CHAPTER V
CONCERNING RESIGNATION
Happiness comes from the favour of God, not from the might of the powerful.
If the heavens bestow not fortune, by no valour can it be obtained.
The ant suffers not by reason of its weakness; the tiger eats not by virtue of its strength.
Since the hand reaches not to the skies, accept as inevitable the fortune that it brings.
If thy life is destined to be long, no snake nor sword will harm thee; when the fated day of death arrives, the antidote will kill thee no less than the poison.
Story of a Soldier of Isfahan
In Isfahan I had a friend who was warlike, spirited, and shrewd. His hands and dagger were for ever stained with blood. The hearts of his enemies were consumed by fear of him; even the tigers stood in awe of him. In battle he was like a sparrow among locusts; in combat, sparrows and men were alike to him. Had he made an attack upon Faridun, he would not have given the latter time to draw his sword. Neither in bravery nor magnanimity had he an equal.
This warrior formed a liking for my company; but as I was not destined to remain in Isfahan, Fate transferred me from Iraq to Syria, in which holy land my staying was agreeable. After some time the desire for my home attracted me, so I returned to Iraq.