The Wisdom of the East Series EDITED BY L. CRANMER-BYNG Dr. S. A. KAPADIA THE BUSTĀN OF SADI WISDOM OF THE EAST THE BUSTĀN OF SADI TRANSLATED FROM THE PERSIAN WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY A. HART EDWARDS [Illustration] LONDON JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET, W. 1911 PRINTED BY HAZELL, WATSON AND VINEY, LD., LONDON AND AYLESBURY. CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful 19 On the Reason for the Writing of the Book 21 Concerning Atābak Abu Bakr, Son of Sád 22 CHAP. I. CONCERNING JUSTICE, COUNSEL, AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT: Nushīravān’s Counsel to his Son 24 Discourse concerning Travellers 24 Story illustrating the Need for Deliberation 25 Story of the King whose Coat was Coarse 28 Story of Darius and the Herdsman 29 Story of Abdul Aziz and the Pearl 30 Story of how Tukla was rebuked by a Devotee 31 Discourse concerning Riches and Poverty 31 Story of Qazal Arsalān and the Fort 32 A Story of Damascus 32 Story of a Bully 34 II. CONCERNING BENEVOLENCE: Story illustrative of doing good to the Evil 36 Story concerning Fasting 36 Story illustrative of Practical Charity 37 Story of a Man and a Thirsty Dog 38 Story Apropos of Nemesis 39 Story of a Fool and a Fox 40 Story of a Devout Miser 41 Story of Hātim Tai 42 Story of Hātim and the Messenger sent to kill him 43 Discourse concerning Kindness to Orphans 47 III. CONCERNING LOVE: Discourse concerning Constancy 49 Story of a Dancer 50 Story illustrating the Reality of Love 50