
the intellectual faculties of
intellectual faculties of a man, and
a man, and what
what pro-
pro-
ficiency he
ficiency he has has made in his degrees of knowledge;
in his degrees of knowledge ;
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADI. 287

but
but be be not
not secure
secure of
of his
his mind,
mind, nor
nor foolishly sure,
foolishly sure,
for
for it
it may
may take
take years
years
to
to detect
detect the
the innate
innate baseness
baseness
of
of the
the heart"
heart."
XLVII.
XLVII.
Whoever
Whoever contends
contends with
with the
the great sheds his own
great sheds his own
blood
blood :-"
:
"Thou contemplatest thyself as a mighty
Thou contemplatest thyself as a mighty
great man; and they have truly remarked that the
great man and they have truly remarked that the
;

squinter sees double. Thou,

squinter sees double. Thou, who
who canst
canst in
in play butt
play butt
with a ram, must soon find thyself with a
with a ram, must soon find thyself with a broken broken
pate."
pate."
XLVIII.
XLVIII.
To
To grapple with a lion, or to box against a naked
grapple with a lion, or to box against a naked
scimitar,
scimitar, are
are not
not the
the acts
acts of
of the
the prudent
prudent::-""Brave
Brave
not
not the
the furious
furious with
with warwar andand opposition before
opposition before
their
their arms
armsof
ofstrength
strength cross
cross thy
thy hands
hands of
ofsubmission."
submission."

XLIX.
XLIX.
AA weak
weak man,
man, who
who tries
tries his
his courage against the
courage against the
strong, leagues
strong, leagues with
with the
the foe
foe to
to his
his own
own destruction:
destruction :

-"" Nurtured
Nurtured in in aa shade,
shade, what
what strength can he
strength can he
have
have that
that he
he should
should engage
engage with
with the
the warlike
warlike inin
battle;
battle impotent
; impotent ofof arm,
arm, hehe was
was falling
falling
the
the victim
victim
of
of folly when he set his wrist in opposition to a
folly when he set his wrist in opposition to a
wrist
wrist of
of iron."
iron."
L.
L.

Whoever
Whoever willwill notnot listen
listen to
to admonition
admonition harbours
harbours
the
the fancy
fancy of
of hearing
hearing reprehension :-" When
reprehension :
"
When advice
advice
gains
gains not
not an
an admission
admission into
into the
the ear,
ear,
if
if II give thee
give thee
reproof,
reproof, hear
hear it
it in
in silence."
silence."
 288
2 88 SHA.lI(II SADL
SHAIKH SADL

LI.
LI.

The idle
The idle cannot
cannot endure
endure the
the industrious
industrious any
any more
more
than the
than the curs
curs of
of the
the market-place,
market-place, who,
who, on
on meeting
meeting
dogs employed for sporting, will snarl at and prevent
dogs employed for sporting, will snarl at and prevent
them passing.
them passing.
LII.
LII.

AA mean
mean wretch,
wretch, that
that cannot
cannot vie
vie with
with another
another inin
virtue,
virtue,
will
will assail
assail him
him with
with malignity
malignity
:-"
" The narrow-
: The narrow-
minded envier
minded envier will
will somehow
somehow manage
manage toto revile
revile thee,
thee,
who in
who in thy
thy presence
presence might
might have
have the
the tongue
tongue ofof his
his
utterance struck
utterance struck dumb."
dumb."
LIII.
LIU.

Were itit not

Were not from
from thethe cravings
cravings ofof the
the belly,
belly, not
not aa
bird would fall into the snare; nay, the
bird would fall into the snare nay, the fowler would
;
fowler would
find ofno
find itit of no use
use to
to spread
spread his
his net.
net-" " The belly forges
The belly forges
manacles for the wrists, and
manacles for the wrists, and fetters for fetters for the
the legs
legs; the
;
the
slave of the belly neglects his worship of
slave of the belly neglects his worship of the Deity." the Deity."

LIV.
LIV.

Philosophers eat their meals after long intervals;

Philosophers eat their meals after long intervals ;

abids, or
abids, or monks, take
monks, take half
half aa bellyful
bellyful; zahids,
zahids, or
;
or
hermits,
hermits, what isis sufficient
what sufficient toto sustain
sustain life
life; young
;
young
men, all that is in the dish; the old
men, all that is in the dish the old eat till they
;
eat till they
sweat again; but kalandars gorge to
sweat again but kalandars gorge to such a degree
;
such a degree
asnot
as not to
to leave
leave inside
inside of
ofthem
them room
room enough
enough to to breathe,
breathe,
or on the dish what might satisfy
or on the dish what might satisfy a fly a fly :-"
:
" Fbr two
For two
nights the
nights the glutton
glutton cannot
cannot sleep
sleep for
for thinking,
thinking, first
first on
on
an empty, and next on a sated
an empty, and next on a sated stomach."stomach."
 SHAIKH SAD.l.
SHA.lKH SADL 289

LV.
LV.

To hold
To hold counsel
counsel with women isis bad,
with women bad, and
and to
to deal
deal
"
generously
generously with
with prodigals
prodigals aa fault
fault :-" Showing mercy
Showing mercy
:

upon the
upon the sharp-fanged
sharp-fanged pard
pard must
must prove
prove an
an injustice
injustice
to the
to the harmless
harmless sheep."
sheep."

LVI.
LVI.

Whoever
Whoever has has his
his foe
foe atat his
his mercy,
mercy, and and does
does notnot
"
kill
kill him,
him, is
is his
his own
own enemy
enemy :-" : With
With aa stone
stone in
in his
his
hand,
hand, and
and the
the snake's
snake's head
head convenient,
convenient, aa wise
wise man
man
hesitates
hesitates not not in in crushing
crushing it"it"
Certain
Certain people
people havehave seen
seen this maxim in
this maxim in an
an opposite
opposite
point
point of
of view, saying:
view, saying : It
It were
were wiser
wiser to
to delay
delay thethe
execution
execution of of captives,
captives, inasmuch
inasmuch as
as the
the option
option is
is left
left

soso that
that you
you can can slay,
slay, or
or you
you cancan release them but
release them; ;
but
ifif you
you shall
shall havehave heedlessly
heedlessly put put them
them to
to death,
death, the
the
policy
policy isis defunct,
defunct, for for the
the opportunity
opportunity of
of repairing
repairing itit
"
isis lost
lost:-" There
: There isis nono great
great difficulty
difficulty to to separate
separate
the
the soul
soul from
from the the body,
body, butbut itit isis not
not so so easy
easy to to
restore
restore life
life toto the
the dead:
dead prudence
:
prudence dictates
dictates patience
patience
in giving the
in giving the arrow
arrow flight,
flight, for
for let
let it
it quit
quit the bow and
the bow and
itit never
never can
can be be recalled."
recalled."

