Story 33

  One of the veziers of a king treated his subordinates with

kindness and sought the goodwill of his colleagues. Once he happened

to be called to account by the king for something he had done

whereon his colleagues endeavoured to effect his liberation. Those who

guarded him treated him leniently and the great men expatiated upon

his good character to the padshah till he renounced all further

inquiry. A pious man who took cognizance of this affair said:

        'In order to gain the hearts of friends

        Sell even the garden of thy father.

        In order to boil the pot of well-wishers

        Burn even all the furniture of the house.

        Do good even to a malevolent fellow.

        Tie up the mouth of the dog with a sop.'