Oh, sensible person! In silence serene You have honor, and people unworthy, a screen. If you’ve learning, you should not your dignity lose! If you’re ignorant, tear not the curtain you use! The beasts are all dumb, and man’s tongue is released; A nonsensical talker is worse than a beast! A speaker should talk in a sensible strain; If he can’t; like the brutes, he should silence maintain.” DARIUS AND HIS HORSE-KEEPER. I have heard that Darius of fortunate race Got detached from his suite, on the day of the chase. Before him came running a horse-tending lout; The king from his quiver an arrow pulled out,— In the desert ’tis well to show terror of foes, For at home not a thorn will appear on the rose; The terrified horse-keeper uttered a cry, Saying:—“Do not destroy me! no foeman am I. I am he who takes care of the steeds of the king; In this meadow, with zeal to my duty I cling.” The king’s startled heart found composure again; He smiled and exclaimed:—“Oh most foolish of men! Some fortunate angel has succored you here; Else the string of my bow, I’d have brought to my ear.” The guard of the pasturage smiled and replied:— “Admonition from friends it becomes not to hide, The arrangements are bad and the counsels unwise, When the king can’t a friend from a foe recognize. The condition of living in greatness is so, That every dependant you have you should know. You often have seen me when present at court, And inquired about horses and pastures and sport, And now that in love I have met you again, Me you cannot distinguish from rancorous men. As for me, I am able, oh name-bearing king! Any horse out of one hundred thousand to bring. With wisdom and judgment as herdsman I serve; Do you in like manner your own flock preserve!” In that capital anarchy causes distress, Where the plans of the king than the herdsman’s are less. STORIES FROM THE GŪLISTĀN. The Gūlistān is the best of Sā’dī’s works, and one of the most popular of the Persian classics. It has been translated into the dialects of India, as well as the languages of Europe, and the Latin version of Gentius has long been popular with European scholars.