Skip to main content

Full text of "A dictionary of Oriental quotations (Arabic and Persian)"

See other formats 


SAj^ 


I 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 

in  2007  witii  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


littp://www.arcliive.org/details/dictionaryoforieOOfieluoft 


A  DICTIONARY 

OF 

ORIENTAL    QUOTATIONS 


SONNENSCHEIN'S  REFERENCE 
SERIES 


1.  English  Quotations  (4th  Edition), 

P.  H.  Dalbiac. 

2.  Classical  Quotations  (3rd  Edition), 

T.  B.  Harbottle. 

3.  French  and  Italian  Quotations  (2nd  Edition), 

T.  B.  Harbottle. 
P.  H.  Dalbiac. 

4.  German  Quotations,       .       Lilian  Dalbiac. 

5.  Contemporary  (English)  Quotations, 

H.  Swan. 

6.  Famous  Sayings  and  their  Authors, 

E.  Latham. 

7.  Dictionary  of  Historical  Allusions, 

(2nd  Edition),        .         .    T.  B.  Harbottle. 

8.  Dictionary  of  Battles,     .    T.  B.  Harbottle. 

9.  Dictionary  of  Indian  Biography, 

C.   E.   BUCKLAND,  CLE. 

10.  Dictionary  of  Political  Phrases  and  Allusions, 

Hugh  Montgomery. 
P.  G.  Cambray. 

11.  Spanish  Quotations,       .    T,  B.  Harbottle. 

Major  Martin  Hume. 

12.  Oriental  Quotations,       .        .  Claud  Field. 

13.  Dictionary  of  Abbreviations,    W.T.Rogers. 

[/«  prep. 


iS2?&df' 


A  Dictionary  of  Oriental 
Quotations 

{(^raSic  an^  (p^reian) 


CLAUD'^FIELD,  M.A. 


a' 


LONDON 
SWAN  SONNENSCHEIN  &  Co.,  Lim. 

NEW  YORK:  THE   MACMILLAN   CO. 
1911 


0  7F6 


PREFACE. 

In  presenting  these  specimens  from  the  still  hitherto 
largely  unworked  mines  of  the  Orient,  the  compiler 
<iesires  to  thank  warmly  the  following  Oriental  scholars 
who  have  allowed  him  to  make  use  of  their  translations  : 
Sir  C.  J.  Lyall,  K.C.S.I.,  Professor  Margoliouth  of  Ox- 
ford, Professors  Browne  and  Nicholson  of  Cambridge, 
Mr.  Whinfield,  and  the  owners  of  the  copyright  of 
the  late  Col.  Wilberforce  Clarke's  works.  He  also 
wishes  to  thank  Messrs.  Kegan,  Paul,  Trench  &  Co.  for 
allowing  him  to  quote  from  Redhouse's  translation  of 
the  Masnavi  and  Bicknell's  translation  of  Hafiz,  and 
Mr.  T.  Fisher  Unwin  for  permitting  quotations  to  be 
made  from  Professor  Browne's  Literary  History  of 
Persia.  In  transliterating  Arabic  the  compiler  has 
adopted  the  system  of  Professor  Palmer  in  his  Arabic 
Manual.  In  transliterating  Persian  he  has  for  the  most 
part  adopted  that  of  Mr.  Tolbort  in  the  Persian  trans- 
lation of  "  Robinson  Crusoe." 

No  better  motto  for  the  student  of  Oriental  verse, 
whether  in  the  original  or  in  a  translation,  can  be  found 
than  the  words  of  Goethe  in  the  "  West-oestlicher 
Diwan : " 

Herrlich  ist  der  Orient 

Ubers  Mittelmeer  gedrungen  ; 

Nur  wer  Hafiz  liebt  und  kennt 

Weiss  was  Calderon  gesungen.  C.  F. 


Arabic  and  Persian  Sayings 


'  Ab-i-hayat  astishq,  dar  dil  wa  janash  pazir." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Ixive  is  the  water  of  life  ;  receive  it  in  thy  heart  and  soul." 

Nicholson. 

'Ab-i-hayat  tira-grun  shud,  Khizr  farrukh  pai  kijjast? 
Khun  chakid  az  shakh-i-gul ;  bad-i-baharanra  che  shud  ?  " 

Anwar-i-Si/'heili. 

'  Dark  have  grown  life's  fairy  waters  ;  where  is  holy  Khizr  say  ? 
From  the  ruse-bough  blood  is  dropping ;  where  do  spring's  soft  breezes 
stray?"  (Eastvvick). 

*  Abar  amad  wa  baz  bar  sar-i-sabza  eririst 
Be  bada  argbawan  na  mi  bayad  zist, 
In  sabza  ki  imroz  tamashagah'e  mast 
Ta  sabza'e  khak-i-ma  tamashagah'e  kist."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Down  rain  the  tears  from  skies  enwrapt  in  gloom 
Without  this  wine  the  tulips  could  not  bloom. 
As  now  the.se  flowerets  yield  delight  to  mc 
So  shall  my  dust  yield  flowers,  God  knows  for  whom." 

Whinkiei.d. 

'  Abar  gar  ab-i-zindagi  barad 
Hargiz  az  shakh-i-bed  bar  na  khori 
Bar  faromaya  rozgrar  mabar 
Kaz  nai  boriya  shakar  nakhori."  Gulisian,  chap.  i. 

"  What  though  life's  water  from  the  clouds  descend 
Thou'llt  neer  pluck  fruit  from  off"  the  willow-bough  ; 
Not  on  the  base  thy  precious  moments  spend 
Thou'llt  ne'er  taste  sugar  from  the  reed  I  trow." 

(Eastwick). 
I 


2  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

Abasa  wa  tawalla  'an  ja'ahu  'I'ama,  wa  ma  yudrika  la'allahu 
yazzakka  au  yadhahakkaru  fatanfa'hu'  Idhdhikra,  'amma  mani 
'staghna  fa'anta  lahu  tasadda  "wa  ma  'alaika  'alia  yazzakka  wa 
amma  mian  jaaka  yas'a  wa  huwa  yakhsha  fa'anta  'anhu  talaha 
kalla  innaha  tadhkiratun."  Kokan,  chap.  80.  v.  / 

'  "  He  (Muhammad)  frowned  and  he  turned  his  hack  because  the  blind 
man  came  to  him,  but  what  made  thee  know  whether  he  would  not  aim  at 
holiness,  or  be  warned  and  the  warning  profit  him.)  But  as  to  him  who 
has  become  wealthy,  him  thou  didst  receive  wiih  honour,  yet  it  is  not  thy 
concern  that  he  endeavours  not  to  be  pure,  but  as  to  him  who  cometh  to 
thee  earnest  and  full  of  fears  him  dost  thou  neglect.  Do  not  so  ;  verily  it 
is  a  warning."  Rodwell. 

"  Ablahe  k'u  roz-i-roshan  sham'a-i-kafuri  nihad 
Zud  bashad  k'ash  bashab  raugan  na  bashad  dar  chiragh." 

GuLisTAN,  chap.  I. 

"  The  dolt  who  in  bright  day  sets  up  a  camphor  light 
Soon  thou  wilt  see  his  lamp  devoid  of  oil  at  night." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Adam  che  serahe  buad  w^a  ruh  chu  mai 
Qallb  chu  nai  buad  sada'e  dar  w^ai 
Dani  che  buad  adam-i-khaki  Khayyam 
Fanus-1-khiyall  wa  chiraghe  dar  wai."  Omar  Khayyam. 

'*  Man  is  a  cup,  his  soul  the  wine  therein, 
Flesh  is  a  pipe,  spirit  the  voice  therein, 
O  Khayyam  have  you  fathomed  what  man  is  ? 
A  magic  lantern  with  a  light  therein."  (Whinfield). 

"  'A'da  'aduwwlka  nafsuka  'llati  baina  jambaika." 

GuLiSTAN,  chap.  7. 

"  The  most  malignant  of  thine  enemies  is  the  lust  which  abides  within 
thee."  (Eastwick). 

"  Addaxxlat  rihun  qullabun  w'alqudrata  barqun  khuUabun." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  21. 

"  Dominion  is  a  breeze  that  changes,  and  power  is  a  lightning   that 
deceives."  (Chenery). 

"  Adl  wa  insaf  dan  na  kufr  wa  na  din 
Anche  dar  hifz-i-mulk  dar  kar  ast 
Adl  be  din  nizam  'alam  ra 
Bihtar  az  zulm-i-Shah  dindar  ast."  Jami.  Biharistan. 

"  Be  aware  that  justice  and  equity  not  unbelief  nor  religion 
Are  needed  for  the  maintenance  of  the  kingdom. 
Justice  without  religion  is  for  the  next  world 
Belter  than  the  tyranny  of  a  religious  Shah."  (Rehatsek). 


ARABIC  AND   PERSIAN  SAYINGS  5 

"  'Aftda  yatadabbaxuna  'Iqiirana,  am  'ala  qvilubln  aqfaluha." 

KoKAN,  chap.  47. 

"Will  they  not  then  meditate  on  the  Koran?  Are  locks  upon  their 
hearts?"  Kodvveli.. 

"  'Afalam  yaslru  fl'l'ardhi  fatakuna  lahum  qulubun  ya'qiluna  biha, 
au  adhanun  yasma'una  biha,  falnnaha  la  ta'ma'rabsaru  walakin 
ta'ma  'Iqulubu  'Uatl  fl'ssuduri."  Kokan,  chap.  32. 

*'  Have  they  not  then  journeyed  throuj;h  the  land  ?  Have  they  not  hearts 
to  understand  with,  or  ears  to  hear  with  ?  But  it  is  not  verily  that  their 
eyes  are  blind,  but  the  hearts  that  are  in  their  breasts  are  blind." 

RODWELL. 

"  'Afaman  'assasa  bunyanahu  ala  taqwa  mina  'llahi  waridh^vanin 
kbairun  'am  man  'assasa  bunyanahu  ala  shafa  jurufln  harln 
fa'nhara  bihi  fl  nari  Jahannama? "  Kokan,  chap.  9. 

"  Which  of  these  two  is  best  ?  He  who  hath  founded  his  building  on  the 
fear  of  God  and  the  desire  to  please  Him,  or  he  who  hath  founded  his 
buildinjj  on  the  brink  of  a  tottering  water-worn  bank  so  that  it  faileth  in 
ruin  with  him  into  the  fire  of  hell?"  (Rodvvell). 

"  'Afaman  wa'adnahu  wa'dan  hasanan  fahuwa  laqihi  kaman  matt 
a'nahu  mata'a  'Ihayati  'ddunya  thiunma  hu'wa  yauma  'Iqiyamati 
mina  'Imuhdharin."  Koran,  chap.  28, 

"  Shall  he  then  to  whom  we  have  promised  a  goodly  promise  which  he 
shall  meet  with,  be  as  he  on  whom  we  have  bestowed  the  conveniences  of 
ihis  life  present,  and  who  on  the  day  of  resurrection  shall  be'brought  for- 
ward for  punishmen  ?"'  (Rodwell). 

"  'Afani  'llahu  vra  shukran  lahu  min  lllatin  kadat  tu  'afiBni 
wa  manna  bi'lburan  'ala  'Innahu  la  budda  min  hatfln  sayabrini 
ma  yatanasani  wa  lakinnahu  ila  taqadhdhi  I'ukli  yunsini. 
In  humma,  lam  yugui  hamimum  wa  la  hirna  Kulaybin  minahu 
yahjini." 

"God  has  saved  me,  thanks  be  to  Him  from  a  sickness  that  went  near  to 
blot  me  out 
And  has  granted  me  recovery ;  though  it  must  needs  be  that  death  will 

one  day  waste  me. 
Death  forgets  me  not  yet  He  gives  me  a  delay  before  the  end  of  my 

feeding ; 
If  it  be  decreed,  then  will  no  friend  avail,  nay  not  even  the  guarded 
domain  of  Kolayb  to  guard  me  from  Him." 

Hakiri  Maqa.mat.   19. 

"  'Afa'anta  tukrihu  'nnasa  hatta  yakunu  muminin  ?  " 

Kokan,  chap.  lo. 
"Wilt  thou  then  compel  men  to  become  believers?"        (Rodvvell). 


4  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"'Afa'anta  tusmi'u  'ssumma  au  tahdi  'I'unia  wa  man  kana  fl 
dhalalin  mubin."  Kokan,  chap.  43. 

*'  Canst  thou  make  the  deaf  to  hear,  or  canst  thou  direct  the  blind  and 
him  who  is  in  a  manifest  error  ?  "  (Sale). 

•"  'Afati  'Iddiyaru  mahalluha  famuqamuha 
Biminan  ta'abbada  ghauluha  farijamuha 
Pamadaafl'u  'rraiyyani  'urriya  rasmuha 
Khalaqan  kama  dhamina  'Iwuhiyya  silamuha 
Dimanun  tajarrama  ba'da  'ahdi  anisiha 
Hijajjun  khalauna  halaluha  waharamuha."      Mu'all\qah  of  Lebid. 

"  Desolate  are  the  mansions  of  the  fair,  the  stations  in  Mina  where  they 
rested  and  those  where  they  fixed  their  abodes.  Bare  are  the  hils  of 
Ghaul  and  deserted  is  the  summit  of  Rijam. 

"  The  canals  of  Raiyyan  are  destroyed  :  the  remains  of  them  are  laid  bare 
and  smooth  by  the  floods,  like  characters  engraven  on  the  solid  rocks. 

"  Dear  ruins  !  many  a  year  has  been  closed,  many  a  month  holy  and 
unhallowed  has  elapsed  since  I  exchanged  tender  vows  with  their  fair 
inhabitants."  SiR  W.  Jones. 

^'Aftabamaddalil-i-aftab."  Jalalludin  Rumi. 

"  None  but  the  sun  can  display  the  sun."  Whin Kl ELD. 

"  Agrarat  inurad.basliad  ki  namiri  wa  bimani 
Birihan  bi  jihad  khudra  za  jahan  dun  fani 
Za  tan  wa  za  jan  w^a  az  dil  bugzar,  masaz  manzil 
Ki  shawad  sifat  hasil  bimurad  wa  kamrani." 

Di\van-i-Shams-i-Tabkiz. 

"  Pants  thy  spirit  to  be  gifted 
With  a  deathless  life, 
Let  it  seek  to  be  uplifted 
O'er  earth's  storm  and  strife. 
Spurn  its  joys, — its  ties  dissever, 
Hopes  and  fears  divest ; 
Thus,  aspire  to  live  for  ever, 
Be  for  ever  blest.  _  (Falconer). 

•"  Agar  baran  bakohistan  nabarad 
Basali  Dijla  gardad  khushk  rude."  Guiistan-,  chap.  7. 

"  If  on  the  mountain  summits  fell  no  rain, 
One  year  would  make  the  Tigris  channel  dry."     (Eastwick). 

"  Agar  biryan  kunad  Bahram  ghori 
Na  Chun  pae  malakh  bashad  za  mori."  Gllistan,  chap.  2. 

"  A  locust's  leg,  the  poor  ant's  gift  is  more 

Than  the  wild  ass,  dressed  whole,  from  Bahram's  store." 

(Eastwick). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

'  Agrar  dana'e  hila  pashad  kase 
Ba  dam  a\7arad  murgrh-i-zirak  base."  Akwar-i-Suhbili. 

"  If  one  the  grains  of  ciaft  around  him  fling 
Sly  birds  enow  he'll  to  his  snare  soon  bring." 

Eastwick. 

'  Agar  dunya  na  bashad,  dardmandetn 
Wa  agrar  bashad,  ba  mihrash  pae  bandem 
Bala'e  z'in  Jahan  ashubtar  nest 
Kl  rai\j-l-khatirast  ar  hast  wa  nest.  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Have  we  no  worldly  gear, — 'tis  grief  and  pain, 
1  lave  we  it,  then  its  charms  our  feet  enchain. 
Can  we  than  this  a  plague  more  troublous  find 
Which  absent,  present,  still  afflicts  the  mind." 

(Eastwick). 

'  Agar  sad  sal  gabar  atish  farozad 
Wa  gar  ek  dam  daru  uftad  basozad."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Though  for  a  hundred  years  the  Guebre  feeds  his  flame 
Did  he  once  fall  therein  'twould  feed  on  him  the  same." 

(Eastwick). 

'  Agar  za  bagh-i-r'asryat  malak  khiirad  sebi 
Bar  aurand  ghvilaman-i-u  darakht  az  bekh 
Ba  nim  baiza  ki  sultan  sitam  rawa  darad 
Zanand  laskarianash  hazar  murgh  ba  sekh." 

"  If  but  one  apple  from  the  peasant's  field 
The  king  should  eat,  his  men  uproot  the  tree  ; 
'And  does  the  Sultan  but  his  sanction  yield 
To  extort  five  eggs — his  followers  will  see 
Cause  with  a  thousand  pullets  to  make  free." 

(Eastwick). 

'  Ahanera  kl  morchana  bikhurad 
Nataw^an  burd  azu  basaiqal  zang ; 
Ba  siyah  dil  che  sud  guftan  w'az  ? 
Narawad  mekh-i-ahanln  dar  sang."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

*'  When  rust  deep-seated  has  consumed  the  steel 
Its  stain  will  never  a  new  polish  own. 
Advice  efl^ects  not  those  who  cannot  feel 
A  nail  of  iron  cannot  pierce  a  stone."  Eastwick. 

Ahl-i-zamana  ki  wafa  nest  yar  eshan 

Matalab  wafa  ki  ghair  jafa  nest  kar  eshan."  Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

*'  Faith  does  not  company  with  worldly  men. 
From  those  habit  is  injustice,  then 
Expect  not  truth."  Eastwick. 


6  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

•"  Aibist  azim  barkashidan  khudra, 
W'az  jumla'e  khalq  barg-uzidan  khudra, 
Az  mardumak-i-dlda  bibayad  amokht 
Didan  hama  kasra  wa  na  didan  khudra."  Hakiz. 

"  It  is  a  crime  to  seek  to  raise  but  self, 
Before  all  other  men  to  praise  but  self, 
The  pupil  of  the  eye  a  lesson  gives, 
Be  all  submitted  to  thy  gaze  but  self."       (Bicknei,!.). 

■"  'Ajab,  'ajab,  bakudamin  rah  az  jahan  rafti, 
Base  zadi  par  ■wa  bal  Ava  qafs  dar  ishkasti, 
Ha-wa  girifti  Ava  sue  jahan-i-jan  rafti 
Tu  baz-i-khass  budi  dar  -wisaq-i-pir  zani, 
Chu  tabl-i-baz  shunidi,  balamakan  rafti."      Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabkiz. 

■"  'Tis  marvellous  by  what  way  thou  wentest  from  the  world 

Thou  didst  strongly  shake  thy  wings  and  feathers  and  having  Vjroken  thy 

cage 
Didst  take  to  the  air  and  journey  towards  the  world  of  soul. 
Thou  wert  a  favourite  falcon  kept  in  captivity  by  an  old  woman 
When  ihou  heard'st  the  falcon-drum,  thou  didst  fly  away  into  the  void." 

(Nicholson). 
■"  Ajaban  lirajin  an  yanala  -wilayatan 
Hatta  idhama  nala  bighayatihi  bagha."       Maqa.mat  of  Hariri  (21). 

"  Wonderful  !  a  man  hoping  to  attain  to  rule,  and  then  when  he  attains 
to  his  desire,  he  wrongs.  Chenery. 

^'  Aj'ali  hnauta  nasba  'ainik  wa  haza  flraqu  baini  wa  bainik." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  50. 

"  Keep  death  before  thine  eye  and  this  is  the  parting  between  ihee  and 
me."  Chenery. 

*'  Akhir  in  jan  ba  badan  paiwasta  ast 
Hech  in  jan  ba  badan  manasta  ast 
Tab  nur-i-chashm  ba  pih  ast  juft 
Nur-i-dil  dar  qatra'e  khuni  nihuft 
Shadi  andar  gurda  w^a  gham  dar  jigar 
Aql  Chun  shama'  darun  naaghaztar 
In  taalquha  na  be  kaifast  wa  chun 
Aqlaha  dar  danish  chuni  zabun."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  After  all  soul  is  linked  to  body 

Though  it  in  nowise  resemfjles  the  body 

The  power  of  the  light  of  the  eye  is  mated  with  fat 

The  light  of  the  heart  is  hidden  in  a  drop  of  blood 

Joy  harbours  in  the  kidneys  and  pain  in  the  liver 

The  lamp  of  reason  in  the  brains  of  the  head. 

These  connections  are  not  without  a  why  and  how 

But  reason  is  at  a  loss  to  understand  the  how."    (Whinfield). 


\ 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  7 

Aklbat  erviTfir-zade  grurgr  shavad 

Oajche  ba  adami  buzurgr  shavad."  Gulistan,  chap.  1. 

"  At  length  the  wolf-cub  will  become  a  wolf 
Even  though  it  grow  up  amongst  men." 

(E.  G.  Browne). 

"  Akhmid  bihilmik  ma  3rudhkihl  dhu  safa'in 
Mln  nari  grhaidhik  w'aefah  in  jana  janl." 

Ma(jamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  47. 

"  Quench  by  thy  mercy  the  fire  of  anger  that  a  churl  has  recklessly 
kindled  in  thee,  and  pardon  his  trespass."  Steingass. 

"  Aknun  kl  dam  za  umr  mahrum  nashud, 
Kara  bud  az  asrar  ki  maf  hum  nashud, 
Chun  nek  hame  bingriram  az  rue  khird 
Umaram  bigiizasht  wa  hech  m'alum  na  shud." 

Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Whilom,  ere  youth's  conceit  had  waned,  me  thought 
Answers  to  all  life's  problems  I  had  wrought ; 
But  now,  grown  old  and  wise,  too  late  I  see 
My  life  is  spent,  and  all  my  lore  is  nought." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Aknun  ki  za  khiishdili  bajuz  nam  namand, 
Ek  hamdam-i-pukhta  juz  mai-i-kham  namand, 
Dast-i-tarab  az  saghir-i-mai  baz  maglr 
Imroz  ki  dar  dast  bajuz  jam  namand."  0.mar  Khayyam. 

",  Now  of  old  joys  nought  but  the  name  is  left 
Of  all  old  friends  but  wine  we  are  bereft 
And  that  \\  ine  new  ;  but  still  cleave  to  the  cup 
For  save  the  cup  what  solace  is  there  left. 

(Whi.vkiki.d). 

Akrim  ud  dhaifar  wa  lau  kana  kaflra."  Saving  ok  Muhammad. 

"  Honour  the  guest  though  he  be  an  infidel." 

"  Aksar  ahl  al  jannat  ablah,  ai  pisar, 
Bahr  in  gruft  sultan  ul  bashar 
Ziraki  chun  bad  kibr-angrez  fust 
Ablahe  shu  ta  bamanad  din  durust."  Jalaluudin  Rumi. 

'*  For  this  cause,  O  son.  the  Prince  of  men  declared 
'  The  majority  of  those  in  Paradise  are  the  foolish '. 
Cleverness  is  as  a  wind  raising  storms  of  pride 
Be  foolish,  so  that  your  heart  may  he  at  peace." 

Whin  FIELD. 


8  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Akullu  'amran  tahsabina  umran,  wa  nara  taharriqa  bi'laili 
naran?"  Adu  Dl'au. 

"  Thinkest  thou  every  man,  a  man ;   every  fire  that  burns  at  night  a 

fire?"  D.   S.   iViARGOLIOUTH. 

"  Ala  la  tahzannana  akha'  Ibaliyyat 
Falirrahmani  'Itafun  khafls^at."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Oh,  ye  brothers  of  misfortune  !  be  not  ye  with  grief  oppressed 
Many  are  the  secret  mercies  which  with  the  All-bounteous  rest." 

(Eastwick). 

"  'Alaika  bi'ssidqi  wa  lau  annahu  'ahraqaka  'ssidqu  binari  'Iwa'id 
Tva'bghi  lidha  'llahi  fa'aghba  '1-wara  man  'askhata  'Imaula  wa'ardha 
'I'abid.  *  Hariki  Maqamat  21. 

"  Keep  to  truth  though  it  scorch  thee  with  the  fire  of  threatening,  and 
seek  to  please  God  ;  for  the  most  foolish  of  mankind  is  he  who  angers  the 
master  and  pleases  the  slave."  (Chenery). 

"  'Al'alimu  arafa  'Ijahila  ra'innabu  kana  jahilan,  ■wa'ljahilu  la  yarifa 
'lallma  I'ainnaliu  ma  kana  'aliman." 

"  The  wise  man  understands  the  fool  for  he  was  once  a  fool  himself,  but 
the  fool  does  not  understand  the  wise  man  because  he  was  never  wise." 

Prov. 

"  'Alam  nashrah  laka  sadraka  Ava  w^adha'naa  'anka  Tvizraka 
Madhi  anqadha  dharaka  waraf'naa  zikraka,  fainna  ma 'a  'I'usri 
yusra,  inna  ma 'a  I'usri  jrusra,  faidha  faraghta  fa'nsab  wa'ila  rabbika 
fa'rg'hab."  Kokan,  ch.-ip.  94.     1 

"  Have  we  not  opened  thy  breast  for  thee?  and  taken  off  from  thee  thy 

'^       burden,  which  galled  thy  back?\nd  have  we  not  upraised  thy  name  for 

thee?     Then  verily  along  with  the  difficulty  cometh  ease,  verily  along  with 

the  difficulty  cometh  ease.     But  when  thou  art  set  at  liberty,  be  instant  in 

prayer,  and  seek  thy  Lord  with  fervour."  Rodwell. 

"  'Alam  naj'ali  lardha  kifatan  'ahaiyan  w^a'am-watan  -wa  ja'alna 
flha  ra'wasya  shamikhatin  ■w'asqainahum  ma'an  furatan.  Wallun 
yaumaidhin  lilmukadhdhibin  "intaliqu  ila  ma  kuntum  bihi  tukadb- 
dhibun  Intaliqu  ila  dhillin  dhi  thalathi  shu'abin."        Koran,  chap.  77. 

"  Have  we  not  made  the  earth  a  receptacle  for  the  living  and  the  dead, 
and  placed  on  it  the  tall  firm  mountains  and  given  you  sweet  water  to 
drink  ?  Woe  on  that  day  to  those  who  charged  with  imposture  !  '  Begone 
to  that  hell  which  ye  called  a  lie  :  begone  to  the  shadows  that  lie  in  triple 
masses.'"  Rodweli.. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  9 

"  'Alam  tara  'anna  llaha  yusabbihu  lahu  man  fl'ssamawati  wa' 
lardhi  wattairu  safibtin  kullun  qad  'alima  salatahu  watasbiyahu 
wa'Uahu  'alimun  bima  yaTalun."  Kokan,  chap.  24. 

"  Hast  thou  not  seen  how  all  in  the  heavens  and  in  the  earth  uttered  the 
praise  of  God?  and  the  very  birds  as  they  spread  their  wings?  Every 
creature  knoweth  its  prayer  and  its  praise,  and  God  knoweth  what  they 

do."  RODWKLL. 

"  'Alam  tara  anna  'llaha  'anzala  mina  'seamaal  maan  fakhrajna 
bihi  thamaratln  mukhtalifiin  alwantiha  wa  mina  Ijibali  judadun 
biyadhun  wa  humrun  mukhtalifun  'alwanuha  w^a  gharaabibu 
sudun  wa  mina  'Inasi  a'  ddawatti  w 'Ian 'ami  mukhtalifun  alwanuhu." 

Kf>RAN,  chap.  35. 

"Dost  thou  not  see  that  God  sendeth  down  the  rain  from  heaven  and 
we  bring  by  it  the  upgrowth  of  fruits  of  various  hues  and  that  on  the 
mountains  are  tracts  of  varied  hues  white  and  red  and  others  are  of  a  raven 
black  ?  And  of  men  and  reptiles  and  animals  various  likewise  are  the 
hues."  RornvELi,. 

"  Alam  tara  anna  'Ifulka  tajri  fl'lbahii  blnlmati  'Uahi  'liyuriyakum 
min  ayatihi  inna  fl  dhallka  layatin  likulli  sabbarin  shakvir." 

Koran,  chap.  31. 

'*  Seest  thou  not  how  the  ships  speed  on  in  the  sea  through  the  favour  of 
God  that  He  may  show  you  of  His  signs?  Lo,  herein  are  signs  to  every 
patient  grateful  person."  Rodwell. 

"Alam tara  ila rabbika  kaifa  madda  'dhilla wa  lau  sha'a  laja'alahu 
sakinan,  thumma  ja'alna  'shshamsa  alaihi  dalila." 

KoKA.N,  chap.  25. 

"Seest  thou  not  how  thy  Lord  stretcheih  forth  the  shadow?  if  He  so 
pleased,  he  had  made  it  stationary ;  but  we  bring  the  sun  upon  it  thus 
guiding  its  direction."  (MuiR). 

"Alam  tara  kaifa  fa'ala  rabbuka  bi'ashabi  'Ifll,  alam  yahj'al  kaida- 
h\im  fl  tadhlil,  w^a'arsala  alaihim  tairan  'ababil,  tarmijdhim  biha- 
jaratin  min  sijill,  faja'alahum  ka'asfln  ma'kul."  Koran,  chap.  105. 

"  Hast  thou  not  seen  how  thy  Lord  dealt  with  the  army  of  the  elephant  ? 
Did  He  not  cause  their  stratagem  to  mi.scarry  ?  and  He  sent  against  them 
birds  in  flocks,  claystones  did  they  hurl  down  upon  them,  and  he  made 
them  like  stubble  eaten  down."  (Roowell). 

"  'Alam  ya'ni  lUladhina  amanu  'an  takhsh'a  qvQubuhimi  lidhikri 

'llahi."  Koran,  chap.  57. 

"  Hath  not  the  time  come  for  those  who  have  believed  to  humble  their 
hearts  at  the  warning  of  God."  (Rodweli.^. 


lo  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Alam  yarau  'anna  ja'alna  'llaila  liyaskunu  flhi  wa'nnahara 
mubsiran  'inna  fl  dhalika  laayatin  liqaumin  yuminun." 

Koran,  chap.  27. 

"  See  they  not  that  we  have  ordained  the  night  that  they  may  rest  in  it, 
and  the  Hay  with  its  gift  of  light?  Of  a  truth  herein  are  signs  to  people 
who  believe."  (Rodweli.). 

"  'Alam  -wahna  w^a  khiyal  -wa  tab 'a  "wa  bina 
Hast  rahrau-ra  eke  sadd  azlm  ; 
Naqshae  in  khiyal  naqsh  band 
Chun  Khalili  ra  ki  koh  bud,  shud  gazand 
Guft '  Hadha  Rabbi '  Ibrahim  rad 
Chunki  andar  'alam  -wahm  uftad 
Alam  wahm  wa  khiyal  wa  chashm  band 
Anchunan  koh-ra  za  jae  khwesh  kand ; 
Taki  '  Hadha  Rabbi '  amad  qal-i-u 
Kharbat  wa  khar-ra  che  bashad  hal-i-u ? "  Jai.ai.uddix  Rumi. 

"  This  world  of  illusions,  fancies,  desires  and  fears 
Is  a  mighty  obstacle  in  the  traveller's  path. 
Thus  when  these  forms  of  delusive  imaginations 
Misled  Abraham,  who  was  a  very  mountain  of  wisdom. 
He  said  of  the  star  'This  is  my  Lord'. 
Having  fallen  into  the  midst  of  the  world  of  illusion 
Seeing  then  that  this  world  of  eye-fascinatiug  illusion 
Seduced  from  the  right  path  such  a  mountain  as  Abraham. 
So  that  he  said  of  the  star  '  This  is  my  Lord  ', 
What  will  not  its  illusions  effect  on  a  stupid  ass  ?  " 

Whinfield. 

"  Al'  aqilu  takflhi  I'isharatu  wa'lghafllu  la  tanfa'uhu  alfu  'ibaratin." 

Arabic  PRinEKH. 

"A  hint  sufficeth  for  the  wise,  but  a  thousand  speeches  profit  not, the 
heedless." 

•'  'Al'ardhu  jami'an  qabdhatuhu  yauma  'Iqiyamati,  wa  'ssamawatu 
matwiyyatun  biyaminihi  subhanahu  wa  ta'ala  'amma  yushrikun." 

KoKAN,  chap.  39. 

"  On  the  resurrection  day  the  whole  earth  shall  be  but  His  handful  and 
in  His  right  hand  shall  the  heaven  be  folded  together.  Glory  be  to  Him  ! 
and  high  be  He  uplifted  above  the  partners  they  join  with  Him." 

(Rodwui.l). 

"  Al'arifu  hashshun  bashshun  bassamun  wa  keyfa  la  wa  huwa 
farahan  bi'lhakki  wi  bi  kulli  shey  ?  "  Avicenn a. 

"  The  gnostic  is  gentle,  courteous,  smiling  ;  and  how  should  it  be  other- 
wise, since  he  rejoices  in  God  and  in  all  things."  (E.  G.  Browne). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  i 

'  Ala  ta  na  khwahl  bala  bar  hasud 
Ki  an  bakht  bargrashta  khud  dar  bala  ast 
Che  hajat  kl  bar  wai  kuni  dushmani 
Kl  ura  chunin  dushmani  dar  qafa  Eist."  CIumstan,  chap.  8. 

*'  Oh  on  the  envious  man  invoke  no  curse 
For  of  himself  poor  wretch,  accursed  is  he  ; 
On  him  no  hatred  can  inflict  au^ht  worse 
Than  his  self-fed,  self-torturing  enmity." 

(East'.vick). 

'  Ala,  t^  nashnavi  madh-l-sukhan  eroi, 
Kl  andak  maya'e  nafai  az  tu  darad ; 
Agar  roze  muradash  bar  niyarl, 
Do  sad  chandan  'ayubat  bar  shumarad."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  Heed  not  the  flatterer's  fulsome  tall< 
He  from  thee  hopes  some  trifle  to  obtain  ; 
Thou  wilt  shouldst  thou  his  wishes  baulk 
Two  hundred  limes  as  much  of  censure  gain." 

(Eastwick). 

'  'Ala  ya  sakina  'Iqasri  'Imualla 
Satudfanu  "anqarlbin  fl'tturabl, 
Lahu  malakun  yunadi  kiilla  yaumin 
Ladu  lilnaautl  wa'  bnu  I'ilkharabl."  A1.1  al  Murtaza. 

"  O  tenant  of  the  lofty  p.nlace 

Know  that  thy  grave  shall  soon  be  filled  ! 

It  has  an  angel  who  cries  daily 

'  Draw  nigh  to  death,  for  ruin  build.'  "         (BiCKNi:i.u). 

'  Al  faqir  la  yamlik  shaian  wa  la  jrximlak."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"The  faqir  does  not  possess  anything,  ^nd  is  not  possessed  by  anyone. 

(Eastwick). 

'  Al  faqru  fakhii."  Saying  of  Muhammao. 

"  Poverty  is  my  glory." 
'  Al  faqru  siwadu  'Iwajah  fl  'daraln."  Savim;  ok  Muhammad. 

"  Tovcrty  blackens  the  countenance  in  both  worlds."        (Eastwick). 

'  Al  grhusun  Idha  qawwamtaha,  'itadalat, 
Wa  laisa  yanfa'uka  ttaqwlmu  b'llkhashbi."  Gulistan,  ch.-ip.  7. 

*'  Green  branches  thou  may'st  render  straight 

The  attempt  to  straighten  dry  wood  comes  too  late." 

(Eastwick). 


12  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Alhaqqu  'ahaqqu  'an  yuttaba'a,  w'assidqu  haqiqun  b'an  srusta- 
m'aa."  Maqamat  of  Hariri. 

"  Right  is  most  worthy  to  be  followed,  and  truth  is  most  fitting  to  be 
listened  to."  (Chknery). 

"  'Alhakumu  'ttakathuru  hatta  zurtumu  'Imaqabir,  kalla  saufa 
ta'lamun,  thumma  kalla  saufa  ta'lamun,  kalla  lau  ta'lamuna  ilma 
'lyaqin  lataraunna  'Ijahim.  thumma  lataraunnaha  ain  'lyaqin, 
thumma  latus  'alvmna  yaumaidhin  'ani  'In'iim."  Koran,  chap.  102. 

"  The  desire  of  increasing  riches  occupieth  you,  till  ye  come  to  the  grave. 
Nay  !  but  in  the  end  ye  shall  know.  Nay  !  once  more,  in  the  end  ye  shall 
know.  Nay  I  would  that  ye  knew  it  with  knowledge  of  certainty.  Surely 
ye  shall  see  hell-fire,  then  shall  ye  surely  see  it  with  the  eye  of  certainty  ; 
then  shall  ye  surely  on  that  day  be  asked  concerning  the  pleasures  of  this 
life."  RouwEi.L. 

"Al  hamdu  lillahi  rabbi  'I'alamina  'rrahmani  'rrahimi,  maliki 
yaumi  'ddini,  iyyaka  na'budu  wa  iyyaka  nasta'inu,  ihdina  'ssirata 
'Imustaqlma  sirat  'Uadhina  an'amta  'alalhim  ghairl  'Imaghdhubl 
'alaihlm  \s7^a  la 'dhdhalin."  Koran,  chap.  i.    ( — ~j 

"  Praise  be  to  God,  Lord  of  the  worlds  !  The  compassionate,  the 
merciful  !  King  on  the  day  of  judgment.  Thee  only  do  we  worship  and 
to  Thee  do  we  cry  for  help.  Guide  Thou  us  on  the  right  path,  the  path  of 
those  to  whom  Thou  art  gracious,  not  of  those  with  whom  Thou  art 
angered,  nor  of  those  who  go  astray."  RoDVVF.u.. 

"  Al  hilmi  'inda  'Ijahli  li'dhdhillati  'idh'anu 
Wa  fl  'shsharri  najatun  hina  la  yunjika  'Ihsanu."  Shahl, 

•'  Too  kind  a  man  may  be  with  fools 
And  move  them  but  to  flout  him  more 
And  mischief  o^t  may  bring  thee  peace 
When  mildness  works  not  folly's  cure."       C.  J.  Lyali.. 

"  Al  hilmu  'afdhalu  ma'  zdana  'labibu  bihi 
W'al'akhdhu  bi'l'afwi  'ahla  ma  jana  jani." 

Maqaimat  of  Hariri,  (chap.  47.) 

"  Mercy  is  far  the  best  of  jewels  that  grace  the  wise,  and  sweeie.-t  fruit 
culled  by  man  is  ready  forgiveness."  Stei.ncass. 

"  Alimera  ki  guft  bashad  wa  bas 
Chun  bigoyad  na  glrad  andar  kas 
Alim  an  kas  buwad  ki  bad  nakunad 
Na  bigoyad  ba  khalq  ■wa  khud  bikunad."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  The  sage  who  does  but  preach  will  ne'er 
With  all  his  words  man's  conscience  stir 
Who  does  no  evil,  truly  wise  is  he. 
Not  one  whose  acts  and  doctrines  disagree."       (Eastwick). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  13 

"  Al'izza  fl  'nnaqali  wa  lau  'anna  sharafl  'Imawa  bulu^hu  munan 
Lam  tabrahl  'shshamsu  yavunan  darata  'Ihamali."        Ai.  1  l<;hkai. 

"  If  bloated  indolence  were  fame, 
And  pompous  ease  our  noblest  aim, 
The  orb  that  regulates  the  day 
Would  ne'er  from  Aries'  mansion  stray."    J.  D.  Carlyle. 

"  Al  ju'u  ta'amu  'llahi  yvihi  bihl  'aS^ana  'ssaddlqin." 

Savinc;  of  Muhammad. 

"  Fasting  is  the  food  of  God  whereby  lie  revives  the  bodies  of  the 
sincere." 

"  Al  karim  Idha  wa'ada  •wafa."  Gulistan,  Preface. 

"When  the  generous  promise,  they  perform." 

"  Alladhina  atenahumu  'Ikitaba  ya'rifunahu  kama  yaVifuna  abna- 
hum  ■wa  inna  fariqan  minhum  layaktumuna  'Ihaqqa  wahum  ya'la- 
mun,  alhaqqu  min  rabbika  fala  takunanna  mina  'Imuratarin." 

Koran,  chap.  a. 

"They  to  whom  we  have  given  the  scriptures  know  him  (Muhammad) 
even  as  they  know  their  own  children  ;  but  iruly  a  part  of  them  conceal 
the  truth,  though  acquainted  with  it.  This  truth  is  from  thy  Lord  ;  be  not 
then  of  those  who  doulit.  RouwEix. 

"  AUahu  la  'ilaha  ilia  hu^wa  al  haiyyu  'Ikaiyyum.  La  ta'khudhuhu 
sinatun  wa  la  naum ;  lahu  ma  fi  essamawati  -wa  ma  fl'l  ardhi.  Man 
dha  'Uadhi  yS/Shfa'u  Indahu  ilia  bi  idhnihi ;  ya'lamu  ma  baina 
aidihim  -w&  ma  khalfaham  wa  la  yuhituna  bishai'in  min  'ilmihi  ilia 
bima  sha'a.  Wasi'a  kursiyxihu  'ssamaw^ati  w^a'l  ardba  w^ala  ya'u- 
duhu  hifdhuhuma  wahuwa  'I'aliyu  'I'adhim."  ^  ,1 ' 

Koran,  chap.  2.    (The  "  throne  "  verse),  v    _ 

"  God  !  There  is  no  God  but  He  ;  the  living,  the  self-subsisting  ;  neither 
slumber  seizeth  Him,  nor  sleep;  His  whatsoever  is  in  the  hea%'ens  and 
whatsoever  is  in  the  earth.  Who  is  he  that  can  intercede  with  Him  except  | 
by  His  permission  ?  He  knoweth  what  is  present  with  His  creatures  and  I  ^ 
what  is  yet  to  befall  them  ;  yet  naught  of  His  knowledge  do  iliey  compre- 
hend save  what  He  willeth.  His  throne  reacheth  over  the  heavens  and 
the  earth  and- the  upholding  of  both  burdeneth  Him  not  :  and  He  is  the 
High,  the  Great."  Rodwell. 

"  Allahu  'lladhi  rafaa  essamawati  bi^airi  'amadin  taraunaba 
tbumma  'staw^a  'ala  I'arshi  wasakhkhara  'ashshamsa  wa'lqamara 
kullun  yajrl  la^alin  musamma  yndabbari  'la'mr  yufassilu  'layati 
I'aallakum  b'ilqai  rabbikum  tuqinun."  Koran,  chap.  13. 

"It  is  God  who  hath  ordered  the  heavens  without  pillars  which  thou 
canst  behold  ;  then  seated  Himself  upon  His  throne  and  imposed  laws  on 
the  sun  and  moon  ;  each  travellelh  to  its  appointed  goal.  He  ordereth  all 
things.  He  maketh  His  signs  clear,  if  haply  ye  may  believe  that  ye  shall 
meet  your  Lord."  RouwELL. 


14  ARABIC  AND   PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  AUahu  latifun  bi'abadihi  yarzuqu  man  yashau  vra  hu'wa  'Iqu- 
"wiyjru  'I'aziz.  Man  kana  yuridu  hartha  'lakhirati  nazid  lahu  fl 
harthihi  vra  man  kana  yuridu  hartha  'ddunya  nutihi  minha  Ava  ma 
lahu  fl  'lakhirati  min  nasih."  Koran,  chap.  42. 

"  God  is  benign  towards  His  servants  :  for  whom  He  will  He  doth  pro- 
vi  'e  ;  and  lie  is  the  strong,  the  mighty.  Whoso  chooses  the  tillage  of  the 
life  to  come,  to  him  will  we  give  an  ample  increase  in  his  tillage  ;  and 
whoso  chooseth  the  tillage  of  this  life,  thereof  will  we  give  him  ;  but  he 
shall  have  no  portion  in  the  life  to  come."  Roijweli. 

"  AUahu  nuru  'ssamawati  wa'  lardhi  mathalu  nurihi  kamishkatin 
flha  misbahun  almisbahu  fl  zujajatin  ka'annaha  kaukabun  dur- 
riyun  yukadu  min  shajaratin  mubarakatin  zaitounatin  la  sharqiy- 
yatin  wa  la  gharbiyyatin  yakadu  zaituha  yndhijru  -wa  lau  lam 
tamsashu  narun,  nurun  'ala  nurin,  yahdi  'llahu  linurihi  man 
yasha'a."  Koran,  chap.  24.     V 'i^ 

"  God  is  the  light  of  the  heavens  and  the  earth.  The  similitude  of  His 
light  is  as  a  niche  in  which  is  a  lamp — the  lamp  encased  in  glass  —the  glass 
as  it  were  a  glistening  star.  From  a  blessed  tree  is  it  lighted,  the  olive 
neither  of  the  East  nor  of  the  West,  whose  oil  would  well  nigh  shine  out, 
even  though  fire  touched  it  not  !  It  is  light  upon  light  !  God  guidelh 
whom  He  will  to  His  light."  Rodwei.l. 

"  AUahu  y'alamu  'anna  la  nuhibbukum  wa  la  nalumukum   'ala 
tuhibbuna 
KuUun  lahu  niyatun  fl  bughdln  sahibihi,  binlmati  'llahi  naqlikum 
wataqluna."  Abd-ul-Malik. 

"  God  knows  that  we,  we  love  you  not  in  sooth,  and  that  we  blame  vou 
not  that  ye  have  no  love  for  us  ; 
Each  of  us  has  his  ground  for  the  loathing  his  fellow  moves 
A  grace  it  is  from  the  Lord  that  we  hate  you,  ye  us  !  " 

C.  J.  Lyai.1,. 
"  Almaut  khairun  li'lfata  min  'aishihi  'aisha  'Ibahima  v 

Taqtaduhu  bviratu  'ssaghar  ila  'ladhimati  w'alhadhima 
Wa  yara  'ssiba'a  tanushuha  'aydi  'dhdhib'ai'  Imustadhima." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  6. 

"  Death  is  better  for  a  man  than  to  live  the  life  of  a  beast 

When  the  ring  of  subjection  leads  him  to  mighty  trouble  and  outrage 
And  he  sees  lions  whom  the  paws  of  assailing  hyaenas  seize." 

(Chenery). 
"  Almuwaddatu  muwaddatani,  muwaddata  wafla  wa  muwaddata 
'afla,   fa'lwafla  min  Allah   subhanahu,   w^a'lafla   mina  'shshaitani 
lanahu  'llaha."  Aiiu'i,'Ai.A. 

"  Love  is  of  two  sorts,  the  sound  and  the  faded.  That  which  is  sound 
is  from  God  Almighty,  and  that  which  gets  obliterated  is  from  the  accursed 
devil."  D.  S.  Margoliouth. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  15 

"  'Alqari'ah  ma'  Iqariah,  wa  ma  'adraka  ma  'Iqariah,  yauma 
yakunu  'nnasu  ka'farashi  'Imabthuthl  wa  takunu  'IJibalu  ka'tilini 
'Imanfushi,  fa'amiua  man  th'aqulat  mawazinuhu  fahuwa  fl  aishatin 
radhlyatin,  wa'amma  man  khafiat  mawazinuhu  fa  ummuhu 
hawlyatun."  Kokan-,  chap.  loi. 

"  The  Blow  !  what  is  the  Blow  ?  And  what  shall  teach  thee  what  the 
Blow  is.  The  day  when  men  shall  be  like  scattered  moths,  and  the 
mountains  shall  be  like  carded  dyed  wool  !  Then  as  to  liim  whose 
l)alances  arc  heavy — his  shall  be  a  life  that  shall  please  him  well,  and  as  to 
him  whose  balances  are  light,  he  shall  have  hell  for  his  mother." 

Rod  WELL. 

"  Al  qlna'atu  kanzun  la  sruftia."  Akakic  Pkov. 

"  Contentment  is  a  treasure  without  decay." 

"  'Alyauma  'akmaltu  lakum  dinakum  wa'atmamtu  'alaikum 
ni'amati  waradhaitu  lakumu  'llslama  dinan."  Koran,  chap.  5.    •<  M 

"  This  day  have  I  perfected  your  religion  for  you,  and  have  filled  up  the 
measure  of  my  favours  towards  you,  and  it  is  my  pleasure  that  Islam  be    U' 
your  religion."  (Rodwell). 

"  'Ama  bana  laka  'laibun,  ama  'andharaka  'Ishalbun 
wa  ma  fl  nusihi  raibun,  wa  la  sam'uka  qad  samma, 
ama  nada  bika  'Imautu,  ama  'asma'aka  'ssautu, 
ama  taksha  mln  'Ifauti,  fatahtata  w^a  tahtamma?  " 

Hakiki  Maqamat,  2. 

'•  Is  not  the  shame  plain  to  thee?  doth  not  hoariness  warn  thee  ?  and  in 
its  counsel  there  is  no  doubtfulness,  nor  hath  thy  hearing  become  deaf.  Is 
not  death  calling  thee,  doth  he  not  make  thee  hear  his  voice  ?  dost  thou 
not  fear  thy  passing  away  so  as  to  be  wary  and  anxious  ?  " 

Chenery. 

"  Amada  aww^al  ba  qallm  Jamaxl 
Dar  nabati  az  jamadi  uftad ; 
Salha  andar  nabati  umr  kard 
W'az  jamadi  yad  na  aurad  az  nabard ; 
W'az  nabati  chun  ba  haiwan  uftad 
Namandash  hal  nabati  hech  yad."  Jalalvodin  Rumi. 

*•  First  he  appeared  in  the  class  of  inorganic  things, 
Next  he  passed  therefrom  into  that  of  plants, 
For  years  he  lived  as  one  of  the  plants, 
Remembering  naught  of  his  inorganic  state  so  different, 
And  when  he  passed  from  the  vi  gelive  to  the  animal  state 
He  had  no  remembrance  of  his  state  as  a  plant." 

(Whinfield). 


i6  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Ama'  Ihimamu  mi'aduka,  fama  i'daduka,  wa  bi'lmashaibi  indha- 
ruka,  fa  ma  i'dharuka,  wa  fl'llahdi  maqiluka,  fama  qiluka,  -wa  ila 
'Uaha  masiruka,  faman  nasiruka."  Hariri  Maqamat,  i. 

"  Is  not  death  thy  doom?  what  then  is  thy  preparation?  Is  not  grey 
hair  thy  warning?  what  then  is  thy  excuse?  And  in  the  grave's  niche  thy 
sleeping-place  ?  What  dost  thou  say  ?  and  to  God  thy  going,  and  who 
shall  he  thy  defender?"  Chenery. 

"  'Amal-i-padshahan  chun  safar-i-daryast  sudmand  wa  khatarnak 
ya  ganj  ba  glri  ya  dar  talatum-i-amwaj  bamiri."       Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  The  service  of  kings  is  like  a  sea  voyage,  at  once  profitable  and  fraught 
with  peril  :  where  thou  either  wilt  acquire  a  treasure  or  perish  amid  the 
billows."  (Eastwick). 

*'  Ambiyara  kar  haqba  ikhtiyar 
Kaflranra  kar  dunya  ikhtiyar ; 
Z'anki  bar  murghi  basue  jins-i-khwesh, 
Miraw^adudar  pesh  jan  pesh  pesh."  Jalaluddin  Rumi 

"  The  prophets  chose  the  better  part,  futurity. 
The  foolish  chose  the  worst,  the  world's  fatuity. 
Each  bird  will  flock  with  birds  of  its  own  feather  still 
The  cock  well  knows  his  mate  and  follows  where  she  will." 

Redhouse. 

"  'Amman  khalaqa  'ssamawati  w^a'lardha  wa'anzala  lakum  mina 
'ssamal  ma'in  fa'anbatna  bihi  hada'aiqa  dhata  bahjatin,  ma  kana 
lakum  an  tunbitu  shajaraha,  'a'ilahun  ma'a'Uahi,  bal  hum  qaumun 
ya'dilun."  Kokan,  chap.  27. 

"  Who  hath  made  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and  sendeth  down  the  rain 
to  you  from  heaven,  by  which  we  cause  luxuriant  groves  to  spring  up  ? 
Not  in  your  power  is  it  to  cause  its  trees  to  spring  up  ?  What  !  A  god  with 
Ood  ?     Yet  they  are  a  people  who  find  equals  for  Him."  Rodwell. 

"  'Am  naj'alu  'Uadhina  amanu  w^a'amilu  'ssahhati  ka'lmufsidina 
fl'U'ardhi,  'am  naj'alu  'Imuttaqina  ka'lfujjar."  Kokan,  chap.  37. 

"Shall  we  treat  those  who  believe  and  do  the  things  that  are  right  like 
those  who  propagate  evil  on  the  earth?  Shall  we  treat  the  God-fearing 
like  the  impious  ?  (Rodwell). 

"  Annasu  ala  dini  mulukihim."  Arabic  Prov. 

"  People  follow  the  religion  of  their  kings." 

■"  Andakhta  tir  ba  shast  awardan 
Bitawan  natawan  tura  ba  dast  awardan."  Axwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Back  to  thy  hand  no  power  can  bring 
The  arrow  which  has  left  the  string."         Eastwick. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  \^ 

"  Anjaza  hurun  ma  wa'ada  wa  sahha  khalun  Idh  ra'ada." 

Maqamat  (IK  Hakiki,  chap.  3. 

"The  honourable  man  perfjrms  what  he  promises,  and  the  rain-cloud 
pours  if  it  has  thundered."  Chenery. 

"  An  na  man  basham  ki  roz-1-jangr  bin!  pusht-i-man 
An  manam  k'andar-i-khak  wa  khun  bin!  sari ; 
Anki  janer  arad  bakhun-i-khwesh  bazi  mi-kunad 
Roz-i-maidan,  ankl  bugrezad  ba  khun-i-lashkari." 

Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  I'm  not  he  that  on  the  battle-day  my  back  will  meet  thy  sight 
I'm  one  whose  head  thou  wilt  behold  'mid  dust  and  gory  fight 
He  must  stake  ceaselessly  his  blood  who  joins  in  war's  grim  strife 
Who  flies  in  war  risks  carelessly  his  fellow  soldier's  life." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Anta  'lladhi  waladtuka  ummuka  baklya 
Wa'  nnasu  hauluka  yadhahikuna  masrura, 
Fajihad  li  nafsik  'an  takunu  idha 
Tebku  fl  yaumi  mautuka,  dhahika  masrura." 

"  On  mother's  knees  a  naked  new-born  babe 

Weeping  thou  sal'st,  while  all  around  thee  smiled  ; 

So  live,  that  sinking  to  thy  life's  last  sleep 

Calm  thou  may'st  smile,  while  all  around  thee  weep.'" 

W.  Jones. 

"  'Anzala  mina  'ssamai  maan  fasalat  'audiyatun  biqadariha 
fa'htamala  "ssailu  zabadan  rabian  wa  mimma  3ruqiduna  alaihl 
fl'nnari  'btigha  hilyatin  au  matain  zabadun  mithluhu  kadhalika 
yudhribu  'Uahu  'Ihaqqa  wa'lbatila  fa'amma  'zzabadu  fayadbhabu 
jufaan  wa  'amma  ma  yanfana  'nnasa  fayamkuthu  fll'ardbi." 

Koran,  chap.  13. 

"  He  sendelh  down  the  rain  from  heaven  :  then  flow  the  torrents  in 
their  due  measure,  and  the  flood  beareth  along  a  swelling  foam  and  out  of 
that  ore  which  they  ignite  in  the  fire  for  the  sake  of  ornaments  or  utensils 
a  like  scum  ariseth.  In  this  way  doth  God  depict  truth  and  falsehood.  As 
to  the  scum  it  passeth  off  like  froth,  and  as  to  what  is  useful  to  man,  it 
remainelh  on  the  earth."  (Rodwell). 

"  'Aqallu  jibali  'I'ardiii  turun  wa'lnnahu  la'adhamu  Inda  'llahi 
qadran  wa  manzilan."  Gli.istan,  Book  I. 

"  Lea>t  of  earth's  mountains  is  Sinai,  yet  all 
In  worth  and  rank  with  God  beneath  ii  fall." 

Eastwick. 
2 


l8  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  'Ara'alta  mani  'ttakhadh'  ilahahu  hawahu  afa'anta  takunu  'alaihi 
'wakila.  Am  tahsabu  anna  aksarahum  yasma'auna  au  y'aqiluna,  in 
hum  ilia  ka'la'n'aami  bal  hum  a'dhallu  sabila."  Koran,  chap.  25. 

"What  thinkest  thou  of  him  who  takelh  his  passions  for  his  God,  wilt 
thou  then  be  a  guardian  over  him  ?  Thinkest  thou  that  the  greater  part 
of  them  hear  or  understand.  Verily,  they  are  just  like  the  brutes.  Yea, 
they  stray  even  further  from  the  right  way."  Rodwei.l. 

"  'Ara'aita  'lladhi  jaikadhdhibu  bi'ddin,  fadhalika  yadu'u  'lyatim 
wa  la  yahudhdhu  ala  ta'ami  'Imiskin,  fawailun  lilmusallin,  'Uadhina 
hum  'an  salatihim  saahun,  'Uadhina  hum  yuraaun,  w^a  yamna'un 
'Ima'un."  Kokan,  chap.  107.     '~  ' 

"  What  thinkest  thou  of  him  who  treateth  the  day  of  judgment  as  a  lie  ? 
He  it  is  who  thrusteth  awa)  the  orphan,  and  stirreth  not  others  up  to  feed 
the  poor.  Woe  then  to  those  who  pray,  who  in  their  prayer  are  careless, 
who  make  a  show  of  devotion,  but  refuse  help  to  the  needy." 

(Rodwell). 

"  'Ara'aitum  in  asbaha  ma'aukum  ghauran,  faman  yatikum 
bimaln  ma 'in."  Koran,  ch.-ip.  67. 

"What  think  ye?  If  at  early  morn  your  waters  have  sunk  away,  who 
then  will  give  you  clear   unning  water  ?"  (Rodwell). 

"  'Ara'aitum  in  ja'ala  'llahu  alaikumu  'llaila  sarmadan  ila  yaumi 
'Iqiyamati    man    ilahun    ghairu    'Uahi    y'atikum    bidhiain    'afala 

tasma'un."  Koran,  chap.  28. 

"  What  think  ye.  If  God  should  make  it  one  long  night  for  you  until 
the  day  of  resurrection,  what  god  but  God  could  bring  you  light  ?  Will  ye 
not  then  hearken  ?  "  Rodwell. 

"  'Arabra  ki  bar  Dijla  bashad  qu'ud 
Che  gham  darad  az  tishnagan-i-Zarud  ?  " 

Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  8. 

"  To  the  Arab  who  is  sitting  by  the  Tigris 

What  care  is  there  as  to  the  thirsty  ones  of  the  desert  of  Zarud  ?" 

(Clarke). 
"  Are  1  alam  khiyal  ast,  -wale 
Paiwasta  dar  u  haqiqa'e  jal^vagar  ast."  Suuahani. 

"  In  truth  the  world  is  an  illusion  ;  however 

Certainty  is  for  ever  displaying  her  effulgence  there." 

(.'•iHEA). 

"  Ar-rahil !  ar-rahil !  fa  lam  yabka  mina  'lumrin  ilia  qalilun,  wa 
baina  yadeika  'ssafaru  'tta^vilun,  wa  jam'i  ma  anta  flhi  mina  'lamli 
wa  'ilmi  riya  w^a  takhilun."  Ghazzai.i. 

"  Up  !  up  !  only  a  little  life  is  left,  and  ihe  road  before  thee  is  long  and 
thou  art  immersed  in  illusion." 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  19 

"Arrahmanu  'allama  'Iquran,  khalaqa  'llnsan,  ailamahu  'Ibayan 
A'shshamsu  wa'lqamaru  bihusbani  wa'lnajmu  washshajaru  yas- 
judani  wa'ssama  rafa'aha  wawadha'a  'Imizan,  a'lla  taterhau  fl 
Imizan  wa'qinu  'Iwazna  bl'Iqlsti  wa  la  tukhsiru  'Imizan  wa'lardha 
wadha'aha  lila'nam,  flha  fakihatun  wa'lnnakhlu  dhatu  la'kmam 
wa'lhabbu  dhu'l'asfl  wa'lrraihaq  fabiai3;^a  ala'  rabbikvuna  tukad- 
hlban?*^  Koran,  chap.  55.    V. 

"The  (lod  of  mercy  hath  taught  the  Koran,  hath  created  man,  hath 
taught  him  articulate  speech.  The  sun  and  the  moon  have  each  their  times 
and  the  plants  and  the  trees  bend  in  adoration.  And  the  heaven  He  hath 
reared  it  on  high  ;  and  He  hath  appointed  the  balance,  that  in  the  balance 
ye  should  not  transgress  ;  weigh  therefore  with  fairness  and  scant  not  the 
balance.  And  the  earth  He  hath  prepared  for  mankind,  therein  are  fruits 
and  palms  with  sheathed  clusters,  and  the  grain  with  its  husks  and  the 
supports  of  life.(2  Which  then  of  the  bounties  of  your  Lord  will  ye  deny?^ 

RODWELL. 

"  'Arrijalu  quvrwamuna  ala  'nnisal  bima  fadhdhala  'llahu  ba'dha- 
hxim  ala  ba'dhin  wa  bima  'anfaqu  min  'amwalihim." 

Koran,  chap.  4.    (/■  ■ 

"  Men  are  superior  to  women  on  account  of  the  qualities  with  which 
God  hath  gifted  the  one  above  the  other  and  on  account  of  the  outlay  they    I 
make  from  their  substance  for  them."  (Rodwell). 

"  'Asa'an  takrahu  shai'an  wa  huw^a  khairun  Iak\im  wa'asa  'an 
tvibibbu  shai'an  wa  huwa  sharrun  lakum  wa'  llahu  yalamu  wa'an- 
ttun  la  ta'lamun."  Kora.\,  chap.  2. 

•'  Haply  ye  are  averse  from  a  thing  though  it  be  good  for  you,  and  haply 
ye  love  a  thing  though  it  be  bad  for  you.  And  God  knoweth  but  ye  know 
not."  (Rodwell). 

"  Asaish-i-do  eriti  tafsir-i-in  do  harf  ast 
Ba  dostan  talattuf,  ba  dushmanan  mudara."  Hafiz  Ode,  6. 

'*  What  holds  in  peace  this  two-fold  world,  let  this  two-fold  sentence 

show 
Amity  to  every  friend,  courtesy  to  every  foe."  BiCKNELL. 

"  'Asalatu  'rrai  sanatani  'ani'  Ikhatall 
Wa  hilujatu  'Ifadhli  zanatani  laday  'I'atali ; 
Majdi  akhiran  w^a  majdi  'awwalan  sharaun 
Wa'shshamsu  ra'da  'dhdhuha  ka'shshamsi  fl'ttafali." 

Al  Tugrai. 
"  No  kind  supporting  hand  I  meet 
But  fortitude  shall  stay  my  feet. 
No  borrowed  splendours  round  me  shine 
But  virtue's  lustre  all  is  mine  ; 
A  fame  unsullied  still  I  boast 
Obscur'd,  concealed,  but  never  lost 
The  same  bright  orb  that  led  the  day 
Pours  from  the  west  his  mellow  ray.       J.  D.  Carlyle. 


20  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Asan  mi-natnud  awwal  grham-i-darya  ba  bui  sud 
Ghalt  guftam  ki  in  tufan  ba  sad  gauhar  na  mi-arzad." 

Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Light  at  first  the  toil  of  ocean  seemed  in  hope  of  future  gain  ; 
I  did  mistake  ;  a  hundred  jewels  are  not  worth  one  hurricane." 

Eastwick. 
'•  'Asbabidu  man  'ah'wra  baghairi  wasilatin 
Fayalhaquni  sha'nun  'adhallu  tariqa ; 
Yuwajjiju  naran  thumma  yutfl  barashshatin 
Li  dhalika  tarani  muhraqan  w^a  grhariqa."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  I'll  with  unintercepted  gaze  survey 

Him  whom  I  love,  and  wildered,  lose  my  way. 

One  while  a  flame  he  kindles,  bright  in  vain 

For  soon  lie  quenches  it  with  cooling  rain  ; 

'Tis  thus  thou  seest  me  burnt,  then  drowned  again."' 

(Eastwick). 
"  Ashiq  shahinshahast  do  'alam  bar  u  nisar 
Hich  iltifat-i-shah  basue  nisar  nest ; 
'Isbq  ast  wa  'ashiq  ast  ki  baqist  ta  abad ; 
Dil  juz  barin  manih  ki  bajuz  musta'ar  nest." 

Di\van-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  The  lover  is  a  monarch  ;  two  worlds  lie  at  his  feet ; 
The  king  pays  no  heed  to  what  lies  at  his  feet  ; 
'Tis  love  and  the  lover  that  live  to  all  eternity 
Set  not  thy  heart  on  aught  else  ;  tis  only  burrowed." 

(Nicholson). 

"  'Asian  az  gunah  tauba  kunand 
'Arifan  az  'ibadat  istighfar."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Sinners  of  sin  repent ;  but  those  who  have 
Knowledge  of  the  Most  High,  at  pardon  aim 
For  worthless  worship  which  they  view  with  shame." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Asl-i-kina  dozakh  ast  wa  kin-i-tu 
Juzu  an  kull  ast  wa  kliasm-i-din-i-tu 
Chun  tu  juzu  dozakhi,  hin,  gosh  dar ; 
Juzu  sue  kuU-i-khud  girad  qarar ; 
War  tu  juzu  jannati'  ey  namdar, 
Aish  tubashadchujannat  paedar."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  The  root  of  hatred  is  hell  and  that  hate  of  yours 
Is  a  part  of  that  whole  and  is  the  foe  of  your  religion 
Since  you  are  a  part  of  hell,  beware  ! 
For  the  part  ever  tends  towards  its  whole 
But  if  you  are  a  portion  of  heaven,  O  renowned  one, 
Your  joy  will  be  as  lasting  as  heaven  itself." 


ARABIC  AND   PERSIAN   SAYINGS  2i 

Asp-i-lairhar  miyan  ba  kar  ayad 

Roz-i-maldan  na  erao-i-parwarl."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  The  slender  courser  in  the  battle  day 

Will  the  fat  stall-fed  ox  outvalue  far."         Eastwick. 

'  Asp-1-tazi  do  tag  rawad  ba  shitab 
Ushtur  ahista  mlrawad  shab  wa  roz."  Gulistan,  chap.  6. 

••  Two  courses  may  he  sped  by  charper  hot, 

The  camel  goes  slowly  but  goes  day  and  night." 

(Eastwick). 

*  Asrar-i-azalra  na  tu  dani  wa  na  man 
Wa  in  harf-l-mu'anuna  na  tu  khwani  wa  na  man 
Hast  az  pas-i-purda  guftogn-l-man  wa  tu 
Chun  parda  bar  viftad  na  tu  manl  wa  na  man."        Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Nor  you  nor  I  can  read  the  etern  decree 
To  that  enigma  we  can  find  no  key 
They  talk  of  you  and  me  behind  the  veil 
But  if  the  veil  be  lifted,  where  are  we  ?  " 

(Whinfield). 

'  Astalz  Allah  mln  Shaitanihi 
Qad  halaqna'  ah  'min  tugrhianihi ; 
Yak  sagr  ast  wa  dar  hazaran  mlrawad 
Har  ki  dar  wal  raft  u  an  mishawad. 
Har  ki  sardat  kard  medan  ki  dar  ust 
Div  pinhan  gashta  andar  zer  post ; 
Chun  nlyabad  surat,  ayad  dar  khiyal, 
Ta  kashanad  an  khiyalat  dar  Avabal."  Jalaluddin  Ru.mi. 

"  Let  us  seek  refuge  with  Allah  from  Satan  ; 
Alas  !  we  are  perishing  from  his  insolence. 
The  dog  is  one  yet  he  enters  a  thousand  forms  ; 
Whatever  he  enters,  straight  becomes  himself; 
Whatever  makes  you  shiver,  know  he  is  in  it, 
The  Devil  is  hidden  beneath  its  outward  form. 
When  he  finds  no  form  at  hand,  he  enters  your  thoughts 
To  cause  them  to  draw  you  into  sin."  (Whinfield). 

'  'Astaqim,  fa'l'udu  tanmi  "uruquhu 
Qawiman  w^a  yaghshahu  idha  ma  'Itawa  'ttawa 
Wa  la  tuti  'I'hirsa  'Imudhilla,  wa  kun  fatan, 
Idha  'Itahabat  'ahsha'u  bi'ttawa,  tawa, 
Wa  'asi  'Ihaw^a  'Imurdi  fakam  min  muhalliqin 
'Ila  'nnajml  lamma  'an  'ata'a  'Ihawa,  hawa." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  47. 


22  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Be  upright,  for  the  straight  tree  will  spread  its  roots,  whereas  when  it 

grows  crooked,  it  speedily  pines  away. 
Obey  not  abasing  greed,  but  behave  as  a  man  who  bears  in  silence  the 

pangs  of  hunger  that  gnaw  at  his  vital  parts  ; 
And  battle  against  lusts  that  destroy  thee,  for  many  who  had  soared  to 

the  stars,  enslaved  by  lust,  fell  and  came  to  grief."     (Steingass). 

"  'Atadhunnu  an  satanfa'uka  haluka,  idha  ana  irtihaluka,  au 
yunqidhuka  maluka,  hina  tubiquka  amaluka,  au  joighni  anka 
nadamuka,  idha  zallat  qadamuka,  au  yatifu  aleika  ma'sharuka, 
yauma  yadhumuka  mahsharuka."  Hariki  Maqamat,  i. 

"  Thinkest  thou  that  thy  state  will  profit  thee  when  thy  departure 
draweth  near?  or  that  thy  wealth  will  deliver  thee  when  thy  deeds  destroy 
thee  ?  or  that  thy  repentance  will  suffice  for  thee  when  thy  foot  slippeth, 
or  that  thy  kindred  will  lean  to  thee  in  the  day  that  thy  judgment-place 
gathereth  thee  ?  "  Chenery. 

"  'At'amuruna  'nnasa  bi'lbirri  watansauna  'anfusakum  -wa'antum 
tatluna  'Ikitaba,  'afala  ta'qilun  ?  wa'sta'inu  bi'ssabri  wa'ssalati 
■wainnahia  lakabiratun  ilia  'ala  'Ikhash'iyin."  Koran,  chap.  2. 

"  Will  ye  enjoin  what  is  right  upon  others,  and,  though  ye  read  the 
Book,  forget  your  own  souls  ?  Will  ye  not  then  understand  ?  And  seek 
help  with  patience  and  prayer ;  and  a  hard  duty  indeed  is  this  but  not  to 
the  humble."  (Rodwell). 

*'  Atishe  ra  ki  sokht  khalqe  az  an 
Juz  bakushtan  'ilaj  natawan  kard."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  To  quench  the  spark  is  thy  sole  course  to  end 
A  flame  which  would  o'er  heaven  and  earth  extend." 

Eastwick. 
■"  'Atish  suzan  nakunad  ba  sipand 
Anche  kunad  dud-i-dil-i-dardmand."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Flames  cannot  with  such  speed  wild  rue  consume 
As  tyrants  perish  by  the  wronged  heart's  fume." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Atsar-i-mardam  chu  bug-zasht  az  yake 
Bashad  an  az  f  il-i-shaitan  be  shake 
Khun  bini  niz  az  shaitan  bu-wrad 
Anki  zahir  dushman-i-insan  bu^wrad ; 
Khamiaza  ni-i-shaitanast  wa  qai 
Ey  pisar,  aiman  mabash  az  makar-i-way."  Fariddldin  Attar. 

"  The  sneezing  of  a  man  if  it  exceed  one  sneeze 
Is  without  doubt  one  of  the  devil's  works 

The  flowing  of  blood  from  the  nose  likewise  proceeds  from  Satan 
lie  who  is  the  manifest  enemy  of  mankind 
Yawning  is  his  work  and  also  vomiting 
O  young  man  be  not  off"  thy  guard  against  his  deceit."     (Ousei.ey). 

\ 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  23 

"  Audhu  b'lUahi  mina  'Ifswirl  'Imuqibbu  wa  mijjawaratl  man  la 
tlhibbu."  Proverb. 

"  GoH  defend  me  from  humiliating  poverty  and  from  the  neighbourhood 
of  one  I  do  not  love."  (Eastvvick). 

"  •Aud'u  rabbakum  tadharru'an  wa  khuflyatan  innahu  la  yuhibbu 
'Imu'tadin."  Koran,  chap.  7.      ' 

*•  Call  upon  your  Lord  humbly  and  in  secret  /for  He  loveth  not  the 
transgressors.  "7  (MuiR). 

"  Au  kasayyibin  mina  'ssama'i  flhi  dhulumatun  wara'adun  ■wa 
baraqun  yaj'aluna  'asabi'ahum  fl  adhanihim  mina  'ssawalqi  hadh- 
ara  'Imauti  wa  'Uahu  muhitun  bi'lkafliin."  Koran,  chap.  a. 

"  Like  those  who,  when  there  cometh  a  storm-cloud  out  of  the  heaven, 
big  with  darkness,  thunder  and  lightning,  thrust  their  fingers  into  their 
ears,  because  of  the  thunder  clap,  for  fear  of  death  !  and  God  is  round 
about  the  unbelievers."  (Rodwell). 

"  'Auma  tara  'Imahbuba  w'almakruha  luzza  fi  namat 
K'ashshaukl  yabdu  fl'lgrhusuni  ma'a'ljanlyy  'Imultaqat? 
Wa  lau  antaqadtta  bani  'zzamani  wajadtta  aktharaham  saqat." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri  (21). 

"  Dost  thou  not  see  the  loved  and  the  hated  linked  together  in  one  class 
As  the  thorn  comes  forth  on  the  branches  with  the  fruit  that  is  gathered, 
If  thou  wilt  examine  well  the  sons  of  the  time,  thou  wilt  find  the  mo.st  of 
them  but  refuse."  (Chenery). 

*'  Aurad  baztarabam  awwal  ba^mjud 
Juz  haira.tam  az  hayat  chize  nafoud ; 
Baftem  baikrah  wa  nadanem  che  bud 
Za  in  amadan  wa  raftan  wa  budan  maqsud."  Omar  Khayyam. 

'*  He  brought  me  hither  to  my  great  surprise 
From  life  I  gather  but  a  dark  surmise  ; 
I  go  perforce.     Why  come  ?    Why  live  ?    Why  go  ? 
I  ask  these  questions,  but  find  no  replies." 

*  Awa  'dhdhlbu  f 'astanistu  bi'dhdhibi  idh  'awa 
Wa  sawwata  insanu  fakadtu  atiru."  (Anon). 

"  When  the  wolf  howls  and  whines,  it  sounds  familiar ;  but  if  a  man 
makes  a  noise  I  feel  scared."  D.  S.  Margoliouth. 

"  Awala  yarauna  'annahum  yuftanuna  fl  kulli  'amin  marratan  au 
marrataini,  thumma  la  yatubuna  wa  la  hum  yadhdhakkarun." 

Koran,  chap.  9. 

'■  Do  ihey  not  see  that  they  are  proved  every  year  once  or  twice?  Yet 
they  turn  not  neither  are  they  warned."  (Rouwell). 


< 


?4  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  'Awalam  yara  'Uinsanu  anna  khalaqnahu  min  nutfatin  faidha 
huwa  khasimun  mubin,  wa  dharaba  lana  mathalan,  qala  man  yuhi 
'radharaa  wahia  ramim.  Qui  joihijnha  'lladhanshaha  awwala  mar- 
ratin  ■wa  huwa  bikulli  khalqin  'alim."  Kouan,  chap.  36. 

"  Doth  not  man  perceive  that  we  have  created  him  of  seed  ?  Yet  lo  ! 
he  is  an  open  caviller  :  and  he  meeteth  us  with  arguments  "  Who"  saith 
he  "shall  give  life  to  bones  when  rotten  ?  Say  "  He  shall  give  life  to  them 
who  gave  them  being  at  first,  for  in  all  creation  is  He  skilled." 

(RonwELl.). 

"  'A-walam  yara  'lladhina  kafaru  anna  'ssama-wati  wa'l'ardha 
kanata  ratqan  fafataqnahuma  wa  ja'alna  min'lnaaai  kuUa  shayan 
hayyln,  'afala  yuminun."  Kokam,  chap.  21. 

•'  Do  not  the  unbelievers  see  that  the  heavens  and  the  earth  were  both  a 
solid  mass,  that  then  we  clave  them  asunder  and  that  by  means  of  water 
we  gave  life  to  everything?     Will  they  not  then  believe?"      Rodwell. 

"  Awaz-i-sagan  kam  na  kunad  rizq-i-gudara."  Urfi. 

"  The  dogs'  barking  does  not  diminish  the  beggar's  bread." 

"  'Ayahsabu  'linsanu  an  yutraka  suda  ?  alam  yaku  nutfatan  min 
manijryin  yumna,  thumma  kana  'alaqatan  fakhalaqa  fasawiva, 
faja'ala  minhu  'zzaujaini,  'Idhdhakara  wa'lunsa,  alaisa  dhalika 
biqadarin  'ala  an  yuhiya  'Imauta ?  "  Kohan,  chap.  75.    i!  %le  -^ 

"  Doth  man  think  that  he  will  be  left  alone  ?  Was  he  not  a  mere 
embryo,  then  he  became  thick  blood,  of  which  God^  formed  him  and 
fashioned  him  ;  and  made  him  twain  male  and  female.  Is  He  not  power- 
ful enough  to  quicken  the  dead?"  (Rodweli,). 

"  'Ayaw^addu  'ahadukum  'an  takuna  lahu  jannatun  min  nakhilin 
w^a'  a'nabin  tajri  min  tahtiha  'nnharu,  lahu  flha  min  kuUi  'ththam- 
arati  w^a'asabahu  'Ikibaru  w^a  lahu  dhurriyyatun  dhu'afau  fa'asa- 
baha  i'sarun  flhi  narun  fa'  htaraqat  kadhalika  joibayyinu  'llahu 
lakumu  'layati  la'allakum  tatafakkarun."  Koran,  chap.  2. 

Doth  any  of  you  desire  to  have  for  himself  a  garden  of  date  trees  and 
vines,  with  water  courses  running  through  it,  wherein  he  shall  have  all 
kinds  of  fruit,  and  that  he  should  reach  old  age,  and  have  a  weak  offspring ; 
then  shall  a  fiery  wmd  strike  it  and  it  shall  be  burnt  up.  Thus  doth  God 
show  His  signs  unto  you  that  ye  may  considei." 

"'Aynama  takunu,  yudrikkumu  'Imautu  w^a  lau  kuntum  fi  bu- 
rvyin  mushayyadatin."  Koran,  chap.  4.      ly  ■  5 " 

"  Wherever  ye  be,  death  will  overtake  you,  though  ye  be  in  lofty 
towers."  RoDWELL, 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  25 

"  Ayyatuha  'nnaflsu  'Imutxnalnnatu,  iijll  ila  rabbiki  radhiatan 
mardhiyyatan,  fa'dkhuli  fl  Ibadi,  wa'dkhuli  Jannati." 

Koran,  chap.  89.     ^J  "*? 

"  Oh,  thou  soul  which  art  at  rest,  return  to  thy  Lord  well-pleased  and 
pleasing  Him :  enter  thou  among  my  servants,  and  enter  thou  my 
paradise."  (Rodwki.i,). 

"  Ayyuha  Imuddaththir,  qum  fa'  andhir,  wa  rabbaka  fakabbir  wa 
thiabaka  fatahhir  ■wa'rrujza  fahjur,  wa  la  tamnun  tastakthir,  wa 
lirabbika  fa'sbir."  Kokan,  chap.  74.     f  —  t 

"  O  thou  enwrapped  in  thy  mantle!  arise  and  warn  !  and  thy  Lord —  ^ 
magnify  Him,  and  thy  raiment — purify  it,  aud  the  abomination — flee  it, 
and  bestow  not  favours  that  thou  mayest  receive  again  with  increase,  and 
for  thy  Lord  wait  thou  patiently."  (RODWELI,). 

"  Azrftda  ta  t^wanad  az  qaid-i-tan  bar  ayad 
Az  post  erar  na  bashad  az  pairahan  bar  ayad."  Sarabi. 

"  The  truly  free  as  soon  as  possible  disengages  himself  from  body 
If  he  cannot  extricate  himself  from  skin,  let  him  resign  his  doublet." 
\  Shea. 

"  Az  amadan  wa  raftan-Kma  audi  ku, 
Wa  za  tar-i  ■wujud-umr-i^Jjm  pudi  ku, 
Dar  chambar-i-charkh  jism^l'-cliandin  pakan 
Misuzad  wa  khak  mishawad,  dudi  ku."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  We  come  and  go,  but  for  the  gain,  where  is  it  ? 
And  spin  life's  woof,  but  for  the  warp,  where  is  it  ? 
And  many  a  righteous  man  has  burned  to  dust 
In  heaven's  blue  rondure,  but  their  smoke  where  is  it?" 

(Whinfiei.d), 

"  Az  an  k'az  tu  tarsad  bitars,  ey  hakim, 
Wa  gar  ba  chu  u  sad  bara'e  bajang."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  O  wise  man  fear  him  who  fears  thee,  even  though  thou  couldst  be 
successful  in  the  contest  with  a  hundred  such  as  he."  (Platts). 

"  Az  bugrzar  wa  padshahi  kun ; 
Gardan-i-be  tarn 'a  buland  shawad."  Gumstan,  chap.  3. 

"  Quit  greed  and  as  a  monarch  reign 

For  proud  his  station  who  for  nothing  hopes." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Az  malaik  bahra  dari  w^'az  bahaim  niz  ham  ; 
Bugzar  az  hazz-i-bahaim  k'az  malaik  bugzari." 

.Ak-hlai.)-i-Muhsini. 

"  Thou  hast  a  portion  with  the  angels  and  likewise  with  the  brutes 
Pass  on  from  the  pleasure  of  animals  that  thou  mayest  excel  the  angels." 

(Kee.ne). 


26  •  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Az  rafta  qalam  hich  digar  gxin  na  shawad 
Wa  za  khurdan  gham  bajuz  jigar-khun  na  shawad 
Gar  dar  hama  umr-i-kh^vesh  khunaba  khuri, 
Ek  qatra  az  an  ki  hast  afzun  na  shawad."  Omak  Khayvam. 

"  Man  cannot  change  what  pen  hath  writ  of  yore, 
Diet  of  sorrow  breedeth  heart-pan^  sore  ; 
Spend  thy  whole  life  in  shedding  tears  of  blood, 
Thou  can'st  not  add  one  tear-drop  to  thy  store." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Az  sadaf  yad  gir  nuqta'e  hilm 
Har  ki  burrad  sarat,  gauhar  bakhshash."  Hafiz. 

"  Learn  meekness  from  the  shell  in  ocean's  bed 
And  pearls  on  one  who  wounds  thy  head  bestow." 

(Bicknell). 

"  Az  tawakkul  dar  sabab  kahil  mashau 
Bamaz  '  al  kasib  habib  villah '  shanau 
Gar  tawakkul  mi-kuni  dar  kar  kun 
Kasb  kun,  pas  takiya  bar  jabbar  kun."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Do  not,  to  slothfulness,  on  God  depend. 

The  saying  hear,  "  Who  labours  is  God's  friend." 

With  labour  he  combined  thy  confidence 

And,  while  thou  toilest,  trust  Omnipotence."       Eastwick. 

"  Ba  barf  ab-i-rahmat  makun  bar  khasis, 
Chu  kardi,  mukafat  bar  yakh  nawls."  ^  Bostan  ok  S'adi. 

"  Use  not  mercy  with  ice-water  towards  the  mean. 

When  thou  dost — write  the  compensation  for  it  on  ice." 

(Clarke). 

"  Ba  chunan  galib  khudaw^ande  kase 
Chun  na  mirad  gar  na  bashad  u  khase."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  For  love  of  our  Almighty  God,  the  Lord  of  all. 

Who  would  not  die  ;  a  stock,  a  block,  we  needs  must  call." 

(Redhouse). 

"  Ba  darya  dar  manaf'i  beshumarand 
"Wa  gar  khwahi  salamat,  bar  kinarast."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Upon  the  sea,  'tis  true  is  boundless  gain 

Wouldst  thou  be  safe,  upon  the  shore  remain." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Badbakht  kase  ki  sar  bitabad 
Z'in  dar  ki  dar-i-digar  na  yabad."  Gulistan. 

"  Ill-fated  is  he  who  turns  from  this  door,  for  he  will  find  no  other." 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  27 

'  Ba  yak  natarashida  dar  maJUs 
Birai\]ad  dil-i-hosbmandan  basi ; 
Asrar  birlca'e  pur  kunand  az  grulab 
Sagre  dar  wai  viftad,  ktinad  manjalab."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  he  there  but  one  rough  person  in  their  train 
For  his  misdeeds  the  wise  will  suffer  pain. 
Should  you  a  cistern  w  ith  rose-water  fill 
A  dog  dropped  in  it  would  defile  it  still."        (Eastwick). 

'  Ba  hang'am-i-sakhte  ma  shu  na-ummed 
K'az  abr  siyah  barad  ab-i-sufed."  Nizami. 

"  In  the  hour  of  adversity  be  not  without  hope 

For  crystal  rain  falls  from  black  clouds."  OusRLEV. 

'  Bahistagri  kar-i-'alam  barar, 
Ki  dar  kar  grarmi  ni  ayad  bakar ; 
Chiragrh  ar  bagrarmi  na  afrokhti 
Na  khud  ra  na  parwana  ra  sokhti 
Shikib  aweirad  bandha  ra  kalid  ; 
Shlkibanda  ra  kas  pasheman  na  did."  Anwar-i-Suheili, 

"  Be  thou  sedate  in  what  thou  hast  to  do 
For  fiery  haste  will  prove  abortive  too 
Did  not  the  lamp  so  hot  itself  illume 
'  I'would  not  its  substance  and  the  moth  consume 
Patience  supplies  to  every  ward  its  key 
One  ne'er  did  patient  men  regretful  see."  EIastvvick. 

'  Ba  hukm-i-khuda  chun  kase  uftad 
Hama  alamash  pae  ba  sar  nihand ; 
Chu  binand  k'iqbal  dastash  eririft 
Sitaish  kunan  bar  bar  nihand."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  When  one  has  fallen  by  high  heaven's  decree 
The  banded  world  will  trample  on  his  head  ; 
Then  fawn  and  fold  their  hands  respectfully 
When  they  behold  his  steps  by  fortune  led." 

'  Ba  in  do  sih  nadan  ki  Jahandaranand, 
Az  Jahl  ki  dana-e-jahan  and ; 
Khushbash  ki  az  khurrami,  eshan  bamisal, 
Har  k'u  na  khar  ast,  kaflrash  midanand."  Omar  Khavvam. 

"  These  fools  by  dint  of  ignorance  most  crass, 
Think  they  in  wisdom  all  mankind  surpass ; 
And  glibly  do  they  damn  as  infidel 
Each  one  who  is  not,  like  themselves,  an  ass." 

(Whinfiei.d). 


28  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Bakht  vra  daulat  ba  kardani  nest, 
Juz  ba  tajad-i-asmani  nest ; 
Uftad  ast  dar  jahan  bisyar 
Be  tanaiz  arjumand  -wa  aqil  khAvar ; 
Kimiag-ar  ba  ghussa  murda  wa  ranj, 
Ablah  andar  kharaba  yafta  ganj."  Gulistan,  Book  i. 

'*  Fortune  and  wealth  are  not  to  merit  given, 
None  can  obtain  them  but  by  aid  from  heaven  ; 
In  this  world  oft  a  marvel  meets  our  eyes 
The  undiscerning  honoured,  scorned  the  wise  ; 
The  alchemist  expires  with  grief  and  vain 
And  fools  a  treasure  neath  a  shed  obtain."       (Eastwick). 

"  Balagha  'I'ula  bikamalihi, 
Kashafa  'dduja  bi  jamalihi, 
Hasunat  jami'u  khisalihi ; 
Salla  'alaihi  wa  alihi."  Gulistan,  Preface. 

"  All  perfect  he*  and  therefore  won 
His  lofty  place  and  like  a  sun 
His  beauty  lighted  up  the  night. 
Fair  are  his  virtues  all  and  bright. 
Let  peace  and  benediction  be 
On  him  and  his  posterity."  (Eastwick). 

"  Bani  Adam  a'zae  yakdig-ar  and, 
Ki  dar  afrinish  za  yak  jauhar  and, 
Chu  'uzui  badard  aurad  rozg'ar 
Digar  "uzuhara  namanad  qarar ; 
Tu  k'az  mihnat-i-digaran  be-g-hami, 
Nashayad  ki  namat  nihand  admi."  Gulistam,  chap.  i. 

"  All  Adam's  race  are  members  of  one  frame 
Since  all  at  first  from  the  same  essence  came  ; 
When  by  hard  fortune  one  limb  is  oppressed 
The  other  members  lose  their  wonted  rest : 
If  thou  feel'st  not  for  others'  misery, 
A  son  of  Adam  is  no  name  for  thee.  (Eastwick). 

"  Ba  nizd-i-dana  ni'amat  an  ast, 
K'azu  j  anat  bu wad  j  awld  masrur ; 
Za  Sim  w^a  zar  ki  chun  prorat  buw^ad  jae 
Bimand  hamchu  sang'at  bar  sar-i-g'or."  Jami,  Biharistan. 

"  A  wise  man  considers  that  a  blessing 
Which  rejoices  the  heart  for  ever  and  ever. 
The  tomb  will  be  thy  resting  place  ;  hence  silver  and  gold 
Will  remain  on  the  top  of  it  like  stones."  (Rehatsek). 

