Gulistan of Saadi
The Manners of Kings
Story 24
King Zuzan had a khajah of noble sentiments and of good aspects who served his companions when
they were present and spoke well of them when they were absent. He happened to do something
whereby he incurred the displeasure of the king who inflicted a fine on him and also otherwise
punished him. The officials of the king, mindful of the benefits they had formerly received from him
and being by them pledged to gratitude, treated him kindly whilst in their custody and allowed no one
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to insult him.
If thou desirest peace from the foe, whenever he
Finds fault behind thy back praise him to his face.
A vicious fellow’s mouth must utter words.
If thou desirest not bitter words, sweeten his mouth.
He was absolved of some accusations brought by the king against him but retained in prison for some.
Another king in those regions secretly dispatched a message to him, to the purport that the sovereigns
of that country, not knowing his excellent qualities, had dishonoured him, but that if his precious mind
(may Allah prosper the end of his affairs) were to look in this direction, the utmost efforts would be
made to please him, because the nobles of this realm would consider it an honour to see him and are
waiting for a reply to this letter. The khajah, who had received this information, being apprehensive of
danger, forthwith wrote a brief and suitable answer on the back of the sheet of paper and sent it back.
One, however, of the king’s courtiers, who noticed what had taken place, reported to him that the
imprisoned khajah was in correspondence with the princes of the adjacent country. The king became
angry and desired this affair to be investigated. The courier was overtaken and deprived of the letter,
the contents of which were found on perusal to be as follows: ‘The good opinion of high personages is
more than their servant’s merit deserves, who is unable to comply with the honour of reception which
they have offered him, because having been nourished by the bounty of this dynasty, he cannot
become unthankful towards his benefactor in consequence of a slight change of sentiments of the
latter, since it is said:
He who bestows every moment favours upon thee
Is to be pardoned by thee if once in his life he injures thee.’
The king approved of his gratitude, bestowed upon him a robe of honour, gave him presents and asked
his pardon, saying: ‘I committed a mistake.’ He replied: ‘My lord, it was the decree of God the most
high that a misfortune should befall this servant but it was best that it should come from thy hands
which had formerly bestowed favours upon him and placed him under obligations.’
If people injure thee grieve not
Because neither rest nor grief come from the people.
Be aware that the contrasts of friend and foe are from God
Because the hearts of both are in his keeping.
Although the arrow is shot from the bow
Wise men look at the archer.
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Gulistan of Saadi | The Manners of Kings | Story 23
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