Story 20

  I heard that an oppressor ruined the habitations of the subjects

to fill the treasury of the sultan, unmindful of the maxim of

philosophers, who have said: 'Who offends God the most high to gain

the heart of a created being, God will use that very being to bring on

his destruction in the world.'

        Fire burning with wild rue will not

        Cause a smoke like that of afflicted hearts.

  The prince of all animals is the lion and the meanest of beasts

the ass. Nevertheless sages agree that an ass who carries loads is

better than a lion who destroys men.

        The poor donkey though void of discernment

        Is nevertheless esteemed when he carries a burden.

        Oxen and asses who carry loads

        Are superior to men oppressing mankind.

  When the king had obtained information of some of the oppressor's

misdeeds and bad conduct, he had him put on the rack and slain by

various tortures.

        Thou wilt not obtain the approbation of the sultan

        Unless thou seekest the goodwill of his subjects.

        If thou desirest God to condone thy transgressions,

        Do good to the people whom God has created.

  One of the oppressed who passed near him said:

        'Not everyone who possesses strength of arm and office

        In the sultanate may with impunity plunder the people.

        A hard bone may be made to pass down the throat

        But it will tear the belly when it sticks in the navel.'