*  Muhammad. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  29 

'  Bar  dulchta  am  dida  chu  baz  az  hama  'alain, 
Ta  didae'  man  bar  rukh-i-zeba'e  tu  bazast."  Hakiz. 

•*  I  have  shut  my  eye  like  a  falcon  to  a' I  the  world 
Since  my  (inward)  eye  is  open  to  thy  beauteous  countenance." 

(Nicholson). 

'  Barozerar-i-salamat  shikastaeran  daryab, 
Kijabr-l-khatlr-i-miskln  bala  bigrardanad; 
Chu  sa'il  az  tu  bazari  talab  kunad  chize, 
Bidih,  waguma  sitamgrar  baroz  bistanad."  Gulistan,  chap.  a. 

"  In  prosperous  days  go  seek  out  the  distressed 
The  poor  man's  prayer  can  change  misfortune's  course  ; 
Give,  when  the  beggar  humbly  makes  request 
Lest  the  oppressor  take  from  thee  by  force."  (Eastwick). 

'  Bas  gxil  shierufta  mi-shawad  in  baghra,  wale 
Kas  bebala'e  khar  na  chidast  azu  gxile."  Hakiz. 

"  Though  many  a  rose  in  this  garden  is  born 

No  mortal  who  culls  one  escapes  from  the  thorn." 

BiCKNELL. 

'  Bas  grurusna  khuft  wa  kas  na  danist  ki  kist 
Bas  jan  balab  amad  ki  baru  kas  nagrrist."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

*'  Full  many  a  starving  wight  has  died  unknown 
Full  many  a  spirit  fled  that  none  bemoan." 

(Eastwick). 

'  Bash  Chun  dulab  nalan  chashmtar 
Ta  za  sahn  Janat  baroiad  hazar  ; 
Bahm  khwahi,  rahm  kun  ba  ishkbar, 
Bahm  khwahi,  bar  zaifan  rahmat  ar."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Imitate  the  water-wheel  that  groans  and  weeps  ; 
By  prayers  and  groans  and  tears  a  man  his  heart  pure  keeps  ; 
Wouldst  thou  shed  tears  ?    Feel  pity  when  thou  meetest  woe, 
VVouldst  mercy  find  ?    Show  mercy,  when  men  bow  them  low." 

(Redhouse). 

"  Bas  ki  dar  khak  tandurustanra 
Detfan  kardand  wa  zaklim  khurda  na  murd."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Oft  have  they  laid  the  vigorous  neath  the  clay 
While  the  sore-wounded  have  revived  at  last." 

(Eastwick). 


30  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Bas  nanavrar  bazer-i-zamin  dafan  karda  and, 
K'az  hastiyash  ba  ru-e-zamin  yak  nishan  namand  ; 
"Wa  an  pir  lashara  ki  sipurdand  zer-i-khak 
Khakash  chunan  bikhurad  k'azu  ustukban  namand ; 
Zindast  nam-i-farrxikb-i-Nushirwan  ba-adl, 
Garchi  basi  guzasht  ki  Nusbirwan  namand ; 
Khairi  kun,  ai  fulan,  -wa,  ghanimat  shumar  umr, 
Z'an  pesbtar  ki  bangr  bar  ayad  'fulan  namand'."    Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Full  many  a  chief  of  glorious  name  beneath  the  ground  now  buried  lies, 
Yet  not  one  token  of  his  fame,  on  earth's  wide  surface  meets  our  eyes. 
That  aged  form  of  life  bereft  which  to  earth's  keeping  they  commit 
The  soil  devours,  no  bone  is  left,  no  trace  remains  to  tell  of  it ; 
The  glorious  name  of  Nushirwan  lives  in  his  deeds  year  after  year  ; 
Do  good  my  friend  and  look  upon  this  life  as  an  occasion  dear 
For  acting  well  ere  yet  we  hear  of  thee  that  thy  career  is  done."  ' 

(East'.vick). 

"  Bas  sitare  atish  az  aban  jahid 
Wa  in  dil  sborida  pazaraft  wa  kashid  ; 
Lek  dar  zulmat  yak  duzde  nihan 
Minihad  angusht  bar  astaragan ; 
Mikushad  astaraganra  yak  ba  yak 
Taki  nafrozad  chiraghe  bar  falak ; 
Chun  inayatat  shaw^ad  ba  ma  muqim 
Kai  buad  bimi  az  an  div  laim  ; 
Gar  hazaran  dam  bashad  bar  qadam, 
Chun  tu  ba  ma'i  na  bashad  hich  gham."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  How  many  sparks  of  fire  from  flint  and  steel  have  flown 
How  many  hearts  like  tinder,  make  those  sparks  their  own. 
But  in  the  dark  some  thief  his  finger  presses  there 
And  every  train  puts  out  that  has  been  lighted  here. 
Extinguished  if  those  sparks  were  not,  a  flame  would  rise 
A  burning  light  be  kindled,  flashing  beyond  the  skies 
A  thousand  snares  are  laid  to  catch  our  tripping  feet 
But  Lord,  if  thou  us  shield,  harm  never  shall  us  meet. 
If  but  Thy  grace  will  guide  us,  lead  us  on  our  way, 
No  thief  can  steal  our  peace  of  mind,  our  light  of  day." 

(Redhouse), 

"  Batil  ast  an  ki  mudd'ai  goyad 
'  Khufba  ra  khufta  kai  kunad  bedar  ?  ' 
Mard  bayad  ki  girad  andar  gush, 
War  nawishtast  pand  bar  diw^ar."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Futile  is  the  objector's  scorning 
'  Sleepers  we  not  slumber's  eye.' 
Heed  then  well  the  words  of  warning 
Though  on  a  wall  thou  them  descry,"         Eastwick. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  31 

"  Batln-l-ma  chu  falak  ta  bi-abad  mustaerhna  ast 
Oarchi  roze  do  sih  dar  naqsh  wa  nierar-l-basharem." 

Diwan-i-Sha.ms-i-Taiiriz. 

"  Our  celestial  spirit  is  free  to  eternity, 
Although  for  a  short  time  we  are  imprisoned  in  forms  of  flesh." 

"  Ba  tu  bakharabat  agrar  goyem  raz 
Blh  z'anki  kunam  be  tu  ba  mihrab  namaz ; 
By  awnral  vra  akhlr-i-hama  khalqan  tu 
Kbwahl  tu  mara  bisoz  wa  khwahi  binawaz."  Omar  Khayyam 

•'  In  taverns  better  far  commune  with  Thee 
Than  pray  in  mosques  and  fail  Thy  face  to  see  ! 
O  first  and  last  of  all  thy  creatures  Thou, 
'Tis  thine  to  burn  and  thine  to  cherish  me."     Whinkield. 

"  Ba  tu  dozakh  jannat  ast,  ey  jan  faza 
Ba  tu  zindan  gulshanast,  ey  dilbara."  Jalaluudin  Rumi. 

•'  With  thee  hell  would  he  a  mansion  of  delight 
With  thee  a  prison  would  be  a  rose  garden." 

WH  INFIELD. 

"  Ba  tu  mara  sokhtan  andar  'azab 
Bih  ki  shudan  ba  digare  dar  bihisht ; 
Bue  piyaz  az  dlhan-i-khubrue 
Naghzaztar  ayad  ki  erul  az  dast-i-zisht."  Gulistan,  chap.  6. 

"  Belter  with  thee  be  tortured  and  consume, 
Than  with  another  Eden's  bowers  possess  : 
More  sweet  from  beauty's  mouth  the  onion's  fume 
Than  roses  from  the  hand  of  ugliness."  (Eastwick). 

"  Ba  tu  za  zlyan  che  bak  daretn 
By  sud  kunl  hama  ziyanha?  "  (Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz). 

"  With  thee  how  should  we  be  afraid  of  loss 
O  thou,  who  turnesl  every  loss  to  gain."     (Nicholso.n). 

"  Bahizr  wa  tauba  tawan  rastan  az  'azab-i-khuda, 
Walek  mi  natawan  az  zaban-i-mardum  rast."        (Julistan,  chap.  2. 

"  By  penitence  thou  mnyest  exempted  be 

From  wrath  divine  ;  man's  tongue  thou  cannot  flee." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Ba  waqt  nafaz-i-qaza  wa  qadr 
Hama  zirakan  kur  gardand  wa  kar."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  When  heaven's  decree  and  fate's  commands  are  sped 
The  wise  are  blinded  and  their  ears  grow  dead." 

Eastwick. 


32  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Ba  was'at-i-ardhi  'Hah  dar  habas  che  khuspidi?" 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tahriz. 

"  Why,   when   God's  earth   is  so  wide,   have   you    fallen    asleep   in   a 
prison?"  (Nicholson). 

"  Bazikrash  har  che  bini  dar  khurushast 
Dili  danad  dar  in  m'ana  ki  grushast ; 
Na  bulbul  bar  gulash  tasbih  kh-wanist, 
Ki  har  khari  batasbihash  zabanist."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  All  things  thou  seest  still  declare  His  praise 
The  attentive  heart  can  hear  their  secret  lays. 
Hymns  to  the  rose  the  nightingale  His  name 
Each  thorn's  a  tongue  His  marvels  to  proclaim." 

(Eastvvick). 

"  Be  abr  mushkil  ast  tamasha'e  aftab, 
Saib  nazara  rukh-i-u  dar  niqab  kun."  Saib. 

"  It  is  difficult  to  gaze  on  the  sun  without  a  cloud 
View  therefore,  O  Saib,  the  face  of  thy  beloved  through  her  veil." 

(Ouseley). 

"  Begana  agar  ^vafa  kunad  khwesh-i-man  ast 
War  kh'wesh  khata  kunad,  badandesh-i-man  ast ; 
Gar  zahr  muwaflqat  kunad,  tiryakast, 
War  nosh  mukhalifat  kunad,  nish-i-man  ast."  Omar  Khawam. 

"  Is  a  friend  faithless?     Spurn  him  as  a  foe, 
But  on  trustworthy  foes  respect  bestow, 
Hold  healing  poison  for  an  antidote, 
And  baneful  sweets  for  deadly  eisel  know." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Be  erufb  wa  gui  zulf-i-tu  dil-ra  hame  kashad 
Ba  zulf-i-dilkash-i-tu  kira  gnft  wa  gu'st."  Hafiz. 

"  Thy  curl  is  ever  drawing  the  heart  silently 

Who  haih  power  to  speak  (quarrel)  with  Thy  heart-vanishing  curl." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Beshtar  ashab  jannat  ablahand, 
Ta  za  sharr  failsufl  mirihand ; 
Khw^esh-ra  'uryan  kun  az  jumla  fazul, 
Tark  khud  kun  ta  kunad  rahmat  nazul."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

*'  The  majority  of  those  in  Paradise  are  the  simple 
Who  have  escaped  the  snares  of  philosophy. 
Strip  yourself  bare  of  overweening  intellect 
That  grace  may  ever  be  shed  upon  you  from  above." 

(Whinfield). 


\ 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  33 

"  Bewaftti  Chun  sagtinra  'ar  bud 
Bewafal  chun  rawadaii  namud 
Haqq  Taala  fakhr  aurad  az  wafa 
Ouft '  man  aufa  ba  ahd  erhairana  ? ' "  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Whereas  want  of  fidelity  is  shameful  even  in  dogs, 
How  can  it  be  right  in  men  ? 
God  Almighty  tiimself  makes  boast  of  fidelity 
Saying  •  Who  is  more  faithful  to  his  promise  than  we?' " 

(Whinfield). 

"  Bi  bazl  na  gruft  in  sukhan  Bayazld, 
Kl  az  munkir  aimantar  am  k'az  mvirid."      Bostan  of  S'adi  (chap.  5). 

"  Bayazid  uttered,  not  in  sport  this  speech 

•  I  am  safer  from  the  disbeliever,  than  from  the  disciple.'" 

(Clarke). 

"  Bi-bin  an  be-hamiyatra  ki  hareriz 
Nakhwahad  did  ru-e-nek  bakhti. 
Tan  asani  gruzinad  khwishtanra, 
Zan  wa  farzand  bugrzarad  basakhti."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

'*  See  now  that  wretch  devoid  of  shame  !  for  him 
Fair  fortune's  face  will  smile  not,  nor  has  smiled  ; 
Himself  he  pampers  in  each  selfish  whim 
And  leaves  his  hardships  to  his  wife  and  child." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Bi  ch£ishm-i-khwish  didam  dar  bayaban 
Ki  mard-i-ahista  bugrzaslit  az  shitaban ; 
Samand-i-bad  pa  az  tak  faru  mand, 
Shutarb&n  hamciiunan  aliista  mirand."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  I've  in  the  desert  with  these  eyes  l>eheld 
The  hurrying  pilgrim  to  the  slow-stepped  yield  ; 
The  rapid  courser  in  the  rear  remains, 
While  the  slow  camel  still  its  step  maintains." 

Eastwick. 

"  Bi  dan  ki  har  ja  kl  gxilast,  kharast,  wa  ba  khamar  khamar  ast 
wa  ba  sar-i-ganj  mar,  wa  an  ja  ki  durr-i-shahwaraat  nihangr-i-mar- 
damkhwar  ast."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

**  Know  that  wherever  there  is  a  rose  there  is  a  thorn,  and  with  wine 
there  is  intoxication,  and  over  a  treasure  is  coiled  a  serpent,  and  where 
there  are  royal  pearls  these  are  also  devouring  monsters."     (Eastwick). 

"  Bldani  grah-i-grhalla  bardaslatan 
Kl  susti  buwad  tukhm  na-kashtan."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  i. 

"  At  the  time  of  corn-gathering  thou  shall  know 
That  idleness  is  not  seed-sowing."  (Clarke). 


34  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Bi  din,  ey  faromaya,  dunya  ma  khar 
Tu  khar-ra  ba  Injil-i-Isa  ma  khar."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  6. 

"  O  one  of  little  worth,  buy  not  the  world  in  exchange  for  religion  ; 
Purchase  not  thou  the  ass  with  the  gospel  of  Jesus."  (Clarke). 

"  Bidozad  shara  didai  hushmand 
Dar  arad  tam'a  murg-h  wa  mahi  ba  band."  Gulistan,  chap.  3. 

"  The  eyes  of  men  though  sharp  are  closed  by  avarice 
Greed  will  both  bird  and  fish  toward  the  net  entice." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Bigzashtan  ftirsat,  ey  biradar, 
Dar  garmravi  chu  megh  bashad  ; 
Daryab  ki  umr  bas  aziz  ast ; 
Gar  faut  shawad,  daregh  bashad."  Hafiz. 

"  Opportunity  flies,  O  brother, 
As  the  cloud  that  quick  doth  pass  ; 
Oh  make  use  of  it !  life  is  precious 
If  we  let  it  go,— alas  !  "  (Bickneil). 

"  Bikan  pumba'e  ghaflat  az  gush-i-hush 
Ki  az  murdagan  pandat  ayad  ba  gush."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  i. 

"  Pluck  out  the  cotton  of  carelessness  from  the  ear  of  sense 
That  the  advice  of  dead  men  may  come  to  thy  ear." 

(Clarke), 

"  Bi  khurda  tawan  atish  afrukhtan 
Pas  anki  darakht  gashan  sukhtan."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  i. 

"  One  can  light  a  fire  with  fragments 
After  that,  one  can  burn  the  large  tree."  (Clarke). 

"  Bi  koshish  naroiad  gul  az  shakh-i-bid ; 
Na  zange  bigarmaba  gardad  sufld."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  5. 

"  The  flower  grows  not  from  the  willow-bough  by  effort 
The  Ethiopian  becomes  not  white  by  the  hot  bath." 

(Clarke). 

"  Bi  koshish  tawan  Dijlara  pesh  bast ; 
Nashayad  zaban-i-bad  andesh  bast."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  One  can  with  effort  bind  the  Tigris 
One  cannot  bind  the  enemy's  tongue."  (Clarke). 

"  Biksha  daram  ki  dar  kushayanda  tu'i 
Binma  raham  ki  rah  numayanda  tu'i, 
Man  dast  ba  hich  dastgiri  nadiham, 
Ki  eshan  hama  fani  and,  wa  payinda  tu'i."  Omar  Khayyam. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  35 

"  Open  the  door  !  O  warder  l>est  and  purest, 
And  guide  the  way,  O  thou,  of  guides  the  surest  ! 
Directors  born  of  men  shall  not  direct  me, 
Their  counsel  comes  to  nought,  but  thou  endurest." 

(VVhinkield). 

'  Bikshai  du  dast-i-lchud  erar  maiI-1-kinarastat, 
Bishkun  but-i-kha.klra  ta  rue  butan  bini."      Uiwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Open  your  arms  if  you  desire  an  embrace, 

Break  the  idol  of  clay  that  you  may  behold  the  face  of  the  fair." 

(Nicholson). 

'  Bi-mlr,  ey  dvist,  grar  khwahi  rihai, 
Ki  be  mvirdan  na  yabi  ashnal."  Anwar-i-Suheii-l 

"  Die  friend  !  if  thou  enfranchisement  would  gain  ; 

Undying,  thou  canst  not  thy  friend  obtain."      Eastwick. 

'  Binadan  anchtinan  ruze  rasanad, 
Ki  sad  dana  dar  an  hairan  bamanad."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Heaven  to  the  fool  supplies 

Such  wealth  as  would  amaze  the  wise."      (Eastwick). 

'  Bina'e  kar  ba  tadbir  bayad, 
Ki  be  teuibir  kare  bar  niayad."  Anwar-i-Suhkili. 

"  On  due  deliberation  base  each  deed, 
For  unmatured,  no  plan  can  e'er  succeed." 

Eastwick. 

'  Bina'e'  ki  mtilikam  na  darad  asas, 
Bvilandash  ma  kun ;  war  kuni,  z'u  hiras."       Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  2 

"  The  edifice  that  has  not  firm  foundations 

Make  it  not  lofty  ;  and  if  thou  dost,  tremble  for  it." 

(Clarke). 

'  Bingar  badana  dar  gril  chu  bimard,  gasht  muqbil, 
Za  'adam  bikard  hasil  du  hazar  armaghani, 
Za  khudl  chu  u  fana  shud,  gul  wa  barg  mewaha  shud, 
Za  saful  bar  'ala  shud,  bifutuh  asmani."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Earth  receives  the  seed  and  guards  it. 

Trustfully  it  dies : 
Then  what  teeming  life  rewards  it. 

For  self-sacrifice. 
With  green  leaf  and  clustering  blossom 

Clad,  or  golden  fruit, 
See  it  from  earth's  cheerless  1  osom 

Ever  sunward  shoot."  (I'ai.coner). 


36  ARABIC  AND   I'ERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Bingar  za  saba  daman-i-g-ul  chak  shuda, 
Bulbul  za  jamal-i-gul  tarabnak  shuda, 
Dar  saya-e-gnl  nishin  ki  bisyar  in  gul 
Az  khak  bar  amadast  wa  bar  khak  shuda."  Omak  Kkayvam. 

"  Bulbuls  doting  on  roses  oft  complain 

How  froward  breezes  rend  their  veils  in  twain 

Sit  we  beneath  this  rose  which  manj'  a  time 

Has  sprung  from  earth  and  dropped  to  earth  again." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Bi  qaul-i-dushman  paiman-i-dost  bishkasti, 
Bibin  ki  az  ki  buridi  -wa,  ba  ki  paiv/asti."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  With  thy  friend  thou  faith  hast  broken  at  the  bidding  of  thy  foe, 

See  with  whom  thou'st  joined  alliance,  and  from  whom  thou'st  sought 
to  go  ! "  (Eastwick). 

"  Biraft  shaukat  Mahmud  -wa  dar  zamana  namand 
Juz  in  fana  ki  nashinakht  qadr  Firdausi."  (J ami). 

"  The  splendour  of  the  great  Mahmud  has  vanished  from  the  world,  and 
nought  remains  of  him  except  the  tale  of  his  not  appreciating  the  merit  of 
Firdausi."  (Ouseley). 

"  Birau,  ba  dustan  asuda  binishin, 
Chu  bini  darmiyan-i-dushmanan  jang ; 
Wa  gar  bini  ki  baham  ek  zabanand, 
Kaman  ra  zih  kun  wa  bar  bara  nih  sang."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  Go  !  with  thy  friends  sit  free  from  care, 
If  thou  thy  foes  should  see  with  discord  rent. 
But  if  thou  mark'st  agreement  there, 
Go  string  thy  bow,  thyself  prepare, 
And  pile  thy  missiles  on  the  battlement."      (Eastwick). 

"  Birau,  in  dam  ba  murghe  digar  nih, 
Ki  'anqara  buland  ast  ashiyana."  anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Go  !  for  some  other  bird  these  arts  apply, 
The  Anqa  has  its  lofty  nest  too  high."  Eastwick. 

"  Birau  zahida,  khurda  bar  ma  magir 
Ki  kar-i-khuda'e  na  karist  khurd."  Hafiz. 

"  Slight  me  not  zealot,  go  thou  hence  ashamed 

For  naught  is  slight  that  has  by  God  been  framed." 

(BiCKNELL). 

"  Bishau,  ai  khiradmand,  az  an  dust  dast, 
Ki  ba  dushmananat  buwad  ham  nishast."  Gulistan,  chap.  s. 


ARABIC  AND  I'ERSIAN  SAYINGS  37 

*'  Eschew  that  friend,  if  thou  art  wise, 
Who  consorts  with  thy  enemies."  (Eastwick). 

'  Bl  shirin  zabani  tawan  burd  gne 
Ki  paiwasta  talkhi  burd  tund  khue 
Tu  shirin  zabani  za  S'adi  bigrir. 
Tursh  i-uera  gru  'bitalkhi  bimir.'"  Bustan  ok  S'adi,  chap.  4. 

"  One  can  by  sweet  speech  carry  away  the  ball  of  power, 
Hut  one  of  had  disposition  constantly  endures  bitterness  ; 
Take  thou  from  S'adi  the  pleasant  speech  ; 
To  the  one  of  bitter  visage  say  '  Die  of  bitterness.' "      (Ci-ARKB). 

'  Bi  shirin  zabani  wa  lutf  wa  khushi 
Tawani  ki  pile  ba  mue  kashi."  Anwar-i-Suhkili. 

'*  With  honied  tongue  and  language  soft  and  fair 
Thou  niay'sl  conduct  a  mammoth  with  a  hair," 

(Eastwick). 

'  Bishnau  az  nai,  chun  hikayat  mikunad, 
Az  judaiha  shikayat  mikunad. 
K'az  naiyistan  ta  mara  biburida  and, 
Az  nafiram  mard  Ava  zan  nalida  and. 
Sina  khwaham  sharh  sharh  az  firaq, 
Ta  bagnyam  sharh  dard-i-ishtyak. 
Har  keise  k'u  dur  manad  az  asl-i-khwesh 
Baz juyad  ruzgrar  wasl-i-khwesh."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Hearken  to  the  reed-flute,  how  it  discourses 

When  complaining  of  the  pains  of  separation  ; 
•    '  Ever  since  they  tore  me  from  my  osier-bed. 

My  plaintive  notes  have  moved  men  and  women  to  tears. 

I  burst  my  breast  striving  to  give  vent  to  sighs. 

And  to  express  the  pangs  of  yearning-  for  my  home  ; 

He  who  abides  far  away  from  his  homfe, 

Is  ever  longing  for  the  day  he  shall  return.'"       (WniNFiEi,n). 

'  Bishnau  in  nukta  ki  khudra  za  gham  azada  kuni 
Khun  khuri,  grar  talab  ruzi  nanihada  kuni."  Anwak-i-Suhrili. 

'  Wouldst  thou  keep  thyself  from  sorrow,  then  this  counsel  hear  of  me 
Seekst  thou  that  to  thee  unfated,  all  thy  toil  will  fruitless  be." 

Eastwick. 

'  Bitars  az  grunahan-i-khAvish  in  nafas 
Ki  ruz-i-qiyamat  na  t»rsi  za  kas."  Bostan  ok  S'aui,  chap.  9. 

"  He  afraid  of  thy  sins  this  moment 
That  thou  mayest  fear  no  one  in  the  judgment  day." 

(Ci.akke). 


38  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Bitars  az  khuda  wa  raa-azar  kas 
Zahi,  rastkari  hamin  ast  vra  bas."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Fear  God  nor  any  living  thing  distress 
This  is  the  one  sole  road  to  happiness."        Eastwick. 

"  Bitarsad  anki  ba  uftadagan  na  bakhshayad 
Ki,  gar  za  pai  dar  ayad,  kasash  na  girad  dast."       Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Who  pities  not  the  fallen  let  him  fear 
Lest,  if  he  fall,  no  friendly  hand  be  near." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Bi  tundi  sabiik  dast  burd  an  ba  tigii 
Bi  dandan  barad  pusht-i-dast-i-darigh."        Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  i. 

"  With  severity  to  carry  a  light  hand  to  the  sword 

Is  to  carry  the  back  of  the  hand  of  regret  to  the  teeth." 

(Clarke). 
"  Biya,  biya,  ki  nayabi  chu  ma  digar  yare, 
Chu  ma  ba  jumla  jahan  khud  kujast  dildare  ? 
Biya,  biya,  "wa  bar  har  sue  ruzgar  mabar, 
Ki  nest  naqd-i-tura  pesh-i-ghair  bazare."      Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Come,  come  for  you  will  not  find  another  friend  like  Me, 
Where  indeed  is  a  Beloved  like  Me  in  all  the  world  ? 
Come,  come,  and  do  not  spend  your  life  in  wandering  to  and  fro. 
Since  there  is  no  market  elsewhere  for  your  money." 

(Nicholson). 
"  Biya  ta  bar  arem  daste  za  dil, 
Ki  nata'wan  baraurd  farda  za  gll ; 
Bi  fasl-i-khazan  mi  na  bini  darakht 
Ki  be  barg  manad  za  sarma'e  sakht  ? 
Bar  arad  tihi  dastha'e  niyaz 
Za  rahmat  na  gardad  tihi  dast  baz."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

"  Come  !  let  us  raise  a  hand  from  the  heart, 
For  to-morrow  one  cannot  raise  the  hand  from  the  clay  of  the  grave  ; 
In  the  autumn  season  seest  thou  not  the  tree 
Which  from  severe  cold  remains  leafless  ? 
It  uplifts  the  empty  hands  of  supplication. 
It  returns  not  through  God's  mercy,  empty-handed."  (Clarke). 

"  Biya,  wa  fikrat-i-man  kun  ki  flkratat  dadam, 
Chu  I'al  mi-khari  az  kan-i-man  bakharbari ; 
Biya  wa  janib-i-ankas  birau  ki  payat  dad, 
Badu  nigar  badu  dida  ki  dad  didari."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

•'  Come,  and  think  of  Me,  Who  gave  you  the  faculty  of  thought. 
Since  from  my  mine  you  may  purchase  an  ass-load  of  rubies  ; 
Come,  advance  towards  Him  Who  gave  you  a  foot. 
Look  with  all  your  eyes  upon  Him  Who  gave  you  an  eye." 

(Nicholson). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  39 

Biya  wa  hal-i-ahl-i-dard  bishnau, 

Ba  lute-1-andak  wa  m'ana  bisyar."  Hafiz,  Ode,  a8a. 

••  Come  I  hear  of  those  who  have  felt  sorrow's  touch 
Their  words  are  few,  but  what  they  mean  is  much." 

BiCKNELI.. 

"  Blza'at  ni-aurdam  ilia  ummed ; 
Khudaya  za  'afu'ajn  makvin  na-ummed."     Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  10. 

'•  I  have  brought  no  capital,  save  hope  ; 
O  God  !  make  me  not  hopeless  of  pardon." 

(Clarke). 
"  BiiBtan  ba  u  rawan  bar  ja  rawad, 
Lek  an  az  khalq  pinhan  mishawad, 
Mewaha  laba  kunan,  k'az  man  bichar, 
Ab  h£klwan  amada,  k'az  man  bikhwar."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  That  spiritual  garden  accompanies  them  everywhere 
Vet  it  is  never  revealed  to  the  eyes  of  the  people, 
Its  fruits  ever  asking  to  be  gathered. 
Its  fount  of  life  welling  up  to  be  drunk,"  (Whinfield). 

"  Budem  dar  zamin  wa  ghafll  az  zamin, 
Ohafll  az  granj  ki  bud  dar  wai  dafln."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  We  used  to  be  on  the  earth,  ignorant  of  the  earth, 
Ignorant  of  the  treasure  buried  within  it."      (Whinfield). 

"  Budl  tu  bulbul-i-masti  miyana'e  chughdan, 
Basid  bui  grulistan,  ba  grulistan  rafti, 
Btise  khiimar  kashidi  az  in  khamir-i-turush, 
Ba  aqibat  ba  kharabat-i-jawidan  rafti."  Diwam-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

•'  Thou  wert  a  love-lorn  nightingale  among  owls, 
The  scent  of  the  rose-garden  reached  thee,  and  thou  didst  go  to  the 

rose-garden. 
Thou  didst  suffer  sore  headache  from  this  bitter  ferment, 
At  last  thou  wentest  to  the  tavern  of  eternity."  (Nicholson). 

"  Buerzar  az  laf-i-aql  wa  fazl,  ki  hast 
Aql  in  ja  aqila,  fazl  fazul."  Jami. 

"  Cease  to  boast  of  your  reason  and  learning 
Here  reason  is  a  shackle,  and  learning  a  folly." 

Nicholson. 

"  Bugzar  az  manzil  'ma '  wa  'man,'  biguzin  ba  mulk-i-fana  ^vatan. 
Fa  idha  fa'alta  bimithl  dba,  falaqad  balaghta  ba  ma  tusha." 

Kukratu'l  Avn. 

'•  The  country  of  '  I '  and  '  we'  forsake  ;  thy  home  in  annihilation  make. 
Since  fearing  not  this  step  to  take,  thou  shalt  gain  the  highest  felicity." 

E.  G.  Browne. 


40  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Bugzar  za  tama'  ki  afat  jan  -wa  dil  ast ; 
Tami'  hama  w'az  hanaa  kas  munf 'ilast."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Quit  that  pernicious  lust  of  gain  for  them 
Who  n  it  afflicts,  all  everywhere  contemn." 

Eastvvick. 
"  Bui  mahbub  ki  bar  khak  ahabba  guzarad, 
Che  'ajab  agar  zinda  kunad  'azam-i-ramim."  Anwar-i-Suheiii. 

"  The  scent  of  the  beloved  one  passed  over  the  lovers'  grave 
What  marvel  if  to  those  dry  bones  the  breath  of  life  it  gave." 

Eastwick. 
"  Bui  piyaz  az  dihan-i-khubrue 
Naghzaztar  ayad  ki  gul  az  dast-i-zisht."  Gulistax,  chap.  6. 

"  More  sweet  from  beauty's  mouth  the  onion's  fume, 
Than  roses  from  the  hand  of  ugliness."  Eastvvick. 

"  Bulandiyat  bayad  taw^az'a  guzin, 
Ki  an  bam-ra  nest  suUam  juz  in ; 
Za  maghrur-i-dunya  rah-i-din  ma  jui 
Khuda-bini  az  khwlshtan  bin  ma  jui."  Bosi  \n  of  S'adi. 

"  If  thou  desirest  exaltation  choose  humility  ;  for  to  that  roof  there  is  no 
ladder  save  this. 

Inquire  not  the  path  of  religion  from  him  who  is  puffed  up  by  worldly 
fortune  ;  look  not  for  discernment  of  God  from  him  who  sees  but  himself." 

Asiatic  Journal, 
"  Bulbula  muzhda'e  bahar  biyar, 
Khabar-i-bad  ba  bum  baz  guzar."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  O  nightingale  !  spring's  tidings  breathe  ! 

Ill  rumours  to  the  owls  bequeathe."         (Eastwick). 

"  Bulbule  k'u  sitam-i-khar  tahammul  na  kunad, 
Bihtar  an  ast  ki  hargiz  sukhan-i-gul  na  kunad."      Anwar-i-Suheiu. 

"  The  nightingale  ihat  cannot  bear  the  woes 
Of  the  sharp  thorn,  must  speak  not  of  the  rose." 

Eastwick, 
"  Bulbul  ki  ba  gul  dar  nigard  mast  shawad, 
Sar  rishta'e  ikhtiyarash  az  dast  sha^wad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  The  nightingale  that  views  the  rose  grows  blind 
And  straight  lets  go  the  reins  that  rule  the  mind." 

Eastwick, 
"  Burdbari  khazana'e  khirad  ast ; 
Har  kira  hilm  nist,  div  wa  dad  ast."  Anw  ar-i-Soheili. 

"  Patience  is  reason's  treasury  ;  we  speak 
Of  brutes  and  devils  when  wc  name  the  unmeek," 

Eastwick. 


\ 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  41 

Bute  Chun  bar  arad  mubhimat-i-kas, 

Ki  natawanaxl  az  khud  blrandan  magraa?"  Bostan  .m  s'adi,  chap.  10. 

"  How  may  an  idol  accomplish  a  person's  important  affairs 

Which  cannot  drive  a  fly  from  its  face?"  (Ci-AKKE). 

"  But  khana  wa  ka'ba  kbana-e-bandaglst, 
Na^us  zadan  tarana-e-bandagrist, 
Zunnar  wa  kalisya  wa  tasbih  wa  salib 
Haqqa  ki  hama  nishana-e-bandaglst."  Omak  Kmawa-m. 

"  Pagodas  like  as  mosques  are  homes  of  prayer, 
'Tis  prayer  that  church-bells  chime  into  the  air ; 
Vea,  church  and  ka'ba,  rosary  and  cross 
Are  all  but  divers  ton^jiies  of  world-wide  prayer." 

(Whim-iri.d). 
"  Buwad  diwaii-i-qurb  shah  wala, 
B'an  dlwan  marau  bisyar  bala, 
Ki  tarsam  chun  azan  bala  warafti, 
Za  bar  uftada'e  muhkanitar  ufti."  Ja.mi,  Bihakistan,  chap.  3. 

"  The  seat  of  proximity  to  the  Sultan  is  high, 
Those  placed  on  it  are  very  exalted  ; 
I  fear  when  thou  fallest  from  that  height 
Thou  wilt  fall  more  heavily  than  all  others." 

Rehatskk. 
"  Buwad  khar  wa  gul  baham,  ey  hoshmand, 
Che  dar  band-i-khar'i  ?  tu  gruldasta  band."    Bostan-  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  O  wise  man  !  the  thorn  and  the  rose  are  together ; 

Why  art  thou  in  the  fetter  of  the  th)rn  ?  fasten  thou  the  roselxjuquet." 

(Clarke), 
"  Buzurgun  chu  khur  dar  hijab  uftad 

Hasudan  chu  akhg-ar  dar  ab  uftad ; 

Binin  aysui  az  zer  abr  aftab 

Bi  tadrij,  wa  akh^ar  bimlrad  dar  ab."  .  Bostan  ok  S'adi,  chap.  6. 

"  Sun-like  the  great  fall  under  a  veil  of  eclipse, 
Spark-like  the  envious  fall  into  the  water, 
The  sun  comes  forth  from  beneath  the  cloud 
Gradually  ;  but  the  spark  perishes  in  the  water." 

Clarke. 
"  Buzurgan  na  kardand  dar  khud  nig-ah ; 
Khuda  bini  az  khwishtan  bin  ma  khwah ; 
Tawaz'u  sar  rafat  afrazadat, 
Takabbur  bikhak  andar  andazadat."  Bostan  ok  S'adi,  chap.  4. 

"  The  great  showed  not  regard  to  themselves 

Desire  not  God-beholding  from  one  self- beholding 

Humility  exalts  the  head  of  thy  sublimity, 

Arrogance  casts  thee  to  the  dust."  (Clarke). 


^2  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

'  Buzurgrash  nakhwanand  ahl-i-khirad, 
Ki  nam-i-buzurgran  bazishti  burd."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Ne'er  will  he  be  called  great  among  the  wise 
Who  to  the  truly  great  their  name  denies." 

(Eastwick). 
'  Chakar-na'wazist  ki  kardast  'ishq-i-tu, 
Warna  kuja  dile  ki  b'an  'ishq  darkh-war  ast  ? 
Har  dil  ki  u  bikhuft  shabe  dar  haw^a'e  tu, 
Chu  ruz-i-rushanast,  haw^a  z'u  munawwarast." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

*'  'Tis  slave-caressing  thy  love  has  practised, 
Else,  where  is  the  heart  worthy  of  that  love  ? 
Every  heart  that  has  slept  one  night  in  thine  air 
Is  like  radiant  day  ;  thereby  the  air  is  illuminated." 

(Nicholson). 
'  Chandan  bikhuram  sharab  k'in  bu-i-sharab 
Ayad  za  turab  chun  rawam  zer-i-turab  ; 
Ta  ba  sar-i-khak-i-man  rasd  makh^vari 
Az  bu-i-sharab-i-man  sha^wad  mast  wa  kharab."     Omar  Khayyam. 

"  So  many  cups  of  wine  will  I  consume 
Its  bouquet  shall  exhale  from  out  my  tomb  ; 
And  everyone  that  passes  by  shall  halt, 
And  reel  and  stagger  with  that  mighty  fume." 

(Whinfirld). 

Chand  harfl  naqsh  kardi  az  raqum 

Sangha  az  'ishq-i-u  shud  hamchu  mum 

Z'in  haruf  shud  khirad  barik  ris, 

Naskh  mekun  ai  adib  khush  nawis, 

Dar  khur  har  flkr  basta  bar  'adam 

Dam  ba  dam  naqsh  khiyal  pur  raqam."  Jalai.uddim  Rumi. 

"  How  many  letters  thou  writest  with  Thy  Almighty  pen 
Through  marvelling  thereat  stones  become  as  wax  ; 
These  letters  exercise  and  perplex  reason, 
Write  on,  O  skilful  Fair-writer, 

Imprinting  every  moment  on  Not-being  the  fair  forms 
Of  the  world  of  ideals  to  confound  all  thought." 

(Whinfield). 

Chand  kardi  gird-i-'alam  bahri  zar 

Bish  ^ardad  zar,  sha'wad  gham  bishtar  ; 

Kasa'e  chashm-i-harisan  pur  na  shud, 

Ta  sadaf  qan'i  na  shud,  pur-i-durr  na  shud."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

*'  How  long,  gold-seeking  round  the  earth  wilt  go? 
As  grows  thy  treasure,  so  thy  care  will  grow  ; 
Nought  will  the  eye-cup  of  the  greedy  fill. 
Pearls  brim  the  shell  but  not  until  'tis  still." 

(Eastwick). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  43 

"  Chandin  erham-i-behuda  makhur  shad  bazi, 
Wa  andar  rah-i-bedad  tu  badad  bazi ; 
Chun  akhlr-i-kar  in  Jahan  niste  ast, 
Ansrar  ki  nisti  wa  azad  bazi."  Omak  Kmawam. 

•*  No  longer  hug  your  grief  and  vain  despair 
Hut  in  this  unjust  world  be  just  and  fair 
And  since  the  substance  of  the  world  is  naught 
Deem  yourself  naught  and  so  shake  off  dull  care." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Char  chiz  kl  asl  manafl'  ast  wa  manal, 
Niarzad  an  bachar  digar  b'akhir  hal, 
Baqa  ba  talkhi  marg-,  wa  amal  ba  khijlat-i-uzl, 
Gunah  ba  sharm-i-nadamat,  'ata  ba  zill-i-suwal."    Anwar-i-Suheii.i. 

'*  Four  things  at  first  to  great  advantage  tend 
Yet  are  not  worth  four  others  in  the  end  ; 
Life  is  not  worth  the  woe  of  dying,  nor 
Will  office  make  thee  compensation  for 
The  shame  of  thy  displacement,  sin  weighs  not 
Remorse  ;  nor  can  alms  gild  the  beggar's  lot." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Charkh  na  bar  be  darman  mi-zanad, 
Qaflla'e  muhtashiman  mi-zanad."  A.\\vak-i-Suheii.i. 

•*  Heaven  does  not  strike  the  poor  and  needy  crowd, 
It  strikes  the  pompous  gathering  of  the  proud." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Chashm-i-man  za  an  sar  buwad,  wa  za  'alam-i-digrar  bu"^ad. 
In  su  Jahan,  an  su  Jahan,  binshasta  naan  bar  astan ; 
Bar  astan  an  kas  buwad,  k'u  natiq-i-akhras  buwad. 
In  ramz  gnftan  b£is  buw^ad,  dig'ar  magu,  dar  kash  zaban." 

Diwan-i-.Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Mine  eye  is  from  that  source,  and  from  another  universe 

Here  a  world  and  there  a  world  :  I  am  seated  on  the  threshold  ; 
On  the  threshold  are  they  alone,  whose  eloquence  is  mute, 
"Tis  enough  to  utter  this  intimation  :  say  no  more,  draw  back  thy  tongue." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Chi  'ajab  gar  faru  rawad  nafsash 
'Andalibe  gharab  ham  qafeash."  Gulistan,  ch.np.  8. 

**  What  marvel  if  his  spirits  droop 
A  nightingale  with  crows  in  coop?"    (Eastwick). 

"  Chi  bak  az  mauj-i-bahr  an  ra  ki  bashad  Nuh  kishtiban  ?  " 

Gulistan  (Preface). 

"  What  terror  where  Noah  is  the  pilot,  though  rages  the  storm-driven 
sea?"  (Eastwick). 


44  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Chi  bude  ki  dozakh  za  man  pur  shudi, 
Mag-ar  di^aranra  rihai  shudl."  Bostan  oi  S'adi,  cliap.  i. 

"  How  well  would  it  have  been,  if  hell  had  been  full  of  me, 
Perhaps  for  others  there  miglit  have  been  escape." 

(Clarke). 

"  Chi  danand  Jaihunian  qadar-i-ab? 
Za  wamanda/gan  purs  dar  aftab."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  8. 

"  What  do  the  people  of  the  Jehun  river  know  of  the  value  of  water  ? 
Ask  those  wearied  utterly  in  the  sun."  (Clarke). 

"  Chi  danand  mardum  ki  dar  jama  kist, 
Nawisanda  danad  ki  dar  nama  chist."  Gui.istan,  chap.  2. 

"  What  know  men  of  the  wearer,  though  they  know  the  dress  full  well. 
The  letter-writer  only  can  the  letter's  purport  tell."         (Eastwick). 

"  Chi  faida  zi  zirih  ba  kushad-i-tir-i-qaza  ? 
Chi  manfa'at  zi  sipar  ba  nafaz-i-hukmi  qadr  ? 
Agar  zi  ahan  wa  pulad  sur-i-hisn  kuni, 
Hawala  chun  birasad,  zud  ajal  bikobad  dar."  Hakiz. 

"  What  serves  thy  armour  'gainst  Fate's  arrows  fierce? 
What  serves  thy  shield  if  Destiny  transpierce  ? 
Though  steel  and  iron  may  thy  ramparts  plate 
When  comes  the  mandate,  Death  shall  burst  thy  gate." 

(BiCKNEl.L). 

"  Chi  grauhare  ki  kasera  bikaf  baha'e  tu  nest  ? 

Jahan  che  darad  dar  kaf  ki  an  ata'e  tu  nest  ?  " 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tauriz. 

"  What  pearl  art  thou  that  none  possesseth  the  price  of  thee  ? 
What  does  the  world  possess  that  is  not  thy  gift  ?  " 

"  Chi  khush  ba^had  ki  ba'd  az  intizari, 
Ba  ummedi  rasad  ummidwari."  Sa'di. 

"  How  good  it  is  when  one  with  waiting  tired 
Obtaineih  that  which  he  hath  long  desired." 

(Browne). 

"  Chi  khush  gruft  Firdausi  pak  zad, 
Ki  rahmat  bar  an  tarbat  pak  bad, 
'  Ma  azar  mure  ki  danakash  ast, 
Ki  u  niz  jan  darad  wa  jan  khush  ast.' "  Bostan  of  S'aui,  chap.  i. 

"  How  well  said  Firdausi  of  pure  birth 
(May  mercy  be  on  that  pure  toml)  I  ) 
'  Wound  not  the  ant  that  is  the  grain  carrier 
For  it  also  has  life,  and  life  is  pleasant.' "       (Clarke). 


ARABIC  AND  l^ERSIAN  SAYINGS  45 

"  Chi  khush  gxift  zale  ba  farzand-l-khwlsh, 
Chu  dldash  palangr  afgran  wa  pll  tan, 
•Qar  az  ahd-i-khurdlyat  yad  amadi. 
Kl  blchara  budl  dar  agrhush-l-man, 
Na  kardi  dar  in  roz  ba  man  Jafa 
Kl  tu  sher  marde  wa  man  pira  zan.' "  Guuistan,  chap.  6. 

•*  Well  said  that  aged  mother  to  her  son, 
Whose  giant  arm  could  well  a  tiger  slay, 
•Couldst  thou  rcmeml)er  days  long  past  and  gone 
When  in  my  arms  a  helpless  infant  lay, 
And  know  thyself  that  babe,  thou  wouldst  not  now 
Thus  wrong  me  when  I'm  old,  an  athlete  thou." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Chi  mi-khwahad  az  ghibat  an  sada  mard, 
Kl  diwan  slyah  kard,  wa  chize  na  khurd."     Bosta.v  ok  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

•'  From  slander  what  does  that  simpleton  desire 

Who  blackened  his  record  book  with  God  and  enjoyed  not  anything?" 

(Clarkk). 
"  Chi  naghaz  amad  in  nuqta  dar  Sindbad, 

Ki '  'ishq  atish  ast,  ey  pisar,  pand,  bad ; ' 

Ba  bad  atish  tez  bartar  shawad, 

Palangr  az  Z£idan  kinawartar  shawad."  Bostan  of  S'aoi,  chap.  3. 

"  How  pleasantly  occurred  this  witticism  in  the  book  '  .Sinbad  ' 
'  Oh  son  !  love  is  fire  ;  advice,  wind.' 
The  fierce  fire  by  the  wind  becomes  more  lofty. 
The  panther  by  striking  becomes  more  angry."  (ClarKE). 

"  Chi  salhae  flraw^an  wa  umarhae  daraz 
Ki  khalq  bar  sar-i-ma  bar  zamin  bikhwahad  raft ; 
Chunanki  dast  ba  dast  amadast  mulk  bama, 
Ba  dasthae  digar  hamchunin  bikhw^ahad  raft."      Gulista.n,  chap.  i. 

*'  How  long  shall  men  my  buried  dust  tread  down 
Through  many  a  lengthening  year  and  distant  day. 
From  hand  to  hand  to  me  descends  this  crown, 
To  others  so,  it  soon  will  pass  away."  (Eastwick). 

"  Chi  sud  ar  pashimani  ayad  bar  kaf, 
Chu  sarmaya'e  umr  kardi  talaf?"  Bostan  of  S'aui,  chap.  9. 

"  What  profit  if  repentance  comes  to  hand. 
When  thou  hast  squandered  the  capital  of  life  ?" 

(Clarke). 
"  Chi  wazn  aurad  jae  amban-i-bad, 
Ki  mizan-i-'adl  ast  wa  diwan-i-dad."  Bosta.v  of  S'aui,  chap.  5. 

"  What  weight  may  the  leathern  bag  full  of  wind  show  in  the  place 
Where  there  is  the  scale  of  justice  and  the  book  of  equity?" 

(Clarke). 


46  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Chi  zur  aurad  panja'e  juhd-i-mard 
Chu  bazue  tauflq  yari  nakard."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  5. 

"  What  force  does  the  grasp  of  man's  exertion  bring 
When  the  arm  of  God's  grace  assists  not  ?  "         (Clarke). 

"  Chignna  bar  naparad  jan  chu  az  janab-i-jalal, 
Khitab-i-lutfl  chu  shakkar  ba  jan  rasad  ki,  '  ta'al.' " 

Di\van-i-Shams-i-Taui(iz. 

"  Why  does  not  the  soul  take  wing  when  from  the  glorious  presence 
A  speech  of  sweet  favour  comes  to  it  saying,  '  Aloft ! '  " 

(Nicholson). 

"  Chihal  sal-i-'umr-i-azizat  guzasht,  mizaj-i-tu  az  hal-i-tifli  na  gasht ; 
Hama  ba  hawa  wra  hawas  sakhti,  dame  ba  masalih  na  pardakhti ; 
Ma  kun  takya  bar  umr-i-na  paedar,  mabash  aiman  az  bazi-i- 
ruzgrar."  Pandxama  of  S'aui. 

"  Forty  years  of  your  precious  life  have  elapsed  ;  your  disposition  has  not 
altered  from  the  state  of  childhood.  You  have  done  all  things  through 
thoughtlessness  and  vanity.  Place  not  reliance  upon  perishable  life ; 
think  not  yourself  secure  from  the  sport  of  fortune."  (Gladwin). 

"  Chira  dil  bar  in  kara-wang-ah  nihem 
Ki  yaran  birafband  -wa,  ma  bar  rihem  ? 
Pas  az  ma  hamin  gul  dihad  bustan 
Nishinand  ba  yak  dlg'ar  dustan."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

Why  place  we  the  heart  on  this  caravan  place, 
From  which  friends  have  departed,  and  we  are  on  the  road  ? 
After  us  (i.e.  our  death)  the  garden  will  give  the  same  rose  and  friends  will 
sit  by  one  another."  (Clarke). 

"  Chirag'h  pish  aftab  partaui  na  darad  wa  minara'e  buland  dar 
daman-i-kuh-i  Alwand  past  numayad."  Gulistan,  Preface. 

A  lamp  gives  no  light  in  the  sun,  and  a  lofty  minaret  shows  low  at  the 
foot  of  Mount  Alwand.  (Eastwick). 

"  Chiraghe  ra  ki  Izid  bar  faruzad, 
Har  an  kas  paff  zanad  rishash  bi  suzad."  Dabistan. 

"The  lamp  which  God  has  lighted  whoever  blows  it  out,  burns  his 
beard."  (Shea). 

"  Chira  haqq  na  me  bini  ai  khud-parast  ? 

Chu  ayad  bikushidanat  pesh  chiz, 

Bitauflq-i-haqq  dan,,  na  az  s'ai  khwish."  Bos  pan  of  S'adi. 

"  O  self- worshipper,  why  dost  thou  not  see  God  ? 
When  by  thy  striving  a  thing  happens 
Know  by  God's  grace  it  is,  not  by  thine  own  efforts." 

(Clarke). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  47 

"  Chira  mlgrudazl  za  sauda'e  zar? 
Chlra  mlkashi  bar-i-mihnat  chu  khar? 
Chunan  grashta'i  sayad  bahar  shikar 
Kl  yadat  niayad  za  ruz-i-shumar."  Pand.nama  of  S'adi. 

"  Why  destroy  thyself  by  thy  madness  after  gold  ? 
Wherefore  dost  thou  carry  the  burden  of  labour  like  the  ass  ? 
In  such  manner  hast  thou  become  the  prey  of  thy  own  pursuits, 
That  thy  memory  neglecteth  the  day  of  account."         (Gladwin). 

"  Chira  za  sayad  naparrad  basue  Stiltan  baz, 
Chu  bishnawad  khabar-i-irj'i  za  tabl  wa  duwal? 
Chlra  chu  zarra  niayad  bara^as  har  sufl 
Dar  aftab-i-baqa  ta  rihandash  za  zawal."       Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Why  should  a  falcon  not  fly  from  the  quarry  towards  the  King 
When  it  hears  by  drum  and  drumstick  the  notice  of  '  Return?' 
Why  should  not  every  Sufi  begin  to  dance  like  a  mote, 
In  the  sun  of  eternity  that  it  may  deliver  him  from  decay." 

(Nicholson). 
"  Chub-i-tar-ra  chunan  kl  khwahi,  pich, 
Na  aha  wad  khushk  Jtiz  b'atish  rast."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  Wood,  while  'tis  green,  thou  may'st  at  pleasure  bend. 
When  dry,  thou  canst  not  change  it,  save  by  fire." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Chubra  ab  faru  mi  na  burd,  hikmat  chist  ? 
Sharm  dard  za  faru  burdan  parwarda'e  khwesh." 

Anwar-i-Suheh.i. 
"  Water  engulfs  not  wood  and  wherefore  so  ? 
It  swallows  not  that  which  itself  made  grow."        (Eastwick). 
"  Chu  aftab  bar  ayad  k\aja  bamanad  shab? 
Basid  aish-i-lnayat,  kula  bamanad  'ana ?  "     Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  When  the  sun  gocth  up,  where  slayelh  night  ? 
When  the  joy  of  bouniy  came,  where  lagged  affliction?" 

(Nicholson). 
"  Chu  andar  nitafe  atish  zadi, 
Za  Shiran  parhez  ag'ar  bakhiradi."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  8. 

"  When  thou  settest  fire  to  the  cane-brake. 
If  thou  art  wise  shun  the  tigers."  (Clarke). 

"  Chu  'anqabut  az  duda  lu'ab-i-andesha 
Digrar  mabaf  ki  pusida  pud  wa  tar  buwad ; 
Chu  tujnagrui,  gruft-i-tu  gxift-i-u  bashad 
Chu  tu  nabafi,  bafanda  kirdierar  buwad."       Diwan-i-Sua.ms.i.Taiiriz. 

"  Weave  no  more  with  soot,  like  the  spider,  a  web  of  care, 
Wherein  both  woof  and  warp  are  rotten. 
While  thou  art  silent.  His  speech  is  thy  speech, 
While  thou  weavest  not,  God  is  the  weaver."       (Nicholso.n). 


48  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Chu  az  gulumbe  dida  bashi  khushi 
Ra\7a  bashad  ar  bar-i-kharash  kashi."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  When  thou  mayst  have  experienced  pleasure  from  a  rose  bush, 
If  thou  endurest  the  burden  of  its  thorn,  it  is  proper.     (Clarke). 

"  Chu  baz  bash  ki  saiyadi  kuni  -wa,  luqma  dihi, 

Tufail  khwara  mashu  chun  kalagh  bi  par  wa  bal." 

Anwak-1-Suheili. 

"  Be  like  the  hawk,  the  quarry  chase,  and  food  to  others  give, 
Not  like  the  raven's  callow  brood,  a  remnant-eater  live." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Chu  dar  rah  babini  burida  sari, 
Ki  ghaltan  rawad  sue  maidan-i-ma, 
Az  u  purs,  az  u  purs  asrar-i-dil, 
K'azu  bishnawi  sirr-i-pinhan-i-ma."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabri^. 

"  When  thou  seest  in  the  pathway  a  severed  head. 
Which  is  rolling  toward  our  field. 
Ask  of  it,  ask  of  it  the  secrets  of  the  heart. 
For  of  it  thou  wilt  learn  our  hidden  mystery." 

(NiCHOLSO.N.) 

"  Chu  ghuta  pa  zadam  wa  andaru  na  didam  durr, 
Gunah  bakht  man  ast,  in  gunah  darya  nest."  Firdausi. 

"  When  I  dived  in  the  sea  without  finding  pearls,  it  was  the  fault  of  my 
unhappy  star,  and  not  that  of  the  sea."  (Ouseley). 

"  Chu  insan  na  danad  bajuz  khwurad  wa  khwab, 
Kudamash  fazilat  buw^ad  bar  daw^ab  ?  "  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  When  a  man  understands  only  eating  and  sleeping. 
What  excellence  hath  he  over  the  reptiles?"        (Clarke). 

"  Chu  jang  awari  ba  kase  dar  sitiz 
Ki  az  way  gruzirat  buwad  ya  gnriz."  Gulistan,  Preface. 

"  When  thou  contendest,  choose  an  enemy 
Whom  ihou  mayst  vanquish  or  whom  thou  canst  fly." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Chu  kardi  ba  kalukh-andaz  paikar 
Sar-i-khudra  banadani  shikasti ; 
Chu  tir  andakhti  dar  rue  dushman, 
Hazar  kun  k'andar  amajash  nashasti."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"When  with  a  practised  slinger  thou  wouldst  fight, 
Thou  by  thy  folly  thine  own  head  will  break. 
Ere  'gainst  thy  foe  thine  arrow  wings  its  flight, 
See  thou  beyond  his  range  position  take." 

(Easjwick). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  49 

".Cbu  kare  be  fUzuI-i-man  beu-  ayad 
Mara  dar  way  sukhan  guftan  nashayad ; 
Wa  gar  binam  kl  na  bina  wa  chah  ast, 
Agar  khamush  binishinam  gnnah  ast."  Gulistan,  chap.  t. 

"  Without  my  meddling  if  a  thing  succeed 
For  me  to  give  advice  therein,  what  need? 
But  if  I  see  a  blind  man  and  a  pit, 
Why  then  I'm  guilty  if  I  silent  sit." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Chu  khashm  ayadat  bar  grunah  kase, 
Ta'ammul  kunash  dar  'aqubat  base ; 
Ki  sahal  ast  I'al-i-Badakhshan  shikast, 
Shikasta  na  shayad  dlgar  barah  bast."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  When  anger  comes  to  thee  on  account  of  a  person's  crime* 
Reflect  much  on  his  punishment. 
Because  it  is  easy  to  break  the  ruby  of  Badakhshan, 
Broken,  it  is  impossible  to  fasten  it  together  again." 

(Clarke). 

"  Chu  khud-ra  qawi  binl  wa  khush, 
Bashukranabar-i-zaifanbikush."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

•*  When  thou  seest  thyself  of  strong  state  and  happy 
Endure  thankfully  the  burden  of  the  feeble."        (Clarke). 

"  Chu  khud-ra  za  nikan  shtunardl,  badi, 
Na  mi  gaojad  andar  khuda'i  khudi ; 
Agar  mardi  az  zuard'ai  khud  ma  gui 
Na  har  shahsaware  badar  burd  gui."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

**  When  thou  reckonest  thyself  among  the  good,  thou  art  already  evil ; 
self-righteousness  hath  no  place  in  godliness. 

"  If  thou  art  valorous  boast  not  of  thy  valour  ;, for  not  every  good  rider 
hath  borne  off  the  prize."  Asiatic  Journal. 

"  Chu  kudakan  hala  ta  chand  ma  ba  alam-i-khak 
Kunem  daman-i-khud  pur  za  Ichak  wa  sang  wa  sifal  ? 
Za  Ichak  dast  badarem  wa  bar  sama  parrem, 
Za  kudaki  bagurezem  sue  bazam-i-rijal."       Diwan>i-Shams-i>Tauriz. 

"  Mow  long  shall  we,  like  children  in  the  earthly  sphere 
Fill  our  lap  with  dust  and  stones  and  sherds  ? 
Let  us  give  up  the  earth  and  fly  heavenwards. 
Let  us  flee  from  childhood  to  the  banquet  of  men. 

(Nicholson). 

"  Chu  lashkar  birun  takht  Ichashm  az  kamin, 
Na  insaf  manad,  na  taqwa,  na  din, 
Na  didam  chunin  div  zer-i-falak 

K'az  u  migurezad  chandln  raaiak."  Bjstan  of  S'adi. 

4 


59  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Like  an  army  anger  rushed  from  ambush, 
Justice  remained  not,  nor  piety,  nor  religion  ; 
I  saw  not  such  a  demon  (as  anger)  beneath  the  sky 
From  whom  so  many  angels  fly."  b^ea  "^'nl       >  (Clarke). 

"  Chu  maetur  bashad  zan-i-khub  rue, 
Bi  didar-i-u  dar  bihisht  ast  shui."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  ^. 

"  When  the  wife  of  beautiful  face  is  chaste, 
The  husband  by  beholding  her  is  in  Paradise." 

(Clarke), 
"  Chun  'adu  nabud  jihad  amad  muhal, 
Shahwat  ar  nabud,  nabashad  imtisal, 
Sabr  nabud,  chun  nabashad  mail-i-tu, 
Khasam  chun  nabud,  nabashad  hajat  khail-i-tu." 

Jalaluddi.v  Rumi. 

"  Were  there  no  hostility,  war  would  be  impossible, 
Hadst  thou  no  lust,  obedience  to  the  law  could  not  be 
Hadst  thou  no  concupiscence  there  could  be  no  abstinence 
Where  no  antagonist  exists,  what  need  is  there  of  armies?" 

(Whinfield). 

"  Chunan  litafat  wa  khubi  wa  husn  wa  jan-bakhshi, 
Kase  az  u  bishkibad,  zihi  shaqa  -wa  dhalal, 
Bipar,  bipar,  hala,  ey  murgh  sue  m'adan-i-khwish, 
Ki  az  qafs  blrahidi  wa  baz  shud  par  wa  bal. 
Az  ab-i-shor  safar  kun  basue  ab-i-hayat, 
Ruj'u  kun  ba  sue  sadar-i-jan  za  saff-i-n'ial." 

(Di\van-i-Shams-i-Tabriz). 

"  Such  grace  and  beauty  and  loveliness  and  bestowal  of  life, 
O  misery  and  error,  if  anyone  dispense  with  Him  ! 
Fly,  fly  O  bird,  to  thy  native  home. 

For  thou  hast  escaped  from  the  cage,  and  thy  pinions  are  outspread. 
Travel  away  from  the  bitter  stream  towards  the  water  of  life. 
Return  from  the  vestibule  to  the  high  seat  of  the  soul."     Nicholson. 

"  Chun  asl-i-chashma  baqist,  far'ash  hamesha  saqist, 

Chun  har  du  bi  zawaland,  az  chi  tura  fughanast? 

Janra  chu  chashmae  dan  wa  in  sun 'aha  chun  jauha, 

Ta  chashma  hast  baqi,  jauha  az  u  raw^anast ; 

Ghamra  birun  kun  az  sar,  wa  in  ab-i-jau  hama  khur, 

Az  faut-i-ab  m'andesh  k'in  ab  be  kiran  ast." 

Diwan-1-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Whereas  the  springhead  is  undying,  its  branch  gives  water  continually  ; 
Since  neither  can  cease,  why  are  you  lamenting  ? 
Conceive  the  Soul  as  a  fountain  and  these  created  things  as  rivers ; 
While  the  fountain  flows,  the  rivers  run  from  it 
Put  grief  out  of  your  head,  and  keep  quaffing  this  river  water, 
Do  not  think  of  the  water  failing  ;  for  this  water  is  without  end." 

(Nicholson) 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  51 

"  Chu  natawan  btu-  aflak  dast  akhtan, 
Zarurist  ba  girdishash  sakhtan ; 
Oarat  zindagranl  nablsht  aet  wir, 
Na  marat  eruzayad  na  shamshir  wa  tir."       Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  5. 

"  Since  one  cannot  draw  forth  the  hand  against  the  sky, 
It  is  necessary  to  be  content  with  its  revolution  ; 
If  God  has  written  for  thee  long  life 

Neither  the  snake  nor  the  sword  nor  the  arrow  may  injure  thee." 

(Clarke). 

"  Chun  az  qaumi  yake  bi  danishi  kard, 
Ni  kihra  manzalat  manad  na  mihra ; 
Na  mi  bin!  kl  gawe  dar  'alaf  zar 
Biyalaj'ad  hama  gawan-1-dihra  ?  "  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  When  but  one  member  of  a  tribe  has  done 
A  foolish  act,  all  bear  alike  disgrace  ; 
Seest  thou  how  in  the  mead  one  ox  alone 
Will  lead  astray  the  whole  herd  of  a  place  ?  " 

(Eastwick). 

"  Chtin  az  rasti  bugrzarl,  kham  buwad, 
Chi  marde  buwad  k'az  zane  keutn  buwad?  " 

Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

'•  When  thou  passest  out  of  straightness,  it  is  crookedness, 
What  kind  of  man  is  he  who  is  less  than  a  woman  ?  " 

(Clarke). 
"  Chun  ba  did!  erardlsh  a&ng  asia, 
Ab  Ju  ra  ham  bibin  akhir  bia, 
Kh'ak-ra  did!  baramad  dar  hawa, 
Darmiyan  khak  bingrar  bad-ra. 
Dighae  flkr  mi  bini  ba  jush, 
Andar  atish  ham  nazr  mi  kun  bahush 
Guft  Haqq  Aiyub  ra  '  dar  karamat 
Man  ba  har  mui  tu  sabr  dadamat ' 
Hin,  ba  sabr  khud  makun  chandin  nazr, 
Sabr  didi,  sabr  dadanra  nigar."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  When  you  have  seen  the  millstone  turning  round, 
Then,  prithee,  go  and  see  the  stream  that  turns  it. 
When  you  have  seen  the  dust  rising  up  into  the  air, 
Go  and  mark  the  air  in  the  midst  of  the  dust. 
You  see  the  kettles  of  thought  boiling  over, 
Look  with  intelligence  at  the  fire  beneath  ihem. 
God  said  to  Job  "  Out  of  my  clemency 
I  have  given  a  grain  of  patience  to  every  hair  of  thine  " 
Look  not  then,  so  much  at  your  own  patience, 
After  seeing  patience,  look  to  the  giver  of  patience." 

(Whinfield). 


52  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

*'  Chun  ba  haqq  na  bud  bidar  jan-i-ma, 
Hast  bidari  chu  dar  bandan-i-ma, 
Jan  hama  roz  az  lakd  -wa  kub  khiyal, 
Wa  za  ziyan  sud  wa  za  kbauf  zawal, 
Nai  safa  mimanadasb  nai  lutf  wa  far, 
Nai  basue  asman  rah  safar. 
Khufta  an  bashad  ki  u  az  har  khiyal 
JDarad  lunmid  wa  kunad  ba  u  maqal."  Jalaluddin  Rvjmi. 

""Our  wakefulness  fetters  our  spirits, 
Then  our  souls  are  a  prey  to  various  whims, 
Thoughts  of  loss  and  gain  and  fears  of  misery. 
They  retain  not  purity  nor  dignity  nor  lustre, 
Nor  aspiration  to  soar  heavenwards. 
That  one  is  really  sleeping  who  hankers  after  each  whim 
And  holds  parley  with  each  fancy."  (Whinfield). 

'"  Ch\ux  banda'e  khuda  khwish  khwanad, 
Bayad  ki  bajuz  khuda  na  danad."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Who  calls  himself  God's  servant  must  forego 
All  else  and  none  beside  his  Maker  know."    (Eastwick). 

*'  Chun  base  Iblis  adam  rue  hast, 
Paslba  har  daste  na  shayad  dad  dast."  Jalaluddin  Ruml 

"  As  there  are  many  demons  with  men's  faces, 
It  is  wrong  to  join  hands  with  every  one." 

(Whinfirld). 

*'  Chvm  buw^ad  asl-i-jauhar  qabil, 
Tarbiyatra  dar  u  asr  bashad  ; 
Hich  saiqal  niku  nadanad  kard 
Ahanera  ki  bad  gauhar  bashad."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  Is  your  first  nature  such  that  teaching  can 
Affect  it,  soon  instruction  will  take  root : 
But  iron  which  at  first  imperfect  ran 
Forth  from  the  furnace,  who  can  then  imbue  it 
With  the  capacity  of  polish  ?  "  Eastwick. 

"  Chun  duyam  az  awwalaniyat  bihtar  ast. 
Pas  fana  Jul  wa  mubaddal-ra  parast ; 
Sad  hazaran  hashr  didi,  ey  'anud, 
Ta  kunun  har  lahza  az  badu  wujud, 
Az  jamadi  bikhabar  sue  nama, 
Wa  za  nama  sue  hayat  w^a  ibtila ; 
Baz  sue  aql  wa  tamizat  khush ; 
Baz  sue  kharij  in  panj  w^a  shash."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

\ 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  55 

"  Since  the  latter  of  your  states  were  better  than  the  former. 
Seek  annihilation  and  adore  change  of  state  ; 
You  have  already  seen  hundreds  of  resurrections 
Occur  CTcry  moment  from  your  origin  till  now  ; 
One  from  the  inorganic  state  to  the  vegetive  state, 
From  the  vegetive  state  to  the  animal  state  of  trial ; 
Thence  again  to  rationality  and  good  discernment, 
Again  you  will  rise  from  this  world  of  sense  and  form." 

(Whinfibld). 

'  Chun  faut  shawsun  babada  shu'id  mara, 
Talqin  za  sharab  wa  jam  gruyld  mara, 
Khwahid  baruz-i-hashr  yabid  mara, 
Azkhak-i-dar-i-mekdahjujrldmara."  Omar  Kiiavyam» 

'*  When  I  am  dead,  with  wine  my  body  lave, 
For  obit  chant  a  bacchanalian  stave, 
And  if  you  need  me  at  the  day  of  doom, 
Beneath  the  tavern  threshold  seek  my  grave." 

Whinfield. 

"  Chun  eralukhe  basifat  tu  ba  hawa  bax  na  shawl, 
Ba  hawa  bar  shawl,  ar  blshkunl  wa  ^ard  shawl, 
Tu  aerar  nashkuni,  an  k'at  blsarlsht  u  shikanad." 

DiwaN'I-Shams-i-Tabriz.. 

"  Since  you  are  properly  a  clod  you  will  not  rise  into  the  air  ; 
You  will  rise  into  the  air  if  you  break  and  become  dust, 
If  you  break  not.  He  who  moulded  you  will  break  you;" 

(Nicholson). 

"  Chun  gul  bachaman  daman  pur  zar  namud, 
Bulbul  ba  hazar  saut  dustanash  sltud  ; 
Wa  an  grab  kl  ba  bad  raft  bargrlash  kl  bud ; 
Kas  nam-i-g\a  az  zaban-i-bulbul  na  shanud."  Anwar-i-Suheilu 

"  When  the  rose  her  skirt  of  gold  showed  in  the  parterre. 
With  a  thousand  songs  the  nightingale  her  praises  did  proclaim  ; 
But  alas  !  her  leaves  were  soon  scattered  to  the  air. 
And  then  no  more  did  any  hear  from  the  nightingale  her  name." 

"  Chun  sruzldl  plr,  nazuk  dil  ma  bash, 
Sust  wa  razida  chu  ab  wa  gil  mabash ; 
War  ba  har  zakhme  tu  pur  kina  shawl, 
Pas  kuja  be  saiqal  alna  shawl  ?  "  Jalaluddin  Ruui, 

'•  Having  chosen  thy  Director,  be  not  weak  of  heart 
Nor  yet  sluggish  and  lax  like  water  and  mud  ; 
But  if  thou  takest  umbrage  at  every  rub 
How  wilt  thou  become  a  polished  mirror  ?  "       Whinfibld, 


54  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

*'  Chun  hasil-i-admi  dar  in  shuristan 
Juz  khurdan-i-g'hussa  nest  ya  kandan-i-jan, 
Khurram  dil-i-an  ki  z'in  jahan  zud  birait, 
Asuda  kase  ki  khud  niyamad  bajahan."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Since  all  we  gain  in  this  abode  of  woe 
Is  sorrow's  pangs  to  feel  and  grief  to  know, 
Happy  are  they  that  never  come  at  all, 
And  they,  that,  having  come,  the  soonest  go." 

Whinfield. 
*'  Chun  kfu*  na  bar  miirad-i-ma  khwahad  raft, 
Andeshae  jihd-i-ma  kvija  khwahad  raft, 
Paivasta  nishasta  em  az  hasrat-i-anak, 
Dir  amada  em  wa  zud  mibayad  raft."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Fate  will  not  bend  to  humour  man's  caprice. 
So  vaunt  not  human  powers  but  hold  your  peace. 
Here  must  we  stay,  weighed  down  with  grief  for  this. 
That  we  were  born  so  late,  so  soon  decease."     (Whinfield). 

"  Chun  kase  'ag'ar '  wa  'ma^ar '  ra  juft  sazad,  farzande  ki  az  ishan 
mutwallld  shawad  '  kash  ki '  khwahad  bud."  Anwar-i-Suhkili. 

"When  any  one  takes  'if  and  'perchance'  for  his  partner,  the  off- 
spring will  be  sure  to  be  '  would  that  I  had  not.' "  Eastwick. 

*'  Chun  khuda  khwahad  ki  ptirda  kas  darad, 
Mailash  andar  t'ana  pakan  burd, 
War  khuda  khwahad  ki  poshad  aib-i-kas, 
Kam  zanad  dar  aib-i-maiyriban  nafas."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  When  God  decides  to  humble  any  sinner  proud 
A  demon  stirs  this  last  to  insult  some  man  of  God 
And  he  whom  God  elects  to  cloak  where  'tis  he  halts 
Has  grace  bestowed  on  him  to  cover  others'  faults." 

(Redhouse). 
**  Chunki  barbukast  jumla  karha., 
Kar  din  a\ila  k'az  an  yabi  riha ; 
Nist  dasturi  dar  in  ja  qar'a  bab 
Juz  timmid  wa  Allah  'alim  bi  'sawab."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Since  all  things  are  dependent  on  probability. 

Religion  is  so  first  of  all,  for  thereby  you  find  release. 

In  this  world  no  knocking  at  the  door  is  possible 

Save  hope,  and  God  knows  what  is  best.  (Whinfield). 

**  Chunki  ^uyanda  na  darad  jan  wa  far, 
Guft  u-ra  kai  buwad  barg  wa  samr? 
Mikunad  gustakh  mardum  ra  barah, 
n  bajan  larzantar  ast  az  bargr-i-erah ; 
Gar  hadisash  niz  ham  ba  far  buwad, 
IXu>  hadisash  larza  ham  muzmir  buwad."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  55 

"  When  the  preacher  himself  has  no  light  or  life, 
How  can  his  words  yield  leaves  and  fruit? 
lie  impudently  preaches  to  others  to  walk  aright, 
While  himself  he  is  unsteady  as  a  reed  shaken  by  wind. 
Thus  though  his  preaching  is  very  eloquent, 
It  hides  within  it  unsteadiness  in  the  faith."        (Whinfield). 

"  Chunk!  nabud  ranj  sabari  mar  tu  ra^ 
Shart  na  budash  faru  niayad  Jaza ; 
Habbaza  an  shart  wa  shada  an  Jaza, 
Anjaza'edil-nawazjan-faza."  Jai.aluddin  Rumi. 

•'  When  thou  endurest  not  the  pains  of  abstinence. 
And  fulHUest  not  the  terms,  thou  gainest  no  reward  ; 
How  easy  those  terms !  how  abundant  that  reward  ! 
A  reward  that  enchants  the  heart  and  charms  the  soul." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Chun  kuni  ba  bihasad  makar  wa  hasad, 
Z'an  hasd  dilra  siyahiha  rasad ; 
Khak  Shu  tnardan  haqq  ra  zer  pa, 
Khak  bai'  sar  kun  hasadra  ham  chu  ma."  Jalaluddin  Rumu 

'•  Should  envy  fill  thy  breast  'gainst  one  that  envies  not 
Foul  stains  ensue  ;  thy  heart's  impure  ;  all  good's  forgot 
Prostrate  thyself  then  at  the  feet  of  holy  men, 
Cast  dust  upon  thy  head,  God's  pardon  to  obtain." 

(Rbdhouse). 

"  Chun  lala  ba  nauruz  qadah  gir  badast 
Ba  lalarukhe  aerar  tura  fursat  hast ; 
Mai  nush  bi  khurrami  ki  in  charkh-i-kabud 
Nagrah  tura  chu  bad  grardanad  past."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Like  tulips  in  the  spring  your  cups  lift  up 
And  with  a  tulip-cheeked  companion  sup 
With  joy  your  wine,  or  e'er  this  azure  wheel 
With  some  unlooked  for  blast  upset  your  cup." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Chun  mard  dar  uftad  za  jae  wa  maqam-i-khwish, 
Digrar  chi  grham  khurad  hama  afaq  ja'e  ust  ? 
Shab  har  tawangrare  basara'e  hamirawad, 
Darwish  hsu:  kuja  ki  shab  amad,  sara'e  tist."  Gllistan,  chap.  3. 

"  Whene'er  a  man  from  home  and  country  flies 
All  earth  is  his  ;  he  has  no  further  care. 
Each  night  the  rich  man  to  his  palace  hies 
Where  night  descends,  the  poor  man's  home  is  there." 

(Eastwick). 


56  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Chtm  na  dari  kamal-i-fazl,  an  bill 
Ki  zaban  dar  dihan  nigahdari ; 
Admira  zaban  fazihat  kunad 
Juzi  be  magrhzra  subuksari."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  Hast  thou  not  perfect  excellence,  'tis  best 
To  keep  thy  tongue  in  silence,  fot  'tis  this 
Which  shames  a  man  ;  as  lightness  does  attest 
The  nut  is  empty,  nor  of  value  is."  Eastwick. 

"  Cbun  pir  shudi,  za  kudaki  dast  bidar  ; 
Bazi  ■wa  zarafat  ba  jawanan  bugzar."  Gulistan,  chap.  6. 

"  When  thou  art  old,  thy  pastimes  put  away  ; 
Leave  frolics  to  the  young,  and  mirthful  play." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Chun  qaza  birun  kunad  az  charkh  sar, 
Aqilan  gardand  jumla  kor  wa  kar  ; 
Mahiyan  uftad  az  darya  birun ; 
Dam  girad  murgh  parranra  zabun."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  When  fate's  dark  features  from  the  mantle  rise 
Of  sight  and  hearing  both  they  rob  the  wise  ; 
Fish  on  the  shore  from  ocean's  breast  are  tossed, 
And  soaring  birds  in  earth-set  snares  are  lost." 

Eastwick. 

"  Chun  ranj  bar  natawani  girift  az  ranjur, 
Qadam  za  raftan  wa  pursidanash  darigh  madar, 
Hazar  sharabat-i-shirin  w^a  mewa'e  mashmum 
Chunanan  mufld  na  ba,shad  ki  bue  suhbat-i-yar."  Sa'di. 

"  Were  all  thy  fond  endeavours  vain 
To  chase  away  the  sufferer's  smart 
Still  hover  near  lest  absence  pain 

His  lonely  heart. 
For  friendship's  tones  have  kindlier  power 
Than  odorous  fruit  or  nectared  bowl 
To  sooth  in  sorrow's  languid  hour 

The  sinking  soul."  (Asiatic  JouRNAr.). 

"  Chun  rishta  kast,  mi-tawan  bast, 
Lek  bamiyan  girih  bamand."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  The  broken  cord  may  yet  be  joined  again 
But  in  the  midst  a  knot  will  aye  remain."       Eastwick. 

"  Chun  sag-i-darinda  gusht  yaft, 

Na  pursad  k'in  shutur  Salihast  ya  khar-i-Dajjal." 

Gulistan,  chap.  ^, 

"  When  a  ravenous  cur  finds  meat,  small  care  has  he 
If  Salih's  camel  or  Dajjal's  ass  it  be."  (Eastwick). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  57 

*•  Chun  8hahid-i-ruh  khana  pardaz  shawad, 
Har  Jins  b'asl-i-kb  wish  tan  baz  shawad. 
In  saz-l-wujud-l-char  abresham  tab'a 
Az  zakhma'e  ruzgrar  bisaz  shawad."  Omar  Khavvam. 

"  When  the  fair  spirit  doth  this  house  vacate, 
E^ch  element  resumes  its  primal  slate 
And  these  four  strands  of  life,  like  threads  of  silk 
Are  all  unravelled  by  the  blows  of  fate."        (Whinfirld). 

"  Chun  sukhan  dar  wasf  in  halat  rasid. 
Ham  qalam  bishkast  wa  ham  kagrhaz  darid ; 
Aftab  amad  dalil-i-aftab, 
Gar  dalilat  bayad,  az  wai  ru  matab."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  When  the  discourse  touched  on  the  matter  of  love, 
Pen  was  broken  and  paper  torn  ; 
None  but  the  sun  can  display  the  sun. 
If  you  would  see  it  displayed,  turn  not  away  from  it." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Chun  tayammum  ba  wujud  ab  dan 
Dm  naqli  ba  dam  qutb-i-zaman, 
Khwish  abla  kun,  t'aba  mlr  wa  sipas 
Bastagi  za  in  ablahi  yabi  wa  bas."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Traditional  knowledge  when  inspiration  is  available 
Is  like  making  ablutions  with  sand  when  water  is  near 
Make  yourself  ignorant,  be  submissive,  and  then 
You  will  obtain  release  from  your  ignorance."     (Whinfield). 

."  Chun  tir-i-qaza  za  shast-i-taqdir  bajust, 
Hargrlz  na  kunad  radd  sipar-i-tadbirash."  Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

"  When  from  fate's  string  its  arrow  once  has  hied 
Expedient's  shield  can  ne'er  it  turn  aside."        Eastwick. 

"  Chun  tu  bashi  bakht-i-khud,  ey  m'anawl,  ' 
Pas  tu  kl  bakhti  za  khud  kai  kam  shawi  ? 
Tu  za  khud  kai  kam  shawi,  ey  khush  khisal, 
Chunkl  ain  tu  tura  shud  mulk  wa  mal."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

••  When,  O  spiritual  one,  thou  hast  become  thy  own  fortune 
Then,  being  thyself  thy  fortune,  thou  wilt  never  lose  it 
How,  O  fortunate  one,  cans't  thou  ever  lose  thyself 
When  thy  real  self  is  thy  treasure  and  thy  kingdom." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Chun  tu  natawani  kl  raz-i-khwishra  pinhan  k\ini, 
Pas  cUra  ran je  erar  anra  digare  afsha  kunad  ?  "       Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

•'  When  thine  own  secret  thou  canst  not  conceal. 
Why  art  thou  vexed  if  others  it  reveal  ?  "       (Eastwick). 


58  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Chun  uhda  na  misliawad  kase  fardara, 
Hali  khush  kun  in  dil-i-pur  saudara ; 
Mai  nush  binur-i-ma  ai  mah,  ki  mah 
Bisyar  bitanad  wa  na  yabad  mara."  Omar  Khayyam, 

"  Since  no  one  can  assure  thee  of  the  morrow 
Rejoice  thy  heart  to-day  and  banish  sorrow 
With  moon-bright  wine,  fair  moon  !  the  moon  in  heaven 
Will  look  for  us  in  vain  on  many  a  morrow."      (Whinfield). 

"  Chun  waqifl,  ey  pisar,  za  har  asrare, 
Chandin  che  khuri  ba  behuda  timari, 
Chun  minarawad  ba  ikhtiyare  kare, 
Khush  bash  darin  nafs  ki  hasti  bare."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  You  know  the  secret  of  this  life  my  dear 
Then  why  remain  a  prey  to  useless  fear  ? 
Bend  things  to  suit  your  whims  you  cannot ;  yet 
Cheer  up  for  the  few  moments  you  are  here." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Chun  zan  rah-i-bazar  girad,  bizan, 
Wsigama  tu  dar  khana  binshin  chu  zan."     Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

'•  When  the  wife  takes  the  path  to  the  bazar,  strike, 
Otherwise  sit  in  the  house,  wife-like."  (Clarke). 

"  Chu  panja  salat  birun  shud  za  dast, 
Ghanimat  shumir  panj  ruze  ki  hast."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

"  When  fifty  years  have  gone  forth  from  thy  hand 
Consider  it  gain  that  there  is  a  space  of  five  days." 

(Clarke). 

"  Chu  piruz  shud  duzd-i-tira  rawan, 
Chi  gham  darad  az  giriya'e  karawan?  "  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  When  the  dark-minded  robber  finds  success 

What  cares  he  for  the  caravan's  distress?"      (Eastwick). 

"  Chu  shah  ra  na  buwad  agahi  za  hal  sipah, 

Kuja  sipah  za  qahr  wai  ihtiraz  kunad? 

Biqasd-i-jam  hazaran  bahana  pish  arand, 

Bi  changr-i-flsq  hazaran  tarana  saz  kunand." 

Jami,  Biharistan,  chap.  3. 

"  If  the  Shah  be  not  aware  of  his  army's  state, 
How  can  the  soldiers  avoid  his  severity? 
They  have  a  thousand  excuses  for  quaffing  wine, 
They  sing  a  thousand  songs  ;  profligacy  tuning  the  lute." 

Rehatsek. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  59 

Chu  qatra  az  watan-i-khwlsh  raft  wa  baz  amad, 
MusadiW-sadafl  erasht  wa  shud  yake  Rauhar ; 
Na  Yusife  basafar  raft  az  pldr-l-grlryan  ? 
Na  dar  safar  ba  sa'adat  rasid  wa  mulk  wa  zafeu*?" 

Diwan.i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

•'  When  the  drop  departed  from  its  native  home  and  returned 

It  found  a  shell  and  became  a  pearl. 

Did  not  Joseph  go  on  a  journey  from  his  father  weeping 

Did  he  not  in  the  journey  come  to  fortune  and  kingdom  and  victory  ?  " 

(Nicholson). 
"  Chu  shahbaz  ba  Jaulan  dar  ai  wa  sairi  kun, 

Chu  chaffd  chand  tawan  bud  dar  pas  dlwar  ?  "         Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

"  Swoop  like  falcon  forth,  to  distant  regions  fly, 
Owl-hke  how  long  wilt  thou  behind  the  ruin  lie  ?  " 

Eastwick. 
"  Chu  sham 'a  az  pad  llm  bayad  grudakht, 
Ki  bl  Ihn  natawan  khudara  shinakht."  Pandnama  of  S'adi. 

"  To  gain  knowledge  you  should  consume  yourself  like  a  candle 
Since  without  it  you  cannot  know  God."  Gladwin. 

"  Chu  shawad  ruza  maya'e  azar, 
Buza  khwari  za  ruza  dari  bih ; 
Khue  khudra  az  ruza  tiz  makun, 
K'az  hama  hilm  wa  burdbari  bih."  Jami  Biharistan,  chap.  2. 

"  If  fasting  becomes  an  occasion  of  trouble 
Then  the  breaking  of  it  is  better  than  the  keeping  ; 
Do  not  make  thy  humour  impatient  by  fasting 
Because  meekness  and  forbearance  surpass  all  things." 

Rehatsbk. 
"  Chu  sindan  kase  sakht  rvd  na  kard, 
Ki  khasik-i-tadib  ba  sar  na  khurd, 
Ba  eruftan  durtishti  makun  ba  amir 
Chu  bini  ki  sakhti  kunad,  sust  grir, 
Ba  akhlaq  ba  har  ki  bini  bisaz, 
Agrar  zer  dast  ast  wa  g&r  sarfaraz."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  ch.ip.  4. 

"  No  one  made  a  hard  face  anvil-like, 
Who  suffered  not  the  chastising  hammer  on  his  head  ; 
Exercise  not  vehemence  in  speaking  to  an  amir, 
Pursue  gentleness,  when  thou  seest  that  he  practises  severity  ; 
Make  thyself  by  manners  concordant  with  whomsoever  thou  mayest  see 
Whether  he  be  inferior,  or  superior."  (Clarke). 

"  Chu  taharat  na  buwad  k'aba  wa  butkhana  yakist, 
Na  buwad  khair  dar  an  khana  ki  'ismat  na  buwad."  Hafiz. 

*'  Like  are,  if  void  of  purity,  the  k'aba  and  the  idle-fane 
The  house  that  has  not  chastity  can  in  its  walls  no  good  contain." 

BiCKNELL. 


6o  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Chu  tir  mi-barawad  chu  mxirgh-i-gumanat, 
Yaqin  bidan  ki  yaqinwar  az  guman  big\irizad, 
Chunan  gxirizad  namash  chu  qasd-i-guftan  binad, 
Chunan  gurizad  az  tu  ki  gar  nawisi  naqsash, 
Za  lauh  naqash  biparrad,  za  dil  nishan  bignrizad." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  As  the  arrow  speeds  from  the  bow,  like  the  bird  of  your  imagination 
Know  that  the  Absolute  will  certainly  flee  from  the  imaginary 
His  name  will  flee  when  it  sees  an  attempt  at  speech  ; 
He  will  flee  from  you  so  that  if  you  limn  his  picture 
The  picture  will  fly  from  the  tablet,  the  impression  will  flee  from  the 
soul."  (Nicholson). 

"  Chu  zauq-i-sukhtan  didi,  dig'ar  nashkibi  az  atish, 
Agar  ab-i-hayat  ayad  tura  za  atish  m'angizad." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Thou  wilt  never  more  endure  without  the  flame,  when  thou  hast 
known  the  rapture  of  burning. 

"  If  the  water  of  life  should  come  to  thee,  it  would  not  stir  thee  from  the 
flame."  (Nicholson). 

"  Dah  darwish  dar  galime  bikhuspand  wa  du  padshah  dar  iqlime 
dar  naganjand."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Ten  dervishes  may  sleep  under  one  blanket,  but  one  country  cannot 
contain  two  kings."  (Eastwick). 

"  Dalqat  ba  chi  kar  ayad?  wa  tasbih  wa  muraqq'a? 
Khudra  za  'amalhae  nakuhida  bari  dar. 
Hajat  ba  kulah-i-baraki  dashtanat  nest ; 
Darwish  sifat  bash  wa  kvilah-i-tartari  dar."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Of  what  avail  is  frock  or  rosary 

Or  clouted  garment  ?  •  Keep  thyself  but  free 

From  evil  deed,  there  is  no  need  for  thee 

To  wear  the  cap  of  felt ;  a  darwesh  be 

In  heart  and  wear  the  cap  of  Tartary."  (Eastwick). 

"  Datnan-aluda  agar  khud  hama  hikmat  goyad, 
Ba  sukhan  giiftan  zeba'ash  bad  an  bih  na  shawad ; 
Wa  an  ki  pakiza  dil  ast  ar  binshinad  khamush, 
Hama  az  sirat-i-safash  nasihat  shanawand."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  One  stained  with  crime,  though  all  he  says  be  wise 
Makes  no  one  better  by  his  eloquence 
While  in  the  pure  of  heart  such  doctrine  lies 
That  though  maintaining  silence,  all  men  thence 
Learn  to  be  good  by  tacit  inference."  (Eastwick). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  6i 

"  Daman-i-chun  tu,  nisrari,  za  leaf  asan  na  diham, 
Ki  bakhunaba'e  bisyar  ba  dast  amadl."  Anwar-i-Suheiu. 

