They relate of one of the kings of Persia, that he had extended the hand of oppression upon the property of his subjects, and had entered on a course of tyranny and injustice. The people were reduced to extremity by the snares of his cruelty, and from the anguish of his tyranny took the road of exile. As the people diminished, the resources of the State were impaired, and the treasury remained empty, and enemies pressed him on every side.
He who in adversity would succour have, Let him be generous while he rests secure. Thou that reward’st him not, wilt lose thy slave, Though wearing now thy ring. Wouldst thou secure The stranger as thy slave, be to him kind; And by thy courtesy enslave his mind.
One day they read, in his presence, the book of the Shah-namah, in the part which relates to the decline of the empire of Zahhak, and the reign of Faridun. The vazir asked the king, saying, “Faridun possessed not treasure, territory, or troops; in what manner was the kingdom secured in his favour?” He replied, “Just as you have heard; the people rallied round him from attachment to him, and gave him their support: he gained the kingdom.” The vazir rejoined, “O king! since sovereignty is acquired by the people’s resorting to one, why dost thou scatter the people from thee? Unless, indeed, thou dost not purpose to be a king.”
He who in adversity would succour have, Let him be generous while he rests secure. Thou that reward’st him not, wilt lose thy slave, Though wearing now thy ring. Wouldst thou secure The stranger as thy slave, be to him kind; And by thy courtesy enslave his mind.
One day they read, in his presence, the book of the Shah-namah, in the part which relates to the decline of the empire of Zahhak, and the reign of Faridun. The vazir asked the king, saying, “Faridun possessed not treasure, territory, or troops; in what manner was the kingdom secured in his favour?” He replied, “Just as you have heard; the people rallied round him from attachment to him, and gave him their support: he gained the kingdom.” The vazir rejoined, “O king! since sovereignty is acquired by the people’s resorting to one, why dost thou scatter the people from thee? Unless, indeed, thou dost not purpose to be a king.”
Since monarchs by their troops their States control, Cherish thy host, O king! with all thy soul.
The king asked, “What causes the soldiery and the people to rally round you?” He replied, “A king must be just, that they may resort to him, and merciful, that they may sit secure under the shadow of his greatness—and thou hast neither of these two qualities.”
Kingcraft yokes not with tyranny: The wolf cannot the shepherd be. Tyrants who on their people fall, Sap their own State’s foundation-wall.
The counsel of the faithful vazir suited not the king’s temper. He ordered him to be bound and sent him to prison. No long time had elapsed when the sons of the king’s uncle rose in revolt, and arrayed an army against him, and demanded the kingdom of their father. Numbers who had been driven to despair by his tyranny, and were dispersed, gathered round them and lent them their support, so that the kingdom passed from his hands.
The king asked, “What causes the soldiery and the people to rally round you?” He replied, “A king must be just, that they may resort to him, and merciful, that they may sit secure under the shadow of his greatness—and thou hast neither of these two qualities.”
Kingcraft yokes not with tyranny: The wolf cannot the shepherd be. Tyrants who on their people fall, Sap their own State’s foundation-wall.
The counsel of the faithful vazir suited not the king’s temper. He ordered him to be bound and sent him to prison. No long time had elapsed when the sons of the king’s uncle rose in revolt, and arrayed an army against him, and demanded the kingdom of their father. Numbers who had been driven to despair by his tyranny, and were dispersed, gathered round them and lent them their support, so that the kingdom passed from his hands.
The king who dares his subjects to oppress, In day of need will find his friend a foe— A mighty one. Soothe, rather, and caress Thy people; and in war-time thou wilt know No fear of foes; for a just potentate The nation’s self will be a host to guard the State.