ABSTRACT
Now when Bahrám assumed his seat, rejoicing, c. 1427 And crowned himself as kings are wont, he first Praised God-the Light of circling time, the Increaser Of knowledge and of uprightness, the Marrer Of falsehood and of fraud, the Lord of Saturn And of revolving heaven, who asketh naught But love and justice from His slaves-and then Said thus : " Tried sages and pure archimages ! Hold knowledge great and be not bold with kings. The man endowed with increase, eloquence, And leadership by God will strive, if wise, To compass excellence and cultivate Humanity, whose attribute is patience, Because the rash are held contemptible. Security produceth happiness, For then distress and toil have turned to wind, And gathering wealth is like wind too to one Of noble heart for he is rich already. Yet get some havings if thou hast them not,
For folk despise the indigent. The man Possessed of nothing hath no influence, And none respect him. When thou art content Thou feel'st at ease, but practise greed and thou Wilt live in fear, so toil not thus to vex Thy body and thy soul for greed of treasure. Choose thou the mean if thou wouldst have folk's praise In matters temporal. If thou contentest The world with justice thou wilt be made glad Thyself thereby and rich. Security And uprightness, and no default in justice, Are needful. When joy faileth spirit faileth, And wisdom 'twixt the twain is impotent, While if greed clutch thy heart thy soul remaineth Within the gullet of the Crocodile."
