A certain vazír had a stupid son, whom he sent to a wise man, saying, “Instruct him; perhaps he may become intelligent.” The sage spent a long time in teaching him, without effect. At last he sent a person to his father, with this message, “This boy does not gain in understanding, and has driven me mad.”
STANZA.
Is our first nature such that teaching can
Affect it, soon instruction will take root: But iron, which at first imperfect ran
Forth from the furnace, who then can imbue it With the capacity of polish? So
In the seven seas wouldst thou a dog make clean? When wet, 'tis fouler than it erst has been.
STANZA.
Is our first nature such that teaching can
Affect it, soon instruction will take root: But iron, which at first imperfect ran
Forth from the furnace, who then can imbue it With the capacity of polish? So
In the seven seas wouldst thou a dog make clean? When wet, 'tis fouler than it erst has been.