Gulistan of Saadi
The Manners of Kings
Story 34
One of the sons of Harun-ur-Rashid went to his father and angrily informed him that the son of an
official had used insulting expressions towards him whereon Harun asked his courtiers what requital
he deserved. One of proposed capital punishment, another the amputation of the tongue whilst a
third recommended fine and imprisonment. Then Harun said: ‘Oh my son, it would be generous to
pardon him but, if thou art unable to do so, use likewise insulting expressions concerning his mother;
not however to such a degree as to exceed the bounds of vengeance because in that case, the wrong
will be on thy side.’
He is not reputed a man by the wise
Who contends with a furious elephant
But he is a man in reality
Who when angry speaks not idle words.
An ill-humored fellow insulted a man
Who patiently bore it saying: ‘O hopeful youth,
I am worse than thou speakest of me
For I am more conscious of my faults than thou.’
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Gulistan of Saadi | The Manners of Kings | Story 33
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