Joined a society of Durweshes

Perhaps my horse was without barley and my saddle-cloth in pawn; and the Prince, who through avarice withholds the pay of his soldiers, does not deserve that they should expose their lives in his service. Give money to the gallant soldier that he may expose his head, for if you do not pay him, he will seek his fortune elsewhere. The strong man, if his belly is full, will fight valiantly, but when hungry, he will run away stoutly.”

Society of Durweshes

A certain Vizier, being dismissed from his office, joined a society of Durweshes, the blessing of whose company made such an impression as bestowed comfort on his mind. The King was again favourably disposed towards him, and ordered that he ‘should be reinstated; to which the Vizier would not consent, saying, that degradation was preferable to employment. “They who are seated in the corner of retirement close the dog’s teeth and men’s mouths; they tear their papers and break their pens, and are delivered from the hands and tongues of slanderers.” The King said, “Of a truth, we stand in need of a man of such sufficiency for the administration of our government.” The Vizier observed, that the proof of a man’s being sufficiently wise, was his not engaging in such matters. The Homai is honoured above all other birds, because it feeds on bones, and injures not any living creature.

Parable.—They asked a Syagoosh, “Why do you choose the servile society of the lion?” He replied, “Because I eat the i*emains of his hunting, and live guarded from the machinations of my enemies, under the protection of his valour.” They asked, “Now that you are under the shadow of his protection, and gratefully acknowledge his beneficence, why do you not approach, nearer, so as to be brought into the circle of his principal servants, and to be numbered amongst his favourite ministers? ” He replied, “I am not so confident of my safety from his severity. If the Gueber lights the fire an hundred years, yet should he fall into it for an instant, he ‘would be burnt.

It may happen that a King’s minister obtains money; or he may chance to lose his head. The sages have said, “Beware of the inconstant disposition ot princes, who sometimes are dissatisfied at a salutation; and sometimes, in return for rudeness, will bestow a dress of honor.” And they have also observed, ‘ Wit is an accomplishment in a courtier, but a blemish in the character of a wise man. Preserve the dignity of your own character, and leave sport and buffoonery to courtiers.”