LVII.
LVII.

A
A learned man who
learned man who has
has got
got into
into an
an argument
argument with
with
the ignorant
the ignorant can have no hopes
can have no hopes of supporting
of supporting his
his
own dignity;
own and ifif an
dignity and;
an ignoramus
ignoramus byby his
his loquacity
loquacity
gets
gets the
the upper
upper hand
hand it
it should
should not
not surprise
surprise us,
us, for
for he
he
"
isis aa stone
stone and
and can
can bruise
bruise aa gem
gem :-" No
No wonder
wonder
: ifif
61
7761
29o SHAIKHSADL
SHAIKH SADI.

his spirit flag; the

his the nightingale isis cooped
cooped up
up inin the
the
spirit flag ; nightingale
same cage with
same with the
the crow
crow:-If
If the man
the man of
of sense
sense isis
cage :

coarsely treated by the vulgar, let it not excite our

coarsely treated by the vulgar, let it not excite our
wrath and indignation; ififaa pieceof
wrath and ofworthless
worthless stone
stone
indignation ; piece
can bruise
can bruise aa cup ofof gold,its
itsworth
worth isisnot
notincreased,
increased,
cup gold,
nor that of the gold diminished."
nor that of the gold diminished."

LVIII.
LVIIL

Nowonder
No wonder that
that aa wise
wise man
man isis not
not listened
listened toto inin
a company of low people,
a company of low people, for the for the sound
sound ofthe
of thebarbut
barbut
is lost amidst the rattling
is lost amidst the rattling
of
of the
the great drum, and
and the
the
great drum,
odourof
odour of ambergrisovercome
overcome bythe thefcetor
fectorof of garlic:-
ambergris by garlic :

"The loud
"The loud bawling of ofthe
the ignorant reared
reared itsits crest,
crest,
bawling ignorant
because itit was
because was brow-beating the the learned
learned by its its
brow-beating by
effrontery: artartthou
thounot
notaware
awarethatthatthe
themusical
musical modemode
effrontery :

of Hijaz isis confounded

of confounded by the the noise
noise of of the
the warlike
warlike
Hijaz by
drum? ?"
drum "

LIX.
Lix.

Let aa gem fall

Let gem fall into
into the
the mire,
mire, and
and itit remains
remains the
the
same precious stone it was; and let dust
same precious stone it was and let dust be whirled
;
be whirled
up totoheaven,
heaven,and
and ititretains
retainsits
itsbase
baseorigin.
origin.
up

LX.
LX.

Genius without
Genius without education
education isis the
the subject
subject ofof our
our
regret, and education without genius is labour
regret, and education without genius is labour lost.
lost
Although embers have a lofty origin (fire being of a
Although embers have a lofty origin (fire being of a
noble nature),yet,
noble nature), havingno
yet,asas having no intrinsic
intrinsic worth,
worth,they
they
fall upon a level with common
fall upon a level with common dust dust; on the other
on the other
;
 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 quality Inasmuch as the
:

but from its own innate quality :-" Inasmuch as the

disposition of Canaan was bad, his descent from the
disposition of Canaan was bad, his descent from the
prophet Noah stood him in no stead. Pride thyself
prophet Noah stood him in no stead. Pride thyself
on what virtue thou hast, and not on thy parentage ;
on what virtue thou hast, and not on thy parentage;
the rose springs from a thorn-bush, and Abraham
the rose springs
" from a thorn-bush, and Abraham
from Azor [either his father's name, or fire].
from Azor " [either his father's name, or 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 perfumers impose upon us If a :

and not what the perfumers impose upon us :-" If a

man be expert in any art he needs not tell it, for his
man be expert in any art he needs not tell it, for his
own skill will show it"
own skill will show it"
LXIL
LXIL
A wise man like a vase in a druggist's shop,
A wise man is,is, like a vase in a druggist's shop,
silent, but full of virtues and the ignorant man
silent, but full of virtues; and the ignorant
;
man
resembles the drum of the warrior, being full of
resembles the drum of the warrior, " being full of
noise, and an empty babbler The sincerely devout
:

noise, and an empty babbler :-" The sincerely devout

have remarked that a learned man, beset by the
have remarked that a learned man, beset by the
illiterate, is like one of the lovely in a circle of the
illiterate, is like one of the lovely in a circle of the
blind, or the holy Koran in the dwelling of the
blind, or the holy Koran in the dwelling of the
infidel."
infidel."
LXIII.
LXIII.
A friend whom
A friend whom they they take an
age
take an age conciliate,
to" conciliate,
to
it were wrong all at once to alienate In a series
:

it were wrong all at once to alienate :-" In a series

of years a stone changes into a ruby take heed,
of years a stone changes into a ruby; take heed, ;

and destroy it not at once by dashing it against

and destroy it not at once by dashing it against
another stone."
another stone."
292 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADI.

LXIV.
LXIV.

Reason isis in
Reason in like
like manner
manner enthralled
enthralled by
by passion,
passion,
as an
as an uxorious
uxorious man
man isis in
in the
the hands
hands ofof an
an artful
artful
woman.-"Thou
woman. U
Thou mayst
mayst shut
shut the
the door
door of
of joy
joy upon
upon
that dwelling
that dwelling where
where thou
thou nearest
hearest resounding
resounding the the
scolding voice
scolding voice of
of aa woman."
woman."

LXV.
LXV.

Intellect, without
Intellect, without firmness,
firmness, isis craft
craft and
and chicanery;
chicanery;
and firmness,
and firmness, without
without intellect,
intellect, perverseness
perverseness and and
"
obstinacy:-cc
obstinacy : First, prudence,
First, prudence, good
good sense,
sense, and
and dis-
dis-
crimination, and
crimination, and then
then dominion;
dominion; for for the
the dominion
dominion
and good
and good fortune
fortune of of the
the ignorant
ignorant areare the
the armour
armour ofof
rebellion against
rebellion against God."
God."

LXVI.
LXVI.

The sinner who

The sinner who spends
spends and
and gives
gives away
away is better
is better
than the devotee who
than the devotee who begs
begs and
and lays
lays by.
by.

.LXVII,
LXVII.

