Hekayat 104 from Chapter 8 of Golestan of Saadi
English Translation for Hekayat
The king exists to suppress oppressors, the sheriff for dealing with bloodthirsty criminals, and the judge for negotiating with thieves. Never do two adversaries willingly go before a judge.
When you know that justice must be given,
It is better to do so with kindness than with war and distress.
If someone does not pay their tax willingly,
It will be taken from them by force, along with the cost of enforcement.
متن حکایت
شاه از بهر دفع ستمکاران است و شحنه برای خونخواران و قاضی مصلحت جوی طراران. هرگز دو خصم به حق راضی پیش قاضی نروند.
چو حق معاینه دانی که می بباید داد
به لطف به که به جنگاوری به دلتنگی
خراج اگر نگزارد کسی به طیبت نفس
به قهر از او بستانند و مزد سرهنگی