*'  From  the  skirt  of  one  so  fair  as  thou  I'll  ne'er  consent  to  part, 
For  with  many  a  flood  of  tears  thou  hast  been  purchased  by  this  heart." 

Eastwick. 

"  Daman-i-u  prir,  ey  yar-I-dller, 
K'u  munazza  bashad  az  bala  wa  zer ; 
Ba  tu  bashad  dar  makan  wa  bi  gruman, 
Ch\in  bamani  az  serai  wa  az  dukan ; 
n  baraurad  az  kadiiratha  safa, 
Marjafahaturaglrad  wafa."  Jalaluddin  Ruml 

*'  O  brave  friend,  grasp  His  skirt, 
Who  is  removed  alike  from  the  world  above  and  below  ; 
Who  will  abide  with  thee  in  the  house  and  abroad 
When  thou  lackest  house  and  home 
He  will  bring  forth  peace  out  of  perturbations 
And  when  thou  art  afflicted,  will  keep  His  promise." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Dtim  az  rasti  g'ar  zani  subhwar, 
Zatarikijahl  glri  kinEir."  Pandnama  of  S'adi. 

"  If  you  breathe  truth  like  the  true  day-spring, 
You  will  separate  yourself  from  the  darkness  of  ignorance." 

Gladwin. 

"  Dame  chand  gruftam  bar  aram  bakam, 
Darigrha  ki  ba^iift  rah  nafs ; 
Darigrha  ki  bar  khwan-i-alwan-i-umr, 
Dame  chand  khwnrdam  wa  gruftand  '  bas.' "  Gulistan,  chap.  6. 

"  Methough  a  few  short  moments  I  would  spend 
As  my  soul  wished  ;  alas  !  I  gasp  for  air 
At  the  rich  board  where  all  life's  dainties  blend 
I  sate  me  down — partook  a  moment  there 
When  ah  !  they  bade  me  leave  the  scarcely-tasted  fare." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Dam  sakht  ast  magrar  yar  shawad  lutf-i-khuda, 
Wama  Adam  na  barad  sarfa  zi  Shaitan-i-rajim."      Hafiz  Ode  417. 

*'  The  meshes  of  the  net  are  strong  but  God  withholds  His  giace  from  none, 
Not  otherwise  could  man  prevail  o'er  Satan  the  stone-pelted  one." 

BiCKNBLL. 

"  Dana'e  dil  kashta  zer-i-chiinin  ab  wa  gile 
Ta  babaharat  narasad,  u  shajare  mi  na  shawad." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

•*  The  seed  of  the  spirit  sown  beneath  this  water  and  clay  (the  body) 
Becomes  not  a  tree  until  it  reach  Thy  spring."  (Nicholson). 


62  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Darakht  agar  mutaharrik  shudi  za  jae  ba  jae, 
Na  javir  arra  kashidi  wa  na  jafa'e  tabr."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  From  place  to  place  had  trees  the  power  to  move 
Nor  saw  nor  axe  would  wrong  the  stately  grove." 

Eastvvick. 

"  Darakhte,  ki  aknun  gririfbast  pa'e, 
Ba  nirui  shakhse  bar  ayad  za  jae, 
Wagar  hamchunan  ruzgari  hili, 
Ba  gardunash  az  bikh  nagsili ; 
Sai'-i-chasliina  shayad  giriftan  ba  bil, 
Chu  pur  shud  nashayad  guzashtan  ba  pil."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  A  single  arm  may  now  up  tear 
A  tree  if  lately  planted  there  ; 
But  if  it  for  a  time  you  leave, 
No  engine  could  its  roots  upheave. 
A  spade  may  the  young  rill  restrain, 
Whose  channel  swollen  by  storms  and  rain 
The  elephant  attempts  in  vain."  (Eastwick). 

"  Darakhte  ki  paiwasta  barash  khurl, 
Tahammul  kun  angah  kl  kbarash  kliuri."    Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  The  tree  whose  fruit  thou  constantly  enjoyest, 
At  the  time  when  thou  sufferest  its  thorn,  be  patient." 

(Clarke). 

"  Dar-azl  az  kham-i-ishqash  qadahe  dar  dadand, 
Za  an  falak  charakh  zanan  gasht,  zamin  mast  uftad." 

Akhlaq-i-Jalali. 

"  In  remote  eternity  they  presented  one  cup  from  the  pitcher  of  His  love. 
Through  it  the  heavens  were  made  to  reel  and  the  earth  fell  intoxicated." 

(Asiatic  Journal). 

"  Dar  bar  abar  chu  gusfand-i-salim, 
Dar  qafa  hamchu  gurg-i-mardum  dar."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Before  thee  like  the  lamb  they  gentle  are  ; 
Absent,  than  savage  wolves  more  ruthless  far." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Darbasta  ba  rue-khud  za  mardum, 
Ta  alb  na  grushtarand  mara ; 
Darbasta  chi  sud  ?  'alimu  'Ighaib 
Danai  nihan  wa  asbkara."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  I  close  the  door  before  me  against  men, 

That  my  faults  may  not  stand  to  them  confessed  ; 

Of  what  avail  its  bar  'gainst  Thee  whose  ken 

Sees  both  the  hidden  and  the  manifest?"  (Eastwick) 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  63 

"  Dar  damn  har  yake  sad  khuk  ast ; 
Khiik  bayad  kusbt  ya  zinnar  bast."  Attar. 

"  In  the  heart  of  each  are  found  a  hundred  swine 
You  must  slay  the  hog  or  bind  on  the  *  Zanar.' "  * 

"  Dar  dlda-i-tang-i-mur  nurast  az  tu, 
Dar  pa-i-zaif-i-pasha  zurast  az  tii, 
Zat-i-tu  sazast  mar  khudawande  ra, 
Har  wasf  ki  nasazast  durast  az  tu."  Omak  Khavyam. 

"  O  Thou  who  givest  sight  to  emmet's  eyes 
And  strength  to  feeble  limbs  of  puny  flies 
To  Thee  we  will  ascribe  omnipotence 
No  meaner  attribute  to  Thee  applies."      (Whinkield). 

"  Dar  guzar  az  nam  wa  bingar  dar  sifat, 
Ta  sifatat  rah  numayad  sue  zat ; 
Ikhtilaf-i-khalq  az  nam  uftad, 
Chun  ba  m'ana  raft,  aram  uftad."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

'•  Pass  over  names  and  look  to  qualities 
So  that  qualities  may  lead  thee  to  essence ; 
The  differences  of  sects  arise  from  His  names 
When  they  pierce  to  His  essence,  they  find  His  peace." 

(Whinfield). 
"  Dar  hadls  amad  ki  dil  hamchu  par  ast 
Dar  bayabane  asir  sarsax  ast ; 
Bad  par  ra  har  taraf  ranad  guzaf, 
Gah  chup  wa  gah  rast  ba  sad  ikhtilaf."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  There  is  a  tradition  'The  heart  is  like  a  feather 
In  the  desert,  which  is  borne  captive  by  the  winds  ; 
The  wind  drives  it  everywhere  at  random, 
Now  to  right  and  now  to  left  in  opposite  directions.' " 

(Whinfield). 
"  Dar-i-mir  wa  wazir  wa  sultanra 
Bi  wasilat  magard  piraman, 
Sag  wa  darban  chu  yaftand  gharib. 
In  gariban  girift  wa  an  daman."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  To  door  of  king  or  minister  or  peer 
Draw  thou  not  nigh,  unless  with  patrons  girt ; 
For  if  a  poor  man  at  the  gate  appear. 
Warders  his  collar  seize,  and  dogs  his  skirt." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Dar  parda-e-asrar  kasera  rah  nist, 
Z'in  t'abiajan-i-hich  kas  agah  nlst, 
Juz  dar  dil-i-khak-i-tira  manzilgah  nist ; 
Af^os  ki  in  fasanha  kotah  nist."  Omar  Khayyam. 

*The  girdle  worn  by  non-Moslems. 


64  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  All  mortal  ken  is  bounded  by  the  veil, 
To  see  beyond  man's  vision  is  too  frail ; 
Yea  !  earth's  dark  bosom  is  his  only  home  ; 
Alas  !  'twere  long  to  tell  the  doleful  tale." 

(Whinfield). 

*'  Dar  rah-i-niyaz  har  dili  ra  daryab, 
Dar  kui  huzur  muqbali  ra  daryab ; 
Sad  ka'ba-e-ab  wa  gil  ba  yak  dil  narasad  ; 
Ka'ba  chi  rawi  ?  birau  dill  ra  daryab."  Omar  Khawam. 

"  When  seeking  love,  pay  court  to  every  heart, 
When  once  admitted,  seek  the  perfect  heart 
A  hundred  ka'bas  equal  not  one  heart  ; 
Seek  not  the  ka'ba,  rather  seek  the  heart," 

(Whinfield). 

*'  Dar  sukhan  ba  dvistan  ahista  bash, 
Ta  nadanad  dushman-i-khunkhwar  gxish. ; 
Pisb-i-diwar  ancbe  gni  hush  dar, 
Ta  na  bashad  dar  pish-i-dlwar  grush."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  In  talk  with  friends  speak  soft  and  low 

Lest  thy  bloodthirsty  foeman  thee  should  hear  : 

A  wall  may  front  thee — true  !  but  dost  thou  know 

If  there  be  not  behind  a  listening  ear?"  (Eastwick). 

"  Darwishe  dar  munajat  mignft  'Ya  Babba,  ba  badan  rahinat 
kun,  ki  bar  nikan  khud  rahmat  karda'i  ki  ishanra  nik  afrida'i." 

Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  A  darw^esh  said  in  his  prayers,  '  O  God  !  have  mercy  on  the  wicked, 
for  Thou  hast  already  had  mercy  on  the  good,  in  that  Thou  hast  created 
them  good.'  "  Eastwick. 

"  Darya  flrawan  nashawad  tira  basang ; 
Arif  ki  biranjad  tan?  ab  ast  hanuz."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

*'  A  stone  makes  not  great  rivers  turbid  grow 
When  saints  are  vexed,  their  shallowness  they  show." 

(Eastwick). 

*'  Daryab  ki  az  ruh  juda  khwahi  raft, 
Dar  parda'e  asrar-i-khuda  khw^ahi  raft, 
Mai  kh\ir  ki  na  dani  az  kuia  amada'i, 
Khush  bash,  na  dani  ki  kuja  khwahi  raft."  Omar  Khawam 

"  Make  haste  !  soon  must  you  quit  this  life  below, 
And  pass  the  veil,  and  Allah's  secrets  know  ; 
Make  haste  to  take  your  pleasure  while  you  may 
You  know  not  whence  you  come  nor  whither  go." 

Whinfield. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  65 

"  Daryab  kunun  kl  nimatat  hast  ba  dast 
K'in  daulat  wa  mulk  mirawad  dast  ba  dast."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Now  that  thy  hands  retain  these  blessings,  know 
This  wealth,  these  lands  from  hand  to  hand  must  go." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Dast  az  mls-l-wujud  chu  mardan-i-rah  blshawl, 
Ta  kimiya'e  ishq  biyabi  wa  zar  shawl."  Hapiz  Ode  510. 

•'  Wash  from  the  dross  of  life  thy  hands  as  the  path'smen  of  old 
And  winning  love's  alchemic  power,  transmute  thyself  to  gold." 

(BlCKNBLL)l 

"  Dast-i-qadrash  khakat  sarisht 
Harf-i-hlkmat  dar  dil  pakat  sarisht ; 
Pak  kun  az  naqsh  surat  sinara. 
Rue  dar  ma'na  kun  an  aina  ra, 
Ta  shawad  granj-i-mana  sina'at 
Gharq  n\ir-i-marifat  aina'at."  Jami,  .Salaman  and  Adsau 

'*  The  mighty  hand  that  mixed  thy  dust  inscribed 
The  character  of  wisd(jm  on  thy  heart ; 
Oh  !  cleanse  thy  bosom  of  material  form, 
And  turn  the  mirror  of  the  soul  to  spirit. 
Until  it  be  with  spirit  all  possessed, 
Drowned  in  the  light  of  intellectual  truth."     (Fitzgerald). 

"  Dast-i-sultan  dig'ar  kuja  binad, 
Chun  bar  sargin  dar  ufbad  turunj  ; 
Tishnara  dil  nakhwahad  an  kuza, 
Kli  rasid  ast  ba  dlhan-i-sukunj."  Gulistan,  chap.  1. 

"  Ne'er  will  the  orange  from  the  sultan's  hand 
Once  in  the  dung-hill  fallen,  more  there  rest : 
Though  thirsty,  none  will  water  e'er  demand. 
When  ulcerated  lips  the  jar  have  pressed."      (Eastwick). 

"  Daud  eruft '  Ey  padshah  chun  bi  niyazi  tu  za  ma, 
Hlkmat  chi  bud  akhir  bigxi  dar  khilqat-i-har  du  sara  ? ' 
Haqq  griftash  'Ey  mard-i-zaman  ganje  budam  man  dar  nlhan ; 
Justam  kl  ta  palda  shawad  an  g'anj-i-lhsan  wa'ata.' " 

Diwan-i-Sha.ms-i-Tabri7, 

"  David  said  *  O  Lord,  since  Thou  hast  no  need  of  us, 

Say  then,  what  wisdom  was  there  in  creating  the  two  worlds?' 
(iod  said  to  him  '  O  temporal  man,  I  was  a  hidden  treasure  ; 
I  sought  that  that  treasure  of  loving  kindness  and  bounty  should  be 
revealed.'"  (Nicholson). 

"  Daulat  dunya  kl  tamanna  kunad  ? 
Ba  kih  wafa  kard  kl  ba  ma  kunad?  "  AN\vAR-i..St'HBiLi. 

"  Who  would  wish  for  this  world's  riches,  a  vain  and  fleeting  shew  ? 
To  whom  have  they  proved  faithful,  that  to  me  they  should  be  so?" 

Eastwick. 
5 


66  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Daur-i-jawani  bashud  az  dast-i-man 
Ah  I  darigha  an  zaman  dil-faruz ; 
Qu'wat-i-sar  panja-e-sher  biraft, 
Raziam  aknun  ba  panire  chu  yuz."  Gulistan,  chap.  6. 

"  Youth's  circling  hours  have  passed  for  aye  away, 
Ah  me  !  alas,  that  that  gay  time  is  spent ; 
The  lion  feels  his  strength  of  paw  decay, 
Now,  like  a  pard,  with  cheese-scraps  I'm  content." 

Eastwick. 

'  Dawam  parwaris  h  andar  kinar  madar  dahr ; 
Tama'  makun  ki  dar  u  bui  mihrbani  nest."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Hope  not  from  mother  fortune  for  a  constancy 
1  hat  she  will  nurse  thee  gently  on  her  lap  ; 
There  the  true  scent  of  kindness  does  not  lie." 

Eastwick. 

"  Dhalika  bi'anna  'Uaha  lam  yaku  mugbayyiran  ni'amatan 
'an'amaha  'ala  qaumin  hatta  yughayyiru  ma  bi'anfusihim." 

Koran,  chap.  8. 

"  This,  because  God  changeth  not  the  favour  with  which  He  favoureth 
a  people,  so  long  as  they  change  not  what  is  in  their  hearts." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Dhalika'  Ikitabu  la  raiba  flhi  hudan  lilmuttaqin."      Koran,  chap.  2.      i 

"  No  doubt  is  there  about  this  Book  :  It  is  a  guidance  to  the  God- 
fearing." (Rodwell). 

"  Dhama'un  biqalbi  la  yakadu  yusighuhu 
Rashfu  'zzulali  wa  lau  sharibtu  buhura."  Gulistan,  Book  V. 

The  thirst  of  my  heart  cannot  be  slaked  with  a  drop  of  water,  nor  if  I 
should  drink  rivers,  would  it  be  lessened."  (Eastwick). 

"Dhaqat  'alaihimu  'I'ardhu  bima  rahubat  w^a  dhaqat  'alaihim 
'anfusuhum  wa  dhannu  'an  la  malja  mina  'Uahi  'ilia  'ilaihi  thumma 
taba  'alaihim  liyatubu  'inna  'llaha  huwa  'ttawwabu  'rrahim." 

Koran,  chap.  9. 

"  The  earth,  spacious  as  it  is  became  too  strait  for  them  ;  and  their 
souls  became  so  straightened  within  ihem  that  they  bethought  them  that 
there  was  no  refuge  from  God  but  unto  Himself,  Then  was  He  turned  to 
them  that  they  might  be  turned  to  Him,  for  God  is  He  that  turneth,  the 
Merciful."  (Rodwell). 

"  Dhami  wa  man  khalaqtu  w^ahida."  Koran,  chap.  74.      y 

t^^^^  Leave  me  alone  to  deal  with  him  whom  I  have  created." 

(Rodwell). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  67 

"  Dhuiiba  mathalun  fa'  staml'u  lahu,  Inna  lladhlna  tad'una  min 
dvmi  'llahl  Ian  yakhluqu  dhubaban  wa  lau  I'Jtama'u  lahu  wa'in 
yaslubhumu  'dhdhubabu  shai'an  la  yastanqldhuhu  minhu  dha'tifa 
ttallbu  walmatlub."  Koran,  chap.  22. 

"  A  parable  is  set  forth  to  you,  wherefore  hearken  to  it.  Verily  they  on 
whom  ye  call  beside  (iod,  cannot  create  a  fly,  though  they  assemble  for  it ; 
and  if  the  fly  carry  off  aught  from  them  they  cannot  take  it  away  from  it. 
Weak  the  suppliant  and  the  supplicated."  (Rodwell). 

"  Dida'e  arzu  juz  ba  suzan-i-fana  wa  rishta'e  ajal  dukhta  na  gardad.'^ 

Anwar-i-Suheili. 

••  The  eye  of  lust  is  not  stitched  but  with  the  needle  of  annihilation  and 
the  thread  of  death."  Eastwick. 

"  Didai  bayad  ki  bashad  shah-shinas, 
Ta  shinasad  badshahe  dar  bar  libas."  *  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  One  must  have  king- recognising  eyes 
To  recognise  the  king  in  each  disguise." 

"  Didar  mi-numai  wa  parhez  kunl 
Bazar-i-khwish  wa  atish-l-ma  tiz  mikuni."  Gulistan,  chap.  a. 

*'  Thou  dost  Thy  face  now  show  and  now  conceal ; 
Thy  worth  enhancest,  and  inflam'st  our  zeal." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Digraran  gardand  zard  az  bim-i-an, 
Tu  chu  gul  khandan  gab  sud  wa  ziyan ; 
Z'anki  gul  gar  barg  barkash  mikuni 
Khanda  nagzarad,  nagardad  mansani, 
Goyad  az  khari  chara  uftana  ba  gham 
Khanda  ra  man  khud  za  khar  a\irda  am ; 
Ma'  uttasawaf,  qal  wijdan  ulfarh 
PI  'Ifawad  ind  atiyan  uttarh."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Let  others  grow  pale  from  fear  of  misfortune, 
Do  thou  smile  like  the  rose  at  loss  and  gain. 
For  the  rose,  though  its  petals  be  torn  asunder 
Still  smiles  on,  and  it  is  never  cast  down. 
It  says  '  Why  should  I  fall  into  grief  in  disgrace  ? 
I  gather  beauty  even  from  the  thorn  of  disgrace.' 
What  is  Sufism  ?    'Tis  to  find  joy  in  the  heart 
Whensoever  distress  and  care  assail  it."  (Whinfielu). 

"  Dihkan-i-sal-khurde  chi  khush  guft  ba  pisar 
K'ey  nur-i-chashm-i-man  bi-juz  az  klshti  na'd'ravl."  Hafiz. 

"  How  well  said  the  aged  farmer  to  his  son, 

O  light  of  my  eyes,  thou  wilt  not  reap  save  that  which  thou  hast  sown." 

(E.  G.  Browne). 


68  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

*'  Di  kuzagrare  badidam  andar  bazar 
Bar  taza  gili  lakad  hami  zad  bisyar ; 
"Wa  an  gil  ba  zaban-i-hal  ba  wai  miguft 
Man  hamchu  tu  buda  am  niku  dar."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  I  saw  a  busy  potter  by  the  way 

Kneading  with  might  and  main  a  lump  of  clay ; 

And  lo  !  the  clay  cried  '  Use  me  tenderly, 

I  was  a  man  myself  but  yesterday.' "  (Whinfield). 

""  Dila  che  basta'e  in  khakdan-i-bar  gnzrani  ? 
Az  in  khazira  birun  par  ki  murg-h-i-alam  jani ; 
Tu  yar-i-kliil'wat-i-nazi,  muqim-i-parda'e  razi, 

Qararg'ah  chi  sazl  dar  in  nishiman-i-fanl." 

Di\van-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

*'  O  heart,  why  art  thou  a  captive  in  the  earth  that  is  passing  away? 

Fly  forth  from  this  enclosure,  since  thou  art  a  bird  of  the  spiritual  world  ; 
Thou  art  a  darling  bosom-friend,  thou  art  always  behind  the  secret  veil ; 
Why  dost  thou  make  thy  dwelling-place  in  this  perishable  abode?" 

(Nicholson), 

"  Dilam  khana'e  mihr  yar  ast  wa  bas, 
Az  an  na  mi  ganjad  dar  u  kin-i-kas."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  4. 

"  My  heart  is  the  house  of  the  love  of  my  friend  only, 
For  that  reason  malice  to  no-one  is  contained  in  it." 

(Clarke). 

*'  Dil  andar  Samad  bayad  ey  dust  bast, 
Ki  ajiztar  and  az  sanam  har  ki  hast."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  O  my  friend,  thou  must  fix  thy  heart  on  the  Eternal;    for  more  im- 
potent than  an  idol  is  all  beside."  Asiatic  Journal. 

"  Dil  ast,  ai  khiradmand,  zindan-i-raz, 
Cbu  gufti,  niayad  bar  zanjir  baz."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  i. 

"  O  wise  man  !  the  prison  of  the  secret  is  the  heart 
When  thou  didst  speak,  it  came  not  back  to  chains." 

(Clarke). 

"  Dil-i-tukhm  karan  buwad  ranj  kash, 
Chu  khirman  bar  ayad  bikhuspand  khush." 

Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  3. 

"  The  heart  of  seed-sowers  may  be  afflicted 
But  when  the  harvest  is  accomplished  they  sleep  pleasantly." 

(Clarke). 

"  Dil  sirr-i-hayat  ag-ar  kamahi  danist, 
Dar  maut  ham  asrar  ilahi  danist, 
Aknun  ki  tu  ba  khudi  nadanisti  hich, 
Farda  ki  za  khud  rawi,  chi  khwahi  danist."  Omar  Khayyam. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  •  69 

"  If  the  heart  knew  life's  secrets  here  below, 

At  death  'twould  know  God's  secret's  too,  I  trow  ; 
But  if  you  know  naught  here,  while  still  yourself. 
To-morrow,  stripped  of  self,  what  can  you  know?" 

(Whinfikld). 
•  DU  tu  ra  dar  kul  ahl-1-dll  kashid, 
Tan  tu  ra  dar  habs  ab  wa  gil  kashid  ; 
Hin,  grhiza  ey  dil  bldih  az  hamdlle. 
Rail,  bi  Jau  iqbalra  az  muqbale."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

•'  The  spirit  ever  leads  to  haunts  of  holy  men, 
The  flesh  would  cast  thee  in  the  pit  of  sin  again. 
Beware  !     Feed  thou  thy  scul  with  love  from  holy  ground  ; 
Make  haste  !  seek  means  of  grace  from  one  who  grace  hath  found." 

(Kedhouse). 

"  Din  ba  dvinya  farushan  kh£U«nd ;  Tusuf  bifarushand  ta  chi 
kharand  ?  "  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  Those  who  barter  religion  for  the  world  are  asses  ;  they  sell  Joseph, 
and  get  what  in  return?"  (Eastwick). 

"  Din  waraz  wa  marifat  ki  sukhandan-i-shiya'  grui 
Bar  dar  sllah  darad  wa  kas  dar  hisar  nest."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  Keep  thyself  true  to  faith  and  virtue  and  be  not  afraid 
Of  empty  posts  with  arms  above  the  door  displayed." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Di  sheikh  ba  chiragrh  hami  grasht  gird-i-shahr 
K'az  div  wa  dad  maJuIam  wa  insanaxa  arzu'st." 

Diwan-i-Sha.ms-i-Tabriz. 

"  Yesterday  the  Master  with  a  lantern  was  roaming  about  the  city. 
Crying  '  I  am  tired  of  devil  and  beast,  I  desire  a  man.'" 

Nicholson. 

**  Div  chu  binin  rawad,  flrishta  dar  ayad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  When  fiends  retire,  good  angels  come  instead." 

Eastwick. 
"  Du  baitam  jig&r  kard  nize  kabab 
Ki  migruft  giiyanda'e  barabab. 
*  Darigha !  ki  bu  ma  base  ruzgrar 
Biroiad  gul,  wa  bishg^afad  nau  bahar ; 
Base  tir  w^a  dai  mah  wa  urdubihisht 
Bar  ayad  ki  ma  khak  bashem  wa  khisht."     Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

"  One  day  two  couplets  made  my  liver  as  it  were  roast  meat 
When  the  minstrel  with  the  stringed  instrument  kept  saying, 
'  Alas  !  without  us,  many  a  time 
The  rose  will  grow,  and  the  fresh  spring  blossom  1 
Many  a  fourth,  tenth  and  second  month 
Will  appear,  when  we  are  dust  and  brick."  Clarke. 


70  ARABIC:iAND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Du  bamdad'^ar  ayad  kase  bakhidmat-i-shah, 
Siwum  bar  aina  dar  Avai  kunad  balutf  nigrah ; 
Ummid  bast  parastandagan-i-mukhlisra 
Ki  na-ummid  na  gardand  za  astan-i-'llab."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

'*  If  two  mornings  one  attends  the  king 

Doubtless  the  third  a  favouring  glance  will  bring  ; 

So  in  God's  court :  who  worship  truly  there 

Hope  to  be  not  excluded  in  despair."  (Eastwick). 

*'  Du  cbiz  basil  umr  ast  kbair  ■wa  nam  niku, 
Cbu  dar  in  du  dar  gruzri '  kullu  man  aleiba  fan ' 
Ma  basb  dar  pa'e  azar  wa  kam-i-kbalq  barar, 
K'az  in  du  kar  biyabi  sa'adat-i-du  jahan."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Two  things  life  offers, — fame,  the  virtuous  deed 
Save  these  ' all  things  are  subject  to  decay' 
Injure  not  others,  help  men  to  succeed, 
Thus  shalt  thou  reap  a  blessing  for  to-day, 
And  the  next  world  when  this  has  passed  away." 

Eastwick. 

"  Duhul  bazir-i-galim  ey  pisar,  na  shayad  zad, 
Alam  bazan  cbu  dileran  miyana'e  sahra."     Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  It  behoves  not,  son,  to  beat  a  drum  under  a  quilt. 
Plant  like  brave  men,  thy  banner  in  the  midst  of  the  desert." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Dubul  dar  flgban  ast  daim,  wale 
Chi  basil,  cbu  andar  mujan  bicb  nest, 
Garat  danisbi  bast  m'ane  talab, 
Basurat  masbu  gbarra  k'an  bicb  nest."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Loudly  ever  sounds  the  tabor 
But  in  vain,— within  is  naught ; 
Art  thou  wise,  for  substance  labour, 
Semblance  will  avail  thee  nought."  Eastwick. 

*'  Dukhtaran  ra  bama  jangast  wa  jadal  ba  madar 
Pisaran  ra  bama  badkbw^ab-i-pidr  mi  binam  ; 
Ablaban  ra  bama  sharbat  zi  gulabast  w^a  sbakar, 
Qut-i-dana  bama  az  kbun-i-jigar  mi-binam. 
Asp-i-tazi  sbuda  majrub  ba  zir-i-palan 
Tauq-i-zarrin  bama  dar  gardan-i-kbar  mi-binam."   Hafiz  Ode,  442. 

*'  Daughters  of  turbulent  mind  awaking  their  mothers'  ire, 
And  sons  who  of  froward  mood  wish  ill  to  their  sire,  I  see  ; 
Sherbets  of  sugar  and  rose  the  world  to  the  fool  supplies. 
But  naught  save  his  own  heart's  blood  the  food  of  the  wise  I  see  ; 
Galled  by  the  pack-saddle's  weight  the  Arab's  proud  steed  grows  old, 
Yet  always  the  ass's  neck  encirc'ed  with  gold  I  see."         (Bicknell). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  71 

*  Dunan  chu  eralim-i-khwish  birun  bardand 
Ouyand  '  che  grham  erar  bama  alam  murdand  ? ' "    Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  The  base  who've  saved  their  own  vile  wrappers,  cry, 
'What  matter  though  ihe  universe  should  die?'" 

(Eastwick). 

*'  Dunya  bamurad  randa  grlr,  akhir  chi, 
Wa  in  nama-e-umr  khanda  gfir,  akhir  chi, 
Giram  ki  bakam-i-dil  bamani  sad  sal, 
Sad  8£il  dlgar  bamanda  erii^,  akhir  chi."  Omar  Khawam. 

"  Suppose  the  world  goes  well  with  you,  what  then  ? 
When  life's  last  page  is  read  and  turned,  what  then  ? 
Suppose  you  live  a  hundred  years  of  bliss 
Yea,  and  a  hundred  more  to  boot,  what  then  ? 

(Whinfield). 

*•  Dunya  didi  wa  bar  che  didi  hich  ast, 
Wa  an  niz  ki  grufti  wa  shunidi  hich  ast, 
Sar  ta  sar-i-afaq  dawidi  hich  ast, 
Wa  an  niz  dar  khana  khvizidi  hich  ast."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  You  see  the  world  but  all  you  see  is  naught, 
And  all  you  say  and  all  you  hear  is  naught, 
Naught  the  four  quarters  of  the  mighty  earth, 
The  secrets  treasured  in  your  chamber  naught." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Dunya  ki  hulml  na'im  ast, 
Khufba  pindarad  ki  in  khud  qa'im  ast ; 
Ta  bar  ay  ad  na^ahan  subh-i-ajal, 
Wa  rihad  az  zulmat-i-zarm  wa  dagrhl."  Jalaluddin  Ruml 

"  This  world  which  is  only  a  dream 
Seems  to  the  sleeper  as  a  thing  enduring  for  ever 
But  when  the  morn  of  the  last  day  shall  dawn, 
The  sleeper  will  escape  from  the  cloud  of  illusion." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Dushman  ba  ghalat  guft  ki  man  failsuflam, 
Izid  danad  ki  anchi  u  guft  niam ; 
Lekin  chu  darin  ghana  ashyan  amada  am 
Akhir  kam  az  an  ki  man  na  danam  ki  am."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  My  critics  call  me  a  philosopher 
But  Allah  knows  full  well  they  greatly  err, 
I  know  not  even  what  I  am,  much  less 
What  is  the  reason  that  I  sojourn  here. " 

(Whinfif.ld). 


72  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

•*  Dushman  chu  bini  natawan,  laf  az  burut-i-khud  mazan, 
Maghz'ist  dar  bar  ustukhwan,  mardist  dar  bar  pairahan" 

GuLiSTAN,  chap.  8. 

'•  Twist  not  thy  moustaches  boastful,  nor  with  pride  thy  weak  foe  scan 
Every  bone  contains  some  marrow,  every  garment  cloaks  a  man." 

Eastwick. 

"  Dushman  dana  ki  gham-i-jan  buwad 
Blhtar  az  an  dust  ki  nadan  buwad."  *  vwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Foes  that  embitter  life  are  better  far 
Than  they  who  ignorant  but  friendly  are." 

Eastwick. 
*'  Dush  murg-he  basubh  mi-nalid 

'Aql  Tva  sabaram  buburd  wa  taqat  -wa  hush ; 

Yake  az  dustan-i-mukhlisra 

Magar  awaz-i-man  rasid  ba  gush, 

Guffc  '  Bawar  nadashtam  ki  tura 

Bang-i-murghi  chunin  kunad  madhush ' 

Guftam  •  In  shart  admiyyat  nest, 

Murgh  tasbih  khwan  wa  man  khamush.* "  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  But  yester  morn  a  bird  with  tender  strain, 
My  reason,  patience,  sense,  endurance  stole  ; 
A  comrade,  one  most  near  in  friendship's  claim, 
(Perhaps  he  heard  the  outpouring  of  my  soul). 
Said,  '  My  belief  would  ne'er  have  credited 
That  a  bird's  voice  could  make  thee  thus  distraught,' 
'  It  fits  not  well  my  state  as  man '  I  said, 
'That  birds  their  God  should  praise  and  I  say  naught.'" 

(Eastwick). 

"  Dushmian  chi  kunad  chvm  mihrban  bashad  dost?  " 

Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  While  friends  are  true,  what  can  the  foe  effect?" 

(Eastwick). 
"  Dushman-i-ruz  and  in  qalabgan, 
Ashlq-i-ruz  and  in  zarha'e  kan, 
Z'anki  ruz  ast  aina  ta'rif-i-u, 
Ta  babinad  ashrafl  ta'rif-i-u. 
Haqq  qiyamatra  laqab  z'an  ruz  kard 
Roz  binumayad  jamal-i-surkh  wa  zard."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

'•  Makers  of  base  coin  hate  the  daylight 
Coins  of  pure  gold  love  the  daylight, 
Because  daylight  is  the  mirror  that  reflects  them 
So  that  they  see  their  own  perfect  beauty. 
God  has  named  the  resurrection  '  that  day,' 
Day  shows  off  the  beauty  of  red  and  yellow." 

Whinfield. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  73 

'  Dustanra  kuja  kuni  mahrum, 
Tu  kl  ba  dushmanan  nazar  dari."  Gulistan,  Preface. 

"  When  will  Thy  mercies  crown  thy  friends  no  more 
Thou,  who  with  love  regardest  e'en  Thy  foe."      (Eastwick) 

'  Dxistl  bay  ad  az  an  eruna  Just, 
K'an  abadu  'ddhar  bamanad  durust ; 
Khana  k'asasash  buwad  az  khisht-i-kham 
Past  shawad  az  du  sih  baran  taiaazn."  Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

"  Seek  such  a  friendship  for  thyself  to  gain 
As  may  through  endless  years  endure  ; 
Houses  of  unbaked  bricks  a  few  days  rain 
Will  level  with  the  earth,  be  sure."  Eastwick. 

'  Dusti  ra  hazar  shakhs  kam  ast 
Dusbmani  ra  yake  buwad  bisyar."  Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

"  A  thousand  e'en  too  few  for  friendship  are 
But  one  for  enmity  too  much  by  far."  Eastwick. 

'  Dust  mashumar  an  ki  dar  nimat  zanad 
Laf-i-yaii  wa  biradar  khwandagi, 
Dust  an  bashad  ki  girad  dast-i-dust 
Dar  pareshan  hall  wa  dar  mandagi."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Think  not  thy  friend  one  who  in  fortune's  hour 
Boasts  of  his  friendship  and  fraternity  ; 
Him  I  call  friend  who  sums  up  all  his  power 
To  aid  thee  in  distress  and  misery."  (Eastwick). 

'Dust  nazdiktar  az  man  bamanast,  mushkil  in  ast,  man  az  w^ai 

duram, 
Chi  kunam?  ba  kih  tawan  gutt7  ki  u  dar  kinar-i-man  wa  man 
mabjuram."  Gulistan',  chap.  2. 

"  Not  to  myself  am  I  so  near  as  He 

My  Friend  ;  and  stranger  still,  from  Him  I'm  far. 

What  can  I  do  ?     Where  tell  this  mystery  ? 

He's  in  our  arms,  yet  we  excluded  are."  (Eastwick). 

'  Du  sukhan  bishnau  ar  hami-khwahi 
Ki  shawl  az  hayat  barkhurdar, 
Pae  dar  daman-i-qina'at  kash, 
Tama'  az  mal  marduman  bardar."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

'•  List  to  this  short  advice  if  thou  wouldst  fain 
From  life  its  vintage  of  delights  obtain 
'  O'er  thine  own  feet  contentment's  border  fold. 
And  thy  desire  from  others'  wealth  withhold." 

Eastwick. 


74  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Du  yar-i-zirak  wa  az  bada'e  kuhun  du  mane 
Faraghate  vira,  kitabe  vtra  gnsha'e  chamane, 
Man  in  makam  badunya  w^a  akhirat  nadiham, 
Agarchi  dar  payam  uftad  har  dam  anjumane."         Hafiz  Ode,  524. 

"  Two  sprightly  friends  two  mans  *  moreover  of  wine  that  has  long  been 
stored 
A  leasure  hour,  a  page  to  muse  on,  a  nook  on  the  verdant  sward 
Not  for  this  earth  nor  future  glory,  I'd  part  with  this  place  of  joy 
Nor  if  a  crowd,  at  every  moment,  my  track  pursued  to  annoy." 

(Bicknell). 

"  El  'abdu  STudabbir  wa  'llahu  yukaddir."  Arabic  Proverb. 

"  The  servant  arranges,  but  Ood  settles." 

•'  El  kardhu  mikradhu'l  muwaddat."  Arabic  Proverb, 

"  Borrowing  is  the  scissors  of  friendship." 

(E.  G.  Browne). 

"  Bs-safar  sakar." 

"Travel  is  travail."  (Burton). 

"  Ey  anki  ba  mulk  yafbi  dast  rasi, 
Daulat  talbi,  kam  talab  azar-i-kase ; 
Sad  tigh-i-siyasat  an  kharabi  na  kunad 
K'azurda  makhfl  bararad  nafse."  (Anwar-i-Suheili). 

"  Oh  thou  to  whom  an  empire's  sway  is  given 
Would'st  thou  be  blest,  eschew  then  tyranny  ; 
Not  by  a  hundred  swords  are  realms  so  riven 
As  by,  if  just,  one  injured  victim's  sigh."  Eastwick. 

"  Ey  anki  tu'i  khulasa'e  kaim  wa  makan, 
Bigzar  dame  waswasa'e  sud  ■wa  ziyan, 
Yak  jam-i-mai  az  saqi-i-baqi  bistan, 
Ta  baz  rihi  az  gham-i-in  tiar  du  jahan."  Omar  Khawam. 

"  O  man  who  art  creation's  summary, 

Getting  and  spending  weigh  too  much  with  thee. 
Arise  and  quafif  the  Etern  Cupbearer's  wine 
And  so  from  cares  about  both  worlds  be  free." 

(Whinfield). 


*  A  Persian  measure. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  75 

By  ashlqan,  ey  ashlqan,  hangram-i-kuch  ast  az  jahan  I 
Dar  grush-l-janam  mi-rasad  tabl-1-rahil  az  asman, 
Nak  sarban  barkhasta,  qltarha  arasta, 
Az  ma  halali  khasta ;  chi  khufta  ed  ai  karawan? 
In  bangraha  az  pish  wa  pas  bang  rahilast  wa  jareis, 
Har  lahza  nafs  wa  nafas  sar  mi  kunad  dar  la-makan." 

DiwAN  OF  Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  O  lovers,  O  lovers,  it  is  time  to  abandon  the  world, 

The  drum  of  departure  reaches  my  spiritual  ear  from  heaven 

Behold,  the  driver  has  risen  and  made  ready  the  files  of  camels 

And  begged  us  to  acquit  him  of  blame  ;  why,  O  travellers  are  you  asleep  ? 

These  sounds  before  and  behind  are  the  din  of  departure  and  of  the 
camel -bells  ; 

With  each  moment  a  soul  and  a  spirit  is  setting  off  into  the  void," 

(Nicholson). 
**  Ey  bad-i-saba,  Skg&r  tawani, 

Az  rah-i-wafa  wa  mihrbanl, 

Az  man  bibari  khabar  bayaram 

K'an  sukhta'e  tu  dar  nlhani. 

Mi  murd  wa  za  ishtiyaq  mi  gruft 

K'ey  bi  tu  haram  zindagani."  Hafiz 

"  Breeze  which  at  the  morning  blowest, 
Fly,  if  faith  and  truth  thou  knowest, 
Say,  to  my  Beloved  one  turning  ; 
He  who  with  thy  love  is  burning 
Dying  sighs  where  he  is  hidden 
•  Life  without  thee  is  forbidden.' "  (BiCKNELL).  . 

"  Ey  bartar  az  khiyal  wa  qiyas  wa  guman  wa  wahm, 
Wa  za  bar  chi  grufta  and  shunidem  wa  khanda  em, 
Majlis  tamam  grasht  wa  ba  payan  rasid  'umri, 
Ma  hamchtman  dar  aww^all  wasf-i-tu  manda  em." 

GoLiSTAN,  Preface. 

"  O  Loftier  than  all  thought,  conception,  fancy  or  surmise 
All  vainly  Thou  art  sought,  too  high  for  feeble  man's  emprise 
Past  is  our  festal  day,  and  reached  at  length  life's  latest  span, 
Thy  dues  are  yet  to  pay,  the  firstlings  of  Thy  praise  by  man." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Ey  basi  sarha'e  pak  rikhta  dar  zir-i-khak 
Ta  tu  bidani  ki  sar  z'an  sar-i-digrar  bapa'st. 
An  sar-i-asli  nihan,  wa'in  sar-i-far'ai  aiyan  ; 
Z'anki  pas  az  in  jahan,  'allm-i-bi-mvmtahast." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

•'  O  the  many  pure  heads  scattered  beneath  the  clay, 
That  thou  mayest  know  the  head  depends  on  that  other  head  ; 
That  original  head  hidden,  and  this  derived  head  manifest. 
Forasmuch  as  behind  this  world  lies  the  infinite  universe." 

Nicholson. 


76  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Ey  bayadat  taza  jan-i-ashiqan, 
Z'ab-i-lutfat  tar  zaban-i-ashiqan, 
Az  tu  bar  'alam  uftada  saya'e 
Khubruyanra  shuda  sarmaya'e  ; 
Asbiqan  uftada  an  saya  and, 
Manda  dar  sauda  az  an  sarinaa  and  ; 
Ta  za  Laila  sipar  husnat  sar  nazad 
Ishq-i-u  atish  ba  Ma j  nun  war  nazad, 
Ta  lab-i-Shirin  na  kardi  chun  shakar, 
An  'ashiqra  na  shud  pur  khun  jigar."         Jami  (Salaman  and  Absal). 

"  Oh  Thou  whose  memory  quickens  lover's  souls, 
Whose  fount  of  joy  renews  ihe  lover's  tongue  ; 
Thy  shadow  falls  across  the  world  and  they 
Bow  down  to  it ;  and  of  the  rich  in  beauty 
Thou  art  the  riches  that  make  lovers  mad. 
Not  till  Thy  secret  beauty  through  the  cheek 
Of  Laila  smite,  does  she  inflame  Majnun, 
And  not  till  Thou  have  sugared  Shirin's  lip 
The  hearts  of  those  two  lovers  fill  with  blood." 

(Fitzgerald). 
"  Ey  bi  tu  baram  zindagani ! 
Khud  bi  tu  kudam  zindagani  ? 
Har  zindagi  ki  bi  tu  bashad, 
Marglst  ba  nam  zindagani."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

'*  Life  without  thee  we  may  unlawful  call, 
Or  reft  of  thee  is  it  then  life  at  all  ? 
All  life  without  thee  is  alas  the  same, 
Death,  living  death  and  life  alone  in  name."    Eastwick. 

"  Ey  biradar  tu  hamin  andisha'i. 
Ma  baqa  tu  ustukh'wan  wa  risha'i. 
Gar  erul  ast  andisha,  tu  gulshani, 
War  buwad  khari,  tu  hima'e  gnlkhan'i."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  O  Brother,  you  are  essentially  thought. 
All  the  rest  of  you  is  bone  and  sinew, 
If  your  thoughts  are  rose-like,  you  are  a  rose-garden 
If  they  are  thorn-like,  you  are  fuel  for  the  furnace." 

"  Ey  bisa  kare  ki  auwal  s'ab  gasht, 
B'ad  az  bikushada  shud,  sakhti  gruzasht ; 
B'ad  naummedi  base  unanaidha'st, 
Az  pas  zulmat  base  khurshedha'st."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

'*  Ah  !  many  are  the  conditions  which  at  first  are  hard, 
But  are  afterwards  relieved  and  lose  their  harshness 
Oftentimes  hope  succeeds  to  hopelessness 
Many  times  does  sunlight  succeed  to  darkness." 

Whinfield. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  77 

"  Ey  bisa  zulme  kl  bini  dar  kasan, 
Khue  tu  bashad  dar  eshan,  ey  fulan, 
Andar  eshan  tafta  hastl-i-tu 
Az  nifaq  wa  zulm  wa  bad  masti-i-tu, 
An  tu'i  wa  an  zakhm  bar  khud  mi-zani 
Bar  khud  an  dam  tar-i-l'anat  ml-tanl. 
Muminan  aina'e  ek  digrar  and. 
In  khabar  az  paigrambar  awarand ; 
Pish-i-chashmat  dashti  shisha  kabud, 
Z'an  sabab  'alam  kabudat  mi-namud."  Jalaluudin  Rumi. 

'*  Thou  who  dost  blame  injustice  in  mankind 
'Tis  but  the  image  of  thine  own  dark  mind  ; 
In  them  reflected  all  thy  nature  is 
With  all  its  angles  and  obliquities  ; 
Around  thyself  thyself  the  noose  hast  thrown 
And  dost  a  self-inflicted  wound  bemoan  ; 
•  Back  to  each  other  we  reflections  throw ' 
So  spoke  the  holy  Prophet  long  ago  : 
And  he  who  gazes  through  a  glass  that's  dim 
What  wondA"  if  the  world  look  dark  to  him  ?" 

"  By  dil,  ar  sail-1-fana  bunyad-i-hasti  bar  kanad, 
Chun  tura  Nuhast  kishtiban  zi  tufan,  gham  makhur, 
Oarchi  manzil  bas  khatamak  ast  wa  maqsad  napadld, 
Hich  rahi  nest  kanra  nest  payan,  g-ham  makhiu*, 
Hal-i-ma  dar  furqat-i-janan  wa  ibram-i-raqib 
Jumla  mi-danad  khuda'e  hal  gardan,  gham  makhur." 

Hafi7  Ode,  284. 

"  Heart,  should  the  flood  of  death  life's  fabric  sweep  away; 
Noah  shall  steer  the  ark  o'er  billows  dark,  despair  not. 
Though  perilous  the  stage,  though  out  of  sight  the  goal, 
Whithersoe'er  we  wend,  there  is  an  end,  despair  not. 
If  love  evades  our  grasp,  and  rivals  press  their  suit, 
God,  Lord  of  every  change,  surveys  the  range,  despair  not." 

(Bicknbll). 
"  Ey  dil  az  kui'ash  bi  bur  sarmaya'e  wlrd  wa  niyazi 
K'in  mita'  kasid  an  Ja  ruz-i-bazari  niyaft."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Take  from  her  street,  thy  stock  of  grief,  thy  wailings,  O  my  heart 
These  unsought  goods  will  ne'er  find  there  a  sale-time  or  a  mart." 

Eastwick. 
"  Ey  dust !  bar  Janaze-i-dushman  chu  bugzari 
Shadi  ma  kun,  kl  bar  tu  hamin  majara  buvad."  (Anon). 

*'  O  Friend  !  when  thou  passest  by  the  corpse  of  thine  enemy 
Rejoice  not,  for  on  thee  will  the  same  fate  fall." 

E.  G.  Browne. 
"  Ey  hamnafsan  mara  za  mai  quwat  kunid 
Wa  in  rue  chu  kahruba  chu  yaqut  kunid, 
Chun  murda  shawam  ba  mai  bishuyid  mara 
Wa  za  chub-i-razm  takhta-e-tabut  kunid."  Omar  Khayyam. 


78  :  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

'*  Comrades,  I  pray  you,  physic  me  with  wine 
Make  this  wan  amber  tace  like  rubies  shine 
And  if  I  die,  use  wine  to  wash  my  corpse 
And  lay  me  in  a  coffin  made  of  vine."  Whinfield. 

"  Ey  hunarha  nihada  bar  kaf-i-dast, 
Aibha  dar  giriffca  zir-i-baghl, 
Ta  Chi  khwahi  kharidan,  ey  maghrur, 
Buz-l-darmandagi  ba  sim-i-daghl  ?  "  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Thy  merits  in  thy  palm  thou  dost  display, 
Thy  faults  beneath  thy  arm  from  sight  withhold  ; 
What  wilt  thou  purchase,  vain  one,  in  that  day 
The  day  of  anguish  with  thy  feigned  gold  ?  "        Eastwick. 

"  Ey  ishq-i-bitabahi,  ey  mutrib-i-ilahi, 
Ham  pusht  wa  ham  panahi,  kafwat  laqab  na  didam." 

Di\van-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  O  indestructible  Love  !    O  divine  minstrel 
Thou  art  both  stay  and  refuge  ;  a  name  equal  to  thee  I  have  not  found." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Ey  jan  za  kuja  rasidat  in  dam  ? 
Ey  dil  za  kujast  in  tapidan  ? 
Ey  murgh,  bigu  zaban-i-murghan 
Man  danam  ramz-i-tu  shunidan. 
Dil  guft  'bikarkhana  budam 
Ta  khana'e  ab  -wa  gil  pazidan 
Az  khana'e  sun'a  mi  paridan 
Ta  khana'e  sun'a  afridan. 
Chun  pae  na  mand  mi  kashidan 
Chun  gxie'am  svirati  kashidan."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz, 

"  Whence  did  this  breath  come  to  thee,  O  my  soul ; 
Whence  this  throbbing,  O  my  heart  ? 

0  hird,  speak  the  language  of  birds 

1  can  understand  thy  hidden  meaning. 

The  soul  answered  '  I  was  in  the  divine  factory 

While  the  house  of  water-and-clay  was  a-baking 

I  was  flying  away  from  the  material  workshop 

While  the  workshop  was  being  created 

When  I  could  resist  no  more,  they  dragged  me 

To  mould  me  into  shape  like  a  ball.' "  (Nicholson). 

"  Ey  kabki  khush-khiram,  kuja  mi-ravi  bajrist? 
Gharra  ma  shu,  ki  gurba'e  'abid  namaz  kard."  Hafiz  Ode,  122. 

"  O  partridge,  bird  of  graceful  gait,  say  whether  wouldst  thou  shape  thy 
way? 
Be  not  so  bold,  for  well  we  know  how  the  religious  cat  can  pray." 

,  \  BiCKNELL. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  79 

"  By  khush  an  dana  ki  pish-i-shah  dam 
Oah  qahr  az  nukta'e  khush  mlzanad ; 
Nukta'e  chun  ab  mi  arad  latif, 
Shah  ra  abe  bar  atish  mizanad."  Jami,  Biharistan  (3). 

"  Happy  is  that  learned  man  who  in  the  presence  of  the  Shah 
Utters  a  pleasant  maxim  when  he  is  inflamed  with  anger  ; 
When  like  water  he  brings  the  graceful  maxim 
To  the  Shah,  it  throws  water  upon  fire."  Rehatsek. 

"  By  khunuk  chashme  ki  u  giryan-i-u'st, 
By  hamajrvm  dil  ki  u  buriyan-i-u'st, 
Az  pai  har  gririya  akhir  khanda  ast 
Mard  akhlr-bin  mubarak  banda  ast."  Jalalupdin  Rumi. 

"  How  blessed  are  the  eyes  that  smart  with  sorrow's  brine, 
How  blessed  is  the  heart  inflamed  with  love  divine  ! 
Contrition's  tears  are  ever  hallowed  by  heaven's  smile, 
The  latter  end  of  all  things  man  should  scan  awhile." 

Redhouse. 

"  By  khvraja  sarmastak  shudi,  bar  ashiqan  khunbak  zadi, 
Mast-i-khudawana-i-khudi,  kushti  ^rifti  ba  khuda, 
Bas  mxirgrh  parran  dar  hawa  az  damha  fard  wa  juda 
Miayad  az  charkh-i-qaza  ba  sina  ash  tir-i-bala." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 
"  Lo  !  a  besotted  fool  like  thee  to  scorn, 
The  votaries  of  love  !     God's  wine  has  drowned 
Thy  wits  and  bidden  thee  wrestle  with  thy  Lord, 
As  when  a  bird  his  airy  flight  resumes 
Exultingly,  nor  dreads  the  distant  lure, 
Fate  to  his  bosom  speeds  the  shaft  of  woe."      (Nicholson). 

"  Ejy  kl  bahangram-i-dard  rahat-i-Jani  mara, 
Ey  kl  batalkha'e  faqr  ganj-i-rawani  mara, 
Anche  na  btirdast  w^ahm,  an  che  nadldast  fahm, 
Az  tu  bijan  mirasad,  qibla  az  ani  mara."        Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  O  Thou,  who  art  my  soul's  comfort  in  the  season  of  sorrow, 
O  Thou,  who  art  my  spirit's  treasure  in  the  bitterness  of  dearth. 
That  which  the  imagination  has  not  conceived,  that  which  ihe  under- 
standing has  not  seen, 
Visiteth  my  soul  from  thee  ;  hence  in  worship  I  turn  towards  Thee." 

(Nicholson). 

"  By  kl  shakhs-l-manat  haqir  namud, 
Ta  durushti  hunar  na  pindari ; 
AspHi-la^har  miyan  bakar  ayad 
Buz-i-maidan  na  grav-i-parwari."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

'*  Thou  who  my  stature  didst  with  scorn  survey, 
Think  not  that  roughness  marks  the  bold  in  war. 
The  slender  courser  in  the  battle  day, 
Will  the  fat  stall-fed  ox  outvalue  far."  Eastwick, 


8o  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  By  mudda'i  ki  mi-gnzari  bar  kinar-i-ab, 
Mara  ki  gharqa  em  chi  dani  chi  halatast  ?  "  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Boaster,  thou  walkest  by  the  water's  brink 

How  canst  thou  know  the  state  of  us  who  sink  ?" 

Eastwick. 
"  Ey  murgh-i-saliar,  Ishq  za  par-wana  bi-amuz 
K'an  sukhta  raj  an  shud  v/a  awaz  ni  yamad, 
In  mudd'ayan  dar  talabash  bi  khabar  and, 
K'an  ra  ki  khabar  shud,  khabarash  baz  niyamad." 

GuLisTAN,  Preface 

"  O  bird  of  the  morn  !  love  of  the  moth  be  taught 
Consumed  it  dies,  nor  utters  e'en  a  cry  ! 
Pretended  searchers  !  of  this  true  love  nought 
Know  ye  ; — who  know,  tell  not  their  mystery." 

Eastwick. 
"  Ey  rahida  jan-i-tu  az  ma  wa  man, 
Ey  latifa'e  rub  andar  mard  ■wa  zan. 
Mard  Ava  zan  chvm  yak  sha'wad  an  yak  tu'i 
Chunki  yakha  mahw  sha-wad  an  yak  tu'i, 
In  ma  -wa,  man  bahr  in  barsakbti 
Ta  tu  ba  khud  nard  khidmat  bakbti."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

'*  O  Thou,  Who  art  exempt  from  '  us'  and  *  we' 
Who  pervadest  the  spirits  of  all  men  and  women  ; 
When  man  and  woman  become  one,  thou  art  that  one. 
When  their  union  is  dissolved,  lo  Thou  abidest. 
Thou  hast  made  these  '  us  '  and  '  we '  for  that  purpose 
To  wit,  to  play  chess  with  them  by  thyself."         Whinfield. 

"  By  saki  eruzida,  manindat  ey  du-dida, 
Andar  'a jam  niyamad,  andar  'arab  na  didam ; 
Chandan  biriz  bada,  k'az  khud  shawam  piyada, 
K'andar  khudi  wa  hasti  ghair-i-t'ab  na  didam." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  O  chosen  cup-bearer,  O  apple  of  mine  eyes,  the  like  of  thee. 
Ne'er  appeared  in  Persia,  nor  in  Arabia  have  I  found  it ; 
Pour  out  wine  till  I  become  a  wanderer  from  myself, 
For  in  self-hood  and  existence  I  have  felt  only  fatigue." 

(Nicholson). 
"  Ey  ser !  tura  nan-i-jawin  khush  nanumayad, 
M'ashuq-i-man  ast  an  ki  banazdik-i-tu  zishtast ; 
Huran-i-bihishtra  duzakh  bu-wad  a'raf, 
Az  duzakhian  purs,  ki  a'raf  bihishtast."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Sated,  thou  wilt  my  barley-loaf  repel ; 

She  whom  I  love,  ill-favoured  seems  to  thee ; 

To  Edin's  Houris  Araf  *  would  seem  hell. 

Hell's  inmates  ask, — they'll  call  it  heavenly."    Eastwick. 

*The  Muhammadan  Purgatory. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  8i 

"  Ey  sukhan,  klmiya'e  tu  chist? 
Aiyar  tura  klmiya  saz  klst  ? 
Ki  chandin  nlgrar  az  tu  barsakhtand 
Hanuz  az  tu  harfe  na  pardakhtand ; 
Na  danam  chi  murgrhe  badln  niku'i ; 
Za  ma  yadgrarl  ki  manad  tu'i."  Anwar-i-Suheh.i. 

•'  Say,  language  !  whence  is  given  thy  wondrous  magic  power? 
And  who  the  alchemist  that  turns  thee  into  gold  ? 
Whence  spring  thy  countless  images?    While,  to  this  hour 
None  can  thy  full  resources  ever  hope  to  unfold  ; 
What  bird  art  thou  of  so  much  beauty?     We 
Our  sole  memorial  leave  behind  in  thee."  Eastwick. 

"  Ey  tabl  buland  bang'  dar  batin  hich 
Bi  tusha  chi  tadbir  k\ini  waqt-i-pasich  Gulistan,  chap.  ^. 

"  O  noisy  drum,  all  emptiness  within  ! 

How  without  food  wilt  thou  thy  march  begin?" 

Eastwick. 
"  Ey  tihi  dast  rafta  dar  bazar, 
Tarsamat  baz  na  a'wari  dastar."  Gulistan  (Preface). 

"  O  thou,  who  goest  empty-handed  to  the  market-place, 
I  fear  that  thou  wilt  not  bring  back  thy  turban." 

Eastwick. 

"  Ey  tura  khare  ba  pa  na  shikasta  kal  dani  ki  chist, 
Hal  an  sheran  ki  shamsher  bala  bar  sar  khurand?  "    - 

An\var-i-Suheili. 

"  Thou  in  whose  foot  not  e'en  a  thorn  has  broken,— how  can'st  tliou 
Tell  what  the  warriors  feel,  whose  heads  before  the  sabre  bow." 

Eastwick. 
"  Ey  w^aqif-i-asrar-i-zamir-i-hama  kas, 
Dar  halat-i-ujz  dastgrir-i-hama  kas, 
Ya  Rabb  tu  mara  tauba  dih  wa  uzr  pazir, 
Ey  tauba  dih  wa  uzr-pazir-i-hama  kas."  Omar  Khawam. 

"  Oh  Thou  who  know'st  the  secret  thoughts  of  all 
In  time  of  sorest  need  who  aidest  all, 
Grant  me  repentance  and  accept  my  plea 
O  Thou  who  dost  accept  the  pleas  of  all."        Whinfield. 

"  Eyyaka  wa'an  yadhriba  lisanuka  'unqaka."  Arabic  Pkovekb. 

"  IJeware  that  thy  tongue  does  not  cut  thy  neck." 

D.  Stewart. 
"  Ey  zabardast  zir  dast  azar, 
Gaiin  ta  kai  bamanad  in  bazar  ? 
Ba  chi  kar  ayadat  Jahan  dari, 

Murdanat  bih  ki  mardum  azari."  Gui.ista\,  chap.  i. 

6 


82  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Oppressor !  troubler  of  the  poor  ! 
How  soon  will  this  thy  mart  be  o'er  ! 
What  good  will  empire  be  to  thee? 
Better  thy  death  than  tyranny."  (Eastwick). 

"  Ey  zindagl-i-tan  ■wa  tawanam  hama  tu, 
Jani  vra  dili,  ey  dil,  -wa  janam  hama  tu, 
Tu  hasti-i-man  shudi  az  ani  hama  man, 
Man  nist  shudam  dar  tu  azanam  hama  tu."  Omar  Khayvam. 

'*  My  body's  life  and  strength  proceed  from  Thee, 
My  soul  within  and  spirit  are  of  Thee, 
My  being  is  of  Thee  and  Thou  art  mine, 
And  I  am  thine,  since  I  am  lost  in  Thee."      Whinfield. 

"  Fabadir  eyyuha  'I'ghumru 
Lima  yahlu  bihi  'Imurru ; 
Faqad  kada  yahi  'lumru 
Wa  ma  aqla'ta  'an  dhamma ; 
Wa  la  tarkan  ila  'ddhari, 
Wain  lana  ■wa'in  sarra. 
Fa  tulqa  kamani  'ghtara 
Ba'fl'an  tanfuthu 'ssamma."  Maqamat  of  Hariri,  ch.np.  n. 

"  Hasten,  O  simple  one,  to  that  by  which  the  bitter  is  made  sweet  ;  for 
thy  life  is  now  near  to  decay  and  thou  hast  not  withdrawn  thyself  from 
blame.  And  rely  not  on  fortune  though  it  be  soft,  though  it  be  gay  :  for 
so  wilt  thou  be  found  like  one  deceived  by  a  viper  that  spitteth  venom." 

Chenery. 

"Fabala  u'lfata  'ttibau  hawa  'nnafsi  wa  badru  'Ihawa  tumuhu 
'laini."  Maqamat  of  Hariri,  ch.ip.  lo. 

"  The  trouble  of  man  is  the  following  of  the  soul's  desire,  and  the  seed 
of  desire  is  the  longing  look  of  the  eye."  (Chenery). 

"  Fadhaka  qari  ud-dahri,  ma'asha  huwalun, 
Idha  sudda  minhu  mankharun  jasha  mankharu." 

Ta'abbata  Sharran. 

"  Against  him  the  wild  days  dash,  he  meets  them  with  cunning  mind. 
Is  one  of  his  nostrils  stopped  ?  he  breathes  through  the  other  free." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 

"  Fa  'dhkuru  llaha  kadhikrikum  aba'ikum  au'ashadda  dhikran." 

Koran,  chap.  2. 

"  Remember  God  as  ye  remember  your  own  fathers  or  with  a  yet  more 
intense  remembrance."  (Rodwell). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  83 

"  Fa  fl'ssama  nujumun  la  'adada  laha 
Wa  laltha  yuksafu  ilia  shshamsu  wa'  Iqamaru  ; 
Wa  kam  ala  'lardhi  min  hadhra  wa  yablsatin 
Wa  laltha  yurjamu  Ilia  ma  lahu  thamaru ; 
Ahsanta  dhannaka  bi  layyami  idh  hasunat 
Wa  lam  takhat  su'a  ma  yati  bihl  Iqadr."  Alif'Laila  wa  Laila. 

"  We  see  the  orbs  of  heaven  above  how  numberless  they  are, 
But  sun  and  moon  alone  eclipsed  and  ne'er  a  lesser  star  ; 
And  many  a  tree  on  earth  we  see,  some  bare,  some  leafy  green, 
Of  them  not  one  is  hurt  with  stone,  save  what  has  fruitful  been. 
Think'st  thou  thyself  all  prosperous,  in  days  which  prosp'rous  he. 
Nor  fearst  the  impending  evil  which  comes  by  heaven's  decree?" 

Tor  R  ENS. 

"  Fahadhiri  'nnasa  w'asahbuhum  'ala  dakhili 
Walnnama  rajulu  'ddunya  wa  wahiduha 
Man  la  jruawwilu  fl'ddunya  'ala  rajuli."  Al  Tughrai. 

"  He  only's  fitted  for  the  strife. 

Which  fills  the  boist'rous  paths  of  life 
Who  as  he  treads  the  crowded  scenes, 
Upon  no  kindred  bosom  leans."  J.  D.  Carlyle 

"  Fahjur  mani  'istagrhbaka  hajra  Iqila, 
Wa  habhu  k'almalhudl  fl  ramslhi."  Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  4. 

"  Sunder  with  the  sundering  of  hate  from  one  who  would  make  thee 
fool  and  hold  him  as  one  entombed  in  the  grave."  Chenery. 

"  Fahm-i-sukhan  chun  na  kunAd  mustcuni 
Quwat-i-tab'a  az  mutakallirae  ma  Jul ; 
Fushat-i-maidan-i-iradat  blyar 
Ta  ba  nlzd-l-mard-i-sukhangui  gnl."  Gulistan,  chap.  a. 

"  Expect  not  from  that  speaker  eloquence, 
Whose  words  his  audience  cannot  value  well. 
With  a  wide  field  of  willingness  commence, 
Then  will  the  orator  the  ball  propel."  (Eastwick). 

"  Fahm  wa  khatir  tiz  kardan  nist  rah 
Jxiz  shikasta  minagrirad  fazl-i-shah."  Jalaluodin  Rumi. 

"  Thee  to  thy  goal  wit-sharpening  will  not  bring, 
Only  the  broken-hearted  find^the  favour  of  the  king." 

"  Failsufl  dlvra  munkir  shawad, 
Dar  haman  dam  sakhra-e-div  shawad  ; 
Gar  na  dldl  divra  khudra  bibin, 
Bl  Jvmun  na  bud  kabudi  bar  jabin."  Jalaluodin  Rumi. 


84  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  The  philosopher  denies  the  existence  of  the  Devil 
At  the  same  time  he  is  the  Devil's  laughing-stock. 
If  thou  hast  not  seen  the  Devil,  look  at  thyself, 
Without  demon's  aid  how  came  that  blue  turban  *  on  thy  brow." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Falnnaki  lau  sa'alti  baqa'i  yaumin  'ala  'lajali  'Uadhi  lam  tuta'i 
Fa  sabran  fl  majali  'Imauti  sabran  fa  ma  nailu  'Ikhuludi  bimus- 
tata'i."  Katari. 

*'  Yea,  if  but  a  day  of  life  thou  shouldst  beg  with  weeping 
Beyond  what  thy  doom  appoints,  thou  wouldst  not  gain  it, 
Be  still  then  and  face  the  onset  of  death,  high-hearted. 
For  none  upon  earth  shall  win  to  abide  for  ever."      C.  J.  Lyall. 

"  Pa'inna  'ssaida  man  wnidha  bighairihi."  Ghazzali. 

"  Happy  the  man  who  lets  himself  be  warned  by  the  example  of 
others." 

"  Pain  takuni'  Taiyyamu  flna  tabaddalat  bibusa  Ava  nu'ma  w'alha- 
wadithu  taralu 
Fa  ma  layyanat  minna  fatatun  wa  la  dhallatana  lillati  laisa 
,    tajmulu." 

"  And  sooth,  if  the  changing  days  have  wrought  us — their  wonted  way, 
a  lot  mixed  of  weal  and  woe  yet  one  thing  they  could  not  do  :  They  have 
not  made  soft  or  weak  the  stock  of  our  sturdy  spear,  they  have  not  abased 
our  hearts  to  doing  of  deeds  of  shame."  C.  J.  Lyall. 

"  Faizi  'Iruhu  'Iqudus  ar  baz  madad  farmayad, 
Digaran  ham  bikunad  an  che  Masiha  mi-kard."        Hafiz  Ode,  123. 

"  If  by  the  Holy  Spirit's  grace  the  gift  again  be  won 
The  works  which  the  Messias  wrought  by  others  may  be  done." 

BiCKNELL. 

"  Fakaifa  tatteiquna,  In  kafartum,  yauman  yajalu  'Iwlldana 
shiban,  'ssama'u  munfatirun  bihi  kana  w'adubu  mafulan." 

Koran,  chap.  73. 

"  And  how,  if  ye  believe  not,  will  you  screen  yourselves  from  the  day 
that  shall  turn  children  grey-headed  ?  The  very  heaven  shall  be  rent 
asunder  by  it :  this  threat  shall  be  carried  into  effect."  (RODWELL). 

"  Fakam  tasdiru  fl  'ssahwi,  wa  takhtalu  mina  'zzahwi, 
Wa  tansabbu  11a  'Uahwi,  ka'anna  'Imauta  ma  'amma? 
Wa  hattama  tajaflka  -wa  'ibta'u  talafika 
Tiba'an  jama'at  fika  aiyuban  shamluha  'ndhamma ; 
Idba  'askhatta  maulaka,  fama  taqlaqu  min  dhaka, 
Wa  'in  'akhfaqa  mas'aka,  taladha'aita  mina  'lahamma." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  11. 

*  Blue  turbans  were  considered  a  sign  of  hypocrisy. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  85 

"  How  long  wilt  thou  be  bewildered  in  carelessness,  and  walk  proudly  in 
vanity,  and  go  eagerly  to  diversion,  as  if  death  were  not  for  all. 

Till  when  will  last  thy  swerving,  and  thy  delaying  to  mend  habits  that 
unite  in  thee  vices  whose  every  sort  shall  be  collected  in  thee? 

If  thou  anger  thy  Master,  thou  art  not  disquieted  at  it ;  but  if  thy  scheme 
be  lx)otless,  thou  burnest  with  vexation."  (Chehery). 

"  Fa  laisa  takhfa  ala  'rrahmanl  khaflyatun 
In  'akhlasa  'labdu  fl  'tta'ati  au  da  J  a, 
Wa  badiii  'Imauta  bl'lhusna  tuqaddlmuha 
Pa  ma  ynnanahu  d'al  'Imauti  'in  faja."    iMa<.)amat  of  Hariki,  chap.  31, 

"  Lo  !  no  hidden  dead  shall  remain  hidden  from  the  Compassionate 
Whether  the  servant  l)e  sincere  or  shamming 

Steal  a  march  on  death  by  good  deeds  sent  before :  death's  sudden 
summons  when  it  comes  is  not  put  off."  (Steingass). 

"  Falakra  grhair  az  In  khud  nist  kare 
Ki  yare  ra  juda  sazad  za  yare."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  This  seems  the  task  by  which  Fate's  occupied 
To  sever  love,  and  friend  from  friend  divide."       Eastwick, 

"  Falak  za  hal-i-pareshan-i-ma  chi  gham  darad, 
Agrar  chiragrh  bimirad,  saba  chi  grham  darad."         A.vwar-i-Suheili. 

"  For  our  lorn  state  what  cares  the  tranquil  sky? 
What  cares  the  morning  though  the  taper  die  ?  " 

Eastwick. 

"  Fala  'qtahama  'I'aqabata,  wa  ma  'adraka  ma  'I'aqabata  feikku 
raqabatin  au  'it'amun  fi  yaumln  dlii  masgrhabatin  yatiman  dha 
maqrabatin  au  miskinan  dha  matrabatin."  Koram,  chap.  90. 

"  Yet  he  (man)  attempteth  not  the  steep.  And  who  shall  teach  thee 
what  the  steep  is?  It  is  to  ransom  the  captive,  or  to  feed  in  the  day  of 
&mine  the  orphan  who  is  near  of  kin,  or  the  poor  that  lieth  in  the  dust." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Fa  la  tahsabi  'anni  takhashsh'atu  b'adakum  Ush£iian  wa  la  'anni 
mina  'Imauti  'afraqu 
Wa  la  'an  nafsi  yazdahiha  waldtikxim  w^a  la  'annani  bi  'Imashi  fl 
'Iqaidi  akhraqu."  Jafar  ibn  Ulbah. 

"  Nay  think  not  that  I  am  bowed  by  fear  away  from  you, 
Or  that  I  tremble  before  the  death  that  stands  so  nigh, 
Or  that  my  soul  quakes  at  all  before  your  threatenings 
Or  that  my  spirit  is  broken  by  walking  in  these  chains." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 
"  Fa  la  taktumuiuia  'llaha  ma  fl  sudiirikum 
Liyakhfa  wa  mahma  jruktaml  'llaha  y'alim 
Yuakhkhar  fayridh'a  fl  kitabin  fasruddakhar 
Liyaumi  'Ihisabi  au  yuajjal  fa  yunqam."  Zuhair. 


36  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Attempt  not  to  conceal  from  God  the  designs  which  your  bosoms 
contain ;  for  that  which  you  strive  to  hide,  God  perfectly  knows.  He 
sometimes  defers  the  punishment  but  registers  the  crime  in  a  volume  and 
reserves  it  for  the  day  of  account ;  sometimes  He  accelerates  the  chastise- 
ment and  heavily  it  falls."  Sir  W.  Jones. 

^'  Fa  la  tathiq  biwamidhin  min  barqihi  fahuwa  khullaba, 
Wasbir  idha  hu  'adhra  bika  'Ikhutuba  ■w'allaba, 
Fama  'ala  tibri  'arun  fl  'nnari  hina  yaqallaba." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  2. 

*'  Trust  not  the  gleam  of  fortune's  lightning,  for  it  is  a  deceitful  gleam, 
But  be  patient  if  it  hounds  calamities  against  thee,  and  drives  them  on. 
For  there  is  no  disgrace  on  the  pure  gold,  when  it  is  turned  about  in  the 
fire."  (Chenery). 


■X. 


"  Fa  laula  fadhlu  'llahi  'alaikum  warahmatuhu  lakuntum  mina 
IkKSsirin."  Koran,  chap.  2.     v'  • 

"  But  for  God's  grace  and  mercy  towards  you,  ye  had  surely  been  of  the 
lost."  (Rodwell). 

"  Pa  la  yakhda  'anka  liimu'  'ssarab  -wa,  la  t'ati  'amran  idhama 
'ashtabahi."  Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  6. 

"  Let  not  the  glare  of  the  mirage  beguile  thee;    undertake  not  that 
which  is  doubtful."  (Chenery). 

"  Fa  ma  adri,  idha  yammamtu  ardhan 
Uridu'l  khayra,  ayyuhuma  yallnl : 
A'al  khayru  'Uadhi  ana  abtaghihi 
Ami'  sh-sharru  'lladhi  huwa  yabtaghini."      Al-Muthakkibo  i.'Ahdi. 

*'  And  I  know  not  when  bound  for  the  land  of  my  quest  if  my  portion 
shall  be 
The  good  which  I  hope  for  and  seek,  or  the  evil  that  seeketh  for  me." 

(E.  G.  Browne). 

"  Fa  ma  kana  Qaisun  hulkuhu  hulka  wahid  wa  lakinnahu  buni- 
yanu  qavimin  tahaddama."  Abdah  ibn  At-tabid. 

"  When  Qais  died  it  was  not  one  who  went  down  the  way  of  death  ; 
A  people  it  was,  whose  house  with  his  death  in  ruin  fell." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 

"  Fama  lahum  'ani  'ttadhkirati  mHiridhin  ka'  annahum  humurun 
mustanfiratun  farrat  min  qaswaratin."  Koran,  chap.  74. 

"  What  hath  come  to  them  that  they  turn  aside  from  the  warning  as  if 
they  were  affrighted  asses  fleeing  from  a  lion  ?"  (Rodwell). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  87 

"  Pama  'Imalu  musta'arun  laitha  fl  halaktihi  'arun  w'al  amalu  ka 
'ssahaba  minha'  ssayyaqu  wa  mlnha  'n*ayyaqu."  Amu'i.  Ala. 

"  Wealth  is  only  lent  us  and  there  is  no  shame  in  losing  it.  And  hopes 
are  like  clouds,  some  of  which  drift  while  others  shed  water." 

D.  S,  Margoliodth. 

"  Faraan  yuridl  'llahu  'an  yahdiyahu  yashrah  sadrahu  llllslami 
wa  man  yurid  'an  yxidhillahu  yaj'al  sadrahu  dhayyiqan  harajan 
ka'annama  yass'adu  fl'  ssamal."  Koran,  chap.  6. 

"  And  whom  God  shall  please  to  guide,  that  man's  breast  will  He  open 
to  Islam  ;  but  whom  He  shall  please  to  mislead,  strait  and  narrow  will  He 
make  his  breast  as  though  he  were  mounting  up  into  the  very  heavens." 

(RODVVELL). 

"  Fa  na'udhib  lllahi  'Iwahid  mina  Ishar  alnubi  w'al'ud." 

Abu'i.  Ala. 

"  God  protect  us  from  attending  concerts  and  music." 

D.  S.  Margoliodth. 
"  F'anqad  liman  'adha  'zzimam  blkafflhi, 
Wa  tagrhadha  in  'algrha  'rriayata  au  lag-ha, 
Wa'r'a  'Imarara  idha  d'aaka  liralhi, 
Warid  'lajaja  idha  hamaka  'ssiyyagha."       Makamat  of  Hariri  (21X 

"  Obey  thou  him  in  whose  hand  is  the  leading  cord  ;  cast  down  thine 
eye  if  he  neglect  observance  or  speak  vainly.  And  graze  on  bitter  pasture 
when  he  calls  thee  to  the  grazing  on  it,  and  water  at  the  salt  well  when  he 
forbids  thee  the  sweet."  (Chenery). 

"  Faqadttu  zamana  'Iwasli  ■wa,'  1  maru  jahilun 
Bi  qadri  ladhidhi  'I'aishi  qabla'  1  masa'  ibi."  Gulistan,  chap.  5. 

"  I  have  lost  the  season  of  union  and  man  is  ignorant 

Of  the  value  of  the  joys  of  life  previous  to  the  trials  of  separation." 

Platts. 
"  Farbahat  karda  base  ni'amat  wa  naz  . 
Z'an  biandesh  kl  chun  khwahi  raft : 
Ba  chimin  jussa  nadanam  ki  chi  shan 
Ba  dar-i-margr  darun  khwahi  raft."  Jami  (BbharistanX 

"  When  thou  growest  fat  in  plenty  and  enjoyment 
Think  of  this  also, — how  thou  art  to  escape 

With  such  a  large  body  I  know  not  how  thou  wilt  enter  the  door  of 
death." 

"  Fareb  khush  az  khashm  na  khush  bih  ast, 
Bar  afshandan  ab  za  atish  bih  ast, 
Murade  ki  dar  lutf  gardad  tamam, 
Chi  bayad  sue  qahr  dadan  lagram  ?  "  Anwar-i-Suheili. 


88  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

*'  Sweet  guile  is  better  than  unpleasant  ire 
Tis  best  to  sprinkle  water  upon  fire. 
When  thou  by  gentle  means  thy  wish  canst  gain 
Why  towards  anger  give  unchecked  the  rein  ?"' 

Easivvick. 
"  Farumandan-i-shahr-i-khvid  ba  khasan 
Bih  az  shahriyari  ba  shahr-i-kasan  ; 
Bashahr-i-kasan  garchi  bashad  bihi 
Dil  az  mihr-i-khana  nabashad  tihi."  Nizajh. 

"  And  what  though,  far  from  home  we  share 
Earth's  hollow  pomps  that  perish  ? 
The  friends  the  loves  of  youth  are  there 
And  these  the  heart  will  cherish  : 
Its  strings  will  twine  around  the  home 
Where  we  were  nursed  howe'er  we  roam." 

(Falconer). 
"  Farq  ast  raiyan  anki  yarash  dar  bar 
Ba  anki  du  chashm-i-intizarash  bar  dar."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Wide  is  the  space  'twixt  him  who  clasps  his  love 
And  him  whose  eyes  watch  for  the  door  to  move." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Farq-i-shabi  "wa  bandagi  barkhast 
Chun  qaza'e  nabishta  ayad  pish  ; 
Gar  kase  khak-i-murda  baz  kunad, 
Nashinasad  tawangar  az  darwish."  (Gulistan,  chap.  i). 

"  Lost  is  the  difference  of  king  and  slave, 
At  the  approach  of  destiny's  decree  : 
Should  one  upturn  the  ashes  of  the  grave, 
Could  he  discern  'twixt  wealth  and  poverty," 

(Eastwick). 

"  Faryad  az  in  umr-i-subuk,  zinhar  az  in  khwab-i-glran 
Ey  dil  sue  dildar  shu,  ey  yar  sue  yar  shu ; 
Ey  pasban  bedar  shu,  khufta  nashayad  pasban." 

Diwax-i-Shams-i-Tabkiz. 

"  Alas  for  this  life  so  light,  beware  of  this  slumber  so  heavy, 
O  soul  seek  the  Beloved,  O  friend  seek  the  Friend 
O  watchman  be  wakeful ;  it  behoves  not  a  watchman  to  sleep." 

(Nicholson). 
"  Faryad  ki  raft  "umr  bar  behuda, 
Ham  luqma  haram  wa  ham  nafs  aluda, 
Farmuda'e  nakarda  siyah  rue'am  kard 
Faryad  za  kardha'e  na  farmu da."  Omar  Khawam. 

"  Alas  !  my  wasted  life  has  gone  to  wrack, 
What  with  forbidden  meats  and  drinks,  alack  ! 
And  leaving  undone  what  'twas  right  to  do, 
And  doing  wrong,  my  face  is  very  black."       Whinfield. 


ARABIC  AND   PERSIAN  SAYINGS  89 

"  Fasad-i-charkh  na  binand  wa  nashnawand  hama, 
Ki  chashmaha  hama  kurast  wa  grushha  hama  kar, 
Basa  kasa  ki  mah  wa  mihr  baahadash  balln, 
Ba  'aqibat  zi  erll  wa  khisht  grardadash  bistar."  Hafiz. 

'*  None  see  nor  hear  the  malice  of  the  sky 
Each  ear  is  deaf  and  blind  is  every  eye 
Oft  those  who  moon  and  sun  their  pillow  thought 
Have  later  bricks  and  clay  too  gladly  sought."     BiCKNELL. 

"  Fa'  sbir  'ala  ma  yaquluna  wa  sabblh  bihamdi  rabbaka  qabla 
tulul  'shshamsi  wa  qabla  ghurubiha  wa  min  ana'i  'Uaill." 

Koran,  chap.  20.   V«l5o 

"  Put  up  then  with  what  they  say  ;  and  celebrate  the  praise  of  thy  Lord^<.«''^ 
before  the  sunrise,  and  before  its  setting  ;  and  sometime  in  the  night  do 
thou  praise  Him."  (Rodwell). 

"  Fash  migruyam  wa  az  guita'e  khud  dilshadam, 
Banda'e  Ishqam  wa  az  har  du  jahan  azadam, 
Tair-i-gxilshan-i-qudsam  chi  diham  sharh-i-flraq 
Ki  dar  in  damgrah-i-hadisah  chun  ufbadam?  "  Hafiz  Ode  416. 

"  Aloud  I  say  it  and  with  heart  of  glee, 

'  Love's  slave  am  I  and  from  both  worlds  am  free.' 

Can  I,  the  bird  of  sacred  gardens  tell, 

Into  this  net  of  chance  how  first  I  fell?"  (Bicknell). 

"  Fata'emtu  'anhu  'Ikhaila  hatta  tanafiiasat,  w^a  hatta  'alani  haJlku 
'llauni  'aswadi 
Qltala  'maiian  'aasa  'akhahu  binafsihi  wa  y 'alamu  .'cuina  'Imar'a 
erhairu  mukhalladi."  Duraiu. 

'*  I  plied  spear  above  him,  till  the  riders  left  their  prey, 
And  over  myself  black  blood  flowed  forth  in  a  dusky  tide  ; 
I  fought  as  a  man  who  gives  his  life  for  his  brother's  life, 
Who  knows  that  his  time  is  short,  that  death'^  doom  above  him  hangs." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 

"  Fa  ya  dhulla  'rrajali  baghairi  malin, 
Walau  kanat  fadhailuhum  kashamsi."  Alik  Laila  wa  Laila. 

"  Let  men  have  attainments  that  shine  like  the  sun 
They're  but  poor  abject  fellows,  if  money  they've  none." 

TORRENS. 

"  Fay  a  mautu  ztir  anna  'Ihayata  dhamimatun, 
Idha  anhattati  'Ibazatu  w^a  \irtafa  'Ibattu, 
Fa  la  ajaban  in  kunta  ayanta  fadhilan 
Faqiran  wa  dha  naqsin  bidaulati  yastu."  .Alik  Laila  wa  Laila. 

"  Oh  how  vile  e'en  to  thee  Death,  this  life  we  must  own 
When  the  mallard  flies  high,  while  the  hawk  is  struck  down, 
Is  it  strange  to  see  wisdom  ask  alms  at  the  gate 
And  within  the  fool  lord  it  in  insolent  slate?"  TORRENS. 


90  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Faza  shu  chu  bini  dar-i-sulh  baz, 
Ki  nagah  dar-i-tauba  gardad  faraz  ; 
Marau  zir  bar-i-gunah,  ai  pisar, 
Ki  hummal  'ajiz  shawad  dar  safar."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

"  Rise  and  come  forward  when  thou  seest  the  door  of  peace  open 
For  the  door  of  repentance  suddenly  becomes  shut. 
Oh  son  !  go  not  beneath  the  load  of  sin 
For  the  burden-carrier  becomes  wearied  on  a  journey." 

(Clarke). 

"  Fazl  wa  hunar  za'ist  ta  nanumayand, 
'Ud  bar  atish  nihand  wa  mushk  basayand."  Gulistan,  chap.  3. 

"  Merit  and  skill  are  weak  while  in  the  husk 
Aloes  they  cast  on  fire  and  crush  down  musk." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Feridun  famikh  flrishta  nabud, 
Za  mushk  -wa  z'ambar  sarishta  nabud ; 
Ba  dad  wa  dahish  yafb  an  nikui 
Tu  dad  w^a  dahish  kun,  Feridun  tu'i."  Firdausi. 

"  The  happy  Feridun  was  not  an  angel, 
He  was  not  formed  of  musk  or  ambergris, 
He  gained  his  reputation  by  justice  and  liberality, 
Be  thou  just  and  liberal,  and  thou  wilt  be  a  Feridun." 

Sir  W.  Jones. 

"  Feridun  guft  naqqashan-i-Chin-ra 
Ki  pairamun-i-khargahash  biduzand, 
Badanra  nik  dar  ey  mard-i-hushyar, 
Ki  nlkan  khud  buzurg  wa  nik  ruzand."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  Said  Feridun  to  China's  men  of  art 

'  Round  my  pavilion's  wall's  embroider  this, 

'  If  thou  art  wise,  to  bad  men  good  impart 

The  good  enough  of  honour  have  and  bliss.' "    Eastwick. 

"  Fi  akthari  ayyami  kuntu  k'-abdin  illadhi  yakunu  jalisan  tahta 
sayfln  'xillika  bi-sha'ratin  wahidatin  wa  lam  yadri  mata  yanzilu 
'aleyhi  fl'l-hin,  aw  ba'da  hin."  Beha-ullah. 

"  For  most  of  my  days  I  was  a  servant  who  is  sitting  under  a  sword 
which  is  suspended  by  a  single  hair,  and  he  knoweth  not  when  it  shall 
descend  upon  him  at  once  or  after  a  while."  (E.  G.  Browne). 

"  Fikreki  ba  kar-i-khud  tura  bayad  kard, 
Bahri  chi  ba  digare  riha  bayad  kard, 
"Wa  an  gah  ki  badin  nau'  khatae  kardi, 
Dar  kardan-i-digaran  chira  bayad  kard."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  91 

*'  Why  to  another's  care  consign 
Schemes  that  thine  own  exertions  claim  ? 
And  when  thou  hast  been  thus  supine 
Why  on  another  hang  the  blame?"  Eastwick. 

"  Fikr-i-ma  tlr  aet  az  Hu  dar  hawa, 
Dar  hawa  kai  payad,  ayad  ta  khuda."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Thought  is  an  arrow  shot  by  God  into  the  air 
How  can  it  stay  in  the  air?     It  returns  to  God." 

Whinkield. 

"  Firagrh-i-dilat  hast  wa  nirawi  tan, 
Chu  maidan  farakh  ast  grue  bizan, 
Man  an  ruz  ra  qadr  nashinakhtana, 
Bidanistam  uknun  ki  dar  bakhtam."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

**  Thou  hast  leisure  of  mind  and  strength  of  body 
When  the  plain  is  spacious,  strike  the  ball  of  life  ; 
I  understood  not  the  value  of  that  day  of  youth 
Now  I  know  it  when  I  have  played  it  away."  Clarke. 

"  Firaq-i-dustan  didan  nishane  bashad  az  duzakh 
Ma'adh  'ullah !  ghalt  kardam,  ki  duzakh  z'u  nishan  bashad." 

An\var-i-Suheii,i. 

•'  'Tis  sure  a  shadowing  forth  of  hell  from  friends  to  separate 

Forgive  me,  heaven  !  for  my  error, — hell  is  but  its  entrance  gate." 

Eastwick. 

"  Flrishta  khue  shawad  admi  ba  kam  khurdan 
Wa  grar  khurad  chu  bahaim  biuftad  chu  jamad  ; 
Murad-i-har  ki  bar  ari  muti'-i-amr-i-tu  shud 
Khilaf-i-nafs  ki  gardan  kashad  chu  yaft  murad." 

GuLisTAN,  chap.  7. 

*'  By  abstinence  man  might  an  angel  be 
By  surfeiting  his  nature  brutifies  ; 
Whom  thou  obligest  will  succumb  to  thee, 
Save  lusts,  which,  sated,  still  rebellious  rise." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Firlshta  rust  ba  Ihn  wa  bahlma  rust  ba  Jahl 
Darin  miyan  ba  tanaz'a  bamand  mard\unzad  ; 
Gahe  hami  kashadash  ilm  sue  'aliyjdn 
Gaheash  jahl  ba  pasti  ki  har  chi  bada  bad." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  The  angel  grew  with  knowledge,  the  beast  with  ignorance, 
Man  remained  in  dispute  between  them. 
Sometimes  knowledge  draws  him  to  the  seventh  heaven, 
Sometimes  ignorance  drags  him  down,  so  that  (he  says)  '  Come  what 
will!'"  (Nicholson). 


