Story 

  King Zuzan had a khajah of noble sentiments and of good aspect who

served his companions when they were present and spoke well of them

when they were absent. He happened to do something whereby he incurred

the displeasure of the king who inflicted a fine on him and also

otherwise punished him. The officials of the king, mindful of the

benefits they had formerly received from him and being by them pledged

to gratitude, treated him kindly whilst in their custody and allowed

no one to insult him.

        If thou desirest peace from the foe, whenever he

        Finds fault behind thy back praise him to his face.

        A vicious fellow's mouth must utter words.

        If thou desirest not bitter words, sweeten his mouth.

  He was absolved of some accusations brought by the king against

him but retained in prison for some. Another king in those regions

secretly dispatched a message to him, to the purport that the

sovereigns of that country, not knowing his excellent qualities, had

dishonoured him, but that if his precious mind (may Allah prosper

the end of his affairs) were to look in this direction, the utmost

efforts would be made to please him, because the nobles of this

realm would consider it an honour to see him and are waiting for a

reply to this letter. The khajah, who had received this information,

being apprehensive of danger, forthwith wrote a brief and suitable

answer on the back of the sheet of paper and sent it back. One,

however, of the king's courtiers, who noticed what had taken place,

reported to him that the imprisoned khajah was in correspondence

with the princes of the adjacent country. The king became angry and

desired this affair to be investigated. The courier was overtaken

and deprived of the letter, the contents of which were found on

perusal to be as follows: 'The good opinion of high personages is more

than their servant's merit deserves, who is unable to comply with

the honour of reception which they have offered him, because having

been nourished by the bounty of this dynasty, he cannot become

unthankful towards his benefactor in consequence of a slight change of

sentiments of the latter, since it is said:

    He who bestows every moment favours upon thee

    Is to be pardoned by thee if once in his life he injures thee.'

  The king approved of his gratitude, bestowed upon him a robe of

honour, gave him presents and asked his pardon, saying: 'I committed a

mistake.' He replied: 'My lord, it was the decree of God the most high

that a misfortune should befall this servant but it was best that it

should come from thy hands which had formerly bestowed favours upon

him and placed him under obligations.'

        If people injure thee grieve not

        Because neither rest nor grief come from the people.

        Be aware that the contrasts of friend and foe are from God

        Because the hearts of both are in his keeping.

        Although the arrow is shot from the bow

        Wise men look at the archer.