I heard that an oppressor ruined the habitations of the subjects to fill the treasury of the sultan, unmindful of the maxim of philosophers, who have said: "Who offends God the most high to gain the heart of a created being, God will use that very being to bring on his destruction in the world." <br /> <br /> Fire burning with wild rue will not <br /> Cause a smoke like that of afflicted hearts. <br /> <br />The prince of all animals is the lion and the meanest of beasts the ass. Nevertheless sages agree that an ass who carries loads is better than a lion who destroys men. <br /> <br /> The poor donkey though void of discernment <br /> Is nevertheless esteemed when he carries a burden. <br /> Oxen and asses who carry loads <br /> Are superior to men oppressing mankind. <br /> <br />When the king had obtained information of some of the oppressor’s misdeeds and bad conduct, he had him put on the rack and slain by various tortures. <br /> <br /> Thou wilt not obtain the approbation of the sultan <br /> Unless thou seekest the goodwill of his subjects. <br /> If thou desirest God to condone thy transgressions, <br /> Do good to the people whom God has created. <br /> <br />One of the oppressed who passed near him said: <br /> <br /> "Not everyone who possesses strength of arm and office <br /> In the sultanate may with impunity plunder the people. <br /> A hard bone may be made to pass down the throat <br /> But it will tear the belly when it sticks in the navel."<br /><br />Saadi Shirazi<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ch-01-manner-of-kings-story-20/
