Maxim I.
Riches are for the sake of making life comfortable, not life for the sake of amassing riches. I asked a wise man, “Who is fortunate and who unfortunate?” He replied, “The fortunate is he who sowed and reaped; the unfortunate he who died and abandoned.”
COUPLET.
Not for that worthless one a prayer afford, Who life in hoarding spent—ne’er spent his hoard.
Maxim II.
The holy Musa (Peace be on him!) advised Karun, saying, “Do good unto others, as God has done good unto thee!” He did not listen, and thou hast heard his end.
STANZA.
He who by wealth no good deeds has upstored, For it has marred his future destiny.
Wouldst thou derive advantage from thy hoard? Do good to others, as God has to thee.
The Arabs say, “Do good, and do not speak of it, and assuredly thy kindness will be recompensed to thee”; that is to say, “Give and be liberal, and do not impute the obligation, and the benefit will revert to thee.”
Riches are for the sake of making life comfortable, not life for the sake of amassing riches. I asked a wise man, “Who is fortunate and who unfortunate?” He replied, “The fortunate is he who sowed and reaped; the unfortunate he who died and abandoned.”
COUPLET.
Not for that worthless one a prayer afford, Who life in hoarding spent—ne’er spent his hoard.
Maxim II.
The holy Musa (Peace be on him!) advised Karun, saying, “Do good unto others, as God has done good unto thee!” He did not listen, and thou hast heard his end.
STANZA.
He who by wealth no good deeds has upstored, For it has marred his future destiny.
Wouldst thou derive advantage from thy hoard? Do good to others, as God has to thee.
The Arabs say, “Do good, and do not speak of it, and assuredly thy kindness will be recompensed to thee”; that is to say, “Give and be liberal, and do not impute the obligation, and the benefit will revert to thee.”
STANZA.
Where’er the tree of gracious deeds takes root, Its towering top and branches reach the sky:
Do not, if thou wouldst wish to taste its fruit, By boasting of those deeds, the axe apply.
STANZA.
Thank God that He vouchsafes to succour thee, And has not left thee void of grace. Thou serv'st the king—well! do not boastful be, But rather thankful for thy place.
Maxim III.
Two men have laboured fruitlessly and exerted themselves to no purpose. One is the man who has gained wealth without enjoying it; the other he who has acquired knowledge but has failed to practise it.
DISTICHS.
How much soe'er thou learn'st, 'tis all vain; Who practise not, still ignorant remain.
A quadruped, with volumes laden, is No whit the wiser or more sage for this: How can the witless animal discern, If books be piled on it? or wood to burn?
Maxim IV.
Where’er the tree of gracious deeds takes root, Its towering top and branches reach the sky:
Do not, if thou wouldst wish to taste its fruit, By boasting of those deeds, the axe apply.
STANZA.
Thank God that He vouchsafes to succour thee, And has not left thee void of grace. Thou serv'st the king—well! do not boastful be, But rather thankful for thy place.
Maxim III.
Two men have laboured fruitlessly and exerted themselves to no purpose. One is the man who has gained wealth without enjoying it; the other he who has acquired knowledge but has failed to practise it.
DISTICHS.
How much soe'er thou learn'st, 'tis all vain; Who practise not, still ignorant remain.
A quadruped, with volumes laden, is No whit the wiser or more sage for this: How can the witless animal discern, If books be piled on it? or wood to burn?
Maxim IV.
Science is for the cultivation of religion, not for worldly enjoyments.
COUPLET.
Who makes a gain of virtue, science, lore, Is one who garners up, then burns his store.
Maxim V.
A learned man who does not restrain his passions is like a blind man holding a torch; he guides others but not himself.
COUPLET.
Who life has wasted without doing aught, His gold has squandered, and has purchased nought.
Maxim VI.
A country is adorned by wise men, and religion is perfected by the virtuous. Kings stand more in need of the counsel of the wise, than wise men do of propinquity to kings.
STANZA.
King! let my words with thee find grace; My book than this can nought more sage advise: The wise alone in office place; Though office truly little suits the wise.
Maxim VII.
Three things lack permanency, uncombined with three other things: wealth without trading; learning without instruction; and empire without a strict administration of justice.
COUPLET.
Who makes a gain of virtue, science, lore, Is one who garners up, then burns his store.
Maxim V.
A learned man who does not restrain his passions is like a blind man holding a torch; he guides others but not himself.
COUPLET.
Who life has wasted without doing aught, His gold has squandered, and has purchased nought.
Maxim VI.
A country is adorned by wise men, and religion is perfected by the virtuous. Kings stand more in need of the counsel of the wise, than wise men do of propinquity to kings.
STANZA.
King! let my words with thee find grace; My book than this can nought more sage advise: The wise alone in office place; Though office truly little suits the wise.
Maxim VII.
Three things lack permanency, uncombined with three other things: wealth without trading; learning without instruction; and empire without a strict administration of justice.
STANZA.
By courteous speech, politeness, gentleness, Sometimes thou mayest direct the human will: Anon by threats; for it oft profits less With sugar twice a hundred cups to fill, Than from one colocynth its bitters to distil.
Maxim VIII.
To shew pity to the bad is to oppress the good, and to pardon oppressors is to tyrannise over the oppressed.