92  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Firistada  bayad  ki  dana  buwad, 
Ba  guftash  dller  wa  tavrana  buwad, 
Az  u  har  chi  pursand  goyad  jawab, 
Ba  nau'e  ki  bashad  tariq  sawab, 
Sukhanha'e  khvvrish  ashkara  kunad. 
Bud  insan  ki  ma j  lis  taqaza  kunad 
Bisa  kas  ki  az  yak  hadis  durusht 
Baham  zad  jahane  wa  khalqe  bakusht, 
Yake  digar  az  gnfta'e  dil-pasand 
Miyan  du  zidd  tarah-i-yari  flgand."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Wise  must  he  be  by  monarchs  sent 
And  bold  in  speech  and  eloquent ; 
He  must  reply  to  all  they  ask, 
So  as  to  best  fulfil  his  task. 
In  speaking  it  must  be  his  aim 
For  those  who  hear  his  speech  fo  frame. 
Oft  has  a  word  too  roughly  said 
The  world  embroiled  and  heaped  with  dead  ; 
And  oft  another  soft  and  mild 
Two  nations,  hate  has  reconciled."  Eastwick. 

"  Pirumandag-anra  dlrun  shad  kun, 
Za  ruz  flrumandagi  yad  kun ; 
Na  khwahinda'i  bar  dar-i-digaran 
Ba  shukrana  khwahinda  az  dar  maran."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  Make  the  hearts  of  those  dejected  happy, 

Remember  the  day  of  helplessness  (the  judgment  day) 

Thou  art  not  a  beggar  at  the  doors  of  others, 

In  thanks  to  God,  drive  not  a  beggar  from  thy  door." 

Cl.ARKK. 

"  Pursate  dan ;  ki  za  lab  ta  badahan  in  hama  nist, 
Az  tahattuk  ma  kun  andesha  wa  chun  gul  khush  bash, 
Z'anki  tamkin-i-jahan-i-guzran  in  hama  nist."  Hafiz  Ode  88. 

•'  Enjoy  !  'twixt  lip  and  mouth  the  bounds  as  nothing  are 
If  humbled,  care  not ;  as  the  rose  be  gay. 
Life's  honours  which  pass  soon  away,  as  nothing  are." 

BiCKNELL. 

"  Fursat  nigar,  ki  fltna  chu  dar  'alam  uftad, 
Hafiz  ba  jam  mai  zad  wa  az  gham  karan  girift."  Hafiz,  Odes. 

"  Regard  opportunity.     For  when  uproar  fell  upon  the  world, 

Hafiz  struck  at  the  cup  and  through  grief  took  the  corner  of  retirement." 

(Clarke). 

"  Fursat  shiimar  suhbat  k'az  in  du  raha  manzil 
Chun  bigzarem  digar  nataw^an  baham  rasidan."  Hafiz,  Odes. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  93 

"  Profit  by  companionship ;  this  two-doored  house  {i.e.,  life)  forsaken, 
No  pathway  that  can  thither  lead  in  future  time  is  taken." 

(BiCKNBI.L). 

"  Pvirsat  shumar  tariqa'e  rlndi,  kl  In  nishan 
Chun  rah-i-granj  bar  hama  ka,s  ashkara  nist."  Hakiz. 

"  Reckon  as  plunder  the  path  of  profligacy.     For  this  track 

Like  the  path  to  the  hidden  treasure  is  not  evi<lent  to  every  one." 

Clarke. 

"  Pusurda  manad  yakhe  k'an  ba  zir-l-saya  buwad, 
Na  did  shi'shi'a'e  aftab-i-tabanam ; 
Tabassum-i-rukh-i-khurshed  bar  yakhe  kl  badid 
Bakhwish  balad  wa  eruyad  kl  ab-i-halwanam." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Taijriz. 

"  The  ice  that  remains  in  the  shade  is  frozen 
It  saw  not  the  brilliance  of  my  glowing  sun. 
All  ice  that  has  seen  the  smile  of  the  sun's  face 
Grows  itself  again,  and  says  '  I  am  the  water  of  life.' " 

(Nicholson). 

"  Futada  dar  sar-1-Hafiz  hawa'e  chun  tu  shahl, 
Kamlna  banda'e  khak-i-dar-l-tu  budi  kaj."  Hafiz. 

**  A  Shah  no  other  than  thyself  aspiring  Hafiz  craves ; 
Oh  !  were  he  in  thy  doorway's  dust  one  of  thy  common  slaves." 

BiCKNELL. 

"  Putad  atish-i-subh  dar  sukhta 
Ba  ek  dam  Jahane  shud  afrvikhta 
Tu  grufte  kl  dar  khatt-1-zangrbar 
Za  ek  grusha  nagah  dar  amad  tatar."  Bostan  of  S'adu 

"  The  fire  of  the  morning  fell  upon  tinder 
A  world  became  in  a  moment  illumined 
Thou  wouldst  have  said  that  in  the  country  of  Zangl)ar 
A  Tartar  had  suddenly  issued  from  a  corner."  Clarke. 

"  Qax  anha  kl  mi  danaml  kardami,  nlku  sirat  wa  parsa  budami." 

Gulistan,  chap.  a. 

"  Had  but  my  deeds  been  like  my  words,  ah,  then 

I  had  been  numbered  too  with  holy  men."        (Eastwick). 

"  Garat  hawast  kl  msishuq  nagsilad  palman, 
Nierah  dar  sar-l-iishta  ta  nlgrah  dara^L"  Hafiz. 

"  If  it  is  thy  desire  that  the  Beloved  should  not  break  the  covenant, 
Keep  thy  end  of  the  thread  that  He  may  keep  his.end." 

(Nicholson). 


94  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN   SAYINGS 

"  Gar  az  kuh  g-iri  ■wa  na  nihi  ba  jae, 
Saranjam  kuh  andar  ayad  za  pae."  An\var-i-Suheili. 

"  Dig  from  a  hill  and  nought  return 
Thou  soon  that  hill  wouldst  overturn."        Eastwick. 

"  Gar  bad  ast  az  >vai  Itibar  ma  kun, 
War  niku  hast,  itimadmakun."  Jami  Bibakistan  2. 

"  If  she  be  bad,  confide  not  in  her 

And  if  she  is  good,  trust  her  not.""  Rehatsek. 

"  Gar  ba  jae  nanash  andar  sufra  budi  aftab, 
Ta  qiyamat  ruz-i-rushan  kas  na  did!  dar  jahan."  S'adi. 

"  If  the  sun  upon  his  tablecloth  instead  of  dry  bread  lay 
In  all  the  world  none  would  behold  again  the  light  of  day." 

Eastwick. 

"  Gar  ba  qiyas-1-fazl  bag'ashti  madar-i-charkh, 
Juz  ba  naaqarr-i-mah  nabudi  maqar  mara, 
Ni,  ni,  ki  charkh  Tva  dahr  nadanand  qadr-i-fazl. 
In  gTifta  bud  gah-i-jawani  pidar  mara."  Nasir-i-Khusraw. 

•'  Were  the  turns  of  the  wheel  of  fortune  proportioned  to  worth  alone 
O'er  the  vault  of  the  lunar  heavens  would  have  been  my  abode  and 

throne 
But  no  !  for  the  worth  of  wisdom  is  lightly  esteemed  in  sooth 
By  fickle  fate  and  fortune  as  my  father  warned  me  in  youth." 

E.  G.  Browne. 

"  Gar  yakera  tu  kamran  bini, 
Digrera  dil  az  mujahida  rish, 
Biizake  chand  bash,  ta  bikhurad 
Khak  maghz-i-sar-i-khiyal  andish."  .         Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  To-day  thou  markest  one  flushed  with  success  .  ■ 

Another  sick  with  struggles  against  fate. 
Pause  but  a  little  while,  the  earth  shall  press 
His  brains  that  did  such  plans  erst  meditate." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Gar  gauhar-i-ta'atat  nasiftam  harglz, 
Gard-i-gunah  az  chihra  naraftam  hargiz, 
Naummid  niam  az  bargah-i-karmat, 
Zira  ki  yaki  ra  du  na  guftaxn  hargiz."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  No  pearls  of  righteousness  do  I  enlace, 
Nor  sweep  the  dust  of  sin  from  off  my  face, 
Yet  since  I  never  counted  one  as  two, 
I  do  not  quite  despair  of  heavenly  grace." 

(Whinfield). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  95 

'  Oar  hunare  dari  wa  haftad  *aib, 
Dxist  na  blnad  bajviz  an  yak  hunar."  Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

•'  Hadst  thou  one  virtue,  faults  three-score  and  ten     * 
Nought  but  that  virtue  shines  in  friendship's  ken." 

Eastwick. 

'  Gar  grazandat  rasad  za  khalq  maranj, 
Ki  na  rahat  rasad  za  khalq  na  ran  j^ 
Az  kbuda  dan  khilaf-i-dushman  wa  dust, 
Kl  dll-i-har  du  dar  tasarruf-i-ust ; 
Qarchi  tir  az  kaman  hamignzarad, 
Az  kamandar  binad  ahl-i-khlrad."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

'*  Art  thou  by  creatures  injured  ?  do  not  grieve  ; 
None  joy  or  pain  from  creatures  e'er  receive. 
Know  that  by  God  both  friends  and  foes  are  given, 
Yes  !  for  the  hearts  of  both  are  swayed  by  heaven. 
What  though  the  arrows  from  the  bowstring  fly, 
The  wise  well  know  the  archer's  agency."  (Eastwick). 

'  Oar  hunarmand  za  aubash  jafa'e  binad, 
Ta  dil-l-khwlsh  niyazarad  wa  darham  nashawad ; 
Sangr-i-bad  grauhar  agrar  kasae  zarrin  shikiinad, 
Qlmat-i-sang'  niaf^ayad  wa  zar  kam  na  shawad." 

Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

♦*  What  if  a  vagabond  on  merit  rail  ? 
Let  not  the  spirits  of  the  worthy  fail 
A  common  stone  may  break  a  golden  cup  ; 
Its  value  goes  not  down,  the  stone's  not  up." 

Eastwick. 

Gar  In  mudd'ai  dvist  bishinakhte, 

Paikar-i-dushman  na  pardakhte."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  4. 

"  If  this  claimant  had  known  the  Friend  (God) 

He  would  not  have  engaged  in  contest  with  the  enemy." 

(Clarke). 

'  G«r  Jahan  pishat  buzurgr  wa  be  bandist. 
Pish  qudrat  zarra'e  medan  ki  nist ; 
In  Jahan  khud  khabs  janiha  shumast, 
Hin  duvid  an  su  ki  Sahara  shumast."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  In  man's  esteem  the  world  is  vast  without  an  end 
With  Power  Infinite  compared,  a  grain  of  sand 
The  world's  around  the  soul  a  dismal  prison  den 
Arise  !     Escape  !     Regain  the  fields  at  large  !    Be  men  !  " 

(Redhouse). 


96  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Gar  kase  wasf-i-u  za  man  pursad, 
Be-dil  az  be-nishan  che  goyad  baz  ? 
Ashiqan  kushtigan-i-m'ashuq  and, 
Bar  na  ayad  za  kushtigan  awaz."  Gulistan-  (Preface). 

"  If  one  His  praise  of  me  would  learn, 
Wiiat  of  tiie  traceless  can  the  tongueless  tell  ? 
Lovers  are  killed  by  those  they  love  so  well ; 
No  voices  from  the  slain  return."  (Eastvvick). 

"  Gar  kutahi  pae  chubin  maband 
Ki  dar  chashm-i-tiflan  numai  buland."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  5. 

"  If  thou  art  small,  fasten  not  on  wooden  feet, 
That  thou  niayest  in  children's  eyes  appear  tall," 

„  ^      ,       ,_.  Clamke. 

"  Gar  kushi  war  jurm  bakhshi, 

Rue  wa  sar  bar  astanam ; 

Bandara  famian  nabashad 

Har  Chi  farma'i  bar  anam."  Gulistan,  chap.  2, 

"  Whether  Thou  wilt  slay  or  spare  me,  at  thy  door  my  head  I  lay 
To  the  creature  will  belongs  not.  Thy  commandment  I  obey." 

.  ^  '  (Eastwick). 

"  Gar  man  za  mai  maghana  mastam,  hastam, 

"War  kaflr  wa  g-abar  war  but-parastam,  hastam, 

Har  taifa  baman  gumane  darand, 

Man  zani  khudam  chunanki  hastam,  hastam."        Omar  Khayvam. 

"  Am  I  a  wine-bibber  ?     What  if  I  am  ? 
A  giaour  or  infidel  ?     Suppose  I  am  ? 
Each  sect  miscalls  me  but  I  heed  them  not, 
I  am  my  own,  and  what  I  am,  I  am."       (Whinfield). 

"  Gar  mara  zar  bakushtan  dihad  an  yar-i-'aziz 
Ta  na  gu'i  ki  dar  an  dam  gham-i-janam  bashad ; 
Guyam  az  banda'e  miskin  chi  gunah  sadir  shud, 
K'u  dil  aziirda  shud  az  man  ?    Gham-i-anam  bashad." 

Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  If  that  Loved  One  should  say  me  cruelly 
Thou  shouldst  not  say,  e'en  then,  I  feared  to  die 
I'd  ask  '  What  fault  has  thy  poor  servant  done 
'Tis  for  thine  anger  that  I  grieve  alone.' "         (Eastwick). 

"  Gar  na  bashad  gandam  mahbub  nush 
Chi  burd  gandam  numa  jau  farush  ? 
Pas  magu  k'in  jumla  dinha  batiland 
Batilan  ba  bu-i-haqq  dam  dil  and  ; 
Pas  magu  jumla  khiyal  ast  wa  zalal 
Bi  haqiqat  nist  dar  alam  khiyal. 
Darmiyan  dalq-pushan  yak  faqir 
Imtihan  kun  wa  an  ki  haqq  ast,  an  bigir."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  97 

••  If  wheat  were  not  valued  as  sweet  and  good  for  food, 
The  cheat  who  shows  wheat  and  sells  barley  would  make  no  profit. 
Say  not  then  that  all  these  creeds  are  false 
The  false  ones  ensnare  hearts  by  the  scent  of  truth. 
Say  not  that  they  are  all  erroneous  fancies 
There  is  no  fancy  in  the  universe  without  some  truth. 
In  the  crowd  of  rag-wearers  there  is  one  faqir. 
Search  well  and  find  out  that  true  one."  (Whinfield). 

"  Gar  nabudl  ummid-i-rahat  wa  rai\j.' 
Pae  darwesh  bar  falak  budi ; 
War  wazir  az  khuda  bitarsidi, 
Hamchunan  k'az  malik,  malak  budi."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Could  the  holy  darwish  cease  from  worldly  joy  and  sorrow. 
On  the  sky  his  foot  would  be  ; 
And  the  vizier  for  himself  angelic  light  would  borrow. 

Served  he  God  as  royalty."  (Eastwick). 

"  Gar  nabudi  amr  murr, 
War  nabudi  khub  wa  zisht  wa  sang:  wa  war, 
War  nabudi  nafs  wa  Shaitan  wa  hawa, 
War  nabudi  zakhm  wa  chalish  wa  dagha, 
Pas  ba  che  nam  wa  laqab  khandi  malik 
Bandagran  i  khwish  ra  mantahik  I 
Chun  ba  gufti '  ey  sabur '  wa  '  ey  halim ' 
Kai  ba  gufti  '  ey  shuj  'a '  wa  '  ey  karim  ? ' "  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

•*  If  there  were  no  bitter  things, 
And  no  opposition  of  fair  and  foul,  stone  and  pearl, 
And  no  lust  or  Satan  or  concupiscence, 
And  no  wounds  or  war  or  fraud. 
Pray,  O  destroyer  of  virtue,  by  what  name  and  title 
Could  the  King  of  kings  address  his  slaves? 
How  could  He  say  '  O  temperate '  or  '  O  meek  one,' 
Or  '  O  courageous  one  '  or  '  O  wise  one.' " 

Jalaluddin  Rumi. 
"  Gar  nashinad  flrlshta'e  ba  div, 
Wahshat  amuzad  wa  khiyanat  wa  riv ; 
Az  badan  nekui  niyamuzi, 
Niyad  za  erurgr  pustin  duzi."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

*•  With  demons  did  an  angel  take  his  seat, 
He'd  learn  but  terror,  treason  and  deceit ; 
Thou  from  the  bad  will  nothing  learn  but  ill 
The  wolf  will  ne'er  the  furrier's  office  fill."      (Eastwick). 
"  Gar  niayad  ba  gush-i-rag'hbat-i-kas 
Bar  rasulan  paiyam  bashad  wa  bas."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  What  though  men  hear  not  ?    Messengers  of  heaven 
Can  but  discharge  their  duty  :  and  it  is 
To  tell  their  message."  (Eastwick). 

7 


•^8  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Gar  parwani  darakht-i-karm, 
Bar-i-niknami  khuri  la-jarra, 
Agar  khud  hamin  surate  chun  tilism 
Bi  miri  M7&  ismat  bimirad  chu  jism."  Bostan  of  S'adi^  chap.  4. 

"  If  thou  causes!  thyself  to  cherish  the  tree  of  liberality 
Thou  mayest  assuredly  enjoy  the  fruit  of  a  good  name. 
But  if  thou  art  a  mere  semblance, 
Thou  wilt  die,  and  thy  name  like  thy  body  will  die." 

(Clarke). 

"  Gar  ranj  pishat  ayad  wa  gar  rahat,  ey  hakim, 
Nisbat  makun  baghair,  ki  inha  khuda  kunad."        Hafiz,  Ode,  208. 

*'  1)C  misery  thy  portion  here,  O  Sage,  or  be  it  bliss 
l<.efer  it  not  to  other  men  :  'lis  God  who  orders  this." 

BiCKNELL. 

"  Gar  ru-e-zamin  ba  jumla  abad  kuni, 
Chandan  nabud  ki  khatire  shad  kuni. 
Gar  banda  kuni  balutf  azadera, 
Bihtar  ki  hazar  banda  azad  kuni."  Omar  Khayyam. 

*'  Better  to  make  one  soul  rejoice  with  glee, 
Than  plant  a  desert  with  a  colony, 
Rather  one  freeman  bind  with  chains  of  love, 
Than  set  a  thousand  prisoned  captives  free." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Gar  sang  hama  I'al-i-Badakhshan  budi, 
Pas  qimat-i-1'al  -wa  sang  yaksan  budi."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

'*  Were  each  stone  such  ruby  as  is  found  in  Badakhshanyan  earth. 
How  then  would  the  ruby  differ  from  the  pebble  in  its  worth?" 

Eastvvick. 

"  Gar  saru  raft,  narw^an  hast ; 
War  lala  namanad,  yasmin  hast."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

•*'  What,  has  the  cypress  perished?  but  Narvan's  flowers  the  eye  still  bless, 
The  tulips  gaudy  bloom  is  o'er,  then  mark  the  jasmine's  loveliness." 

Eastvvick. 

"  Gar  shadi-i-khvrishtan  badan  medani 
K'asuda  dilira  ba  ghami  binshani, 
Dar  matani-i-aql-i-kh-wrish  bashi  hama  umr, 
Medar  musibat,  ki  'ajab  nadani."  Omak  Khayyam. 

"  O  thou  who  for  thy  pleasure  dost  impart 
A  pang  of  sorrow  to  thy  fellow's  heart. 
Go  !  mourn  thy  perished  wit  and  peace  of  mind 
Thyself  hast  slain  them,  like  the  fool  thou  art." 

Whinfield. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  99 

"  Gar  tu  khwahl  k'u  tura  bashad  shakkar. 
Pas  u-ra  az  chashm-i-ashiqan  nlgrar ; 
Manerar  az  chasbm  khudat  an  khub  ra, 
Bin  ba  chashm-i-taliban  matlub  ra."  Jalalurdin  Rumi. 

"  If  you  desire  that  God  may  be  pleasing  to  you, 
Then  look  al  Him  with  the  eyes  of  those  that  love  Him. 
Look  not  at  that  Beauty  with  your  own  eyes, 
Look  at  that  Object  of  desire  with  His  votaries'  eyes." 

(Whinfibld). 

"  Oar  tu  ra  daya  bitarsanad  za  ab 
Tu  matars  wa  sue  darya  an  shitab, 
Tu  bate  bar  khushk  wa  bar  tar  zinda'i 
Na  chu  murgrh  khana  khana  kanda'i."  Jalai.uddin  Rumi. 

"  Though  thy  nurse  may  frighten  ihee  away  from  water 
Do  thou  fear  not,  liut  haste  on  into  the  ocean  ; 
Thou  art  a  duck,  ami  flourishest  on  land  and  water, 
And  dost  not  like  a  don  estic  fowl  dig  up  the  house." 

(Whinfield). 

"  6auhar-i-pak  buTvad  jauhar-i-hishmat,  lekln 
Ba  amal  kush,  ki  hishmat  na  ba  asl  wa  nasabast."  Hafiz,  Ode,  104. 

"  High  birth  may  be  a  pearl  of  lustre,  but  let  thine  effort  be 
To  rise  by  deeds.     Distinct  is  greatness  from  birth  and  pedigree." 

BiCKNELL. 

"  Ghair-i-Haqq  jan  nabira  yar  nest 
Ba  qabul  wa  radd  kbalqasb  kar  nest."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  The  soul  of  the  prophet  cares  for  nought  but  God, 

It  has  nothing  to  do  with  approving  or  disapproving  His  works." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Ghalani  'ddharu  bi  wafri  'Igrhani  falaisa  li  malun  siwa  Irdhi." 

HiTTAN. 

"  Fortune  has  rent  away  my  plenteous  store, 
Of  all  my  wealth  honour  alone  is  left."        C.  J.  Lyall. 

"  Ghali  binafsi  irfani  biqimatiha, 
Fasuntuha  'an  rakhisi  'Iqadri  mubtadhali, 
Wa  'adatu  'nnasli  'an  yxizha  bijauharihl 
Wa  laisa  y'amalu  ilia  fl  yaday  batali."  Al  Tughrai. 

*'  My  soul  from  every  tarnish  free 
May  boldly  vaunt  her  purity. 
However  keen,  however  bright, 
The  sabre  glitter  to  the  sight. 
Its  splendour's  lost,  its  polish  vain. 
Till  some  bold  hand  the  steel  sustain." 

J.  D.  Carlyle. 


lOO  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Ghalt  wa  sah^v  bar  man  -wa  tu  rawast 
Bar  jahan-i-afrin  ghalt  na  ravrad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Mistakes  and  faults  may  spring  from  thee  and  me ; 

In  earth's  creator  error  cannot  be."  Eastwick. 

"  Ghame  k'az  pish-i-shadmani  buri 
Bih  az  shadi  k'az  pasash  gham  khuri."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  Better  feel  sorrow  ere  we  gladness  know 
Than  to  be  happy  and  then  suffer  woe."      (Eastwick). 

"  Gham-i-farzand  \ra  nan  ■wa  jama  wa  qut 
Bazat  arad  za  sirat-i-malkut. 
Hama  ruz  ittifaq  misazam 
Ki  bashab  ba  khudae  pardazam, 
Shab,  chu  'aqd-i-namaz  mibandam, 
Chi  khurad  bamdad  farzandam."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Care  for  thy  sons,  bread,  raiment  and  support 
Will  drag  thy  footsteps  Ijack  from  heaven's  court. 
All  day  I  must  the  jusi  arrangements  make, 
To  God  at  night  myself  in  prayer  betake. 
Night  comes  ;  I  would  to  prayer  myself  confine 
But  think  '  How  shall  my  sons  to-morrow  dine  ?' " 

(Eastwick). 

"  Gh  m  ma  khur  k'az  in  chaman  shakh-i-gule  pazhmurda  shud, 
Rue  nasrin  taza  ast,  w^a  j'ad  sambal  tabdar."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Grieve  thou  not  thou  in  this  garden  branches  of  the  rose  are  dead, 
Still  the  hyacinth  curls  its  tresses,  still  the  Nasrin  lifts  its  head." 

Eastwick. 
"  Ghana  ■wa  shadmani  na  manad  •wa  lek 
Jaza'e  'amal  manad  wa  nam  nek."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  Grief  and  gladness  remain  not ;  but  the  recompense  of  virtuous  deeds 
and  the  memorial  of  a  good  name, — they  remain."  (Falconer). 

"  Ghani  gar  na  bashi  makun  'iztirab 
Ki  sultan  na  khwahad  khiraj  az  kharab."  Pandna.ma  of  S'adi. 

"  If  thou  art  not  rich,  be  not  disturbed, 
Since  the  king  will  not  exact  tribute  from  the  desolate." 

Gladwin. 
"  Ghanlmat  dan  wa  mai  khur  dar  gulistan 
Ki  gul  ta  hafta'e  digar  nabashad 
Zaman-i-khush  dili  dar  yab,  dar  yab, 
Ki  da'im  dar  sadaf  gauhar  nabashad."  Hafiz  Ode,  204. 

"  Spend  well  thy  time  ;  drink  wine  within  the  bower 
For  when  a  week  is  gone,  the  flower  is  not ; 
Snatch,  snatch  the  hour  that  glads  the  heart  so  well 
V(\r  the  pearl  always  in  the  shell  is  not."  Bicknell. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  loi 

"  Ohanlmat  shumar  in  girami  nafas, 
Ki  bi  murgrh  qimat  na  darad  qafas ; 
Makun  'umr  za'l  b'afsus  wa  half, 
Ki  fiirsat  aziz  ast  w'alwaqt  saif."  Hostan  of  S'aui,  chap.  9. 

"  Reckon  this  precious  soul  gain 
Vox  the  cage,  birdless,  has  no  value  ; 
Waste  not  thy  life  in  regret  and  sorrow 
For  opportunity  is  precious  ;  and  time,  a  sword." 

(Clarke). 

**  Ghanira  zar  wa  8im  araish  ast 
Walekin  bifaqar  andar  asaish  ast."  Pandnama  of  S'adi. 

"  Gold  and  silver  are  the  ornament  of  a  rich  man, 
But  in  povwty  there  is  rest."  (Gladwin). 

"  Oharaz-i-naqshist  k'az  ma  yad  manad 
Ki  hasti  ra  na  mi  binam  baqa'e 
Magrar  sahib  dlle  ruze  barahmat 
Kunad  dar  kar-i-darwishan  dua'e."  Gulistan,  Preface. 

"  In  short,  since  in  no  mundane  thing  I  see 
The  signs  impressed  of  perpetuity  ; 
This  picture  (the  Gulistan)  shall  my  sole  memorial  be  ; 
Perhaps  hereafter  for  this  pious  task 
Some  man  of  prayer  for  me  too  grace  shall  ask." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Gharibe  grarat  mast  pish  award, 
Do  paimana  abast  w^a  ek  chumcha  dugrh ; 
Gar  az  banda  lagrhwi  shunidi,  maranj, 
Jahan  dida  bisyar  gruyad  darugrh."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

•'  Curds,  which  to  thee  a  poor  man  brings,  will  prove 
Water,  two  cups  ;  and  buttermilk,  one  spoon. 
Let  not  my  idle  tales  ihine  anger  move 
For,  from  a  traveller  lies  thou'lt  hear  full  soon." 

(Eastwick). 

•*  Gharq  grashta  aqlhae  chun  jabal, 
Dar  bahar  wahm  wa  grirdab  khiyal ; 
Kuhara  hast  z'ln  tvifan  fazuh, 
Ku  amani  juz  ki  dar  klshti  Nuh ; 
Z'in  khiyal  rahzan  rahi  'lyaqin 
Gasht  hafbad  wa  du  millat  z'ahl-i-din. 
Mard  u'lyaqin  rast  az  wahm  wa  khiyal 
Sdui  abrxira  na  migruyad  hilal."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 


l02  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Human  reason  is  drowned  like  the  high  mountains 
In  the  flood  of  illusion  and  vain  imaginations. 
The  very  mountains  are  overwhelmed  by  this  flood, 
Where  is  safety  to  be  found  save  in  Noah's  ark  ? 
By  illusions  that  plunder  the  load  of  faith 
The  faithful  have  been  split  into  seventy-two  sects  ; 
But  the  man  of  conviction  escapes  illusion, 
He  does  not  mistake  his  eye-brow  for  the  new  moon." 

(Whinfield). 
"  Ghawwas  gar  andisha  kunad  kam-i-nihang-, 
Hargriz  na  kunad  durr-i-giran  maya  bachang."      Gulistan,  chap.  3. 

"  At  the  ravening  monster's  jaw  should  the  diver  pause  and  gasp 
He'd  ne'er  hold  the  precious  pearl,  the  bright  pearl  in  his  grasp." 

(Eastwick). 

"  GhawTvas-i-tura  juz  gil-i-shuraba  na  dadast, 
Zira  ki  na  didast  az  tu  juz  ki  mu'ada  ; 
Ma'na  talab  az  zahir-i-tanzil  chu  mardana 
Khursand  ma  shu  hamchu  khar  az  qaul  bavra."    Nasik-i-Khi  skaw. 

"  A  handful  of  salt  stained  clay  hath  the  diver  offered  to  thee, 
Because  in  thy  heart  he  beheld  but  envy  and  enmity  ; 
Strive  from  the  Outward  Form  from  the  Inward  .Sense  to  win 
Like  a  man,  nor  rest  content  like  an  ass  with  a  senseless  din." 

E.  G.  Browne. 

"  Ghazab  az  shu'alaha'e  Shaitanast, 
Aqibat  mujib  pashiman'ast."  Anwak-i-Slheili. 

"  Wrath  is  a  flame  from  Satan  that  proceeds 
And  in  the  end  it  to  repentance  leads."  Eastwick. 

Ghazab  chun  nafs-i-tausin  ra  kunad  garm, 

'Inanash  wa  kash  anja  ta  shaw^ad  narm."  Anwar-i-Slheili. 

"  When  hot  the  champings  of  thy  spirit  wax 
Pull  back  the  reins  until  thy  fury  slacks."       Eastwick. 

"  Ghudhita  bidarrina  wa  nash'ata  flna 
Faman  ambaka  annaka  ibnu  dhi'bi  ? 
Idha  kana  'ttiba'a  su'an 
Falaitha  binaf 'in  adabu  'ladibi."  Gulistan,  ch.ip.  i. 

"  Thou  hast  been  nourished  with  our  milk  and  grown  up  among  us  ; 
Who  informed  thee  then  that  thou  art  a  wolfs  whelp? 
When  the  nature  is  a  nature  of  evil, 
Naught  will  the  instruction  of  the  teacher  avail."  Platts. 

"  GhvuTib  shams  wa  qamarra  chira  ziyan  bashad  ? 
Tura  ghtirub  numayad,  wall  shuruq  buwad, 
Liahad  chu  habs  numayad,  khalas-i-Jan  bashad." 

Divvan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  103 

*'  Why  should  setting  be  injurious  to  the  sun  and  moon  ? 
To  thee  it  seems  a  setting,  but  'tis  a  rising  ; 
The'  the  vault  seems  a  prison,  'tis  the  release  of  the  soul." 

(Nicholson). 
'  Ohussa  ma  khur  z'an  kl  shiqawat  dar  u'st, 
Khashm  faru  khur  ki  halawat  dar  u'st ; 
Sh'asha'e  barq  dar  azurdan  &Bt, 
Qaida'e  bahr  faru  khurdan  ast ; 
Sina'e  darya  na  shawad  pur  grhubar 
Garchi  kl  baran  kvmadash  sangsar."  Anwar-i-Suheili» 

*'  Be  not  thou  wroth  for  wroth  doth  grief  contain 
Swallow  thy  rage  and  'twill  be  sweet  to  thee 
The  lightning  flashes  but  to  give  men  pain 
But  aye  to  swallow  is  thy  wont,  O  sea. 
And  hence  thy  breast  is  ne'er  with  dust  o'erspread, 
Though  showers  descend  all  stone-like  on  thy  head." 

Eastwick^ 
'  Qile  khushbue  dar  hammam  ruze 

Basid  az  dast-i-mahbube  ba  dastam  ; 

Badu  gruftam  ki  mushkl  ya  ambire, 

Eli  az  bu'e  dilawlz-i-tu  mastam. 

Bagufta  '  Man  gril-l-nachiz  budam, 

Wa  lekin  muddate  ba  gul  nishastam.' 

Kamal-i-hamnishin  dar  man  asr  kard, 

Wasrama  man  haman  khakam  kl  hastam."  Gulistan  (Preface^ 

"  'Twas  in  the  bath,  a  piece  of  perfumed  clay 
Came  from  my  loved  one's  hands  to  mine  one  day  ; 
'  Art  thou  then  musk  or  ambergris  ? '  I  said, 

•  That  by  thy  scent  my  soul  is  ravished  ? ' 

*  Not  so'  it  answered,  '  worthless  earth  was  I, 
But  long  I  kept  the  ruse's  company.' 

Thus  near,  its  perfect  fragrance  to  me  came 
Else  I'm  but  earth,  the  worthless  and  the  same." 

(Eastwick). 
'  Giraya  kun  ta  badihan  kbandan  shawl 
Kin  tazarra  'ra  bar  haqq  qadraha'st 
"Wa  an  baha  k'anja'st  zarlra  kujast 
Ey  khusha  chashme  ki  an  erlrlyan-l-u'st 
"Wa  ey  humayun  dll  ki  an  buriyan-l-ust 
Akhir  bar  erii'a'ya''e  naa  khanda  ast 
Mard-1-akhlr  bin  mubarak  banda  ast."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Weep  that  at  length  thou  may'st  be  of  a  smiling  countenance. 
For  this  lamentation  hath  great  value  with  God  ; 
And  the  value  which  sorrow  hath  there,  where  else  has  it  such  ? 
Happy  the  eye  that  thus  weeps,  ' 

Noble  the  heart  that  thus  burns. 
In  the  end  all  our  weeping  shall  be  turned  to  smiles. 
The  man  who  considers  the  end  is  a  blessed  servant."  Keene- 


104  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Gui  'arche  khauf  hirman  ast  pish, 
Hast  andar  kahili  an  khauf  bish  ; 
Hast  dar  kush  ummidam  beshtar 
Daram  andar  kahili  afzun  khatar ' 
Pas  chara  dar  din,  ey  bad-gioman, 
Damanat  miglrad  an  khauf  ziy an  ? 
Ya  na  did!  kahil  in  bazarha 
Dar  chi  sudand  ambiya  wa  auliya  ?  "  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  You  say  '  Although  the  fear  of  loss  is  before  me, 
Yet  I  feel  greater  fear  in  remaining  idle. 
I  have  a  better  hope  through  exerting  myself 
My  fear  is  increased  by  remaining  idle.' 
Why  then,  O  faint-hearted  one  in  the  matter  of  religion, 
Are  you  paralysed  by  the  fear  of  loss  ? 
See  you  not  how  the  traders  in  this  market  of  ours 
Make  large  profits,  both  apostles  and  saints?"        Whinfield. 

^'  Gui  mara  ki '  g-auhar  divan  za  atish  ast. 
Divan  in  zaman  hama  az  ^1  mukhammarand.' "    Nasir.i-Khusraw. 

"  Thou  sayest  to  me  *  The  essence  of  the  devils  is  of  fire  ;  the  devils  of 
this  age  are  fashioned  from  clay.'  "  E.  G.  Browne. 

"  Gush  dar,  ey  ah^val  inha  ra  ba  hush 
Daru'e  dida  bikash  az  rah-i-gush 
Bas  kalam  pak  dar  dilha'e  kur, 
Minayad,  mi  rawad  ta  asl-i-nur ; 
Wan  afsun  div  dar  dilhae  kajh, 
Mirawad  chun  kafash  kajh  dar  pae  kajh."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  O  man  of  double  vision,  hearken  with  attention, 
Seek  a  cure  for  your  defective  sight  by  listening 
Many  are  the  holy  words  that  find  no  entrance 
Into  blind  hearts  but  they  enter  hearts  full  of  light. 
But  the  deceits  of  Satan  enter  crooked  hearts 
Even  as  crooked  shoes  fit  crooked  feet."  Whinfiei.d. 

"  Gush-i-tu  du  dadand  zaban-i-tu  yake 
Y'ane  ki  du  bishnu,  wa  yake  pish  magii."  Hafiz. 

"  Two  years  and  but  a  single  tongue 
By  nature's  law  to  man  belong  ; 
The  lesson  she  would  teach  is  clear, 
'  Repeat  but  half  of  what  you  hear.'  " 

(Asiatic  Journal). 

*•  Gush  kun  az  man  in  nukta'e  khush 
Ki  manad  ast  dar  gusham  az  nukta  danan, 
Ki  har  k'u  kashad  tigh-i-na-mihrbani 
Sha-wrad  kushta'e  tigh-i-na-mihrbanan."     Jami,  Biharistan,  chap.  2. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  105 

"  Leain  this  good  saying  which  I  heard  from  those  who  know  wise  saws : 
*  Who  draws  the  unrighteous  sword,  will  l)c  slain  by  the  sword  of  the 
unrighteous."  (Kehatsek). 

"  Oush  tawanad  kl  hama  umr  wai 
Nashnawad  awaz-i-daf  wa  chang:  wa  nai ; 
Dida  shikibad  za  tamasha'e  bagrh, 
Bl  gul  wa  nasrin  ba,sar  ayad  dimagrh  ; 
Oar  na  buwad  balish  agandah  par 
Khwab  tawan  kard  hajar  zlr-i-sar ; 
Wa  in  shikam  bi-hunar  plch  pich, 
Sabr  na  darad  ki  basazad  ba  hich."  Gulistan,  chap.  3. 

"  The  ear  may  never  through  one's  life 
Hear  sound  of  tabor,  lute,  or  fife. 
The  eye  abstain  from  floral  show 
The  brain  the  rose's  scent  not  know  : 
Though  pillowed  not  on  down,  the  head 
May  on  a  stone  find  sleep  instead, 
But  this  vile  belly  base  and  dull 
Will  never  rest  until  its  full."  (EasTWICK). 

"  Guyand  '  ishq  chist,'  bigru  '  tark-i-ikhtiyar ' 
Har  k'u  za  ikhtlyar  narast,  ikhtiyar  nest."    Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

*'  They  say  •  What  is  love  ? '     Say  '  renunciation  of  will ' 
W'hoso  has  not  escaped  from  will,  no  will  has  he." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Gufta  ki  kist  bar  dar,  gruftam  kamin  ghulamat ; 

Gufta  Che  kar  dari,  gnftam  miha  salamat ; 

Gufta  ki  chand  rani,  gruftam  ki  ta  bikhwani ; 

Gufta  ki  chand  jushi,  guftam  ki  ta  qiyamat." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  He  said  '  Who  is  at  the  door  ?  '     Said  I  '  Thy  humble  servant.' 
He  said  '  What  business  have  you  ?'     Said  I  '  Lord,  to  greet  thee.' 
He  said  '  How  long  will  you  push?'     Said  I  '  Till  thou  call.' 
He  said  *  How  long  will  you  glow?'    Said  I  'Till  resurrection.'" 

(Nicholson). 

"  Guftam  ki  dila  mubarakat  bad 
Dar  halqa'e  ashiqan  rasidan, 
Z'an  sue  nazar  nazara  kardan 
Dar  kucha'e  sinaha  duwidan."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabria 

"  '  Oh  heart,'  said  I,  *  may  it  bless  thee 
To  have  entered  the  circle  of  lovers, 
To  look  beyond  the  range  of  the  eye 
To  penetrate  the  windings  of  the  bosom." 

(Nicholson). 


I06  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Guft  an  nasih  nikhwah 
Bigush-i-dil  an  sitamg-arah  shah, 
Ki  az  zulmat-i-zulm  andisha  kun, 
Pai  azmun  'adl  ra  pisha  kun, 
Agar  adalat  az  zulm  niayad  farih, 
Dig-ar  barah  dar  rah-i-zulm  nih."  Ja.mi,  Biharistan,  chap.  3. 

"  Well  did  that  kind  adviser  say 
To  the  heart  of  a  tyrannic  king  : 
'  Be  on  thy  guard  of  the  darkness  of  tyranny, 
Practise  justice  for  an  experiment, 
If  justice  does  not  pay  better  than  tyranny 
Thou  mayest  again  oppression  try."  (Rehatsek). 

"  Guftan  az  zambur  bi  hasil  buwad 

Ba  yake  dar  umr-i-khud  na  khurda  nish  ; 

Ta  tura  hale  nabashad  hamchu  man 

Hal-i-ma  bashad  tura  afsana  pish ; 

Suz-1-man  ba  digare  nisbat  ma  kun, 

U  namak  bar  dast  bar  dast  wa  man  ba  'uzu  rish." 

GuLisTAN,  chap.  5. 


"  Of  the  hornet's  wound 
What  reck  they  who  did  never  feel 
Its  sting.     Till  fortune  shall  bring  round 
Thy  woes  to  thee,  they  will  but  seem 
The  weak  illusions  of  a  dream. 
Do  not  my  sufferings  confound 
With  those  of  others.     Canst  thou  deem 
One  holding  salt  can  tell  the  pain  of  him 
Who  has  salt  rubbed  upon  his  wounded  limb?" 

Eastwick. 


'  Guft '  Atfal  manand  in  auliya, 
Dar  gharibe  fard  az  kar  wa  kiya ; 
Az  barae  imtihan  khwar  wa  yatim, 
Lekin  andar  sar  manam  ba  u  nadim  ; 
Pishat  dar  jumla  'asmatha'e  man, 
Guya  hastand  khud  ajza'e  man."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 


"  He  saith  'These  saints  are  My  children 
Though  remote  and  alone  and  away  from  their  Lord. 
For  their  trial  they  are  orphans  and  wretched 
Yet  in  love  I  am  ever  holding  communion  with  them. 
Thou  art  backed  by  all  My  protection, 
My  children  are  as  it  were  parts  of  Me."  (Wh infield). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  lo;^ 

'  Guft  ba  Daud  paigrhambar  khuda'e, 
Kamat  khudra  bieru  ey  nik  rae 
Oar  'AJam  chun  badshahan  awarand. 
Nam  ishan  Juz  ba  niki  kam  barand ; 
Garchl  bud  atlsh-parasti  din  ishan 
Bud  'adl  wa  rastl  ishan 
Qarnaha  za  ishan  Jahan  m'amur  bud 
Zulmat-i-zulm  az  raiya  dur  bud. 
Bandaeran  faiig'h  za  gham  farsudagi 
Dashtand  az  adl  ishan  sudagrl."  Jami  (Salaman  and  Absai.). 


"  God  said  to  the  Prophet  David 
♦  David,  speak,  and  to  the  challenge 
Answer  of  the  faith  within  thee. 
Even  unbelieving  princes 
Ill-repotted  if  unworthy 
Yet,  if  they  be  just  and  righteous, 
Were  their  worship  of  the  fire, 
Even  these  unto  themselves 
Reap  glory  and  redress  the  world." 

(E.  Fitzgerald). 


'  Guft  dar  grush-i-gul  wa  khandanash  kard, 
Gviffc  ba  saner  wa  'aqiq-i-kanlsh  kard. 
Guft  bajism  ay  ate  ta  jan  shud  u 
Guft  ba  khurshid  ta  rukhshan  shud  u, 
Baz  dar  grushash  damad  nukta  makhauf 
Dar  rukh  khurshid  ixftad  sad  kasuf."  Jalallduin  Rumi 


He  speaks  to  the  rose's  ear  and  causes  it  to  bloom, 

(He  speaks  to  the  stone  and  it  becomes  a  jewel  of  the  mine). 

He  speaks  a  spell  to  body  and  it  becomes  soul. 

He  speaks  to  the  sun  and  it  becomes  a  fount  of  light 

Again  in  its  ear  lie  whispers  a  word  of  power 

And  its  face  is  darkened  as  by  a  hundred  eclipses." 

(Whinfield). 


'  Guft '  ey  yaran  haqqatn  ilham  dad 
Bar  zaiflra  qawl  rai  uftad 
Anchi  haqq  amukht  mar  zambur  ra 
An  na  bashad  sher  ra  wa  grur  ra 
Khanaha  sazad  pur  az  halwa  tar 
Haqq  bar  u  an  ilmra  bikushad  dar, 
Anchi  ha^q  amukht  kirm  pilara 
Hlch  pill  danad  an  grun  hlla  ra.' "  Jalaluddix  Rumi. 


lo8  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

•'  He  said  '  O  friends,  ()od  has  given  me  inspiration 
Oftentimes  strong  counsel  is  suggested  to  the  weak. 
The  wit  taught  by  God  to  the  bee 
Is  withheld  from  the  lion  and  the  wild  ass. 
It  fills  its  cells  with  liquid  sweets, 
For  God  opens  the  door  of  this  knowledge  to  it. 
The  skill  taught  by  God  to  the  silkworm 
Is  a  learning  beyond  the  reach  of  the  elephant." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Guft-i-alim  ba  gush-i-jan  bishnau 
War  namanad  ba  gxiftanash  kardar, 
Batilast  an  ki  mudd'ai  gruyad 
Khuftara  khufta  kai  kunad  bedar  ? 
Mard  bayad  ki  glrad  andar  gnsh 
War  nawishtast  pand  bar  diwar."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Heed  thou  well  the  wise  man's  warning 
Though  his  acts  his  words  belie  ; 
Futile  is  the  objector's  scorning 
'  Sleepers  ope  not  slumber's  eye.' 
Heed  then  well  the  words  of  warning 
Though  on  a  wall  thou  them  descry."         (Eastwick). 

*•  Gufb  Laile  ra  khalifa  k'an  tu'i 
K'az  tu  Majnun  shud  parishan  wa  ghawl? 
Az  digar  khuban  tu  afzun  nesti 
Guft  khamush  chun  tu  Majnun  nesti, 
Dida'e  Majnun  agar  budi  tu-ra, 
Har  dn  'alam  be  khatar  budi  tu-ra."  Jai.aluddin  Rumi. 

"  The  khalifa  said  to  Laila  '  Art  thou  really  she 

For  whom  Majnun  lost  his  head  and  went  distracted? 

Thou  art  not  fairer  than  many  other  fair  ones.' 

She  replied,  '  Be  silent ;  thou  art  not  Majnun  ! 

If  thou  hadst  Majnun's  eyes, 

The  two  world's  would  be  within  thy  view."        Whinfield. 

"  Guft  paighambar  'Ali  ra  '  k'ai  Ali 
Sher  haqqi  pahlawani  pur  dili, 
LeK  bar  sheri  makun  ham  'itimid 
Andar  aur  saya-e-nakhl  ummid 
Andar  aur  saya-e-an  aqile 
Kas  natanad  burd  az  rah  naqile 
Zill-i-u  andar  zamin  chun  kuh-i-Qaf, 
Ruh-i-u  Simurgh  bas  ala  tawaf 
Gar  baguyam  ta  qiyamat  n'at-i-u 
Hich  anra  muqatt'a  wa  ghayat  ma  ju 
Dar  bashar  rupush  gardast  aftab, 
Fahm  kun  wa  Allah  alim  bi'  sawab.' "  Jalaluddin  Rumi, 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  109 

♦•  The  Prophet  said  to  Ali  '  O  Ali 
Thou  art  the  Lion  of  God,  a  hero  most  valiant ; 
Yet  confide  not  in  thy  lion-like  valour 
But  seek  refuge  under  the  palm-trees  of  the  truth 
Come  under  the  shadow  of  the  Man  of  Reason, 
Thou  canst  not  find  it  in  the  road  of  the  traditionists. 
His  shadow  on  earth  is  as  that  of  Mount  Qaf, 
His  spirit  is  as  a  Simurgh  soaring  on  high. 
Were  I  to  tell  his  praises  till  the  last  day 
My  words  would  not  be  too  many  nor  admit  of  curtailment ; 
That  sun  is  hidden  in  the  form  of  a  man 
Uunderstand  me.     Allah  knows  the  truth.'"  (Whinfield). 

'  Quft  paierhambar  ki  Haqq  farmuda  ast 
Man  na  granjam  hlch  d&r  bala  wa  past 
Dfir  zamin  wa  asman  wa  'arsh  niz 
Man  na  ganjaxn,  in  yaqin  dan,  ey  'aziz  ; 
Dar  dil-i-mumin  bieranjam,  ey  'ajab, 
Qarmaraju'i,  daran  dilha  talab."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  The  Prophet  said  that  God  has  declared, 
•  I  am  not  contained  in  aught  above  or  below, 
I  am  not  contained  in  earth  or  sky  or  even 
In  highest  heaven,  know  this  for  a  surety,  O  beloved, 
Vet  am  I  contained  in  the  believer's  heart. 
If  ye  seek  Me,  search  in  such  hearts.'  "  Whinfield. 

'  Qui  nitaati'st  hidaya  flristada  az  bihisht, 
Mardum  karimtar  shavad  andar  nalm-i-grul, 
Ey  erul-ftinish !  grul  Chi  flrushi  barayi  sim 
Waz  grul  aziztai-  chi  sitani  bi-sim-i-gul."  Kisa'i. 

"  A  heaven-sent  gift  and  blessing  is  the  rose 
Its  grace  inspireth  aspirations  high 
Oh  flower  girl,  why  the  rose  for  silver  sell? 
Or  what  more  precious  with  its  price  can  buy? 

E.  G.  Browne. 

•  Gul  raft  za  bagh  khar  wa  khas  ra  chi  kunam  ? 
Shah  nest  bashahr,  dar  asas  ra  chi  kunam  ? 
ELhuban  qafsand,  husn  wa  khubi  tote, 
Tote  chu  parid,  qafs  ra  chi  kunam?"  Jami,  Biharistan,  chap.  5. 

"  The  rose  has  left  the  garden,  of  what  use  are  the  thorns? 
The  shaw  is  not  in  the  town,  of  what  use  is  his  retinue  ? 
Belles  are  the  cage,  beauty  and  attraction  the  parrot. 
When  the  parrot  has  fled,  of  what  use  is  the  cage?" 

Rehatsek. 

"  Qvirgri  wa  sagi  kam  kun  ta  mihr-i-shaban  bini." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 


no  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Cease  to  behave  as  wolves  and  dogs  that  you  may  experience  the 
Shepherd's  love."  (Nicholson). 

"  Guzar  gah  koran  v^ra  pandast  gnsh 
Bi  buhtan  wa  batil  shunidan  makush."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  8. 

"  The  ear  is  the  thoroughfare  for  the  Koran  and  counsel 

Strive  nut  to  listen  to  calumny  and  falsehood."  (Clarke). 

"  Habatat  'ilaika  mina  'Imahalli  'larfa' 
Waraqaio,  dhatu  taazzuzin  "wa,  tamannu'i 
Mahjubatun  'an  kuUi  nauqlati  'arifln 
Wa  hia  'Uati  safarat  wa  lam  tatabarq'a. 
Wasalat  'ala  kurhin  'ilaika  wa  rubbama 
Karihat  firaqaka  wa  hia  dhatu  tafajju'i."  Avicenna. 

"  It  (the  soul)  descended  upon  ihee  from  the  lofiy  station,  a  dove  rare 
and  uncaptured,  curtained  from  the  eyes  of  every  creature  ;  yet  'tis  it 
which  is  manifest  and  never  wore  a  veil.  It  came  to  thee  unwillingly  and 
it  may  perhaps  be  unwilling,  although  it  complain  of  its  sufferings,  to 
leave  thee."  De  Slane. 

"  Hadis-i-dust  naguyam  magar  bahazrat-i-dust 
Ki  ashna  sukhan-i-ashna  nigah  darad."  Hafiz,  Ode,  146. 

"  News  of  a  friend  but  to  a  friend  I  tell 

The  bosom's  thoughts  the  bosom's  friend  keeps  well." 

BiCKNELL. 

"  Hafldh  'ala  taqwa  'llahi  wa  khauflhi 
Litanjua  mimma  yuttaqa  min  'iqabihl 
Wa  la  talhu  'an  tadhkari  dhumbik,  w^'abkihi 
Bidatn'in  yudhahi  'Iw^abla  hala  masabihi" 

"  Keep  to  the  fear  of  God  and  the  dread  of  Him  that  thou  may'st  escape 
from  His  punishment  which  is  to  be  feared. 
Neglect  not,  call  to  mind  thy  sin,  but  weep  for  it  with  tears  that  shall  be 
like  the  rain-flood  at  its  pouring."  (Cheneky). 

"  Haflz  madar  ummid-i-farah  z'in  madar-i-kaun, 
Darad  hazar  'aib  wa  na  darad  tafazzuli."  Hafiz,  Ode  528. 

"  From  life's  home,  O  Hafiz,  what  joy  can  be  won? 

Defects  it  has  thousands,  but  excellence  none."     BiCKNELL. 

"  Half  ast  ki  dar  zumra  mardan  bashad  nam 
An  ra  ki  haqq-i-suhbat-i-yaran  nashinasad."  Anwar-i-Suheii.i. 

"  One  who  is  blind  to  friendship's  rights,  'twere  shame 

To  mention  in  the  rank  of  men  his  name."  Eastwick. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  in 

"  Hakltnera  kard  shagrirde  suwal 
K  'ey  munhadis  kist  farzand  halal?' 
Qvift '  k'an  k'u  'aqibat  grardad  shabih 
Ba  pidar,  gar  ba  khirad  ast  wa  gas  saflh  ; 
Chand  ruze  grar  na  manad  ba  pldar, 
Aqibat  khudra  rasanad  ba  pidar.' "  Jami,  Salaman  and  Absai.. 

"  A  disciple  asked  a  master 
*  Hy  what  token  should  a  father 
Vouch  for  his  reputed  son  ? ' 
Said  the  Master  '  By  the  stripling 
Howsoever  late  or  early, 
Like  to  the  reputed  father, 
Growing,  whether  wise  or  foolish.'" 

E.  Fitzgerald. 

"  Hakim  graft  ki  taqdlr  sabiq  ast,  wale 
Bahich  hal  tu  tadbir-i-khud  faru  magrzar  ; 
Kli  erar  muwafiq  hukm-i-qazast  tadbirat 
Ba  kam-i-dil  shawl,  az  kar-i-khwish  barkhurdar." 

Anwar-i-Suheili. 

*'  '  True'  said  the  wise  man  '  fate  preceeds,  but  still 
Neglect  in  no  case  thine  own  plans  for  should 
Thy  counsels  coincide  with  the  high  will 

Of  destiny  then  thine  own  actions  would  secure  thee  fruit  to  thy  heart's 
wish.' "  (Eastwick). 

"  Hal  nunabbi  'ukum  bi'l  'akhsarina  'a'malan  'alladhina  dlialla 
saluhmn  fl'lhaiyati'  dduniya  wa  hvuu  yahsabuna  'annahum  yubsin- 
una  svin'an,  aula'ika  kafaru  bi'ayati  rabbihim  wa  liqa'ihi." 

KoKAN,  chap.  i8. 

"  Shall  we  tell  you  who  they  are  that  have  lost  their  labour  most  ? 
Whose  aim  in  the  present  life  hath  been  mistaken,  and  that  deem  that 
what  they  do  is  right  ?  They  are  those  who  believe  not  in  the  signs  of  the 
Lord  or  that  they  shall  ever  meet  Ilim."  (Rodwkll). 

"  Halaka  'nnasu  haulahu  'atashan 
Wa  huwa  saqln  yara  wa  la  yasqi."  Golistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Men  perished  around  him  of  thirst 
And  he  was  a  cup-bearer  who  saw  and  would  not  give  to  drink." 

(Plaits). 

"  Hama  yar-i-tu  az  bahr  tarashand 
Pae  luqma  baw^adar-i-tu  bashand ; 
Chu  malat  kahad  az  mihr-i-tu  kahand 
Zlyanat  bahri  sud-i-khwish  khwahand  ; 
Az  in  mushti  rafiqan  rtyai 
Buridan  bihtar  ast  az  ashnai."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 


:i2  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Thy  friends  are  all  on  parings  set 
Each  loves  thee  for  what  he  can  get ; 
As  thy  wealth  fails  thee,  love  grows  less 
For  their  own  ends  thy  fall  they'd  bless ; 
From  such  a  band  of  false  allies 
To  part,  nor  call  them  friends,  were  wise." 

Eastwick. 
'  Ham  chunan  dar  fikr-i-an  baitam  ki  gufb 
Pilbani  bar  lab-i-darya'e  Nil ; 
Zir-i-payat  g&r  badani  hal-i-mur, 
Hamchu  hal-i-tust  zir-i-pa'e  pil." 

"  Just  thus  that  couplet  I  recall,  which  said 
On  the  Nile's  bank  he  of  the  elephant : 
'  Wouldst  thou  know  what  the  ant  feels  neath  thy  tread 
Think  if  on  thee  my  beast  its  foot  should  plant  ! ' " 

'  Hamchu  sange  k'u  sha'wad  kul  I'al  nab, 
Pur  shaw^ad  u  az  sifat-i-aftab  ; 
Wasf  an  sangl  na  manad  andar  u 
Pur  sliawad  az  -wasf-i-khur  u  pusht  ru."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  As  a  stone  which  is  changed  into  a  pure  ruby 
Is  filled  with  the  bright  light  of  the  sun, 
In  that  stone  its  own  properties  abide  not 
It  is  filled  with  the  sun's  properties  altogether." 

Whinfield. 
'  Ham  khuda  khwahi,  ham  dunya  dun. 
In  muhal  ast,  in  khiyal  ast,  in  junun."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

*'  You  wish  to  have  both  God  and  the  base  world  together, 
This  is  impossible,  ridiculous  and  mad." 

'  Hangam-i-sabuh  ey  sanam-i-farrukh  pai 
Bar  saz  taranae  "wa  pish  awar  mai, 
K'afgand  bakhak  sad  hazaran  Jam  wa  Kai 
In  amadan-i-Tirmah  AvaraftanDai."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Angel  of  joyful  foot  !  the  dawn  is  nigh 
Pour  wine  and  lift  thy  tuneful  voice  on  high. 
Sing  how  Jamsheds  and  Khosraus  bit  the  dust 
Whelmed  by  the  rolling  months  from  Tir  to  Dai." 

(Whinfield). 
'  Haqq  firistad  ambiyara  bahri  in 
Ta  juda  gardad  za  ishan  kxifr  wa  din ; 
Mumin  'wa  kaflr,  Mussalman  -wa  Jahud 
Pish  az  ishan  jumla  yaksan  namud."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  God  sent  the  prophets  for  this  purpose 
Namely  to  sever  infidelity  from  faith. 
Infidel  and  faithful,  Mussalman  and  Jew, 
Before  the  prophets  came,  seemed  all  as  one."   Whinfield, 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  113 

*'  Haramash  buwad  nimat-l-badshah 
Ki  hang'am-i-fursat  na  darad  qarax ; 
Majal-i-sulchan  ta  nabini  za  pesh 
Ba  behuda  eruftan  mabar  qadr-i-khwlsh."  Gulistan,  chap.  1. 

"  Let  liim  not  hope  kings'  favours  who  omits 
To  watch  the  moment  which  his  prayer  befits. 
Till  thou  observest  the  just  time  for  speech 
Do  not  by  useless  words  thy  cause  impeach." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Haram  dar  pishat  wa  harami  dar  pas ;  agrar  rafti  burdi,  ageac 
khllfti,  murdi."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

•'  The  sanctuary  is  before  thee,  and  the  robber  behind  :  if  thou  goest  on 
thou  wilt  obtain  thy  object ;  if  thou  steepest,  thou  wilt  die." 

Eastwick. 

"  Har  an  dushman  ki  ba  way  ahsan  kunl  dust  grardad  magar  nafs 
ki  chandan  ki  madara  bish  kuni  mukhalifat  ziyadat  kunad." 

(Gulistan,  chap.  7). 

"  Every  enemy  on  whom  thou  conferrest  favours  becomes  a  friend  save 
lust,  whose  hostility  increases  the  more  thou  dost  gratify  it. " 

(Eastwick). 

"  Har  an  kas  ki  dar  band-i-hirs  uftad 
Dihad  khirman  zindagrani  babad."  Pand.nama  of  S'aul 

"  Whosoever  falleth  into  the  prison  of  avarice 
Giveth  the  harvest  of  life  to  the  winds."  Gladwin. 

*'  Har  anki  tukhm-i-badi  kisht  wa  chashm-i-niki  dasht 
Dimagrh  behuda  pukht  wa  khiyal-i-batil  bast ; 
Za  guBh  pumba  birun  ar  wa  dad-i-khalq  bidih, 
Wa  gar  tu  mina  dihi  dad,  ruz-i-dadi  hast."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Who  sows  ill  actions  and  of  blessing  dreams 
Fosters  vain  phantasies  and  idly  schemes  ; 
Unstop  thy  ears,  thy  people's  wants  relieve 
If  not,  a  day  shall  come  when  all  their  rights  receive." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Har  atish  ki  dast-i-qaza  bar  farukht 
Hama  flkr  w^a  tadbirhara  basukht."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  When  fate's  hand  the  mighty  flame  has  lit. 
All  thought,  all  counsel  is  consumed  in  it." 

Eastwick. 

"  Har  bala'e  k'az  asman  ayad 
Garchi  badigrare  qaza  bashad 
Bazamin  narasida  mi-gruyad 

Khana'e  Anwari  kuja  bashad."  (.\nwari). 

8 


114  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

*'  No  sooner  does  any  calamity  coming  from  the  sky  reach  the  ground, 
than  it  asks,  although  it  be  destined  for  someone  else,  '  Where  is  the  house 
ofAnwari?'"  (Kuka). 

"  Har  chand.  ki  rang  wa  bu-e-zebast  mara 
Chun  lala  rukh  -wa  chu  sar  -wa  balast  mara 
M'alum  nashud  ki  dar  tarabkhana-e-khak 
Naqqash-i-man  az  bahr-i-chi  arast  mara."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  What  though  'tis  fair  to  view,  this  form  of  man 
I  know  not  why  the  heavenly  Artisan 
Hath  set  these  tulip  cheeks  and  cypress  forms 
To  deck  the  mournful  walls  of  earth's  divan." 

Whinfield. 

"  Har  char  unsur  and  dar  in  digh  ham  bajush 
Na  khak  bar  qarar  vra  na  nar  -wa  nam  -wa  hawa ; 
Gah  khak  dar  libas-i-giya  rafta  az  haw^as ; 
Gah  ab  khud  hawa  shuda  az  bahr-i-in  wala 
Az  rah-i-ittihad  shuda  ab  atishi 
Atish  shuda  za'ishq  ha^va  ham  dar  in  faza." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  All  the  four  elements  are  seething  in  this  cauldron  (the  world) 
None  is  at  rest,  neither  earth  nor  fire  nor  water  nor  air 
Now  earth  takes  the  form  of  grass  on  account  of  desire 
Now  water  becomes  air  for  the  sake  of  this  affinity. 
By  way  of  unity  water  becomes  fire 
Fire  also  becomes  air  in  this  expanse  by  reason  of  love." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Har  chi  girad  'illate  illat  shawad, 
Kufr  girad  kamil,  millat  sha'wad."  Jalaluddin  Rum. 

'•  Whatever  a  sick  man  eats  is  a  source  of  sickness  ; 
But  if  a  saint  imbibe  infidelity,  it  becomes  faith." 

Whinfield. 

"  Har  chi  za  ghaib  ast  be'aib  ast."  Persian  Provbrb. 

"  What  the  Unseen  sends  us  cannot  have  defect." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Har  dam  az  'unar  miraw^ad  nafsi 
Chun  nigah  mikunam,  namanad  basi ; 
Ey  ki  pan j  ah  raft  wa  dar  khabi, 
Magar  in  panj  ruz  daryabi."  Gulistan,  (Preface). 

"  One  breath  of  life  each  moment  flies 
A  small  remainder  meets  my  eyes. 
Sleeper  !  whose  fifty  years  are  gone 
Be  these  five  days  at  least  thine  own."     (Eastwick). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  115 

**  Har  dil  kl  dar  u  niir-i-muhabbat  basaiisht 
Oar  sakin-i-musjid  ast  wa  erar  za  ahl-i-kanisht 
Dar  daftar-i-ishq  har  ki  ra  nam  nawlsht 
Azad  az  duzakh  ast  wa  farigrh  za  bihisht."  Omar  Khavyam. 

"  Hearts  with  the  light  of  love  illumined  well 
Whether  in  mosque  or  synagogue  they  dwell, 
Have  their  names  written  in  the  book  of  love 
Unvexed  by  hopes  of  heaven  or  fears  of  hell." 

(Whinfield). 
••  Har  du  griin  zambur  khurdand  az  mahal 
Lek  shud  z'in  nish  z'an  digar  'asal 
Har  du  grun  ahu  eriya  khvirdand  wa  ab 
Z'in  yake  sargrin  shud,  wa  z'an  mushk  nab, 
Har  du  nai  khurdand  az  ek  abkhur 
In  y£ike  khali  wa  an  pur  az  shakar."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Both  sorts  of  bee  (i.e.  bee  and  wasp)  draw  nourishment  from  one  place 
but  from  this  comes  the  sting  and  from  that  other  the  honey. 
Both  sort  of  deer  feed  on  the  same  grass  and  water  ;  by  this  only  dung  is 

produced,  by  that  pure  musk. 
Both  reeds  (the  common  reed  and  the  sugar-cane)  are  fed  from  one 
source  ;  this  one  is  hollow,  while  that  one  is  full  of  sugar. " 

E.  G.  Browne. 
"  Hargriz  na  mirad  an  ki  dilash  zinda  shud  ba  ishq 
Sabatast  bar  jarida'e  'alara  dawam-i-ma."  Hafiz  Odb,  3. 

"  He  whose  soul  by  love  is  quickened  never  can  to  death  be  hurled. 
Written  is  my  life  immortal  in  the  records  of  the  world." 

(Bicknell). 
"  Har  ki  aib-i-dlgraran  pish-i-tu  aurad  wa  shvunard, 
Bi-gruman  aib-i-tu  pish-i-digraran  khwahad  burd." 

GuLiSTAN,  chap.  3. 

'*  They  who  the  faults  of  others  bring  to  you 
Be  sure  they'll  bear  to  others  your  faults  too." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Har  ki  ain-i-zulm  pish  nihad 
Band  ba  dast  wa  pa'e  khwish  nihad ; 
Chand  ruze  a^ar  sar  afrazad 
Dahrash  akhir  za  pa  dar  andazad."  Anwar-i-Suhxili. 

"  They  who  have  chosen  an  unjust  career 
Do  gyves  on  their  own  hands  and  feet  impose 
What  though  they  should  some  days  their  heads  uprear 
Yet  fortune  in  the  end  all  such  o'erthrows."  Eastwick. 

"  Har  kl  amad  Imarat-i-nau  saldit 
Raft  wa  manzil  btidigrari  pardakht 
Wa  an  digar  pukht  hamchunin  hawase 
Wa  in  imarat  basar  naburd  kase."  Gulistan  (Preface). 


Ii6  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Each  comer  a  new  house  erects 
Departs, — the  house  its  lord  rejects. 
The  next  one  forms  the  same  conceit 
This  mansion  none  shall  ere  complete."     (Eastwick). 

"  Har  ki  asudagri  wa  rahat  just 
Dil  khud  ra  za  bakht  shad  na  kard ; 
"Wa  anki  tarsid  az  jafa'e  khamar 
Qadah  bada'e  murad  nakhurd."  Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

"  Those  easy  souls  who  venture  nought 
Ne'er  their  hearts  gladden  with  success 
Who  fear  the  revel's  after-thought 
With  vinous  aches  and  throbbings  fraught 
Ne'er  drain  the  bowl  of  happiness."  Eastwick. 

*'  Har  ki  ba  pulad  bazu  panja  kard 
Sa'id-i-simin-i-kliudra  ranja  kard ; 
Bash  ta  dastash  babandad  ruzgar 
Pas  bakam-i-dustan  maghzash  birar."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  He  that  has  grappled  with  a  hand  of  steel 
Will  in  his  silver  arm  the  anguish  feel ; 
Wait  thou  till  fortune  shall  his  hand  restrain 
Then  at  thy  will,  thou  mayest  thy  foeman  brain." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Hariki  dar  asl  bad  nihad  ufbad 
Hich  neki  az  u  madar  ummed, 
Z'anki  har^z  ba  jihad  natawan  sakht 
As  kalaghsiyah  baz  sufld."  Anwar-i-Suhkil. 

"  Expect  no  trace  of  goodness  in  the  man 
Who  from  the  outset  is  by  nature  bad, 
For  by  no  efforts  of  thy  making  can 
A  white  hawk  from  a  dingy  crow  be  had," 

Eastwick. 
"  Har  ki  faryad-ras-i-ruz-i-musibat  khwahad, 
Qu  dar  ayyam-i-salamat  bi  jawanmardi  kush ; 
Bandae  khalqa  ba  gush  ar  nanawazi  birawad 
liutf  kun,  lutf  ki  big'anah  sha-wad  khalqa  ba  grush." 

Gulistan,  chap.  i. 
"  He  who  in  adversity  would  succour  have 
Let  him  be  generous  while  he  rests  secure. 
Thou  that  reward's!  him  not,  wilt  lose  thy  slave 
Though  wearing  now  thy  ring.*     Wouldst  thou  secure 
The  stranger  as  thy  slave,  to  him  be  kind 
And  by  thy  courtesy  enslave  his  mind."  Eastwick. 

*  The  ring  in  the  ear  is  the  badge  of  servitude  in  the  East. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  117 

'  Har  ki  'ilm  shud  ba  sakha  wa  karm 
Band  nashayad  kl  nihad  bar  daram 
Nam-i-nekui  chu  birun  shud  bikui 
Dar  natawani  kl  bi  bandl  birui."  Gulistam,  chap.  7. 

"  Whom  mankind  with  the  name  of  'generous'  grace 
Must  on  his  dirhems  no  restrictions  place  ; 
When  our  good  fame  pervades  the  public  street, 
We  must  no  suitor  with  denial  meet."  Eastvvick. 

"  Har  ki  iman  tura  kandan  wa  paiwastan  gruft 
Bayad  an  qaul  pasandida  az  u  bipasandl ; 
Hasil  m'ana  an  kandan  wa  paiwastan  chist? 
Yane  az  khalq  kani  dil,  bakhuda  paiwandi." 

Jami,  Behakistan,  chap,  i, 

*'  Whoever  told  thee  that  faith  is  '  to  dig  up  and  unite,* 
Thou  must  approve  of  his  laudable  definition. 
What  is  the  meaning  of  to  uproot  and  to  join  ? 
It  is  to  sever  thy  heart  from  creatures,  and  unite  it  to  the  Creator." 

Rehatsek, 

"  Har  ki  mazrui-i-khud  khurad  bi  kliawid, 
Waqt-i-kirmanash  khusha  bayad  chid 
Pand-i-Saadl  ba  grush-i-dil  bishnau 
Rah  chunin  ast,  mard  bash,  w^a  birau."  Gulistan,  Preface. 

•'  Who  eat  their  corn  while  yet  'tis  green. 
At  the  true  harvest  can  but  glean. 
To  Saadi's  counsel  let  thy  soul  give  heed," 
This  is  the  way,  be  manful  and  proceed."     (Eastwick). 

"  Har  kira  bashad  za  sina  fath  bab 
U  za  har  zarra  bibinad  aft^ab."  Jalaludoin  Rumi. 

"  He,  the  door  of  whose  breast  has  been  opened,  sees  the  sun  reflected 
in  every  atom." 

"  Har  kira  j  ama  parsa  bini 
Parsa  dan  wa  nik  mard  angar ; 
War  nadani  ki  dar  nihanash  chist 
Muhtasibra  darun-i-khana  chi  kar  ?  "  Gulistan,  chap.  a. 

"  When  thou  dost  one  in  saintly  vestments  find 
Doubt  not  his  goodness  or  his  sanctity. 
What  though  thou  knowest  not  his  inmost  mind 
Not  within  doors  need  the  policeman  pry."      (Eastwick). 

"  Har  kira  J  ah  wa  daulatast  wa  badan 
Khatir  khasta  dar  nakhwahad  yaft ; 
Khabarash  dih  ki  hlch  davilat  wa  Jah 
Basara'e  diffar  nakhwahad  yaft."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 


Il8  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Tell  those  to  whom  rank,  wealth  are  given 
Who  care  not  for  the  sons  of  pain, 
That  in  the  bright  abodes  of  heaven 
They  neither  wealth  nor  rank  will  gain."        Eastwick. 

**  Har  ki  ra  khwabgah  akhir  bada  mushti  khakast, 
Gu  ' Chi  hajat  ki  bar  afilak  kashi  aiwan  ra? ' "  Hafiz  Oue,  7. 

'*  As  earth,  two  handfuls  yielding,  shall  thy  last  couch  supply, 
What  need  to  build  thy  palace  aspiring  to  the  sky."      BiCKNELL. 

**  Har  ki  tigh-i-sitam  kashad  birun 
Falakash  ham  badan  birizad  khun."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Whoever  dares  unsheathe  the  tyrant's  sword 

Blood  will  for  that  from  heaven  on  him  be  poured." 

Eastwick. 

"  Har  muhal  az  dast-i-u  mumkin  shawad 
Har  harun  az  bim-i-u  sakin  shawad. 
Akiua  w^a  abras  chi  bashad  murda  niz, 
Zinda  grardad  za  afsun-i-an  aziz. 
Kamtarln  karash  bahar  ruz  an  buad 
K'u  sih  lashkar  ra  raw^ana  mikunad."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Impossibities  are  possible  to  Him, 
The  stubbornest  is  docile  when  His  will  curbs  whim. 
The  blind  from  birth,  the  leper,  e'en  the  dead  arise 
Whole,  sound,  whene'er  the  Omnipotent  '  Come  forth  !'  but  cries. 
His  smallest  daily  toil,  a  work-like  pleasure  still. 
Is  to  send  forth  three  armies,  bound  to  work  His  will." 

(Redhouse). 

"  Har  nafas  awaz-i-ishq  mirasad  az  chap  wa  rast 
Ma  ba  falak  mi-ra'wein  'azm-i-tamasha  kirast." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Every  moment  the  voice  of  Love  is  coming  from  left  and  right 
We  are  bound  for  heaven  ;  who  has  a  mind  to  sight-seeing  ?  " 

(Nicholson). 

"  Har  naqshra  ki  dldi  jinsash  za  laraakanast, 
Gar  naqsh  raft  gham  nest,  aslash  chu  jawldanast, 
Har  surate  ki  didi,  har  nuqta  ki  shunidi, 
Bad-dil  mashu  ki  raft  zira  na  an  chunanast." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i.Tabriz. 

"  Every  form  you  see  has  its  archetype  in  the  placeless  world, 
If  the  form  perished,  no  matter,  since  its  original  is  everlasting, 
Every  fair  shape  you  have  seen,  every  deep  saying  you  have  heard, 
Be  not  cast  down  that  it  perished,  for  that  is  not  so." 

(NfCHOLSON). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  119 

"  Har  nuqta  k'ayad  az  lab  wa  dandan  chu  erauhar  ist 
Khush  an  kl  sakht  granj-l-grauhar  daij  slna  ra."    Jami,  Biharistan. 

"  Every  maxim  uttered  by  the  mouth  and  teeth  is  a  jewel, 
Happy  is  he  who  has  made  of  his  breast  a  casket  of  jewels." 

Rehatsek. 

"  Har  zarra  ki  dar  ru-e-zamini  buzast 
Khur  shezarkhi  zuhrajabini  buzast 
Oard  az  rukh-1-naznin  bazaram  flshan 
K'an  ham  rukh  wa  zulf-i-naznlni  buzast."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Each  grain  of  dust  that  on  the  ground  is  shed 
Was  once  a  Venus  brow  or  sunny  head, 
Blow  the  dust  gently  from  thy  cheek  fair  maid 
'Twas  once  a  curl  whose  owner  now  lies  dead." 

Whinfield. 

"  Hasil-i-kargrah  kaun  wa  makan,  in  hama  nist 
Bada  pish  ar,  ki  asbab-i-Jahan,  in  hama  nist, 
Az  dil  wa  Jan  sharf-i-suhbat-i-Janan  gharzast 
Hama  antist ;  wasrama  dil  wa  jan  in  hama  nest."      Hafiz  Ode,  88. 

*'  The  profits  of  earth's  labouring  place  as  nothing  are, 
Bring  wine  !  the  things  of  time  and  space  as  nothing  are. 
Love's  converse  high  is  heart  and  spirit's  goal, 
Yea,  all  is  this  ;  else  heart  and  soul  as  nothing  are." 

BiCKNELL. 

"  Hasil  na  shawad  riza-i-Sultan 
Ta  khatir-i-bandagan  na  jui, 
Khwahi  ki  khuda  bar  tu  bakshad 
Ba  khalq-i-khuda  kun  nlkui."  Gulistan,  chap.  1. 

"  The  Sultan's  praise  thou  can'st  not  gain 
Till  thou  can'st  win  his  people's  heart, 
Wouldst  thou  God's  pardoning  grace  obtain 
Then  to  his  creatures  good  impart."  (Eastwick). 

"  Hast  bar  mardum  ala  gauhar 
Bukhul  za  asraf  pasandidatar."  Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

"  Men  of  a  noble  nature  less  eschew 
The  parsimonious  than  the  profligate."        Eastwick. 

"  Hawa'e  nafs  mahar  ast  wa  khalq  chun  shuturan 
Baghair-i-an  shutur-i-mast-ra  mahar  magir." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Sensual  desire  is  a  bridle  and  men  are  as  camels 
Do  not  suppose  there  is  any  bridle  except  that  for  the  senseless  camel." 

(Nicholson). 


120  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Hazar  bar  charagab.  khushtar  az  raaidan 
Wa  lekin  asp  nadarad  bidast-i-khwish  'anan."      Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  Far  better  is  the  pasture  than  the  battle-plain 
But  the  horse  guides  not  for  himself  the  rein." 

Eastwick. 

"  Hazar  kh\(nsh  ki  begana  az  khuda  bashad 
Fida'e  ek  tan-i-begana  k'ashna  bashad."  Gulistan,  chap.  a. 

"  Thou  for  one  friendly  stranger  sacrifice 
A  thousand  kinsmen  who  their  God  despise." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Hazar  kun  za  dud-i-darunha'e-rish, 
Ki  rish-i-darun  'aqibat  sar  kunad ; 
Bahatn  bar  makun  ta  ta^wrani,  dili, 
Ki  ahe  jahane  baham  bar  zanad."  Gulistan,  chap,  i, 

"  Beware  of  the  sigh  of  the  wounded  heart, 
For  the  secret  sore  you'll  too  late  discern  ; 
Grief,  if  thou  canst  to  no  bosom  impart, 
For  the  sigh  of  a  grief  will  a  world  o'erturn." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Hazar  naqsh  bararad  zamana  wa  na  bud 
Yake  az  an  chi  dar  aina'e  tasawTvar  ma'st."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

*'  Fortune  in  all  her  changes  showed  me  nought 
Such  as  I  pictured  in  the  glass  of  thought."       Eastwick. 

"  Hich  'ashiq  khud  na  bashad  wasl-ju 
K'az  na  mashuqash  buwad  juy'e  u."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  No  lover  ever  seeks  union  with  his  beloved, 
Without  his  beloved  seeking  him  in  turn." 

"  Hich  bang-i-  kaf  zadan  ayad  badar 
Az  yake  dast  tu  bi  dast  digar ; 
Tishna  mi  nalid  ki  ku  ab  gawar 
Ab  ham  nalid  ki  ku  an  ab  kh'war, 
Jazb  abist  an  atsh  dar  jan-i-ma 
Ma  azan  u  wa  u  azan-i-ma."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  The  noise  of  clapping  of  hands  is  never  heard 
From  one  of  thy  hands  unaided  by  the  other  hand 
The  man  athirst  cries,  '  Where  is  delicious  water  ? ' 
Water  too  cries  '  Where  is  the  water-drinker  ? ' 
This  thirst  in  my  soul  is  the  attraction  of  the  water 
I  am  the  water's  and  the  water  is  mine."  (Whinfield). 

"  Hichkas  nazanad  bar  darakht-i-bi-b\r  sang."        Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

c-  "  None  cast  stones  at  trees  save" fruit  be  there." 

(Eastwick). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  121 

"  Hich  kas  rah  sue  bala  na  yaft, 
Ta  qadam  az  himmat  wa  ala  na  yaft ; 
Martaba  Ju  ki  barai  ba  mah 
Kas  na  khurad  sharbat-i-baran  ba  chah."  Anwar-i-Suhkili. 

"  None  ever  found  the  way  on  high  to  rise, 
Till  he  obtained  the  step  of  high  emprise 
Seek  rank,  that  to  the  moon  thou  mayest  mount 
None  drink  cloud-water  from  a  well's  low  fount." 

Eastwick. 
"  Hlch  kas  'ukda'i  az  kar-i-Jihan  baz  na  kard 
Har  kl  amad  girlhi  chand  barln  tar  fuzud."  (Anon). 

"  No  one  yet  hath  unravelled  a  knot  from  the  skein  of  the  Universe, 

And  each  who  came  and  essayed  the  same  but  made  the  tangle  worse." 

(E.  G.  Browne). 
"  Hich  name  bl  haqiqat  didai  ? 

Ya  za  Gaf  wa  Lam  '  gvl '  chidai  ? 

Ism  khwandi  rau,  musamma  ra  bi  ju, 

Mah  ba  bala  dan  na  andar  ab  Ju ; 

Gar  za  nam  vra  harf  khwahi  bug-zari 

Pak  kun  khudra  za  khud  han  yaksari."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Know  you  a  name  without  a  thing  answering  to  it? 
Have  you  ever  plucked  a  rose  (Gul)  from  Gaf  and  Lam  ? 
You  name  His  name  ;  go  seek  the  reality  named  by  it. 
Look  for  the  moon  in  heaven,  not  in  the  water. 
If  you  desire  to  rise  above  mere  names  and  letters 
Make  yourself  free  from  self  at  one  stroke."        (Whinfield). 

"  Hich  ni  "mat  bihtar  az  farzand  nist 
Juz  ba  jan-i-farzand  ra  paiwand  nist ; 
Hasil  az  farzand  g'ardad  kaju-i-mard 
Zinda  az  farzand  manad  nam-i-mard, 
Chashm-i-tu  ta  zinda  rushan  badu'st, 
Khak-i-tu  chun  murda  grulshan  badu'st     • 
Dast-i-tu  grirad  agar  ufti  za  pae 
Payat  amba  shud  agrar  manad  bajae."       Jami,  Salaman  and  Absal. 

"  Is  any  blessing  better  than  a  son  ? 

Man's  prime  desire  ;  by  which  his  name  and  he 

Shall  live  beyond  himself;  by  whom  his  eyes 

Shine,  living  and  his  dust  with  roses  blows, 

A  foot  for  thee  to  stand  on  ;  he  shall  be 

A  hand  to  stop  thy  falling."  E.  Fitzgerald. 

"  Hifz-i-shah  bayad  chunan  k'az  astan-i-u  'abur 
Dar  zamlr-i-banda'e  wa  azad  natawanad  eruzasht ; 
Dar  harim  hurmat  Izzash  ki  sar-i-daulat  ast 
Murgh  natawanad  parid,  wa  bad  natawanad  gruzasht." 

Jami,  Biharistan. 


122  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  The  Shah  is  to  be  so  guarded,  that  to  overstep  his  threshold 
Must  not  enter  the  head  of  a  slave  or  a  freedman ; 
To  the  sanctuary  of  his  honour  which  is  the  seat  of  dominion 
No  bird  can  fly,  no  wind  can  penetrate."  (Rehatsek). 

"  Hijab-i-chihra'e  jan  mi  shawad.  ghubar-i-tanam 
Khusha  dame  ki  az  in  chihra  parda  bar  fikanam 
Chunin  qafas  na  sazai  chu  man  khushilhanist 
Rawam  bagulistan-i-Ridhwan  ki  murgh-i-an  cbamanam." 

Hafiz  Ode,  385. 

*'  The  dust  of  my  corporeal  frame  has  my  spirit's  features  veiled, 

That  veil  removed  which  hides  that  face,  what  delight  shall  then  be 

hailed  ! 
A  songster  of  my  own  sweet  strain  ill  befits  this  cage's  tie 
Fain  to  Rizvan's  parterre  I'd  soar,  for  yon  meadow's  bird  am  I." 

(Bicknell). 

"  Hikmat  talab  wa  buztirgi  amuz 
Ta  bih  grardad  ruzat  az  ruz."  Anwak-i-Suheili. 

"  Seek  wisdom,  study  greatness  that  men  aye 
May  note  thy  morrow  happier  than  to-day. " 

(Eastwick). 

"  Hiramat  darvrisb  chu  hamrah  sha^vad 
Khwajah  za  asrar-i-dil  agah  shawad ; 
Har  ki  za  ma'na  khabre  yaftast 
Az  dil  sahib-i-nazare  yaftast."  An\v.\r-i-Suheili. 

"  With  whom  the  blessings  of  the  pious  go. 
He  learns  the  secrets  of  the  heart  to  know  ; 
Whoe'er  have  fathomed  wisdom's  mysteries 
Have  learned  them  through  the  teaching  of  the  wise." 

Eastwick. 

"  Hln  bidih,  ey  zagh,  jan  wa  baz  bash, 
Pish  tabdil  khuda  jan-baz  bash  ; 
Taza  me  glr,  wa  kuhan  ra  me  sipar, 
Ki  har  imsalat  fazunast  az  sih  bar."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

*'  Ah  !  O  crow,  give  up  this  life  and  live  anew  ! 
In  view  of  God's  changes  cast  away  your  life  ! 
Choose  the  new,  give  up  the  old. 
For  each  single  present  year  is  better  than  three  past." 

(Whinkield). 

"  Hin  makun  khud-ra  khasi  rahban  mashu 
Z'an  ki  'iflBat  shahwat  ra  grirau ; 
Bi  haw^a,  nahi  az  haw^a  mumkin  na  bud 
Ham  ghaza  ba  murdagan  nataw^an  namud."         Jalaluddin  Rumi. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  123 

"  Ah  !  make  not  thyself  a  eunuch,  become  not  a  monk, 
Because  chastity  is  mortgaged  to  lust. 
Without  lust,  denial  of  luswis  impossible, 
No  man  can  display  bravery  against  the  dead."    Whinfield. 

"  Hin  subh  damid  wa  daman-i-shab  shud  cbak 
Barkhlz  wa  sabuh  kun  chira'i  erhamnak. 
Mi-nush,  dila,  ki  subh  bisyar  damad 
U  rue  ba  ma  karda  wa  ma  rue  bakhak."  Omak  Khavyam. 

"  See  !  the  dawn  breaks  and  rends  night's  canopy  ; 
Arise !  and  drain  a  morning  draught  with  me  ! 
Away  with  gloom  !  full  many  a  dawn  will  break 
Looking  for  us,  and  we  not  here  to  see."  Whinfihld.  . 

"  Hirs  ast  ki  Jumla  ra  ba  dam  andazad 
Wa  andar  talab-i-mal  haram  andazad 
Hirs  ast  ki  jumla  khalq  ra  za  asaish 
Baz  arad  wa  dar  ranj-i-mudam  andazad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

*•  'Tis  greed  which  doth  enmesh  all  living  ;  greed 
That  makes  us  follow  most  unrighteous  gain  ; 
Greed  robs  all  creatures  of  the  rest  they  need 
And  steeps  their  being  in  perpetual  pain."         Eastvvick. 

"  Hushyar-i-huztir  wa  mast-i-grhurur 
Bahr-i-1»uhid  wa  grharqa'e  gunahem, 
Ganj  dar  astin  wa  klsa  tihi 
Jam-i-eritinuma  wa  kbak-i-rahim."  Hai  iz,  Ode,  418. 

"  Meek  in  the  Presence,  with  conceit  we're  drunk. 
Seas  of  the  unity,  in  sin  we're  sunk  ; 
With  treasure  in  our  sleeves,  with  empty  purse, 
We,  though  road -dust,  reflect  the  universe."        (Bicknell). 

•*  Hubbu  'salamati  yathni  'azma  sahibihi 
'Ani  'Ima'ali  w^a  yuprhri  Imara  bi'Ikasali ; 
Fa'in  janahta  ilaiha  fa'ttakhidh  nafaqan 
Pi'lardhi  au  sullaman  fl  'Ijawwi  Tatazili 
Wa  d'a  ghimara  'I'vila  lilmuqqadimin  'ala 
Bukubiha  wa'qtan'i  minhunna  bi'lbalali."  Tughrai. 

"  Ah  Selim  !  shall  the  spells  of  ease 
Thy  friendship  chain,  thine  ardour  freeze 
Wilt  thou,  exhausted  thus  decline 
Each  gen'rous  thought,  each  bold  design  ? 
Then  far  from  men  some  cell  prepare 
Or  build  a  mansion  in  the  air — 
But  yield  to  those  ambition's  tide 
Who  fearless  on  its  waves  can  ride, 
Enough  for  thee,  if  thou  receive 
The  scattered  spray  the  billows  leave."    J.  D.  Carlylbc 


124  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Hujjatash  in  ast  wa  gxiyad  har  dame 
Gar  budi  chize  digar,  man  didame, 
Gar  nabinad  kudake  ahwal  aql 
Aqile  hargiz  kunad  az  aql  naql 
War  nabinad  aqile  ahwal-i-ishq 
Kara  na  ^ardad  mah  niku  fal  ishq."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  His  argument  is  this  ;  he  says  again  and  again 

'  If  there  were  aught  beyond  this  life,  we  should  see  it.' 

But  if  the  child  sees  not  the  state  of  reason. 

Does  the  man  of  reason  therefore  forsake  reason  ? 

And  if  the  man  of  reason  sees  not  the  state  of  love 

Is  the  blessed  moon  of  love  thereby  eclipsed?  "      Whinfield. 

"  Hujum-i-nafs  wa  hawa  k'az  sipah-i-shaitanand 
Chu  zur  bar  dil  mard-i-khuda-parast  aurad, 
Bi  juz  junud  hikayat  rabnumayan-ra 
Chi  tab  an  gah  bar  an  rahzanan  shikast  arad." 

