ccasions it."

They say, of all animals the lion is the chief; and of beasts the ass is
the meanest; yet, with the concurrence of the wise, the burden-bearing
ass is preferable to the man-devouring lion. "The poor ass, though
devoid of understanding, will be held precious when carrying a burden;
oxen and asses that carry loads are preferable to men that injure their
fellow-creatures."

The king had reported to him a part of his nefarious conduct. He put him
to the rack, and tortured him to death. "Thou canst not obtain the
sovereign's approbation till thou make sure of the good-will of his
people. Wishest thou that God shall be bountiful to thee, be thou good
thyself to the creatures of God."

One who had suffered from his oppression passed him at the time of his
execution, and said: "It is not every man that may have the strong arm
of high station, that can in his government take an immoderate freedom
with the subjects' property. It is possible to cram a bone down the
throat, but when it sticks at the navel it will burst open the belly."

XXI

They tell a story of an evil-disposed person who struck a pious good man
on the head with a stone. Having no power of revenge, the dervish was
keeping the stone by him till an occasion when the sovereign let loose
the army of his wrath, and cast him into a dungeon. The poor man went up
and flung that stone at his head. The person spoke to him, saying, "Who
are you, and why did you throw this stone at my head?" He answered, "I
am that poor man, and this is the same stone that you on a certain
occasion flung at my head." He said, "Where have you been all this
time?" The poor man answered, "I stood in awe of your high station, but
now that I find you in a dungeon, I avail myself of the opportunity, as
they have said--'Whilst they saw the worthless man in prosperity, the
wise thought proper to show him respect. Now thou hast not sharp and
tearing nails, it is prudent for thee to defer to engage with the
wicked. Whoever grappled with a steel-armed wrist exposed his own silver
arm to torture. Wait till fortune can manacle his hands, then beat out
his brains to the satisfaction of thy friends.'"

* * * * *

XXIII

One of King Umraw-layas's slaves had absconded, and people that went
after him brought him back. The vizir, who had a dislike to him, used
his interest to have him put to death, that the other slaves (as he
pretended) might not comm