COUPLET.
When thou to base men giv'st encouragement, Thou shar'st their sins, since thou them aid hast lent.
Maxim IX.
No reliance can be placed on the friendship of princes, nor must we plume ourselves on the sweet voices of children, since that is changed by a caprice, and these by a single slumber.
COUPLET.
On the mistress of a thousand hearts, do not thy love bestow; But if thou wilt, prepare eftso'ons her friendship to forego.
Maxim X.
Reveal not to a friend every secret that thou possessest. How knowest thou whether at some time he may not become an enemy? Nor inflict on thy enemy every injury that is in thy power, perchance he may some day become thy friend. Tell not the secret that thou wouldest have continue hidden to any person, although he may be worthy of confidence; for no one will be so careful of thy secret as thyself.
By courteous speech, politeness, gentleness, Sometimes thou mayest direct the human will: Anon by threats; for it oft profits less With sugar twice a hundred cups to fill, Than from one colocynth its bitters to distil.
Maxim VIII.
To shew pity to the bad is to oppress the good, and to pardon oppressors is to tyrannise over the oppressed.
COUPLET.
When thou to base men giv'st encouragement, Thou shar'st their sins, since thou them aid hast lent.
Maxim IX.
No reliance can be placed on the friendship of princes, nor must we plume ourselves on the sweet voices of children, since that is changed by a caprice, and these by a single slumber.
COUPLET.
On the mistress of a thousand hearts, do not thy love bestow; But if thou wilt, prepare eftso'ons her friendship to forego.
Maxim X.
Reveal not to a friend every secret that thou possessest. How knowest thou whether at some time he may not become an enemy? Nor inflict on thy enemy every injury that is in thy power, perchance he may some day become thy friend. Tell not the secret that thou wouldest have continue hidden to any person, although he may be worthy of confidence; for no one will be so careful of thy secret as thyself.
STANZA.
Better be silent, than thy purpose tell
To others; and enjoin them secrecy. O dolt! keep back the water at the well, For the swoll'n stream to stop thou'lt vainly try. In private, utter not a single word Which thou in public wouldst regret were heard.
Maxim XI.
A weak enemy who submits and makes a show of friendship, does so only with the intention of becoming more dangerous: and they have said, “There is no reliance to be placed in the friendship of friends; how much less in the professions of enemies!” Whosoever despises a small enemy is like him who is careless about a little fire.
STANZA.
To-day extinguish, if thou canst, the fire, Which for its victims will a world require, If not arrested. And ere yet his bow Be strung, thy arrow should transfix the foe.
Maxim XII.
Let thy words between two foes be such that if they were to become friends thou wouldest not be ashamed.
Better be silent, than thy purpose tell
To others; and enjoin them secrecy. O dolt! keep back the water at the well, For the swoll'n stream to stop thou'lt vainly try. In private, utter not a single word Which thou in public wouldst regret were heard.
Maxim XI.
A weak enemy who submits and makes a show of friendship, does so only with the intention of becoming more dangerous: and they have said, “There is no reliance to be placed in the friendship of friends; how much less in the professions of enemies!” Whosoever despises a small enemy is like him who is careless about a little fire.
STANZA.
To-day extinguish, if thou canst, the fire, Which for its victims will a world require, If not arrested. And ere yet his bow Be strung, thy arrow should transfix the foe.
Maxim XII.
Let thy words between two foes be such that if they were to become friends thou wouldest not be ashamed.
DISTICHS.
Like fire is strife betwixt two enemies: The luckless mischief-maker wood supplies. Struck with confusion and ashamed is he, If e'er the two belligerents agree. Can we in this aught rational discern— To light a fire which will ourselves first burn?
STANZA.
In talk with friends speak soft and low, Lest thy bloodthirsty foeman thee should hear: A wall may front thee—true! but dost thou know If there be not behind a listening ear?
Maxim XIII.
Whoever comes to an agreement with the enemies of his friends, does so with the intention of injuring the latter.
COUPLET.
Eschew that friend, if thou art wise, Who consorts with thy enemies.
Maxim XIV.
When, in transacting business, thou art in doubt, make choice of that side from which the least injury will result.
COUPLET.
Reply not roughly to smooth language, nor Contend with him who knocks at peace's door.
Maxim XV.
Like fire is strife betwixt two enemies: The luckless mischief-maker wood supplies. Struck with confusion and ashamed is he, If e'er the two belligerents agree. Can we in this aught rational discern— To light a fire which will ourselves first burn?
STANZA.
In talk with friends speak soft and low, Lest thy bloodthirsty foeman thee should hear: A wall may front thee—true! but dost thou know If there be not behind a listening ear?
Maxim XIII.
Whoever comes to an agreement with the enemies of his friends, does so with the intention of injuring the latter.
COUPLET.
Eschew that friend, if thou art wise, Who consorts with thy enemies.
Maxim XIV.
When, in transacting business, thou art in doubt, make choice of that side from which the least injury will result.
COUPLET.
Reply not roughly to smooth language, nor Contend with him who knocks at peace's door.
Maxim XV.
As long as a matter can be compassed by money, it is not right to imperil life. The Arabs say, “The sword is the last resource.”
