A prince inherited a vast treasure from his father. He opened the hand of generosity and gave with liberality and poured out unstinting bounty upon the army and the people.

The nose will not be at rest from the container of aloeswood

Place it on the fire, so that it may smell like ambergris

If you desire greatness, be generous

For a seed will not sprout unless you sow it

One of the imprudent courtiers began to advise him, saying, “The former kings have amassed this wealth with effort and have set it aside for a purpose. Refrain from this action, for events lie ahead and enemies are behind; you should not be left wanting in time of need.”

If you distribute treasure among the common people

A hardship will befall every headman

Why not take a barleycorn of silver from each one

So that a treasure may be amassed for you at any time?

The king frowned at this speech and ordered him to be reprimanded and said: God, the Exalted, has made me the owner of this kingdom so that I may eat and give, not a guard to keep watch.

Qarun perished because he had forty houses of treasure

Nushirvan did not die because he left a good name