Whoever
Whoever foregoes
foregoes carnal
carnal indulgence
indulgence in in order
order to
to get
get
the good
the good opinion
opinion of
of mankind,
mankind, has
has forsaken
forsaken aa lawful
lawful
passion and
passion and involved
involved himself
himself in
in what
what isis forbidden
forbidden :- :

"
"What, wretched creature
What, wretched creature! can
! can that
that hermit
hermit see
see inin his
his
own
own tarnished
tarnished mirror,
mirror, or heart, who
or heart, who retires
retires to
to aa cell,
cell,
"
but not
but not for
for the
the sake ofGod
sake of God?"?
 SHAIKHSA.DI.
SHAIKH SADI. 293
293

LXVIII.
LXVIII.

Little upon little makes a muckle, and drop upon

Little upon little makes a muckle, and drop upon
drop gathers
drop intoa atorrent
gathersinto torrent
"
A
little and a little
:_H A little
:
and a little
becomesa a
becomes great
greatdeal,
deal, andgrain
and grainupon
upongrain a abarnful
grain barnful

ofof corn."
corn."
LXIX.
LXIX.
r_

A Awise
wise manshould
man shouldnot
notthrough clemency
clemency
through overlook
overlook
insolenceofof
theinsolence the otherwiseboth sustain a
bothsustain
the the vulgar, otherwise
vulgar, a
loss, for their respect for him is lessened and their
loss, for their respect for him is lessened and their
ownbrutality
own confirmed:
brutalityconfirmed "Whenthou
:_H When thouaddressest
addressest
the low with urbanity and kindness, it only adds to
the low with urbanity and kindness, it only adds to
their pride and arrogance."
their pride and arrogance."

LXX.
LXX.

SinSinis isreprehensible,
reprehensible, whoeverthe
whoever the transgressor may
transgressor may
and more so with men of
be,be,and more so with men of learning,learning,forforknowledge
knowledge
is the weapon for contending with Satan
is the weapon for contending with Satan; and ;
when
andwhen
an armed man is taken prisoner, the stain of his
an armed man is taken prisoner, the stain of his
"
disgraceis isallallthe
disgrace thedeeper :_H An
deeper : Anignorant
ignorantand andlow
low
man, of dissolute morals, is preferable to a learned
man, of dissolute morals, is preferable to a learned
manmanwithout
without temperance for that lost his way from
temperance; for that lost his way from
;

a defect of sight, but this with both eyes open walked

a defect of sight, but this with both eyes open walked
into a pit."
into a pit."
LXXI.
LXXI.

Suchasasate
Such ate not his bread during life will not praise
not his bread during life will not praise
him now he dead.
him now he is isdead.
 294 SIIAIKHSAD
SHAIKH SADI.
294 I.

LXXII.
LXXII.

The poorwidow
The widowrelishes
relishes the
the grapes,and
and not
notthe
the
poor grapes,
greatman
manthat
thatowns
ownsthe
thefruit
fruit
great

LXXIII.
LXXIII.

Thebenevolent
The benevolent Joseph,ononwhom whombebe blessing,would would
Joseph, blessing,
not, duringthethe scarcityinin Egypt,eat eathishis fill,that
thathehe
not, during scarcity Egypt, fill,
might keep the hungry in remembrance :-" " Who-
Who-
might keep the hungry in remembrance :

ever may indulge in ease and plenty, what

ever may indulge in ease and plenty, what can he feel
can he feel
for the condition of the
for the condition of the hungry?
hungry? That
That man canman can
judgeofofthethe state
stateofofthe
the distressed,who whoamidst
amidsthis his
judge distressed,
abundance is temperate
abundance is temperate and frugaland frugal :
:-Be
Be aware, O0
aware,
thou! who art mounted upon a prancing
thou who art mounted upon a prancing steed, that
!
steed, that
the poor thorn-bearing ass sticks in
the poor thorn-bearing ass sticks in the flood and
the flood and
mire.
mire.
Conclude not that there is a fire in
Conclude not that there is a fire in the hovel
the hovel
of thy indigent neighbour, the smoke that
of thy indigent neighbour, the smoke that thou seest
thou seest
issuingfrom
fromhishis chimneyisisthethe sighofofhishisheart."
heart."
issuing chimney sigh

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
on the condition that you apply a balm to his wound, wound,
and supply him
and him with
with the
the means
means ofof subsistence
subsistence:-
supply :

" "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
dodo not
not go near
near him.
him. Now
N owthat
that thou
thouwentest
wentestand
and
go
 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADL 295
295

askedesthim
askedest howhehefell,
himhow likea asturdy
fell,like sturdyfellow bindup
fellowbind up
thy
thyloins, and take
loins,and take his ass by
his ass the
bythe tail."
tail."

LXXV.
LXXV.

TwoTwothings
thingsarearerepugnant reason toto expend
repugnanttoto reason: :
expend
morethan
more whatProvidence
thanwhat Providencehas hasallotted
allottedfor
forus, andtoto
us,and
"
die beforeour
die before ourordained
ordained time.-"
time. Whetheroffered
Whether offeredup
up
inin gratitude,
gratitude,oror uttered
uttered inin complaint,
complaint,destiny cannot
destinycannot
bebe altered
altered by thousand sighs
by a a thousand and lamentations.
sighs and lamentations.
Theangel
The angelwhowho presides
presidesover thestore-house
over the store-house ofofthe
the
windsfeels
winds nocompunction,
feelsno compunction,thoughthoughhe heextinguish the
extinguishthe
old woman'slamp."
oldwoman's lamp."

LXXVI.
LXXVI.

oO you thatare
you that aregoing questofoffood,
goinginin quest food,sit
sitdown,
down,
thatyou
that mayhave
you may havetotoeat. And,0 Oyou
eat. And, youthat death
thatdeath
isisinin quest
quest of,
of,go noton,
go not on,for
for you cannot carry
you cannot carry life
life

along
along withwith you.-"
you. "In search ofof thy
In search thy daily
daily bread,
bread,
whetherthou
whether thoucxertest
exertest thyself,
thyself,or whetherthou
orwhether thou dost
dost
not, the God of
not, the God of Majesty and
Majesty and GloryGlory will
will equally
equally
Wertthou
provideit.it. Wert
provide walkinto
thoutotowalk mouthofofa a
themouth
into the

tiger or
tigeror lion, he could not devour
lion,he could not devour thee, unless
thee,unless by the
bythe
ordinance
ordinance of thyof thydestiny."
destiny."

LXXVII.
LXXVII.

Whatever was
Whatever was not
not designed, hand cannot
the hand
designed, the cannot
reach
reach; and whatever was it can attain in
and whatever was ordained, it can attain in
; ordained,
"
any situation
anysituation Thouhast
:-" Thou
: heardthat
hastheard Alexandergot
thatAlexander got
296 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADI.

asasfar
farasaschaos
chaos;but
;
butafter
afterallallthis
thistoil
toilhehedrank
dranknot
not
thewater
the waterofofimmortality."
immortality."

LXXVIII.
LXXVIII.

Thefisherman,
The fisherman,unless
unlessit itbebehis
hislot,
lot,catches
catchesnonofish
fish
theTigris
ininthe Tigris;
;
andthe
and thefish,
fish,unless
unlessit itbebeitsitsfate,
fate,does
does
notdie
not dieononthe
thedry
dryland.
land.-"
" Thewretched
The wretched miser
miserisis
prowlingallallover
prowling theworld,
overthe world,heheininquest
questofofpelf,
pelf,and
and
deathininquest
death questofofhim."
him."