COUPLET.
When thou hast failed in every known resource, Then to the sword ’tis right to have recourse.
Maxim XVI.
Compassionate not the weakness of a foe, for were he to become powerful he would have no pity on thee.
COUPLET.
Twist not thy moustaches boastful, nor with pride thy weak foe scan: Every bone contains some marrow, every garment cloaks a man.
APOPHTHEGM.
He who slays a bad man, rids mankind of annoyance from him, and the man himself from an increase of punishment [which his future misdeeds would have merited] from God (may He be honoured and glorified!).
STANZA.
Pity is commendable—that we own; Yet on the tyrant’s wound no ointment place. He that has mercy to a serpent shown, Has acted cruelly to Adam’s race.
COUPLET.
When thou hast failed in every known resource, Then to the sword ’tis right to have recourse.
Maxim XVI.
Compassionate not the weakness of a foe, for were he to become powerful he would have no pity on thee.
COUPLET.
Twist not thy moustaches boastful, nor with pride thy weak foe scan: Every bone contains some marrow, every garment cloaks a man.
APOPHTHEGM.
He who slays a bad man, rids mankind of annoyance from him, and the man himself from an increase of punishment [which his future misdeeds would have merited] from God (may He be honoured and glorified!).
STANZA.
Pity is commendable—that we own; Yet on the tyrant’s wound no ointment place. He that has mercy to a serpent shown, Has acted cruelly to Adam’s race.
Maxim XVII.
To act in accordance with an enemy’s advice is foolish, but it is permissible to hear it, in order to do the opposite, for that will be exactly the right course.
DISTICHS.
Beware of what thy foeman bids thee do, Lest on thy knees thou smite thy hands, and grieve.
Straight as a dart may be the road—'tis true— He points to; yet 'twere better it to leave.
Anger that has no limit causes terror, and unseasonable kindness does away with respect. Be not so severe as to cause disgust, nor so lenient as to make people presume.
DISTICHS.
Sternness and gentleness are best combined: The leech both salves and scarifies, you find. The sage is not too rigorous, nor yet Too mild, lest men their awe of him forget: He seeks not for himself too high a place; Nor will himself too suddenly abase.
DISTICHS.
Once to his sire a shepherd said, “O Sage! Teach me one maxim worthy of thy age.” “Use gentleness,” he said, “yet not so much, That the wolf be emboldened thee to clutch.”
To act in accordance with an enemy’s advice is foolish, but it is permissible to hear it, in order to do the opposite, for that will be exactly the right course.
DISTICHS.
Beware of what thy foeman bids thee do, Lest on thy knees thou smite thy hands, and grieve.
Straight as a dart may be the road—'tis true— He points to; yet 'twere better it to leave.
Anger that has no limit causes terror, and unseasonable kindness does away with respect. Be not so severe as to cause disgust, nor so lenient as to make people presume.
DISTICHS.
Sternness and gentleness are best combined: The leech both salves and scarifies, you find. The sage is not too rigorous, nor yet Too mild, lest men their awe of him forget: He seeks not for himself too high a place; Nor will himself too suddenly abase.
DISTICHS.
Once to his sire a shepherd said, “O Sage! Teach me one maxim worthy of thy age.” “Use gentleness,” he said, “yet not so much, That the wolf be emboldened thee to clutch.”
Two persons are the foes of a state and of religion; a king without clemency, and a religious man without learning.
COUPLET.
Ne’er to that king may states allegiance own, Who bows not humbly at th’ Almighty’s throne.
A king ought not to indulge his resentment against his enemies to such an extent as to shake the confidence of his friends; for the fire of wrath falls first on the wrathful man himself, and after, its flame may or may not reach the enemy.
DISTICHS.
It suits not Adam’s children, earthly-born, T’indulge in pride, ferocity, and scorn. When I behold in thee such heat and ire, I cannot think thee sprung from earth, but fire.
STANZA.
In Bailkan once a devotee I saw,
“From folly purge me by thy words,” I said. “Go!” he replied, “thou who art skilled in law, Be as earth humble, or what thou hast read Might in the earth as well be buried.”
COUPLET.
Ne’er to that king may states allegiance own, Who bows not humbly at th’ Almighty’s throne.
A king ought not to indulge his resentment against his enemies to such an extent as to shake the confidence of his friends; for the fire of wrath falls first on the wrathful man himself, and after, its flame may or may not reach the enemy.
DISTICHS.
It suits not Adam’s children, earthly-born, T’indulge in pride, ferocity, and scorn. When I behold in thee such heat and ire, I cannot think thee sprung from earth, but fire.
STANZA.
In Bailkan once a devotee I saw,
“From folly purge me by thy words,” I said. “Go!” he replied, “thou who art skilled in law, Be as earth humble, or what thou hast read Might in the earth as well be buried.”
The wicked man is overtaken in the grasp of an enemy from whose torturing clutches he can never escape, go where he will.
COUPLET.
Though bad men seek in heaven to flee from ill, E’en there their vices will pursue them still.
When thou seest discord arise among the forces of the enemy, take courage; and when they are united beware then of rout.
STANZA.
Go! with thy friends sit free from care,
If thou thy foes shouldst see with discord rent. But if thou mark’st agreement there, Go string thy bow, thyself prepare, And pile thy missiles on the battlement.
