Story of a Bully
A bully fell down a well and passed the night in wailing and lamenting. Some one threw a stone down on to his head, and said: “Didst thou ever go to any one’s assistance that thou shouldst to-day cry out for help? Didst thou ever sow the seeds of virtue? Who would place a salve upon thy wounds when the hearts of all cry out by reason of thy tyrannies? Across our path thou didst dig a pit, into which, perforce, hast thou now fallen.”
If thou do evil expect not goodness; never does the withered grape-vine bring forth fruit.
O thou who soweth the seed in autumn! I think not that thou wilt reap the corn at harvest-time.
If thou nourish the thorn-tree of the desert, think not that thou wilt ever eat its fruit.
Green dates come not from the poisonous colocynth; when thou sowest seed, hope only for the fruit of that very seed.
CHAPTER II
CONCERNING BENEVOLENCE
If thou art wise, incline towards the essential truth, for that remains, while the things that are external pass away.
He who has neither knowledge, generosity, nor piety resembles a man in form alone.
He sleeps at peace beneath the ground who made tranquil the hearts of men.
Give now of thy gold and bounty, for eventually will it pass from thy grasp. Open the door of thy treasure to-day, for to-morrow the key will not be in thy hands.
If thou would not be distressed on the Day of Judgment, forget not them that are distressed.
Drive not the poor man empty from thy door, lest thou should wander before the doors of strangers.
He protects the needy who fears that he himself may become needful of the help of others.
Art not thou, too, a supplicant? Be grateful, and turn not away them that supplicate thee.