Gulistan of Saadi
The Manners of Kings
Story 31
The veziers of Nushirvan happened to discuss an important affair of state, each giving his opinion
according to his knowledge. The king likewise gave his opinion and Barzachumihr concurred with it.
Afterward the veziers secretly asked him: ‘What superiority hast thou discovered in the opinion of the
king above so many other reflections of wise men?’ The philosopher replied: ‘Since the termination of
the affair is unknown and it depends upon the will of God whether the opinion of the others will turn
out right or wrong, it was better to agree with the opinion of the king so that, if it should turn out to
have been wrong, we may, on account of having followed it, remain free from blame.’
To proffer an opinion contrary to the king’s
Means to wash the hands in one’s own blood.
Should he in plain day say it is night,
It is meet to shout: ‘Lo, the moon and the pleiads!’
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