When a sage comes in contact with fools, he must not expect to be honoured, and if an ignorant man overcomes a sage in an oratorical contest, it is no wonder, because even a stone breaks a jewel. <br /> <br /> What wonder is there that the song <br /> Of a nightingale ceases when imprisoned with a crow <br /> Or that a virtuous man under the tyranny of vagabonds <br /> Feels affliction in his heart and is irate. <br /> Although a base stone may break a golden vase, <br /> The price of the stone is not enhanced nor of the gold lost.<br /><br />Saadi Shirazi<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ch-08-on-rules-for-conduct-in-life-maxim-34/
