Maxim 57

  The meekness of the camel is known to be such that if a child

takes hold of its bridle and goes a hundred farsakhs, it will not

refuse to follow, but if a dangerous portion occurs which may occasion

death and the child ignorantly desires to approach it, the camel tears

the bridle from his hand, refusing any longer to obey because

compliance in times of calamity is blamable. It is also said that by

complaisance an enemy will not become a friend but that his greed will

only be augmented.

        To him who is kind to thee, be dust at his feet

        But if he opposes thee fill his two eyes with dust.

        Speak not kindly or gently to an ill-humoured fellow

        Because a soft file cannot clean off inveterate rust.