Story 2

  A merchant, having suffered loss of a thousand dinars, enjoined

his son not to reveal it to anyone. The boy said: 'It is thy order and

I shall not tell it but thou must inform me of the utility of this

proceeding and of the propriety of concealment.' He replied: 'For fear

the misfortune would be double; namely, the loss of the money and,

secondly, the joy of neighbours at our loss.'

        Reveal not thy grief to enemies

        Because they will say 'La haul' but rejoice.