LXXIX.
LXXIX.

The sinful rich man is a piece of gilded earth;· and

The sinful rich man is a piece of gilded earth and ;

theholy
the holydarwesh
darwesha asoil-tarnished
soil-tarnishedcharmer.
charmer. This
Thisthe
the
patchedcloak
patched cloakofofMoses,
Moses,and
andthat
thatthe
theembroidered
em broidered
mantleofofPharaoh.
mantle Pharaoh.
LXXX.
LXXX.

Thebad
The badfortune
fortuneofofthe
thegood
goodturns
turnstheir
theirfaces
facesupuptoto
heaven,and
heaven, andthe
thegood
goodfortune
fortuneofofthe
thebad
badbows
bowstheir
their
headsdown
heads downtotothe
theearth.
earth.-"Whoever possessespower
"Whoever possesses power
anddominion,
and dominion,and
andshows
showsnot
notwithal
withala ameek
meekdisposi-
disposi-
tion, tell himheheshall
tion, tellhim shallnot,
not,ininthe
thekingdom
kingdomtotocome,
come,
meet with either power or dominion."
meet with either power or dominion."

LXXXI.
LXXXI.

Theenvious
The enviousman
manis isniggard
niggardofofthethegifts
giftsofofProvi-
Provi-
dence, and an enemy
dence, and an enemy ofof the innocent
the innocent :
:-"
"
I I met
met a a dry-
dry-
brainedfellow
brained fellowofofthis
thissort,
sort,tricked
trickedforth
forthininthe
therobe
robe
 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI. 297
297
of a dignified person.
of a dignified person. I I said
said: 0 sir
: O
sir! ififthou
!
thou art
art
unfortunate in having this disposition, in what have
unfortunate in having this disposition, in what have
the fortunate been to blame ? Take heed, and wish
the fortunate been to blame?-Take heed, and wish
not misfortune to the misanthrope, for his own ill-
not misfortune to the misanthrope, for his own ill-
conditioned
conditioned lot calamitysufficient.
lotisiscalamity sufficient. What
Whatneed
need isis
there of showing ill-will to him, who has such an
there of showing ill-will to him, who has such an
enemyclose
enemy closeatathis
hisheels."
heels."

LXXXII.
LXXXII.

AA scholar
scholar without
without diligence lover without
diligence isis a a lover without
money a traveller without knowledge is a bird
money; a traveller without knowledge is a bird
;

without
withoutwings ;
theoristwithout
wings;a a theorist practiceisis a a tree
without practice tree
without fruit and a devotee without learning is a
without fruit; and a devotee without learning is a
;

house withoutananentrance.
housewithout entrance.

LXXXIII.
LXXXIII.

The object ofof sending

The object sending the Koran down
the Koran down from
from
heaven was that mankind might make it a manual of
heaven was that mankind might make it a manual of
morals,and
morals, andnot
notthat theyshould
thatthey shouldrecite bysections.
reciteititby sections.

LXXXIV.
LXXXIV.

The
The sincere publican has
sincere publican proceeded onon foot
hasproceeded foot; the
the
;

slothful Pharisee is mounted and gone asleep.

slothful Pharisee is mounted and gone asleep.

LXXXV.
LXXXV.

The sinnerwho
Thesinner whohumbles
humbleshimself prayerisis more
himselfininprayer more
than the devotee who is puffed
acceptable than the devotee who is puffed up
acceptable upwith
with
 298 SHAIKI:l
SHAIKH SA.DI.
SADL
pride.-"
pride.
" The courteous and kind-hearted soldier o
The courteous and kind-hearted soldier o
fortune
fortune isis better
better than
than the
the misanthropic and learned
misanthropic and learne
divine."
divine."

LXXXVI.
LXXXVI.

AA learned
learned man
man without
without works
works isis aa bee
bee without
withou
honey
honey ;-"
;
"Tell that harsh and ungenerous hornet: As
Tell that harsh and ungenerous hornet As :

thou
thou yieldest no honey, wound not with thy sting."
yieldest no honey, wound not with thy sting."

LXXXVII.
LXXXVII.

AA man
man without
without humanity
humanity isis aa woman;
woman and and an
;
an
avaricious devotee a highway
avaricious devotee a highway robber. robber.-" "Thou who,
Thou who,
to
to get
get aa name
name inin the
the opinion of mankind, hast put on
opinion of mankind, hast put on
aa white robe,
white robe, thy reputation is
thy reputation is black.
black. Whether
Whether thy
thy
sleeve
sleeve be short or long, it behoves thee to
be short or long, it behoves thee to contract
contract
thy
thy intercourse
intercourse with
with thethe world."
world."

LXXXVIII.
LXXXVIII.

Two
Two orders
orders of ofmankind
mankind cannot
cannot letlet regret
regret quit their
quit their
thoughts,
thoughts, nor
nor withdraw
withdraw their
their feet
feet from
from the
the slough
slough
of
ofself-delusion:
self-delusion the
: the merchant
merchant who who has
has suffered
suffered ship-
ship-
wreck,
wreck, and
and the the heir
heir who
who associates
associates with
with kalandars.-
kalandars.
"" Unless
Unless thy thy property
property bebe given
given forfor their
their special
special
endowment, shedding
endowment, shedding thy thy blood
blood were
were aa matter
matter of of
indifference
indifference with with monks.
monks. Either
Either gogo not
not to
to associate
associate
with
with the
the blue-frocked
blue-frocked gentry, or draw the finger of
gentry, or draw the finger of
aa blot
blot over
over thy thy property
property and
and family.
family.
Either
Either make
make
not
not companions
companions of
of elephant-drivers,
elephant-drivers,
or
or build
build thyself
thyself
aa house
house fit
fit to
to accommodate
accommodate an an elephant"
elephant"
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADL 299
299

LXXXIX.
LXXXIX.
Though aa dress
Though by the
presented by
dress presented sovereign be
the sovereign be
honourable, yet
honourable, is our own tattered
yet is our own tattered garment
garment prefer-
prefer-
able; and
able ;
the viands
though the
and though great man's
at aa great
viands at table be
man's table be
delicate,
delicate, yet
yet is
is our
our own
own homely
homely fare
fare more
more sweet
sweet:- :

"
"AA salad
salad and vinegar, the
and vinegar, produce of
the produce our own
of our own
industry, are sweeter than the lamb
industry, are sweeter than the lamb and bread sauce
and bread sauce
at the table of our village chief."
at the table of our village chief."

xc.
xc.
It is
contrary to
I t is contrary to sound judgment, and
sound judgment, and repugnant
repugnant
to the maxims of the prudent, to take a medicine on
to the maxims of the prudent, to take a medicine on
conjecture, or
conjecture, or to follow aa road
to follow road but in the
but in track of
the track of the
the
caravan.
caravan.
XCI.
XCI.
They asked
They asked Imaam Mursheed Mohammed-bin-
Imaam Mursheed Mohammed-bin-
Mohammed on whom be God's mercy, how
l\1:~hammed Ghazali,oll whom be God's mercy, how
Ghazali,
he had
he reached such
had reached such aa pitch
pitch of knowledge. He
of knowledge. He
replied Whatever
: I was ignorant of myself, I felt no
replied: Whatever I was ignorant of myself, I felt no
"
shame
shame in asking of
in asking of others
others :-" Thy
:
prospect of
Thy prospect of health
health
conforms
conforms with reason, when
with reason, when thy is in
pulse is
thy pulse charge of
in charge of
aa skilled Ask whatever thou knowest
skilled physician. Ask whatever thou knowest not;
physician. not;
for the condescension of inquiring is a guide on thy
for the condescension of inquiring is a guide on thy
road in the
road in excellence of
the excellence of learning."
learning."

