Chapter IV: Story on the Patience of Men under the Oppression of Cowards

I have heard that in Wakhsh one of noble estate,Concealed in the nook of retirement did wait.In heart a recluse, not a saint in rags dressed,Who stretches to people the hand of request.Felicity's door was for him opened wide ;In his face, closed the doors of all others beside.An ignorant sycophant tried all he couldTo revile, out of rudeness, the man who was good."Beware of those subtle deceivers !" he said,"Who are seated, like demons, in Solomon's stead.At all times, like cats, they are washing their face,Yet eager to hunt all the mice in the place.For Pride and Repute's sake, abstemious they are ;For a drum being empty is heard from afar."While speaking, the people a multitude grew ;Men and women amusing themselves at the two.I have heard that the learned man of Wakhsh wept a deal,Saying, " Lord ! cause this person repentance to feel!And if he speak truly, Oh God, the most pure !Vouchsafe me repentance, lest death I endure !If I ferreted out my own faults, it were well,For my bad disposition can all of them tell."If you're all that your enemy says, do not grieve !And if you are not, say, " Oh wind weigher, leave!"That foetid is musk if a blockhead should say,Be at ease! for he speaks in a meaningless way.And although this condition in onions may grow,"Tis their nature, say, "Do not a foetid brain show !"It accords not with wisdom and reason and thought,That the learned by a juggler's deceit should be caught.He who wisely employed at his own work is found,Has the backbiting tongue of his enemy bound.Let your conduct be good, and consistent your walk,That your foe of your faults may be pow'rless to talk !Since severe to your heart comes the word of a foe,Do not harshness to those who are under you show !I know of no person who speaks in my praise,Save the man who exposes my culpable ways.