I saw at the palace-gate of Oglimish the son of a military officer <br />who was endued with marvellous intellect, sagacity, perception and <br />shrewdness; also the signs of future greatness manifested themselves <br />on his forehead whilst yet a small boy. <br /> <br /> From his head intelligence caused <br /> The star of greatness to shine. <br /> <br /> In short, he pleased the sultan because he had a beautiful <br />countenance and a perfect understanding; and philosophers have said: <br />'Power consists in accomplishments, not in wealth and greatness in <br />intellect, not in years.' His companions, being envious, made an <br />attempt upon his life and desired to kill him but their endeavours <br />remained fruitless. <br /> <br /> What can a foe do when the friend is kind? <br /> <br /> The king asked: 'What is the cause of their enmity to thee?' He <br />replied: 'Under the shadow of the monarchy of my lord I have satisfied <br />my contemporaries except the envious, who will not be contented but by <br />the decline of my prosperity, and may the monarchy and good fortune of <br />my lord be perpetual.' <br /> <br /> I may so act as not to hurt the feelings of anyone <br /> But what can I do to an envious man dissatisfied with himself? <br /> Die, O envious man, for this is a malady, <br /> Deliverance from which can be obtained only by death. <br /> Unfortunate men sometimes ardently desire <br /> The decline of prosperous men in wealth and dignity. <br /> If in daytime, bat-eyed persons do not see <br /> Is it the fault of the fountain of light, the sun? <br /> Thou justly wishest that a thousand such eyes <br /> Should be blind rather than the sun dark.<br /><br />Saadi Shirazi<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ch-01-manner-of-kings-story-05/