XCII.
XCII.
Anything you foresee that
Anything you foresee
that you may somehow
you may somehow
come to know, be not hasty in questioning, lest your
come to know, be not hasty in questioning, lest your
3300
00 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKH SADI.
"
consequence
consequence andand respectability
respectability may When
suffer :-" When
may suffer :

Lucman
Lucman perceived the hands of David
perceived that in· the hands of David iron
that in iron
was moulded he
miraculously moulded like wax, he asked him
was miraculously like wax, asked him
not, How didst thou do he was
not, How didst thou do it? for he was aware that
it? for aware that
he should
he know it,
should know it, through
through his own wisdom,
his own without
wisdom, without
asking."
asking."

XCIII.
XCIII.

It
It is one of
is one of the
the laws of good
laws of good breeding that you
breeding that you
should forego
should an
forego an engagement, or accommodate
engagement, or accommodate your-your-
self
self to master of
the master
to the of the entertainment :-"" If
the entertainment thou
If thou
:

knowest that
knowest the inclination
that the inclination is
is reciprocal, accommo-
reciprocal, accommo-
date thy
date thy story
story to the temper
to the temper of of the
the hearer.
hearer. Any
Any
discreet man that
discreet man was in
that was in Mujnun's
Mujnun's company would
company would
entertain him only
entertain him only with encomiums on
with encomiums on Laila."
Laila."

XCIV.
XCIV.

Whoever associates
Whoever associates withwith the
the profligate,
profligate, though
though he he
may not be
may not be impressed with bad
impressed with their bad habits,
their habits, will
will
be charged
be charged withwith following their evil
following their evil ways;
ways in in like
;
like
manner as a
manner as if a person
if withdrew into a
person withdrew into a dram-shop,
dram-shop, for for
the
the purpose of
purpose of saying his
saying his prayers,
prayers, they would
they would suspect
suspect
"
him of
him of having
having gonegone to to tipple Thou hast
tipple :-" Thou
: hast incurred
incurred
upon
upon thyself the character
thyself the character of of ignorance, because thou
ignorance, because thou
choosest to associate with the
choosest to associate with the ignorant-I ignorant. I asked
asked aa
learned man to give me his advice
learned man to give me his advice; he enjoined;
he enjoined me me
not to keep company with the
not to keep company with the ignorant; for if the
ignorant ;
for if the
of the
oracle of the age in learning, I should become an ass
oracle age in learning, I should become an ass;
if naturally weak, an absolute idiot"
and,
and, if naturally weak, an absolute idiot"
 SHAIKH SADL 301
SHAIKH SA.DI. 3 01

XCV.
xcv.
Such is the acknowledged docility of a camel, that
Such is the acknowledged docility of a camel, that
were a child to take it by the halter, and lead it for a
were a child to take it by the halter, and lead it for a
hundred parasangs, it would not disobey him but
hundred parasangs, it would not disobey him; but ;

should such a dangerous precipice come in the way

should such a dangerous precipice come in the way
as might put his life in jeopardy, and the child, in his
as might put his life in jeopardy, and the child, in his
ignorance, persist in pushing it on, it would tear the
ignorance, persist in pushing it on, it would tear the
rein from his hand and refuse any longer to obey
rein from his hand and refuse any longer to obey
him for at the instant of a difficulty it were repre-
;
him; for at the instant of a difficulty it were repre-
hensible to stand on ceremony. On the other hand,
hensible to stand on ceremony. On the other hand,
it has been remarked that an is not a whit the
enemy
it has been remarked that an enemy is not a whit the
more friendly from any courtesy; nay, he is still the
more friendly from any
" courtesy; 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 eyes up with mud. Waste not urbanity and
both his eyes up with mud. Waste not urbanity and
mildness upon the perverse, for rusty iron is not to be
mildness upon the perverse, for rusty iron is not to be
polished with a smooth file."
polished with a smooth fiie."

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

XCVII.
XCVII.
had aa sore
II had under my clothes.
sore under clothes. My preceptor
preceptor-
be God's mercy upon him would
be God's mercy upon him-would daily ask, daily ask, saying
saying:
How is
How is it? But he
it? But would not
he would question me
not question about
me about
where it was, so far cautious as to avoid the
where it was, being so far cautious as to avoid the
being
mention of of every member of the body. And the sage
mention every member of the body. And the sage
have remarked Whoever shall
have remarked: Whoever
: shall not ponder his ques-
not "ponder his ques-
tion may be vexed at its answer It behoves thee
tion may be vexed at its answer :-" It :
behoves thee
not to open thy mouth to speak till full well aware
not to open thy mouth to speak till full well a ware
that thy words are the essence of what are proper.
that thy words are the essence of what are proper. If If
thou tellest the truth, and remainest in durance, it is
thou tell est the truth, and remainest in durance, it is
better than by a lie to work out thy deliverance."
better than by a lie to work out thy deliverance."
XCVIII.
XCVIII.
To tell
To tell a falsehood is like the cut of a sabre
a falsehood is like the cut of a sabre; for ;
for
though thethe wound may heal, the scar of it will
though 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 Joseph, who, being notorious for a lie, had no
blessed Joseph, who, being notorious for a lie, had no
credit afterwards when they spoke the truth
credit afterwards when they spoke the truth :-God : God
on high has said Jacob is supposed to speak
on high has said-Jacob is supposed to speak-
Koran xii.
Koran xii. (Sale
(Sale ii. 35)
ii. : but rather ye have con-
Nay, but
35) :-Nay, 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
me to be patient :
be patient :-" If If a man who is in the habit of
a man who is in the habit of
speaking trnth lets
speaking trpth lets a a mistake
mistake escape him, we
escape him, we can
can
overlook it but if he be notorious for uttering false-
overlook it; but if he be notorious for uttering false-
;

and tell
hoods, and
hoods, tell a truth, thou wilt call it a lie."
a truth, thou wilt call it a lie."
XCIX.
XCIX.
The noblest
The noblest of creatures is man, and the vilest of
of creatures is man, and the vilest of
animals is no doubt a
animals is no dog; yet,
doubt a dog; in the
yet, in the concurring
concurring
 SHAIKH SADL 303
SHAIKH SADI.
opinion of the wise, a dog, thankful for his food, is
OpInIOn
more of the
worthy wise,
than a a dog, thankful
human for ishisvoid
being who food,ofis
more worthy
gratitude "A than
:
a human
dog will being the
never forget whocrumb
is void
thouof
gratitude :-" A dog will
gavest him, though thou mayst afterwards throwthou
never forget the crumb a
gavest him,
hundred though
stones thou
at his mayst
head butafterwards
foster with
;
throw
thy a
hundred stones at his head; but foster with
kindness a low man for an age, and on the smallest thy
kindness a low man for an age, and on the
provocation he will be up against thee in arms." smallest
provocation he will be up against thee in arms."
C.