When an enemy has tried every expedient in vain, he will pretend friendship, and then, by this pretext, execute designs which no enemy could have effected.
Crush the serpent’s head with the hand of an enemy, which must result in one of two good things. If the latter be successful, thou hast killed a snake; and if the former, thou hast freed thyself from an enemy.
COUPLET.
Though bad men seek in heaven to flee from ill, E’en there their vices will pursue them still.
When thou seest discord arise among the forces of the enemy, take courage; and when they are united beware then of rout.
STANZA.
Go! with thy friends sit free from care,
If thou thy foes shouldst see with discord rent. But if thou mark’st agreement there, Go string thy bow, thyself prepare, And pile thy missiles on the battlement.
When an enemy has tried every expedient in vain, he will pretend friendship, and then, by this pretext, execute designs which no enemy could have effected.
Crush the serpent’s head with the hand of an enemy, which must result in one of two good things. If the latter be successful, thou hast killed a snake; and if the former, thou hast freed thyself from an enemy.
COUPLET.
Though thy foe be feeble, be not in the battle void of care; He will dash the lion’s brains out when he’s driven to despair.
When thou knowest tidings that will pain the heart of any one, be silent, so that another may be the first to convey them.
COUPLET.
O nightingale! spring’s tidings breathe, Ill rumours to the owls bequeath.
Maxim XXVI.
Do not acquaint a king with the treason of any one, unless when thou art assured that the disclosure will meet with his full approval, else thou art but labouring for thy own destruction.
COUPLET.
Then, only then, to speak intend When speaking can effect thy end.
Maxim XXVII.
He who gives advice to a conceited man is himself in need of counsel.
Maxim XXVIII.
Be not caught by the artifice of a foe, nor purchase pride of a flatterer; for the one has set the snare of hypocrisy, and the other has opened the mouth of greediness. The fool is puffed up with flattery, like a corpse whose inflated heels appear plump.
Though thy foe be feeble, be not in the battle void of care; He will dash the lion’s brains out when he’s driven to despair.
When thou knowest tidings that will pain the heart of any one, be silent, so that another may be the first to convey them.
COUPLET.
O nightingale! spring’s tidings breathe, Ill rumours to the owls bequeath.
Maxim XXVI.
Do not acquaint a king with the treason of any one, unless when thou art assured that the disclosure will meet with his full approval, else thou art but labouring for thy own destruction.
COUPLET.
Then, only then, to speak intend When speaking can effect thy end.
Maxim XXVII.
He who gives advice to a conceited man is himself in need of counsel.
Maxim XXVIII.
Be not caught by the artifice of a foe, nor purchase pride of a flatterer; for the one has set the snare of hypocrisy, and the other has opened the mouth of greediness. The fool is puffed up with flattery, like a corpse whose inflated heels appear plump.
STANZA.
Heed not the flatterer’s fulsome talk, He from thee hopes some trifle to obtain; Thou wilt, shouldst thou his wishes baulk, Two hundred times as much of censure gain.
Maxim XXIX.
Until some one points out to an orator his defects, his discourse will never be amended.
COUPLET.
To vaunt of one’s own speaking is not meet, At fools’ approval and one’s own conceit.
Maxim XXX.
Every one thinks his own judgment perfect, and his own son beautiful.
VERSE.
A Jew and Musalman once so contended That laughter seized me as their contest grew. The true believer thus his cause defended: “Is this bond false, then may I die a Jew!” The Jew replied: “By Moses’ books I vow that ’Tis true, or else a Musalman am I!” So from earth’s face were Wisdom’s self to fly, Not one could be amongst us found t’ allow that He judgment lacked, or himself stultify.
Heed not the flatterer’s fulsome talk, He from thee hopes some trifle to obtain; Thou wilt, shouldst thou his wishes baulk, Two hundred times as much of censure gain.
Maxim XXIX.
Until some one points out to an orator his defects, his discourse will never be amended.
COUPLET.
To vaunt of one’s own speaking is not meet, At fools’ approval and one’s own conceit.
Maxim XXX.
Every one thinks his own judgment perfect, and his own son beautiful.
VERSE.
A Jew and Musalman once so contended That laughter seized me as their contest grew. The true believer thus his cause defended: “Is this bond false, then may I die a Jew!” The Jew replied: “By Moses’ books I vow that ’Tis true, or else a Musalman am I!” So from earth’s face were Wisdom’s self to fly, Not one could be amongst us found t’ allow that He judgment lacked, or himself stultify.
Maxim XXXI.
Ten men can eat at one board, but two dogs cannot satisfy themselves at one carcase. The greedy man continues to hunger, though a world supply his wants; and the contented man is satisfied with a crust.
COUPLET.
A single loaf the stomach will supply; But not earth’s richest gifts the greedy eye.
DISTICHS.
When my sire’s age had reached its latest day, He gave me this advice, and passed away:— “Lust is a fire; from it thyself keep well; Nor kindle ’gainst thyself the flames of Hell. Thou hast not patience to endure that flame, I trow; With patience, as with water, quench it now.”
Maxim XXXII.