Jami  Beharistan,  chap.  i. 

"  When  passion  and  lust  which  are  combatants  for  Satan 
Assail  the  heart  of  a  God-fearing  man, 
Only  the  armies  of  maxims  of  directors 
By  their  power  defeat  those  highway  robbers."      (Rehatsek). 

"  Hukama  gufta  and  'alamat  ahmaqi  panj  chiz  ast,  awwal  talab- 
i-manfa'at-i-khwlsh  dar  mazzarat-i-digaran  kardan,  duyam  sawab- 
i-akhirat  bi  riyazat  -wa  ibadat  chashm  dashtan,  siyum  ba  durusht 
grui  wa  tund  khui  ba  zanan  ishqbazi  namudan,  charam  ba  tan  asani 
wa  rahat  daqqaiq-i-'ulum  danistan,  panjam  bi  w^afadari  w^a  ralyat 
baqquq  yari  tawaqq'i  dusti  az  mardum  namudan." 

An\var-i-Suheili. 

"  Sages  have  said  :  '  five  things  are  marks  of  folly  :  first,  to  seek  one's 
own  advantage  by  injuring  others  ;  secondly,  to  look  for  the  rewards  of  the 
future  life  without  mortifying  the  flesh  and  piety  ;  thirdly,  to  make  love  to 
women  with  rough  language  and  ill  temper  ;  fourthly,  to  expect  to  learn 
the  niceties  of  science  in  slothful  indulgence  and  ease  ;  fifthly,  to  expect 
friendship  from  men  without  being  faithful  and  observing  the  duties  of  a 
friend."  Eastwick. 

"  Hukm-i-Sultan  ba  shan-i-atish  w^a  ab 
Dar  dame  'alame  kharab  kunad, 
Pas  chunin  hukmra  raw^a  na  bud, 
Ki  shah  az  rue  iztirab  kunad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Like  a  fierce  fire  or  a  raging  ocean 

Commands  of  monarchs  may  destroy  a  world  ; 

It  fits  not  then  in  times  of  wild  emotion 

The  thunders  of  their  will  be  round  them  hurled." 

Eastwick. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  12$ 

'  Hutna'e  chun  tu  aliqadr  hlrs-1-ustukhan  bakti  ? 
Darlgh  an  saya'e  himmat  kl  ba  murdar  afgrhandl  I " 

Anwar-i-Suiieili. 

"  Can  a  phoenix  such  as  thou  condescend  to  carrion  ? 

Fie  !  that  such  a  glorious  shadow  o'er  a  carcase  should  be  thrown." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Humai  bar  hama  murgrhan  az  an  sharaf  darad 
Kl  ustukhwan  khurad  wa  ta'ire  niazarad."  Gui.istan,  chap.  i. 

"  The  Huma  (Phoenix)  is  for  this  of  liirds  the  king 
It  feeds  on  bones  and  hurts  no  living  thing."     (Eastwick). 

"Hunar  chashma'e  za3rlnda  ast  wa  aaulat-i-payinda,  wa  agrar 
hunarmand  az  daulat  biuftad  gham  nabashad,  kl  hunar  dar  nafs-i- 
khud  datQatast."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  Knowledge  is  an  ever-springing  fountain,  and  a  source  of  enduring 
wealth,  and  if  an  accomplished  person  ceases  to  be  wealthy  it  matters  not, 
for  his  knowledge  is  wealth  existing  in  his  mind  itself."        (Eastwick). 

"  Hunar  chu  mushk  buwad,  ag'ar  nlhan  manad, 
Za  falz  raiha'e  u  mashanu'a  khabar  ast."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

*'  Like  musk  is  moral  worth  ;  from  sight  concealed, 
'Tis  by  its  odour  to  the  sense  revealed."  Eastwick. 

"  Huneu-  na  ml-kharad  ayyam  z'an  shlkasta  dilam 
Kuja  rawam  ba  tajarat  badin  kasad  naita'."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

•'  These  times  refuse  to  purchase  merit,  therefore  breaks  my  heart. 
For  gear  then  so  unvalued  where  shall  I  go  seek  a  mart  r' 

Eastwick. 

"  Hunarwar  chunin  zindaganl  kunad 
Jafa  binad  wa  mibrbani  kiinad."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  4. 

"  The  skilful  one  possesses  life  in  this  way, 

He  suffers  violence  and  exercises  kindness."     (Clarke). 

"  Husni-in  nazm  az  bayan  mustagrhnist, 
Ba  furugrh-i-khur  kase  juyad  dalil  ? 
Aftin  bar  kilki  naqqashi  kl  dad 
Bikrl  m'ana  ra  chunin  husni  Jamil. 
Kas  niyarad  gutt  ramzi  z'in  namat 
Kas  nadanad  suft  durri  z'in  qabil."  Hafiz. 

' '  The  beauty  of  these  verses  baffles  praise 
What  guide  is  needed  to  the  solar  blaze  ? 
Extol  that  artist  by  whose  pencil's  aid 
The  virgin  Thought  so  richly  is  arrayed  ; 
By  me  as  by  none  else  are  secrets  sung. 
No  pearls  of  poesy  like  mine  are  strung."       Bicknell. 


126  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Husn-i-mah-ra  ba  tu  sanjidam  bi-mizan-i-kiyas 
Palle-i-mah  bar  falak  shud,  u  tu  mandi  bar  zamin."  (Rasikh). 

"  I  weighed  thy  beauty  against  that  of  the  moon  in  the  balance  of  my 
judgment  : 
The  scale  containing  the  moon  flew  up  to  heaven,  and  thou  were  left  on 
the  earth."  (E.  G.  Browne). 

"  Husnu  dhanika  bi'l'ayyami  m'ajazatun 
Fadhunna  sharran  -wra  kun  minha  'ala  w^ajali 
Ghadha  'lAvafa'u  -wa  fadha  'Ighadru  w'anfajarat 
Masafatu  'ikhulfl  baina  'Iqauli  ■wa'l'amali."  Tughrai. 

"  Too  long  my  foolish  heart  had  deemed 
Mankind  as  virtuous  as  they  seemed  ; 
The  spell  is  broke,  their  faults  are  bare, 
And  now  I  see  them  as  they  are, 
Incredulous,  I  listen  now 
To  every  tongue  and  every  vow, 
P'or  still  there  yawns  a  gulf  between 
Those  honied  words  and  what  they  mean." 

J.  D.  Carlyle. 

"  Huwa  'Uadhi  ja'ala  'shshamsa  dhiy'an  ■wa'lqamara  nuran  wa 
qaddarahu  manazila  litalamu  'adada'  ssinina  wa'  Ihisaba,  ma 
khalaqa  'Uahu  dhalika  ilia  bl'lhaqqi  yufassilu  'layati  liqaumin 
ya'lamun."  Koran,  chap.  lo. 

"  It  is  He  who  hath  appointed  the  sun  for  brightness  and  the  moon  for 
a  light,  and  hath  ordained  her  stations  that  ye  may  learn  the  number  of 
years  and  the  reckoning  of  time.  God  hath  not  created  all  this  but  for  the 
truth.     He  maketh  His  signs  clear  to  those  who  understand." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Huwa  'lladhi  'arsala  rasulahu  bi'lhuda  wa  dini  'Ihaqqi  liudhirahu 
ala  'ddini  kuUihl  w^a  lau  kariha  'Imushriqin."  Koran,  chap.  6i. 

"  He  it  is  who  hath  sent  His  apostle  with  guidance  and  the  religion  of 
truth,  that,  though  they  detest  it  who  join  other  gods  with  God,  He  may 
make  it  victorious  over  every  other  religion."  (Rodwell). 

"  Huwa  'Uadhi  madda  'I'ardba  w^a  ja'ala  flha  rawasia  w^a  'anharan 
wa  min  kuUi  'ththamarat  ja'ala  flha  zaujainl  'thanaini  yughshl 
'llaila  'nnahara  'inna  fl  dhalika  I'ayatin  liqaumin  yatafakkarun." 

Koran,  chap.  13. 

"  He  it  is  who  hath  outstretched  the  earth  and  placed  on  it  the  firm 
mountains  and  rivers  ;  and  of  every  fruit  He  hath  placed  on  it  two  kinds : 
He  causeth  the  night  to  enshroud  the  day.  Verily  in  this  are  signs  for 
those  who  reflect."  '  (Rodwell). 

"  Huwa  'Uadhi  yurikumu  'Ibarqa  khaufan  wa  tama'an  wa 
jrunshi'u  'ssahaba  'ththiqal."  Koran,  chap.  13. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  127 

"  He  it  is  who  maketh  the  lightning  to  shine  anto  you  for  fear,  and  for 
hope  of  rain,  and  who  bringeth  up  the  laden  clouds."  (Rodwell). 

"  Huziiri  e&r  hami  khwahi,  az  u  erhaib  ma  shu,  Haflz, 
Mata  ma  talqa  man  tahwa,  d'ai  'ddunya  wa  ahmllha." 

Hafiz  Ode,  i. 
"  If  joy  by  thy  desire,  O  Hafiz, 
From  Plim  far  distant  never  dwell ; 
'  As  soon  as  thou  hast  found  thy  loved  one, 
Bid  to  the  world  a  last  farewell."  (BiCKNELL). 

"  Idfa  "b'tllati  hia  'ahsanu  faldha  lladhi  bainaka  wa  balnahu 
'adawatun  ka'annahu  wahisryun  hamlm."  Kokan,  chap.  41. 

•'  Turn  away  evil  by  what  is  better,  and  lo  !  he  between  whom  and 
thyself  was  enmity  shall  be  as  though  he  were  a  warm  friend." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Idh  'akhadha  rabbuka  min  bani  Adama  min  dhuhixrihim  dhur 
riyyatahum  wa  'ashhadahiim  ala  'anfusihlzn  'alastu  birabbikum 
qalu  bala."  Koran,  chap.  7.    v' •  '7' 

*'  When  thy  Lord  brought  forth  their  descendants  from  the  reins  of  the  ^ 
sons  of  Adam,  and  took  them  to  witness  against  themselves,  '  Am  I  not '  ^^ 
said  He  'your  Lord.'    They  said  'Yes.'"  (Rodwell). 

"  Idha  balaghati  'ttaraqia,  wa  qila  man  raqin,  wa  dhanna  'annahu 
'Iflraq,  wa'ltafifati  'ssaqu  bi  'ssaqi,  ila  rabbika  yanmaldhin  'Imasaq." 

Koran,  chap.  75. 

"  When  the  soul  shall  come  up  to  the  breast-bone,  and  there  shall  be  a 
cry  'Who  is  the  magician  to  restore  him?'  and  the  man  feeleth  that  the 
time  of  his  departure  is  come,  and  when  one  leg  shall  be  enlaced  with  the 
other,  to  thy  Lord  on  that  day  shall  he  be  driven  on."  (Rodwell). 

"  Idha  'ftakara  'lyahudisryu  nadhara  fl  hisabihi  'I'atiq." 

Arab  Proverb. 

"  When  the  Jew  grows  poor,  he  looks  into  his  old  accounts." 

D.  Stewarp. 

"  '  Idha  jai  nasru  'Uahi  wa  'Ifathu,  wa  ra'aita  'nnasa  yadkhuluna 
fl  dini  'llahi  'afwajan,  fasibbih  bihamdi  rabbika  w'astag-hfirhu, 
'innahu  kana  tawaba."  Koran,  chap.  no. 

"  When  the  help  of  God  and  the  victory  arrive,  and  thou  seest  men 
entering  the  religion  of  God  by  troops  ;  then  utter  the  praise  of  thy  Lord, 
and  implore  His  pardon  ;  verily  He  loveth  to  turn  in  mercy." 

(Rodwell). 
"  Idha  shabi'a  'Ikamijryu  yasulu  batshan 

Wa  khawi  'Ibatni  yabtushu  bi'lflrari."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  The  well-fed  warrior  will  with  ardour  fight. 
The  starved  will  be  as  ardent  in  his  flight."     (Eastwick). 


128  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  'Idha  'shshamsu  kuwwirat,  wa'idha  'nnujumu  'nkadarat, 
waldha  'Ijibalu  suyyirat,  waldha  'I'isharu  "uttilat,  wa'idha 
'Iwuhushu  hushirat,  wa'idha  'Ibiharu  sujjirat,  wa'idha  'nnufusu 
zuwwljat,  wa  idha  I'mauudatu  su'ilat  biayya  dhambin  qutilat, 
wa'idha  'ssuhufu  nushirat  wa'idha  'ssama'u  kushitat  wa'idha 
'Ijahimu  su'irat,  w^a'idha  'Ijannatu  'uzlifat,  'alimat  nafsun  ma 
'ahdharat."  Koran,  chap.  8i. 

"  When  the  sun  shall  be  folded  up,  and  when  the  stars  shall  shoot 
downwards,  and  when  the  mountains  shall  be  set  in  motion,  and  when  the 
camels  ten  months  gone  with  foal  shall  be  abandoned,  and  when  the  wild 
beasts  shall  be  gathered  together,  and  when  the  seas  shall  be  swollen,  and 
when  souls  shall  be  paired  with  their  bodies,  and  when  the  damsel  that 
had  been  buried  alive  shall  be  asked  for  what  crime  she  was  put  to  death, 
and  when  the  leaves  of  the  Book  shall  be  unrolled,  and  when  the  heaven 
shall  be  stripped  away,  and  when  hell  shall  be  made  to  blaze,  and  when 
Paradise  shall  be  brought  near,  every  soul  shall  know  what  it  hath 
produced."  (Rodweli,). 

"  'Idha  zulzilati  'I'ardhu  zilzalaha  wa'akhrajati  'I'ardhu  'asqalaha 
w^a  qala  'I'insanu  ma  laha  yaumaidhin  tuhaddithu  'akhbaraha 
bi'anna  rabbaka  'auha  laha."  Koran,  chap.  99. 

"  When  the  earth  with  her  quaking  shall  quake  and  the  earth  shall  cast 
forth  her  burdens,  and  man  shall  say  'what  aileth  her?'  On  that  day 
shall  she  tell  out  her  tidings  because  thy  Lord  shall  have  inspired  her." 

(Rodw^ell). 

"  'Ilaj  waqi'a  pish  az  wuqu  'bayad  kard, 
Darigh  sud  na  darad  chu  raft  kar  az  dast."  Anwar-i-Suheh.i. 

"  Think  of  the  cure  before  the  thing  occurs 

He  grieves  in  vain  who  till  'tis  past  defers."      Eastwick. 

"  Ilamu  'annama  'Ihayatu  'ddunya  la'ibun  wa  lahwun  wa  zinatun 
wa  tafakharun  bainakum  w^a  takatharun  fi'Iamw^ali  wa'lauladi 
kamathali  ghaisin  a'jaba  'Ikuffara  nabatuhu  thumma  yahhiju 
fatarahu  musfaran  thumma  yakunu  hutaman."  Koran,  chap.  57. 

"  Know  ye  that  this  world's  life  is  only  a  sport  and  pastime  and  show, 
and  a  cause  of  vainglory  among  you.  And  the  multiplying  of  riches  and 
children  is  like  the  plants  which  spring  up  after  rain,  whose  growth 
rejoiceth  the  husbandman  ;  then  they  wither  away  and  thou  seest  them  all 
yellow  ;  then  they  become  stubble."  (Rodweli.). 

"  'Il'aqi  'I'asala  wa  la  tasal."  Maqamat  of  Hariri,  (44). 

"  Lick  up  the  honey  and  ask  no  questions." 

Steingass. 

"  Ilm  bi  amal  chu  mum  bi  'asal."  Anwar-i-Suheih. 

"  Learning  without  practice  is  like  wax  without  honey." 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  129 

"  Imruz  dar  an  kush  ki  blna  bashi 
Hairan-1-JamaI-l-an  dilara  bashl, 
Sharmat  bada  chu  kudakan  dar  shab-i-ld 
Ta  chand  dar  intizar-1-farda  bashi  ?  "  Akhlak-i-Jalali. 

'•  To-day  aspire  to  this  that  thou  may'st  obtain  sight 
That  thou  may'st  be  enraptured  with  the  charms  of  the  beloved  object. 
Shame  on  thee  !     How  long  like  children  on  the  eve  of  a  festival 
Wilt  thou  still  fondly  anticipate  the  morrow?"    (Asiatic  Journal), 

"  Inda  hububi  'nnashiratl  *ala  'Ihlma 
Tamilu  grhusvinu  'Ibani,  la'lhajaru  'ssaladu." 

"  When  the  scattering  winds  blow  over  the  meadows 
The  branches  of  the  ben-tree  bend,  not  the  hard  rock." 

GULISTAN,  chap.  2. 

"  'Indahu  mafatihu  'Igrhaibi  la  ya'lamuha  ilia  huwa  wa  y'alamu 
ma  fi'lbarri  wa  'Ibahri  wa  ma  tasqutu  min  waraqatin  ilia  yalamuha 
wa  la  habbatin  fi  dhvilmati  'I'ardhi  wa  la  ratbin  wa  la  yabisln  ilia  fl 
kitabin  mubin."  Koran,  chap.  6. 

"  With  Him  are  the  keys  of  the  secret  things ;  none  knoweth  them  but 
He  :  and  He  knoweth  whatever  is  on  the  land  and  in  the  sea,  and  no  leaf 
falleth  but  He  knoweth  it ;  neither  is  there  a  grain  in  the  darknesses  of  the 
earth  nor  a  thing  green  or  sere  but  it  is  noted  in  the  perspicuous  Book." 

(Rodwell). 
"  In  daira'e  jahan  chu  angushtarist 
Bi  hich  shake  naqsh-i-naginash  ma  em."  Omar  Khawam. 

"  This  circle  of  the  universe  resembles  a  ring, 

Unquestionably  we  are  the  signet  engraved  on  its  bezel." 

(Nicholson). 
"  In  hama  hich  ast  chun  mi  bugrzarad 
Bakht  wa  takht  wa  amr  wa  nahi  wa  gir  wa  dar 
Nam-i-nik-rafbagran  za'i  makun 
Ta  bamanad  nam  nikat  bar  qarar."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  These  are  no  more  than  trifles  swiftly  sped, 
Fortune  and  throne,  command  and  conquest — all. 
Destroy  not  thou  the  good  name  of  the  dead 
That  thy  fame,  too,  may  last  and  never  fail."     (Eastwick). 

"  In  hukm  wa  grhurur  wa  khashm  ta  chand 
Hast  SLZ  tu  bvizurertar  khudawand, 
Ey  khwaja'e  Arslan  w^a  Agrhush 
Farman-dih-i-khud  ma  kun  faramush."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

*'  Soon  must  thou  anger,  rule,  and  pride  resign 
There  is  a  Lord  whose  sway  surpasses  thine 
Thou'rt  master  of  Arslan  *  and  Aghush  *  yet 
Beware,  lest  thine  own  master  thou  forget."      Eastwick. 

*  Names  of  slaves. 


I30  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  In  huwa  ilia  wahiun  yuha  allamahu  shadidu  'Iquwa  dhu  mirratin 
fa'stawa  wa  huwa  bilu'fuki  Tala,  thumma  dana  fatadalla,  fakana 
qaba  qausaini  au  'adna,  fa'auha  ila  'abdihi  ma  'auha." 

Koran,  chap.  53. 

"  Verily  the  Koran  is  no  other  than  a  revelation  revealed  to  him  ;  one 
terrible  in  power  taught  it  him,  endued  with  understanding.  With  even 
balance  stood  he,  and  he  was  in  the  highest  point  of  the  horizon ;  then 
came  he  nearer  and  approached  closely,  and  was  at  the  distance  of  two 
bows  or  even  closer,  and  he  revealed  to  his  servant  what  he  revealed." 

(Rodwell). 

*'  In  jahan  ba  misal  mur  dar  ast 
Gargasan  gird-i-u  hazar  hazar 
In  mar  anra  hamizanand  mukhallab 
An  mar  inra  hamizanand  minqar. 
Akhiru  Tamr  bar  parand  hama 
Wa  za  hama  baz  manad  in  murdar."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  The  world  is  to  a  carrion-carcase  like 

Round  which  a  myriad  vultures  without  pause 
A  contest  wage.     The-e  with  their  talons  strike 
Those  who  in  turn  wound  them  with  beak  and  claws 
At  length  they  spread  their  wings  and  soaring  quit 
Their  evil  prey,  nor  can  they  taste  or  come  near  it." 

Eastwick. 

"  In  jahan  kuhast  wa  fi'1-i-ma  nida 
Sue  ma  ayad  nidaha  ra  sada ; 
Garchi  diwar  afganad  saya'e  daraz 
Baz  gardad  sue  u  an  saya  baz."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  The  world  a  hill  is  and  our  acts  a  shout 
And  back  the  hill  to  us  the  echo  spurns 
Though  long  the  shadow  that  a  wall  throws  out, 
That  shadow  dwindling  to  the  wall  returns."       Eastwick, 

In  jam'a-i-akabir  ki  manasab  darand 

Az  ghussa  wa  gham  za  jan-i-khud  bizarand 

"Wa  ankas  ki  asir-i-hirs  chun  ishan  nest 

"Wa  in  tarfa  ki  admish  mi  nashumarand."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Strange  !  the  great  lord,  the  wealthy  citizen 
Find  their  own  lives  a  burden  sore,  but  when 
They  meet  with  poorer  men,  not  slaves  to  sense. 
They  scarcely  deign  to  reckon  them  as  men." 

(Whinfield). 

"  In  kana  lirrahmani  waladun,  fa'ana  'a-wrwalu  Tabidin." 

Koran,  chap.  43. 

"  If  the  God  of  mercy  had  a  son,  the  first  then  would  I  be  to  worship 
him."  (Rodwell). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  131 

"  In  kl  mibinam  ba  be  dar  ast,  ya  rabb,  ya  bakhwab, 
Kh  wish  tan  ra  dar  chunin  ni'mat  pas  az  chandin  'azab." 

An\vak-i-Suheill 

"  In  slumber  see  I  this  my  God,  or  with  my  waking  eyes 
Myself  in  plenty  such  as  this  after  such  agonies  ?  " 

Eastwick. 

"  In  malialla  wa  in  martahala,  wa  Inna  fl  'ssafarl  idh  madhu  mahala 
Astathara  'Uahu  bi  'Iwafa  wa  b'il'adU  wa  wala  'Imalamata  'rrajala." 

Auu'i.  Ai.A. 

"  Truly  there  is  a  time  for  resting  and  a  time  for  travelling,  and  a  time 
for  the  traveller  to  linger.  God  has  claimed  for  himself  justice  and 
faithfulness  and  assigned  the  blame  to  man."  U.  S.  Margoliouth. 

"  'Inna  'anzalnahu  fl  lailati  'Iqadri,  wa  ma  'adraka  ma  lailatu 
Iqadri,  lailatu  'Iqadri  khairun  min  'alfl  shahrin,  tanazzalu  'Imala- 
Ikatu  wa'rruhu  flha  bildbnin  rabbihim  min  kulli  'amrin,  salamun 
hia  hatta  matla'i  'Ifajri."  Kokan,  ch.np.  97.    I—  5"^ 

"  Verily  we  have  caused  It  to  descend  on  the  night  of  power,  and  what 
shall  teach  thee  what  the  night  of  power  is?     The  night  of  power  is  better  V 
than  a  thousand  months.     Therein  descend  the  angels  and  the  Spirit  by 
permission  of  their  Lord  for  every  matter ;  all  is  peace  until  the  breaking 
of  the  morn."  (Rod well). 

"  Inna  'aradhna  'I'amanata  ala  'ssamawati  wa'l'ardlii  waljibali 
fa'abaina  'an  yahmilnaha  wa  'ashfaqna  minha  Asra  hamalaha 
llnsanu  innahu  kana  dbalvmian  jahulan."  Koran,  chap.  33. 

"  Verily  we  proposed  to  the  heavens  and  to  the  earth  and  to  the 
mountains  to  receive  the  Faith,  but  they  refused  the  burden  and  they  were 
afraid  of  it.     But  man  undertook  to  bear  it  for  he  is  unjust,  senseless." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Inna  'ash'tira  baitin  anta  qa'iluhu, 
Baitun  yuqalu,  idha  'anshadtahu,  Sadaqa."  Zuhair. 

*'  Of  all  the  verses  which  thou  hast  made,  the  fairest  in  praise  is  that 
whereof,  when  they  hear  men  say  'Yea,  that  is  the  truth.'" 

(C.  J.  Lyall). 

"  'Inna  bilshlbi  'Uadbi  duna  Sal'in  laqatilan  damuhu  ma  utallu 
KhalafGa,  'Hb'a  'alajrya  'ana  bi  'lib'a  lahu  mustaqillu." 

Ta'abbata  Sharran. 

"  In  the  cleft  of  the  rocks  below  Sal'  is  lying 
One  slain  whose  blood  drips  not  without  vengeance 
He  left  the  burden  to  me  and  departed 
And  I  take  up  the  load  lightly  and  bear  it."       C.  J.  Lyall. 


132  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Inna  'dhdhanna  la  yughni  mina  'Ihaqqi  shaian."       Koran,  chap.  53, 
"  Truly  mere  conceit  can  profit  nothing  against  the  truth." 

(RODWEIX). 

"  Inna  khalaqnakum  min  dhakarin  wa  'untha  wa  ja'alnakum 
shu'uban  w^a  qaba'ila  lita'arafu  'inna  'akramakum  'inda  'Uahi  'atqa- 
kvun."  Koran,  chap.  49. 

"  Verily  we  have  created  you  of  a  male  and  of  a  female,  and  we  have 
divided  you  into  peoples  and  tribes,  that  ye  might  take  knowledge  one  of 
another.  Truly  the  most  worthy  of  honour  in  the  sight  of  God  is  he  who 
feareth  Him  most."  Rodwell. 

"  Inna  khulasata  'Ijauhari  tadharu  bi  'ssabki,  wa  yadu  'Ihaqqi 
tasd'au  rida'a  'shshakki."  Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  2. 

"  Truly  the  purity  of  the  gem  is  shown  by  the  testing,  and  the  hand  of 
truth  rends  the  cloak  of  doubt."  Cheneky. 

"  Inna  'I'insana  khuliqa  halu'an,  idha  massahu  'shsharru  jazu'an, 
■wa'  idba  massahu  'Ikhairu  manu'an."  Koran,  chap.  70. 

"  Man  truly  is  by  creation,  hasty;  when  evil  befalleth  him,  impatient ; 
but  when  good  falleth  to  his  lot,  tenacious,"  (Rodwell). 

"  Inna  'Uaha  la  yughaj^ru  ma  biqaumin  hatta  ynghayyiru  ma  bi 
anfusihim  wa  idha  'aradha  'llahu  biqaumin  su'an  fa  la  maradda 
lahu  wa  la  lahum  min  dunihi  min  w^al."  Koran,  chap.  13. 

"  Verily  God  doth  not  change  His  gifts  to  a  people  till  they  change 
what  is  in  themselves  ;  and  when  God  willeth  evil  to  a  people,  there  is 
none  can  turn  it  away  nor  have  they  any  protector  beside  Him." 

Rodwell. 

"  Inna  'llaha  yahulu  baina  'Imar'a  w^a  qalbihi."  Koran,  chap.  7. 

"  God  Cometh  in  between  a  man  and  his  own  heart." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Inna  'Uaha  yuhibbu  'lladhina  yuqatiluna  fl  sabilihi  saffan  ka'an- 
nahum  bunyanun  marsusun."  Koran,  chap.  61. 

"  Verily  God  loveth  those  who,  as  though  they  were  a  solid  building,  do 
battle  for  his  cause  in  serried  lines."  (Rodwell). 

"  Innama  auladuna  bainana  'akbaduna  tamshi  'ala  I'ardhi 
Lau  habbati  'rrihu  ala  b'adhihim  I'amtan'aat  mina  'Ighamdi." 

Hittan. 
*'  Nay  but  our  children  in  our  midst  what  else 
But  our  hearts  are  they,  walking  on  ihe  ground  ? 
If  but  the  breeze  blow  harsh  on  one  of  them. 
Mine  eye  says  no  to  slumber  all  night  long."      C.  J.  Lyall. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  133 

"  Innama  'Imu'minuna  'ikhwatun  fa'aslihu  baina  'akhawaikum 
wattaqu'llaha  la'allakum  turhamun."  Koran,  cbnp.  49. 

"  The  faithful  are  brethren ;  wherefore  make  peace  lictween  your 
brethren  and  fear  God  ;  haply  ye  may  obtain  mercy."  (Rodwkll). 

"  Innama  qauluna  llshaian  idha  'arad^inahu  'an  naqula  lahu  kun  ^^ 

fayakun."  Koran,  chap.  j6.      ^ 

••  Our  word  to  a  thing  when  we  will  it,  is  but  to  say  '  Be '  and  it  is." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Innama  sahibu  'dirhamaini  ghanniyun  'inda  sahibi  'dirhami  wa 
lafteusu  eishamma  fl  takhiyali  'I'akshaml."  Abu'l  Ala. 

"  A  man  with  two  dirhems  is  rich  in  the  eyes  of  him  who  has  only  one, 
and  a  snub-nosed  man  aquiline  as  compared  with  him  who  has  no  nose 
at  all."  D.  S.  Margoliouth. 

"  Innama  yahfadhu  'ttuqa  'I'abrar, 
Wa  lla  'Uahi  yastaqirru  'Iqararu 
Wa  ila  'llahi  tuija'xuia  wa  inda  'llahi  wlrdu  'lumurl  wa  'Hsdaru." 

DnvAN  OF  Lebid. 

"  Yea,  the  righteous  shall  keep  the  way  of  the  righteous 
And  to  God  turn  the  steps  of  all  that  abideth. 
And  to  God  ye  return,  ye  too  :  with  Him  only 
Rest  the  issues  of  things  and  all  that  they  gather." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 

'  Innama  yutajamilu  inda  'rgharibi,  la  'Iqaribi,  w'al  sahibu  'Iwad 
'tilbadi,  dun  sahibu  'Iwada  'I'abadi."  Abu'l  Ala. 

"  We  only  put  on  airs  before  strangers,  not  before  relations,  and  before 
new  friends,  not  before  those  of  old  standing."       D.  S.  MargoliOUTH. 

•'  Inna  qusara  maskani  'Ihayy  hufratun 
Sayanziluha  mustanzalan  'an  qibabihi ; 
Fawahan  li'abdin  sa'hu  sa'u  f 'ilihi, 
Wa  'abda  'ttalafi  qabla  'ighlaqi  babihi."       Maqamat  of  Hariri  (21). 

"  The  end  of  the  dwelling  of  the  living  is  a  pit,  to  which  he  shall  descend 
brought  down  from  his  towers. 
Then  well-done  !  the  servant  whom  the  evil  of  his  deed  grieves  and  who 
shows  amendment  before  the  shutting  of  his  gate."     (Chenery). 

"  Inna  safaha  shsheikhi  la  hilma  b'aduhu 
Wainna  'Ifata  b'ada  'ssafahati  yahltmii."       Muallakah  of  Zuhair. 

"  If  a  man  be  old  and  a  fool  his  folly  is  past  all  cure, 
But  a  young  man  may  yet  grow  wise  and  cast  off  his  foolishness." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 


134  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Inna  'ttibra  fl  Irqi  'ththara  khafln  'ila  'an  yustathara  binabshihi 
Wa  fadhilatu  'ddinari  yadharu  sirruha  min  hakkihi  la  min  mala- 
hiti  naqshihi."  Maqamat  of  Hariri  ('21). 

"  The  pure  gold  in  the  vein  of  the  earth  is  hidden  until  it  is  brought  out 
by  the  digging, 
And  the  worth  of  the  denarius,  its  secret  appears  by  scratching  it  and 
not  from  the  beauty  of  the  engraving."  (Chenery). 

"  Inni  lamustatirun  min  'aini  jirani 
Wa  'llahu  yalamu  israri  wa  i'lani."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  True  I  may  be  from  neighbours'  eyes  concealed 
God  knows  my  acts  both  secret  and  revealed." 

(Eastwick). 

"  In  qaflla'e  umr  'ajab  mi  guzarad, 
Daryab  dame  ki  az  tarab  mi-guzarad 
Saqi  gham-i-farda'e  harifan  che  khuri  ? 
Pish  ar  piyala  ra  ki  shab  mi-guzarad."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Life's  caravan  is  hastening  on  its  way, 
Brood  not  on  troubles  of  the  coming  day, 
But  fill  the  wine-cup  ere  sweet  night  be  gone, 
And  snatch  a  pleasant  moment  while  you  may." 

Whinfield. 

"  '  In  taqtadir,  fa'sfah  fa  la  khaira  fi'mrin 
Idha  'atalaqat  'adhfarahu  bi  'shshawa,  sha'wra." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  47. 

"  Pardon  if  thou  art  strong,  for  no  good  is  in  a  man,  who  needlessly 
wounds,  when  power  of  wounding  is  in  his  grasp."  Steingass. 

"  In  tansuru  'Uaha  yansurkvim  wa  yuthabbit  'aqdamakum." 

Koran,  chap.  47. 

"  If  ye  help  God,  God  will  help  you,  and  will  set  your  feet  firm." 

(Rodwell). 

"  'In  yamsaska  'llahu  bidhiirrin  fala  kashifa  lahu,  ilia  huwa  wa'in 
yuridka  bikhairin  fala  radda  lifadhlihi  yusibu  bihi  man  yashau  min 
Ibadihi."  Koran,  chap.  10. 

"  If  God  lay  the  touch  of  trouble  on  thee,  there  is  none  to  remove  it  but 
He ;  and  if  He  would  confer  good  upon  thee  there  is  none  to  keep  back 
his  bounty ;  He  will  confer  it  on  such  of  His  servants  as  He  chooseth." 

(Rodw'ell). 

"  'Iqra  'b'ismi  rabbika  'lladhi  khalaqa,  khalaqa  'I'insana  min  'alaq, 
•iqra  wa  rabbuka  'I'akramu,  'lladhi  allama  b'ilqalami,  allama  'I'in- 
sana ma  lam  ya'lama."  Koran,  chap.  96.    * 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  135 

•'  Read  !  in  the  name  of  thy  Lord  who  created ;— created  man  from 
clots  of  blood.     Read  !   for  thy  Lord  is  the  most  beneficent,  who  hath  ^ 
taught  the  use  of  the  pen  ;  hath  taught  man  that  which  he  knew  not." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Iqtaraba  linnasl  hlsabuhum  wa  hum  fl  erhaflatin  mu'ridhtin." 

Koran,  chap.  ai. 

"  This  people's  reckoning  draweth  nigh,  yet,  sunk  in  carelessness  they 
turn  aside."  (Rodwell). 

"  Isa,  ruh-i-tu  ba  tu  hazir  ast 
Madad  az  way  khwah  k'u  khush  nasir  a.8t."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Jesus,  thy  spirit,  is  present  beside  thee, 
Ask  aid  of  Him  for  He  is  a  suflficient  helper." 

"  Isa'e  Maryam  bafalak  raft  wa  faru  mand  kharash 
Man  bazamin  mandam  wa  shud  janib-i-bala  dil-i-man." 

Di\van-i-Shams-i-Tabri7, 

"  Jesus,  son  of  Mary,  went  to  heaven  and  his  ass  remained  below, 
I  remain  on  the  earth  but  my  spirit  has  flown  to  the  sky." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Ishq  an  shu'ala  ast  ki  chun  bar  farukht, 
Harkljuzm'ashuq,  baqi  jvimlasukht."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Love  is  that  flame  which,  when  it  is  kindled. 
Devours  everything  except  the  Beloved."     ' 

'  Isbq  ast  dar  asman  paridan 
Sad  parda  bar  bar  nafas  daxldan." 

"  This  is  Love ;  to  fly  heavenward 
To  rend  every  instant  a  hundred  veils."     (Nicholson), 

••  Ishq  burd  bahs-ra,  ey  jan,  wa  bas, 
Ku  za  gruftugu  shawad  faryad-ras ; 
Hairati  ayad  za  ishq  an  nutq-ra 
Zahra  na  buwad  ki  kunad  u  majra 
Lab  ba  bandad  sakht  u  az  khair  wa  sharr 
Ta  mubada  az  dihan  uftad  grauhar."  Jalaluddin  Rumu 

"  Love  of  God  cuts  short  reasonings,  O  beloved. 
For  it  is  a  present  refuge  from  perplexities. 
Through  love  bewilderment  befalls  the  power  of  speech 
It  no  longer  dares  to  utter  what  passes  ; 
Therefore  it  closes  lips  from  saying  good  or  bad 
So  that  its  treasure  may  not  escape  it."  (VVhinfield), 


-136  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Ishqe  ki  hast  t'abi  taba'  wa  hawa'e  nafs 
Khasiyat  taba'  saba'  wa  bahaim  ast."  Jami,  Biharistan,  chap.  5. 

"  The  love  which  follows  nature  and  sensual  appetite 
Is  a  quality  of  the  nature  of  animals  and  beasts  of  prey." 

Rehatsek. 

*'  Ishq  'wa  jan  bar  du  nlhanand  wa  satir 
Gar  'arusash  khwanda  am  'aibi  magir. 
Az  malul  yar  khamush  kardami 
Gar  ham  u  muhlat  badadi  yak  dame. 
Lek  mi  guyad  '  bigu  bin  aib  nist, 
Juz  taqaza-e-qaza-e-ghaib  nist. 
Aib  bashad  k'u  na  binad  juz  ki  aib 
Aib  kai  binad  ru  an  pak  ghaib.' "  Jalaluddin  Ruml 

"  Love  and  mistress  are  both  veiled  and  hidden 
Impute  it  not  as  a  fault  if  I  call  Him  '  Bride.' 
I  would  have  kept  silence  from  fear  of  my  Beloved 
If  He  had  granted  me  but  a  moment's  respite. 
But  He  said,  '  Speak  on,  'tis  no  fault, 
'Tis  naught  but  the  necessary  result  of  the  hidden  decree 
"Tis  a  fault  only  to  him  who  only  sees  faults 
How  can  the  Pure  Hidden  Spirit  notice  faults." 

(Whinfield). 

*'  Ishq  ki  majazi  bud,  abash  na  bud 
Chun  atish-i-min  murda  tabash  na  bud 
Ashiq  bayad  ki  mah  wa  sal  wa  shab  wa  ruz 
Aram  wa  qarar  wa  khurad  wa  khabash  na  bud." 

Omar  Khavvam. 

"  Love  only  surface-deep  is  counterfeit, 

And  like  a  half-spent  blaze,  lacks  life  and  heat ; 
True  love  is  his  who  for  long  months  and  years 
Rests  not,  nor  sleeps,  nor  craves  for  drink  nor  meat." 

Whinfield. 

"Isna'  bi  ma  'anta  lahu  'ahluhu  wa  la  taral  bina  ma  nahnu 
biahlihi."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Do  unto  me  that  which  is  worthy  of  thee,  and  not  that  of  which  I 
am  worthy."  (Eastwick). 

"  Istajibu  lirabbikum  min  qabli  'an  ya'tia  yaumun  la  maradda 
lahu  min  'Uahi  ma  lakum  min  malja'i  yauma'idhin  w^a  naa  lakum 
min  nakir."  Koran,  chap.  42. 

"  Hearken  to  your  Lord  ere  the  day  come,  which  there  will  be  no 
averting  on  the  part  of  God.  No  place  of  refuge  for  you  on  that  day  J  no 
disavowal  of  your  works."  (Rod well). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  137 

*'  'Itiraz  ast  bar  ahkam  Jahandar  hakltn 
Adat  mard-i-hasad  pashl  ki  khakash  bidihan 
Har  chl  binad  blkaf-i-erhair  flghan  bar  darad, 
Kl  'chira  dad  ba-wal  anera  na  baman? ' "    J  ami,  Biharistan,  chmp.  a. 

"  The  habit  of  an  envious  man. — be  his  mouth  filled  with  dust ! 
Is  to  find  fault  with  the  decisions  of  the  wise  ruler  of  the  world  ; 
Whatever  he  sees  in  another  man's  grasp  he  bemoans,  saying, 
'Why  was  it  given  to  him  without  cause  and  not  to  me?'" 

(Rehatsek). 
**  Ittisale  bl-taqalyuf  bi  qiyas 
Haat  baina  'nasa  wa  Kabb  'annas."  Jalaluddin  Rumu 

"  Union  exists  beyond  all  thought  and  speech 
Between  great  Allah  and  the  soul  of  each." 

"  'lyan  na  shud  kl  chira  amadam,  kuja  budam, 
Darigrh  wa  dard  ki  grhafll  za  kar-i-khwishtanam ; 
Chieruna  tawaf  kunam  dar  faza'e  'alam-i-quds 
Chu  dar  saracha'e  tarkib  takhtaband  am ; 
Mara  ki  manzar-i-hurast  maskan  wa  mawa 
Chira  bikui  kharabatian  buwad  watanam."  Hafiz,  Ode,  385. 

•'  Wherefore  I  came,  and  where  I  was  have  now  faded  from  my  mind  : 
Alas  of  what  concerns  myself  no  remembrance  can  I  find, 
Around  the  Holy  World's  expanse  can  I  make  my  circuit  aye. 
As  long  as  by  this  body  pent,  in  this  mixed  alrade  I  stay? 
Shall  I  whose  dwelling  and  abode  is  the  huri's  lofty  dome. 
Continue  to  acknowledge  here  in  the  revellers'  lane  my  home." 

(Bicknell). 

"  Izid  babihisht  w^'ada  ba  mai  kard 
Pas  dar  du  jahan  haram  maira  kai  kard."  6m ar  Khawam. 

"  Allah  hath  promised  wine  in  Paradise, 
Why  then  is  wine  on  earth  declared  a  vice." 

(Whinfield). 
"  Izid  faramushat  na  kard  dar  an  hal 
Ki  budi  nutfa'e  madfun  wa  madhush  ;     • 
Ruanat  dad  wa  aql  w^a  tab 'a  wa  idrak 
Jamal  wa  nutq  wa  rae  wa  flkrat  wa  hush  ; 
Dih  angrusht  marattab  kard  bar  dast 
Do  bazuat  naarakkab  sakht  bar  dush  ; 
Kunun  pindarl,  ai  na-chiz  himmat, 
Ba  khwahad  kardanat  ruze  faramush."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  Thou  wast  by  God  then  not  forgotten,  when 
Thou  wast  a  seed,  thy  nature  in  suspense  ; 
He  gave  thee  soul  and  reason,  wisdom,  ken, 
Beauty  and  speech,  reflection,  judgment,  sense ; 
He  on  thy  arm  arrayed  thy  fingers  ten. 
And  thy  arms  fastened  to  thy  shoulders.     Whence 
Canst  thou  then  think,  O  thou  most  weak  of  men  ! 
He'll  be  unmindful  of  thy  subsistence."  (Eastwick). 


y. 


138  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  'Izzat  an  yaft  ki  barkand  dil  az  mihr-i-jahan 
Rabat  an  did  k'az  an  dast-i-tama'  baz  kashid."        Anwar-i  Suheili. 

"  Who  tear  their  hearts  from  worldly  things  the  sole  true  honour  find, 
And  they  have  peace  who  from  its  gauds  and   show  withdraw  their 
mind."  Eastvvick. 

"  Ja'a  'Ihaqqu  wa  zahaqa  'Ibatilu,  'inna  Ibatila  kana  zabuqa." 

Koran,  ch«p.  17.    V 

'  Truth   has   come   and    falsehood   has   vanished,    verily   falsehood   is 
fleeting." 

"  Ja'alna  'Uaila  wa'nnahara  ayataini,  wa  mahvna  ayata  'Uaili  wa 
ja'alna  ayata  'nnahari  mubsiratan  litabtaghu  fadhlan  min  rabbi- 
kuna  wa  lita'lamu  'adada  'ssinina  wa  'Ihisaba  wa  kulla  shai'an 
fassalnahu  tafsila."  Koran,  chap.  17. 

"  We  have  made  the  night  and  the  day  for  two  signs;  the  sign  of  the 
night  do  we  obscure,  but  the  sign  of  the  day  cause  we  to  shine  forth  visibly, 
that  ye  may  seek  plenty  from  your   Lord,  and  that  ye  may  know  the 
number  of  the  years  and  the  reckoning  of  time  ;  and  we  have  explained . 
everything  with  clear  explanation."  (Rodwell). 

"  Jahan  Afriniyat  kushaish  dihad 
Ki  gar  w^ai  bibandad  nashayad  kushad."       Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  5. 

"  May  the  world-creator  give  thee  the  means  of  opening  the  door. 
For  if  He  shuts,  none  can  open."  (Clarke). 

"  Jahan,  ey  biradar,  namanad  bakas 
Dil  andar  jahan-i-afrin  band  wa  bas 
Makun  takiya  bar  mulk-i-dunya  wa  pusht 
Ki  bisyar  kas  chun-i-tu  parwarad  wa  kusht. 
Chu  ahang-i-raftan  kunad  jan-i-pak 
Chi  bar  takht  murdan,  chi  bar  ru-e-khak."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  The  world,  my  brother,  will  abide  with  none, 
By  the  world's  maker  let  thy  heart  be  won, 
Rely  not  nor  repose  on  this  world's  gain 
For  many  a  son  like  thee  she  has  reared  and  slain. 
What  matters,  when  the  spirit  seeks  to  fly 
If  on  a  throne  or  on  bare  earth  we  die."  (Eastwick). 

•'  Jahan  az  aql  wa  nafas  wa  charkh  wa  ajrana 
Chun  yak  qatra  dan  za  aghaz  ta  anjam."  Golshan-i-Raz. 

"  The  world  which  is  composed  of  intellect,  soul,  heavens  and  bodies, 
Know  them  to  be  as  a  drop  from  beginning  to  end."  (Troyer). 

"  Jahan  g-ashta  az  adlash  arasta 
Wa  z'an  gard  bi-dad  barkhasta."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  His  justice  added  to  the  world  fresh  grace 

And  swept  oppression  dust-like  from  its  face."      Eastwick. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  139 

'  Jahan  misal-i-tan-i-bisarast  bi  an  shah 
Ba  plch  gird-1-chunan  ear  misal-i-dast  dare, 
Agar  siyah  na'i,  aina  ma  dih  za  dast 
Ki  ruh  aina'e  tust,  Jlsm  z&ngare."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  The  world  without  that  king  is  like  a  headless  body  ; 
Fold  yourself  turban-wise,  round  such  a  head. 
Unless  you  are  black,  do  not  let  the  mirror  go  from  your  hand 
The  soul  is  your  mirror,  while  the  body  is  rust."  NICHOLSON, 

Jahan  ra  az  bakhshish  pur  awaza  dar 
Hama  waqt  shu  dar  karam  mustaqlm 
Ki  hast  AfWnanda'e  jan  karim."  Pandnama  of  S'adi. 

'•  Fill  the  world  with  the  fame  of  your  beneficence 
At  all  times  be  steadfast  in  active  goodness 
Since  the  Creator  of  the  soul  is  beneficent."         Gladwin.  . 

'  Jahan  ra  bih  az  'adl  mi'mar  nist 
R'aiyat  darigh  az  ra'iyat  madar 
Mvirad-i-dil  dad  khwahan  barar."  Pandnama  of  S'adu 

"  The  world  has  no  architect  superior  to  justice 
Withhold  not  favour  from  the  peasant 
Gratify  the  hearts  of  the  suppliants  for  justice." 

(Gladwin). 
'  Jahan-ra  nist  hasti  juz  majazi 
Sarasar  hal-i-u  lahv  ast  ■wa  bazi."  Gulshan-i-Raz. 

"  The  world  has  no  existence  but  as  a  metaphoric  image 

Its  state  is  entirely  a  farce  and  a  play."  (Shea). 

'  Jahansuz  ra  kushta  bihtar  chiragrh ; 
Yake  bih  dar  atish  ki  khalqe  ba  dagrh."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  The  lamp  of  an  incendiary 
Is  better  quenched.     That  one  should  die 
And  fiery  torments  undergo. 
Is  better  than  all  mankind's  woe."  Eastwick. 

'  Jam  'ast  ki  aql-i-aftin  mi-zanadash 
S£kd  busa  za  mihr  bar  jabin  mi-zanadash 
In  kuzagar-i-dahr  chunin  jam-i-latif 
Mi-sazad  wa  baz  bar  zamin  mi-zanadash."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  There  is  a  chalice  made  with  art  profound, 
And  with  its  Maker's  approbation  crowned, 
Yet  the  world's  Potter  takes  His  masterpiece 
And  dashes  it  to  pieces  on  the  ground."        Whinfield. 

'  Jahil  ar  ba  tu  numayad  ham  dili 
Aqibat  zakhmat  zanad  azjahlli."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Although  a  fool  may  show  you  sympathy 
At  the  end  he  will  wound  you  with  his  folly." 


I40  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Jam 'a  ast  khairha  hatna  dar  khana  wa  nist 
An  khana-ra  kalid  baghair  az  farutani."    Jami,  Beharistan  (chap.  i). 

"  All  benefits  are  in  one  house,  and  there  is 
No  other  key  to  it  except  humility."  (Rehatsek). 

"  Jama'e  k'abara  ki  mi-pushand 
U  na  az  kirm-i-pila  name  shud  ; 
Ba  'azize  nishast  ruze  chand, 
La  jarm  hamchu  u  girami  shud."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  The  pall  suspended  o'er  the  K'aba's  shrine, 
Not  from  the  yellow  worm  *  derives  its  fame, 
But  it  has  dwelt  some  days  near  the  divine, 
And  therefore  do  men  venerate  its  name."     (Eastwick). 

•'  Jamal-i-bakht  zi  rue  zafar  niqab  andakht 
Kamal-i-'adl  bafaryad-i-dadkh^vah  rasid 
Sipihr  daur-i-khush  aknun  zanad  ki  mah  amad 
Jahan  bakam-i-dil  aknun  rasad,  ki  shah  rasid."  Hafiz. 

"  The  veil  from  victory's  face  the  beauty  of  fortune  hath  cast. 
To   the  complaint   of  the   complainers  the  perfection  of  justice  hath 

arrived, 
Now  the  sky  displayeth  a  sweet  revolution  for  the  moon  hath  come, 
Now  to  the  heart's  desire  the  world  arriveth,  for  the  king  hath  arrived." 

(Clarke). 
"  Jami  az  alaish-i-tan  pak  shu 
Dar  qadam-i-pak  rawan  khak  shu."  The  Dabistan. 

"  Be  thou  as  a  goblet  free  from  the  contamination  of  body 
Be  thou  earth  in  the  footsteps  of  the  pure."  (Shea). 

"  Jamila  ast  'arus-i-jahan  wale  hushdar 
Ki  in  mukhaddara  dar  'aqd  kas  na  ayad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

•'  A  fair  bride  is  the  world  ;  but  yet,  be  wise, 
P'or  none  may  wed  this  coy  and  curtained  prize." 

Eastwick. 
"  Janaha'e  khalq  pish  az  dast  w^a  pa 
Mi  paridand  az  wafa  andar  safa."  Jai.aluddin  Rumi. 

"  The  souls  of  our  first  parents,  even  before  their  hands. 
Flew  away  from  fidelity  after  vain  pleasure."       Whinfield. 

"  Janam  bi  fida-e-anki  u  ahl  bud 
Sar  dar  qadamash  agar  niham  sahal  bud, 
Khw^ahi  ki  badani  bayaqin  duzakhra 
Duzakh  bajahan  suhbat-i-na-ahl  bud."  Omar  Khavyam. 

*  The  silk-worm. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  141 

"  For  him  that's  good  my  very  life  I'd  sell. 
Yea,  though  he  trod  me  down,  I'd  count  it  well. 
Men  say  '  Inform  us  what  and  where  is  hell?' 
Bad  company  will  make  this  earth  a  hell."        Whinfirld. 

'  Janam  m'alul  grasht  za  Fir'aun  wa  zulm-i-u 
An  nur-i-rue  Musa  'Imranam  arz'ust."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

••  My  soul  is  grown  weary  of  Pharaoh  and  his  tyranny, 

I  desire  the  light  of  the  countenance  of  Moses,  son  of  'Imran." 

(Nicholson). 

•  Janan  za  dar-i-tu  dur  natawanam  bud 
Qani  bi  bihisht  wa  hvir  natawanam  bud. 
Stir  bar  dar-i-tu  bihukm-i-'ishq  namabzar 

Z'ln  dar  chi  kunam  sabur,  natawanam  bud."        Jami  (Beharistan). 

"  My  life  !  I  cannot  keep  myself  far  from  thy  door 
I  cannot  be  content  wilh  Paradise  and  the  houris  ; 
I  lay  my  head  at  thy  door  for  love  not  for  hope  of  gain 
And  from  that  door  I  have  not  the  patience  to  remove." 

{Asiatic  Journal). 

•  Janaza  'am  chu  babini  magru  'firaq  I  flraq ! 
Mara  wlsal  wa  mulaqat  an  zaman  bashad, 
Mara  bagur  sipaxl  maeru  '  wid'a !  wld'a ! ' 

Tfi  gfurparda'ejam  "iyat-i-jinan  bashad."      Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  When  thou  seest  my  hearse,  cry  not,  '  parted  !  parted  ! ' 
Union  and  meeting  are  mine  in  that  hour. 
If  thou  commit  to  the  grave,  say  not  'farewell !  farewell ! 
For  the  grave  is  a  curtain  hiding  the  communion  of  Paradise." 

(Nicholson). 

'  Jaji  chu  aina  safl  ast  bar  u  tan  gardast 
Husn  dar  ma  nanumayad,  chu  ba  zir-i-gard'em." 

Di\van-i-Shams-i-Tadriz. 

"  The  soul  resembles  a  clear  mirror,  the  body  is  dust  upon  it, 
Our  beauty  is  invisible  since  we  are  under  the  dust." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Jan  chist  janin-i-nutfa-i-8ulb-i-qaza 
Gitl  rihm  ast  wa  tan  mashima  ast  ura 
Talkhi  ajal  dard-i-zlh-i-madar  dahr 
In  mur  dan  chist?  zadan-i-malak-i-baqa."  Buzurgi, 

"  What  is  the  soul  ?    The  seminal  principle  from  the  loins  of  destiny, 
This  world  is  the  womb  :   the  body  its  enveloping  membrane 
The  bitterness  of  dissolution  Dame  Fortune's  pangs  of  child-birth. 
What  is  death?  to  be  born  again  an  angel  of  eternity."        (Shea). 


142  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Jan  chu  ruz  ast  wa  tan-i-ma  chu  shab  v/a  ma  bamiyan 
Wasta'e  ruz  wa  shab-i-khwish  misal-i-sahar  em." 

DlWAN-I-SHAMS-I-TAnRIZ. 

*'  The  soul  resembles  day  and  the  body  night  and  we  in  the  middle 
Are  like  the  dawn  between  our  own  day  and  night." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Jan  dar  himayat-i-yak  dam  ast  wa  dunya  wujude  miyan-i-du 
'adam."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  Life  hangs  on  a  single  breath  and  the  world  of  existence  is  between 
two  non-existences."  Eastwick. 

"  Jang  wa  sulh  be  mahal  ni  ayad  bakar 
Jae  gul  gul  bash  w^a  jae  khar  khar."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

*'  Inopportunely  war  or  peace  comes  ill, 

Let  flowers  or  thorns  the  place  that  suits  them  fill." 

Eastwick. 

"  Jauhare  agar  dar  khilab  uftad  hamchunan  nafis  ast,  -wa  ghubar 
gar  ba  falak  rasad  hamchunan  khasis."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  If  a  jewel  fall  into  the  mire,  it  remains  as  precious  as  before :  and 
though  dust  should  ascend  to  heaven  its  former  worthlessness  will  not  be 
altered."  (Eastwick). 

"  Jaur-i-dushman  chi  kunad  gar  na  kashad  talib-i-dust 
Ganj  wa  mar  wa  gul  w^a  khar  wa  gham  w^a  shadi  bahamand." 

Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  Who  would  have  friends  a  foe's  hate  must  sustain  ; 

Linked  are  snakes,  gold  ;  thorns,  flowers  ;  joy  and  pain." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Jaw^ab  ul  ahmaq  sakut."  Arab.  Prov. 

"  The  answer  to  a  fool  is  silence." 

"  Jaw^an  mard  wa  khush  khue  wa  bakhshinda  bash, 
Chu  haqq  bar  tu  pashad,  tu  bar  khalq  pash, 
Niayad  kas  andar  jahan  k'u  bamand 
Magar  an  k'az  u  nam-i-niku  bamand."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  i. 

"  Be  generous  and  pleasant-tempered  and  forgiving, 

Even  as  God  scatters  favours  over  thee,  do  thou  scatter  over  the  people, 

No  one  came  into  the  world  who  remained 

Save  that  one,  whose  good  name  remained."  (Clarke). 

"  Jawana  ta'at  imruz  gir 
Ki  farda  niayad  jaw^ana  za  pir."  Saadi. 

"  O  youth  !  enter  this  very  day  into  the  path  of  obedience 

For  to-morrow  the  vigour  of  youth  comes  not  from  the  aged  man." 

Shea. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  143 

"  Jazba'e  shakh  abra  az  bikh  ta  bala  kashid 
Hamchunanki  Jazbajanra  bar  kashad  bi  nirduban." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i>Tabriz. 

"  The  bough's  attraction  drew  the  sap  from  root  to  summit, 
Even  as  attraction  draws  the  soul  upward  without  a  ladder." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Jazbat  shauqika  aljaiuat  bi  salasili  'lerham  wa  Ibala 
Hama  ashiqan  shikasta  dil  ki  dihand  Jan  blrah-1-wala, 
Agrar  an  sanam  za  sar  sitam  pa'e  kushtan-i-man  bi  erunah 
Laqad  istiqama  bl  saiflhi  falaqad  radhaitu  bi  ma  radha." 

Kukrat'ul  Avn. 

"  The  thralls  of  yearning  love  constrain  in  the  bonds  of  pain  and  calamity. 
These  broken  hearted  lovers  of  thine  to  yield  their  lives  in  their  zeal  for 

thee, 
Though  with  sword  in  hand  my  darling  stand  with  intent  to  slay  though 

I  sinless  be, 
Jf  it  pleases  him,  this   tyrant's   whim,    I   am   well   content   with  his 

tyranny."  (E.  G.  Browne). 

"  Jazbatun  min  jazabati  'Ihaqqi  turba  'ala  'amali  'ththaqalain." 

Auu'l  Qasim  Nasrabadi. 

*'  One  pull  from  God  is  belter  than  all  the  actions  of  men  and  jinn." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Jidd  wa  Jihad  kase  ki  beshtar  ast 
Karash  az  kar  Jvimla  peshtar  ast."  A:<vvar.i-Suheili. 

"  They  who  excel  in  zeal,  in  toil  precede. 

Must  of  all  others  fairly  take  the  lead."        Eastwick. 

"  Jihad-i-rizq  war  kuni  wa  grar  na  kuni 
Birasanad  khuda'e  azz  wa  Jail ; 
Wa  shawi  dar  dlhan-i-shir  wa  palangr 
Nakhurandat  raagar  ba  ruz-i-ajal."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  Would'st  thou  by  toil  or  not  thy  wants  supply 
The  Glorious  and  High  God  will  give  thee  food. 
Nor,  mortal,  can'st  thou  unpredestined  die 
Did'st  thou  in  maw  of  ravenous  tigers  lie 
Or  savage  lions  thirsting  for  thy  blood."  (Eastwick). 

"  Jihad  mi-kun  ta  tawani,  ey  griya 
Dar  tariq  ambiya  wa  auliya 
Ba  qaza  panja  zadan  na  bud  Jihad 
Z'anki  in  ra  ham  qaza  bar  ma  nihad ; 
Kafir  am  man  gar  ziyan  karda  ast  kas 
Dar  rah  iman  wa  ta'at  yak  nafs."  Jalallddin  Rumi. 


144  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Exert  thyself,  O  man  ;  put  shoulder  to  the  wheel 
The  prophets  and  the  saints  to  imitate  in  zeal. 
Exertion's  not  a  struggle  against  Providence, 
'Twas  Providence  enjoined  it ;  made  it  our  defence 
Blasphemer  may  I  be,  if  ever  single  man 
Bestowed  in  vain  one  effort  to  fulfil  God's  plan." 

Redhouse. 

"  Jilu  haza  'zzamani  fa  ma  fihim  man  yamihu  idha  sigha  lahu 
'Imadihu  wa  la  man  yujizu  idha  'unshida  lahu  'I'arajizu  wa  la  man 
jrughithu  idha  'atrabahu  'Ihadlthu."        Maqamat  of  Hariri  (chap.  43). 

"  As  for  the  people  of  this  age,  there  is  none  among  them  who  bestows 
a  gift  when  an  encomium  has  been  fashioned  for  him,  none  who  gives  a 
reward  when  a  poem  has  been  recited  to  him,  none  who  shows  himself 
bountiful,  when  a  tale  has  diverted  him."  SXEINGASS. 

"  Jism  bahri  ruh  bashad  gur  tang 
Gut  gar  dar  grur  bashad  sur  bini,  sur  nist 
Gur  gar  dar  gur  bashad  zinda  az  zindan  rihad."        The  Dabistan. 

"  The  body  is  a  narrow  sepulchre  which  entombs  every  spirit, 
When  that  tomb  is  entombed  thou  beholdest  a  wall  that  really  is  no 

wall, 
When  the  tomb  is  entombed  the  living  spirit  is  freed  from  its  prison." 

(Shea). 

"  Jism-i-khaq  az  ishq  bar  aflak  shud 
Kuh  dar  raqas  amad  wa  chalak  shud, 
Ishqjan-i-Tur  amad,  ashiqa, 
Tur  mast  wa  kharra  Musa  sai'qa. 
Ba  lab  damsaz  khud  gar  juftame 
Ham  chu  nai  man  guftaniha  guftame."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Love  exalts  our  earthly  bodies  to  heaven, 
And  makes  the  very  hills  to  dance  with  joy  ! 

0  Lover,  'twas  love  that  gave  life  to  Mount  Sinai 
When  it  quaked  and  Moses  fell  down  in  a  swoon. 
Did  my  Beloved  only  touch  me  with  his  lips 

1  too,  like  the  flute  would  burst  out  in  melody." 

Whinfield. 

"  Jism-i-ma  juz  wa  muiz  ast,  ey  pisar, 
Gar  tu  mard'i  z'in  du  chiz  andar  guzar, 
War  tu  andar  bugzari  ikram-1-Haqq 
Bugzaranad  mar  tura  az  nih  tabaq."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Pleasures  of  the  flesh  are  as  nuts  and  raisins,  O  son. 
If  you  are  a  man  dispense  with  these  two  things  ; 
And  if  you  dispense  with  them  the  goodness  of  God 
Will  set  you  above  the  nine  heavens." 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  145 

"  Jism-l-pakan  hamchu  Jan  uftad  saf 
Oufbshan  wa  f  ilshan  wa  zlkrshan 
Jiimlajan  mutlaq  ayad  nai  nishan."  Jalaludoin  Rumi. 

"  The  bodies  of  the  righteous  are  as  pure  souls 
Their  words,  their  actions,  their  praises 
Are  all  as  a  pure  soul  without  spot  or  blemish." 

Whinfield. 
"  Jlsm  jismana  tawanad  didanat 
Dar  khiyal  arad  gham  wa  khandidanat 
Dil  ki  u  basta  grham  wa  khandidanast 
Tu  ma  gu  ki  laiq  an  didan  ast 
An  ki  u  basta  grham  wa  khanda  bud 
U  ba-din  du  'ariyat  zinda  bud 
Bagrh-l-sabz-i-lshq  k'u  bi  muntahaat 
Juz  gham  wa  shadi  dar  u  bas  mewahast."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Can  eye  now  behold  Thee  as  truly  Thou  art? 
Can  heart  Thy  love  picture  and  smiles  e'en  in  part  ? 
The  heart  that's  a  slave  to  a  love  or  a  smile 
Can  never  be  worthy  to  see  thee  awhile. 
Engrossed  he  that's  now  with  pleasure  and  pain 
Can  he  by  these  accidents  live  o'er  again  ? 
Green  pastures  of  love  in  their  infinitude 
More  fruits  yield  than  care  and  than  beatitude." 

Redhouse. 
"  Jud  bi  ma  jama'at  kafaka  min  nashabin 
Hatta  yura  mujtadi  jadwaka  ma  bhuta 
Wa  khuz  nasibaka  minhu  qabla  ra'iatin 
Mina  'zzamani  turyaka  'I'uda  makhuta 
Fa  'ddharu  'ankadu  min  'an  tastamirra 
Halun  takarrahta  tilka  'Ihala  'am  shi'ta." 

Maqamat  of  Hakiki,  chap.  38. 

"  Be  bountiful  with  what  thine  hands  have. been  gathering  that  he  who 

begs  for  thy  boon  may  be  dumbfoundered, 
And  take  thy  share  ere  a  stroke  of  fortune  comes  over  thee  that  shows 

thee  thy  tree  of  life  deprived  of  its  foliage, 
For  time  is  too  fickle  as  in  one  state  to  endure  whether  thou  delight  in 

that  state,  or  whether  it  be  hateful."  Stkingass. 

"  Jud  wa  la  tamnun  fa'inna  'Ifaidata  'ilalka  'aidatun." 

Akauic  Pkovhkh. 

'*  Do  good  and  do  not  speak  of  it,  and  assuredly  thy  kindness  will  be 
recompensed  to  thee.'"  (Kastwick). 

"  Jumbish  har  zarra  bi  asli  khud  ast 
Har  chi  buwad  mail-i-kase  an  shawad ; 
Jan  wa  dil  az  jazba'e  mail  w^a  hawas 

Ham  sifati  dilbar  wa  janan  shawad."  ! "  ^  » v.i.^,, ams-i-Tauki/. 

-    10 


146  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

'*  The  motion  of  every  atom  is  towards  its  origin 
A  man  comes  to  be  the  thing  on  which  he  is  bent ; 
By  the  attraction  of  yearning  and  fondness  the  soul  and  the  heart 
Assume  the  qualities  of  the  Beloved  and  the  soul  of  souls." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Jumbish-i-khalq  az  qaza  •wa  •w'ada  ast 
Tizi  dandan  za  suz  m'ada  ast 
Aql  a^wrwal  ra  mudabbir  aq.1  duyam."  Jalai.uddin  Rumi. 

"  Men  are  moved  by  God's  decree  and  fixed  ordinance, 
As  sharp-set  teeth  are  caused  by  heat  of  belly, 
'Tis  Primal  Soul  that  dominates  the  Second  Soul." 

Whinfield. 

"  Jumbish-i-ma  har  dame  khud  ashahad'ast 
K'u  gawah  zu'ljalal  sarmad  ast 
Gardlsh  sang--i-asya  dar  iztirab 
Ashahad  amad  bar  w-ujud  jui  ab 
Ey  birun  az  w^ahm  w^a  qal  w^a  qil-i-man 
Khak  bar  farq-i-man  wa  tamsil-i-man."  Jalaluddin  Ruml 

"  Our  every  motion  every  moment  testifies 

For  it  proves  the  presence  of  the  everlasting  God, 

So  the  revolution  of  the  millstone  so  violent 

Testifies  to  the  existence  of  a  stream  of  water. 

O  Thou  who  art  above  our  conception  and  descriptions, 

Dust  be  upon  our  heads  and  upon  our  similitudes  of  Thee." 

Whinfield. 

"  Jumla  alam  nushaw^ad  har  dam  fana 
Baz  paida  mi-numayad  dar  baqa, 
Har  nafs  nau  mishawad  dunya  wa  ma 
Bi-khabar  az  nau  shudan  andar  baqa. 
Umr  hamcbun  jui  nau  nau  mi-rasad 
Mustamari  mi-numayad  dar  jasad, 
An  za  tizi  mustamar  shakl  amadast, 
Chun  sharar  kasb  tiz  jumbani  badast."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Every  moment  the  world  and  we  are  renewed 
Yet  we  are  ignorant  of  this  renewing  for  ever  and  aye. 
Life  like  a  stream  of  water  is  renewed  and  renewed 
Though  it  wears  the  appearance  of  continuity  in  form. 
That  seeming  continuity  arises  from  its  swift  renewal 
As  when  a  single  spark  of  fire  is  whirled  round  swiftly." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Jumla  'alam  z'an  ghaiyur  amad  ki  haqq 
Burd  dar  ghairat  bar  in  'alam  sabaq 
U  chu  jan  ast  -wa  jahan  chun  kalbud 
Kalbudazjan  paziradnik  wa  bad."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  147 

"  The  whole  world  is  jealous  for  this  cause 
That  God  surpasseth  the  world  in  jealousy. 
God  is  as  a  soul  and  the  world  is  as  a  l>ody 
And  bodies  derive  their  good  and  evil  from  souls." 

Whin  FIELD. 

"  Jumla  dunya  za  kuhan  ta  ba  nau 
Chun  eruzaranda  ast  niarzad  ba  Jau ; 
Mamlukate  bihtar  az  in  saz  kun 
Khushtar  az  in  hujra  darl  baz  kun."  Anwar>i>Suhbil[ 

"  Or  old,  or  new,  so  transient  is  this  earth, 
'Tis  not  in  all  one  grain  of  barley  worth. 
Prepare  a  better  kingdom,  then,  than  this, 
Forsake  this  cell,  and  ope  the  door  to  bli^s." 

Eastwick, 

"  Jumla  haftad  wa  du  millat  dar  tu  ast 
Wah  kl  ruze  an  bar  arad  az  tu  dast 
Har  kl  u-ra  barg'  an  iman  buad 
Hamchu  barg  az  bim  an  larzan  buad."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  All  the  seventy  and  two  heresies  lurk  in  you. 
Have  a  care  lest  one  day  they  prevail  over  you  ; 
He  in  whose  breast  the  leaf  of  true  faith  is  grown 
Must  tremble  as  a  leaf  from  fear  of  such  a  catastrophe." 

(Whinkield). 

"  Jumla  khalqan  sakhra'e  andisha  and 
Z'an  sabab  khasta  dil  wa  erham  pisha  and."  Jalaluddin  Rumu 

"  All  creatures  are  enslaved  to  thought, 
For  this  cause  are  they  sad  at  heart  and  sorrowful." 

Whinfield. 

"  Jumla  nafsaha'e  tu  ey  bad  san  j 
Kil  zujan  ast  wa  tarazu'e  ranj 
Manda  tu  dar  arzu'e  sang  wa  durr 
Kll  tihi  gashta  wa  paimana  pur."  Nizami. 

"  All  thy  breaths,  O  thou  weigher  of  wind,  are  but  measuring  loss  and 
weighing  sorrow, 
W  hile  thou  art  remaining  in  eager  search  of  stone  and  pearl. 
Thy  measure  of  wealth  is  become  eiTipty  and  the  cup  of  thy  life  full." 

Asiatic  Miscellany. 

"  Jumla  ra  chun  hast  bar  duzakh  giizar 
Jae  shadl  nist  ba  chandin  khatar 
Atishe  dar  pish  darl,  ey  faqir 
Hich  khaufat  nist  az  nar  saxjir? 
Uqba  da.r  rahast  wa  barat  bas  griran, 
Nagzarad  barat  ba  s'ai  digaran."  Fariddudin  Attar. 


148  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Since  all  mortals  have  to  pass  by  hell,  thou  should'st  not  abandon 
thyself  to  joy  in  face  of  so  great  danger.  Faqir,  thou  hast  a  fire  before 
thee.  Art  thou  not  afraid  of  the  consuming  flame.  Thou  hast  a  mountain 
to  traverse  in  the  way  and  thy  load  is  heavy :  the  efforts  of  others  will  not 
help  thee  to  carry  it." 

•"  Jumla  rindan  chunkl  dar  zindan  rawand 
Muttaqi  wa  zahid  wa  haqq  khwan  shawand 
Chunki  qudrat  raft,  kasid  shud  amal 
Hin  ki  ta  sannaya  nastanad  ajal. 
Qudratat  sarmaya  sud  ast,  hin, 
"Waqt  qudratranigahdar  wa  bibin."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  If  all  dissolute  men  were  shut  up  in  prison 
They  would  all  be  temperate  and  devout  and  pious. 
'  When  power  of  choice  is  absent,  actions  are  worthless 

But  beware  lest  death  snatch  away  your  capital, 
Your  power  of  choice  is  a  capital  yielding  profit 
Remember  well  the  day  of  final  account."  Whinfield. 

"  Juz  ba  khilwat-gah-i-Haqq  aram  nist."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

*'  Except  in  the  house  of  communion  with  God  there  is  no  peace." 

"  Juz  ba  shab,  jalwa  na  bashad  mah  ra 
Juz  ba  dard-i-dil,  ma  ju  dil-khwah  ra."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Only  in  the  night  the  moon  shines. 
Only  in  pain  of  heart  seek  the  Beloved." 

"  Juz  ba  zidd  ziddra  hami  natawan  shinakht 
Chun  ba  binad  zakhm  bishinasad  nawakht ; 
La  jurm  dunya  nauqaddam  amada  ast 
Ta  bi  dani  qadr  iqlim  alast 
Chun  az  in  ja  -wa  rihi,  anja  rawi, 
Dar  shakr  khana'e  abad  shakir  shawi."  (Jalalludin  Runh). 

"  Opposites  can  only  be  knovv  by  opposites, 
Only  through  a  wound  is  a  caress  understood  ; 
Certainly  this  world  first  comes  into  view, 
That  we  may  understand  the  value  of  that  eternal  world  ; 
When  you  are  released  from  this,  you  go  to  that ; 
In  that  eternal  home  of  delight,  you  are  grateful." 

' '  Juzha  bisyar  wa  dar  wai  maghz  nai 
Zauq  bayad  ta  dihad  ta'at  bar 
Maghz  bayad  ta  dihad  dana  shajr 
Dana'e  bi  maghz  kai  gardad  nihal 
Surat  bi  jan  na  bashad  juz  khiyal."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  149 

"  Nuts  in  plenty  but  no  kernel  in  any  of  them, 
Relish  is  needed  for  devotions  to  bear  fruit, 
Kernels  are  needed  that  seeds  may  yield  trees, 
How  can  seeds  without  kernels  become  trees? 
Form  without  life  is  only  a  dream."  Whinfikld. 

"  Juz  haqq,  haqame  kl  hukmra  shayad  nist 
Hasti  kl  za  hukm-i-u  binin  ayad,  nist 
Har  chiz  kl  hast  anchunan  mi-bayad, 
Anchlz  ki  anchunan  na  mi  bayad,  nist."  Omak  Khayyam. 

"  What  Lord  is  fit  to  rule  but  '  Truth  ? '     Not  one. 
What  creatures  disobey  His  rule  ?     Note  one 
All  things  that  are,  are  such  as  He  decrees 
And  naught  is  there  beside  beneath  the  sun." 

Whinfield. 

"  Juzu  duzakh  ast  In  nafs-i-ma 
Taba'e  kull  daradjiizuha."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

Our  earthly  passions  are  a  part  of  hell 

And  the  parts  always  share  the  nature  of  the  whole." 

"  Kabutare  ki  dlgrar  ashyan  nakhwahad  did 
Qaza  hami  burdash  ta  ba  sue  dana  wa  dam."         Gulistan,  chap,  j 

"  The  pigeon  who  his  mate 
Shall  ne'er  revisit,  follows  fate's  decree 
Towards  the  net  in  blind  security."  (Eastwick). 

"  Kada  'Ifakru  an  yakuna  kuflcan."  Proverb. 

"  Poverty  borders  on  the  denial  of  God." 

Saying  of  Muham.mad. 

"  Kada  'Ihalimu  'an  yakunu  nabian."  Saying  ok  Muhammad, 

"  The  meek  man  is  all  but  a  prophet."       (Eastwick). 

"  Kafa  bi  tagrhaisruri  zzamani  naziran."  Gulistan. 

"  Change  of  time  is  a  sufHcient  admonisher."        (Platts). 

"  Kafara  'Uadhina  qalu  'inna  'llaha  huwa  '1  Masihu  'bnu  Maryama. 
qui  faman  yamliku  mlna  'llahi  shai'an  In  'arada  'an  smhlika  '1 
Masiha  'bna  Maryama  wa  'ummahu  wa  man  fl'l'ardhi  Jami'an." 

Koran,  chap.  5.    » 

I      "  Infidels  assliredly  are  they  who  say  '  Verily  God  is  the  Messiah,  Ibn 
^^Maryam  (son  of  Mary)!'     Say  'Who  then  could  have  any  power  over 
God  if  He  chose  to  destroy  the  Messiah,  Ibn  Maryam,  and  his  mother^ 
and  all  who  are  on  the  earth  together?' "  (Rodwbll). 


ISO  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Kaflran  karand  dar  ni'mat  jafa 
Baz  dar  duzakh  nida  ishan  'rabbana  I ' 
Hast  zindan  sum 'a  duzd  la'im 
K'andar  an  zakir  shawad  haqq  ra  muqlm 
Chun  Ibadat  buw^ad  maqsud  az  bashar 
Shud  'ibadatgah  gardankash  saqar,"  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Infidels  when  enjoying  prosperity  do  wrong 
When  they  are  in  hell,  they  cry  '  O  our  Lord  ! ' 
The  prison  is  the  hermitage  of  the  wicked  thief 
For  when  he  is  there,  he  is  ever  crying  to  God. 
Whereas  the  object  of  man's  being  is  to  worship  God, 
Hell  is  ordained  as  a  place  of  worship  for  the  proud." 

Whin  FIELD. 
■•  Kah  na  bud  u  ki  bibadi  parid, 

Ab  na  bud  u  ki  bisarma  fusurd, 

Shana  na  bud  u  ki  bi  mui  shikast, 

Dana  na  bud  u  ki  zaminash  fushurd, 

Ganj-i-zari  bud  darin  khakdan 

K'u  du  jahanra  bi  jaui  mishiunurd, 

Qalib-i-khaki  sue  khaki  flgand, 

Jan  -W&  khirad  sue  sama'wat  burd ; 

Saf  bar  amikhta  ba  dvu-d  mai, 

Ba  sar-i-kham  raft  wa  juda  grasht  durd, 

Jan-i-duyamra  ki  na  danand  khalq 

Wallah  guyam  ki  bijanan  supurd."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  He  was  not  chaff  which  flew  on  the  wind, 
He  was  not  water  which  froze  in  winter, 
He  was  not  a  comb  which  was  broken  with  a  hair, 
He  was  not  a  seed  with  the  earth  crushed. 
He  was  a  treasure  of  gold  in  this  dust-pit, 
For  he  valued  the  two  worlds  at  a  barley  corn, 
The  earthly  frame  he  flung  to  the  earth. 
Soul  and  intellect  he  bore  to  heaven. 
The  pure  elixir  mingled  with  the  wine-dregs, 
Came  to  the  jar's  surface,  and  the  lees  settled  apart. 
The  second  soul,  which  the  vulgar  know  not, 
I  protest  by  God  that  he  surrendered  to  the  Beloved." 

(Nicholson). 

*'  Kalfa  'Ihuda  baghair  b'airin  wa  'lambadhu  m'a  faqadi  'ttawatir." 

Abu'l  'Ala. 

"  How  can  camel-driving  be  done  without  a  camel, 
Or  the  bow  be  twanged  unless  it  first  be  strung  ?  " 

(D.  S.  Margoliouth). 
"  Kai  sitara  hajatasti,  ey  zalil, 
Ki  buad  ba  nur  khurshaid  u  dalil  ? 
Hlch  mah  wa  akhtari  hajat  na  bud 
Ki  bud  bar  aftab-i-haqq  shahud."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  151 

•'  Whal  need  were  there  of  stars,  O  humble  one, 
To  one  who  was  guided  by  the  light  of  the  sun, 
Neither  moon  nor  planets  would  be  needed, 
By  one  who  saw  directly  the  sun  of  the  truth." 

Whinfiei.d. 

"  KaJ  rawan-ra  dlhand  khirmanha 
Bargr  kahi  ba-rastan  na  dlhand 
Mag'asan  ra  dlhand  shakar  wa  kand 
Ba  humayan  juz  usttikhwan  na  dlhand."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

'*  The  devious  meet  with  ample  measures 
Straight-goers  get  but  blades  of  grass  ; 
Flies  feast  on  sweets  and  candied  treasures 
And  glorious  Humas  filthy  bones  amass."      Eastwick. 

"  Kalid  dar  ganj-i-maqsud  sabr  ast 
Dar  basta  an  kas  kl  bikashud  sabr  ast."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Patience  the  key  that  opes  the  treasury 
Of  wished-for  things,  unlocks  each  closed-up  way." 

Eastwick. 

"  Kalld  dar-1-duzakh  ast  an  nanaaz 
Kl  dar  chashm  mardum  ^uzaii  daraz."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  5. 

"  The  key  of  hell's  door  is  that  prayer 

Which  thou,  in  men's  eyes,  makest  long."       (Clarke). 

"  Kalld-1-qadr  nist  dar  dast-1-kas 
Tawana'e  mutlaq  khuda  ast  wa  bas."  Bostan  op  S'adi,  chap.  8. 

"  The  key  of  destiny  is  in  no  man's  hand, 
God  is  absolutely  powerful,  and  that  is  enough." 

(Clarke). 

"  E[allmatan  tajryibatan  ka  shajaratin  tayyibatin  'asluha  thabi- 
tun  wa  far'uha  fl  'ssamal."  Koran,  chap.  14. 

*'  A  good  work  is  as  a  good  tree ;  its  root  firmly  fixed  and  its  branches 
in  the  heaven."  '  (Roowell). 

"  Kalllmi  'nnasa  'ala  qadrl  'uquUhlm."  Gulistan,  chap.  5. 

"  Speak  to  people  according  to  the  measure  of  their  understandings," 

Platts. 

"  Kalukh  andazra  padash  sangr  ast."  Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

"  Those  who  throw  clods  are  answered  with  a  stone." 

Eastwick. 


152     .  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Kalvikh  ar  che  uftada  bashad  birah 
Na  bini  ki  dar  wai  kunad  kas  nigah 
Wa  gar  khurda'e  zar  za  dandan-i-kaz 
Bi  uftad,  bi  sham'aash  bijuyand  baz."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  6. 

"  A  clod  though  it  be  fallen  on  the  road, 
Thou  seest  not  that  anyone  looks  at  it. 
But  if  a  fragment  of  gold  from  the  teeth  of  the  scissors 
Falls, — they  will  search  again  and  again  for  it  with  a  candle." 

(Clarke). 

"  Kam  'ahlakna  qablahum  min  qarnin,  hal  tuhissu  minhum  min 
'ahadin  au  tasma'u  lahum  rikza."  Kokan,  chap.  19. 

"  How  many  generations  have  we  destroyed  before  them  ? 

Canst  thou  search  out  one  of  them  ?     Or  canst  thou  hear  a  whisper  from 
them?"  (RoDWELi.). 

"  Kamile  gar  khak  girad  zar  sha^vad 
Naqis  ar  zar  burd  khakistar  shawad. 
Chun  za  qabul-i-haqq  bud  an  mard  rast 
Dast-i-u  dar  karha  dast-i-khudast. 
Dast-i-naqis  dast  Shaitan  ast  -wa  div 
Z'anki  andar  dam  taklifast  w^a  riv."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  If  a  saint  handles  earth,  it  becomes  gold 
If  a  sinner  handles  gold,  it  turns  to  dust. 
Whereas  the  saint  is  well-pleasing  to  God, 
In  his  actions  his  hand  is  ihe  hand  of  God. 
But  the  sinner's  hand  is  the  hand  of  Satan  and  demons, 
Because  he  is  ensnared  in  falsity  and  fraud."        (Whinfield). 

"  Kam  ma  bash  az  darakhte  siyah  fikan 
Har  ki  sangat  zanad  samar  bakhshash."  Hafiz. 

"  Be  not  less  than  the  tree  umbrageous  grown 
And  fruit  on  him  who  flings  a  stone  bestow." 

BiCKNELL. 

"  Karimanra  ba  dast  andar  daram  nist 
Daram  daran-i-alamra  karm  nist."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

*'  The  merciful  are  ever  moneyless. 
Hard-hearted  they  who  have  the  power  to  bless." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Karm  bin  wa  lutf  khudawandgar 
Gunah  banda  kardast,  u  sharmsar  1 "  Gulistan,  Preface. 

"  God's  condescension  and  His  mercy  see 

His  servant  sinneth  and  ashamed  is  He."       Eastwick. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  153 

"  Kar-i-tu  tabdil  ayan  wa  'ata 
Kar-i-ma  sahwast  wa  nisian  Tva  khata 
Sahw  wa  nisian  ra  mubaddal  kun  ba  11m 
Man  hama  Jahlam  mara  dih  sabr  wa  hilna. 
Ey  kl  khak  ehura  tu  nan  kunl, 
W'ey  kl  nan  murdara  tu  Jan  kuni, 
^ekunl  Juzu  zamin  ra  asman 
Me  afzai  dar  zamln  az  akhtaran."  Jalai.uduin  Rumi. 

•'  Thy  business  is  changing  things  and  bestowing  favours, 
My  business  is  mistakes  and  forget  fulness  and  error, 
Change  my  mistakes  and  forgetlulness  to  knowledge 
I  am  altogether  vile  ;  make  me  temperate  and  meek. 
O  thou  that  convertest  salt  earth  into  bread 
And  bread  again  into  the  life  of  men. 
Thou  makesl  some  earth-born  men  as  heaven 
And  muliipliesl  heaven-born  saints  on  earth."      (Whinfield). 

"  Kar  kun  dar  kargrah  bashad  nihan, 
Tu  biru  dar  kargah  binash  ayan  ; 
Kar  Chun  bar  karkun  parda  tanld 
KhEudJ-i-an  kar  natawanash  did."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  The  Worker  is  hidden  in  the  workshop, 

Enter  the  workshop  and  liehold  him  face  to  face  ; 

Since  a  veil  is  drawn  over  the  Worker  by  his  work, 

Apart  from  His  work  you  cannot  see  Him."     (Nicholson). 

"  Kase  ba  erardan-i-maqsud  dast  khalqa  kunad 
Ki  pish  tir  bala  ha  sipar  taw^anad  buw^ad ; 
Ba  arzu  w^a  haw^as  bar  ni-ayad  in  ma'na 
Ba  ab-i-dida  wa  khun-i-jigar  taw^anad  buwad."       Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  He  may  embrace  his  wish's  neck,  who  will 
Shield-like,  confront  the  darts  of  coming  ill ; 
This  will  not  from  mere  longing  hopes  arise 
'Tis  won  by  efforts  stern  and  tearful  eyes."       Eastwick. 

"  Kase  ki  rue  tawakkul  na  did,  hich  na  did 
Kase  ki  az  qina'at  na  yaft  hich  na  yaft."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Who  trust  in  God  has  ne'er  beheld,  has  ne'er  discovered  aught, 

Contentments  store  who  ne'er  has  found,  his  findings  are  but  naught." 

Eastwick. 
"  Kas  na  ayad  ba  khana-e-derwlsh 
Ki  khiraj-i-zamin  wa  bagrh  bi  dih. 
Ya  ba1>ashwish-i-giissa  razi  shu 
Yajigarband  pish-i-zagh  binih."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  None  in  the  poor  man's  hut  demand 
Tax  on  his  garden  or  his  land. 
Be  thou  content  with  toil  and  woe 
Or  with  thy  entrails  feed  the  crow."         (Eastwick). 


154  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Kas  na  guyad  ki  dugh-i-man  tursh  ast."  Persian  Proverb. 

"  Nobody  calls  his  own  buttei-milk  sour." 

"  Kas  ra  pish-i-parda'e  qaza  rah  na  shud, 
Waz  sirr-i-qadr  hich  kas  agah  na  shud, 
Haftad  vra  du  sal  flkr  kardana  shab  wa  ruz 
Ma'lum  na  gasht  wa  qissa  kutah  na  shud."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  What  eye  can  pierce  the  veil  of  God's  decrees? 
Or  read  the  riddle  of  earth's  destinies? 
Pondered  have  I  for  years  threescore  and  twelve 
And  can  but  say  these  things  are  mysteries."     Whinfield. 

"  Kas  ni  ayad  bazir-i-saya-i-bum 
War  huma  az  jahan  shawad  m'adum."  Gui.istan,  chap.  i. 

"  What  though  the  phoenix  from  the  world  take  flight 
'Neath  the  owl's  shadow  none  will  ere  alight." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Kas  nabinad  ki  tishnagan-i-Hijaz 
Balab-i-ab-i-shur  gird  ayand 
Har  kuja  chashnaa'e  bu-wad  shirin 
Mardum  -wa  murgh  -wa  mur  gird  ayand."  Gui.istan,  chap,  i. 

"  None  sees  the  Hijaz  pilgrims  faint  with  thirst 
Crowd  to  the  margin  of  the  brimy  sea  : 
Where'er  the  fountains  of  sweet  water  burst 
Their  way  :  there  men  and  birds  and  ants  will  be." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Kaukab-i-bakht  chu  tali  'shawad  az  auj-i-murad 
An  Chi  maqsud  bud  zud  muyassar  gardad, 
Madad  tali'  agar  nist,  maranjan  khudra 
Ki  agar  rui  sue  bahr  nihi,  bar  gardad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  When  o'er  hope's  horizon  rises  fortune's  brightly  shining  star, 
How  swiftly  every  wish  is  won  ! 
But  if  fortune  does  not  aid  thee,  it  will  all  thy  efforts  mar, 

Turn  to  the  sea,  'twill  from  thee  run."  Eastwick. 