No
c.
to be expected from the sensualist, and
virtue is

No
high virtue
station is
is to be
not expected from the sensualist, and
fitting for the illiterate and worth-
high station
less :
"
Showisnonot fitting
mercy to for
the the illiterate
fatted ox, forand worth-
whatever
isless :-" Show
gluttonous no
must mercy
be to
given the
to fatted
sloth. ox,
If for whatever
desirous of
is gluttonous
getting fat and must
sleek be
as given
an ox,to sloth.
submit If
thy desirous
carcase toof
getting
others to fat and
beat sleekthat
it like as an
of ox, submit thy carcase to
an ass."
others to beat it like that of an ass."
CI.
cr.
It is written in the Injeel, or Gospel, stating: O
son It
of is written
man, in the riches
if I bestow Injeel,upon
or Gospel,
you youstating:
will be0
son of
more man,upon
intent if I bestow riches upon
your property you you
than upon me, will
and ifbe
I more
leaveintent
you in upon your property
poverty you will than upon dejected
sit down me, and if
;

I leave
how then you in poverty
can you you will
feel a relish sit down
to praise or a dejec"ted;
zeal to
how then
worship mecan
? you feel a xxx.
(Proverbs relish7,to8, praise
9):
" or a zeal to
In the day
ofworship me? art(Proverbs
plenty thou proud and xxx. 7,8,9) :-"
negligent In time
in the
;
the day
of
of plenty
want, thou
full of art proud
sorrow and negligent;
and dejected ;
since ininprosperity
the time of
want,
and full of sorrow
adversity such is and dejected; it
thy condition, since
wereindifficult
prosperity
to
and adversity such is thy condition, it
state when thou wouldst voluntarily do thy duty." were difficult to
state when thou wouldst voluntarily do thy duty."
CII.

The pleasure of Him, or crr.

God, who has no equal,
The
hurls onepleasure of Him,
man from or God,
a throne of who has no equal,
sovereignty, and
hurls one man from a throne of sovereignty, and
 304 SHAIKHSADI.
SHAIKH SADL
"
another
another hehepreserves in in
preserves a fish'sbelly:-"
a fish's belly :
Happy
Happy pro-
pr
ceedshishistime
ceeds whois isenraptured
timewho enrapturedwith withthy thypraise,
prais
though,
though,like
likeJonas, heheeven
Jonas, evenmaymay pass thebelly
passit itin inthe bel
"
ofof a fish
a fish!" !

CHI.
CIlI.
Werethethe
Were Almighty
Almighty unsheaththe
to tounsheath the swordofofhish
sword
wrath,
wrath,prophets
prophetsand andpatriarchs woulddraw
patriarchswould drawin intheir
the
heads and
heads; ;
andwere wereheheto todeign glimpseofofhish
deigna aglimpse
benevolence,
benevolence, wouldreach
it itwould reachthe wickedalong
thewicked wi
alongwith
"
the
the good
good :_H Were
: Wereheheononthetheday dayofofjudgment
judgmentto
call ususto toa astrict
call strictaccount,
account, eventhe
even theprophets
prophets woul
would
have no room
have no room for excuse. Say,
for excuse. withdraw the
Say,withdraw the veil ve
from the
from the face of thy
face of thycompassion, sinners
compassion,that sinners may
that ma
entertain
entertain hopes
hopes ofof
pardon."
pardon."

CIV.
CIV.
Whoeveris isnotnotto tobebebrought
Whoever broughtintointothethepath
pathof
righteousness
righteousness byby the
the punishments
punishments of
of this lifelife
this shall
shallbe
overtaken
overtaken withthe
with the punishmentsofof
punishments that
that come
to tocome:- :

Verily, ',
/ will cause them
Verily1 will cause them to taste the lesser punishment
to taste the lesser punishme
overand
over andabove
abovethethegreater
greaterpunishment:-
punishment: Koran Kora
"
xxxii.
xxxii. (Sale(Saleii. 258) :-" Princes,
258)
ii. :
Princes,in chastising,
in chastising, ad-a
monish, and then confine
monish, and then confine; when they when
; theyadmonish,
admonish, a
and
thou
thou listen est not, they
listenest not, they throw thee into
throw thee into prison."
prison."

CV.CV.
MenofofausplClOUS
Men would rather
fortunewould
auspiciousfortune ta
rathertake

warning fromthetheprecepts
warningfrom preceptsand andexamples
examplesofoftheir
the

predecessors thanthat
predecessorsthan therising
thatthe generation
rising shou
generationshould
 SHAIKH SAJDI. 305
SHAIKH SA.DI.
"
take warning from their acts :The bird will not
take warning . from their acts :_CC The bird will not
approach the grain that is spread about, where it sees
approach the grain that is spread about, where it sees
another bird a captive in the snare. Take warning
another bird a captive in the snare. Take warning
by the mischance of others, that others may not take
by the mischance of others, that others may not take
thine."
warningbybythine."
warning
CVI.
CVI.
How can he help himself who was born deaf, if he
How can he help himself who was born 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 dragging him on that he may not proceed :

fortune
" is dragging him on that he may not proceed:
The dark night of such as are beloved of God
_cc The dark night of such as are beloved of God
is serene and light as the bright day but this good
is serene and light as the bright day; but this good
;

fortune results not from thine own strength of arm,

fortune results not from thine own strength of arm,
till God in his mercy deign to bestow it. To whom
till God in his mercy deign to bestow it.-To whom
shall I complain of thee? for there is no judge else,
shall I complain of thee? for there is no judge else,
nor is any arm mightier than thine. Him whom
nor is any arm mightier than thine. Him whom
thou directest none can lead astray, and him whom
thou directest none can lead astray, and him whom
thou bewilderest none can direct upon his way."
thou bewilderest none can direct upon his way."
CVII.
CVIl.
The beggar whose end is good is better off than
The beggar whose end is good " is better off than
the king whose end is evil :That sorrow which
the king whose end is evil :_cc That sorrow which
is the harbinger of joy is preferable to the joy which
is isthe harbinger of joy is preferable to the joy which
followed sorrow."
is followed bybysorrow."
CVIIL
CVIIL
The sky enriches the earth with rain, and the
The sky enriches the earth with 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 they give, If my moral
What the vessels have, that they gz've.-" If my moral
character strike thee as improper, do not renounce
character strike thee as improper, do not renounce
thine own good character."
thine own good character."
762
3 o6 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADI.

eIX.
CIX.