Whosoever does no good when he has the ability to do it, in the time of inability to aid others will himself suffer distress.
COUPLET.
Ill-starred, indeed, is he who injures men: Is fortune adverse, he is friendless then.
Maxim XXXIII.
Ten men can eat at one board, but two dogs cannot satisfy themselves at one carcase. The greedy man continues to hunger, though a world supply his wants; and the contented man is satisfied with a crust.
COUPLET.
A single loaf the stomach will supply; But not earth’s richest gifts the greedy eye.
DISTICHS.
When my sire’s age had reached its latest day, He gave me this advice, and passed away:— “Lust is a fire; from it thyself keep well; Nor kindle ’gainst thyself the flames of Hell. Thou hast not patience to endure that flame, I trow; With patience, as with water, quench it now.”
Maxim XXXII.
Whosoever does no good when he has the ability to do it, in the time of inability to aid others will himself suffer distress.
COUPLET.
Ill-starred, indeed, is he who injures men: Is fortune adverse, he is friendless then.
Maxim XXXIII.
Life hangs on a single breath; and the world of existence is between two non-existences. Those who barter religion for the world are asses; they sell Joseph and get what in return? Did I not covenant with you, O sons of Adam! that ye should not serve Satan? for verily he is your avowed enemy.
COUPLET.
With thy friend thou faith hast broken at the bidding of thy foe: See with whom thou’st joined alliance, and from whom thou’st sought to go.
Maxim XXXIV.
Satan prevails not against the righteous; nor a king against the poor.
DISTICHS.
Lend not to him who prayer neglects, though he Gasping with want and inanition be; For he who renders not to God His due, What will he care for that he owes to you?
STANZA.
I've heard that they so temper Eastern clay That they in forty years one cup prepare: Hundreds are made in Baghdad in a day, And hence the lowness of the price they bear.
COUPLET.
With thy friend thou faith hast broken at the bidding of thy foe: See with whom thou’st joined alliance, and from whom thou’st sought to go.
Maxim XXXIV.
Satan prevails not against the righteous; nor a king against the poor.
DISTICHS.
Lend not to him who prayer neglects, though he Gasping with want and inanition be; For he who renders not to God His due, What will he care for that he owes to you?
STANZA.
I've heard that they so temper Eastern clay That they in forty years one cup prepare: Hundreds are made in Baghdad in a day, And hence the lowness of the price they bear.
VERSE.
The young bird from its egg comes forth and meets at once its fate, While infant man is destitute of reason and of sense: Too soon matured the first arrives at nothing high or great; The second with slow steps attains a proud pre-eminence. Crystal is everywhere beheld, and hence contemned its state; But since the ruby's rarely found, its worth's the consequence.
Maxim XXXV.
Affairs succeed by patience; and he that is hasty falleth headlong.
DISTICHS.
I've in the desert with these eyes beheld The hurrying pilgrim to the slow-stepped yield: The rapid courser in the rear remains, While the slow camel still its step maintains.
Maxim XXXVI.
There is no better ornament for the ignorant than silence, and did he but know this he would not be ignorant.
STANZA.
Hast thou not perfect excellence, 'tis best To keep thy tongue in silence, for 'tis this Which shames a man; as lightness does attest The nut is empty, nor of value is.
The young bird from its egg comes forth and meets at once its fate, While infant man is destitute of reason and of sense: Too soon matured the first arrives at nothing high or great; The second with slow steps attains a proud pre-eminence. Crystal is everywhere beheld, and hence contemned its state; But since the ruby's rarely found, its worth's the consequence.
Maxim XXXV.
Affairs succeed by patience; and he that is hasty falleth headlong.
DISTICHS.
I've in the desert with these eyes beheld The hurrying pilgrim to the slow-stepped yield: The rapid courser in the rear remains, While the slow camel still its step maintains.
Maxim XXXVI.
There is no better ornament for the ignorant than silence, and did he but know this he would not be ignorant.
STANZA.
Hast thou not perfect excellence, 'tis best To keep thy tongue in silence, for 'tis this Which shames a man; as lightness does attest The nut is empty, nor of value is.
STANZA.
Once, in these words, a fool rebuked an ass,— “Go, thou who all thy life hast lived in vain!” A sage said to him, “Blockhead! why dost pass Thy time in this? Gibes will be all thy gain. To learn of thee a brute no power has: Learn thou of brutes in silence to remain.”
DISTICHS.
Whoe'er his answer does not ponder, will, In most affairs, be found to answer ill; Thy speech embellish with man's sense and wit, Or learn in silence like a brute to sit.
Maxim XXXVII.
Whoever disputes with a man more wise than himself, to make people think him wise, will be thought ignorant.
COUPLET.
When one more wise than thou begins to speak, Do not, tho' skilful, to oppose him seek.
Maxim XXXVIII.
Whoso sits with bad men will not see aught good.
DISTICHS.
With demons did an angel take his seat, He'd learn but terror, treason, and deceit: Thou from the bad wilt nothing learn but ill; The wolf will ne'er the furrier's office fill.
Once, in these words, a fool rebuked an ass,— “Go, thou who all thy life hast lived in vain!” A sage said to him, “Blockhead! why dost pass Thy time in this? Gibes will be all thy gain. To learn of thee a brute no power has: Learn thou of brutes in silence to remain.”