"  Kazhdum  ra  gnftand  '  chira  ba  zamistan  birim  na  mi-ai  ? ' 
Guft  'Batabistan  chi  hurmatast  ki  ba  zamistan  niz  biyayam? ' " 

Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  They  said  to  a  scorpion  *  Why  dost  thou  not  come  abroad  in  winter? ' 
He  replied  'What  respect  is  shown  to  me  in  summer,   that  I  should 
show  myself  in  winter  also  ?  "  (Eastwick). 

"  Khabisra  chu  ta'hhad  kuni  wa  binawazi 
Bi  daulat-i-tu  gunah  mikunand  b'ambazi."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  When  thou  to  base  men  giv'st  encouragement 
Thou  shar'st  their  sins  since  thou  them  aid  hast  lent." 

(EastwickJ. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  155 

'  Khajil  ankas  Id  raft  wa  kar  nasakht 
Kus-i-rihlat  zadand  wa  bar  nasakht."  Gulistan  (Preface). 

•'  .Shame  on  the  dull  departed  dead 
Whose  task  is  left  unfinished 
In  vain  for  them  the  drum  was  l>eat 
Which  warns  us  of  man's  last  retreat."      (Eastwick). 

"  KhaklstEir  agrarchi  nisbate  'ala  darad  az  an  kl  atlsh  Jauhar  alu 
ast  wa  lekin  chun  ba  nafs-i-khud  hunare  na  darad  ba  khak  barabar 

ast."  GuLiSTAN,  chap.  8. 

"  Ashes  though  akin  to  that  which  is  exalted,  inasmuch  as  fire  is 
essentially  noble,  yet  not  possessing  any  intrinsic  worth  are  no  better  than 
dirt."  (Eastwick). 

"  Kh£d  'amran  wa  ma  akhtara."  Abu'i.  'Ala. 

"  Leave  a  man  to  his  choice." 

D.  S.  Margoliouth. 

"  Khalaqnakuna  min  turabin,  thumma  min  nutfatin  thvunma  min 
alaqatin,  thumma  min  mudhghatin  mukhalliqatin  linubayyina 
lakum  wa  nuqirru  fi'larhami  ma  nashau  ila  'ajalin  musamma, 
thumma  nukhrijukum  tiflan,  thumma  litablughu  'ashuddakvmi, 
wa  minkum  man  yuta  waflFa  wa  min  yuraddu  Ila  'ardhali  'Ivmiuri." 

Koran,  chap.  22.      \», 

**  We  have  created  you  of  dust,  then  of  the  moist  germs  of  life,  then  of 
clots  of  blood,  then  of  pieces  of  flesh  shapen,  that  we  might  give  you  proofs  ^ 
.q{  our  power,  /  And  we  cause  one  sex  or  the  other  at  Our  pleasure  to  abide 
in  the  womb  until  the  appointed  time  ;  then  we  bring  you  forth  infants ; 
then  permit  you  to  reach  your  age  of  strength  and  one  of  you  dieth  and 
another  of  you  liveth  on  to  abject  age."  (Rodwell). 

•*  Khalaqa  sab'a  samawatin  tibaqan,  ma  tara  fl  khalqi  'rrahmanl 
min  tafawutin,  fa'rjil  'Ibasara,  hal  tara  min  futurin,  thumma  'rji'i 
'IbEisara  karrataini  yanqalib  ilaika  'Ibasaru  khasi'an  wa  huwa 
hasir."  Koran,  chap.  67. 

*'  He  created  seven  heavens  one  above  another.  No  defect  canst  thou 
see  in  the  creation  of  the  God  of  mercy.  Repeat  the  gaze ;  Seest  thou  a 
single  flaw  ?  Then  twice  more  repeat  the  gaze  :  thy  gaze  returns  to  thee 
dull  and  wearied."  (Rodwell). 

"  Khalq  chu  murgrhabian  zada  za  darya'e  jan 
Kai  kunad  in  ja  maqam  murgh  k'az  in  bahr  khast? 
Balki  badarya  durr  em,  jumla  dar  u  hazir  em 
Wama  za  darya'e  jan  mauj-i-payapi  chirast?" 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabkiz. 


156  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Mankind  like  waterfowl  are  sprung  from  the  sea,  the  sea  of  soul, 
Risen  from  that  sea,  why  should  the  bird  make  here  his  home? 
Nay,  we  are  pearls  in  that  sea,  therein  we  all  abide. 
Else  why  does  wave  follow  wave  from  the  sea  of  soul." 

Nicholson. 

"  Khalq  diwanand  wa  shahwat  silsila 
Mik'ashad  ishan  sue  dukan  -wa  ghala 
Hast  in  zanjir  az  khauf  wa  wala 
Tu  mabin  in  khalq  ra  bi  silsila ; 
Mikashanadshan  sue  kisht  wa  shikar 
Mikashanadshan  sue  kanha  wa  bahar."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Men  are  as  demons  and  lust  of  wealth  their  chain, 
Which  drags  them  forth  to  toil  in  shop  and  field  ; 
This  chain  is  made  of  their  fears  and  anxieties. 
Deem  not  that  these  men  have  no  chains  upon  them. 
It  causes  them  to  engage  in  labour  and  the  chase, 
It  forces  them  to  toil  in  mines  and  on  the  sea." 

Whinfield. 

"  Khana'e  div  ast  dilha  hama 
Kam  pazir  az  div  mardam  damdama."  Jai.aluddin  Rumi. 

'*  All  hearts  are  the  abodes  of  devils 

Be  not  deceived  by  devil-men."  , 

"  Kharabi  za  bi  dad  binad  jahan 
Chu  bustan  khurram  za  bad-i-khazan."  Pandnama  of  S'adi, 

•'  The  world  suflfers  destruction  from  injustice 
As  a  delightful  garden  by  the  wind  of  autumn." 

(Gladwin). 

"  Khatama  'llahu  'ala  qulubihim  wa'ala  sam'ihim  wa'ala  'absari- 
him  ghishaw^atun  wa  lahum  'adhabun  'adhim."  Koran,  chap.  2. 

"  Upon  their  hearts  and  their  ears  hath  God  set  a  seal,  and  over  their 
.y  eyes  is  a  covering  /"and  for  them  a  severe  punishment."  ^     (Rodwell). 

"  Khatim-i-tu  in  dil  ast,  wa  hushdar 
Ta  na  gardad  div  ra  khatim  shikar."  Jai.aluddin  Rumi. 

"  Your  heart  is  as  Solomon's  signet ;  take  care 
That  is  falls  not  a  prey  to  demons."  (Whinfield). 

"  Khilaf-i-ra'e-i-sultan  ra'e  justan 
Ba  khun-i-khwish  bayad  dast  shustan 
Agar  shah  ruzra  guyad  shabast  in, 
Babayad  gufb  '  inak  mah  wa  parwin,' "  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  157 

••  Opinions  differing  from  the  king's  to  have 
Is  your  own  hands  in  your  own  blood  to  lave  ; 
Should  he  affirm  the  day  to  be  the  night, 
Say  you  behold  the  moon  and  pleiads  light." 

(Eastwick). 

•  Khll'ate  bas  fakhir  amad  'aibash  kutahlst."  Jami. 

"  Life  is  a  very  splendid  robe  ;  its  faults  is  brevity." 

(Nicholson). 
"  Khilqat  tifl  az  chi  andar  nih  mah  ast? 
Z'ankl  tadrij  az  sunnatha'e  shah  ast 
Na  chu  tu,  ey  kham,  k'aknun  takhtl 
Tifll,  wa  khud-ra  tu  sheikhe  sakhti."  Jalalu ddin  Rumi. 

"  Why  does  the  formation  of  an  infant  take  nine  months, 
Because  God's  method  is  to  work  by  slow  degrees. 
Not  hurrying  on  like  you,  O  raw  one, 
Who  claim  to  be  a  Shaikli  whilst  yet  only  a  child." 

(Whin  field). 
"  Khuda'erast  mvisallam  buzurgrl  wa  'Itaf 
Ki  jurm  binad  wa  nan  bar  qarar  mi  darad."  Gllistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Grandeur  and  merciful  kindness  are  universally  acknowledged  to  belong 
to  God, 
Since  He  sees  a  fault  and  yet  continues  the  means  of  sustenance  intact." 

(Platts). 
"  Khud  gharibe  dar  jahan  chun  shams  nist 
Shams-i-jan  baqist  kura  ams  nist."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  In  the  world  there  is  nought  so  wondrous  as  the  sun, 
But  the  Sun  of  the  soul  sets  not  and  has  no  yesterday." 

(Whinfield). 
"  Khud  sana  gxiftan  za  man  tark-i-sana'st 
Ka'in  dalil-i-hasti  wa  hasti  khata'st."  Jalaluddin  Ruml 

"  'Tis  blasphemy  to  praise  Him:  I  proclaim 
Myself  extant  and  '  self '  is  mortal  shame." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Khuliqa  'I'insanu  dhaifa."  Kokan,  chap.  4. 

"  Man  was  created  weak."  (Rodwell). 

"  Khuliqa  'I'insanu  min  'ajalin."  Khkan,  ch.ip.  21. 

"  Man  is  made  up  of  precipitation."  (Rodwell). 

"  Khusha  tafarruj-i-Nawruz,  khasse  dar  Shiraz 
Ki  bar  kanad  dil-i-mard-i-musafii-  az  watanash."  Sa'ol 

"  I'leasanl  is  the  New  War's  outing,  especially  in  Shiraz 

Which  turns  aside  the  heart  of  the  traveller  from  his  native  land." 

(K.  U.  ISkowne). 


158  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Khushat  az  jam-i-wasl-i-dilbaran  mai 
Wale  hastash  khamar-i-hijar  dar  pai."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  From  the  goblet  of  union  with  loved  ones  how  sweet  is  the  wine  that  is 
quaffed, 
But  the  headache  of  parting  soon  follows,  soon  mars  the  delight  of  the 
draught."  (Eastwick). 

"  Khushat  zir-i-mugrhilan  birah-i-badia  khuft 
Shab-i-rahil  ■wall  tark-i-jan  babayad  &uft."  Gui.istan,  chap.  2. 

"  Sweet  is  slumber  in  the  desert  under  the  acacia  tree 
On  the  night  when  friends  are  marching,  but  it  bodeth  death  to  thee." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Khush  buwad  gar  mahakk-i-tajruba  bar  ayad 
Ta  siyah  rui  sliawad  bar  ki  darughash  bashad."     Anwar-i-Suheii.i. 

"  How  good,  if  trial  such  a  touchstone  were 
That  liars  would  a  blackened  visage  wear." 

Eastwick. 
"  Khwaja  dar  band-i-naqsh-i-aiwan  ast 
Khana  az  pai  past  wa  wiran  ast."  Gulistan,  chap.  6. 

"  The  master's  bent  on  garnishing 

His  house,  which  sapped,  is  falling  in."     (Eastwick). 

"  K'ist  dar  gush  ki  u  me  shinawad  awazam, 
Ya  kudamast  sukhan  mikunad  andar  dihanam, 
K'ist  dar  dida  ki  az  dida  birun  minigarad, 
Ya  chi  janast  (nagui)  ki  manash  pairanham?" 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Who  is  he  in  my  ear  that  hearkens  to  my  voice. 
Or  who  is  he  that  utters  words  in  my  mouth  ? 
Who  is  he  in  mine  eye  that  looks  out  of  mine  eye 
Or  what  is  the  soul — wilt  thou  not  say — of  which  I  am  the  garment  ?  " 

(Nicholson). 

"  Kub'ra  dida,  na  dida  kan  ba  kuh."  Jalaluduin  Rumi. 

'*  You  have  seen  the  mountain,  not  the  mine  within  the  mountain." 

"  Kudaki  ku  biaql  pir  buw^ad 
Nizd-i-ahl-i-khirad  kabir  buwad."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  The  boy  who  is  an  old  man  in  point  of  wisdom 

Is  held  great  in  the  estimation  of  the  wise."         (Platts). 

"  Kudam  dana  faru  raft  dar  zarain  ki  narust 
Chira  ba  dana'e  insanat  in  guman  bashad  ?  " 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  What  seed  went  down  into  the  earth  but  it  grew, 
Why  this  doubt  of  thine  as  regards  the  seed  of  man  ?  " 

(Nicholson). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  159 

"  Kuflta  'adhan  ya  man  ta  "uddu  mahasini 
'Alanlyatl  hadha  wa  lam  tadrl  batini."  Gui.istan,  chap.  2. 

"  Thou  hast  been  made  sufficient  for  doing  harm,  O  thou  who  enumeratest 
my  good  qualities, 
This  is  my  outward  conduct ;  thou  knowest  not  my  heart." 

(Platts). 

"  Kuhan  kharqa  khwlsh  pirastan 
Bih  azjama'e  'ariyat  khwastan."  Gumstan,  chap.  8. 

"  Belter  patch  up  one's  own  old  garment  than 

Borrow  the  raiment  of  another  man."  Eastvvick. 

"  Kujast  ahl-i-dili  ta  kunad  dallalat  khair 
Ki  ma  ba  dust  naburdem  rah  bahich  ttuiq."  Hafiz,  Ooe,  350. 

"  Where  can  I  find  a  man  devout  my  steps  towards  good  to  bend, 
I  ask,  for  not  by  any  path  have  I  attained  my  friend."       (Bicknei.i.)- 

"  Kulla  Insanln  'alzamnahu  talrahu  fl  "unuqihl  wa  nukhriju  lahu 
yauma  'Iqiyamati  kltaban  yalqahu  mansbura.  *Iqra  kitabaka  kafa 
binafsika 'lyaxima  alaika  hasiba."  Koran,  chap.  17.     v     "■ 

"  Every  man's  fate  have  we  fastened  about  his  neck,  and  on  the  day  of 
resurrection  will  we  bring  forth  to  him  a  Book  which  shall  be  proffered  to 
him  wide  open  :  *  Read  thy  book  :  there  needeth  none  but  thyself  to  make  r 
out  an  account  against  thee  this  day.'"  (Kodwell). 

"  KuUu  'amrin  dhi  balln  lam  yubda  bibism'illahi  fahuwa  abtarun." 

Saying  of  Muhammad. 

"  Every  work  of  import  that  is  not  begun  in  the  name  of  God  is 
abortive." 

"  Kullu  kuthrin  ila  qiallin  maghabatahu  wa  kiillu  nazln  lla  linin, 
wa^in  haja."  Maqa.mat  ok  Hariri,  chap.  31. 

"  Every  mickle  comes  to  be  a  mite,  and  meek  grows  every  stiff-necked 
one,  rage  he,  as  he  may."  Steingass. 

"  Kullu  man  alalha  fanin  wa  yabqa  wajhu  rabbika  dhu'ljalali 
wa'llkram."  Koran,  chap.  55. 

"  All  on  the  earth  passeth  away,  but  the  face  of  thy  Lord  ahidcth  in  its 
majesty  ?ind  glory."  (Rodwell). 

"  Kullu  'mrin  blma  ka,saba  rahin."  Koran,  chap.  52. 

'•  Pledged  to  God  is  every  man  for  his  actions." 

(Rodwell).  L 

V '    / 

"  Kullu  nafein  dhalqatu  'Imaut."  Koran,  chap.  n.      y^ 

"  Every  soul  shall  taste  of  death."  (Rodwell). 


,l6o  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"KuUun  laisa  ya'du  himamahu  wa  ma  I'marin  'amma  qadha 
'llahu  mazhalu."  Ibrahim  ibn  Kunaif. 

"  None  outruns  by  a  span  his  doom, 
And  refuge  from  God's  decree  nor  was,  nor  will  ever  be." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 

.  .   "  KuUu  shai'an  haliqun  'ilia  wajhahu."  Koran,  chap.  28. 

"  Everything  shall  perish  except  His  face."     (Rodwell). 

"  Kullu  shai'an  hatta  akhika  mita'un 
Wa  biqadrin  tafarriqun  wa  ijtama'un."  (Anon). 

"  Everything  down  to  thy  brother  is  'furniture;'  and  fate  rules  both 
separation  and  gathering."  D.  S.   Margoliouth. 

"  Kullu  shaian  yabdu  saghiran  thumma  yakburu  ilia  'Imusibata 
fa  'innahaha  tabdu  kabiratan  thumma  tasghuru." 

Lataif  ul  Muluk. 

"  Everything  is  small  at  its  beginning  and  then  increases,  except  trouble 
which  is  great  at  its  beginning  and  then  decreases." 

"  Kullu  shai'an  yarj  'au  'ila  'aslihi."  Arabic  Proverb. 

"  Everything  returns  to  its  source." 

"  Kunj-i-'uzlat  ki  tilismat-i-aja'ib  darad 
Fath-i-an  dar  nazar-i-himmat-i-darwishan-ast."  Hakiz. 

"  The  talisman  of  magic  might  hid  in  some  ruin's  lonely  site. 
Emerges  from  its  ancient  night  at  the  mild  glance  of  darveshes." 

BiCKNELL. 

"  Kuntu  kanzan  makhflan    fa'ahbabtu  'an    'ur'afa,   fakhalaqtu 
'Ikhalqa  lakai  'urafa."  Saying  of  Muhammad. 

"  I  was  a  hidden  treasure  and  I  desired  to  be  known,  so  I  created  the 
creation  in  order  that  I  might  be  known." 

"  Kuntu  kanzan  makhflan  shanau 
Jauhar-i-khud  gum  ma  kun  izhar  shau 
Jauhar  sidqat  khafi  shud  dar  darugh, 
Hamchu  ta'am  raiighan  andar  ta'am  dugh, 
An  darughat,  in  tan  fani  buwad 
Rastast  an  jan  rabbani  buwad 
Salha  in  dugh-i-tan  paida  wa  fash 
Raughan  jan  andar  u  fani  w^a  lash."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  i6i 

"  Read  '  I  was  a  hidden  treasure  and  desired  to  be  known  ' 

Hide  not  the  hidden  treasure  but  disclose  it  ; 
Your  true  treasure  is  hidden  under  a  false  one, 
Just  as  butter  is  hidden  within  the  substance  of  milk, 
The  false  one  is  this  transitory  body  of  yours, 
The  true  one  your  divine  soul. 
Long  time  this  milk  is  exposed  to  view 
And  the  soul's  butter  is  hidden  and  of  no  account." 

(Whinfield). 
"  Kvinunat  ki  Imkan-l-eruftar  hast 
BlfiTu  ey  blradar  ba  lutf  wa  khushl ; 
Kl  farda  chu  paiylk-i-ajal  dar  rasad 
Ba  hukm-l-zamrat  zaban  dar  kashl."  Gulistan  (Preface). 

'•  Now  that  the  power  of  utterance  is  thine, 
Speak,  O  my  brother  !  kindly,  happily, 
To-morrow's  message  bids  thee  life  resign. 
Then  art  thou  silent  of  necessity."  (Eastwick). 

"  Kunun  ba  khirad  bayad  ambaz  grasht 
Kl  farda  na  manad  rah-i-baz  gpasht."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

"  Now  it  is  proper  to  become  a  partner  with  wisdom 
For  to-morrow  the  path  of  returning  remains  not." 

(Clarke). 

"  K\uian  kvish  k'ab  az  kamar  dar  ^uzasht 
Na  waqte  kl  sallabat  az  sar  gruzasht 
Kununat  ki  chashm  ast,  asbke  bibar 
Zaban  dar  dlhan  ast,  uzre  byar."  Bostanof  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

"  Strive  now  when  the  water  possesses  only  thy  waist. 
Not  when  the  torrent  passes  over  thy  head. 
Now  when  thou  hast  an  eye,  rain  a  tear. 
Thy  tongue  is  in  thy  mouth,  bring  forth  excuse  for  sin." 

(Clarke). 

"  Kiintin  waqt-l-tukhm  ast  ag'ar  parwari 
Gar  ummed  darl  ki  khirman  bari ; 
Garat  chashm-i-aql  ast  wa  tadbir-i-grur 
Kunun  kun  ki  chashmat  nakburdast  mur." 

Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

"  If  thou  art  solicious  now  is  the  seed-time 

If  thou  hast  hope  that  thou  mayest  take  the  harvest. 
If  thou  hast  an  eye  to  wisdom  and  deliberation  as  to  the  grave. 
Act  now  when  the  ant  of  the  grave  has  not  devoured  thine  eye." 

(Clarke). 
"  Kiu*a  jama  pak  ast  wa  sirat  palid 
Dar  duzakhashra  nabayad  kalid ; 
Dar  In  astan  ujuz  wa  miskiniyat 

Bih  az  ta'at  wa  khwlshtan  biniyat."  (Bostan  of  Sa'diX 

II 


|62  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  He  whose  outward  vesture  is  pure  but  whose  morals  are  corrupt,  to  such 
a  one  the  gates  of  hell  will  need  no  key. 
At  God's  threshhold,  impotence  and  distress  will  more  avail  thee  than 
obedience  and  self-approval."  (Asiatic  Journal). 

"  Kiis-i-rlhlat  blkuft  daat-i-ajal 
Ey  du  chashtnam  I  widal-sar  bikunid 
Ey  kaf-i-da,st  wa  said  -wa,  bazu 
Hama  taudi'  yakdigrar  bikunid  ; 
Bar  man  uftada  dusbman  kam, 
Akblr  ey  dustan  guzar  bikvinld ; 
Buzgaram  bashad  ba  nadani, 
Man  na  kardam,  sbuma  bazar  bikunid."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Death's  hand  has  struck  the  signal  drum. 
Eyes  !  now  obey  your  parting  knell, 
Hands,  wrists  and  arms,  all  members  come 
And  bid  a  mutual  long  farewell ! 
Hope's  foe,  death,  has  me  seized  at  last ; 
Once  more,  O  friends  before  me  move. 
In  folly  has  my  time  been  past. 
May  my  regrets  your  warnmg  prove."  (Eastwick). 

"  Kuza'e  chasbm  harisan  pur  na  sbud 
Ta  sadf  qani'  na  sbud  pur  durr  na  shud, 
Har  kura  Jama  za  Isbqi  cbak  shud 
U  za  birs  wa  'aib  kuUi  pak  shud."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  The  pitcher  of  the  desire  of  the  covetous  never  fills. 
The  oyster-shell  fills  not  with  pearls,  till  it  is  content. 
Only  he  whose  garment  is  rent  by  the  violence  of  love 
Is  wholly  pure  from  covetousness  and  sin."        (Whinfield). 

"  La'amla'anna  jahannama  min  'Ijinnati  wa  'nnasi  'aimaln."  ,    ,  > 

Koran,  chap.  32.  V  "  '  ' 

r^"  I  will  surely  fill  hell  with  Djinn  and  men  together."      (Rodwell) 

' '  La  'amruka  ma  tugrhni  'Imaghani  wa  la  'Igrhana, 
Idba  sakana  'Imutbri  ultbthara  w^a  thaw^a  bihi, 
Pajud  fi  maradbi  'llahi  b'ilmali  radhiyan, 
Bima  taqtani  min  'ajrihi  wa  tbawabibi, 
Wamaththil  I'ainaika  'Ihimam  wa  waq'abu, 
Wa  raw^'atan  malqabu  wa  mat'ama  sabihi."     Maqamat  of  Hariri. 

*'  By  thy  life !    mansions  and  wealth  will  not  avail  when  the  rich  man 

dwells  in  the  ground  and  abides  in  it ; 
So  be  liberal  with  thy  wealth  in  things  pleasing  to  God,  content  with 

what  thou  gainest  of  His  hire  and  reward. 
And  figure  to  thy  mind  Death  and  His  stroke  and  the  terror  of  His 

meeting,  and  the  taste  of  his  wormwood  cup."  Chenery. 


c 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  163 

"  La  baralca  'Uahu  fl  'ddunya  Idha  'nqata'at 
Asbab  dunyaka  mln  asbabi  dunyana."  Hamasa. 

•'  God  grant  no  blessing  on  our  world  now  that  it  is  no  longer  thine." 

D.  S.  Margoliouth. 

"  Lab  bar  lab-i-kuza  burdam  az  grhayat-i-az 
Ta  zu  talabam  wasta-e-umr-i-daraz 
Lab  bar  lab-i-man  nihad  wa  miguft  baraz 
Mai  khur  kl  badin  Jahan  na  mi  a'i  baz."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  I  put  my  lips  to  the  cup  for  I  did  yearn 
The  means  of  gaining  length  of  days  to  learn, 
It  leaned  its  lip  to  mine  and  whispered  low, 
'  Drink  for  once  gone,  you  never  will  return.'" 

Whinfield. 

"  Lab  khushk  mazlum-ra  gn  'bikhand 
Ki  dandan-i-zalim  bikhwahand  kand.' "        Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  i. 

♦'  Say  to  the  withered  lip  of  the  oppressed  one, — *  laugh  ! 
Because  they  will  dig  out  the  teeth  of  the  tyrant."     (Clarke). 

*'  La  ikraha  fl'ddlna,  qad  tabayyana  'rrushdu  mina  'Igrhayyi  fa 
man  yakfur  bi'ttagrbuti  -wa  yumin  bi'llahi  faqadi  'stamsaka  bil 
urwati  'Iwuthqa  la  inflsama  laha  wa  'Uahu  sami'un  'alim." 

Koran,  chap.  a. 

Let  there  be  no  compulsion  in  religion.  Now  is  the  right  way  made 
distinct  from  error ;  whoever  therefore  denieth  Taghoot  and  believeth  in 
God,  hath  taken  hold  on  a  strong  handle  that  hath  no  flaw  therein  :  and 
God  is  He  who  heareth,  knoweth."  (Rodwell). 

"Laisa  'Ibirra  'an  tuwaJIu  wujuhakum  qibala  'Imashriql  wa 
Imaghribi  wa  lakinna  'Ibirra  man  amana  bi'llahi  wa  'lyavmai 
'lakhiri  wa  'Imala'ikatihi  wa  'Ikitabi  wa  'Inabbisryin  wa'ata  'Imala 
ala  hubbihi  dhui'lqurba  wa  'lyatami  wa  'Imasakin  wa  'bna  'ssabil 
wa  'saa'ilin."  Koran,  chap.  2. 

"  There  is  no  piety  in  turning  your  faces  towards  the  east  or  the  west, 
but  he  is  pious  who  believeth  in  God  and  the  last  day,  and  the  angels  and 
the  Scriptures  and  the  prophets ;  who  for  the  love  of  God  disburseth  his 
wealth  to  his  kindred,  and  to  the  orphans,  and  the  needy  and  the  wayfarer, 
and  those  who  ask."  Rodwell. 

*'  Laisa  lilinsani  ilia  ma  sa'a."  Koran,  chap.  53. 

"  Nothing  shall  be  reckoned  to  a  man  but  that  for  which  he  hath 
striven."  RoDWELi.. 

"  Laisa  li  ma  'usa'u  in  fata  au  'ahzanu  in  haw^ala  'zzamu  'btizaza 
Ghaira  'anni  'abitu  khilwan  mina  'Ihammi  wa  nafsi  'ani  'I'asa  mun 
haza."  Maqamat  of  Hariki  (chap.  27). 


164  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

'•  There  is  nothing  mine  that  I  miss  when  it  is  gone,  or  fret  about  when 
the  vicissitudes  of  time  rob  me  thereof; 
Save  that  I  pass  my  night  free  from  concern,  and  my  mind  has  severed 
partnership  with  sorrow."  (Steingass). 

'  Lait  sh'ari  wa  ain  mini  lait,  in  lauan  wa  laitan  'ana."    Abu  Zubaid. 

"Would  I  knew!  yet  what  use  is  'would  that?'  truly  'Ohs'  and 
'  woulds'  are  only  trouble."  D.  S.  Margoliouth. 

"  Lakini  'lladhina  'ttaqu  rabbahum  lahum  ghurafun  min  fauqiha 
ghurafun  mabniyyatun  tajri  min  tahtiha  'nnaharu  w'ada  'Uahi,  la 
jmkhlifu  'Uahu  'Imi'ad."  Koran,  chap.  39. 

"  But  for  those  who  fear  their  Lord  are  storied  pavilions,  beneath  which 
shall  the  rivers  flow  :  it  is  the  promise  of  God.  God  will  not  fail  a 
promise."  Rodwell. 

"  Lakinnahu  ma  tashinu  'Ihurra  muji'atun 
P'almisku  yushaku  wa'lkafuru  maqtutu 
Wa  talama  'usila  'lyaqutu  jamra  ghadan, 
Thvmama  'ntafa  'Ijamru,  wa'lyaqutu  yaqutu." 

Maqamat  ok  Hariri,  chap.  47. 

"  But  no  distress  brings  disgrace  on  the  high-minded  man  ;  camphor  and 
musk  though  pounded,  spread  fragrance. 
The  ruby  is  often  tried  in  Ghada-fire's  fiercest  glow  ;  the  fire  abates,  but 
the  ruby  still  remains  ruby."  Steingass. 

"  Lakuna  dinukum  wa  li  dini."  Koran,  chap.  109.  V  ■  ^ 

*  To  you  your  religion,  to  me  my  religion." 

"  L'al  ra  gar  muhr  na  bud  bak  nest 
'Ishq  dar  darya-e-gbam  ghamnak  nest."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Though  the  ruby  has  no  stamp,  what  matters  it  ? 
Love  is  fearless  in  the  midst  of  the  sea  of  fear." 

Whinfield. 

"  Lan  tanalu  'birra  hatta  tunflqu  mimma  tubibbunawa  ma  tun- 
flqu  min  shai'an  fa'inna  'llaha  bihi  'alim.  Koran,  chap.  3. 

"  Ye  shall  by  no  means  attain  to  goodness  till  ye  expend  that  which  ye 
love  as  alms  ;  and  whatsoever  ye  so  expend,  then  of  a  truth  God  knoweth 
it." 

"  Lan  yaflahu  qaumun  asnadu  amrhum  ila  'amratin." 

Saying  of  Muhammad 

"  Never  shall  a  nation  prosper  that  has  given  a  woman  charge  of  its 
affairs."  D.  S.  Margolioutii. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  165 

'  Lan  yahlaka  'amrun  'arafa  qadrahu."  Arabic  Provbkb. 

"  No  man  ever  conies  to  grief  who  knows  his  own  place." 

D.  S,  Margoliouth. 

"  Lan  yanala  'Uaha  luhumuha  wa  la  dlma'uha  wa  l£ikin  yanaliihu 
ttaqwa  minkum  kadhallka  sakhkharaha  lakum  litukabbiru  'Uaha 
ala  ma  hadakum."  Koran,  chap.  33. 

'•  By  no  means  can  their  flesh  *  reach  unto  God,  neither  their  blood, 
but  piety  on  your  part  reacheth  Him.  Thus  hath  He  subjected  them  to 
you,  that  ye  might  magnify  God  for  His  guidance."  Rodwell. 

"Lana  'a'maluna  wa  lakuzn  'a'malukvim,  salamun  'alalkiun  la 
nabtaerhi  'IJahilln."  Koran,  chap.  38. 

"  Our  works  for  us  and  your  works  for  you  !  Peace  be  on  you.  We 
are  not  in  quest  of  fools."  (Rodwell). 

"  Laqad  karammna  ban!  Adama  wa  hamalnahum  fi'lbarri  wa 
'Ibahrl."  Koran  (chap.  17). 

* '  We  have  honoured  the  children  of  Adam  and  by  land  and  by  sea  have 
we  carried  them."  (Rodwell). 

"  Laqa<i  katabna  fl'zzaburi  mln  ba'dl  dhdbikri  anna  'lardha  yari- 
thuha  Ibadiya  'ssalihun."  Koran,  chap.  21. 

"  We  have  written  in  the  Psalms  that  '  my  servants  the  righteous  shall 
ijiherit  the  earth.' "  Rodwell. 

"  Laqad  khalaqna  'llnsana  fl  kabad."  '  Koran,  chap.  90. 

"  Verily  we  have  created  man  in  trouble."  Rodwell. 

"  Laqad  khalaqna  'llnsana  fl  'ahsani  taqwlm,  thumma  radadnahu 
'asfala  safllin."  (Koran,  chap.  95X    \J\/,^ 

"  Verily  of  goodliest  fabric  have  we  created  man,  then   brought  him^,- 
down  to  be  the  lowest  of  the  low."  (Rodwell). 

"  Laqad  kunta  fl  g'haflatin  min  hadha  fakashafna  'anka  grhita'k 
fabasaruka  'lyaiima  hadld."  Koran,  chap.  50. 

*'  Of  this  day  (the  judgment)  didst  thou  assuredly  live  in  heedlessness ; 
therefore  have  we  stripped  off  thy  veil  from  thee  and  thy  sight  this  day  is 
sharp."  (Rodwell). 

'  La  rahbaniyata  fllislEuni."  Saving  of  Muhammad. 

"  There  is  no  monkery  in  Islam." 

*  i.e.,  Of  animals. 


l66  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  La  salata  tatnzna  ilia  bi'lhudhuri."  Saying  of  Muhammed. 

"  Prayer  is  not  complete  with  concentration  of  mind.*' 

"  La  tabki  'ilfan  na'a  wa  la  dara  wa  dur  ma 'a  'ddahri  kaifama  dara 
W'attakldhi   'nnasa   kullahum    sakanan  wa  maththali   'lardha 

kuUaha  dara 
Wasbir  'ala  khulqi  man  tu  'ashiruhu  wa  darihi  f  allabibu  man 
dara."  Maqamat  of  Hariki,  (28). 

"  Weep  not  for  a  friend  that  is  distant,  nor  for  an  abode,  but  turn  thyself 
about  with  fortune  as  it  turns  about, 
Reckon  thou  all  mankind  thy  dwelling-place,  and  fancy  all  the  earth  thy 

home. 
Forbear  with  the  ways  of  him  with  whom  thou  dealest  and  humour  him 
for  it  is  the  wise  that  humours."  (Steingass). 

"  La  tahmil  ala  yaumika  hamma  sanatika." 

♦*  Load  not  upon  thy  day  the  burden  of  thy  year."  Prov. 

"  La  tahsab  al  majda  tamran  anta  akaluhu 
Lan  tadriku  '1  majda  hatta  tal'aqu  'ssabira."  (Anon). 

"  Think  not  glory  a  date  which  thou  can'st  eat ;  thou  shalt  not  attain  to 
glory  till  thou  have  licked  wormwood."  D.  S.  MARdOi.iOUTH. 

"La  tahsabanna  'Uaha  ghafilan  amma  y'amalu  'dhdhalimun 
Innama  yu  akhkiruhum  liyaumin  tashkhasu  fihi  'Ibsaru,  muhti'ina 
muqnii  ru'usihim  la  yartaddu  ilaihim  tarfuhum  wa  'afidatuhum 
hawa'un."  Koran,  chap.  14. 

'•  Think  not  that  God  is  regardless  of  the  deeds  of  the  wicked,  He  only 
respiteth  them  to  the  day  on  which  all  eyes  shall  stare  up  with  terror  ;  they 
hasten  forward  in  fear ;  their  heads  upraised  in  supplication  ;  their  looks 
riveted  ;  and  their  hearts  a  blank."  Rodwell. 

"  Lataif-i-sukhan  az  sina  tukhm-i-kin  baburd 
Zaban-i-iifq  z'abrue  khashm  chin  baburd."  Anwak-i-Suheili. 

"  The  seeds  of  hate  are  from  the  breast  removed  by  words  that  soothe 
And  gentle  tongues  can  all  the  folds  of  frowning  eye-brows  smooth." 

Eastwick. 

"  La  taj'al  yadaka  magrhlvilatan  'ila  unuqika  wa  la  tabsuta  kulla 
'Ibasti  fataq'uda  maluman  mahsura."  Koran,  chap.  17. 

"  Let  not  thy  hand  be  tied  up  to  thy  neck  ;  nor  yet  open  it  with  all 
openness,  lest  thou  sit  thee  down  in  rebuke,  in  beggary."     (Rouwell). 

"  La  t'ajalan  biqadhiyyatin  mabtutatin 
Fi  madhi  man  lam  tabluhu  au  khadshihi  ; 
Wa  qifl  'Iqadhiyyata  flhi  hatta  tajtali 
Wasfaihi  fl  hala  radhahu  wa  batshihi."        Maqamat  of  Hariri  (21). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  167 

"  Hasten  not  with  a  decisive  judgment  in  the  praise  of  him  whom  thou 
hast  not  tried  nor  in  the  rebuke  of  him, 
Bat  stay  thy  judgment  on  him  till  thou  hast  had  a  view  of  his  two 
characters  in  his  two  conditions  of  content  and  anger." 

(Chenery). 

"  LataJidAnna  'ashadda  'nnasi  'adawatan  lilladhina  amanu  'lya- 
huda  wa  'lladhina  'ashraku  wa  latajaddana  'aqrabbahum  ma  wad - 
datan  lilladhina  amanu  'lladhina  qalu  inna  Nasara  dhalika  bi'anna 
qissisina  wa  ruhabanun  wa  'annahum  la  yastakbirun." 

Koran,  chap.  5. 

"  Of  all  men  thou  wilt  certainly  find  the  Jews  and  those  who  join  cither 
gods  with  God  to  be  the  most  intense  in  hatred  of  those  who  believe ;  ancT 
thou  shalt  certainly  find  those  to  be  nearest  in  affeciion  to  them  who  say 
*  We  are  Christians.'/ '  This  because  some  of  them  are  priests  and  monks, 
and  because  they  are  free  from  pride."  (Rodwell). 

"  La  takunu  ka'llati  naqadhat  srhazlaha  min  ba'di  quwwatin 
'ankathan  tattakhidhuna  'aymanakum  dakhalan  bainakum." 

Koran,  chap.  16. 

••  Be  not  like  her  who  unravelleth  into  strands  the  thread  which  she  had 
strongly  spun  by  taking  your  oaths  with  mutual  perfidy."     (Rodwell). 

"  La  tamshi  fl  'I'ardhi  marahan  Innaka  Ian  takhriqa  'I'ardha  wa 
Ian  tablugrha  'IJibala  tula."  Koran,  chap.  17. 

"  Walk  not  proudly  on  the  earth  ;  truly  thou  canst  by  no  means  cleave 
the  earth,  neither  canst  thou  reach  to  the  mountains  in  hdght." 

(Rodwell). 

"  La  tamuddanna  'ainaika  11a  ma  matta'na  bihl  azwajan  minhum 
wa  la  tahzan  alaihim  wa'khfidh  Janahaka  lilmuminln." 

Koran,  chap.  15. 

"  Strain  not  thine  eyes  after  the  good  things  we  have  bestowed  on  some 
of  the  unbelievers  ;  and  afflict  not  thyself  on  their  account ;  and  lower  thy 
wing  to  the  faithful."  (Rodwell). 

"  La  taqfU  ma  laisa  laka  bihi  llmun  Inna  'ssam'a  wa'l  basara  w& 
IfUw'ada  kullu  'aula'ika  kana  anhu  masula."  Koran,  chap.  17. 

"  Follow  not  that  of  which  thou  hast  no  knowledge  ;  verily  the  hearing 
and  the  sight  and  the  heart ;  each  for  this  shall  be  enquired  of." 

(Rodwell). 

"La  taqulu  liman  yaxitalu  fl  sabili  'llahi  'amwatun,  bal  'ahyaun 
wa  lakin  la  tashurun."  Koran,  chap.  3. 

"  Say  not  of  those  who  are  slain  on  God's  path  that  they  are  dead  ;  nay 
rather  that  they  are  living !  but  ye  understand  not."  (Rodwell). 


i68  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

■"  Latsisbuwanna  ila  watan  flhi  tudhamu  wa  tumtahan  ' :  • ' 

W'arhal  'ani  'ddari  tu  'li  'Iwlhada  'ala  'Ifutan 
Walirab  Ila  kinnin  yaqi  wa  lau  'annahu  hidhna  hadhan 
W'alam  ba'anna  'Hmrra  ft  'autanihi  yalqa  'Ighaban 
Ka'ddurri  fi  'I'asdafl  yustazra  wa  yubkhasu  fi  'ththaman." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri  (ch»p.  39). 

^'  To  a  native  place  cling  not,  where  folks  oppress  and  hold  thee  in  scant 
esteem, 
But  depart  the  land  that  exalts  the  low  above  the  high  in  dignity, 
And  take  thy  flight  to  a  safe  retreat,  although  it  were  on  the  skirts  of 

Mount  Kaf, 
For  know  full  well  that  a  free-born  man  in  his  country  meets  but  with 

disregard 
As  the  pearl  within  its  shell  is  slighted,  and  underrated  its  preciousness." 

Steingass. 

*'  La  t'atibi  'ddhara  fl  khatbin  ramaka  bihi 
In  istaradda  faqidman  tala  ma  wahaba."  Zohair. 

"  Blame  not  thy  fortune  when  it  seems  unkind 

It  does  but  take  back  what  it  gave  before."       (Palmer). 

*'  Latulhaqna  ila  'saa'ta  akhtuha 
Sharr'u'ssa'ti  'an  tusa  ma'awlda."  Ai.  Buhturi. 

"  Add  not  to  ill-doing  its  sister ;  the  worst  ill-doing  is  to  do  ill  twice." 

D.  S.  Margoliouth. 

"  La  turajji  'Iwadda  mimman  yara  annaka  muhlajun  'ila  falsihi." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  4. 

"  Hope  not  for  affection  from  any  who  sees  that  thou  art  in  want  of  his 
money."  (Chenery). 

"  La  tay'asan  'inda  'nnuab  min  farjatin  tajlu  'Ikurab 
Falakum  samumin  habba  thumma  jara  nasiman  fu'nqalab, 
Wa  sahabi  makruhin  tanasha  fa'dhmahalla  w^a  ma  sakab, 
Wa  dukhani  khatbin  khifa  minhu,  fama  'stabana  lahu  lahab, 
F'asbir  idha  ma  naba  ra'un,  fa'zzaman  'abu  'lajab, 
Watarajja  min  rauhi  'llahi  lata'ifan  la  tuhtasab." 

Hariri,  Maqamat,  19. 

*'  Despair  not  in  calamities  of  a  gladdening  that  shall  wipe  away  thy 

sorrows, 
For  how  many  a  simoom  blows,  then  turns  to  a  gentle  breeze  and  is 

changed  ! 
How  many  a  hateful  cloud  arises,  then  passes  away  and  pours  not  forth, 
And  the  smoke  of  the  wood,  fear  is  conceived  of  it,  yet  no  blaze  appears 

from  it ; 
So  be  patient  when  fear  assails,  for  time  is  the  father  of  wonders. 
And  hope  from  the  peace  of  God  blessings  not  to  be  reckoned." 

(Chenery).    : 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  169 

"  La  tazlru  wazlratun  wlzra  'ukhra  wa'ln  tad*u  muthqalatun  ila 
himllha,  la  jruhmal  minhu  shai'un  wa  lau  kana  dha  qurba." 

KoKAN,  chap.  35.    V 

/"  And  the  burdened  soul  shall  not  bear  the  burden  of  another,  and  if 
rtie  heavy-laden  soul  cry  out  for  its  burden  to  be  carried,  yet  shall  not 
aught  of  it  be  carried,  even  by  the  near  of  kin."  (Rodwell). 

"  La  tazur  man  tuhlbbu  ft  kulll  shahrin  grhair  yaximin  wa  la  tazl- 
dahu  'alaihi 
F'ajtila  "u'lhilall  fl  'shshahrl  yaumun  thumma  la  tanzuru  'laujunu 
'alaihi."  Maqamat  of  Harim(i5). 

"  Visit  him  whom  thou  lovest  in  each  month  only  a  day  and  exceed  not 
that  upon  him, 
For  the  beholding  of  the  new  moon  is  but  one  day  in  the  month  and 
afterward  eyes  look"  not  on  it."  Chenery. 

"  La  tubtilu  sadaqatikum  bi'lmanni  wa  'I'adha  ka'lladhi  jrunflqu 
ma  lahu  riVa-  'nnasi  wa  la  jmmin  bi  'llahl  wa  'lyaumi  'lakbiri  fa 
mathaluhu  kamathali  safwanin  alaihi  turabun  fa'asabahu  wabilun 
fatarakahu  saldan."  Koran,  chap.  2. 

"  Make  not  your  alms  void  by  reproaches  and  injury,  like  him  who 
spendeth  his  substance  to  be  seen  of  men,  and  believeth  not  in  God,  and  in 
the  latter  day.  The  likeness  of  such  an  one  is  that  of  a  rock  with  a  thin 
soil  upon  it  on  which  a  heavy  rain  falleth  but  leaveth  it  hard." 

(Rodwell). 

"  La  tudrikuhu  'labsaru  wa  huwa  yudriku  'labsara  wa  huwa 
llatifu  'Ikhabir."  Koran,  chap.  6. 

"  No  vision  taketh  in  Him,  but  He  taketh  in  all  vision  and  He  is  the 
Subtle,  the  All-informed."  (Rodwell). 

"  La  tugrhilanna  idha  ma  sabahta  fa'inna  'ssalamata  fi  'ssahili." 

Maqamat  ok  Hariri  (i6X 

"  Go  not  in  far  when  thou  swimmest  for  safety  is  on  the  bank." 

Chenery. 

"  La  tulqu  bi  eydlyxikvun  ila  ttahalakati."  Koran. 

*'  Throw  not  yourselves  with  your  own  hands  into  perdition." 

Eastwick. 

"  Lau  'anfaqta  ma  fl  'I'ardhi  jtuni'an  ma  'alafta  baina  qulubihim 
wa  lakinna  'Uaha  'allafa  bainahum  innahu  azizun  hakim." 

Koran,  chap.  7. 

"  Hadst  thou  spent  all  the  riches  of  the  earth,  thou  wouldest  not  have 
united  their  hearts ;  but  God  hath  united  them  :  He  verily  is  Mighty, 
Wise."  (Rodwell). 


I70  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  liau  'ansafa  'ddahru  fl  hukmihi 
Lama  mallaks  'Ihukma  'ahla  'nnaqisa." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  i. 

**  If  Fortune  were  just  in  its  decree,  it  would  not  empower  the  worthless 
with  authority."  (Chenery). 

"  Lau  'an  Laila  'alakhailiyyata  sallamat  'alayya  wa  duni  turbatun 
■wa  safaihu, 
Lasallamtu  taslima  'Ibashashati  au  zaqa  llaiha  sadan  min  Janibi 
'Iqabri  saihu."  Tauba  ibn  Al  Humaivir. 

"  Ah  !  if  but  Laila  once  would  send  me  a  greeting  down 
Of  grace,  though  between  us  lay  the  dust  and  the  flags  of  stone, 
My  greeting  of  joy  should  spring  in  answer,  or  there  should  cry 
Toward  her  an  owl,*  ill  bird  that  shrieks  in  the  gloom  of  graves." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 

"  Lau  'anna  lilladhina  dhalamu  ma  fl  Tardhi  jami'an  wa  mithlahu 
ma'ahu,  la  'ftadu  bihi  min  su'  'I'azabi  yauma  'Iqiyamati  wa  bada 
lahxim  mina  'llahi  ma  lam  yakunu  yahtasibun."  Koran,  chap.  39. 

"  If  the  wicked  possessed  all  that  is  in  the  earth  and  as  much  again 
therewith,  assuredly  they  would  ransom  themselves  with  it  from  the  pain 
of  the  punishment  on  the  day  of  resurrection  ;  and  there  shall  appear  to 
them  from  God  things  they  had  never  reckoned  on."  (Rodwkli,). 

"Lau  'anna  ma  fl  'lardhi  min  shajaratin  'aqlamun  wa'lbabru 
yamudduhu  min  ba'dihi  sab'atu  'abhurin,  ma  nafldat  kalimatu 
'llahi,  inna  'Uaha  azizun  hakim."  Koran,  chap.  31. 

"  If  all  the  trees  that  are  upon  the  earth  were  to  become  pens,  and  if 
God  should  after  that  swell  the  sea  into  seven  seas  (of  ink),  His  words 
would  not  be  exhausted  ;  of  a  truth,  (iod  is  Mighty,  Wise." 

(Rodwrll). 
"  Lau  an  suduru  'I'amri  yabduna  lilfata 

K'aqabahu  lam  talafahu  yatanaddamu."  Al  Ikd  al  farid. 

'•  Were  the  beginnings  of  things  but  as  clear  to  a  man  as  are  the 
endings,  he  would  never  be  found  repenting."       D.  S.  Margoliouth. 

"  Lau  anzalna  hadha  Iqurana  ala  jabalin  lara'aitahu  khashian 
mutasaddi'an  min  khashiati  'llahi  wa  tilka  I'amsalu  nadhribuha 
Unnasi  laallahum  yatafakkurun."  Koran,  chap.  59. 

'•  Had  we  sent  down  this  Koran  on  some  mountain,  thou  would'st 
certainly  have  seen  it  humbling  itself  and  cleaving  asunder  for  the  fear  of 
God.  Such  are  the  parables  we  propose  to  men  in  order  that  they  may 
reflect."  (Rod  well). 

*  The  ancient  Arabs  believed  that  the  ghosts  of  dead  men  became  owls. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  171 

"  Lau  kuntu  'alamu  'Igrhaiba  I'astakathartu  mina  'Ikhalrin  wa  ma 
massani  Isu."  Koran. 

"  Had  I  known  the  future,  I  should  have  got  myself  great  good  fortune, 
and  no  harm  should  have  touched  me."  D.  S.  Marooliouth. 

"  Lau  la  yakuna  "nnasu  'vunmatfin  wahidatan  laja'alna  liman 
yakfuru  blrrahmanl  Ubuyutihim  suqufan  min  fldhdhatin  wa  ma 
*arlja  yadharun.  wa  Ubuyutihim  'abwaban  wa  surviran  alaiha  yat- 
takiun."  Koran,  cbap.  43. 

"  If  it  were  not  that  mankind  would  have  l>ecome  one  sect  of  infidels, 
verily  we  had  given  to  those  who  believe  not  in  the  Merciful,  roofs  of  silver 
to  their  houses  and  stairs  of  silver  by  which  they  might  ascend  thereto, 
and  doors  of  silver  to  their  houses,  and  couches  of  silver  for  them  to  lean 
on."  (Sale). 

Q  "  La  'uqsimu  biyaumi  'Iqiyamati,  'wa  la  uqsimu  bi'nnafsi  'llawwa- 
mati,  'ayahsabu  'llnsanu  'an  Ian  najma'a  idhamahu  bala  qadlrina 
ala  'an  nusawwia  ba£i^vi."  Koran,  chap.  75.     /'^ 

^  "  I  swear  by  the  Resurrection,  and  I  swear  by  the  self-accusing  soul.*^,. 
Thinketh  man  that  we  cannot  re-unite  his  bones?     Aye,  his  very  finger 
bones  are  we  able  evenly  to  replace."  (Ron well). 

"  Lau  3ruakhidbu  'Uahu  'nnasa  bima  kasabu  ma  taraka  'ala  dhah- 
riha  min  dabbatin  walakin  y\i  akhiruhum  ila  'aJaJin  musamma." 

Koran,  chap.  35. 

*'  If  moreover  God  should  chastise  men  according  to  their  deserts,  He 
would  not  leave  even  a  reptile  on  the  back  of  the  earth.  But  to  an 
appointed  time  doth  He  respite  them."  Rodwell. 

"  La  yablugrhu  ahadun  darjata  'Ihaqiqati  hatta  yashada  flhi  alfu 
sidiqin  bi  annahu  zindiqun."  Junaid. 

"  No  one  atlaineth  to  the  degree  of  truth  until  a  thousand  righteous  men 
bear  witness  that  he  is  an  atheist." 

"  La  yadkhuluna  'IJannata  hatta  yalija  'Ijamalu  fi  samml  'Ikhay- 
yati."  Koran,  chap.  7. 

"  Nor  shall  they  enter  Paradise  until  the  camel  passeth  through  the  eye 
of  the  needle."  (Rodwell). 

"  La  yaltamu  ma  jaraha  'Uisanu."  Prov. 

*'  Wounds  of  the  tongue  are  never  healed." 

"  La  yamassuhu  ilia  Imutahharun."  Koran,  chap.  56.    '  [^ 

"  Let  none  touch  it  *  but  the  purified." 

*  The  Koran. 


172  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  La  yaraddu  'Ijaza'  fatila  wa  la  yuhiu  'lasafu  man  grhada  bissaifl' 
'Imuniyati  qatila."  Abu'l  Ala. 

"  Despair  will  bring  nothing  back  neither  will  grief  bring  him  to  life 
whom  the  sword  of  fate  has  once  slain."  D.  S.  Margoliouth. 

"  La  yas'amu  'linsanu  rain  du'ai  'Ikhairi  wa'in  massahu'  sharru 
faya'usun  qanut."  Kokan,  chap.  41. 

"  Man  is  never  weary  of  praying  for  good,  but  if  evil  betide  him,  he  is 
then  desponding,  despairing."  (Rodwell). 

"  La  yastawl  'Ikhabithu  wa  'ttayibu  wa  lau  a'jabaka  kathratu 
'Ikhabithi ,  fa'ttaqu  'Uaha  ya  'uli'lalbab  la'allakum  tuflihun." 

Koran,  chap.  5. 

"  The  evil  and  the  good  are  not  to  be  valued  alike  even  though  the 
abundance  of  evil  please  thee;  therefore  fear  God,  O  ye  of  understanding  ! 
Haply  it  shall  be  well  with  you."  (Rodwell). 

"  La  ya'zubu  'anhu  mithqalu  dharratin  fl  'ssamawati  wa  la  fl 
'lardhi  wa  la  'asgharu  min  dhalika  w^a  la  akbaru  ilia  fl  kitabin 
mubin."  Koran,  chap.  34. 

"Not  the  weight  of  a  mote  either  in  the  heavens  or  in  the  earth  escapeth 
Him  ;  nor  is  there  aught  less  than  this,  or  aught  greater  which  is  not  in 
the  perspicuous  Book."  Rodwell. 

"  La  yughlaqu  babu  'ttaubati  'ala  'llbadi  hatta  tatla'u  'shshamsu 
min  magrhribihi."  Gulistan,  chap.  5. 

"  The  door  of  repentance  shall  not  be  closed  against  the  servants  of  God 
till  the  sun  rise  from  the  West."  (Platts). 

"  La  jaildagrhu  'Imuminu  min  hujrin  wahidin  maratain." 

Arabic  Proverb. 

"  The  believer  will  not  be  stung  from  one  hole  twice." 

Eastwick. 

"  La  ynsibuhum  dhamaun  wa  la  nasabun  wa  la  makhmasatnn  fl 
sabili  'Uahi  wa  la  yata'una  mutian  yaghidhu  'Ikuffara  wa  la  yana- 
luna  min  aduwwin  nilan  Ilia  kutiba  lahum  bihi  amalun  salihun 
Inna  'Uaba  la  yudhi'u  'ajra  'Imuhsinin."  Koran,  chap.  9. 

"  Neither  thirst  nor  labour  nor  hunger  can  come  upon  them  when  on 
the  path  of  God,  neither  do  they  step  a  step  which  may  anger  the  un- 
believers, neither  do  they  receive  from  the  enemy  an  injury  but  it  is 
written  down  to  them  as  a  good  work  ;  verily  God  will  not  suffer  the 
reward  of  the  righteous  to  perish."  (Rodwell). 

"  Libas  ki  har^z  na  farsud  sabr  ast."  Akhlaq-i-Muhsini. 

"  The  dress  that  never  wore  out  is  patience."  Keene. 


\ 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  173 

"  Likulli  'nnasln  makbarun  bifana'ihim  fahum  yanqusvma  wa  'Iqu- 

buru  tazidu, 
Wa  ma  'in  yazalu  rasmu  daiin  ukblaqat  wa  baitun  limaltan  bl 

'Ifanal  Jadldu, 
Hum  Jiratu  'lahya'  'amma  Jiwaruhum  fadanin  wa'amma  'Imviltaqa 

faba'idu."  Abdallah  iun  Tha'i.abah. 

"  Before  the  door  of  each  and  all  a  slumber-place  is  ready  set : 

Men  wane  and  dwindle  and  the  graves  in  number  grow  from  day  to  day  ; 
And  ever  more  and  more  outworn  the  traces  fade  of  hearth  and  home, 
And  ever  yonder  for  some  dead  is  newly  built  a  house  of  clay. 
Yea  neighbours  are  they  of  the  living  ;  near  and  close  their  fellowship 
But  if  thy  soul  would  seek  their  converse,  thou  must  seek  it  far  away." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 

"  Lillahi  kvmuzun  tahta  'I'arshi  mafatihuha  alsinatu  'shshu'ara." 

Saving  ok  Muhammad. 

"  God  hath  treasuries  beneath  the  throne,  the  keys  whereof  are  the 
tongues  of  the  poets." 

"Lillahi  yasjudu  ma  fl  'ssamawatl  wa  ma  fi  'rardhi  min  daabbatin 
w^a  'Imialaikatu  wa  hum  la  yastakblrun  yakhafuna  rabbah\im  min 
fauqihim  wa  yaraluna  ma  yumirun."  Koran,  chap.  16. 

"  All  in  the  heavens  and  all  on  the  earth,  each  thing  that  moveth  and 
the  very  angels  prostrate  themselves  in  adoration  before  God  and  are  free 
from  pride ;  they  fear  their  Lord  who  is  above  them,  and  do  what  they  are 
bidden."  (Rodweli.). 

"  Li  ma 'a  'Uahi  waqtun  la  yas'auni  flhi  malakun  muqarrabun  wa 
la  nabiyyun  mursalun."  Saving  of  Muhammad. 

"  I  have  a  season  with  God  in  which  neither  ministering  angel  nor  any 
prophet  that  has  been  sent,  can  vie  with  me."  .  (Eastwick), 

"  Lisanu  'Ifata  nisfun  wa  nisfUn  fuwaduhu 
Falam  yabka  ilia  suratu  'llahmi  wa  'ddami 
Wa  Ita'in  tara  min  samitin  laka  mu'jibin 
Ziyadatuhu  au  neiqsuhu  fl  'ttakallami."  Muallakah  ok  Zuhair, 

"  The  tongue  is  a  man's  one  half,  the  other  the  heart  within. 

Besides  iliese  two  nought  is  left  but  a  semblance  of  flesh  and  blood, 
How  many  a  man  seemed  goodly  to  thee  while  he  held  his  peace, 
Whereof  thou  didst  learn  the  more  or  less  when  he  turned  10  speech. 

C.  J.  Lyall. 

"  Litafat  kun  an  ja  ki  bird  sitlz 
Na  barrad  qaz-i-narmra  tigh-i-tlz 
Bashirin  zabani  wa  lutf  wa  khushi 
Tawani  ki  pile  ba  mui  kashi."  Gulistan,  chap.  3.    > 


174  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

•'  When  thou  seest  broils  arise,  use  courtesy, 
A  sharp  sword  cuts  not  silk,  though  soft  it  be. 
With  honeyed  words,  good  humour  on  thy  side, 
Thou  with  a  hair  an  elephant  may'st  guide."      (Eastwick). 

"  Luqman-i-hakiinra  gruftand  'hikmat  az  kih  amukhti?'  Gufb  'az 
nabinayan  ki  ta  jae  na  binand.  pae  na  nihand.' "        Gulistan,  Preface. 

*•  They  said  to  the  sage  Luqman,  '  From  whom  didst  thou  learn 
wisdom  ? '  He  replied,  *  From  the  blind  who  advance  not  their  feet,  till 
they  have  tried  the  ground.'"  (Eastwick). 

"  Lutfe  na  mand,  k'an  sanam-i-khushlaqa  na  kard, 
Mara  che  Jurm  gar  karamash  ba  sbuma  na  kard? 
Tashni'  mi  zani  ki  jafa  kard  an  nigar, 
EQiube  kih  did  dar  du  jaban,  kijafa  na  kard? 
Chun  ruh  dar  nazara  fana  gasht,  in  bigxift, 

'  Nazara-i-jamal-i-khuda  juz  khuda  na  kard '  ^ 

In  chashm  w^a  an  chiragrh  du  nurand  har  yake, 
Chun  in  baham  rasid,  kase  shan  Juda  na  kard." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz, 

"  No  favour  was  left  which  that  winsome  beauty  did  not  bestow, 
What  fault  of  ours  if  he  failed  in  bounty  towards  you  ? 
Thou  art  reviling  because  that  charmer  wrought  tyranny, 
Whoever  saw  in  the  two  worlds  a  fair  one  that  played  not  the  tyrant  ? 
When  the  spirit  became  lost  in  contemplation,  it  said  this 
'  None  but  God  has  contemplated  the  beauty  of  God  ; ' 
This  eye  and  that  lamp  are  two  lights,  each  individual, 
When  they  came  together,  no-one  distinguished  them." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Ma  'arafnaka  haqqa  m'arifatika."  Gulistan  (Preface). 

"  We  have  not  known  Thee  as  Thou  oughtest  to  be  known." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Ma'a^h  chunan  kun,  ki  gar  bilaghzad  pai 
Firishta'at  badu  dast-i-du'a  nigah  darad."  Hafiz  Ode,  146. 

"  So  live,  that  if  thy  foot  slip  e'er, 
Angels  may  guard  thee  by  the  hands  of  prayer." 

BiCKNELL. 
"  Ma  'ashiq  wa  ashufba  wa  mastim  imruz 
Dar  ku-i-maghan  bada  parastim  imruz 
Az  hasti-i-khwishtan  bikuUi  rasta 
Paiwasta  bimihrab-i-'alastim  imruz."  Omar  Khayyam 

'•  To-day  to  love  and  rapture  we  have  soared, 
To-day  in  Magian  precincts  wine  adored. 
And  rapt  beyond  ourselves  we  do  abide. 
Within  that  tavern,  '  Am  I  not  your  Lord  ? '  " 

Whinfield. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  175 

"  Ma  'atazaltu  hatta  Jadadtu  wa  hazaltu,  fa  wajadtanl  la  aalaha 
UJadl  wa  la  hazU,  fa  Indaha  radhitu  bil'  uzli."  Abu'l  Ala. 

"  I  did  not  retire  from  the  world  till  I  had  both  worked  and  played,  and 
finding  myself  unfit  for  either,  I  had  to  be  satisfied  with  ennui. 

D.  S.  Margoliouth. 
"  Ma  ayyal  hazratim  wa  shira  khwah 
Ouft '  alkhalqu  ayyalan  I'lllah ; ' 
An  Id  u  az  asman  baran  dlhad 
Ham  tawanad  k'u  za  rahmat  nan  dihad."  Jalaluddin  Rumu 

♦*  We  are  the  family  of  the  Lord  and  His  sucking  babes. 
The  Prophet  said  *  The  people  are  God's  family,' 
He  who  sends  forth  the  rain  from  heaven. 
Can  He  not  also  provide  our  daily  bread  ?  "         (Whinfield). 

"  Mabada  dil  an  mardam  ahanin  shad 
Ki  az  bahr-l-dunya  dlhad  din  babad."  Pandnama  of  S'aui. 

'•  Let  not  the  heart  of  that  man  of  iron  rejoice 
Who  for  this  world  giveth  futurity  to  the  wind." 

Gladwin. 
"  Mabada  kas  ki  az  zem  mihr  Juyad 
Kl  az  shtira  bayaban  grul  na  ruyad."  Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

"  Forbid  it  one  in  woman's  nature  should  for  gentle  feelings  look. 
Ne'er  amid  the  brackish  desert  roses  home  ungenial  took." 

Eastwick, 
"  Ma  ba  falak  buda  im,  yar-i-malak  buda  Im 
Baz  hamanja  rawim,  khwaja,  kl  an  shahr-i-ma'st 
Alam-i-khak  az  kuja,  grauhar-i-pak  az  kuja 
Oarchi  farud  ameullm  baz  dawim,  in  chi  Ja'st?  " 

Diwan.I'Shams-i-Tabriz. 
"  We  have  been  in  heaven,  we  have  been  friends  of  the  angels 
Thither,  sire,  let  us  return  for  that  is  our  country. 
How  diflferent  a  source  have  the  world  of  dust  and  the  pure  substance, 
Though  we  came  down,  let  us  haste  back — what  place  is  this?" 

(Nicholson). 
"  Mabar  nam-i-wafa  dar  bazam-i-khuban 
Ba  bue  az  wafadaii  na  dari."  Anwar-i-Sohbili. 

"  O  speak  not  thou  of  faithfulness  where  feast  the  frank  and  free. 
For  not  an  atom  of  good  faith  its  fragrance  sheds  on  thee." 

Eastwick. 
"  Ma  birun-ra  nangrarim  wa  qalra 
Ma  damn  ra  bing'arim  wa  halra ; 
Nazir  qalbim  agar  khashi  buad 
Garchi  gruft  lufz  na  khazi  buad ; 
Z'anki  dil  Jauhar  bud,  gruftan  'arz, 
Pus  tufail  amad  'arz,  jauhar  gharz ; 
Chand  az  in  alfaz  w^a  izmar  wa  majaz 
Suz  khwaham,  saz  ba  an  suz  baz."  Jalaluodin  Rumi. 


176  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  I  regard  not  the  outside  and  the  words, 
I  regard  the  inside  and  the  state  of  heart ; 
I  look  at  the  heart  if  it  be  humble, 
Though  the  words  may  be  the  reverse  of  humble  ; 
Because  the  heart  is  substance  and  words  accidents, 
Accidents  are  only  a  means,  substance  is  the  final  cause. 
How  long  wilt  thou  dwell  on  words  and  superficialities, 
A  burning  heart  is  what  I  want ;  consort  with  burning.^' 

(Whinfield). 
"  Ma  dar  kh-war  dilera  agarchi  khwar  buwaa 
Ki  bas  aziz  dilast  -wa  aziz  dar  an  dari, 
Dile  kharab  chu  manzargah  ilahi  bu'wad 
Zahi,  s'aadat-i-jani  ki  kard  m'amari."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Then  think  not  lowly  of  thy  heart,  though  lowly. 
For  holy  is  it  and  there  dwells  the  holy, 
God's  presence-chamber  is  the  human  breast, 
Ah  !  happy  spirit  with  such  Inmate  blest."       (Falconer). 

"  Ma  dha  akhadhaka  ya  mag-hruru  fi  'Ikhatari 
Hatta  halakta  falaita  'nnamlu  lam  tatir."  Gulistan,  chap.  3. 

"  What  was  it  that  plunged  thee,  deluded  one  into  danger, 
So  that  thou  perished  ?    Would  that  the  ant  had  not  got  wings  and 
attempted  to  fly  ?"  (Platts). 

"  Mague  anchi  taqat  na  dari  shanud 
Ki  jau  kishta  gandam  na  khwahi  dirud."  Bostan  of  S'adi, 

"  Utter  not  what  thou  hast  not  the  power  to  hear, 
For,  having  sown  barley,  thou  wilt  not  reap  wheat." 

(Clarke). 
"  Magu  'shay ad  in  mar  kushtan  bichub' 
Chu  sar  zir-i-sang-i-tu  darad,  bikub  ; 
Bad  andishra  jae  wa  fursat  madih 
Adu  dar  chah  wa  div  dar  shisha  bih."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  2. 

"  Say  not  'it  is  proper  to  kill  this  snake  with  a  stick,' 
Strike,  when  he  has  his  head  beneath  thy  stone. 
Give  neither  place  nor  opportunity  to  the  malignant  one ; 
The  enemy  in  the  pit  and  the  demon  in  the  glass  bottle  is  best." 

(Clarke). 
"  Magzar  ki  zih  kunad  kaman  ra 
Dushman,— chu  ba  tir  mitawan  dukht."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  Ere  yet  his  bow 
Be  strung,  thy  arrow  should  transfix  the  foe." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Mahakk  danad  ki  zar  chist."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  The  touchstone  discerns  the  gold." 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  177 

"  Ma  hama  ajza  Adam  buda  im 
Dar  bihisht  an  lahana  bishnuda  im ; 
Oarchi  bar  ma  rikht  ab  wa  gril  shake, 
Yad  man  ayad  az!anha  andake, 
Lek  Chun  amikht  ba  khak  karb, 
Kai  dihad  In  zir  wa  in  ham  an  tarab."  Jalaluddin  Ruml 

"  As  we  are  all  members  of  Adam 
We  have  heard  these  melodies  in  Paradise ; 
Though  earih  and  water  have  cast  their  veil  upon  us 
We  retain  faint  reminiscences  of  those  earthly  songs  ; 
But  while  we  are  thus  shrouded  by  gross  earthly  veils 
How  can  the  tones  of  the  dancing  spheres  reach  us?" 

Whinfield. 
"  Mah  flshanad  nur  wa  sagr  'au !  au ! '  kunad 
Har  kase  bar  khalqat-i-khud  mi  tanad 
Har  kase  ra  khidmate  dada  qaza."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  The  moon  sheds  her  light  and  the  dogs  howl ; 
Everyone  acts  according  to  his  nature, 
To  each  his  office  is  allotted  by  the  divine  decree." 

Whinfield. 
"  Mahram  hasti,  ki  ba  tu  gnyam  yak  dam, 
E'az  awwal  kar  khud  chi  bud  ast  Adam 
Mihnat-zada'e  sarishta  andar  g11-i-erham 
Yak  chand  Jahan  bikhurad  wa  bardasht  qadam."    Omar  Khawah. 

*•  To  confidants  like  you  I  dare  to  say 
What  mankind  really  are  : — moulded  of  clay,' 
Affliction's  clay,  and  kneaded  in  distress, 
They  taste  the  world  awhile,  then  pass  away." 

(Whinfield). 
"  Mail-i-tan  dar  sabza  wa  ab  rawan 
Z'an  bud  ki  asl-i-u  amad  azan ; 
Mail-i-jan  dar  hilcmat  wa  dar  ulum, 
Mail-i-tan  dar  bagrh  wa  ragh  wa  dar  karum ; 
Mail-i-jan  andar  tara,qqi  w^a  sharf, 
Mail-i-tan  dar^kasb.asbab  w^a  'alaf."  Jalaluddin  Ruml 

"  The  lx)dy  loves  green  pastures  and  running  water. 
For  this  cause  that  its  origin  is  from  them. 
The  love  of  the  soul  is  for  wisdom  and  knowledge, 
That  of  the  liody  for  houses,  gardens,  and  vineyards; 
The  love  of  the  soul  is  for  things  exalted  on  high. 
That  of  the  body  for  acquisition  of  goods  and  food." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Ma  'indakum  yanfadu  wa  ma  'inda  'llahi  baqin  walanajziyanna 
'Uadhina  sabaru  'ajrahum  bi'ahsani  ma  kanu  ya'malun." 

Koran,  chap.  i6. 
12 


178  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  All  that  is  with  you  passeth  away,  but  that  which  is  God  abideth. 
With  a  reward  meet  for  their  best  deeds  will  we  surely  recompense  those 
who  have  patiently  endured."  (Rodwell). 

"  Ma  'in  yadhuru  'ladhba  kaunu  qarabihi  khalaqan  wa  la  'Ibazi 
hsiqaratu  'ashshihi.  Maqamat  of  Hariri,  a\. 

"  It  hurts  not  the  sword  that  its  sheath  be  worn,  nor  the  hawk  that  its 
nest  be  mean."  Chenery. 

"  Ma  ja'ala  'Uahu  lirajulin  min  qalbaini  fl  jauflhi."       Koran,  chap.  33. 

"  God  hath  not  given  a  man  two  hearts  within  him."  Rodwell. 

"  Majmu'a-i-kawn-ra  bi  kanun-i-sabak 
Kardim  tasaflFuh  varakan  ba'da  varak  : 
Hakka  ki  na-khwandim  u  na  didim  dar  u 
Juz  zat-i-Hakk  u  sifat-i-zatiyye-i-Hakk." 

"  Like  a  lesson-book  the  compendium  of  the  universe 
We  turned  over,  leaf  after  leaf; 
In  truth  we  read  and  saw  therein  naught 
Save  the  Essence  of  God  and  the  Essential  Attributes  of  God." 

(E.  G.  Browne). 
"  Maju  sa'adat  wa  daulat  dar  in  jahan  ki  nayabi, 
Za  bandagiash  talab  kun  sa'adat  du  jahani." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Look  not  in  the  world  for  bliss  and  fortune,  since  thou  wilt  not  find 
them. 
Seek  bliss  in  both  worlds  by  serving  Him."  (Nicholson). 

"  Ma  kana  libasharin  'an  yukallimahu  'Uahu  ilia  w^ahian  au  min 
wara'  hijab."  Koran,  chap.  42. 

"  It  is  not  for  man  that  God  should  speak  with  him,  but  by  revelation 
or  from  behind  a  veil."  (Rodwell). 

"  Ma  kana  rabbuka  muhlika  'Iqura  hatta  yata'atha  fl  'ummiha 
rasulan  yatlu  alaihim  ayatina  wa  ma  kunna  muhliki  'Iqura  ilia  wa 
abluha  dhalimun."  Koran,  chap.  28. 

"  Thy  Lord  did  not  destroy  those  cities  till  fie  had  sent  an  apostle  to 
their  mother  city  to  rehearse  our  signs  to  its  people ;  nor  did  we  destroy 
the  cities  unless  their  people  were  unjust."  (Rodwell). 

"  Makar-i-Shaitanast  t'ajil  wa  shitab 
Lutf-i-Rahman  ast  sabr  wa  ijtinab  ; 
B'atanni  gasht  maujud  az  khuda 
Ta  ba  shash  ruz  in  zamin  w^a  charkhha 
Warna  qadir  bud  k'u  az  '  kaf '  -wa  '  nun ' 
Sad  zamin  dar  yak  dam  awardi  birain 
In  tanni  az  pa'e  t'alim-i-tu'st 
Sabr  kun,  dar  kar-i-u  dar  ai  durust."  Anwar-i-Slheh.i 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  179- 

'•  Hurry  and  rashness  from  the  devil  spring, 
But  patience,  meekness,  are  from  heaven's  king, 
See  from  God's  hand  creation  slow  arise 
And  six  days'  labour  claimed  by  earth  and  skies, 
Else  with  two  letters  He  possessed  the  might 
Sudden  to  make  new  worlds  upstart  to  light. 
Lo  !  in  this  course  instruction  to  us  sent ; 
Use  patience,  for  with  it  success  is  blent."  Eastwick. 

"  Makaru  malcrahuin  wa  inda  'llahi  makruhum  wain  kana  mak- 
ruhvuu  lltazula  minhu  'Ijlbal."  Koran,  chap.  14. 

"  They  plotted  their  plots  ;  but  their  craftiness  was  under  the  control  of 
God,  even  though  their  craftiness  had  been  such  that  the  mountains  should 
be  moved  by  it."  (Rodwei.l). 

"  Ma  khalaqa  'llahu  min  shaian  yatafasryau  dhilaltihu  'ani  'lyamlni 
wa'  shshamalli  sujjldan  lillahi."  Kokan,  chap.  16. 

"  Everything  which  God  hath  created  turneth  its  shadow  right  and  left, 
prostrating  itself  before  God."  (Rodwell). 

"  Ma  khalaqna  'ssamai  wa  'lardha  wa  ma  bainahuma  batUan 
dhalika  dhannu  'lladhina  kafaru  fa  wailun  lilladhina  kafaru  mina 
'nnari."  Koran,  chap.  37. 

'*  We  have  not  created  the  heaven  and  the  earth  and  what  is  between 
them  for  nought.  That  is  the  thought  of  unbelievers ;  but  woe  to  those 
who  believe  not  because  of  the  fire  ! "  Rodwell. 

"  Ma  khaJaqna  'ssama'i  wa  'I'ardha  wa  ma  bainahuma  lalbin  lau 
'aradna  an  nattakhidha  lahwan  la'ttakhadhnahu  min  ladunna  in 
kunna  fallln."  Koran,  chap.  21. 

«•  We  created  not  the  heaven  and  the  earth  and  what  is  between  them  for 
a  sport ; 
Had  it  been  our  wish  to  find  a  pastime,  we  had  surely  found  it  in 
ourselves ;  if  to  do  so  had  been  our  will."  (Rodwell). 

"  Ma  khalaqtu  'Ijinn  wa  'lins,  in  bikhwan, 
Juz  Ibadat  nist  maqsud  az  jahan ; 
Garchi  maqsud  az  kitab  an  fann  buwad 
Gar  tu  ash  balish  kuni  ham  mishawad  ; 
Lekin  az  maqsud  in  balish  na  bud 
Dm  bud  wa  danish  wa  irshad  wa  sud."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Read  the  text  '  I  have  not  created  Jinns  and  men  but  to  worship  me,' 
The  only  object  of  the  world  is  to  worship  God. 
Though  the  object  of  a  book  is  to  teach  an  art, 
If  you  make  a  pillow  of  it,  it  serves  thai  purpose  too. 
Yet  its  main  object  is  not  to  serve  as  a  pillow 
But  to  impart  knowledge  and  useful  instruction."  (Whinfield). 


i8o  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

Makun  shadmani  bimargr-i-kase 

Ki  dalarat  na  manad  pas  az  wai  base."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  Indulge  not  joy  at  the  death  of  another,  for  fortune  will  not  long  spare 
thyself  after  it."  (Falconer). 

"  Makun  za  ghussa  shikayat  ki  dar  tarlq-i-talab 
Ba  rabate  na  rasid  anki  zakhmate  na  kashid."        Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Give  not  vent  to  angry  wailings  for  in  seeking  ought  be  sure, 
( ^  ";,|^They  alone  attain  to  gladness  who  can  sadness  first  endure." 
'  -     >'  Eastwick. 

"  Ma  rabatgranim  wa  falak  I'abat  baz 

Az  ru-e-haqiqati  na  az  ru-e-majaz 

Bazicha  hamkunim  bar  nat'a-e-wujud 

Baftim  ba  sanduq-i-'adam  yak  yak  baz."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  We  are  but  chessmen  destined  it  is  plain, 
The  great  chess-player  Heaven  to  entertain ; 
Us  men  It  moves  about  the  board  of  life, 
Then  in  the  box  of  death  shuts  up  again." 

(Whinfield) 
"  Mai  k'az  wai  bukhil  babra  na  yaft 
Dast-i-taraj  dad  bar  bad  ash, 
Ya'ba  ■wraris  rasid  wa  ki  gahe 
Juz  banafrin  na  mi  kunad  yadash."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  The  wealth  the  miser  naught  enjoyed  is  cast 
By  the  rude  hand  of  spoilers  to  the  wind  ; 
Or  has  to  some  ungrateful  heir  now  passed 
Who  but  with  loathing  calls  his  name  to  mind." 

Eastwick. 
"  Mai  ra  gar  bahri  din  bashi  hamvil 
N'im  mal  salih  gruftash  rasul."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  If  for  the  Faith  thou  bear'sl  thy  wealth,  it  then 
The  Prophet  says,  is  pure  to  righteous  men."    Eastwick. 

"  Ma  min  da'abbatin  fi  'lardhi  ilia  ala  'llahi  rizquha  wa  ya'lamu 
mustaqarraha  wa  mustauda'aha,  kuUun  fl  kitabin  mubin." 

Koran,  chap.  ii. 

"  There  is  no  moving  thing  on  earth  whose  nourishment  dependeth  not 
on  God,  and  He  knoweth  its  haunts  and  final  resting-place  ;  all  is  in  the 
clear  Book.''  (Rod well). 

"  Ma'min  da'abbatin  fl  'I'ardhi  wa  la  ta'irin  yatiru  bijanahihi  'ilia 
'umamun  'amthalukum  ma  farratna  fi  'Ikitabi  min  shaian  thumma 
'ila  rabbihim  yuhsharun."  Koran,  chup.  6. 

"  No  kind  of  beast  is  there  on  earth  nor  fowl  that  flieth  with  its  wings 
but  is  a  folk  like  you  :  nothing  have  we  passed  over  in  the  book  ;  then 
unto  their  Lord  shall  they  be  gathered."  (Roowell). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  i8i 

"  Ma  mln  da'abbatin  lUa  huwa  akhidhun  binaslyatiha." 

Koran,  chap.  ii. 

"  No  moving  creature  is  there  which  He  holdeth  not  by  its  forelock." 

RODWBLL. 

"  Ma  mln  grharibln  wa'ln  abda  tajalluduhu 
Ilia  sayadhkaru  Inda  'llllate  "Iwatana." 

*•  There  is  no  stranger  though  he  make  boast  of  his  fortitude,  but 
rememl)ers  his  home  at  times  of  sickness."  D.  S.  Margoliouth. 

"  Ma  mln  mauludln  ilia  wa  qad  yiiladu  'ala  fltratl  llslam  faa.b- 
awahu  jruhawwldanihi  au  yunasslranlhl  au  yumajjisanihi." 

Saving  of  Muhammad. 

"  There  is  no  person  born  but  assuredly  he  is  begotten  to  the  faith  of 
Islam  ;  then  his  parents  make  a  Jew  of  him,  or  a  Christian  or  a  Magian." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Man  'adhallu  mimmani  'ttaba'a  hawahu  bigrhairi  hudan  mln 
llahi  Inna  'llaha  la  yahdl  'Iqaiima  dhdhalimin."  Koran,  chap.  28.  v';  ^C 

*•  Who  goeth  more  widely  astray  than  he  who  followeth  his  own  ^price 
without  guidance  from  God?  'Verily  C>od  guideth  not  the  wicked."  ) 

(Rodwell). 

"  Man  'adhlamu  mimman  dhukkira  blayati  rabblhi  thumma 
a*radha  *anha,  inna  mina  'Imujrimina  muntaqimun." 

Koran,  chap.  32. 

"Who  acteth  worse  than  he  who  is  warned  by  the  signs  of  his  Lord, 
then  turneth  away  from  them?  We  will  surely  take  vengeance  on  the 
guilty  ones."  (Rodwell). 

"  Man  'allamani  harfan  faqad  sayyarani  'abdan."  Proverb. 

"  Whoso  hath  taught  me  a  letter  hath  made  me  his  slave." 

"  Manam  Isa'e  khushklianda  ki  'alam  shud  baman  zinda 
Wale  nisbat  za  haqq  daram  man  az  Miryama  na  mi-daram." 

Di\van-i-Shams-i-Tabriz, 

"  I  am  sweet-smiling  Jesus  by  whom  the  world  is  revived, 
But  my  lineage  is  from  God  :  I  know  nought  of  Mary." 

Nicholson. 
"  Man  an  mviram  ki  dar  payam  bimaland, 
Na  zamburam  ki  az  nisham  binaland ; 
Kiija  8hukr-i-in  nilnat  eruzaram 
Ki  ztir-i-mardum  azari  na  daram."  Gulistan,  chap.  3. 

"  I  am  the  ant  which  under  foot  men  tread 
And  not  the  hornet  whose  fierce  sting  they  dread  ; 
How  for  this  boon  shall  I  my  thanks  express. 
That  I  to  injure  man  am  powerless."  Eastwick. 


l82  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

■"  Man  an  ruz  budam  ki  'asma  nabud 
Nishan  az  wujud-i-musamma  nabud 
Nishan  gasht  mazhar  sirr-i-zulf-i-yar 
Ba  juz  mazhar-i-Haqq  Taala  nabud 
Musamma  w^a  'asma  za  naa  shud  padid 
Dar  an  dam  ki  anja  naan  -wa  ma  nabud 
Man  an  dam  bikardam  khudara  sujud 
Ki  dar  batn-i-Miriam  Masiha  nabud."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  I  was,  ere  a  name  had  been  named  upon  earth, 
Ere  one  trace  yet  existed  of  aught  that  has  birth  : 
When  the  locks  of  the  Loved  One  streamed  forth  for  a  sign, 
And  Being  was  none  save  the  Presence  Divine  ! 
Named  and  name  were  alike  emanations  from  Me, 
Ere  aught  that  was  '  I '  yet  existed,  or  '  We  ' ; 
Ere  the  veil  of  the  flesh  for  Messiah  was  wrought, 
To  the  Godhead  I  bowed  in  prostration  of  thought." 

(Falconer) 
"  Man  az  Quran  maghz  ra  bardakhtam 
Ustukhv^anra  pish-i-sagan  andakhtam."  Jalai.uddin  Rumi. 

"  I  extracted  the  marrow  of  the   Koran,  and  threw  the  bone  to  the 
dogs." 

■"  Man  chang-i-tu  am,  bar  bar  rag-i-man 
Tu  zakhma  zani,  man  tanatanam."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  I  am  thy  lute,  on  every  vein  (chord)  of  mine 
Thou  strikest  the  quill,  and  I  vibrate."        (Nicholson). 

"  Man  dha  'lladbi  ma  sa'a  katt, 
Waman  lahu  'Ihusna  fakatt? 
Kam  fl'latin  saiyi-atin 
Warratana  fiha'l  ghalat."  Hariri. 

"  Who  is  there  that  never  does  evil  at  all,  and  who  is  there  who  has 
only  good  qualities  ;  into  how  many  an  evil  deed  error  has  plunged  us  !" 

(Palmer). 
"  Man  ghulam-i-an  ki  u  dar  bar  rabat 
Khwishi'a  ■wasil  na  danad  bar  samat. 
Bas  rabate  ki  babayad  tark  kard, 
Ta  ba  maskan  dar  rasid  ek  ruz  mard."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  I'll  be  the  very  slave  of  him  who  at  each  stage 
Will  not  suppose  the  goal  'tis  of  his  pilgrimage  ; 
Before  the  traveller  reach  the  home  he  bears  in  mind 
How  many  stages  are  there  must  be  left  behind  ! " 

(Redhouse). 
"  Man  hasil-i-umr-i-khud  na  daram  juz  gham 
Dar  'ishq  za  nik  wa  bad  na  daram  juz  gham 
Yak  hamdam-i-dam&az  nadaram  nafsi 
Yak  m'unis-i-namzad  nadaram  juz  grham."  Hafiz. 


ARABIC  AND-  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  183 

*•  Nought  from  my  life  passed  here  save  grief  have  I, 
Nought  from  love's  hope  and  fear  save  grief  have  I, 
I  have  no  intimate,  no  bosom  friend, 
No  one  who  holds  me  dear,  save  grief,  have  I." 

"  Ma  nih  dll  bar  in  kakh-i-khurram  hawa 
Kl  mlbarad  asmanash  bala."  Pandnama  of  S'adi. 

"  Fix  not  the  heart  upon  this  mansion  of  pleasant  breezes. 

For  its  sky  rains  down  calamity."  Gladwin. 

"  Ma  nih  gxish  ba  qaul  ahl-i-grharz 
K'az  ishan  rasad  mal  wa  din  ra  shikast 
Gharzju  ag-ar  az  tu  shud  sar-buland 
Shawad  p>ae  qadr  wa  jah-i-tu  past 
Agar  ba  hasudan  shudi  hamrikab 
'Inan-i-buzurgri  bidadi  za  dast,"  Anwar-i-Suhkili. 

"  Let  not  the  ear  to  selfish  men  be  lent. 
For  they  will  injure  both  the  faith  and  state 
As  sycophants  through  thee  grow  eminent. 
So  will  thy  greatness  and  thy  power  abate  ; 
If  to  the  envious  thou  dost  yield  consent. 
Of  thy  free-will  thou  ceasest  to  be  great."        Eastwick. 

"  Mani  'htada  fa  Innama  yahtadi  linafsihi  wa  man  dhalla  fa  Inn- 
ama  yadhillu  alaiha  wa  la  taziru  waziratun  -wizra  'ukhra  wa  ma 
kxinna  muadhibina  hatta  nab'atha  rasula."  Koran,  chap.  17. 

*'  For  his  own  good  only  shall  the  guided  yield  to  guidance,  and  to  his 
own  loss  only  shall  the  erring  err,  and  the  heavy  laden  sTiall  not  be  laden 
with  another's  load.  And  we  punished  not  till  we  had  first  sent  an 
apostle."  (Rodwell). 

"  Manishin  tursh  az  gardash-i-ayyam  kl  sabr 
Talkhast  wa  lekin  bar-i-shirin  darad."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

•'  Sit  not  sad  because  that  time  a  fitful  aspect  weareth. 
Patience  is  most  bitter,  yet  most  sweet  the  fruit  it  beareth." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Man  Jarraba  'Imujarrab  hallat  bihi  'nnadamat." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tahriz. 

"  Repentance  lights  on  him  who  tests  one  tested  already." 

(Nicholson) 

"  Man  kafara  fa'alaihi  kufl*uhu  wa  man  amila  salihan  fa  li  'anfusi- 
him  yamhtwiun."  Koran,  chap.  30. 

'*  He  who  dis]:)elieves,  on  him  shall  be  his  unbelief,  and  they  who  have 
wrought  righteousness,  verily  they  shall  spread  for  themselves  couches  of 
repose."  (Rodwell). 


i84  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Man  kana  baina  yadaihi  ma  ashtaha  ratabun 
YugTiihi  dhalika  'an  rajmi  'I'anaqid."  Gumstan,  chap.  7. 

"  Who  holds  the  dates  he  loves  his  hands  between 

Contented  pelts  the  clusters  not  I|ween."  Eastwick. 

"  Man  kana  yarju  liqai  'llahi  fa'inna  'ajala  'Uahilla  atin  wa  hu"wa 
'ssami'u  'I'alim,  wa  man  jahada  fa  innama  yujahidu  linafsihi,  inna 
'Uaha  laghaniun  'ani  'I'alamin."  Kokax,  chap.  29. 

"  To  him  who  hopeth  to  meet  God,  the  set  time  of  God  will  surely 
come.  The  Hearer  the  Knower,  He  !  and  whoso  maketh  efforts  maketh 
them  for  his  own  good  only.  Verily  God  is  rich  enough  to  dispense  with 
all  creatures."  (Rodwell). 

"Man  kana  yuridu  'llzzata,  falillahi  'I'izzatu  jami'an,  ilaihi  yas- 
'adu  'Ikalimu  'ttaiyylbu,  waTamalu  'ssalihu  yarfa'uhu." 

KoKAN,  chap.  35. 

