Story 31

  The veziers of Nushirvan happened to discuss an important affair

of state, each giving his opinion according to his knowledge. The king

likewise gave his opinion and Barzachumihr concurred with it.

Afterwards the veziers secretly asked him: 'What superiority hast thou

discovered in the opinion of the king above so many other

reflections of wise men?' The philosopher replied: 'Since the

termination of the affair is unknown and it depends upon the will of

God whether the opinion of the others will turn out right or wrong, it

was better to agree with the opinion of the king so that, if it should

turn out to have been wrong, we may, on account of having followed it,

remain free from blame.'

        To proffer an opinion contrary to the king's

        Means to wash the hands in one's own blood.

        Should he in plain day say it is night,

        It is meet to shout: 'Lo, the moon and the pleiads!'