DISTICHS.
Whoe'er his answer does not ponder, will, In most affairs, be found to answer ill; Thy speech embellish with man's sense and wit, Or learn in silence like a brute to sit.
Maxim XXXVII.
Whoever disputes with a man more wise than himself, to make people think him wise, will be thought ignorant.
COUPLET.
When one more wise than thou begins to speak, Do not, tho' skilful, to oppose him seek.
Maxim XXXVIII.
Whoso sits with bad men will not see aught good.
DISTICHS.
With demons did an angel take his seat, He'd learn but terror, treason, and deceit: Thou from the bad wilt nothing learn but ill; The wolf will ne'er the furrier's office fill.
Maxim XXXIX.
Divulge not the secret faults of men; for at the same time that thou disgracest them thou wilt destroy thy own credit.
Maxim XL.
He that has acquired learning and not practised what he has learnt, is like a man who ploughs but sows no seed.
Maxim XLI.
Worship cannot be performed by the body without the mind, and a shell without a kernel will not do for merchandise.
Maxim XLII.
Not every one who is ready at wrangling is correct in his dealings.
COUPLET.
Forms enow beneath the mantle wear the outward signs of grace; But if thou shouldst them unwimple, thou wouldst find a grandam's face.
Maxim XLIII.
If every night was a night of power, the Night of Power would lose its value.
COUPLET.
Were each stone such ruby as is found in Badakhshanpeyan
From a man's qualities a day’s enough To make us of his learning’s limit sure.
Divulge not the secret faults of men; for at the same time that thou disgracest them thou wilt destroy thy own credit.
Maxim XL.
He that has acquired learning and not practised what he has learnt, is like a man who ploughs but sows no seed.
Maxim XLI.
Worship cannot be performed by the body without the mind, and a shell without a kernel will not do for merchandise.
Maxim XLII.
Not every one who is ready at wrangling is correct in his dealings.
COUPLET.
Forms enow beneath the mantle wear the outward signs of grace; But if thou shouldst them unwimple, thou wouldst find a grandam's face.
Maxim XLIII.
If every night was a night of power, the Night of Power would lose its value.
COUPLET.
Were each stone such ruby as is found in Badakhshanpeyan
From a man's qualities a day’s enough To make us of his learning’s limit sure.
Plume not thyself as though the hidden stuff Thou of his heart hast reached; nor be secure,
For not e’en long revolving years can tell The foul things which in man unnoticed dwell.
Maxim XLV.
He who joins battle with the great sheds his own blood.
STANZA.
Say’st thou, “Behold! how great I am!” The squint-eyed even thus of one makes two; Who play at butting with a ram Will quick enough a broken forehead rue.
Maxim XLVI.
It is not the part of wise men to grapple with a lion, or strike the fist against a sword.
COUPLET.
Not in contention with the furious stand, And near the mighty humbly clasp thy hand.
Maxim XLVII.
A weak man, who has the fool-hardiness to contend with a strong one, assists his adversary in destroying himself.
STANZA.
He who was nursed in soft repose Cannot with warriors to the battle go; Vain with his weakly arm to close, And struggle with an iron-wristed foe.
For not e’en long revolving years can tell The foul things which in man unnoticed dwell.
Maxim XLV.
He who joins battle with the great sheds his own blood.
STANZA.
Say’st thou, “Behold! how great I am!” The squint-eyed even thus of one makes two; Who play at butting with a ram Will quick enough a broken forehead rue.
Maxim XLVI.
It is not the part of wise men to grapple with a lion, or strike the fist against a sword.
COUPLET.
Not in contention with the furious stand, And near the mighty humbly clasp thy hand.
Maxim XLVII.
A weak man, who has the fool-hardiness to contend with a strong one, assists his adversary in destroying himself.
STANZA.
He who was nursed in soft repose Cannot with warriors to the battle go; Vain with his weakly arm to close, And struggle with an iron-wristed foe.
Maxim XLVIII.
Whoso will not listen to advice aims at hearing himself reproached.
COUPLET.
He who will not to friends’ advice attend, Must not complain when they him reprehend.
Maxim XLIX.
Persons devoid of virtue cannot endure the sight of the virtuous; just as market-curs, when they see dogs of the chase, bark at them, but dare not approach them.
Maxim L.
When a base fellow cannot vie with another in merit, he will attack him with malicious slander.
COUPLET.
Weak envy absent virtue slanders,—Why? Since it is dumb, perforce, when it is by.
Maxim LI.
But for the tyranny of hunger no bird would fall into the snare—nay, the fowler himself would not set the snare.
COUPLET.
The belly binds the hands, the feet unnerves; He heeds not heaven who his belly serves.
Maxim LII.
Wise men eat late; devout men but half satisfy their appetites; and hermits take only enough to support life: the young eat till the dishes are removed, and the old till they sweat; but the Kalandars stuff till they have no room in their stomachs to breathe, and not a morsel is left on the table for any one.
Whoso will not listen to advice aims at hearing himself reproached.
COUPLET.
He who will not to friends’ advice attend, Must not complain when they him reprehend.
Maxim XLIX.