"  If  any  desireth  greatness,  greatness  is  wholly  with  God.  The  good 
word  riseth  up  to  Him,  and  the  righteous  deed  doth  He  exalt."' 

(Rod  WELL). 

"  Man  ki  sulham  daima  ba  in  pidar, 
In  jahan  chun  jannatastam  dar  nazar ; 
Har  zaman  nau  surate  wa  nau  jamal, 
Ta  za  nau  didan  faru  mirad  malal ; 
Man  hame  binam  jahan  ra  az  naim 
Abhaza  chashma  jushanmuqim."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

'*  I  am  ever  in  concord  with  this  father  of  ours, 
And  earth  ever  appears  to  me  as  a  Paradise  ; 
Each  moment  a  fresh  form,  a  new  beauty, 
So  that  weariness  vanishes  at  these  ever-fresh  sights  ; 
I  see  the  world  filled  with  blessings, 
Fresh  waters  ever  welling  up  from  new  fountains." 

Whinfield. 

"  Man  qala  '  ana '  waq'a  fl  'I'ana."  Akaiuc  Proverb. 

"  Whoever  says  '  I '  falls  into  trouble." 

"  Man  talaba,  wajada."  Arabic  Proverb. 

'«  Who  seeks,  finds." 

"  Man  sannafa  faqad  istahadafa."  Proverb. 

"  He  who  composes,  makes  himself  a  butt." 

"  Man  wa  tu  bi  man  wa  tu  jam'a  shawim  az  sar-i-zauq 
Khush  w^a  farigh  za  khurafat-i-parishan  man  wa  tu 
Tutian-i-falaki  iumla  jigar  khwar  shawand 
Dar  maqame  ki  bikhandim  bar  an  shan  man  wa  tu." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz, 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  185 

"  Thuu  and  I  individuals  no  more  shall  be  mingled  in  ecstasy, 
Joyful  and  secure  from  foolish  babble,  thou  and  I. 

All  the  bright  plumed  birds  of  heaven  will  devour  their  hearts  with  envy 
Id  the  place  where  we  shall  laugh  in  such  a  fashion  thou  and  I." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Man  yahdi  'llahu  fa  huwa  'Imuhtadl  wa  man  jrudhlil  fa  'aula'ka 
humu  Ikhasirun."  Kokan,  chap.  7. 

"  He  whom  God  guideth  is  the  guided,  and  they  whom  lie  misleadeth 
are  the  lost."  Rodwell. 

"  Man  yiishrik  b'illahi  faka  'annama  kharra  min  'ssama'i  fatak- 
hatufu  ttedru  au  tahwl  blhi  'rrihu  fl  makanin  sahiq." 

Kokan,  ch.ip.  22. 

"  Whoever  uniteth  gods  with  God  is  like  that  which  falleth  from  on 
high,  and  the  birds  snatch  it  away,  or  the  wind  bloweth  it  away  to  a 
distant  place."  (Rodwell). 

"  Man  3ruslim  wajhahu  II  'Uahi  wa  huwa  muhsinun  faqadi  'sstam- 
saka  bl  'Ivirwati  luthqa  wa  U  'Uahi  'aqibatu  'lamur." 

Koran,  chap.  31. 

"  Whoso  selteth  his  face  toward  God  with  self-surrender  and  is  a  doer 
of  that  which  is  good,  hath  indeed  laid  hold  of  the  surest  handle  :  Verily 
unto  God  is  the  issue  of  all  things."  Rodwell. 

"  Man  yuta  hikmata  faqad  uta  khairan  kathira."         Koran,  chap.  a. 

'•  He  who  has  received  wisdom,  has  received  a  great  good." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Man  yutil  'llaha  wa  rasulahu,  faqad  faza  fauzan  adhlma." 

Koran,  chap.  33. 

"  Whoso  obeyeth  God  and  His  apostle,  with  great  bliss  surely  shall  he 
be  blessed."  Rodwell. 

"  Maparwar  tan  ar  mard-i-rae  wahshi 
Kl  ura  chu  mi-parwari  mi-kushi."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  6. 

"  If  thou  art  a  man  of  judgment  and  sense,  cherish  not  thy  body. 
For,  when  thou  cherishest  it,  thou  slayest  it."  (Clarke). 

"  Mapindar  agrar  shir  wa  gar  ruba'i 
K'az  inan  bimardi  wa  hllat  rihi."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  Whether  thou  art  a  lion  or  a  fox,  think  not 

That  thou  mayest  escape  from  these  slanderers  by  manliness  or  strata- 
gem."  (Clarke). 

"  Ma  qadaru  'llaha  haqqa  qadrihi,  Inna  'llaha  laqawlyyun,  'azlz." 

Koran,  db»p,  aa. 


186  ARABIC  AND   PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Unworthy  the  estimate  they  form  of  God  !     \^erily  God  is  powerful, 
mighty."  (Rodwell). 

"  Maqam-i-aman  wa  mai  bigash  wa  rafiq-i-shaflq 
Garat  mudam  muyassar  shawad  zihi  taufiq 
Jahan  wa  kar-i-jahan  jumla  hich  dar  hich  ast 
Hazar  bar  man  in  nuqta  karda  am  tahqiq."  Hahz  Ode,  350. 

"  A  peaceful  spot,  unmingled  wine,  and  a  congenial  mate. 
If  these  should  be  thy  lot  below,  be  thankful  for  thy  fate. 
The  world  and  what  the  world  performs  are  but  as  nought  in  nought, 
This  verity  a  thousand  times  has  to  myself  been  taught." 

(B1CKNEI.L). 

'  Maqsud  az  jumla  afrinash  mayim 
Dar  chashm-i-khirad  jauhar  biniash  maylm 
In  daira'e  jahan  chu  angrushtare  ast 
Bi  hich  shakki  naqsh-i-naginash  maylm."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Man  is  the  whole  creation's  summary, 
The  apple,  as  it  were,  of  wisdom's  eye  ; 
The  circle  of  existence  is  a  ring 
Whereof  the  signet  is  humanity."  (WHiNKlELn). 

"  Ma  ramaita  Idh  ramaita  wa  lakinna  'Uaha  rama."    Koran,  chap.  7. 

"  Thou  did'st  not  cast  when  thou  did'st  cast,  but  God  cast." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Mara  bamarg-i-'adu  jae  shadmani  nist 
Ki  zindagani  ma  niz  jawidani  nist."  Gumstan,  chap.  i. 

"  In  my  foe's  death  what  joy  is  there  for  me? 

For  my  life,  too,  cannot  eternal  be."  (Eastwick). 

"  Marg-i-tan  hadiya  ast  ba  sahib  raz 
Zar  khalis  ra  chi  nuqsanast  kaz."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Death  of  the  body  is  a  benefaction  to  the  spiritual, 
What  damage  has  pure  gold  to  dread  from  the  shears." 

(Whinfield). 
"  Marg  agar  mard  ast,  gu  '  nizd-i-man  a 
Ta  dar  aghushash  bigiram  tang  tang 
Man  az  u  umri  sitanam  jawidan 
U  za  man  dalqe  si tanad  rang  rang.' "  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  If  death  be  a  human  being  say  to  him  '  Draw  near 
That  I  may  closely  fold  him  in  a  fond  embrace, 
From  him  I  extort  by  force  eternal  life, 

Whilst  he  but  snatches  from  me  the  dervish's  party-coloured  dress.' " 

(Shea). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  187 

"  Mewtan-1-khuda  erarchl  hazarand,  yake  and. 
Mastcm-l-hawa,  garchl  yakanast,  dugranast." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tahki^. 

"  Those  drunk  with  God  though  they  be  thousands,  yet  are  one, 
Those  drunk  with  lust,  though  it  l)e  a  single  one,  he  is  a  double." 

(NlCHOl^ON). 

"  Ma  tadii  nafbun  ma  dha  taksibu  grhadan  wa  ma  tadii  nafsun 
bi'ayya  ardhin  ttimutu,  inna  'Uaha  'alimun  khabir." 

Koran,  chap.  31.     \}  ■  3M 

•'  No  soul  knoweih  what  it  shall  have  gotten  on  the  morrow  ;  neither       ^^ 
knoweth  any  soul  in  what  land  it  shall  die.      Verily  God  is  knowing,  ^'"'''^ 
informed  of  all."  (Rooweli.). 

"  Mathalu  'Uadhina  hummllu  'ttaurata  th\imma  lam  yahmiluha 
katnathali  'Ihimari  yahmilu  'asfaran."  Koran,  chap.  62. 

"  The  likeness  for  those  on  whom  the  burden  of  the  law  was  laid,  and 
who  afterwards  would  not  bear  it,  is  that  of  an  ass  beneath  a  load  of 
books."  (kOUWELL). 

"  Mathalu  'Uadhina  yxmflquna  'amwalahiun  fl  sablli  'Uahi  kamat- 
hali  habbatin  'anbat  sab'a  sanabila  fl  kuUi  sunbulatin  ml'atu  hab- 
batin  wa  'Uahu  yndhaifu  llman  yashau  wa  'Uahu  wasiun  'alim." 

KoKAN,  chap.  2. 

•'  The  similitude  of  those  who  spend  their  substance  in  the  service  of 
God  is  as  the  similitude  of  a  grain  of  corn  which  produceth  seven  ears,  in 
every  ear  a  hundred  grains ;  for  God  giveth  the  increase  to  whom  He 
pleaseth  :  God  is  bountiful  and  wibc."  (Muir). 

"  Mathalu  'Uadhina  'ttakhadhu  min  duni  'Uahi  auliya'  kamathaU 
'lankabuti  ttakhadhat  baitan  walnna  'auhana  'Ibuyuti  'Ibaitu 
'lankabuti  lau  kanu  ya'lamun."  Kokan,  chap.  29.    ,;•  UC 

"  The  likeness  for  those  who  take  to  themselves  guardians  besides  God 
is  the  likeness  of  the  spider  who  buildeth  her  an  house  ;  but  verily  frailest  U" 
of  all  houses  is  the  house  of  the  spider.     Did  they  but  know  this  !  " 

(RODWICM.). 

"  Mathaluhum  kamathali  'Uadhl  'stauqada  naran,  falamma  'ad- 
ha'at  ma  haulahu,  dhahaba  'Uahu  binurihim  wa  taxakahum  fl 
dhulumatin  la  yubsirun,  summun,  bukmun,  "umun,  fahum  la 
yarjl'un."  Koran,  chap.  2. 

"  They  (the  infidels)  are  like  one  who  kindleth  a  fire,  and  when  it  hath 
thrown  its  light  on  all  around  him,  God  taketh  away  their  light,  and 
leaveih  them  in  darkness  they  cannot  see.  Deaf,  dumb,  blind  ;  therefore 
they  retrace  not  their  steps  from  error."  (RonwELL). 


l88  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Matlub  Chun  ba  dast  buwad  magrhnatam  shumar 
Wa  an  ra  za  kaf  madlh  ki  pashimani  award 
Bisyar  kas  ki  ganj-i-zar  asan  dihad  babad 
Wa  anki  za  ranj  bi  dirame  ghussaha  khurad 
Wa  za  dast  rafta  baz  na  ayad  ba  hich  hal 
Chandanki  u  flgrhan  kunad  wa  jamaha  darad."       Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Prize  high  a  wished  for  object  when  'tis  won, 
Nor  let  it  slip  lest  thou  should'sl  feel  regret, 
full  many  a  spendthrift  when  his  gold  is  done 
Must  under  want's  stern  trials  cashless  fret, 
For  by-gone  treasures  back  shall  ne'er  return, 
Though  clothes  be  rent  and  hearts  with  anguish  burn." 

(Eastvvick). 

"  Ma  tuqaddimu  li'anfusikum  min  khairin  tajiduhu  'inda  'llabl."       ,  _  f  .ft 

Koran,  cbap.jK.' 

•'  Whatever  good  works  ye  send  on  for  your  own  behoof  ye  shall  find 
with  God."  (RODWELL). 

"  Mauj-i-'ata  shud  padid,  ghurrish-i-darya  rasid, 
Subh-i-sa'adat  damid,  subh  na,  nur-i-khudast." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

•'  The  billow  of  largesse  hath  appeared,  the  thunder  of  the  sea  hath  arrived. 
The  morn  of  blessedness  hath  dawned.     Morn?     No,  'tis  the  light  of 
God."  (Nicholson). 

"  Mautu  'Ifuqara  rahatun."  Arabic  Proverb. 

"  The  death  of  the  poor  is  repose." 

"  Ma  uthiru  'an  yamtadda  bi  zamani 
Hatta  'an  'ara  daulata  'laughadi  w^a  'ssifali 
Taqaddamani  'unasun  kana  shutuhum 
Wara  khatwiya  idh  'amshi  'ala  mahali, 
Hadhajazau  'mar'in  'aqranuhu  daraju 
Min  qablihi  fatamanna  fusaliata  'lajali."  Al  Tughrai. 

"  Why  have  my  days  been  stretched  by  fate 
,       To  see  the  vile  and  vicious  great  ? 
While  I,  who  led  the  race  so  long. 
Am  last  and  meanest  of  the  throng? 
Ah,  why  has  death  so  long  delayed 
To  wrap  me  in  his  friendly  shade, 
Left  me  to  wander  thus  alone, 
When  all  my  heart  held  dear  is  gone  ?  " 

J.  D.  Carlyle. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  189 

"  Maya-e-'edsh-l-adinl  shikamast 
Ta  batadrij  mi-rawad  chi  ffamast."  Gulistan  (Prc&ceX 

"  The  source  of  man's  life  is  the  belly, 
So  long  as  that  acts  regularly,  what  fear  is  there?" 

(PLArrs). 

"  Maya'e  mardum  chashmam  za  gunah  shusta  na  shud 
Garchi  dar  grirlya  du  sad  bar  bar  atlsh  kardam, 
Ta  rlhad  z'atish  farda'e  qiyamat  imruz 
Binazr  dar  rukh-l-zisht-l-tu  'azabash  kardam." 

Jami,  Biharistan,  chap.  6. 

"  The  leaven  of  sin  could  not  be  washed  out  from  the  pupils  of  my  eyes, 
Although  I  wept  twice  a  hundred  times  over  a  fire  ; 
But  to  be  saved  from  the  fire  of  the  resurrection,  I  to-day, 
Punished  them  by  contemplating  thy  hideous  face."         (Rehatsek). 

"  Maya'e  tauflq  karm  kardan  ast 
OanJ  yaqin  tark  diram  kardan  ast 
Gan  j  rawanra  kl  tu  pursi  nishan 
Nist  bajuz  anki  ba  bakhshi  rawan."  Anwar-i-Suhbu.i. 

•'  The  lilieral  brings  God's  favour  on  himself. 
True  treasure  lies  in  the  forsaking  pelf, 
Would'st  thou  the  trace  of  ceaseless  treasure  find, 
'Tis  only  in  an  ever-bounteous  mind."  Eastvvick. 

"  Ma  ysikunu  min  najwa  thalathatlnVlla  huwa  rabi'uhum  wa  la 
khamsatin  lUa  huwa  sadisuhum  wa  a  'adna  min  dhallka  wa  la 
'akthara  Ilia  huwa  ma 'ahum  'ainama  kanu."  Kokan,  chap.  58. 

"  Three  persons  speak  not  privately  together  but  He  is  their  fourth  ; 
nor  five  but  Me  is  their  sixth  ;  nor  fewer  nor  more,  but  wherever  they  be, 
He  is  with  them."  (Kodwell). 

"  Ma  yastawa  'Ibahrani,  hadha  'adhbun  furatun  sa'igrhun  shara- 
buhu  wa  hadha  milhun  ujajun  wa  min  kullin  ta'kuluna  lahman 
tariyyan  wa  tastakhrijuna  hiliyatan  talbisunaha,  wa  tara  'Ifulka 
flhi  mawakhara  litabtaghu  min  fadhlihi,  wa  la'allakum  tashku- 
runa." 

"  The  two  seas  are  not  alike  ;  the  one  is  fresh,  sweet,  pleasant  for  drink, 
and  the  other  salt,  bitter ;  yet  from  both  ye  eat  fresh  fish,  and  take  forth 
for  yourselves  ornaments  to  wear  ;  and  thou  seest  the  ships  cleaving  the 
waters  that  ye  may  go  in  quest  of  His' bounties ;  and  haply  ye  will  be 
thankful."  Koran,  chap.  35. 

"  Ma  ya'zubu  'an  rabbika  min  mithqalin  dharratln  fl  'lardhi  wa  la 
fi  'ssamai  wa  la  'asgrhara  min  dhalika  wa  la  'akbara  ilia  fl  kitabin 
mubin."  Koran,  chap.  10. 


I90  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Not  the  weight  of  an  atom  on  earth  or  in  heaven  escapeth  thy  Lord  ; 
nor  is  there  aught  that  is  less  than  this  or  greater,  but  it  is  in  the  per- 
spicuous Book."  (Rodwell). 

"  Ma  yugrhna  'ththara  'ani  'Ifata 
Idha  hashrjarat  yauman  wa  dhaqa  biha  'ssadar."    Hatim  Al  Tai, 

"  Little  use  is  wealth  to  a  man  when  his  throat  rattles,  and  the  breath 
leaves  his  chest."  D.  S.  Margoliouth. 

"  Mazan  dar  ■wadi  makr  wa  hil  gam 
Ki  dar  dam-i-bala  ufbi  sar-anjam."  Anwar-i-Suhkili. 

"  Do  not  into  the  vale  of  guile  and  fraud  thy  footsteps  bend, 
For  thou  wilt  fall  into  the  snare  of  sorrow  in  the  end." 

Eastwick. 

"  Mazan  laf  bi  kibri  k'an  az  nlshan  pa'e  mur 
Dar  shab  tarik  bar  sang--i-siyah  pinhantar  ast 
Wa  za  darun  kardan  birun  asan  ma  gir  anra  k'az  an 
Kuhra  kandan  bisuzan  az  zamin  asantar  ast."     Jami  (Biharistan). 

"  Boast  not  of  having  no  pride  because  it  is  more  invisible 
Than  the  mark  of  an  ant's  foot  on  a  black  rock  in  a  dark  night. 
Think  it  not  easy  to  extirpate  from  thy  heart, 

P'or  it  is  more  easy  to  root  up  a  mountain  from  the  earth  with  a  needle." 

(Rehatsek). 

"  Mihman-i-tu  am  dar  saff  arbab  iradat 
Bi  nishasta,  ba  bar  chiz  ki  ayad  za  tu  razi ; 
Binihada  bakbwan-i-karamat  dida'e  ummid 
In 'am  tura  muntazaram,  na  mutaqazi."  Jami  (Beharistan). 

"  I  am  Thy  guest  in  the  ranks  of  those  who  wait  upon  Thy  pleasure. 
Content  wiih  everything  that  proceeds  from  Thee ; 
Fixing  on  the  table  of  Thy  bounty  the  eyes  of  hope, 
I  wait  for  Thy  blessings,  and  ask  not  imperiously  for  them." 

Asiatic  Journal. 

"  Mi-pursidi  ki  chist  in  nafs-i-majaz 
Gar  bar  gnyam  haqiqatash,  hast  daraz, 
Nafsist  padid  amada  az  daryaye 
Wa  angah  shuda  baq'ar-i-an  darya  baz."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  You  ask  what  is  this  life,  so  frail,  so  vain, 
'Tis  long  to  lell,  yet  I  will  make  it  plain, 
'Tis  but  a  breath  blown  from  the  vasty  deeps. 
And  then  blown  back  to  those  same  deeps  again." 

(Whinfield). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  191 

"  Mlhr  pakan  darmiyan  dll  nlshan 
Dll  ma  dih  ilia  ba  mlhr  dil  khushan ; 
Kue  naummedl  maru  ummldhaat 
Sue  tarlkl  mam,  khurshld  hast."  Jalalludin  Rumi. 

*♦  Then  love  the  saints  ;  their  love  plant  deeply  in  thy  heart, 
The  pure  of  mind  alone  deserve  a  pure  love's  part, 
Court  not  despair  ;  hope  ever  springs  in  human  breast. 
Seek  not  the  dark  ;  the  sun  of  light  shines  full  confest." 

(Redhouse). 

"  Mihtari  dar  qabul-i-flrmanast 
Tark-i-firman  dalil-i-haxamanast ; 
Har  ki  sima-i-rastan  darad 
Saj-i-kliidmat  bar  astan  darad."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Greatness  consists  in  bowing  to  God's  will, 
Rebellion  proves  thee  baffled,  outcast  still ; 
Who  bears  impressed  the  tokens  of  the  just, 
Will  place  his  head  submissive  in  the  dust." 

Eastwick. 

"  Millat  Ishq  az  hama  dinhajuda'st 
Ashiqanra  mazhab  wa  millat  khuda'st."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  The  sect  of  lovers  is  distinct  from  all  others, 
Lovers  have  a  religion  and  a  faith  of  their  own." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Min  ayatihi  'Uailu  wa  'nnaharu  wa  'shshamsu  wa  'Iqamaru  la 
tasjudu  lilshshamsi  wa  la  lilqamari  wa  'sjudu  I'illahi  'lladhi  khala- 
qahunna,  in  kuntum  iyyahu  ta  'budun."  Koran,  chap.  41. 

•'  Among  His  signs  are  the  night  and  the  day  and  the  sun  and  the  moon. 
Bend  not  in  adoration  to  the  sun  or  the  moon,  but  bend  in  adoration  before 
God  who  created  them  both  if  ye  would  serve  flim."  RODWELL. 

"  Minhumu  'lladhina  yii'dhuna  'nnabiyya  wa  yaqviluna  huwa 
'udhunun,  qui  'udhunu  khairin  lakum  yuminu  b'illalii,  wa  yximinu 
lilmuminin."  Koran,  chap.  9. 

*'  There  are  some  of  them  who  wrong  the  prophet  and  say  '  He  is  all 
ear.'  Say  '  an  ear  of  good  to  you.  He  believeih  in  God  and  believeth  the 
believers.'"  RodwelI-. 

"  Mirae-i-pldr  khwahi,  llm-i-pidr  amuz 
K'in  mal-i-pidr  kharch  tawan  kard  badih  ruz."      Gui.istan,  chap.  7. 

"  Learn  what  thy  father  knew,  if  thou  would'st  hold 
His  place.     In  len  days  thou  wilt  spend  his  gold." 

Eastwrk. 


192  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Mirihand  arwah  har  shab  za  in  qafs 
Farigrhan  bi  hakim  -wa  mahkum  kas, 
Shab  za  zindan  bikhabar  zindanian 
Shab  za  daulat  bikhabar  sultanian, 
Na  gham  wa  andisha-e-sud  Tva  ziyan 
Na  khiyal  in  fulan  wa  an  fulan, 
Hal  arif  in  bud  bi-kh wab  ham 
Guft  izid  ham  raqud  za  in  maram, 
Khufta  az  ahwal  dunya  ruz  wa  shab 
Chun  qalam  dar  panja-e-taqlib  Rabb."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Every  night  spirits  are  released  from  this  cage  (the  body) 
And  set  free,  neither  lording  it  nor  lorded  over, 
At  night  prisoners  are  unaware  of  their  prison. 
At  night  kings  are  unaware  of  their  majesty, 
Then  there  is  no  thought  or  care  for  loss  or  gain, 
No  regard  to  such  an  one  or  such  an  one, 
The  state  of  the  '  knower '  is  such  as  this  even  when  awake 
God  says  '  Thou  would'st  deem  him  awake  though  asleep,' 
Sleeping  to  the  affairs  of  the  world  day  and  night 
Like  a  pen  in  the  directing  hand  of  the  writer."     (Whinfield). 

"  Miskin  dil-i-dardmand-i-dlwana'e  man 
Hushyar  na  shud  za  ishq-i-janana'e  man 
Ruze  ki  sharab-i-ashiqe  midanad 
Dar  khun-i-jigar  zadand  paimana'e  man."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  My  heart  weighed  down  by  folly,  grief  and  tine. 
Is  e'er  ineljriate  with  love  divine ; 
When  as  the  Loved  One  portioned  out  His  wine, 
With  my  heart's  blooJ  He  filled  this  cup  of  mine.*' 

(Whinfield). 

"  Miskin-i-haris  dar  hama  'alam  hami  dawad 
U  dar  qafa'e  rizq  wa  ajal  dar  qafa'e  u."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  Poor  greedy  wretch  !  where'er  he  drags  himself 
Death  him  pursues,  while  he's  pursuing  pelf." 

(Eastwick), 

•'  Miskin  khar  agarchi  bi  tamizast, 
Chun  bar  hami  barad.  'azizast ; 
Gaw^an  w^a  kharran-i-barbardar 
Bih  az  admian-i-mardum-azar."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  True,  the  poor  ass  is  dull  ;  but  then 
For  carrying  loads,  'tis  dear  to  men. 
The  carrier  ox,  the  patient  ass 
.Man's  tyrant,  cruel  man  surpa.ss."  EastwiCK. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  195 

"  Mis-l-hastiyat  chu  Musa  na  za  kimlyaah  zar  shud  ? 
Ohl  grham  ast,  agrar  chu  Qarvm,  bajuwal  zar  na  dari? 
Ba  dlrun-i-tu'8t  Misre  kl  tu'i  shakar  sitaneist 
Chi  erham  ast,  agrar  za  birun  madad-i-shakar  na  dari?" 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabrie. 

'•  Has  not  the  copper  of  your  existence  been  changed,  like  Moses  to  gold 
by  his  alchemy, 
What  matter  though  you  have  no  gold  in  a  sack  like  Qarun  ? 
Within  you  is  an  Egypt  and  you  are  its  garden  of  sugar-canes, 
What  matter  though  you  have  no  supply  of  sugar  from  without  ?" 

Nicholson. 

"  Mlyana'e  tarafain  az  sifat  chandani 
Tafawatast  ki  az  aftab  ta  basuha 
Pas  ikhtiyar  wasat  ra'st  dar  Jam'l  amur 
Bad'an  dalil  kl  khairu  'I'amur  ausataha."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

*'  Extremes  of  quality  as  separate  are 
As  the  bright  sun  and  the  obscurest  star  ; 
Wherefore  to  choose  the  midmost  thing  is  best, 
Since  all  '  the  Golden  Mean '  as  true  attest." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Mlyana'e  tu  wa  an  ki  zaban  zadi  zakhmash 
Bag'hair  stthbat-i-sangr  wa  sabu  na  khwahad  shud, 
Jarahate  ki  za  tigh-i-zaban  rasad  ba  dile 
Ba  hich  marham  rahat  niku  nakhwahad  shud."      Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

"  Both  thou  and  they  who  from  thy  sarcasms  smart. 
Will  be  such  comrades  as  the  stone  and  cup.* 
The  wound  the  tongue  inflicts  upon  the  heart 
No  soothing  ointment  ever  can  close  up."  Eastwick. 

"  Miyan  du  tan  jangr  chun  atish  ast 
Sukhan  chin  badbakht  haizaxn  kash  ast."    Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  Contest  between  two  persons  is  like  fire, 
The  unfortunate  tale-bearer  is  the  fire-wood  cutter." 

(Clarke). 

"  Miyan-i-k'aba  wa  but-khana  hich  farqe  nest 
Ba  har  taraf  ki  nazar  mi-kuni  barabar  u'st."  Hafiz  Ode,  107. 

*'  Between  the  Kaaba  and  the  wine-house  no  difference  I  see, 
Whate'er  the  spot  my  eye  surveys,  there  equally  is  He." 

BiCKNELL. 

"  Mlyan-i-sad  kas  ashiq  chunan  padid  ayad 
Ki  bar  falak  mah-i-taban  miyan-i-kavikabha." 

Diwan-1-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

*  i.e.,  of  glass. 

13 


194  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  The  lover  shineth  among  his  fellows  as  in  heaven 

The  brilliant  moon  among  the  host  of  stars."     (NICHOLSON). 

"  Miyan-i-u  ki  khuda  afrida  ast  az  hich 
Daqiqa  ast  ki  hich  afrida  nakshadat, 
Gada'e  kui  tu  az  haslit  khuld  mustaghnist 
Asir-i-band-i-tu  az  har  du  'alara  azadast."  Hafiz. 

■*'  The  connection  with  Him  which  God  out  of  nought  hath  created, 
Is  a  subtlety  which  no  created  being  hath  solved  ; 

Independent  of  the  eight  abodes  of  Paradise  is  the  beggar  of  thy  street, 
Free  of  both  worlds  is  thy  bound  captive."  Clarke. 

"  Mur  gard  award  ba  tablstan 
Ta  faraghat  buwad  zamistanash."  Gulistan,  chap.  ^. 

"  The  ant  in  summer  corn  upheaps, 

'Tis  thus  in  winter  with  abundance  fed."     (Eastwick). 

"  Mur  ki  ba  kaghaz  did  u  qalam 
Gufb  ba  mur  digar  in  raz  ham 

Ki  ajaib  naqshaha  an  kalak  kard  i 

Hamchu  rihan  vra  chu  susan  zar  w^a  ward ; 
Guft  an  mur  asb'a  ast  an  pishawar 
"Wa  in  qalam  dar  Tal  far'a  ast  wa  asr ; 
Gufb  an  mur  seyam  az  bazu  ast 
K'asb'a  laghar  za  zurash  naqsh  bast ; 
Hamchunin  miraft  bala  ta  yake 
Mihtar  mur  an  fatan  bud  andake 
Gufb  k'az  surat  na  binid  in  hunar 
Juz  ba  aql  wa  jan  na  jumbad  naqshaha."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  An  ant  who  saw  a  pen  writing  on  paper 
Delivered  himself  to  another  ant  in  this  way  : 
'  That  pen  is  making  very  wonderful  figures 
Like  hyacinths  and  lillies  and  roses,' 
The  other  said  '  The  finger  is  the  real  worker, 
The  pen  is  only  the  instrument  of  its  working  ; ' 
A  third  ant  said,  '  No  !  the  action  proceeds  from  the  arm, 
The  weak  finger  writes  with  the  arm's  might ; ' 
So  it  went  on  upwards,  till  at  last 
A  prince  of  the  ants  who  had  some  wit 
Said,  *  Ye  regard  only  the  outward  form  of  this  marvel. 
It  is  only  from  reason  and  mind  that  these  figures  proceed." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Mur  shahwat  shud  za  adat  hamchu  max 
Mar-i-shahwat  ra  bikash  dar  ibtida ; 
Warna  inak  gasht  marat  azhdaha 
Lek  har  k£is  mur  binad  mar-i-khwish 
Tu  za  sahib-i-dil  kun  istifsar-i-khwish."  Jalaluddin  Rumi, 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  195 

"  The  ant  of  lust  becomes  by  habit  like  a  snake, 
Slay  first  of  all  the  snake  of  your  lust, 
Else  this  snake  of  yours  will  become  a  dragon  ; 
But  every  one  regards  his  own  snake  as  an  ant. 
Go  inquire  of  your  true  state  from  a  man  of  heart." 

"  Mu'allim  niyamukht  fahm  wa  rae 
Sarisht-i-ln  sifat  dar  wujudat  khuda'e ; 
Oorat  man 'a  karde  dll-i-haqq  nlwash 
Haqqat  'ain-i-batil  namude  ba  erush."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  Tne  instructor  taught  thee  not  understanding  and  judgment, 
God  created  these  qualities  in  thy  existence  ; 
If  He  had  refused  thee  a  heart  truth-hearing. 
Truth  woutd  have  appeared  to  thy  eye  the  essence  of  falsehood." 

(Clarke). 
"  Mubtila'e  ba  erbam  wa  mihnat  wa  anduh-i-flraq 
Ey  dll  in  nala  w^a  afghan-i-tu  bi  chize  nest ; 
Dush  bad  az  sar-i-kuyash  ba  erulistan  bignzasht 
Ey  erul,  in  chak-i-giriban-i-tu  bi  chize  nest."  Hafiz. 

"  With  the  grief,  the  pain,  the  sorrow  of  separation,  thou  art  distressed, 
<)  heart  !  this  thy  wailing  and  lamenting  without  something  is  not. 
Last  night  from  the  head  of  his  street  the  wind  passed  to  the  rose-garden, 
O  rose  !  this  rent  of  thy  collar  without  something  is  not."     (Clarke). 

"  Muddate  shud  k'atish-i-sauda'e-u  dar  jan-i-ma'st 
Z'an  tamannaha  ki  da'im  dar  dil-i-wlran-i-m'ast."  Hafiz. 

"  An  age  has  passed  since  the  fire  of  passion  for  him  was  in  our  soul. 
Through  that  desire  that  was  in  the  desolate  heart."    '     (Clarke). 

**  Muflisan  g&r  khush  shaw^and  az  zar-i-qalb 
Lek  an  ruswa  shawad  dar  dar-i-zarb 
Ta  zar  andudiyat  az  rab  n'afgrand 
Ta  khujal  kazh  ttira  chah  n'afgand."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  A  pauper  may  amused  be  with  counterfeited  coin. 
But  take  this  to  the  mint ;  defaced  'twill  be  in  fine  ; 
Then  be  not  thou  misled  with  gilded  counterfeit. 
Delusion  will  thee  plunge  headlong  into  hell's  pit." 

Redhouse. 
"  Muhal  ast  agar  sar  bar  in  dar  nlhi 
Ki  baz  ayadat  dast-1-hajat  tihi ; 
Khudaya.,  muqassar  bikar  amadim, 
Tihidast  wa  ununldwar  amadim."  Bostan  of  S'aol 

"  It  is  impossible  if  thou  prostrate  thyself  at  God's  threshold  that  the  hand 
of  thy  need  should  return  empty, 
O  God  !  we  are  come  to  thee  deficient  in  every  good  deed  empty-handed, 
yet  trustful  we  are  come."  Asiatic  Journal. 


196  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Muhammad  k'azal  ta  abad  har  chi  hast 
Ba  araish  nam-i-u  naqsh  bast 
Chiraghe  ki  anw^ar  biniash  badu'st 
Farugh  hama  afrinish  badu'st."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  From  past  eternity  to  the  unending  future  'tis 
Muhammad's  name  that  gilds  whatever  is, 
Sole  lamp  is  he  whence  beams  of  splendour  shine, 
In  him  creation's  splendours  all  combine."  Eastwick. 

"  Muhammadun  rasulu  'llahi  vr'alladhina  ma'ahu  'ashidau  'ala 
'Ikaflfari  ruhamau  bainahura,  tarahum  rukk'aan  sujjadan  yabtag- 
huna  fadhlan  mina'llahi  wa  ridh-wanan,  simahum  fl  ■wujuhihim 
rain  athari  ssujudi,  dhalika  mathaluhum  fl  'taurati  "wra  mathalu- 
hum  fl  'I'injili,  kazar'in  'akhraja  shatahu  fazarahu,  fa  'staghladha, 
Tastawa  'ala  suqihi,  yu'jibu  'zzurra'a,  liyaghidha  bihimu  '1  kuffara." 

Koran,  chap.  48.    \l  ■ 

r,f  "Muhammad  is  the  Apostle  of  God  j  and  his  comrades  are  most 
vehement  against  unbelievers,  but  full  of  tenderness  among  themselves. 
Thou  mayest  see  them  bowing  down,  prostrating  themselves,  imploring 
favours  from  God  and  his  good  pleasure  in  them.  Their  tokens  are  on 
their  faces,  the  traces  of  their  prostrations.  This  is  their  picture  in  the 
Law  and  their  picture  in  the  Evangel.  They  are  as  the  seed  which  putteth 
forth  its  stalk ;  and  strengtheneth  it,  and  it  groweth  stout  and  riseth  upon 
its  stem  rejoicing  the  sowers,  to  incense  the  unbelievers  by  their  means." 

(Rodvvell). 
"  Muhiyya  kunad  ruza'e  mar  ■wa  mur 

Wagar  chand  bi  dast  wa  pae  and  wa  zur 

Bi  amrash  wujud  az  'adam  naqsh  bast 

Ki  danad  juz  u  kardan  az  nist  hast? 

Na  bar  auj  zatash  para  murgh-i-w^ahm 

Na  dar  zail-i-wasfash  rasad  dast-i-fahm."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  He  prepares  the  daily  food  of  tlie  snake  and  the  ant. 
Although  they  are  without  hands  and  feet  and  strength, 
By  His  order  He  portrayed  existence  from  non  existence 
Who  except  Him  knows  how  to  make  the  existing  from  the  non-existing? 
The  bird  of  fancy  flies  not  to  the  summit  of  His  nature. 
The  power  of  the  intellect  arrives  not  at^the  skirt  of  His  description." 

(Clarke). 
"  Muhsinan  murdand  wa  ihsanaha  bamand, 
Ey  khunuk  an  ra  ki  in  markab  barand  ; 
Zaliman  murdand  wa  manad  an  zulmaha 
W'ai  jane  k'u  kunad  makar  wa  dagha."  Jalai.uddin  Rumi. 

"  The  generous  die  but  their  kindness  remains, 
O  happy  he  who  drove  this  chariot  (of  kindness). 
The  unjust  die  and  their  injustice  remains, 
Alas  for  the  soul  that  commits  deceit  and  fraud." 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  197 

"  MuhtaJ-1-qlssa  nlst  grarat  qasd-i-Jan-i-ma'st 
Chun  rakht  azan-i-t'ust  ba  yaerhma  chi  hajatast? 
Jam-i-Jahannuma  zamir-i-munir-i-dust 
Izhar-i-lhtlyaj-l-khud  an  Ja  chi  hajatast  ?  "  Hafiz. 

*'  If  intention  be  Thine  against  our  life,  there  is  no  need  of  pretence, 
When  the  chattels  are  thine,  of  plunder  is  what  need  ? 
The  cup  world-displaying  is  the  luminous  mind  of  the  friend  of  God, 
Then  of  the  revealing  of  my  own  necessity  is  what  need  ?  "     Clarkb. 

"  Mul  sufed  az  ajal  arad  paiyajn 
Pusht  kham  az  margr  risanad  salam,"  Anwab-i-Suhbili. 

*'  The  white  hair  comes,  its  message  gives  from  fate  and  terror's  king. 
And  the  crooked  back  and  stooping  form  death's  salutation  bring. 

Eastwick. 

"  Miijarrad  rau  vra,  khana  pardaz  bash 
Jawanmard  wa  dunya  bar  andaz  bash,"  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  Go  alone,  and  be  house  emptying  ; 
Be  liberal  and  wealth-dispensing."  Clarke. 

"  Mujrim  gar  in  daqiqa  badanad  ki  dambadam 
Mara  chi  lazzat  est  ba  'afu  gunahgar 
Hamwara  irtikab  Juraim  kunad  ba'amd 
Dalm  ba  nlzd-i-ma  grunah  arad  ba  'itizar."  Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

"  Did  the  offender  know  what  bliss  to  me 
Arises  from  the  pardon  of  a  sin, 
He'd  ever  err  intentionally. 
And  with  excuses  some  new  crime  begin."    Eastwick. 

"  Mujrim  kushta'e  af  al-i-khwlsh  ast 
Chu  bue  afti  yabad,  zinda  grardad ; 
Agrar  surat  pazirad  paikar-i-afu 
Chu  mihr  wa  mushtari  tabdih  grardad."  Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

"  Their  own  bad  actions  do  the  guilty  slay 
The  scent  of  pardon  lifts  them  from  the  grave  ; 
Could  we  in  outward  shape  sweet  mercy  see, 
Than  Sun  or  Jupiter  more  bright  she'd  be."      Eastwick. 

"  Mukhalifat-i-mvizi  ba  malash  ma  kun 
Ki  bikhash  bar  awrad  bayad  za  bun ; 
Makun  sabr  bar  'amil-i-zuhn  dust 
Chu  az  farbihi  bayadash  kand  pust. 
Sar-i-erurgr  ham  awwal  burid 
Na  Chun  gruspandan-i-mardam  darid."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 


198  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Exercise  not  retribution  against  the   despoiler  by  confiscation  of  his 

property, 
But  it  is  proper  to  destroy  his  root  from  the  foundation. 
Exercise  not  patience  with  the  agent  of  the  friend  of  tyranny, 
Since  on  account  of  his  fatness  (from  extortion)  it  is  proper  to  flay  his 

skin. 
It  is  also  proper  at  first  to  cut  off"  the  wolfs  head 
Not  at  the  time  when  he  tore  in  pieces  the  sheep."  Clarke. 

"  Mukhalif-i-tu  yake  mur  bud  wa  mare  shud 
Bar  awar  az  sar  an  mur  mar  gashta  daraar 
Madih  zamanash  az  in  bish  ■wa  ruzgar  ma  bar 
Ki  azhdaha  shawad  ar  ruzgar  yabad  mar."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Thy  foe  was  but  an  ant,  a  serpent  now  is  he  ! 
Then  on  this  snake-turned  ant  take  vengeance  now. 
For  soon  this  serpent  will  a  mighty  dragon  be, 
If  thou  delay  and  him  to  live  allow."  Eastwick. 

"  Mukhalifu  'I'aiyyam  zidd  taba'aha 
Mutatlab  fl  'Ima  jadhwata  narin, 
Wa  idha  rajauta  'Imustahilan  fa  'innama 
Tabna  'Iraja  'ala  shaflr  harin 
Fa  'I'aisliu  nauman  wa  'Imuniyatu  aiqadliuhu 
Wa'l  maru  bainahuma  khiyalu  sarin." 

AlI    bin   MuHAMiMED   Al,   TaHAMV. 

"  Believe  not  Fate  at  thy  command 
Will  grant  a  meed  she  never  gave  ; 
As  soon  the  airy  tower  shall  stand 
That's  built  upon  a  passing  wave. 
Life  is  a  sleep  of  threescore  years. 
Death  bids  us  wake  and  hail  the  light, 
And  man  with  all  his  hopes  and  fears 
Is  but  a  phantom  of  the  night."  J.  D.  Carlyi.e. 

"  Mukhannas  bih  az  mard-i-shamshir  zan 
KIl  riz-i-wagha  sar  batabad  chu  zan."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  An  impotent  one  is  better  than  the  swordsman. 
Who,  in  the  battle-day  turns  away  his  head  woman  like." 

Clarke. 
"  Mulkat-i-ashiqe  wa  kunj-i-tarab 
Har  chi  daram  zi  yumni  daulat-i-u'st."  Hafiz. 

"  The  realm  of  being  a  lover  and  the  corner  of  joy. 
All  I  have  is  from  the  favour  of  the  fortune  of  His." 

Clarke. 
"  Mulk-i-'uqba  khwah  k'an  khurram  buwad 
Zarra'e  z'an  mulk  sad  'alam  buwad, 
Jabd  kun  ta  dar  miyan  in  nishast 
Zarra'e  z'an  'aJamat  ayad  ba  dast."  Anwar-i-Suheilu 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 


199. 


"  Seek  then  the  world  to  come  for  joys  are  there  ! 
Not  with  its  smallest  portion  could  compare 
A  hundred  worlds  ;  then  strive,  where  now  thou  art 
To  win  of  that  more  happy  world  a  part."  EastwicK. 


'  Mulk-i-sarasar  zamln 
Na-arzad  kl  khune  chakad  bar  zamin." 


BOSTAN  OP  S'adl. 


"  The  country  of  the  whole  earth 

Is  not  worth  one  drop  of  blood  that  trickles  on  the  earth." 

(Clarke). 

'  Mulku  'Iqana'ati  la  yukhsha  'alaihi,  wa  la 
Yuhtaju  flhl  '11a  Tansari  wa  'Ikhavrali, 
Tarju  'Ibaqa  bldarin  la  thabata  laha 
Fahal  sam'ita  bidhillln  ghairi  tnuntaqalin  ?  " 


Al  Tuohrau 


'•  Contentment's  realms  no  fears  invade, 
No  cares  annoy,  no  sorrows  shade. 
There  placed  secure,  in  peace  we  rest, 
Nor  aught  demand  to  make  us  blest. 
While  pleasure  s  gay  fantastic  bower, 
The  splendid  pageant  of  an  hour, 
Like  yonder  meteor  in  the  skies 
Flits  with  a  breath  no  more  to  rise." 


'  Mumlnanra  burd  bashad  'aqibat 
Ba  munaflq  mat  andar  akhirat ; 
Garchi  bar  du  bar  sar-l-yak  bazi  and 
Lek  baham  Maraghzi  wa  Baziand ; 
Har  yaki  sue  maqam-i-khud  rawad 
Har  yakl  bar  waf  q-i-nttm-i-khud  rawad." 


J.  D.  Carlyle, 


Jalaluddin  Rumu 


♦'  Victory  falls  to  the  believers  at  last, 

The  hypocrites  have  death  in  the  next  world. 

Although  both  parties  are  engaged  in  one  game, 

Yet,  as  regards  one  another,  they  are  inhabitants  of  Merv  and  Rai  (i.e.^ 

far  asunder), 
Each  goes  to  his  own  place. 
Each  fares  according  to  his  name."  (NICHOLSON. 

"  Munaghgrhas  buwad  'aish-i-an  tandxinist 
Ki  bashad  ba  pahlawl  bimar  sust 
Chu  binam  kl  darwlsh-l-mlskln  na  khwurad 
Blgratu  andaram  luqma  zahr  ast  wa  dard."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

*♦  The  enjoyment  of  him  that  is  sound  in  health  is  troubled,  by  whose  side 
is  stretched  the  enfeebled  victim  of  disease  ; 
When  I  see  that  the  poor  Darwesh  has  not  eaten,  the  morsel  turns  on 
my  own  palate  to  poison  and  pain."  (Falconer). 


200  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Murgrhe  ki  khabar  na  darad  az  ab-i-zilal 
Minqar  dar  ab-i-shur  darad  hama  sal."  Akhi,aq-i-Muhsini. 

"  The  bird  who  has  no  knowledge  of  sweet  water 
Dips  his  beak  all  the  year  in  the  water  that  is  salt." 

Keene. 
"  Murghe  ki  raraida  gardad  az  dam 
Mln  b'ad  ba  dana  kai  shaw^ad  ram."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  The  bird  once  scared  that  has  escaped  the  net, 
Will  for  no  grain  its  terror  then  forget."  (Eastwick). 

■*•  Murgh-i-bagh-i-malkutam  nayam  az  alam-i-khak 
Du  sih  ruze  qafse  sakhta  and  az  badanam."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  I  am  a  bird  of  the  heavenly  garden  ;  I  belong  not  to  the  earthly  sphere. 
They  have  made  for  two  or  three  days  a  cage  of  my  body." 

(Nicholson). 
"  Murgh-i-dilam  tair  ast  qudsi-i-'arsh  ashiyan 
Az  qate-i-tan  malul,  ser  sbuda  az  jahan, 
Az  sar-i-in  khakdan  chun  biparad  murgh-i-jan 
Baz  nisbiman  kunad  bar  dar-i-an  astan ; 
Dar  du  jahanash  makan  nist  bajuz  fauq-i-charkh 
Jism-i-way  az  m'adaii  ast,  jan-i-way  az  la  makan." 

Hafiz  Ode,  465. 

"  My  soul  is  as  a  sacred  bird,  the  highest  heaven  its  nest, 
Fretting  within  the  body's  bars  it  finds  on  earth  no  rest. 
When,  speeding  from  this  dusty  heap,  this  bird  of  mine  shall  soar, 
'Twill  find  upon  yon  lofty  gate  the  nest  it  had  before. 
No  spot  in  the  two  worlds  it  owns — above  the  sphere  its  goal ; 
Its  body  from  the  quarry  is,  from  No-place  is  its  soul." 

BiCKNELL. 

■"  Murgh-i-himmat  chu  bal  bikushayad 
'Az  wa  iqbalash  ashiyan  bashad 
Pish-i-chaugan-i-himmat-l-'ala 
Kamtarln  gue  asman  bashad."  Akhlaq-i-Muhsini. 

"  When  the  bird  of  ambition  expands  her  wings, 
Honour  and  success  are  her  nest ; 
Before  the  bat  of  a  lofty  mind. 
The  sphere  of  heaven  is  the  smallest  ball."  Keene. 

"  Murghra  par  mi  bur  d  ta  ashiyan 
Par  mardam  himmatast  ey  marduman 
Ashiqe  k'aluda  shud  dar  khair  wa  sharr 
Khair  wa  sharr  mangar,  tu  dar  himmat  nigar. 
Baz  agar  bashad  supid  wa  bi  nazir, 
Chunki  saiadash  mush  bashad,  shud  haqir ; 
War  buwad  chaghde  wa  mail-i-u  ba  shah 
TJ  sar  baz  an  ast,  mangar  dar  kulah."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  201 

*•  A  bird  flies  with  its  wings  towards  its  nest, 
The  wings  of  a  man  are  his  aspiration  and  aim. 
If  a  lover  be  befouled  with  good  and  evil 
Yet  regard  not  these  ;  regard  rather  his  aspiration, 
Though  a  falcon  be  all  white  and  unmatched  in  form. 
If  he  hunts  mice,  he  is  contemptible  and  worthless, 
And  if  an  owl  fixes  his  affection  on  the  king, 
He  is  a  falcon  in  reality  ;  regard  not  his  outward  form." 

VVhinfield. 
"  Muridan  ba  quwat  za  tiflan  kam  and 
Mushaikh  chu  dlwar-i-mustahkam  and."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

**  The  disciples  are  in  strength  less  than  children, 
The  sheikhs  are  like  a  strong  wall."  (Clarke). 

"  Musallat  makun  chun  mane  bar  saram 
2Sa  dast-i-tu  bih,  grar  'aqubat  baram."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  10. 

•*  Make  not  a  person,  like  unto  myself,  ruler  over  me. 
If  I  bear  punishment,  it  is  best  from  thy  hand."     (Clarke). 

"  Mushahadata  1'abrar  baina  'tajalli  wa  Tistatar." 

GuLisTAN,  chap.  a. 

"  The  vision  of  the  pious  is  between  effulgence  and  obscurity." 

(Eastvvick). 
"  Mtishk  alud  'ast  amma  musbk  nai 
Bui  mushkastash  wale  juz  pashk  nai 
Taki  pashke  mushk  gardad,  ey  murid, 
Salha  bayad  dar  an  rauza  charld."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  He  is  only  scented  with  musk,  he  is  not  himself  musk. 
He  smells  of  musk,  but  is  really  naught  but  dung, 
For  his  dung  to  become  musk,  O  disciple, 
He  must  graze  year  after  year  in  the  divine  pasture." 

(Whinfield). 

*'  Mushkil-i-khwlsh  ba  pir-i-mughan  burdam  dvish 
K^a  ba  ta'id-i-nazar-i-hall-i-mu'amma  mi-kard 
Didamash  khurram  wa  khandan  qadah-e-bada  ba  dast 
Wa  andar  an  aina  sad  grxna  tamasha  mi-kard 
Guftam  'In  jam-i-jahan  bin  batu  ki  dad  hakim?' 
Gufb  'An  ruz  ki  in  gumbad-i-mina  mi-kard.'  "  Hafiz. 

"  Last  eve  unto  the  Magian  Sheikh  to  solve  my  doubts  I  flew. 
To  him  who  by  his  piercing  gaze  to  secrets  found  the  clue, 
I  saw  him  smiling  and  content,  the  wine-cup  in  his  hand, 
And  in  its  world-revealing  glass  a  hundred  things  he  scanned, 
I  said  '  When  gave  the  Lord  All-Wise  that  wondrous  cup  to  thee?' 
He  said  '  When  the  enamelled  Dome  was  formed  by  His  decree.' " 

Bicknell, 


202  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Mushtari  khwahi  ki  az  wai  zar  bari, 
Bih  za  haqq  kai  bashad,  ey  jan,  mushtari  ? 
Mikhirad  az  malat  ambae  najas, 
Midlhad  niir  zamir  muktabas 
Misitanad  in  najas  jism  fana, 
Midihad  mulki  birun  az  wahm-i-ma, 
Misitanad  qatre  chande  az  ishk, 
Midihad  kausar  ki  arad  qdnd  rishk."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

*'  Seek  ye  a  purchaser  who  will  pay  you  gold, 
Where  will  you  find  one  more  liberal  than  God  ? 
He  buys  the  worthless  rubbish  which  is  your  wealth, 
He  pays  you  the  light  that  illumines  your  heart. 
He  accepts  these  frozen  and  lifeless  bodies  of  yours 
And  gives  you  a  kingdom  beyond  what  you  dream  of, 
He  takes  a  few  drops  of  your  tears 
And  gives  you  the  divine  fount  sweeter  than  sugar." 

(Whin  field). 
"  Musiya !  adab  danan  digrarand 

Sukhta  jan  wa  rawanan  digarand 

Gar  khata  gnyad,  u-ra  khate  magxi 

Gar  shawad  pur  khun,  shahidan  ra  mashu. 

Khun  shahidanra  az  ab  aulatar  ast, 

In  khata  az  sad  sawab  aulatar  ast."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  O  Moses  !  the  lovers  of  fair  rites  are  one  class, 
They  whose  hearts  and  souls  burn  with  love  are  another. 
If  they  speak  amiss,  call  them  not  sinners, 
If  a  martyr  be  stained  with  blood,  wash  it  not  away. 
Blood  is  better  than  water  for  martyrs. 
This  fault  is  better  than  a  thousand  correct  forms." 

Whinfield. 
"  Musahnanan,  mara  waqte  dile  bud 
Ki  ba  wai  guftami  gar  mushkile  bud, 
Dile  hamdard  -wa  yare  mashlahat  bin 
Ki  istizhar-i-har  ahl-i-dile  bud 
Za  man  za'i  shud  andar  kue  janan."  Hafiz. 

"  O  Muslims  once  a  heart  was  mine 
Whereto  I  used  to  speak  if  there  was  a  difficulty  ; 
A  heart  fellow-sufferer,  helper,  counsel-perceiver. 
That  was  the  aid-seeker  of  men  of  heart ; 
But  in  the  Beloved's  street  the  heart  was  lost  to  me." 

"  Musulman  gar  bi-danisti  ki  but  chist 
Bi-danisti  ki  din  dar  but  parastist."  Shabistari, 

"  Did  the  Musulman  understand  what  the  Idol  is, 

He  would  know  that  there  is  religion  even  in  idolatry." 

(E.  G.  Browne). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  203 

"  Mutakallimra  ta  kase  'alb  na  girad,  sukhanash  salah  na  pa- 
Blrad."  GULISTAN,  chap.  8. 

"  Until  one  points  out  to  an  orator  his  defects,  his  discourse  will  never 
be  mended."  (Easi  WICK). 

"  Mutrlb  bisaz  "ud  ki  kas  bi  ajal  namurd 
Wa  an  ku  na  in  tarana  sarayad,  khata  kunad." 

*•  Sing,  minstrel,  to  thy  lyre  the  strain  unfated  no  one  dies, 
Whoever  cannot  sing  this  lay  in  sinful  error  lies."      BiCKNELU 

"  Mvizhda'e-wasl-l-tu  ku  ?    K'az  sar-i-Jan  bar  khlzam 
Ta'ir-i-kud8-£un  va  az  dam-i-jihan  bar  khizam."  Hafiz. 

••  Where  is  the  good  tidings  of  union  with  Thee  ?    For  I  will  rise  up  with 
my  whole  heart  ; 
I  am  a  bird  of  Paradise,  and  I  will  soar  upwards  from  the  snare  of  the 
world."  (E.  G.  Browne). 

"  Muzhda  dadand  ki  bar  ma  gnzri  khwahi  kard 
Ni37yat-i-khair  magzaran  ki  mubarak  fal  ast."  Hafiz. 

"  Glad  tidings  they  gave  that  Thou  wilt  pass  by  us, 
Change  not  Thy  good  resolve,  for  a  happy  omen  it  is." 

(Clarke). 

"  Mvizhda  ey  dil  ki  dig's!*  bad-i-saba  baz  amad, 
Hudhud-i-khush  khabar  az  taraf-i-Saba  baz  amad, 
Bar  kash  ey  murgh-i-sahar  nagma'e  Daudi  baz 
Ki  Sulaiman-i-grul  az  taraf-i-hawa  baz  amad."  Hafiz. 

"  O  heart  !  glad  tidings !  for  the  morning  breeze  hath  come  back  ! 
From  the  quarters  of  Saba  the  lapwing  of  good  news  hath  come  back, 
O  bird  of  the  morning  prolong  the  melody  of  David, 
For  from  the  quarter  of  the  air  the  Solomon  of  the  rose  hath  come  back." 

(Clarke). 

"  Muzhda  1  muzhda  1  nak  hami-ayad  bahar 
Ta  buwad  taban  shigufa  chun  zirih  ; 
Ta  kunand  an  mew^aha  paida  girih ;  • 

Chun  shigxifa  rikht  mewa  sar  kunad 
Chxinki  tan  bishkastjansar  bar  kunad."  Jalaludui.v  Rumi. 

"  Good  news  !     Good  new  !     Lo  !  the  spring  is  at  hand. 
If  the  blossoms  did  not  shine  as  bright  helmets. 
How  could  the  fruits  display  their  globes  ? 
When  the  blossoms  are  shed,  the  fruits  come  to  a  head, 
When  the  body  is  destroyed,  the  soul  lifts  up  its  head." 

Whin  FIELD. 


204  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Na  abistan  durr  bu^vad  bar  sadaf 
Na  bar  bar  shatir  zanad  bar  hadaf."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  5. 

"  Not  every  oyster  is  pregnant  with  the  pearl, 
Not  every  time  does  the  expert  archer  hit  the  butt." 

(Clarke). 

"  Na  an  ki  bar  dar-i-dawa  nishinad  az  khalqe 
Wa  gar  khilaf  kunandash  ba  jang  bar  khizad, 
Agrar  za  kub  faru  ghaltad  asia  sange 
Na  arifast  ki  az  rah-i-sang  barkhizad."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Not  at  strife's  door  sits  he  ;  when  thwarted,  ne'er 
Starts  up  to  contest ;  all  unmoved  his  soul, 
He  is  no  saint  who  from  the  path  would  stir 
Though  a  huge  stone  should  from  a  mountain  roll." 

Eastwick. 

"  Na  ba  dawa'ist  qadr  -wra  qimat-i-mard 
Qimat-i-mard  sabr  bayad  kard."  Akhlaq-i-Muhsini. 

"  The  merit  and  value  of  a  man  are  not  according  to  his  pretensions, 
His  worth  should  be  determined  by  his  patience."  (Keene). 

"  Na  bar  auj  zatash  parad  murgh-i--wrabin 
Na  dar  zail  -wasfash  rasad  dast-i-fahm ; 
Dar  in  warta  kishti  faru  sbud  bazar 
Ki  paida  na  sbud  takbta'e  bar  kinar."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  The  bird  of  fancy  flies  not  to  the  summit  of  His  nature, 

The  power  of  the  intellect  arrives  not  at  the  skirt  of  his  description, 

In  this  whirlpool  a  thousand  ships  of  reason  foundered 

In  such  a  way  that  not  a  plank  was  found  on  the  marge."     (Clarkk). 

"  Na  bar  usbture  saTvaram  na  chu  astar  zir-i-barara 
Na  khudawand-i-r'aiyat  na  ghulam-i-sbahriyaram 
Gbam  maujud  wa  parishani  m'adum  na  daram 
Nafsi  mizanam  asuda  wa  umari  basar  aram."        Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

•'  I  ride  not  on  a  camel,  but  am  free  from  load  and  trammel. 
To  no  subjects  am  I  lord,  and  I  fear  no  monarch's  word  ; 
I  think  not  of  the  morrow,  nor  recall  the  bygone  sorrow 
Thus  I  breathe  exempt  from  strife,  and  thus  moves  on  my  tranquil  life." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Na  bayad  bastan  andar  chiz  w^a  kas  dil 
Ki  dil  bardashtan  karist  mushkil."  Gulistan,  chap.  5. 

"  Thy  heart  from  loving  thing  or  person  guard, 

For  to  recall  affection  is  most  hard."  Eastwick. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  205 

"  Na  bayad  shud  ba  hast  wa  nist  khushnud 
Dar  In  hastl  kl  yabad  nlstl  zud 
Chashanad  ab  wa  bar  atish  nishanad 
Babakhshad  chiz  wa  angrah  wa  sitanad 
Dihad  blsltanad  wa  are  nadarad 
Ba  juz  dad  wa  sitad  kare  nadarad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  In  this  existence  so  soon  to  expire, 
The  being  or  not  being  should  not  make  us  gay, 
It  gives  us  water,  puts  us  in  the  fire, 
Freely  bestows  a  thing  then  snatches  it  away, 
It  gives,  it  snatches  back  and  has  no  shame, 
Taking  and  giving,  its  task  is  this  the  same."    Eastwick. 

"  Na  binad  mudd'ai  juz  khwishtanra 
Kl  darad  parda  plndar  dar  pish ; 
Qarash  chashm-i-khuda  bini  ba  bakhshad, 
Na  binad  hicb  kas  'ajiztar  az  khwish."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Naught  but  themselves  can  vain  pretenders  mark 
For  conceit's  curtain  intercepts  their  view  ; 
Did  God  illume  that  which  in  them  is  dark, 
Naught  than  themselves  would  wear  a  darker  hue." 

(Eastwick), 

"  Na  binand  juz  nek  khuyan  bihisht 
Ba  duzakh  burd  mard-ra  khue  zisht."  Bostan  of  S'adi  chap.  4 

'*  Those  of  good  temper  only  see  Paradise, 

A  bad  temper  takes  a  man  to  hell."  (Clarke). 

"  Na  bini  kl  chun  baham  ayand  mur, 
Za  shiran-i-jangri  bar  arand  shur?"  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  i. 

"  Dost  thou  not  see  that  when  ants  assemble  together 
They  bring  trouble  and  torment  to  fighting  lions?" 

(Clarke). 

"  Na  bini  ki  chun  gurba  ajiz  shawad 
Ba  arad  ba  changral  chashm-i-palangr."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Seest  thou  not  how  in  last  extremity 
The  cat  will  lacerate  the  leopard's  eyes."     (Eastwick). 

"  Na  bulbul  bar  gnlash  tasbih  khanast 
Kl  bar  khare  ba  tasbihash  zabanast."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Not  sole,  the  rose-couched  Bulbul  hymns  his  name. 
Each  thorn's  a  tongue  his  marvels  to  proclaim." 

Eastwick. 
"  Na  bvirda  ba  subh  dar  talab  shame  chand 
Nanhada  za  khwishtan  birun  grame  chand, 
Dar  klswat-i-khass  amada  'ame  chand 
Badnam  kuninda'e  nlkuname  chand."  Omar  Khayyam. 


2o6  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  These  dullards  never  burn  the  midnight  oil 
In  deep  research,  nor  do  they  ever  toil 
To  step  beyond  themselves  but  dress  them  fine, 
And  others'  reputation  try  to  spoil."  Whinfield. 

"  Na  burda  ranj  ganj  muyassar  na  shawad 
Mazd  an  girift,  jan  biradar,  ki  kar  kard."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Who  bears  not  toil,  will  ne'er  the  treasure  gain. 
His  is  the  guerdon,  brother,  whose  the  pain."   Eastwick. 

"  Na  chandan  bikhur  k'az  dihanat  bar  ayad 
Na  chandan  ki  az  z'uf  janat  bar  ayad."  Gulistan,  chap.  3. 

"  Eat  not  so  as  to  cause  satiety, 
Nor  yet  so  little  as  of  want  to  die."  Eastwick. 

"  Nadanad  kase  qadar-i-ruz-i-khushi 
Magar  ruze  uftad  bisakhti  kashi."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  8. 

"  A  person  knows  not  the  value  of  a  day  of  pleasure, 
Save  on  that  day  when  he  falls  to  hardship  enduring." 

(Clarke). 

"  Na  danisti  ki  bini  band  bar  pae 
Chu  dar  gxishat  mamad  pand  mardum  ? 
Digar  rah  gar  na  dari  taqat-i-nish 
Makun  angusht  dar  surakh-i-kazbdum."  Gulistan,  chap.  1. 

•'  Knewest  thou  not  that  thou  would'st  see  the  chains  upon  thy  feet, 
When  a  deaf  ear  thou  turnedst  on  the  counsels  of  the  wise  ; 
If  the  torture  of  the  sting  thou  canst  not  with  courage  meet. 
Place  not  thy  finger  in  the  hole  where  the  sullen  scorpion  lies." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Na  darad  khiradmand  az  faqr  'ar 
Ki  basbad  nabira  az  faqr  ifbikhar."  Pandnama  of  S'adi. 

"  The  wise  man  reckoneth  not  poverty  any  dishonour 
Since  poverty  was  the  Prophet's  glory."  Glauwin. 

"  Nadarim  ghair  az  tu  faryad  ras 
Tu'i  'asiyanra  khata  bakhsh  wa  bas 
Nigahdar  mara  az  rab-i-khata 
Khata  dar  guzar  wa  sawabam  numa."  Pandnama  of  S'adi. 

"  We  have  none  excepting  Thee  for  our  defender, 
Thou  art  the  all-sufficient  forgiver  of  transgressors, 
Preserve  us  from  the  road  of  sin, 
Pardon  our  misdeeds  and  instruct  us  in  righteousness." 

(Gladwin). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 


207 


'  Na  dlda'i  kl  chi  sakhti  hami  rasad  kase 
Ki  az  dlhanash  badar  ml-kunand  dandanl  7 
Qiyas  kun  kl  chi  halash  buwad  dar  an  sa'at 
Ell  az  wuJud-1-azlzash  badar  rawad  Jani." 


GuLiSTAN,  chap.  6. 


"  Hast  thou  ne'er  marked  his  agony, 
Out  from  whose  jaw  a  tooth  is  wrenched  ? 
Then  think  what  must  his  feelings  be 
Whose  life,  dear  life,  is  lieing  quenched. 

'  Nadlmtu  nadamata  'Ikusajry  lama 
Ohaddat  mlnni  muttalaqatan  Nawaru, 
Wa  kanat  jannati,  fakharajtu  mlnha, 
K'Adam  hina  'akhrajahu  'adlraru ; 
Fakuntu  kafaqin  'ainaihi  'amdan, 
Fa  'asbaha  tna  yadhau  'nnaharu." 


(Eastwick). 


Farazdak. 


*'  I  feel  a  repentance  like  that  of  Al  Kosai,  now  that  Nawar  has  been  put 

away  by  me ; 
She  was  my  Paradise  and  I  have  left  her,  like  Adam  when  Ad  Dirar 

drove  him  forth, 
I  have  been  as  one  who  put  out  his  eyes  wilfully;    who  rises  in  the 

morning  and  the  sun  shines  not  to  him."  (Chenery). 

"  Nadlm  wa  mutrib  wa  saki  hama  ust 
Khujal-i-ab  wa  gll  dar  rah  bahana 
■Wujud-i-ma  mu'amma'ist,  Haflz 
Kl  tahqlqash  fusunast  wa  fasana."  Hafiz  Odb,  487. 

"  Companion,  minstrel,  Saki, — all  is  He, 
As  the  way's  phantom  clay  and  water  see  : 
Man  is  a  riddle  and  but  vain  pretence 
Is  his,  O  Hafiz,  who  would  solve  its  sense."    Bicknbll. 

""  Nafakh  sur  amr  ast  az  yazdan  pak 
Ki  bararld  ey  zara'ir  sar  za  khak 
Baz  ayad  Jan  har  yak  dar  badan 
Hamchu  subh  hvishjan  andar  badan 
Jan  tan  khudra  shlnakht  wa<it  ruz 
Dar  kharaba  khud  dar  ayad  ch\in  kanuz."  (Jalaluddin  RumiX 

**  The  blast  of  the  last  trump  will  be  God's  command 
To  every  atom  to  lift  its  head  from  the  earth. 
The  souls  also  of  each  will  return  to  their  bodies, 
Even  as  sense  returns  to  bodies  awaking  from  sleep. 
On  that  morn  each  soul  will  recognise  its  own  body 
And  return  to  its  own  ruin  like  hidden  treasure." 

(Whin  FIELD). 
"  Nafsat  basagr-i-khana  hami  manad  rast 
Jviz  baner-l-miyan  tihi  az  u  hich  nakhwast, 
Buba  slfatast  w^a  khwab  khargrush  dlha^ 
A8hub-i-p£ilangr  darad  wa  grvirer  dag'hast."  0>tAR  Khayyam. 


2o8  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Men's  lusts  like  house-dogs  still  the  house  distress 
With  clamour,  barking  for  mere  wantonness  : 
Foxes  are  they  and  sleep  the  sleep  of  hares, 
Crafty  as  wolves,  as  tigers  merciless."  (Whinfield). 

"  Na  giti  pas  az  jumbish  aram  yaffc  ? 
Na  S'adi  safar  kard  ta  kam  yaft  ? 
Dil  az  bi-muradi  biflkrat  masuz, 
Shab  abistan  ast,  ey  biradar,  biruz."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  6. 

"  Did  not  the  world  find  rest  after  motion? 
Did  not  S'adi  travel  till  he  found  his  desire? 
Consume  not  thy  heart  from  failure  of  desire  ; 
O  brother,  the  night  is  pregnant  with  the  day." 

Clarke, 
"  NagTiyand  az  sar-i-bazicha  harfe 
K'az  an  pande  na  g-irad  sahib-i-hu^h ; 
Wa  gar  sad  bab-i-hikmat  pish-i-nadan 
BikhAvanand  ayadash  bazicha  dar  gush."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Not  e'en  in  jest  a  playful  word  is  said, 
But  to  the  wise  'twill  prove  a  fruitful  theme, 
To  fools  a  hundred  chapters  may  be  read 
Of  grave  import;  to  them  they'll  jesting  seem." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Na  gufta,  na  darad  kase  ba  tu  kar 
Wa  lekin  chu  gufti,  dalilash  biyar."  Gulistan,  chap.  4. 

"Art  silent?     None  can  meddle  with  thee.     When 
Thou  once  hast  spoken,  thou  must  prove  it  then." 

Eastwick. 

"  Na  bar  chi  ba  qamat  mihtar  ba  qimat  bihtar,  ashshatu  nazi- 
fatun  w'alfllu  jifatun."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Not  everything  that  is  higher  in  stature  is  more  valuable ;  the  sheepjs 
clean  and  the  elephant  unclean."  (Eastwick). 

"  Na  bar  ki  chihra  bar  afrukht  dilbare  danad, 
Na  bar  ki  aina  sazad,  Sikandare  danad, 
Na  bar  ki  kulah  kaj  nihad  wa  tund  nishast 
Kulah  dari  -wa  ain-i-sar-wari  danad."  Hafiz  Ode,  211. 

"  Not  every  one  whose  face  is  bright,  true  love's  ensnaring  knows, 
Not  every  one  who  mirrors  makes,  Iskandar's  bearing  knows. 
Not  every  one  who  slants  his  cap  or  takes  his  seat  augustly, 
To  wear  the  cap  of  sovereignty  or  rule  us  justly  knows." 

(Bicknell). 
"  Na  bar  ki  quwTvat-i-bazu  wa  mansabe  darad 
Ba  sultanat  bikhurad  mal-i-marduman  baguzaf ; 
Tawan  ba  halq  faru  burdan  ustukhwan-i-durusht 
Wall  shikam  badarad  chun  bagirad  andar  naf."     Gulistan,  chap,  i. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  209 

"  Not  every  one  who  wiih  strong  arm  bears  sway, 
Can  boast  of  his  extortions  in  the  end  ; 
To  swallow  the  rough  bone  thou  may'st  some  way 
Devise  ;  but  once  permit  it  to  descend 
Down  to  the  navel,  'twill  thy  belly  rend."  (Eastwick). 

"  Nahnu  banu  'Imauta,  fama  baluna  na'afti  ma  la  budda  min  shtir- 
bihi 
Tajkhalu  eydina  bi  'arwahina  'ala  zamanin  hia  min  kasbihi 
Fahazihi  'I'arwahu  min  jawwihl  wa  haza  'lajsadu  min  turblhi 
Lau  'afkard  'lashlqu  fl  muntaha  husnl  'lladhl  yasblhi,  lam  yasbihi 
Lam  nara  qama  'shshamsl  fl  sheirqihl  fashakkati  'lanfusu  fl  erhar 

bihl."  MfTANNAIIl. 

"  We  are  the  sons  of  the  dead,  why  then  loathe  the  draught  that  must 

needs  be  drained, 
We  stint  to  time  our  souls  though  they  be  His  due,  for  these  souls  are 

air  of  His  air,  and  these  bodies  are  dust  of  His  dust. 
If  the  lover  bethought  himself  of  what  would  be  the  end  of  the  beauty 

that  entrances  him,  it  would  not  entrance  him. 
Yet  when  we  see  the  bursting  forth  of  the  rising  sun,  our  minds  doubt 

not  of  his  setting."  (Steingass). 

"  Nahnu  ruhani  halalna  badana 
Fa  'idha  absaratani  'absartahu 
Wa  idha  absartahu  'absartana."  Mansur  Hallaj. 

"  We  are  two  souls  dwelling  in  one  body, 
When  thou  seest  me,  thou  seest  him. 
And  when  thou  seest  him,  thou  seest  us  both." 

(De  Si.ane). 
"  Nakhurad  az  Ibadat  an  bikhirad 
Ki  ba  haqq  niku  bud,  ba  khalq  bad, 
Sukhan  manad  az  'aqilan  yadg^ar 
Za  Sa'dl  hamin  yak  sukhan  yad  dar, 
Ounahgrar-i-andishnak  az  khuda 
Bih  az  parsa'e  Ibadat-numa."  Bostan-  of  Sa'di. 

'•  That  man  void  of  understanding  ate  no  fruit  of  his  devotion. 
Who,  being  good  towards  God,  was  evil  towards  his  fellow-creatures. 
The  words  of  the  wise  endure  for  a  memorial ;  remember  thou  this  one 

saying  of  Sa'di : 
'  Better  is  the  sinner  who  feareth  God,  than  the  saint  who  practiseth 

outward  obedience.'"  (Asiatic  Journal). 

"  Nakunad  Jaur  pisha  sultani 
Ki  na  ayad  za  erurgr  chaupanl 
Padshahi  kl  tarah-i-zulm  fagrand 

Pae  diwar-i-mulk-i-khwish  blkanad."  Gulista^,  chap,  u 

14 


2IO  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Kingcraft  yokes  not  with  tyranny, 
The  wolf  cannot  the  shepherd  be, 
Tyrants  who  on  their  people  fall, 
Sap  their  own  state's  foundation  wall."        Eastwick. 

"  Nalaiq  masjidam  wa  na  khurad-i-kanisht 
Izad  danad  gil-i-mara  az  chi  sarisht 
Chun  kafir-i-darwisham  wa  chun  qahba'e  zisht 
Na  din  wa  na  dunya  wa  na  ummid-i-biliisht."  Omar  Khayvam. 

"  From  mosque  an  outcast  and  to  church  a  foe, 
Out  of  what  clay  did  Allah  form  me  so  ? 
Like  sceptic  monk  or  ugly  couriesan, 
No  hopes  have  I  above,  no  joys  below."        (Whinfield). 

•'  Namanad  sitamgar-i-bad  ruzgar 
Bamanad  baru  I'anat-i-paedar."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Not  always  will  the  wicked  tyrant  live 

The  curse  upon  him  will  for  aye  survive."    (E.astwick). 

"  Na  mard  ast  an  ba  nazdik-i-khiradmand 
Ki  ba  pil-i-diman  paikar  juyad ; 
Bale  mard  an  kas  ast  az  rue  tahqiq 
Ki  chun  khashm  ayadash,  batil  naguyad."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  They  that  with  raging  elephants  make  war, 
Are  not  so,  deem  the  wise,  the  truly  brave. 
But  in  real  verity  the  valiant  are 
Those  who  when  angered  are  not  passion's  slave." 
»  Eastwick. 

"  Nashat  jawani  za  piran  ma  jui 
Ki  ab-i-rawan  baz  na  ayad  dar  jui."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

"  Seek  not  the  joy  of  youth  from  old  men, 

For  the  running  stream  returns  not  to  the  rivulet." 

Clarke. 
"  Nang-i-bang  u  khamr  bar  khud  mi-nihi 
Ta  dami  az  khwishtan  tu  va-rihi."  Jalai.uddin  Rumi. 

"  Thou  takest  on  thyself  the  shame  of  hemp  and  wine, 

In  order  that  thou  mayest  for  one  moment  escape  from  thyself" 

(E.  G.  Browne). 
"  Nasazae-ra  chu  bini  ba  ikhtiyar 
Aqilan  taslim  kardand  ikhtyar  ; 
Chun  na  dari  nakhun-i-darranda  tiz 
Ba  dadan  an  bih  ki  kam  giri  sitiz."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Seest  thou  that  fortune  crowns  the  unworthy,— then 
Choose  thou  submission  too  with  wiser  men  ; 
Hast  thou  not  sharp  and  rending  claws,  then  yield, 
i  For  so  'tis  best— to  beasts  the  battle-field."        (Eastwick). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  211 

"  Nasbayad  banl  Adam-1-khak  zad 
Kl  dar  sar  kunad  kibr-i-tundi  wa  bad 
Ttira  ba  chunin  erarmi  wa  sar  kashi 
Na  pindaram  az  khaki— az  atishi."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

*'  It  suits  not  Adam's  children  earthly  born, 
To  indulge  in  pride,  ferocity  and  scorn, 
When  I  behold  in  thee  such  heat  and  ire, 
I  cannot  think  thee  sprung  from  earth  but  fire." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Nasibat  batna  'alam  chu  bad  dar  qafis  ast 
Ba  pish  mardam  'ashiq  cbu  ab  dar  gbirbal." 

"  'Tis  but  to  cage  the  wind  advice  to  give  ; 
To  lovers  'tis  but  water  in  a  sieve. "  Eastwick. 

"  Nasir-i-khvisraw  bi-dashti  mi-giizasbt 
Mast-i-la-yaTcll,  na  cbun  mey-khwarag'an, 
Mabrazi  did  u  mazari  ru-bi-ru 
Bang:  bar  zad  ;  gntt,  '  k'ey  nazzarag^an  I 
Ni'mat-i-dunya,  va  nitnat-khur  bin ; 
Insh  nl'mat !    Insh  ni'mat  kbwaragan."  Nasir-i-Khusraw. 

"  Dead  drunk  (not  like  a  common  sot)  one  day 
Nasir-i-khusraw  went  to  take  the  air. 
Hard  by  a  dung-heap  he  espied  a  grave 
And  straightway  cried  '  O  ye  who  stand  and  stare, 
Behold  the  world  !  Behold  its  luxuries  ! 
Its  dainties  here — tke  fools  who  ate  them,  there  ! ' " 

(E.  G.  Browne). 
"  Na  talkh  ast  sabare  ki  bar  yad-i-ust 
Kl  talkhi  shakar  bashad  az  dast-i-dust 
Asirash  na  khw^ahad  rihai  za  band 
Shikarash  na  juyad  kh\ilas  az  kamand."    •  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  3. 

"  Patience,  which  is  in  remembrance  of  Ilim  is  not  bitter, 
For  bitterness  from  a  friend's  hand  is  sugar, 
His  captive  desires  not  release  from  bonds, 
His  prey  seeks  not  freedom  from  the  snare."  (Clarke). 

"  Naubat-i-plri  chu  zanad  kus-i-dard 
Dil  shawad  az  khush-dili  wa  'aish  sard."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  When  the  changing  watch  of  age  strikes  the  drum  of  deep  distress, 
The  heart  grows  cold  to  joyous  things,  to  mirth  and  happiness." 

Eastwick. 
"  Nayasayad  masham  az  tabla  "ud 
Bar  atish  nib  ki  chun  'ambar  babuyad, 
Buzurgi  bayadat.  bakhshindagi  kun, 
Ki  dana,  ta  nayafshani,  naruyad."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 


21-2-  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

*'  The  aloes-tray  from  which  no  fragrance  came, 
If  placed  on  fire,  its  inodorous  state 
Will  change  more  sweet  than  ambergris.     So  fame 
Thou  for  thyself  by  generous  deeds  create  ; 
The  unsown  seed  will  never  germinate."  (Eastwick). 

"  Nawak  mard  afkan  sad  tir  zan 
An  na  kunad  k'ah  yake  pir  zan."  Anwar-i-Suheili 

"  A  hundred  archers'  slaughtering  shafts  do  less 
Than  one  crone's  sigh,  one  sigh  of  helplessness." 

Eastwick. 

"  Nazara'e  jamal-i-khuda  juz  khuda  na  kard." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  None  but  God  hath  contemplated  the  beauty  of  God." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Nazr  kardan  badarwdshan  buzurgi  ra  biyafzayad 
Suleiman  ba  hama  hashmat  nazarha  bud  ba  murash." 

Anwak-i-Suheili. 

"  To  condescend  to  holy  men  adds  greatness  to  the  great. 
King  Solomon  would  not  o'erlook  an  insect's  low  estate." 

Eastwick. 

"  Nik  ar  kuni,  ba  jae  tu  niki  kunand  baz 
War  bad  kuni,  ba  jae  tu  az  badtar  kunand, 
Imruz  hasti  az  bad  wa  az  nik  bi-khabar, 
Roze  bu'wad  ki  az  bad  wa  nikat  khabar  kunand." 

Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  If  thou  doest  good,  to  thee,  too,  good  they'll  do, 
If  ill,  they  will  repay  thee,  and  worse  too, 
Art  thou  of  good  and  ill  now  ignorant, 
There  comes  a  day  that  they'll  supply  this  want." 

Eastwick. 

*'  Nik  bashi  wa  badat  guyad  khalq 
Bih  ki  bad  bashi  wa  nikat  binand."  Gulistan 

"  Be  thou  but  good  and  ill  report  despise, 
'Tis  better  thus  than  thou  should'st  be 
Bad  while  thou  seemest  good  in  other's  eyes." 

Eastwick. 
"  Nik  daryab  wa  bad  ma  kun,  zinhar, 
Ki  bad  w^a  nik  baz  khw^ahi  did 
Mail  niki  agar  kuni  hama  j  a 
Khwlsh  ra  earfaraz  khw^ahi  did 
War  tariq  bali  rawi,  khud  ra 
Paemal  niyaz  khwahi  did."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  213 

*'  Seek  to  do  good,  shun  evil  and  take  heed, 
Fur  as  thou  actest,  so  too  shalt  thou  speed, 
Ever  in  good  dost  thou  incline  to  tread, 
Thou  shalt  then  aye  behold  upraised  thy  head  ; 
But  if  in  vice  thou  walkest,  thou  shalt  see 
Thyself  down-trampled  by  adversity."  Eastwick. 

"  Nik  sahalast  zinda  bi  Jan  kard 
Kushtara  baz  zinda  natawan  kard ; 
8hart-i-aqlast  sabr-i-tirandaz 
Ki  Chun  raft  az  kaman,  na  ayad  baz."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  'Tis  very  easy  one  alive  to  slay, 

Not  so  to  give  back  life  thou  tak'st  away  ; 

Reason  demands  that  archers  patience  show 

For  shafts  once  shot  return  not  to  the  bow."    Eastwick. 

"  Nik  wa  bad,  chun  hame  babayad  murd, 
Khunak  an  kas  ki  grue  nlkl  burd."  Gulistan,  Preface. 

*•  Soon  both  good  and  bad  must  die, 

Happy  is  the  man  who  carries  off  the  ball  of  virtue." 

(Platts). 
"  Nist  bar  lauh-i-dilam  juz  Alif-i-qamat-i-dust 
Chi  kunam ;  harf-i-dierar  yad  na  dad  ustadam."         Hafiz  Ode,  416. 

'*  My  loved  one's  Alif-form  stamps  all  my  thought 
Save  that,  what  letter  has  my  master  taught?      BiCKNELL. 

"  Nist  kasbe  az  tawakkul  khubtar 
Chist  az  tafAviz-i-khud  mahbubtar? 
Oar  tura  sabr  budi,  rizq  amadi, 
Khwish  ra  chun  ashiqan  bar  tu."  Anwar-i-Suhbilu 

*'  The  best  of  all  professions  is  to  lean 
On  providence.     Can  aught  be  livelier  seen 
Than  faith.     Were  thou  but  patient,  what  thy  fate  must  be 
\\  ill  come  and  cling  all  lover-like  to  thee."  Eastwick. 

"  Nist  khud  az  murgh  parran  in  'a jab 
K'u  na  binad  dam  wa  uftad  dar  'atab. 
In  a  jab  ki  dam  binad  ba  watad 
Gar  bikhwahad  war  nakhwahad  mi  fatad."  Jalaluddin  Rumu 

"  The  strange  thing  is  not  that  winged  fowl 
Fall  into  the  deadly  snare  without  seeing  it, 
But  that  they  see  the  snare  and  the  limed  twig 
And  yet  fall  into  it,  whether  they  will  or  no." 

Whinfield. 


214  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Nist  Shu,  nist  az  khudi  zirak 
Badtar  az  hastiat  jinayat  nist."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Become  nought,  nought  from  self-hood,  because 
There  is  no  crime  worse  than  thy  being."       (Nicholson). 

"  Nist  wash  bashad  khiyal  andar  jahan 
Tu  jahani  bar  khiyali  bin  ravsran ; 
Bar  khiyali  sulhshan  wa  jangshan 
Bar  khiyali  namshan  wa  nangshan."  Jalai.uddin  Rumi. 

"  Mere  fancy's  pictures  ever  objects  mar, 
Things  non-existent  often  frenzy  paints, 
We  see  mankind  deluded  over  leints  ; 
Their  peace,  their  war  not  seldom  for  a  sham, 
Their  pride,  their  shame  some  sorry  epigram." 

Redhouse. 
•"  Ni  arzad  'asl  jan-i-man,  zakhm  nish 
Qina'at  nikutar  bidusab-i-khwish."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  C. 

"  Oh,  my  soul  !  honey  is  not  worth  the  sting's  wound. 
Contentment  with  one's  own  syrup  of  dates  is  best." 

(Clarke). 

"  Niayad  binazdik  dana  pasand 
Shuban  khufta  wa  gurg  dar  guspand."  Bostan  of  Sa'di,  chap.  i. 

"  In  the  opinion  of  the  wise  it  is  not  approved. 
The  shepherd  asleep,  and  the  wolf  among  the  sheeji." 

(Clarke). 

•"  Niayad  nikukari  az  bad  ragan 
Muhal  ast  duzandagi  az  sagan 
Hama  failsufan  Yunan  wa  Rum 
Nadanand  kard  angabin  az  zaqum."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  5. 

"  A  good  deed  comes  not  from  those  of  bad  stock, 
As  needle-work  is  impossible  to  dogs, 
All  the  philosophers  of  Greece  and  Rum 
Know  not  how  to  make  honey  from  the  thorny  tree." 

(Clarke). 

•"  Nigah  dar  fursat  ki  'alam  damist 
Dame  pish-i-dana  bih  az  alamist 
Biraftand  w^ar  har  kas  dirud  an  chi  kisht 
Namand  bajuz  nam  niktx  wa  zisht."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

"  Take  care  of  opportunity  ;  fir  the  world  is  but  for  a  moment, 
In  the  opinion  of  the  wise  a  moment  of  life  is  better  than  a.  world  ; 
They  departed,  and  every  one  reaped  what  he  sowed. 
There  only  remains  good  and  bad  name."  (Clarke). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  215 

"  Nihad  shakh  pur  mewa  sar  bar  zatnin 
Tawaz'a  kunad  hushmand  gruzln."  Pandnama  of  S'adu 

"  The  bough,  full  of  fruit,  placeth  its  head  upon  the  earth  ; 
The  truly  wise  man  practises  humility."  Gladwin. 

"  Nihal-i-du8hmani  bar  kun,  ki  ranJ-1-bi  shumar  arad." 

Hafiz  Ode,  32a 

'•  Uproot  thou  hatred's  plant  completely,  or  woes  unnumbered  thenc 
may  shoot."  (Bicknell). 

"  Nim  nane  gar  khurad  mard-i-khuda 
Bazal-i-darwishan  kunad  nim-i-dlgrar 
Haft  iqlim  ar  bigrirad  padshah 
Hamchunan  dar  band  iqlime  dierar."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  The  man  of  God  with  half  his  loaf  content 
To  dervishes  the  remnant  will  present. 
But  though  a  king  seven  regions  should  subdue, 
He'll  still  another  conquest  keep  in  view."       (Eastwick). 

"  Nishan  bar  takhta'e  hasti  na  bud  az  Adam  wa  'alam 
Ki  Jan  dar  maktab-i-ishq  az  tamanna'e  tu  mi-zad  dam."        S'aid. 

"  No  sign  of  man  or  world  appeared  on  the  tablet  of  existence. 

When  the  soul  breathed  forth  pursuant  to  thy  will  in  the  school  of  love." 

(Shea). 
"  Nishan-i-jawani  za  piran  ma  jui 

Ki  ab-i-rawan  bar  ni-ayad  ba  jui 

Babayad  hawas  kardan  az  sar  badar 

Ki  daur-i-hawas  bazi  amad  ba  sar, 

Cbu  bar  sar  nishinad  za  piri  grhubar 

Digar  'aisb-i-safl  tawaqqu'  madar."  Aswar-i-Suheili. 

"  Seek  not  the  signs  of  youth  in  aged  men. 
For  to  their  source  streams  ne'er  return  again ; 
Age  must  all  passion  from  its  thoughts  remove. 
Since  with  old  age  expires  the  reign  of  love  ; 
When  age  lets  fall  its  snow-dust  on  the  head. 
Know  that  all  hope  of  unmixed  joy  has  fled."    Eastwick. 

"  Nishasta  bar  lab-i-khandaq  na  didi  yak  kur 
Baja'e  luqma  wa  pul  ar  khuda'e  justandi."    Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabri7. 

"  Thou  hadst  not  seen  a  single  blind  man  seated  on  the  moat-edge, 
Had  they  sought  God  instead  of  morsel  and  pittance." 

