The Dabistan

128

io deviate from them under no circumstance nor in
any manner : and to prevent the soldiers from enter-
ing the houses of the inhabitants without their per-
mission ; besides, in their proceedings, they should
not rely upon their own judgment, but ask the advice
of those who are wiser than themselves; not ob-
taining this, they ought nevertheless not to desist
from seeking advice; as it happens frequently that
even the ignorant may indicate the road of truth,
as it was said (by Sadi):

" Now and then, from the aged sage,
'* Right advice is not derived;
" Now and then, the unmeaning ignorant
" By accident hits the butt with his arrow."

Moreover, advice is not to be asked from many
persons: for, right judgment in practical life is a
particular gift of God; it is not acquired by reading,
nor is it found by good fortune. It may also hap-
pen, that a set of ignorant men opposes thy endea-
vors, and causes irksome embarrassment in thy
way, so as to retain thee from the dictates of thine
own reason, and from the right-acting men, whose
number is always small.

The magistrates are also directed never to charge
their sons with a business which belongs to servants;
and never to be a guarantee for what is done by
their sons; as thou canst easily find amends for
what passes between others; but, for what occurs