The Most
The Most High
High God
God discerns
discerns and
and hides
hides what
what
isis improper
improper; my
;
my neighbour
neighbour sees
sees not,
not, and
and isis loud
loud
"
inin his clamour :-"
his clamour God preserve
God
: preserveusus! ifif man
!man knew
knew
whatisishidden,
what hidden,none
nonecould
couldbebesafe
safefrom
fromthetheanimad-
animad-
versionofofhis
version hisneighbour."
neighbour."

ex.
ex.

Gold isis got

Gold got from
from the
the mine
mine by by digging
digginginto
into the
the
earth;and
earth ;
and from
from the
the grasp
grasp ofofthe
the miser
miser by
by taking
taking
"
awayhis
away his life
life :-"Misers
:Misers spend
spend not,
not,but
but watch
watchwith
with
solicitude: expectation,
solicitude : expectation, they
they say,
say, isis preferable
preferable toto
waste. Next
waste. Next day
day observe
observe toto the
the joyjoy ofof their
their
enemies,the
enemies, thegold
goldremains,
remains,and
andthey
theyare
aredead
deadwithout
without
theenjoyment
the enjoymentofofthat
thathope."
hope."

ex
CXI. I.

Such asasdeal
Such dealhard
hard with
withthe
theweak
weakwill will suffer
sufferfrom
from
"
theextortion
the extortionofofthe
thestrong
strong :-" ItItisis not
: notevery
everyarmarminin
which there
which thereisisstrength
strengththat
tliatcan
canwrench
wrenchthe thehand
handofof
a aweak
weakman.
man. Bring
Bringnot
notaffliction
affliction upon
uponthethehearts
heartsofof
thefeeble,
the feeble,lest
lestthou
thoumayst
maystfall
fall under
underthe
thelash
lashofofthe
the
strong."
strong."
ex
CXII.II.

AAwise
wiseman,
man,where
wherehehemeets
meetsopposition,
opposition,labours
labourstoto
getthrough
get throughit,it,and
andwhere
wherehehefinds
findsquiet
quiethehedrops
dropshis
his
anchor, for
anchor, there safety
for there safety isis onon one
one side,
side, and
and here
here
enjoymentininthe
enjoyment themiddle
middleofofit.it.
 SHAIKH SADI.
SHAIKHSADL 307

CXIII.
CXIII.

The gamesterwants
Thegamester wantsthree
threesixes, buthehethrows
sixes,but throwsonly
only
"
three
three aces
aces The
:-" The pasture
: meadow
pasture meadow isis a a thousand
thousand
times richerthan
times richer than the common,but
thecommon, thehorse
butthe hasnot
horsehas not
his tether command."
his tether at command."
at

CXIV.
CXIV.

The
Thedarwesh
darwesh ininhis
hisprayer saying:O0 God,
prayerisissaying God,have
:
have
compassion on the wicked, for to the
compassion on the wicked, for to thegood thou
good thouhast
hast
been
been abundantly kind,inasmuch
abundantly kind, inasmuch asas thou hast made
thou hast made
them
themvirtuous.
virtuous.
CXV.
CXV.

Jamshid was
Jamshid was the
the first person who
first person who putput anan edging
edging
round
round hisgarment,
his and a
garment, and aring ringupon
upon hisfinger.
his finger. They
They
askedhim
asked him: Why
:
Whydid didyouyou'bestow thedecoration
bestowallall the decoration
and
and ornament
ornamentonon the the left hand, whilst
lefthand, whilst the
the right
right isis
the
thesuperior He answered
superior? He answered: Sufficient for theright
? : Sufficient for the right
"
is the ornament of being right.
is the ornament of being right.-"Firedown Firedown com- com-
manded
mandedthe gildersofofChina
thegilders Chinathat theywould
thatthey wouldinscribe
inscribe
upon the
upon frontofofhis
thefront hispalace Strive,O0 wise
palace:Strive,
:
wise man,
man,toto
make the wicked
make the wickedgood, the
good, for thegood
for are of themselves
good are of themselves
greatand
great andfortunate."
fortunate."
CXVI.
CXVI.

They greatand
saidtotoa agreat
Theysaid holyman
andholy man:Notwithstand-
:
N otwithstand-
the
ing the superiority
ing that the right hand
superiority that the right hand commands,
commands,
whydo
why theywear
dothey wear the ringonon the
the ring theleft hand? He
left hand? He
replied: Arc
replied :
Areyou not aware
you not that the
aware that the best are most
best are most
 3 08
3 o8 SHAIKH
SHAIKHSADL
SADI.
"
neglected
neglected !-"
! HeHewho
who castsourourhoroscope,
casts horoscope, provision,
provision,
andfortune,
and fortune,bestows
bestowsupon
uponususeither
eithergood
goodluck
luckor or
wisdom."
wisdom."

CXVII.
CXVII.

It I is
t isproper
properforforhimhimto tooffer
offer counsel
counsel to to kings
kings whowho
dreads
dreads notto tolose
not lose
hishis head,
head, nornor looks
looks forfor a reward.-
a reward.
"
"Whetherthou
Whether thoustrewest
strewestheaps
heapsofofgold
goldat athishisfeet,
feet,
or or brandishest
brandishest ananIndian
Indiansword
swordover
overthetheUnitarian's
Unitarian's
head,
head, to to hopeor orfear
hope fearheheis isalike
alikeindifferent
indifferent;
;
andandin in
this
this thethe divineunity
divine unity alone
alone hehe is is resolved
resolved andand firm."
firm."

CXVIIL
CXVIII.

It I belongs
t belongsto tothetheking
kingto todisplace
displaceextortioners,
extortioners,
to tothethesuperintendent
superintendentofof thepolice
the policeto toguard
guardagainst
against
murderers,and
murderers, andto tothethecazi
cazito todecide
decidein inquarrels
quarrels
and disputes. NoNotwo
anddisputes. twocomplainants
complainantsever everreferred
referred
"
to to the
the cazicontent
cazi content
to to abide
abide byby When
justice.-"
justice. When thou
thou
kl,owestthat
ktiowest thatin inright
rightthetheclaim
claimis isjust,
just,better
betterpay
pay
wltha agrace
with gracethan
thanbybydistress
distressandandforce. a aman
force. If If man
is is refractory
refractory in in discharginghishisrevenue,
discharging revenue,thethecollector
collector
must
must necessarily
necessarily coerce him
coerce him
to to pay
pay it."
it."