Persons devoid of virtue cannot endure the sight of the virtuous; just as market-curs, when they see dogs of the chase, bark at them, but dare not approach them.
Maxim L.
When a base fellow cannot vie with another in merit, he will attack him with malicious slander.
COUPLET.
Weak envy absent virtue slanders,—Why? Since it is dumb, perforce, when it is by.
Maxim LI.
But for the tyranny of hunger no bird would fall into the snare—nay, the fowler himself would not set the snare.
COUPLET.
The belly binds the hands, the feet unnerves; He heeds not heaven who his belly serves.
Maxim LII.
Wise men eat late; devout men but half satisfy their appetites; and hermits take only enough to support life: the young eat till the dishes are removed, and the old till they sweat; but the Kalandars stuff till they have no room in their stomachs to breathe, and not a morsel is left on the table for any one.
The glutton for two nights no sleep can get; The first from surfeit, the next from regret.
Maxim LIII.
To consult with women is ruin, and to be liberal to the mischievous is a crime.
COUPLET.
To sharp-toothed tigers kind to be To harmless flocks is tyranny.
Maxim LIV.
Whoso slays not his enemy when he is in his power is his own enemy.
COUPLET.
When a stone is in the hand; on a stone the serpent's pate; He is not a man of sense who to strike should hesitate.
There are, however, persons who think the opposite of this advisable, and have said, “It is better to pause in the execution of prisoners, inasmuch as the option [of slaying or pardoning them] is retained. Whereas, if a prisoner be put to death without deliberation, it is probable that the best course will be let slip, since the step is irremediable.”
Maxim LIII.
To consult with women is ruin, and to be liberal to the mischievous is a crime.
COUPLET.
To sharp-toothed tigers kind to be To harmless flocks is tyranny.
Maxim LIV.
Whoso slays not his enemy when he is in his power is his own enemy.
COUPLET.
When a stone is in the hand; on a stone the serpent's pate; He is not a man of sense who to strike should hesitate.
There are, however, persons who think the opposite of this advisable, and have said, “It is better to pause in the execution of prisoners, inasmuch as the option [of slaying or pardoning them] is retained. Whereas, if a prisoner be put to death without deliberation, it is probable that the best course will be let slip, since the step is irremediable.”
COUPLETS.
’Tis very easy one alive to slay; Not so to give back life thou tak’st away: Reason demands that archers patience show, For shafts once shot return not to the bow.
Maxim LV.
The sage who engages in controversy with ignorant people must not expect to be treated with honour; and if a fool should overpower a philosopher by his loquacity, it is not to be wondered at, for a common stone will break a jewel.
COUPLET.
What marvel is it if his spirits droop? A nightingale—and with him crows to coop!
COUPLETS.
What if a vagabond on merit rail? Let not the spirits of the worthy fail: A common stone may break a golden cup; Its value goes not down, the stone’s not up.
Maxim LVI.
If in a company of dissolute fellows the discourse of a wise man is not received with attention, be not astonished; for the sound of the lute is drowned by that of the drum, and the perfume of ambergris is overpowered by the foetor of garlic.
’Tis very easy one alive to slay; Not so to give back life thou tak’st away: Reason demands that archers patience show, For shafts once shot return not to the bow.
Maxim LV.
The sage who engages in controversy with ignorant people must not expect to be treated with honour; and if a fool should overpower a philosopher by his loquacity, it is not to be wondered at, for a common stone will break a jewel.
COUPLET.
What marvel is it if his spirits droop? A nightingale—and with him crows to coop!
COUPLETS.
What if a vagabond on merit rail? Let not the spirits of the worthy fail: A common stone may break a golden cup; Its value goes not down, the stone’s not up.
Maxim LVI.
If in a company of dissolute fellows the discourse of a wise man is not received with attention, be not astonished; for the sound of the lute is drowned by that of the drum, and the perfume of ambergris is overpowered by the foetor of garlic.
VERSE.
Proud has the loud-voiced wittol grown, That impudence the wise has overthrown; Know’st thou not Hijal’s strains too low-toned are To mingle with the brazen drum of war?
If a jewel fall into the mire it remains as precious as
before: and though dust should ascend to heaven, its former worthlessness will not be altered. A capacity without education is pitiable, and education without capacity is thrown away. Ashes, though akin to what is exalted, inasmuch as fire is essentially noble, yet, not possessing any intrinsic worth, are no better than dirt; and the value of sugar is not derived from the cane, but from its own inherent qualities. Musk is that which of itself yields a sweet smell, not that which the perfumer says is musk. The wise man is like the tray of the druggist—silent, but evincing its own merits; and the ignorant man resembles the drum of the warrior—loud-voiced, and empty, and bragging vainly.
Proud has the loud-voiced wittol grown, That impudence the wise has overthrown; Know’st thou not Hijal’s strains too low-toned are To mingle with the brazen drum of war?
If a jewel fall into the mire it remains as precious as
before: and though dust should ascend to heaven, its former worthlessness will not be altered. A capacity without education is pitiable, and education without capacity is thrown away. Ashes, though akin to what is exalted, inasmuch as fire is essentially noble, yet, not possessing any intrinsic worth, are no better than dirt; and the value of sugar is not derived from the cane, but from its own inherent qualities. Musk is that which of itself yields a sweet smell, not that which the perfumer says is musk. The wise man is like the tray of the druggist—silent, but evincing its own merits; and the ignorant man resembles the drum of the warrior—loud-voiced, and empty, and bragging vainly.
