'This world remains not; the man who thinks least of it is the wisest. 'Enjoy this world before thou becomest its prey. 'Bestow the same favour on those below thee, as thou desirest to receive from those above thee. 'If thou shouldst conquer the whole world, death will at last conquer thee. 'Be careful that thou are not the dupe of thine own fortune. 'Thou shalt be paid exactly for what thou hast done; no more, no less.' "The caliph observed a dark ruby-ring on the finger of Noosheerwân, on which was written, 'Avoid cruelty, study good, and never be precipitate in action. 'If thou shouldst live for a hundred years, never for one moment forget death. 'Value above all things the society of the wise.' "Around the right arm of Noosheerwân was a clasp of gold, on which was engraved, 'On a certain year, on the 10th day of the month Erdebehisht,[86] a caliph of the race of Adean, professing the faith of Mahomed, accompanied by four good men, and one bad, shall visit my tomb.' "Below this sentence were the names of the forefathers of the caliph. Another prophecy was added concerning Hâroon's pilgrimage to Noosheerwân's tomb. 'This prince will honour me, and do good unto me, though I have no claim upon him; and he will clothe me in a new vest, and besprinkle my tomb with sweet-scented essences, and then depart unto his home. But the bad man who accompanies him shall act treacherously towards me. I pray that God may send one of my race to repay the great favours of the caliph, and to take vengeance on his unworthy companion. There is, under my throne, an inscription, which the caliph must read and contemplate. Its contents will remind him of me, and make him pardon my inability to give him more.' "The caliph, on hearing this, put his hand under the throne, and found the inscription, which consisted of some lines, inscribed on a ruby as large as the palm of the hand. The Moobids read this also. It contained information where would be found concealed a treasure of gold and arms, with some caskets of rich jewels: under this was written, 'These I give to the caliph in return for the good he has done me; let him take them and be happy.'