CXIX.
CXIX.

Everyman's
Every man'steeth
teethareareblunted
bluntedbyby acids
acids excepting
excepting
"
thecazi's,
the cazi's,and
andthey
theyrequire
requiresweets
sweets :-" Thatcazi,
That
: cazi,
or orjudge,
judge,that
thatcan
canaccept
acceptofoffive
fivecucumbers
cucumbersas asa a
bribe,
bribe, willconfirm
will confirmthee
theein ina aright
rightto totentenfields
fieldsofof
melons."
melons."
 SHAIKH SADI. g09
SHAIKH SADI. 309
CXX.
cxx.
The superannuated bawd feels no hesitation in
The superannuated bawd feels no hesitation in
forswearing fornication, nor the displaced police
nor the displaced police
magistrate infornication,
forswearing foregoing oppression.-" " A young man
magistrate in
becoming a foregoing
recluse oppression.
A young
is a lion-like hero
man
devoting
becoming a recluse is a lion-like hero devoting
himself to the service of God. Not so decrepid age,
himself to the service of God. Not so decrepid age,
-' .\Yhich cannot of itself stir from the corner of its
.which cannot of itself stir from the corner of its
cell."
cell."
CXXI.
CXXI.
They asked a wise man, saying: Of the many
They asked a wise Of the many
trees whichman,the saying
:

celebrated Most High God has

celebrated trees which the Most High God has
created lofty and umbrageous, they call none azad or
created lofty and umbrageous, they call none azad or
free excepting the cypress, which bears no fruit;
free excepting the cypress, which bears no fruit;
what mystery is there in this? He replied: Each
what mystery is there in this ? He replied Each :

has its appropriate produce and appointed season,

has its appropriate produce and appointed season,
during the continuance of which - it is fresh and
during the continuance of which it is fresh and
blooming, and during their absence dry and withered;
blooming, and during their absence dry and withered
to neither of which states is the cypress exposed, ;

to neither of which states is the cypress exposed,

being always flourishing; and of this nature are ~he
being always flourishing and of this nature are the
azads, or religious independents :-"
;

" Fix not thy heart

azads, or religious independents Fix not thy heart
:

on what is transitory; for the Dijlah or Tygris will

on what is transitory for the Dijlah or Tygris will
continue to flow through Baghdad after the race of
;

continue to flow through Baghdad after the race of

Khalifs is extinct. If thy 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 nothing to give
away, be an azad, or free man, like the cypress."
;

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 died, and carried with them
regret: such as had and did not spend, and such as
regret : such as had and did not spend, and such as
33
1o10 SHAIKHSAD
SHAIKH SADI.
I.

knew and
knew and did
did not
not practise
practise :-"
" None can see that
None can see that
:

wretchedmortal
wretched mortal a a miser
miserwho
whowill
will not
not endeavour
endeavourtoto
point
point out
out his
his faults;
faults but
but
;
were
were the
the generous man to
generous man to
havea ahundred
have hundreddefects,
defects,his
hisliberality
liberalitywould
would cover
coverallall
hisblemishes."
his blemishes."

THE CONCLUSION
THE CONCLUSION OF
OF THE
THEBOOK.
BOOK.

Thebook
The bookofofthe theGulistan,
Gulistan,ororFlower-Garden,
Flower-Garden,was was
completed through
completed through the
the assistance
assistance and
and grace
grace ofof God.
God.
Throughoutthe
Throughout thewhole
whole ofofthis
this work
work I I have
havenot notfol-
fol-
lowed the
lowed the custom
custom ofofwriters
writers bybyinserting
inserting verses
versesofof
poetryborrowed
borrowed from from former
former authors
authors :-" " It is more
poetry : It is more
decorous toto wear
decorous wear our
our own
own patched
patched and and oldold cloak
cloak
thantotoask
than askininloan
loananother
anotherman's
man'sgarment"
garment"
Most ofofSadi's
Most Sadi'ssayings
sayingshavehavea adash
dashofofhilarity
hilarityand and
an odour
an odour ofof gaiety
gaiety about
about them,
them, inin consequence
consequence ofof
which short-sighted
which short-sighted critics
critics extend
extend the the tongue
tongue ofof
animadversion,saying
animadversion, saying: ItItisis not
:
not the
theoccupation
occupation ofof
sensible men
sensible men toto solicit
solicit marrow
marrow from from a a shrivelled
shrivelled
brain, orortoto digest
brain, digest the
the smoke
smoke ofofa a profitless
-profi tless lamp.
lamp.
Nevertheless itit cannot
Nevertheless cannot bebe concealed
concealed fromfrom the the en-
en-
lightened
lightened
judgment
judgment of
of the
the holy
holy and
and good,
good, toto whom
whom
these discourses
these discourses are are specially
specially addressed,
addressed, that that the
the
pearls of salutary admonition are threaded on the
pearls of salutary admonition are threaded on the
cord ofof anan elegance
cord elegance ofof language,
language, and and thethe bitter
bitter
potion of instruction sweetened with
potion of instruction sweetened with the honey of
the honey of
facetiousness, that the taste of the reader
facetiousness, that the taste of the reader may not may not
take disgust,
take disgust, andand himself
himself bebe debarred
debarred from from thethe
pleasure of approving
pleasure of approving of them of them :-"
:
" On our part we
On our part we
offered some
offered some goodgood advice
advice, and
3
and spent
spent anan age age inin
 SHAIKH
SHAIKH SADI.
SADL 3311
II

bringing it to perfection. If
bringing it to perfection. If that
that should
should not
not meet
meet
the
the ear
ear of of anybody's good-.wilI,
anybody's good-will, prophets prophets deliver
deliver
their
their messages, or warn mankind; and
messages, or warn mankind ;
and that
that isis
enough."
enough."
"0
"
O thou
thou who
who perusest this book, ask tlte mercy oj
perusest this book, ask tJie mercy of
God
God on the author of it, his forgiveness
on the autllor of it, Itis 01l tlte tra1l-
forgiveness on tJie tran-
scriber.
scriber. Petition
Petition for whatever charitable gift
for wltatever cltaritable thou
gift thou
-- ' JJlayst
mayst require for thyself, and implore pardon on
require for thyself, and implore pardon on
the
the oW1ler."
owner" May May II crave
crave thy thy prayer on the English
prayer on the English
translator ? The
translator? The book
book isis finished thr01lgl1 the favour
finished through the favour
of
of the Lord God Paramount and tlte
the Lord God Paramount a1zd the bestower
bestower ofof all
all
good
good! I

THE
THE END.
END.

Printtd
Printed by
by WAl.TEH SCOTT, Ftlling.
WALTER SCOTT, N e1ocaHtle.on.Tyne.
Felling, Neiccaxtle-on-Tyne,