ON THE MORALS OF KINGS

TALE I

I have heard, that a certain monarch having commanded a captive to be put-to death, the poor wretch, in a fit of despair, began to abuse and reproach the King, in his own language; according to the saying, ' Whosoever washeth his Kurds of life, utteretli whatever is in his heart.' "A man without hope speaketh boldly; as the cat, when driven to despair, seizeth the dog: in the time of need, when it is impossible to escape, the hand graspeth the sharp-edged sword." The King asked, "What doth he say?" One of the Viziers, who was of a benevolent disposition, replied, "0, my lord," he said, "the Almighty befriendeth him who stifleth his anger, and is merciful to his fellow creatures." The King; had compassion on him, and spared Ms life. Anotlier Vizier, of a contrary temper, said, "It becometh not persons of our rank to speak any thing but truth in the presence of monarchs; that man reviled the King, and spoke indecently."

The King was displeased at his speech, and said, "I am more satisfied with that falsehood than with this truth, which you have uttered; because that was well intended, and this is founded on malignity: and the sages have declared, that falsehood, mixed with good advice, is preferable to truth tending to excite strife. When a king is guided by the advice of another, woe be unto him if he speaketh any thing but good. On the portico of the hall of Feridoon was written, ' The world, 0 my brother, continueth not to any one; place your affections on the Creator of the universe, and that will suffice. Make no reliance, neither rest upon the kingdom of this world; seeing how many like yourself it hath nourished and killed. When the pure soul is about to depart, what is the difference between expiring on a throne or on the bare ground? ' "

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