The king of Zozan had a nobleman who was generous and well-regarded, serving everyone kindly in person and speaking well of them in their absence. However, the king was displeased with one of his actions, confiscated his property, and punished him. The king’s officers, acknowledging the nobleman’s past generosity, treated him kindly during his imprisonment and did not subject him to harsh treatment.
If you seek peace with an enemy, whenever he criticizes you behind your back, praise him to his face. The troublemaker’s final words pass through his mouth; if you do not want his words to be bitter, make his mouth sweet.
The nobleman fulfilled part of the king’s demands but remained in prison for the rest. It is said that one of the neighboring kings secretly sent him a message, stating that the kings of that region did not appreciate such a noble person and had dishonored him. If the esteemed one, may God hasten his release, would consider coming to us, we would make every effort to honor him, and the dignitaries of this land are eager to meet him. We await your response.
The nobleman, aware of the danger, wrote a brief reply as he saw fit and sent it. One of the king’s attendants learned of this and informed the king that the imprisoned nobleman was corresponding with the neighboring kings. The king became agitated and ordered an investigation. They captured the messenger and read the letter, which stated:
The good opinion of the great ones exceeds our merit, and the honor of acceptance that they have bestowed upon me cannot be reciprocated, as I have been nurtured by the bounty of this household and cannot be unfaithful to my benefactor for a minor grievance, as it is said:
Forgive the one who has shown you kindness, Even if he wrongs you for a lifetime.
The king admired his loyalty and granted him gifts and wealth, apologizing for having wronged him without cause. The nobleman replied, “O Lord! In this situation, I do not see any fault in you. It was God’s decree that this misfortune should befall me, and it is better that it came through you, who have shown me past kindness and favor.” The wise have said:
If harm comes to you from people, do not be upset, For neither comfort nor pain comes from people. Know that both friend and foe are under God’s control, Though the arrow passes through the bow, the wise see the archer.