VERSE.
A learned man, as sages state, Among the dull illiterate, Is like a beauty 'mid the blind, Or Kur'an to the impious mind. In Canaan's land, when sin prevailed, The Prophet's birth no fruit entailed. If innate worth is in thee born, [Thy origin deserves not scorn,] The rose aye blossoms on the thorn; [The worthless may engender worth,] And Azur gave to Abraham birth.
Maxim LVII. It is not right to estrange in a moment a friend whom it takes a lifetime to secure.
TRIPLET.
'Tis years before the pebble can put on The ruby's nature.—Wilt thou on a stone In one short moment mar what time has done?
Maxim LVIII. Reason is a captive in the hands of the passions, as a weak man in the hands of an artful woman.
COUPLET.
Shut on that house the door of sweet content, Where woman can aloud her passions vent.
A learned man, as sages state, Among the dull illiterate, Is like a beauty 'mid the blind, Or Kur'an to the impious mind. In Canaan's land, when sin prevailed, The Prophet's birth no fruit entailed. If innate worth is in thee born, [Thy origin deserves not scorn,] The rose aye blossoms on the thorn; [The worthless may engender worth,] And Azur gave to Abraham birth.
Maxim LVII. It is not right to estrange in a moment a friend whom it takes a lifetime to secure.
TRIPLET.
'Tis years before the pebble can put on The ruby's nature.—Wilt thou on a stone In one short moment mar what time has done?
Maxim LVIII. Reason is a captive in the hands of the passions, as a weak man in the hands of an artful woman.
COUPLET.
Shut on that house the door of sweet content, Where woman can aloud her passions vent.
Maxim LIX. Purpose without power is mere weakness and deception; and power without purpose is fatuity and insanity.
COUPLET.
Have judgment, counsel, sense, and then bear rule; Wealth, empire, are self-murder to the fool.
Maxim LX. The liberal man, who enjoys and bestows, is better than the devotee, who fasts and lays by. Whoso abandons lust in order to gain acceptance with the world has fallen from venial desires into those which are unpardonable.
COUPLET.
Hermits, who are not so through piety, Darken a glass and then attempt to see.
COUPLET.
Little to little added much will grow: The barn's store, grain by grain, is gathered so.
Many littles make a mickle, many drops a flood.
Maxim LXI. It is not right for a learned man to pass over leniently the foolish impertinencies of the vulgar, for this is detrimental to both parties: the awe which the former ought to inspire is diminished, and the folly of the latter augmented.
COUPLET.
Have judgment, counsel, sense, and then bear rule; Wealth, empire, are self-murder to the fool.
Maxim LX. The liberal man, who enjoys and bestows, is better than the devotee, who fasts and lays by. Whoso abandons lust in order to gain acceptance with the world has fallen from venial desires into those which are unpardonable.
COUPLET.
Hermits, who are not so through piety, Darken a glass and then attempt to see.
COUPLET.
Little to little added much will grow: The barn's store, grain by grain, is gathered so.
Many littles make a mickle, many drops a flood.
Maxim LXI. It is not right for a learned man to pass over leniently the foolish impertinencies of the vulgar, for this is detrimental to both parties: the awe which the former ought to inspire is diminished, and the folly of the latter augmented.
COUPLET.
Art thou with fools too courteous and too free, Their pride and folly will augmented be.
Maxim LXII. Wickedness, by whomsoever committed, is odious: but most of all in men of learning; for learning is the weapon with which Satan is combated; and when a man is made captive with arms in his hand, his shame is more excessive.
COUPLET.
Better an ignorant and wretched state Than to be learned and yet profligate; That from the path his blindness did beguile; This saw, and in a pitfall slipped the while.
Maxim LXIII.
People forget the name of him whose bread they have not tasted during his lifetime. Joseph the just (Peace be on him!), during the famine in Egypt, would not eat so as to satisfy his appetite, that he might not forget the hungry. It is the poor widow that relishes the grapes, not the owner of the vineyard.
Art thou with fools too courteous and too free, Their pride and folly will augmented be.
Maxim LXII. Wickedness, by whomsoever committed, is odious: but most of all in men of learning; for learning is the weapon with which Satan is combated; and when a man is made captive with arms in his hand, his shame is more excessive.
COUPLET.
Better an ignorant and wretched state Than to be learned and yet profligate; That from the path his blindness did beguile; This saw, and in a pitfall slipped the while.
Maxim LXIII.
People forget the name of him whose bread they have not tasted during his lifetime. Joseph the just (Peace be on him!), during the famine in Egypt, would not eat so as to satisfy his appetite, that he might not forget the hungry. It is the poor widow that relishes the grapes, not the owner of the vineyard.
COUPLETS.
He who in pleasure and abundance lives, What knows he of the pang that hunger gives? He can affliction best appreciate, Who has himself experienced the same state.
He who in pleasure and abundance lives, What knows he of the pang that hunger gives? He can affliction best appreciate, Who has himself experienced the same state.