One of the ministers was dismissed and joined the circle of dervishes. The blessing of their company influenced him, and he found peace of mind. The king once again favored him and offered him a position. He declined, saying, “Dismissal is better for the wise than engagement.”
Those who sit in the corner of safety, Have closed the mouths of dogs and people. They have torn up paper and broken pens, And have escaped the grasp of critics.
The king said, “Surely, we need a wise person to manage the affairs of the kingdom.” He replied, “O king, the sign of a wise person is that he does not engage in such matters.”
The phoenix is superior to all birds, Because it eats bones and does not harm creatures.
They asked the lynx, “Why did you choose to accompany the lion?” He replied, “To eat the remains of his prey and live under the protection of his strength from enemies.” They said, “Now that you are under his protection and acknowledge his favor, why don’t you come closer to be among his close companions and be counted among his loyal servants?” He replied, “I am still not safe from his wrath.”
If a fire-worshipper lights a fire for a hundred years, If he falls into it for a moment, he will burn.
It happens that a courtier of the king gains gold and sometimes loses his head. The wise have said, “One should be cautious of the changing nature of kings, for they may be offended by a greeting at one time and bestow a robe of honor for an insult at another. Excessive jesting is the art of courtiers and the fault of the wise.”
Maintain your dignity and composure, Leave playfulness and jesting to the courtiers.
