The laughable stories collected by Mâr Gregory John Bar Hebræ

PROFITABLE SAYINGS OF MUHAMMEDAN KINGS. 57
boy said, "Yes, but they break the nose of him that
"beateth them."
CCXVII. Another king said to one of his sages,
"There are three attributes which I yearn greatly to
"possess. The first is that no man should be able to
"commit any sin against me which I should not have
"the power to forgive. The second is that none of
"those who ask boons from me should have any want
"which I should not be able to satisfy. And the third
"is that there should be no time longer than mine own."
When the wise man heard these words he laughed. And
the king said, "Why dost thou laugh?" He replied,
"How can I help laughing, for behold thou lustest for
"the attributes which are only found with God." The
king said, "I know it. Hide, then, my words, and let
"them be as a secret unto thee, lest every one who
"heareth of them shall laugh at me also."
CCXVIII. Another king ordered his son, saying,
"Strengthen thy kingdom with righteousness, for that
"is a wall which cannot be breached."
CCXIX. Another of the sages said, "There are four
"things which a man need not be afraid [to serve]: —
"The king, a child, the road, and an animal."
CCXX. Another of the sages said, "It is meet that
"those kings who heap up money should have the
"minds of those who are going to live for ever, and
"that those who scatter gifts should have the minds
"of those who are going to die to-morrow;" that is to
say they should spare nothing, for thus will their kingdom
stand.
CCXXI. Another of the sages said,
"Guard ye care-
"fully your women against singing and music, for they
"overthrow chastity, and build up lust, and invite want-