(Nicholso.n). 
"  Nizd-i-khirad  shahi  wa  paierhumbari 
Chun  du  nagin  andar  yak  angrushtare."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  In  reason's  code  the  prophet  and  the  king. 
Are  but  two  jewels  in  the  self-same  ring."      Eastwick. 


2i6  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Nukhust  admi  sirate  pish  kun 
Pas  angah  malak  khue  andisha  kun ; 
Tu  bar  karra'e  tausini  bar  kamar, 
Nigar  ta  na  pichad  za  hukm-i-tu  sar."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  6. 

"  Practise  first  the  human  temperament, 
Think  after  that  of  the  angelic  temperaiinent ; 
Thou  art  on  the  flanks  of  a  refractory  colt, 
Take  care  that  it  twist  not  its  head  from  thy  order." 

(Clarke). 

"  Nunkiru  in  sha'na  'ala  'nnasi  qaulahum  w^a  la  yunkiruna  'Iqaula 

bina  naqulu, 
Idba  sayyidun  minna  khala,  qama  sayyidun  qawulun  lima  qala, 

'Ikiraimu  fa'ulu, 
Wa  ma  vikhmidat  nanin  lana  duna  tariqin  Ava  dhamanna  fl  'nnazi- 

lina  nazilu."  ABD-AL-fttAHK. 

"  We  say  nay  whenso  we  will  to  the  words  of  other  men, 
But  no  man  to  us  says  nay  when  we  give  sentence. 
When  their  passes  a  lord  of  our  line,  in  his  stead  there  rises  straight, 
A  lord  to  say  the  say  and  do  the  deeds  of  the  noble, 
Our  beacon  is  never  quenched  to  the  wanderer  of  the  night, 
Nor  has  ever  a  guest  blamed  us  where  men  meet  together." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 
"  Nuqsaha  aina-i-wasf  kamal 
Wa  in  hiqarat  aina  'az  ■wa  jalal ; 
Za  anki  ziddra  zidd  kunad  paida  yaqin, 
Za  anki  ba  sirka  padid  ast  angabin : 
Har  ki  nuqs-i-khwishra  did  wa  shinakht 
Andar  istikmal-i-khud  du  aspa  takht."  Jalaluddin  Rumi, 

"  Defects  are  the  mirrors  of  the  attributes  of  beauty 
The  base  is  the  mirror  of  the  High  and  Glorious  One, 
Because  one  contrary  shows  forth  its  contrary 
As  honey's  sweetness  is  shown  by  vinegar's  sourness, 
Who  recognises  and  confesses  his  own  defects 
Is  hastening  in  the  way  that  leads  to  perfection." 

(Whinfield). 
"  Nuqs-i-misaq  wa  'ahud  az  ahmaqi  ast 
Hifz-i-saugand  w^a  w^afa  kar-i-taqi  ast."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Unfaithful  dealing  is  an  idiot's  act, 

The  pious  keep  their  oaths  and  guard  their  pact." 

Eastwick. 
"  Nur-i-giti  afruz  chashma'e  hur 
Zisht  bashad  ba  chasbm-i-mushk-i-kur."  Gulistan,  chap.  4. 

"  The  feeble -visioned  mole  perchance  may  scorn 
The  sun's  bright  fount  that  doth  the  world  adorn." 

Eastwick. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  217 

•'  Nur-l-khurshaid  'am  uftada  bar  shuma 
Lekinaz  khurshaidnagBiShtaJuda."  Jalaluodin  Rumi. 

"  I  am  the  sunlight  falling  from  above. 
Yet  never  severed  from  the  sun  I  love." 

"  Nur-l-Tu  ham  muttasil  ba  hama  wa  ham  Judast." 

Diwan'-i-Shams-i-Tauriz. 

"  Thy  light  is  at  once  joined  with  all  things  and  apart  from  all." 

Nicholson. 

"  Nusalli  malamati  'rrijali   birlyyatin  wa  na&i  shurura  'lyamu 

b'Uahwl  w'aUIbi 
Idha  ma  tazakhat  sa'atun  fa  'Ja'al  annaha  lakhairin   falnna 

'ddahra  'asalu  dhu  shag'hbi 
Fain  yaku  khairun  au  yakun  b'adhu  rahatin  fa'lnnaka  laqin  min 

gfhumum  wa  min  karbi."  Iyas  iun  Al  Akatt. 

"  Let  us  wash  from  our  hearts  sour  speech  of  wisdom  with  cups  abrim, 
And  cut  short  the  ills  of  life  with  laughter  and  jest  and  joy  ! 
Yea,  when  once  a  moment  comes  of  rest  from  the  whirl,  be  quick 
And  grasp  it ;  for  Time's  tooth  bites,  and  quits  not,  and  mischief  waits, 
And  sure,  if  a  bright  hour  lifts  thy  soul  to  a  little  peace, 
Enough  in  thy  path  there  lies  of  shadow  and  grief  and  pain." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 
"  Padshahi  dar  chaman  gul  ra  z'anki  gul 
Bawujud  nazuki  az  khar  bistar  mi-kvmad."  Anvar-i-Suheili. 

"  Thus  by  the  rose  the  garden's  crown  is  worn 
Because,  though  soft,  it  couches  on  a  thorn." 

Eastwick. 
"  Padshah  pasban-i-darwlshast 
Garchi  n'imat  bifarr-i-daulat-i-ust 
Gusfand  az  barae  chaupan  nist 
Balki  chaupan  barae  khidmat-i-ust."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

•'  Kings  ar^  but  guardians  who  the  poor  should  keep, 
Though  this  world's  goods  wait  on  their  diailem. 
Not  for  the  shepherd's  welfare  are  the  sheep 
The  shepherd  rather  is  for  pastuiing  them.'         (Eastwick). 

"  Pae  mlskln  piyada  chand  raw^ad 
K'az  tahammul  sutuh  shud  bukhti 
Ta  shawadjism-i-farbihi  lag-har 
Lagrhari  mtirda  baahad  az  sakhti."  Gumstan,  chap.  2. 

"  What  distance  can  the  tired  footman  go 
When  Bactria's  camel  faints  beneath  the  load  ? 
In  the  same  time  that  fat  men  meagre  grow, 
The  lean  will  perish  on  affliction's  road."        (Eastwick). 


2i8  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Paikan  az  jarahat  badar  ayad  ■wa  azar  dar  dil  bamanad." 

GuLISTA^f,  chap.  3. 

"  The  shaft  may  have  been  extracted  from  the  wound,  but  the  pang  still 
remains  in  the  heart.'' 

"  Paimana  ast  in  jan,  paimana  in  chi  danad 
K'az  pak  mipazirad  dar  khak  mirasanad 
Dar  ishq  biqararash  paimudanast  karash 
Az  'arsh  misitanad  bar  farsla  miflshanad."     Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

*'  This  soul  is  a  measure  ;  how  should  the  measure  know 
That  it  is  receiving  of  spirit  and  conveying  to  dust  ? 
Its  task  is  to  measure  in  restless  love, 
Taking  from  heaven  above,  scattering  o'er  earth  below." 

(Nicholson). 
"  Paiwasta  za  bahr-i-shawat-i-nafsani 
In  j  an-i-sharifra  hami-ran  j  ani, 
Agah  na'i  ki  afat-i-jan  tu  and, 
Anba  ki  tu  dar  arzu-i-ishani."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  You  who  in  carnal  lusts  your  time  employ, 
Wearing  your  precious  spirit  with  annoy, 
Know  that  these  things  you  set  your  heart  upon, 
Sooner  or  later  must  the  soul  destroy."  Whinfield. 

"  Pak  az  'adam  amadim,  napak  shudim, 
Asuda  dar  amadim,  wa  ghamnak  shudim, 
Budira  az  ab-i-dida  dar  atish-i-dil 
Dadim  ba  bad  umr  ■wa  dar  khak  shudim."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Death  finds  us  soiled  though  we  were  pure  at  birth, 
With  grief  we  go,  although  we  came  with  mirth, 
Watered  with  tears  and  burned  with  fires  of  woe. 
And,  casting  life  to  winds,  we  rest  in  earth."    (Whinfield). 

"  Pandam  agar  bishna-wl  ai  padshah 
Dar  hama  daftar  bih  az  in  pand  nist, 
Juz  ba  khiradmand  mafarma  'amal 
Garchi  'amal  kar-i-khlradmand  nist."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  King  !  let  my  words  with  thee  find  grace, 

My  l)ook  than  this  can  nought  more  sage  advise  : 

The  wise  alone  in  ofhce  place. 

Though  office  truly  little  suits  the  wise."  (Eastwick). 

"  Para'e  atish  bud  an  pur  gazand 
Ki  ba  dame  shu'ala  bararad  buland 
Admi  atish  khurad  az  hadd  fazun 
K'az  dam-i-u  dud  niayad  birun."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  219 

"  A  piece  of  fire  that  furious  man  will  be 
Whose  breath  the  flame  of  rage  upkindles  high, 
Mis  fiery  wrath  exceeds  all  just  degree, 
Who  ne'er  gives  vent  to  a  remorseful  sign."       Eastwick. 

"  Par-i-tau8  dar  auraq-l-mvisahif  didam 
Quftam  '  in  manzilat  az  qadr-i-tu  me  binam  bish ' 
Quft '  khamush ;  ki  bar  kaa  kl  Jamali  darad 
Har  kuja  pae  nlhad,  dast  nadarandash  bish.' " 

"  One  day  amid  the  Quran's  leaves  a  peacock's  feather  meeting, 
I  said  *  This  place  exceeds  thy  worth  ;  thou  dost  it  not  become, 
'  Peace  ! '  it  replied,  '  for  to  each  one  who  wears  the  charm  of  beauty. 
Go  where  he  will,  him  all  receive  with  favour  as  a  duty." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Partau  haqq  ast  wa  an  m'ashuq  nist 
Khaliq  ast  an  guya,  makhluq  nist."  Jalalludin  Rumi. 

"  Woman  is  a  ray  of  God,  not  a  mere  mistress. 
The  Creator's  self  as  it  were,  not  a  mere  creature  ! " 

(Whinfield). 

"  Partau-i-nikan  nagirad  har  ki  bunyadash  badast 
Tarbiyat  na-ahira  chun  girdgan  bar  grumbadast 
Nasl-1-fasad-inan  munqat'a  kardan  aulatar  ast 
Wa  bikh-i-tabar-ishan  bar  aurdan  ain-i-maslahat 
Ki  atish  nishandan  wa  akhgar  gnzashtan 

Wa  afai  kushtan  wa  bacha  nigrahdashtan  kar  khiradmandan. 
nist."  Gllistan,  chap.  i. 

•'  The  good  in  vain  their  rays  will  pour. 
On  those  whose  hearts  are  bad  at  core, 
To  instruct  the  base  will  fail  at  last 
As  walnuts  on  a  dome  you  cast. 
It  is  better  to  cut  off  their  race  and  tribe  and  more  advisable  to  extirpate 
them  root  and  branch,  since,  to  extinguish  a  fire  and  to  leave  the  embers, 
and  to  kill  a  serpent  and  preserve  its  young  are  not  the  acts  of  wise  men." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Partau  zatash  zada  bar  ma'  wa  tin 
Ta  shuda  dana  paziranda  zamin ; 
Khak  amin  wa  har  chi  dar  w^ai  kashti 
Bi  khanatjins-i-anbardashti."  Jalaluddin  Rumu 

"  What  rays  of  wisdom  poured  on  water  and  on  land 
Ere  earth  could  nourish  seed,  yield  corn  to  our  demand  ! 
The  earth  a  faithful  trustee  gives  back  what  we  sow. 
No  fraud,  embezzlement  in  its  trust  do  we  know." 

(Redhousb). 


220  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Pas  ey  mard,  puyanda  bar  rah-i-rast 
Tura  nist  minnat  khudawand  ra'st. 
Takabbur  makun  bar  rah-i-rasti 
Ki  dastat  giriftand  wa  barkhasti."  S'adi,  Bostan,  chap.  8. 

"  Then,  O  man,  running  on  the  straight  path. 
Thanks  are  not  for  thee,  they  are  for  God, 
Display  not  pride  on  the  path  of  truth  ; 
For  they  (the  angels)  seized  ihy  hand  and  thou  didst  rise." 

(Clarke), 
"  Pasandid  ash  bakhshaish  wa  lekin 
Manih  bi  rish-i-khalq  azar  marham ; 
Nadanist  anki  rahmat  kard  bar  mar 
Ki  an  zulmast  bar  farzand-i-Adam."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

*'  Pity  is  commendable — that  we  own, 
*  Yet  on  the  tyrant's  wound  no  ointment  place. 

He  that  has  mercy  to  a  serpent  shown, 
Has  acted  cruelly  to  Adam's  race."  (Eastwick). 

"  Pas  az  burdan  -wa,  gird  kardan  chu  mur 
Bikhur  pish  az  an  k'at  khurad  kirm-i-grur." 

Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  2. 

"  After  carrying  and  collecting  like  the  ant. 

Enjoy, — before  that  the  grave-worm  devours  thee." 

(Clarke). 
"  Pas  kuja  naiad,  kuja  zarad  laim 
Gar  tu  na  paziri  juz  nik,  ey  karim, 
Rau,  makun  zishti,  ki  nikha'e  ma 
Zisht  ayad  pish  an  ziba'e  ma."  Jalalludin  Rumi. 

"  Where  should  the  ignoble  lament  and  pray. 

If  Thou  didst  only  accept  the  good,  O  merciful  One? 
Go,  do  not  commit  sin,  for  even  our  good  deeds 
Appear  as  sin  in  the  sight  of  our  Beloved." 

•'  Pas  ba  surat  'alam-i-asghar  tu'i 
Pas  ba  ma'na  'alam-i-akbar  tu'i 
Zahiran  an  shakh  asl-i-mevra  ast 
Batinan  bahri  samar  shud  shakh  hast."  Jalalludin  Rumi. 

"  In  outward  form  thou  art  the  microcosm     • 
But  in  reality  the  macrocosm. 
Seemingly  the  hough  is  the  cause  of  the  fruit, 
But  rea.'ly  the  bough  exists  because  of  the  fruit." 

Whinfield. 
"  Pasha  chu  pur  shud,  bazanad  pilra 
Ba  hama  tundi  -wa  salabat  ki  ust 
Murchaganra  chu  buwad  ittifaq 
Shir-i-zhiyanra  bidaranand  pust."  Gulistan,  chap.  3. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  221 

*'  Gnats  will  an  elephant  o'ercome  if  they 
Unite  against  their  foe,  so  huge  and  grim  ; 
And  ants  collected  in  one  dense  array, 
Though  fierce  the  lion  be,  will  vanquish  him." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Pas  mahal  wahi  erardad  gxish-i-Jan 
Wahi  chu  buad,  gruftane  az  hiss  nihan, 
Oush-i-Jan  wa  chashm-i-Jan  Juz  in  hissast, 
Oush-i-aql  wa  erush-i-hiss  za  in  muflis  ast. 
Luf^  Jabaram  'ishqra  bi  sabr  kard, 
Har  kl  'ashiq  nist  habs  Jabr  kard. 
In  m'aiyat  ba  haqq  ast  wa  Jabr  nist 
In  tajalll-e-mahast,  in  abr  nist."  Jalalurdin  Ruml 

"  The  mind's  ear  becomes  the  sensorium  of  inspiration, 
For  what  is  this  Divine  voice  but  the  inward  voice  ? 
The  spirit's  eye  and  ear  possess  this  sense, 
The  eye  and  ear  of  reason  and  sense  lack  it. 
The  word  'compulsion'  makes  me  impatient  for  love's  sake, 
'Tis  he  who  loves  not,  who  is  fettered  by  compulsion, 
This  is  close  communion  with  God,  not  compulsion, 
The  shining  of  the  sun,  and  not  a  dark  cloud."       (Whinfield). 

"  Pas  za  Jan  jan  chu  hamil  grasht  Jan 
Az  chunln  jani  shawad  hamil  Jahan, 
Pas  Jahan  zayad  lahana  digrare 
In  hashar  tira  numayad  mahshare."  Jalaluddin  Ruml 

'•  As  soul  became  pregnant  by  the  Soul  of  souls, 
So  by  the  former  soul  did  the  world  become  pregnant ; 
Then  the  world  brought  forth  another  world. 
And  of  this  last  are  brought  forth  other  worlds." 

(Whinfield). 

*'  Payapa  biyafehan  az  aina  gard 
Ki  saiqal  na  grirad,  chu  zan^ar  khurad."       Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  8. 

"  Shake  off  continually  dust  from  the  mirror  of  the  heart. 
For  it  takes  not  polish,  when  the  blight  eats  it."        (Clarke). 

"  Pish  az  man  w^a  tu  lail  wa  nahare  budast, 
Gardanda  falak  za  bahr-i-kari  budast, 
Zinhar  qadam  ba  khak  ahista  nihi 
K'an  mardumak-i-chashm-i-nigrare  budast."  Omar  Khawam. 

"  Days  changed  to  nights  ere  you  were  bom  or  I, 
And  on  its  business  ever  rolled  the  sky, 
See  you  tread  gently  on  this  dust,  perchance 
'Twas  once  the  apple  of  a  beauty's  eye."      (Whinfield). 


!22  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

'  Pisti-i-tu  az  nur  mu-waflqtar  and 
Wa  za  past  az  saya  munaflqtar  and 
Garm  wa  lek  az  jigar  afsardatar 
Zlnda  wale  az  dil  khud  murdatar."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Before  thee  they  are  kindher  than  light, 
And  yet  behind  than  shadows  falser  far  ; 
Warm, — but  in  inward  feeling  frigid  quite, 
Quick, — but  at  heart  they  dead  and  lifeless  are." 

Eastwick. 

'  Pish  kesri  za  khiradmand  hakiman  mirafb 
Sukhan  az  s'abtarin  mauj  dar  in  lahja'e  gham 
An  yake  guft  ki  bimarl  w^a  anduh  daraz 
"Wa  an  dig-ar  guft  ki  nadari  wa  piri  ast  baham 
Siyume  guft  ki  qurb-i-ajal  w^a  siwa  'amal 
Aqibat  raft  bi  tarjih  siyum  hukm  hukna."         Jami,  Biharistan,  (2). 

"  Intelligent  philosophers  queried  near  Kesra, 
About  the  heaviest  wave  in  this  abyss  of  grief, 
The  first  said  it  must  be  sickness  and  long  pain. 
The  second  averred  it  is  the  union  of  old  age  and  poverty  ; 
The  third  said,  it  is  the  nearness  of  death  without  good  deeds. 
And  to  him  the  palm  of  viciory  was  awarded."  Rehatsek. 

'  Pish  Yusuf  nazish  wa  khubi  ma  kun 
Juz  niyaz  w^a  ah  yaqubi  ma  kun 
Ta  dam-i-Isa  tura  zinda  kunad 
Hamchu  khwishat  khub  wa  farkhanda  kunad 
Dar  baharan  kai  shaw^ad  sar-sabz  sang 
Khak  shu  ta  gul  baruyad  rang  rang."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  In  presence  of  Joseph  *  no  coquetries  use 
But  humble  thyself;  soft  entreaties  infuse  ; 
From  Jesus  a  breath  then  may  blow  upon  thee. 
Transform  thee  to  what  he  was,  what  thou  mayest  be : 
A  stone  will  not  blossom  because  it  is  spring, 
As  earth  make  thyself;  flowers  around  thee  may  cling." 

Redhouse. 
'  Pish  z'ishan  ma  hama  yaksan  budim 

Kas  nadanisti  ki  ma  nik  w^a  bad'im 

Bud  naqd  w^a  qalb  dar  'alam  raw^an 

Chun  jahan  shab  bud  wa  ma  chu  shirwan 

Ta  bar  amad  aftab  ambiya 

Guft '  Ey  ghash,  dur  shu,  safl  biya ! ' 

Chashm  danad  farq  kardan  rangra 

Chashm  danad  I'alra  wa  sangra."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

*  The  Eastern  ideal  of  beauty. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  223 

"  Before  they  (the  prophets)  came,  we  were  all  alike, 
No  one  knew  whether  he  was  right  or  wrdng, 
Genuine  coin  ami  base  coin  were  current  alike, 
The  world  was  a  night  and  we  travellers  in  the  dark, 
Till  the  sun  of  the  prophets  arose  and  cried 
•  Begone,  O  slumber  !  welcome,  O  pure  light  ! ' 
Now  the  eye  sees  how  to  distinguish  colours, 
It  sees  the  difference  between  rubies  and  pebbles." 

Whinfield. 

'  Pldar  ra  'asal-l-bisyar  ast 
Wa  lekin  pisar  gurmi  dar  ast."  Gulistan,  chap.  3. 

"  Of  honey  hath  the  Sire  a  plenteous  store, 
But  the  son's  feveiish  and  must  not  have  more." 

Eastwick. 

•  Pldr  Chun  daur-l-umarash  munqazi  erasht 
Mara  In  yak  wasiyyat  kard  wa  bug'zasht, 
Ki  shahwat  atishast  az  wai  bi  parhiz 
Bikhud  bar  atish-i-duzakh  makun  tlz 
Dar  an  atish  na  dari  taqat-i-suz 
Ba  sabr  abi  bar  in  atish  zan  imruz."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  When  my  sire's  age  had  reached  its  latest  day, 
He  gave  me  this  advice  and  passed  away  : 
'  Lust  is  a  fire  ;  from  it  thyself  keep  well ; 
Nor  kindle  'gainst  thyself  the  flames  of  hell, 
Thou  hast  not  patience  to  endure  that  flame,  I  trow  ; 
With  patience,  as  with  water,  quench  it  now.' "     Eastwick. 

Kl  wa  gUTg  wa  haidar  wa  ashkar  niz 

Azhdaha'e  zuft  wa  mur  w^a  mar  niz 

Balki  khak  wa  ab  wa  bad  wa  ham  sharar'; 

Maya  z'u  yaband  ham  di,  ham  nahar ; 

Har  damash  laba  kunad  in  asman 

Ki  faru  nagzaram,  ey  haqg,  yak  zaman, 

Astan-i-man  asmat  wa  hifz  tu  ast 

Jumla  muttawlya  yamin  an  du  dast."  Jalaluodi.n  Rumi. 

"  All  elephants,  wolves  and  lions  of  the  forest, 
All  dragons  andsnakes  and  even  little  ants. 
Yea,  even  air,  water,  earih  and  fire. 

Draw  their  sustenance  from  Him  both  winter  and  summer, 
Every  moment  the  Heaven  cries  to  Him,  saying 
•  O  Lord,  quit  not  Thy  hold  of  me  for  a  moment ! 
The  pillar  of  my  being  is  Thy  aid  and  protection.' " 

Whinfield. 


224  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Pindar,  ey  dar  khazan  kishta  jau, 
Ki  gandam  sitani  ba  waqt-i-dirau  ? 
Masai  inchunin  guft  atnuzgar 
Makun  bad  ki  bad  bini  az  ruzgar ; 
Kase  nik  binad  bar  bar  du  sarai 
Ki  niki  risanad  ba  khalq-i-khuda'i."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Thou  who  didst  barley  in  the  autumn  sow, 
Expect  not  wheat  in  harvest-time  to  mow  ; 
This  maxim  by  the  sage  was  uttered,  '  Do 
No  ill  lest  thou  from  time  ill-treatment  rue  ; 
He  in  both  worlds  a  good  reward  will  find 
Who  lives— a  benefactor  to  mankind.'  "  Eastwick. 

"  Pindasht  sitamgar  ki  sitam  bar  ma  kard 
Bar  gardan-i-u  bamand  wa  bar  ma  biguzasht."      Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Dream'st  thou  tyrant  thou  hast  wreaked  on  me  thy  rage  and  scorn  ? 
The  burthen  from  my  neck  has  passed,  on  thine  must  ever  stay." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Pirana  saram  ishq-i-jawani  bar  sar  uftad 
Wa  an  raz  ki  dar  dil  binihuftam  badar  uftad 
Az  rah-i-nazar  murgh-i-dilam  gasbt  haTvagir, 
Ey  dida,  nigab  kun,  ki  badam-i-kih  dar  uftad."  Hafiz. 

"  Elderly  of  head,  into  my  head  youthful  love  hath  fallen, 

And  that  mystery  of  love  that  in  the  heart  I  concealed  out  hath  fallen, 

From  vision's  path  the  bird  of  my  heart  went  soaring, 

O  eye  of  my  heart,  behold  into  whose  snare  it  hath  fallen." 

(Clarke). 
"  Pirana  saram  'ishq-i-tu  dar  dam  kashid 
Warna  za  kuja  dast-i-man  -wa  jam  nabid 
An  tauba  ki  aql  dad  janan  bishikast 
Wa  an  jama  ki  sabr  dukht  ayyam  darid."  Omak  Khayya.m. 

"  Ah  !  thou  hast  snared  this  head  though  white  as  snow. 
Which  oft  has  vowed  the  winecup  to  forego, 
And  wrecked  the  mansion  long  resolve  did  build. 
And  rent  the  vesture  penitence  did  sew."  Whinkield. 

"  Pire  za  kharabat  birun  amad  -wa,  mast 
Sujjada  badush  wa  kasa'e  bada  badast, 
Guftam  '  Sheikha,  tura  chi  hal  amad  pish,' 
Gufta  'Mai  khur,  ki  kar-i-alam  bad  ast.'"  Omar  Khavyam. 

"  A  sage  I  saw  to  tavern-house  repair. 
Bearing  a  wine  cup  and  a  mat  for  prayer  ; 
I  said,  '  O  Shaikh  !  what  does  this  conduct  mean?  ' 
He  said,  '  Go  diink  !  the  world  is  nought  but  air.' " 

Whin  FIELD. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  225 

"  Plr-i-erham  'ishqam  ar  chl  tiflam 
Tlfl  rah-i-lshqam  ar  chl  piraxn 
Chun  kard  zamana'e  sitamgrar 
Dur  az  tu  ba  band-i-erham  asiram 
An  bih  ki  zi  sabr  rukh  natanam 
Bashad  kl  murad-i-dll  blyabam."  Hafiz. 

•'  I  am  old  in  the  sufferings  of  love,  although  but  an  infant ;  an  infant  in 
the  paths  of  love,  yet  old  in  years ;  seeing  that  during  your  absence 
tyrannic  fortune  holds  me  in  the  fetters  of  sorrow.  It  is  best  not  to  turn 
away  my  face  from  patience  ;  perhaps  I  may  yet  obtain  my  heart's  desire." 

Forbes. 
"  Pir-i-ma  bar  chi  kunad  ain-i-wilayat  bsishad 
Banda'e  pir-i-muerhanam  ki  zi  jahlam  birahand 
Zahid  wa  "ujub  wa  namaz  wa  man  wa  masti  wa  niyaz 
Ta  tura  khud  zi  miyan  ba  ki  "inayat  bashad."  Hafiz. 

"  Whatever  our  Pir  (saint)  doeth  the  essence  of  friendly  assistance  is, 
Together  are  the  ascetic  and  haughtiness  and  prayer  ;  and  I  and  intoxi- 
cation and  supplication, 
Let  us  see  with  whom  of  these  two  Thy  favour  indeed  is."      CLARKli» 

"  Plr  zane  mue  sujah  karda  bud 
Guftamash,  '  Ai  mamak-i-diiina  ruz 
Mue  ba  talbis  sujah  karda  gir. 
Bast  na  khwahad  shudan  in  pusht-1-kuz.' "  Gulistan,  chap.  6. 

"  An  aged  dame  had  dyed  her  locks  of  grey, 
'Granted'  I  said,  'Thy  hair  with  silver  blent 
May  cheat  us  now  ;  yet  little  mother  !  say 
Can'st  thou  make  straight  thy  back  which  time  hath  bent  ?  " 

(Eastwick). 
"  Pisarera  pidre  wasiyyat  kard 
K'ai  jawanmard,  yad  gir  in  pand  : 
Har  ki  ba  ahl-i-khud  wafa  nakunad, 
Nashawad  dust  rue  wa  daulatmand."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  This  counsel  to  his  son  a  father  gave, 

'  Dear  youth  !  to  recollect  these  words  be  thine, 

Who  for  their  kinsmen  no  affection  have. 

On  them  the  star  of  fortune  ne'er  will  shine."     Eastwick. 

"  Pisar  k'u  miyan-1-kalandar  nishast 
Pidar  gu  za  khairash  faru  shawi  dast ; 
Darigrhash  ma  khur  bar  halak  wa  talaf 
Ki  pish  az  pidar  murda  bih  na  khalaf."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  The  boy  who  sat  among  Kalandars  (monks). 

To  his  father  say  :  '  Wash  thy  hands  of  his  welfare  ! ' 

Suffer  not  regret  as  to  his  destruction  and  ruin. 

For  the  degenerate  son  dead  before  his  father  is  best." 

Clarke. 

15 


226  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Piyaz  amad  an  bi  hunar  jumla  pust 
Ki  pindasht  chun  pista  maghze  dar  ust 
Az  in  nau  ta'at  niayad  bakar 
Biru,  uzr-i-taqsir-i-ta'at  biar."  Bostan  of  Sa'di. 

*'  That  worthless  man  is  but  an  omon,  all  coating,  who  thinks  that  like 
the  pistachio  nut  he  possesses  a  kernel. 

Obedience  of  this  sort  availeth  nothing ;  go  rather  and  entreat  forgive- 
ness for  thy  defective  obedience."  (Asiatic  Journal). 

"  Pushida  zir-i-zaban  ast  mard."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  A  man  is  hidden  under  his  own  tongue."        (Clarke). 

"  Pust  che  buwad?  guftha'e  rang,  rang, 
Chun  zara  bar  ab  kash  na  buwad  dirangr 
In  sukhan  chun  pust  vra  naa'na  maghz  dan 
In  sukhan  chun  nafs  wa  raa'na  ham  chu  jan 
Pust  bashad  maghz  badra  aib  push 
Maghz  niku  ra  za  ghairat  ghaib  push."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  When  words  deceitful  are  employed  as  wraps  for  guile, 
They're  bubbles  on  the  waler,  only  last  awhile, 
Such  words  are  merely  shell ;  the  intent  their  kernel  is, 
Or  coloured  portraiture  of  man  ;  no  life  is  his, 
A  shell  may  often  cover  kernel  of  foul  smell, 
A  kernel  sound  can  well  afford  to  lose  its  shell."      Redhouse. 

"  Pukhtim  andishha  salha  k'az  daur-i-sipihr 
Kar-i-ma  akhir  chunin  ya  anchunan  khwahad  shudan 
Ya  bar  in  manwal  ganj  wa  sim  wa  zar  khw^ahim  yaft 
Ya  dar  an  iqlim-i-ma  rawan  khwahad  shudan 
'Aqibat  ma'lum  shud  k'inha  khiyale  bish  nist 
Har  chi  khwahad  Hakina-i-mutlaq  haman  khwahad  shudan." 

Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Long  years  we  schemed  that  in  time's  onward  course, 
Or  thus  or  thus  should  be  the  issue.     Then 
Our  rule  in  such  a  region  should  have  force. 
Or  gold  or  silver  treasures  meet  our  ken, 
At  length  we  learned  that  this  was  idle  thought, 
God's  will  alone  is  to  existence  brought."  Eastwick. 

"  Pulad  parha'im  ahan  rubast  "ishqat 
Asl-i-hama  talab  tu,  dar  khud  talab  na  didam." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabkiz. 

"  We  are  pieces  of  steel,  and  Thy  love  is  the  magnet, 
Thou  art  the  source  of  all  inspiration,  in  myself  I  have  seen  none." 

(Nicholson). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  227 

"  Pumba'e  wlswas  birun  kun  za  grush 
Ts  ba  grushat  ayad  az  erardun  kharush 
Ta  kuni  fahm  an  mu  'ammahash  ra 
Ta  kvinl  Idrak  ramz  fash  ra."  Jalaluduin  Rumi. 

"  Take  the  cotton  of  evil  suggestions  from  the  mind's  ear, 
Thai  the  heavenly  voice  from  above  may  enter  it, 
That  you  may  understand  that  riddle  of  His, 
That  you  may  be  cognisant  of  that  open  secret."    Whinkiei.d. 

"  Pur  khun  za  flraqat  jigare  nlst  kl  nlst, 
Shida-e-tu  sahibnazare  nist  ki  nist 
Ba  anki  nadari  sar-i-sauda-e-kas 
Sauda-e-tu  dar  hlch  sare  nist  ki  nist."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  No  heart  is  there  but  bleeds  when  torn  from  Thee, 
No  sight  so  clear  but  craves  Thy  face  to  see, 
And  though  perchance  Thou  carest  not  for  them. 
No  soul  is  there  but  pines  with  care  for  Thee.'" 

(Whinfield). 

"  Pur  kvin  zi  badajam  damadam  bi  irush-i-husli 
Bishnau  az  u  hikayat-i-Jamshid  wa  Kaikubad 
Haflz,  grarat  zi  paud-i-haklman  malalatast 
Kutah  kunam  qissa,  ki  umarat  daraz  bad."  Hafiz. 

*•  Fill  up  thy  bowl  with  wine,  and  then  to  reason's  ear  let  come. 
The  legend  which  its  flood  suggests  of  Kaikubad  and  Jam, 
If  counsel,  Hafiz,  from  the  wise  to  thee  seem  dry  and  drear. 
At  once  I'll  make  my  story  short, — right  long  thy  life  be  here  !  " 

BiCKNELL. 

•"  Pur  mi-nashawad  kasa'e  sarha  za  hawas 
Har  kasa  ki  sar-nigrun  buwad  pur  na  shawad."       Akhlaq-i-Jalali. 

•'  What  stream  could  fill  the  skull  with  what  it  craves, 
That  tilted  ewer  where  nought  abides  that  enters  ? "' 

ThOMI'SON. 

•"  Pursidam  az  tabibe  ah-wral-i-dust,  grufta 

*F1  qurbiha  azabun,  fl  b'udiha  'ssalama' 
*    Bad-i-saba  zi  maham  nagrah  niqab  bardasht 

Ka'  sbshamsi  fl  'dhdhuha  tatlu'u  mina  'Ighamajua."  Hafiz. 

"  I  asked  how  fared  she  ;  the  physician  spake 
'  Afar  from  her  is  health,  but  near  her  ache,' 
The  east  wind  from  my  moon  removed  her  veil, 
At  morn  shone  forth  the  sun  from  vapours  pale." 

BiCKNBLL. 


228  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Pursi  tam'a-ra  '  K'at  pidar  kist  ? ' 
Bi  gnyad  '  Shub  'dar  iqdar  ilahi ' 
Wagar  gui  ki '  Karat  chist  ? '  guyad 
'Bi  mihnatha'e  hirman  umr  kahi."  Jami,  Beharistan,  chap.  i. 

"  If  thou  askest  covetousness  '  Who  is  thy  father?' 
It  says  '  Doubt  in  the  divine  powers,' 
And  if  thou  askest  '  What  is  thy  business  ? '  it  replies 
'  To  grieve  over  the  disappointments  of  life.'  "     (Rehatsek). 

"  Puzband  wisw^asa  ishq  ast  vra  bas 
Warna  kai  wiswasra  bastast  kas  ? 
Ashiqe  shu,  shahid  khubi  bi  ju 
Saiad  murghabi  hamekun  ju  ba  ju 

Kai  bari  z'an  ababatraburd?  . 

Kai  kuni  z'an  fahm  ki  fahmat  khurd? 
Ghair  in  ma'qulaha,  ma'qulaha 
Yabi  andar  'ishq  ba  far  wa  baha 
Ghair  in  aql-i-tu  Haqq  ra  aqlahast 
Ki  badan  tadbir  asbab  shumast."  Jalaluddin  Rlmi. 

"  Love  is  a  perfect  muzzle  of  evil  suggestions  ; 

Without  love  who  ever  succeeded  in  stopping  them? 

Be  a  lover  and  seek  that  fair  beauty, 

Hunt  for  that  waterfowl  in  every  stream  ! 

How  can  you  get  water  from  that  which  cuts  it  off, 

How  gain  understanding  from  what  destroys  understanding, 

Apart  from  principles  of  reason  are  other  principles 

Of  light  and  great  price  to  be  gained  by  love  of  God, 

Besides  this  reason  of  yours  God  has  other  reasons 

Which  will  procure  for  you  heavenly  nourishment." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Qabil-i-amr  dini  qail  shawl 
Wasl  jui  bad  az  an  wasil  shawl 
S'ai  shukr-i-ni'amat  qudrat  buw^ad 
Jabr  tawangar  an  niamat  buw^ad."  Jalaluddin-  Rlmi. 

"  Accept  His  command  and  you  will  be  able  to  execute  it, 
Seek  union  with  Him  and  you  will  find  yourselves  united. 
Exertion  is  giving  thanks  for  God's  blessings, 
Think  ye  that  your  fatalism  gives  such  thanks?"      Whinfield. 

"  Qabra  Ma'anin  'anta  'awrv^alu  hufratin  mina  'lardhi  khuttat  li 

'ssamahati  madhja'a 
Wa  ya  qabra  Ma'anin  kaifa  waraita  judahu  wa  qad  kana  minhu 

'Ibarru  w^a  'Ibahru  mutra'a 
Bala  qad  was'ita  'Ijuda,  wa  'Ijudu  mayyitun  wa  lau  kana  hayyan 

dhiqta  hatta  tasadda'a 
Fatan  'aisha  fl  m'aruflhi  b'ada  mautihi  kama  kana  b'ada  'ssaili 

majrahu  marta'a."  Husain  ibn  Mutaik. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  2?9 

"  Within  that  cell,  wilhin  that  heap, 
Friendship  and  truth  and  honour  sleep, 
Beneficence  that  used  to  clasp 
The  world  within  her  ample  grasp 
There  rests  entombed,  of  thought  bereft 
For  were  one  conscious  atom  left, 
'Twould  yearn  new  blessings  to  display, 
Burst  from  the  grave  and  seek  the  day. 
But  though  in  dust  thy  relics  lie, 
Thy  virtues,  Mano  ne'er  shall  die. 
Though  Nile's  full  stream  be  seen  no  more 
That  spread  his  waves  from  shore  to  shore, 
Still  in  ihe  verdure  of  the  plain 
His  vivifying  smiles  remain."  J,  D.  CaRLYLE. 

"  Qad  aflaha  I'muminuna  'lladhina  hum  fl  salatlhim  khashi'un 
w'alladhina  hum  'ani  '1  Uagrhwl  mu'iidhun  wa  'lladhina  hum  11  'zzatl 
failun  wa  'lladhina  hum  lifurujihlm  hafldhun."  Kokan,  chap.  23. 

'*  Now  are  the  true  believers  happy ;  who  humble  themselves  in  their 
prayer,  and  who  eschew  all  vain  discourse,  and  who  are  doers  of  alms* 
deeds,  and  who  keep  themselves  from  any  women  except  their  wives." 

"  Qadam  bayad  andar  tariqat,  na  dam, 
Ki  asll  na  darad  dam  bi  qadam."  Bostan  ok  S'adi,  chap.  i. 

"  In  religion  the  foot  of  action  is  necessary,  not  the  breath  of  words 
Because,  breath  without  action  has  no  real  essence."         (Clarke). 

"  Qad  dabba  habbuka  fi  'lashya  ajmlha 
Ma  fl'l  wujudi  siwa  man  shaqqahu  'shshahnu."      Akhlaq-i-Jalali. 

"  Through  all  this  busy  world  Thy  love  doth  creep, 
Yes,  nothing  is  but  this  sweet  pain  doth  rend  it." 

Thompson. 

"  Qaddim  alkhviruj  qabl  alwuluj."  Guhstan  Preface. 

"  Try  the  egress  before  you  enter."  Eastwick. 

"  Qadr-i-aflyat  kase  danad  ki  ba  musibat  eririftar  ayad." 

Uulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  A  person  who  is  overtaken  by  calamity  learns  to  value  a  state  of 
freedom  from  ill."  (Eastwick). 

"  Qa^  raj 'ana  min  jihadi  'I'asgrhar  im 
Ya  nabi  andar  jihad-i-akbar  im 
Quwat  az  Haqq  khaham  wa  tauflq-l-laf 
Ta  ba  suzan  bar  kunam  kuh-i-Qaf."  Jalaluddw  Kumi. 


230  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  We've  done  with  outer  warfare,  lesser  as  it  is, 
And  as  the  Prophet,  wage  the  greater  warfare,  his  ; 
We  put  our  trust  in  God,  from  Him  we  ask  for  aid. 
With  His  assistance  faith  can  move  a  mountain  staid." 

Redhouse. 

•'  Qadri  majmu'a  gnl  murgh-i-sahar  danad  wa  bas 
Ki  nar  bar  ku  waraqi  khwanad  ma'na  danist 
Ey  ki  az  daftar-i-aql  ayat-i-'ishq  amuzi, 
Tarsam  in  nuqta  batahqiq  nadani  danist."  Hafiz  Ode,  66. 

"  None  but  the  bird  interprets  well  the  volume  of  the  rose. 
Not  every  reader  of  a  leaf  its  latent  import  knows, 
Oh  thou  who  fain  in  reason's  book  the  text  of  love  would  see, 
True  knowledge  of  this  subtlety  is  not  I  fear  for  thee." 

BiCKNELL. 

"  Qad  yaslamu  'Imutnaasu  min  hufratin 
Wa  yaqa'u  fiha  'Ibasiru  'nnaziru 
Wa  yaslamu  'Ijahilu  min  lafzatin 
Wa  yahlaku  flha  'lalimu  'Imahiru 
Wa  yaisaru  'Imuminu  fi  rizqihi 
Wa  ynrzaqu  'Ikaflru  w'alfajiru."  Alif  Laila  wa  Laila. 

"  The  blind  hath  'scaped  a  gaping  pit 

In  which  the  broad-eyed  seer  hath  stumbled, 

The  doll  hath  'scaped  a  quirk  of  wit 

By  which  the  skilful  sage  was  humbled  ; 

The  faithful  pine  for  daily  bread, 

The  heathen  and  the  sot  is  fed."  TORRENS, 

"  Qadra  'rrajvili  'ala  qadri  himmatihi."  Arabic  Proverb. 

"  The  dignity  of  a  man  depends  on  the  height  of  his  aspiration." 

"  Qafya  andisham  wa  dildar-i-man 
Guyadam  m'andish  juz  didar-i-man 
Khush  nishin  ey  qafya  andish-i-man 
Qafya  daulat  tu'i  dar  pish-i-man 
Harf  chi  bud  ta  tu  andishi  az  an  ? 
Harf  chi  bud,  khar  diwar  razan 
Harf  wa  sut  gnftra  barham  zanam 
Ta  ki  bi  in  hirsa  ba  tu  dam  zanam."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

•'  Of  rhymes  do  I  dream  ?     'Tis  my  love  orders  me 
Of  love  still  to  dream  ;  swain  devoted  to  be, 
'  Thyself  make  thou  happy.     Rhymes  leave  now  alone 
The  rhyme  I  seek  thou  art.     I  love  thee  my  own. 
What's  rhyme  that  thou  turnest  thy  thoughts  thitherward, 
Mere  bramble  on  wall,  hedging  round  our  vineyard, 
I  care  not  for  words,  for  asseverations, 
My  time  if  I  pass  in  these  sweet  delusions."  Redhouse. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  231 

"Qala  Abuqratu  rahima-hu  llahu  'I'umru  qasirun  wa  'ssina'atu 
tawilatun  w'al  waqtu  dhaijriqun  wa  'ttajribatu  Ichatirun  wa  'Iqaza'u 
•asirun." 

"  Hippocrates,  may  God  have  compassion  on  him,  said,  '  Life  is  short, 
art  is  long,  time  is  narrow,  experience  dangerous,  judgment  difficult." 

*'  Qalam  batalkhl  shirlnl,  ey  pisar,  raftast 
Agar  tursh  nlshinl,  qaza  chi  grham  darad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Bitter  and  sweet  the  Pen  has  traced,  my  son, 
What  does  fate  reck,  though  thou  look  sourly  on  ? '' 

Eastwick. 
"  Qalb  mleruyad  za  nakhwat  bar  dtmaam 
'  Ey  zar  kbalis  man  az  tu  kai  kamam  ; ' 
Zsu"  bamagruyad  'Bale,  ey  khwaja  tash, 
liek  miayad  mabakk,  amada  basb  1 ' "  Jalai.uddin  Rvmi. 

*'  The  base  coin  says  to  me  with  pride  every  moment, 
'  O  pure  gold,  how  am  I  inferior  to  you  ?' 
The  gold  replies,  •  Even  so,  O  comrade ; 
But  the  touchstone  is  at  hand  ;  be  ready  to  meet  it  ! ' " 

(Whinfield). 

"  Qalbu  'bnumlni  baitu  'llahi."  Saving  of  Muhammad. 

"  The  heart  of  the  believer  is  the  house  of  God." 

"  Qalbu  'rmuminl  baina  'ssaba'ini  min  'asabl  'rrahnlan  yaqlububu 
haitba  yasba*!!."  Saving  of  Muhammad. 

"  The  heart  of  the  believer  is  between  two  fingers  of  the  Merciful.  He 
lurneth  it  whithersoever  He  pleases." 

"  Qalla  mani  'st^hadafa  linnadbali  fa  kb'alasa  mina  'ddai  I'udhal, 
au  astatbara  naq'a  llmtibani  falam  yuqdba  b'ullmtlbanl." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri. 

'*  Rare  is  he  who  exposes  himself  to  the  conflict  and  then  escapes  the 
mortal  hurt,  or  who  stirs  up  the  dust  of  trial  and  then  catches  not  the  note 
of  contempt."  (Chenery). 

"  Qamsirist  ru  namuda,  pur-i-nur  bar  kusbuda, 
Dil  wa  cbashm  waxa  bist^n  za  kase  ag'ar  na  daii." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  The  moon  has  revealed  her  face,  and  opened  her  radiant  wings. 
Borrow  a  soul  and  eyes  from  some  one,  if  you  have  them  not." 

(Nicholson). 
"  Qarar  bar  kaf-i-azadasran  na  grirad  mal 
Na  sabr  dar  dll-i-'ashiq  na  ab  dar  ghirbal."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 


232  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Money  abides  not  in  the  palm  of  those  who  careless  live, 
Nor  patience  in  the  lover's  heart,  nor  water  in  the  sieve." 

(Eastwick). 

'  Q'ar  chi  bi-gurizad  liar  k'u  aqilast 
Z'anki  dar  khilwat  safahae  dilast 
Zulmat  chi  bih  ki  zulmathae  khalq 
Mi-gurizad  aqil  az  ghaugha'e  khalq."  Anwak-i-Suheili. 

"  Why  do  the  wise  to  the  lone  cavern  fly? 
'Tis  that,  alone,  they  find  tranquillity. 
Since  darkness  better  is  than  man's  dark  deeds, 
The  wise  man  from  the  bustling  mart  recedes." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Qarz  ast  f'ilha'e  badat  pish  ruzgar 
Dar  har  kudam  daur  ki  khwahad  ada  kunad."  Dabistan. 

"  Thy  evil  deeds  are  a  debt  ever  in  the  presence  of  fortune, 
Which  must  be  repaid  in  whatever  age  she  makes  the  demand." 

Shea. 
"  Qat'a  suhbat  kardan  az  yaran  suri  khushtar  ast 
K'az  huzur  namuwaflq  bi-huzuri  bihtar  ast ; 
Hamdame  k'az  suhbatash  khurram  na  Rardad  khatirat 
Az  chunin  haxndam  ba  sad  farsang  duri  khushtar  ast." 

Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  From  fellowship  of  seeming  friends  'twere  better  far  to  part, 
Absence  is  better  than  with  one  thou  lovest  not  to  stay, 
A  comrade  whose  society  delighteth  not  thy  heart, 
'Twere  best  from  him  a  hundred  leagues  to  be  removed  away." 

Eastwick. 

"  Qatilu  fl  sabili  'Uahi  w'alamu  anna  'llaha  sami'un  'alim." 

Koran,  chap.  z. 

"  Fight  in  the  cause  of  God  and  know  that  God  is  He  who  knoweth, 
heareth."  (Rodwell). 

■"  Qatra  bagrist  ki  'az  bahr  judayim  hama' 
Bahr  bar  qatra  bakhandid  ki  'mayim  hama,' 
Dar  haqiqat  digare  nist  khudayim  hama 
Lek  azgardish-i-yaknuqta  judayim  hama."  Omar  Khayvam. 

"  The  drop  wept  for  his  severance  from  the  sea, 
But  the  sea  smiled  for  '  I  am  all '  said  he  ; 
Yea  God  is  all  in  all,  there's  none  beside 
But  one  point  circling  seems  diversity."         (Whinfield). 

"  Qatra'e  dil  ra  yake  gauhar  fatad 
K'an  gardunha  -wa,  daryaha  nadad."  _  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  God  drops  into  the  heart  a  single  pearl-drop 
Which  is  not  bestowed  on  oceans  or  skies."    Whinfield. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  233 

"  Qaulun  m'anifUn  wa  maerhflratun  khairun  mln  sadaqatin  yat- 
ba'uha  'adhan  wa  'llahu  grhanlyun  halim."  Koran,  chap.  2. 

*'  A  kind  speech  and  forgiveness  is  better  than  alms  followed  by  injury. 
And  God  is  Rich,  Clement."  KouvvitLL. 

"  Qaume  mutafakkarand  dar  mazhab  wa  din 
Jam'ae  mutahalyyarand  dar  shakk  wa  yaqin, 
Nag'ah  manadi  bar  ayad  za  kamin 
K'ey  bikhabaran  rah  na  an  ast  wa  na  In."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Some  look  for  truth  in  creeds  and  forms  and  rules, 
Some  grope  for  doubts  or  dogmas  in  the  schools  ; 
But  from  behind  the  veil  a  voice  proclaims, 
'  Your  road  lies  neither  here  or  there,  O  fools  ! '  " 

WHINFIEI-D. 

**  Qaume  za  gruzaf  dar  erharur  uftadand 
Wa  andar  talab-i-hur  wa  qusur  uftadand, 
Ma'lum  shawad  chu  pardaha  bardarand 
K'az  kue  tu  dur  wa  dur  wa  dur  uftadand."  Omar  Khavyam. 

"  Some,  filled  with  overweening  fantasy, 
llouris  in  Paradise  expect  to  see  ; 
But,  when  the  veil  is  lifted,  they  will  find 
How  far  they  are  from  Thee,  how  far  from  Thee." 

Whinfieli). 

"  Qaza  daste  ast  panj  angusht  darad 
Chu  khwahad  az  kase  kame  bararad, 
Du  bar  chashmash  nihad,  digar  du  bar  gush 
Yake  bar  lab  nihad,  guyad  kl ' khamush ! ' "  Kasim  al  Anwar. 

"  Fate  is  a  hand  that  exercises  its  five  fingers  on  its  victim.  Two  are 
placed  on  the  eyes,  two  upon  the  ears,  and  one  upon  the  lips,  saying,  "  Be 
for  ever  silent."  (Ouseley). 

"  Qaza  digar  na  shawad  war  hazar  nala  wa  ah 

Bashukr  ya  bashikayat  ayad  az  dihane ; 

Firlshta  ki  wakil  ast  bar  khazain-i-bad 

Chi  gham  khurad  ki  bimirad  chiragh-i-bewa  zane." 

GuLisTAN,  chap.  8. 

•'  Fate  is  not  altered  by  a  thousand  sighs, 
Complain  or  render  thanks, — arrive  it  will : 
The  angel  at  whose  bidding  winds  arise 
Cares  little  for  the  widow's  lamp,  if  still 
It  burns,  or  by  the  storm  extinguished  dies." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Qazi  ar  ba  ma  nishinad  bar  fishanad  dast  ra 
Muhtahsib  grar  mai  khxirad,  ma'zur  darad  mastra." 

GULISTAN,  chap.  3. 


234  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  E'en  the  Qazi  *  would  applaud  us,  could  he  of  our  party  be, 

Thou  Muhtahsib  t  quaff  the  wine  cup  and  thou  wilt  the  drunkard  free." 

(Eastwick), 

"  Qifa  nabki  min  zikra  habibin  wa  manzili 
Bi-siqti  '1-liwa  baina'  ddakhuli  wa  haumali 
Fatudhiha  fa'l  maqrati  lam  ya'fu  rasmuha 
Lima  nasajatha  min  junubin  wa  shamali."  Amr-ul-Kais. 

*'  Stay  !  let  us  weep  at  the  remembrance  of  our  beloved,  at  the  sight  of 
the  station  where  her  tent  was  raised  by  the  edge  of  yon  bending  sands 
between  Dahul  and  Haumel, 

Tudah  and  Mikra  ;  a  station  the  marks  of  which  are  not  wholly  effaced, 
though  the  south  wind  and  the  north  have  woven  the  twisted  sand." 

Sir  W.  Jones. 

"  Qifi  'Iqadhiyyatin  flhi  hatta  tajtali 
Wasfayihi  fl  hala  radhahu  wa  batshihi 
Wa  yabina  khullabu  barqihi  min  sidqihi 
Li  shshaimin  w^a  w^abluhu  min  tashshihi 
Fahunaka  in  tara  ma  yashinu  faw^arihi 
Karaman  wa'in  tara  ma  yazinu  fa'  fshihi." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  22. 

"  Stay  thy  judgment  on  him  until  thou  hast  had  a  view  of  his  two  char- 
acters in  his  two  conditions  of  content  and  anger  ; 

And  until  his  deceiving  flash  be  distinguished  from  his  truthful  one  by 
those  who  watch  it,  and  his  flood  from  his  light  rain, 

And  then  if  thou  perceive  what  dishonours  him,  hide  it  generously,  but 
if  thou  see  what  becomes  him,  publish  it."  Chenery. 

"  Qila  fl  ma  ghabara  mina  'zzamani,  'inda  'Hmtihani  yukramu 
'rrajulu  'au  yuhanu."  Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  2. 

"  It  was  said  aforetime  that  by  trial  is  a  man  honoured  or  contemned." 

Chenkry. 

"  Qil'adare  k'az  kinar-i-mamlukat, 
Dur  az  sultan  wa  saya  sultanat ; 
Pas  darad  qil'a  ra  az  dushmanan, 
Qil'a  nafarushad  bamal  bigiran ; 
Ghaib  az  shah  dar  kinar  sag-hraha, 
Hamchu  hazir  u,  nigahdarad  w^afa. 
Nizd-i-Shah  bihtar  buwad  az  digaran, 
Ki  bakhidmat  hazirand  w^a  janflshan ; 
Ta'at  w^a  iman  kunun  mahmud  shud, 
B'ad  marg  andar  'ayan  miardud  shud,"  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 


^  Judge.  t  Police  Inspector. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  235 

"  The  warden  of  a  castle  on  the  marches  laid, 
Far  fronj  his  sovereign,  distant  from  much-needed  aid, 
Defends  his  post  with  valour  from  beleaguering  foe, 
Disdains  to  be  bought  over,  scorns  the  tempter's  moe, 
His  station's  on  a  frontier,  no  eye  sees  him  act 
To  duty  true,  he  honestly  fulfils  his  pact. 
Then  in  his  monarch's  presence  honours  due  he  gains, 
Above  the  brave  men  fighting  in  the  royal  trains, 
Man's  faith  and  piety  on  earth  are  prized  of  God, 
But  after  death  professed,  less  value  have  than  clod." 

(Redhouse). 

"  Qlla  riflatuna  'ma  huwa  'shshaiu  'lladhi  la  yahsunu  an  yuqala 
wa  in  kana  haqqan '  qala  madhu  'llnsani  nafsahu."         Al  Iushaihi. 

"  Plato  was  asked  '  What  is  that  thing  the  utterance  of  which  is  un- 
pleasing  though  it  be  true."     He  replied,  '  Self-praise.'  " 

"  Qimat-i-durr  griranmaya  chi  danand  awamm 
Haflza,  grauhar-i-yakdana  madih  juz  ba  khawas."  Hafiz. 

"  The  value  of  the  precious  pearl  what  know  the  people  ? 
O  Hafiz,  give  not  the  precious  pearl  save  to  the  noble." 

Clarke. 

"  Qina'at  kun,  al  nafs,  bar  andake, 
Ki  sultan  wa  darwish  binl  eke 
Chaia  pish  khusrau  bikhwahish  rawl 
Chu  yak  su  nihadi  tain 'a,  khusrau'i."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  6. 

'*  Oh  soul  !  be  content  with  a  little. 
That  thou  may'st  consider  the  sultan  and  dervish  as  one  ; 
Why  goest  thou  before  the  king  with  entreaty, 
When  thou  placest  avarice  aside,  thou  art  a  king."     (Clarke). 

"  Qina'at  tawang'ar  kunad  mard  ra 
Khabar  kun  haris  jahangrard  ra ; 
Khudara  na  danist  -wa  ta'at  na  kard, 
Ki  bar  bakht  wa  ruzi  qina'at  na  kard."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

'*  Contentment  makes  man  wealthy.     Tell  it  then 
To  the  unsatisfied  and  world-wandering  men  ;  . 
They  ne'er  knew  God,  nor  paid  Him  worship  due. 
Since  with  their  lot  they  no  contentment  knew." 

Eastwick. 

"  Qismat  za  raft  za  azal  karda  and 
Chand  pai  rizq  parag'andag'i  ? 
Faida'e  zindagriat  bandagist 
Sar  makash  az  qaida'e  bandagpi."  Jami,  Beharistan,  chap.  i. 


336  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

'*  Thy  share  has  been  allotted  to  thee  from  all  eternity, 
Plow  long  wilt  thou  distress  thyself  for  a  livelihood? 
The  object  of  thy  existence  is  service, 
Turn  not  thy  head  away  from  the  laws  of  service." 

Rehatsek. 
"  Qissatu  'I'ishqi  la  inflsama  laha 
Pvisimat  hahuna  lisanu  maqal."  Hafiz. 

"  He  who  has  loved  relates  an  endless  tale. 
Here  the  most  eloquent  of  tongue  must  fail." 

BiCKNELL. 

"  Qiyamat  kase  bini  andar  bihisht 
Ki  m'ana  talab  kard.  "wa  dawa  bihisht 
Ba  mana  ta"wan  kard  dawa  durust 
Dam-i-bi  qadam  takiyagah  ast  sust."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  At  the  Resurrection  thou  seest  in  Paradise  that  one 
Who  sought  truth  and  let  go  pretension  ; 
By  truth  one  can  make  a  proper  claim, 
Breath  without  action  is  a  slothful  resting-place." 

(Clarke). 
"  Qiyamat  ki  nikan  ba  'ala  rasand 
Za  q'ar-i-thara  bar  thurayya  rasand  ; 
Dar  an  ruz  k'az  fil  pursand  wa  qaul 
Ulu  'I'azm  ra  tan  bilarzad  za  haul. 
Ba  jae  ki  dahshat  khurdand  ambiya 
Tu  'uzr-i-gxinah  ra  chi  dari  biya?  "  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

*'  On  the  Resurrection  Day  when  the  good  attain  to  the  highest  dignity. 
They  rise  from  the  bottom  of  the  grave-ashes  to  the  Pleiades, 
On  that  day  when  they  ask  of  deeds  and  words, 
The  bodies  of  the  lords  of  resolution  (the  prophets)  will  tremble  from 

fear. 
In  the  place  where  the  prophets  suffer  fear, 
Come — what  excuse  for  sin  hast  thou?"  Clarke.  . 

*'  Qiyamat  ruz-i-'arz-i-akbar  ast 
Arz  an  khwahad  ki  ba  zeb  zafar  ast ; 
Har  ki  chun  Hindu  bad  wa  sauda'st 
Ruz  arzash  naubat  ruswai  ast 
Bsurg  yak  gul  chun  na  darad  khar-i-u 
Shud  baharan  dushman-i-asrar-i-u."  Jalaluddin  Rcmi. 

"  The  day  of  judgment  is  the  day  of  the  great  review. 
Whoso  is  fair  and  enlightened  longs  for  that  review  ; 
Whoso  like  a  Hindoo  is  black  with  sin. 
The  day  of  review  will  sound  the  knell  of  his  disgrace. 
If  his  thorn  puts  not  forth  a  sinj^le  rose-bud 
The  spring  in  disclosing  him  is  his  foe."  Whinkield. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  237 

*  Qiyas  az  halat-i-insanl  ma-kun 
Manzil  andar  Jaur  wa  dar  ihsan  ma-kun 
Jaur  wa  Ihsan,  ranj  wa  shadl,  hadls  ast 
Hadisan  mirand  wa  haqq  shan  waris  ast."  Jalalul-din  Rumi 

"  Argue  not  from  the  condition  of  common  men, 
Stumble  not  at  severily  and  mercy  ; 
For  mercy  and  severity,  joy  and  sorrow  are  transient 
And  transient  things  die  ;  God  is  heir  of  all."      Whinkield. 

"  Qufl  nlh  bar  khalq  wa  pinhan  kun  kalid."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Place  a  padlock  on  your  throat  and  hide  the  key." 

"  Qui  ara'aitum  In  ahlakani  'llahu  wa  man  mal  au  rahimana 
famau  yujlru  'Ikaflrina  min  adhabin  alim."  Koran,  chap. 

"  Say:  What  think  ye?  Whether  God  destroy  me  or  not  and  those 
who  follow  me,  or  whether  He  have  mercy  on  us,  yet  who  will  protect  the 
unbelievers  from  a  woeful  torment  ?  "  Rodwell. 

"  Qui,  eyya  shai'an  akbaru  shahadatan  quli  'llahu  shahidun  baini 
wa  bainakum  wa  uhla  ilayya  hadha  'Iquranu  li  undhirukum  bihi 
wa  man  balagha  'a'innakum  litashaduna  'anna  ma 'a  'llahi  alihatan 
ukhra  qui  la  ashhadu  qui  Innama  huwa  'illahun  wahidun,  wa 
Innani  bariyun  mimma  tushrikun."  Koran,  chap.  6. 

'•  Say  :  '  What  thing  is  the  .strongest  in  bearing  testimony  ? '  Say  '  God, 
He  is  witness  between  me  and  you,  and  this  Koran  was  revealed  unto 
me  that  I  should  admonish  you  thereby  and  also  those  unto  whom  it 
shall  reach.  Do  you  really  profess  that  there  are  other  gods  together  with 
God.'  Say  '  I  do  not  profess  this.'  Say  '  Verily  He  is  one  God  and  I  am 
guiltless  of  what  ye  associate  with  Him.'  "  (Sale). 

"  Qui  Innl  la  'amliku  lakum  dharran  wa  la  rashadan,  qul'lnni  Ian 
jmjirani  mina  'llahi  ahadun  wa  Ian  'ajida  mln  dunihi  multahidan." 

Koran,  chap.  72. 

"  Say  :  '  No  power  have  I  for  your  hurt  or  benefit.'  Say  'Verily  none 
can  protect  me  against  God,  neither  shall  I  find  any  refuge  beside  Him." 

Rodwell.    ' 

"  Qui  lilladhi  basurufl  'ddhari  ayyarana 
Hal  'anada  'ddharu  ilia  man  lahu  khataru 
Ama  tara  'rriha  in  habbat  'awasifuha 
Falaitha  t'asifu  ilia  ma  huwa  shshajaru 
Wa  ma  tara  'Ibahra  t'alu  fauqahu  jiyafun 
Wa  tastaqimi  ba  qasa  q'Eurihi  dduraru."         Alif  Laila  wa  Laila 


238  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Go  ask  of  him  who  jeers  us  when  fortune  does  her  worst, 
Whom  doth  fortune  most  oppose,  but  him  she  favours  first  ? 
See'st  not  the  sweeping  tempest  sweep  gustily  along, 
Vet  roughly  blow  about  that  bough  that  stately  is  and  strong, 
See'st  not  the  refluent  ocean  bear  carrion  on  its  tide. 
While  pearls  beneath  its  wavy  flow  fixed  in  the  deep  abide  ?  " 

TORRENS. 

"  Qui  liman  qad  shakahu  zumbuhu 
Halakta  ya  mlskinu  au  tantaqish 
F'akhlisi  'ttaubata  tatmis  biha 
Mina  'Ikhataya  'ssaudi  ma  qad  nuqish 
Wa  haka  k'asa  'nnushi  fa'shrab  w^a  jud 
Bi  'fadhlati  'Ik'asi  'ala  man  'atish."  Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  49. 

*'  Say  to  him  whom  the  thorn  of  his  sin  stings,  '  Pluck  out  the  thorn,  poor 

brother,  else  thou  art  lost, 
Wipe  out  with  sincere  repentance  any  writ  that  black  misdeeds  have  left 

on  thy  book  of  deeds. 
This  cup  of  counsel  drink  of  it,  and  bestow  on  one  athirst  that  which 

remains  in  the  cup."  Steingass. 

"  Qui  liman  yahmilu  hamman 
Inna  hamma  la  yudumu 
Mithlu  ma  tafna  'Imasarata 
Hakadha  tafna 'Ihumumu."  Alif  Laila  wa  Laila. 

"  Go  say  to  him  borne  down  by  woe 
That  not  for  aye  will  grief  endure  ; 
For  like  as  joy  its  end  must  know, 
E'en  so  the  end  will  sorrow  cure."  Torrens, 

"  Qui,  man  yarzuqukum  mina  'ssama'i  w'al  'ardlii  'amman  yam- 
liku  'ssama'  wa  'I'absara  wa  man  jrukhriju  'Ihayya  mina  'Imayyiti 
•wa  yukhriju  'Imayyita  mina  'Ihayyi  w^a  man  yudabbiru  'I'amra 
fasayaquluna  'Uahu  faqul  'afala  tattaqun."  Koran,  chap.  10. 

"  Say,  'Who  provideth  you  food  from  heaven  and  earth?  or  who  hath 
the  absolute  power  over  the  hearing  and  the  sight  ?  and  who  bringeth  forth 
the  living  from  the  dead,  and  bringeth  forth  the  dead  from  the  living,  and 
who  go  verneth  all  things?'  They  will  surely  answer  *God.'  Say,  '  Will 
ye  not  therefore  fear  Him  ? ' "  (Sale), 

*•  Qulubu  'lahrari  qabur  'alasrari."  Arabic  Proverb. 

"  The  hearts  of  the  noble  are  the  graves  of  secrets." 

*'  Qulu  liman  nawama  'layyamu  lahu  ramat, 
Kum  aq'adat  na'ibatu  'ddhari  kam  qamat ; 
In  kunta  nimta  fa'ainu  'llahi  ma  namat 
Liman  safa  'Iw^aqtu  w^a  'ddunya  liman  damat." 

Alif  Laila  wa  Laila. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  239 

*'  Say  ye  to  him  that  lies  inert,  the  days  of  time 
Shoot  forth  their  arrows  on  thee.     Oh  !  how  many 
Hath  fortune  set  upright,  how  many  hath  she 
Cast  down.     Though  thou  be  sleeping,  dull  and  heedless, 
Surely  the  eye  of  God  is  ever  wakeful. 
To  whom  hath  lime  brought  peace  of  mind  ?  who  is  there 
The  world  hath  e'er  stood  fast  with?"  Torrens. 

"  Quran  ba  sar-i-zaban  ast  wa  zar  darmiyan-i-Jan." 

GoLisTAN,  chap.  6. 

"  The  Quran  is  on  the  tip  of  his  tongue,  and  the  gold  is  in  the  centre  of 
his  heart."  (Eastvvick). 

"  Quranu  hudda  '11  'nnasi  wa  bayyanatln  mlna  'I'huda  wa  'lAir- 

qani."  Koran,  chap.  2. 

"  The  Koran  a  direction  unto  men  and  declarations  of  direction,  and 
the  distinction  between  good  and  evil."  (Sale). 

"  Qiiran  kl  bahin  kalam  kb^anand  ura 
Ki  grab  na  bar  dawam  kbwanand  ura 
Dar  kbatt  pujala  ayate  rusban  hast, 
K'andarbamajamudam  kbwanand  ura."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Men  say  the  Quran  holds  all  heavenly  lore, 
But  on  its  pages  seldom  care  to  pour. 
The  lucid  lines  engraven  on  the  bowl, 
That  is  the  text  they  dwell  on  evermore." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Qurb-i-awazasb  gawabi  mi-dibad 
K'in  dam  nazdik  az  yare  jibad 
Lazzat-i-awaz  kbwisbaw^and  niz 
Sbud  erawab  bar  sidq  an  yar  aziz 
Pisb  zirak  k'andarunasb  nurba'st 
Ain  in  awaz  mana  bud  rast."  Jalaluddin-  Rumi. 

"  The  nearness  of  the  voice  proves  to  such  an  one 
That  the  voice  proceeds  from  a  friend  who  is  near, 
The  sweetness  of  the  kinsman's  voice  too,  O  beloved, 
Proves  the  veracity  of  that  kinsman. 
To  the  wise  whose  hearts  are  enlightened 
The  mere  sound  of  that  voice  proves  its  truth." 

Whinfield. 

"  Qurb  ruhani  agrar  hast  mlyan-i-man  wa  dust 
Chi  tafawut  kunad  asrar  b'ud  makane  basbad  ?  "    Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Am  I  united  with  my  friend  in  heart. 
What  matters  if  our  place  be  wide  apart  ?  "    Eastwick. 


240  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Qurratu  'I'aini  man  an  mewa'e  dil  yadash  bad 
Ki  khud  asan  bishud  wa  kar-i-mara  raushkil  kard 
Sarban,  bar-i-man  uftad,  khuda  ra  madadi 
Ki  ummid-i-karamam  hamrah-i-in  mahmil  kard 
Ah,  wa  faryad  ki  az  chashm-i-hasud-i-mah-i-charkli 
Dar  lahd  mah-i-kaman  abru'e  man  manzil  kard."  Hafiz. 

"  My  eyes'  bright  light,  my  heart's  sweet  fruit  was  he ;  be  unforgot 
That  he  who  passed  so  lightly  hence  made  burdensome  my  lot. 
Driver  !  my  camel-pack  has  fallen  !     Give  help  for  God's  dear  sake, 
I  looked  for  kindness  when  I  chose  this  litter's  course  to  take, 
Alas  !  that  from  the  high  sphere's  moon  which  envious  glanced  below, 
The  sepulchre  contains  my  moon  whose  eyebrows  were  a  bow." 

BiCKNELI.. 

"  Qut  imani  dar  in  zindan  kam  ast, 
Wa  an  chi  hast  az  qasd  in  sag-  dar  khamast ; 
Az  namaz  wa  sauna  wa  sad  bicharagi 
Qut  zauq  ayad  bar  w^ay  yak  bargi ; 
Astaiiz  Allah  min  Shaitanihi 
Qad  halakna  ah  1  min  taghianihi."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  In  this  prison  the  food  of  true  faith  is  scarce, 
And  by  the  tricks  of  this  dog  what  there  is,  is  lost, 
In  spite  of  prayers  and  fasts  and  endless  pains 
Our  food  is  altogether  devoured  by  him. 
Let  us  seek  refuge  with  Allah  from  Satan, 
Alas  !  we  are  perishing  from  his  insolence."     (Whinfield). 

"  Quwat-i-dana  hama  az  khun-i-jigar  mi-binam 
Ablahanra  hama  sharbat  zi  gulabast  wa  shakar 
Asp-i-tazi  shuda  majruh  ba  zir-i-palan 
Tauq-i-zarrin  hama  dar  gardan-i-khar  mi-binam 
Pand-i-Hafiz  bishnau,  khwaja  birau,  niki  kun 
Ki  man  in  pand  bih  az  ganj-i-gauhar  mi-binam."  Hafiz. 

"  Nought  save  his  own  heart's  blood  the  food  of  the  wise — I  see 
Sherbets  of  sugar  and  rose  the  world  to  the  fool  supplies. 
Galled  by  the  pack-saddle's  weight  the  Arab's  proud  steed  grows  old. 
Yet  always  the  ass's  neck  encircled  with  gold  I  see, 
Master,  go  forth  and  do  good  !     The  counsel  of  Hafiz  prize. 
For  better  than  treasured  pearl  this  counsel  so  wise  I  see." 

BiCKNELL. 

"  Ra'aitu  'Imanaya  khabta  'ashwa  man  tusib 
Tumithu  wa  man  tukhti  yu'ammar  fayahrami 
"Wa  man  haba  'asbaba  'Imanaya,  yanalnahu 
Wa'in  yarqa  'asbaba  'ssama'i  bissulami."      Mu'allakah  of  Zuhair. 

"  I  have  seen  the  Dooms  trample  men  as  a  blind  beast  at  random  treads, 
Whom  they  smote  he  died ;  whom  they  missed,  he  lived  to  strengthless  eld. 
Who  trembles  before  the  Dooms,  yea  him  they  shall  surely  seize. 
Albeit  he  set  in  his  dread  a  ladder  to  climb  the  sky."       C.  J.  Lyall. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  241 

"  Rabbina  'aft*ifirh  'alelna  sabran  wa  thabbit  'aqdamana." 

Koran,  chap.  a. 

**  O  our  Lord,  pour  upon  us  steidfastness  and  set  our  feet  firm." 

RODWELL. 

"  Raftam  sue  khatira  wa  bagrristam  ba  zar 
Az  hijar  dustan  ki  asir  fana  shudand ; 
Ishan  kuja  shudand,  chu  gruftam,  khatira  ham 
Dad  az  sada  Jawab  kl '  ishan  kuJa  shudand? ' "  Amir  Khusru. 

"  I  went  to  the  cemetery  and  wept  bitterly  for  the  absence  of  friends, 
now  the  captives  of  non-existence.  '  Where  are  they?'  said  I,  in  sadness, 
'those  dear  friends  of  my  heart?'  When  a  voice  from  the  graves  softly 
repeated  •  Where  are  they  ?  '  "  (Ouseley). 

"  Raftam  u  bvu*dam  dagrh-i-tu  dar  dil 
Wadi  bi-wadl,  manzil  bi  manzil." 

"  I  journed  on  bearing  the  brand  of  thy  grief  in  my  heart, 
From  valley  to  valley,  from  stage  to  stajje."    (E.  G.  Browne). 

"  Raftand  wa  za  raftagan  yaki  na  amad  baz 
Ta  ba  tu  biguyad  sukhan  az  parda-e-raz 
Karat  za  niyaz  mikushayad  na  namaz 
Bazicha  buad  nameiz  bi  sidq  wa  niyaz."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  They  pass  away  and  none  is  seen  returning, 
To  teach  that  other  world's  recondite  learning, 
'Twill  not  be  shown  for  dull  mechanic  prayers, 
For  prayer  is  nought  without  true  heartfelt  yearning." 

(Whinfielp). 
••  Rahae  mukhtalif  asan  shud  ast 
Har  yaki  ra  millate  chun  jan  shud  ast ; 
Gar  muyassar  kardan  haqq  rah  budi 
Har  Jahud  wa  Gabar  az  u  agah  budi."  Jalaluddin-  Rumi, 

"  Ah,  how  many  diverse  roads  are  jrointed  out 
And  each  followed  by  some  sect  for  dear  life. 
If  the  right  road  were  easily  obtainable 
Every  Jew  and  Gueber  would  have  hit  on  it." 

(Whinfield). 
"  Rah-i-nlk  mardan  azada  grir 
Chu  istada'i  dast-i-uftada  grir."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  No  barrier  to  the  good  man's  path  oppose. 
And,  if  thou  standest,  raise  thy  fallen  foes." 

Eastwick. 
"  Rahm  bar  Isa  kun  wa  bar  khar  ma  kun 
Taba'ra  bar  aql-i-khud  sarwar  ma  kun 
An  khar-i-Isa  mizaj-i-dil  girift 
Dar  maqam-i-aqilan  manzil  girift 
Gar  za  Isa  gashta'i  ranjur  dil 

Ham  az  u  sihhat  rasad,  ura  ma  hil."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

16 


242  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

*'  Pity  keep  for  Jesus,  pity  not  the  ass,* 
Lei  not  fleshly  impulse  intellect  surpass  ; 
If  an  ass  could  somewhat  catch  of  Jesus'  mind. 
Ranked  among  the  sages  he  his  place  would  find. 
Though  because  of  Jesus  you  may  walk  in  woe. 
Still  from  Him  comes  healing;  never  let  Him  go.'' 

"  Ra'iz  kl  tausin  ra  kunad  ram 
Kunad  ahistagi  ba  kara  kham 
Ba  tundi  tausin  az  sar  tund  gardad 
Wa  grar  kundi  numa'i  kund  gardad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Each  horse-tamer  who  would  vanquish  the  unbroken  fiery  steed, 
Must  the  young  colt  first  with  kindness  and  with  gentle  measures  lead. 
Fury  will  but  slir  the  courser  to  more  headlong  heat ;  and  so 
From  the  rider's  want  of  spirit  steeds  will  dull  and  sluggish  grow." 

(Eastwick). 


'  Rakhte  ki  dashtim  bayaghma  baburd  'ishq 
Az  sud  wa  az  ziyan  -wa.  za  bazar  farighim." 


Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 


•'  Love  carried  off  as  plunder  the  chattels  which  we  possessed. 
We  are  independent  of  profit  and  loss  and  market." 

(Nicholson). 

Rang-i-tazwir  pish-i-ma  na  bu^wad 

Shir-i-surkliain  wa  afa'i  siyaham."  Hafiz  Ode,  418. 

"  The  colour  of  deceit  I  wholly  lack, 

I  am  a  lion  red  or  serpent  black."  Bicknell. 

Ranj  wa  ghamra  haqq  pai  an  afrid 

Ta  badin  zidd  khushdili  ayad  padid, 

Pas  nihaniha  bazidd  paida  shawad 

Chunki  haqqra  nist  zidd  pinhan  buw^ad ; 

Nur-i-haqqra  nist  ziddi  dar  v^rujud 

Ta  ba  zidd-i-ura  tawan  paida  namud, 

La  jurm  'absarana  la  tudrikuhu,' 

Wa  'hu  sTudrik '  bin  tu  az  Musa  wa  kuh."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  God  created  pain  and  grief  for  this  purpose. 
To  wit,  to  n.anifest  happiness  by  its  opposites. 
Hidden  things  are  manifested  by  their  opposites, 
But  as  God  ha.-,  no  opposite.  He  remains  hidden, 
God's  light  has  no  opposite  in  the  range  of  creation 
Whereby  it  may  be  manifested  to  view. 
Perforce  '  Our  eyes  see  Him  not,  though  He  sees  us,' 
Behold  this  in  the  case  of  Moses  and  Mount  Sinai." 

(Whinfield). 

\ 
*  i.e.,  the  body. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN;;SAYINGS  243 

"  Raq's  dukhtan  bih  wa  llzam-l-kunj-i-sabr 
K'az  bahr-i-Jama  raq'a  ba  khwajagran  nawlsht 
Haqqan  ki  ba  'uqubat-i-duzakh  barabar  ast 
Baftan  bapae  marde  hamsaya  dar  bihisht."  Gulistak,  chap.  3. 

**  Better  to  suffer  and  sew  patch  overjpatch 
Than  bcpging  letters  to  the  rich  to  write, 
Truly  it  doth  hell's  torments  fairly  match 
To  mount  by  others  to  celestial  light."        (Eastwick). 

"  Rasad  az  kaman-i-pinhan  shab  wa  ruz  tir-i-parran 
Bispar  Jan-l-shirln,  chl  kunl,  sipar  na  dari." 

Diwax-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Night  and  day  comes  a  winged  arrow  from  the  hidden  bow, 
Yield  up  your  sweet  life  ;  what  can  you  do?  you  have  no  shield." 

Nicholson. 
"  Rasm  buzureran  buwad  insaf  kar 
Kar  khasan  nlst  bajuz  kha  wa  khax."  Anwar-i-Suhrili. 

"  The  great  show  equity  in  all  they  do 
While  base  men  torture  and  are  tortured  too." 

Eastwick. 
"  Basti  mujib-i-razal  khudast 
Kas  na  dldam  kl  gxiin  shud  az  rah-i-reist."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  God  favours  those  who  follow  the  right  way, 
From  a  straight  road  I  ne'er  saw  mortal  stray." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Basu  laalika  wa  hla  'rruhun  qad  salimat 
La  ta'asfan  lishaiin  ba'daha  zahaba."  Zoheir. 

"  Thou  hast  thy  life,  thy  chiefest  treasure,  still 

Grieve  not  if  aught  beside  be  gone  and  past."     (Palmer). 

"  Raw^an  gar  farugrhe  paziraft  az  u 
Za  kbud  raft  wa  bi  hush  manam  guft  az  u 
Za  mihr  u  naw^azish  kunad  banda  ra 
Ki  barda8h1>an  shayad  afgranda  ra 
Gadara  tawangar  kunad  mihr-l-u 
Jahan  partau'e  az  khur  chihra'e  u 
Mar  u  ra  juz  u  kaslniyarad  situd 
Kl  u  dar  ni  ayad  ba  guft  Tva  shanud."  Jam-i-Kai  Khusro. 

"  If  the  spirit  receives  illumination  from  Him 

It  becomes  beside  itself  and  its  speech  is  '  I  am  without  intellect,* 

Through  love  He  confers  bounties  on  His  servants 

As  it  is  proper  to  raise  up  the  fallen. 

His  love  renders  the  mendicant  a  man  of  power. 

The  world  is  but  a  ray  emanating  from  the  sun  of  His  face, 

None  but  He  can  duly  praise  Himself 

As  He  cannot  become  the  object  of  speech  or  hearing."        (Shea). 


344  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Bau,  ki  tu'i  shifta'e  ruzgar  ' 

Yak  na  kuni  baz  numai  hazar."  Nizami. 

"  Go,  for  thou  art  beguiled  by  fortune  ;  thou  performest  not  one  deed, 
nevertheless  thou  displayest  a  thousand."  Asiatic  Miscellany. 

"  Bawan-i-khufta  agar  danadi  ki  dar  khw^abast 

Az  an  chi  didi  na  khush  shudi  wa  na  ranjur." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  If  the  sleeping  spirit  knew  itself  to  be  asleep, 

Whatever  it  might  see,  it  would  feel  neither  joy  nor  sorrow." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Ra'yat  chu  bikh  ast  wa  sultan  darakht 
Darakht  ey  pisar  bashad  az  bikh  sakht."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  The  people  are  the  root  and  the  king  is  the  tree  that  grows  from  it ; 
and  the  tree,  O  my  son,  derives  its  strength  from  the  root." 

Sir  W.  Jones. 

"  Raz  ba  dil  griftam  wa  bisyar  khun  khurdam  az  u 
Kashki  danistame  awwal  ki  hamdana  yaffcan  nist." 

Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  I  told  the  secret  which  my  heart  had  nursed, 
Full  sore  it  made  me  weep  ; 
Would  that  my  simple  heart  had  known  at  first 
None  can  a  secret  keep."  Eastwick. 

"  Raz  juz  ba  razdan  ambaz  nist 
Raz  andar  grush-i-munkir  raz  nist."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Mysteries  are  not  communicable  save  to  those  who  know, 

Mystery  in  the  ear  of  infidels  is  no  mystery."  Whinfield. 

"  Raz-i-khud  ba  yar-i-khud  ta  an  ki  bitawani  ma  gui 
Yar  ra  yare  buwad,  az  yar-i-yar  andisha  kun."  Azizi. 

"  As  long  as  thou  canst,  communicate  not  thy  secret  to  thy  friend. 
For  that  friend  has  another ;  beware  therefore  of  thy  friend's  friend." 

(Shea). 
"  Raz  khudra  chun  tu  khud  mahram  na'i 
Digare  khud  mahram-i-an  cbun  buw^ad?  "  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  To  thine  own  secret  thou  art  unfaithful,  then 

Canst  thou  expect  more  faith  in  other  men?"    Eastwick. 

"  Raz  makusha  ba  har  kas  ki  dar  in  markaz-i-khak 
Sair  kardim  base,  mahram  israr  na  bud."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

*'  Not  to  each  one  thy  secrets  tell,  for  earth's  wide  space  upon. 

Much  we  have  wandered,  yet  have  found  in  whom  to  trust,  not  one." 

Eastwick. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 


245 


"  Ridhs  'dhdhallli  bi  khaf  dhi  'laishi  maskanatun 
Wa  'llzzu  Indarasimi  'lainuqi  'dhdhululi 
Fa'dra  biha  fl  nuhuii  'Ibidl  Jafllatan 
Muaridhatin  mathanl  Uujml  bi  'IJudubi." 


Al  Tuchrai. 


"  Contempt  and  want  the  wretch  await 
Who  slumliers  in  an  abject  state, 
Midst  rushing  crowds,  by  toil  and  pain 
The  meed  of  honour  we  must  gain, 
At  honour's  call  the  camel  hastes 
Through  trackless  wilds  and  dreary  wastes, 
Till  in  the  glorious  race  she  find 
The  fleetest  coursers  left  behind."  J.  D.  Carlyle, 


'  Biha  kun  sitfun  ra  yak  bargri 
Ki  kam  'umr  amad  sitamgrara^i 
Shahinshah  chun  rae  ra  bad  kunad, 
Yaqin  dan  ki  bad  dar  haqq-i-khud  kunad." 


Anwar-i-Suheili, 


"  Give  up  thy  course  of  tyranny  and  wrong 
At  once, — for  ne'er  was  life  of  tyrant  long  ; 
Know,  when  a  king  perverts  his  judgment,  he 
Does  that  which  for  himself  too  scathe  will  be.' 


'  Binde  didam  nishasta  bar  khushk  zamin 
Na  kufr  wa  na  Islam  wa  na  dunya  wa  na  din, 
Na  haqq  na  haqiqat  na  shari'at  na  yaqin 
Andar  du  jahan  kira  buwad  zahra'e  in?  " 


Eastwick. 


OklAR   KhAWA&I. 


"  An  outlaw  in  the  desert  did  I  see. 
He  had  no  wealth,  no  faith,  no  heresy 
No  God,  no  truth,  no  law,  no  certitude, 
In  the  two  worlds  where's  man  so  bold  as  he  ?" 

Whinfield. 


"  Bish  Janaha  'Ihurri  in  hassahu 
Zamanuhu  la  kana  man  lam  yarish 
Wa'njidi  'Imutura  dhvilman  fa'in 
'AJazta  'an  injadihi,  fa'stajish." 


Maqamat  of  Hariri. 


"  Feather  the  free  whose  plumage  fair  time  hath  stripped, 
May  he  not  live,  who,  while  he  can,  feathers  not. 

Help  one  oppressed  by   tyranny :    if  too  weak  to  helf  thyself,  then 
summon  up  hosts  for  him."  Steingass. 


"  Rishta  ra  ba  suzan  amad  irtibat 
Nist  darkhur  ba  Jamal  summu  'Ikhayyat 
Kal  shawad  barik  hasta'e  jamal 
Juz  bimiqraz  riyazat  wa  'Eimal." 


Jalai.uddin  Rumu 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  The  thread  and  the  needle  are  related  to  one  another  ;  but  a  camel  is 
not  fitted  to  pass  through  the  eye  of  a  needle ;  how  should  the  body  of  a 
camel  become  slender  except  by  abstinence  and  exertion  ?  " 

*•  Riyasat  ba  dast-i-kasane  khata'st 
Ki  az  dast-i-ishan  dastha  bar  khuda'st 
Neku-kar  hargiz  na  binad  badi 
Chu  bad  parwari,  khasam-i-jan  khud'i."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  'Tis  wrong  that  he  a  nation  should  enthral 

Against  whose  hand  men  lift  their  hands  in  prayer ; 

Evil  will  ne'er  the  virtuous  man  befall 

But  evil-doers  their  own  lives  ensnare."  Eastwick. 

^';RizQ  ayad  pish  bar  k'u  rizq  just 
Ranj  kushisha  za  bi-sabri  fust ; 
Jumla-ra  Razzaq  ruzi  ini-dihad 
Qismat  bar  yak  ba  pishash  mi-nihad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  The  allotted  portion  reaches  every  seeker.     So 
Our  own  impatience  is  our  trouble's  spring, 
God's  blessings  freely  to  all  creatures  flow, 
His  hands  to  all  the  destined  bounty  bring."     Eastwick. 

"  Rizq  bar  chand  bi  gximan  birasad 
Shart-1-aqlast  justan  az  darha ; 
Garchi  kas  bi  ajal  nakhwahad  murd 
Tu  ma  ru  dar  dihan-i-azhdaha."  Gui.istan,  chap.  3. 

"  Though  without  doubt  fate  will  our  want  supply, 
Reason  requires  it  be  sought  from  home  ; 
'Tis  true  that  none  will  unpredestined  die, 
Yet  in  a  dragon's  maw  one  should  not  come."    (Eastwick). 

"  Rizq  maqsuroast  wa  waqt-i-an  muqarrar  karda  and 
Bish  az  in  wa  pish  az  an  hasil  na  mi-g'ardad  ba  jihad." 

Anwar-i-Suheii.i. 

"  Our  daily  food  is  destined,  and  the  time  too  they  allot. 
Aught  more  or  aught  before  this,  by  our  struggles  we  win  not." 

Eastwick. 

"  Rubba  sadiqin  lamanl  fl  wldadlha 
Ulam  yaraha  yauman  fa  yudhahu  lahu  udhri."      Gulistan,  chap.  4. 

"  Oft  have  my  friends  reproached  me  for  my  love, 
The  day  will  come  they'll  see  her  and  approve." 

Eastwick. 
"  Rubba  yaumin  bakaitu  minhu  falamma 
Sirtu  fl  ghairihi  bakaitu  alaihi."  Majani  al  adab. 

"  Often  in  old  days  I  wept  because  of  him, 
But  when  I  came  among  strangers  I  wept  to  have  him." 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  247 

"  Buda'e  tangr  bi  yak  nan-i-tihi  pur  grardad 
N1mat-l-rue  zamln  pvir  na  kunad  dlda'e  tangr."      Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  A  single  loaf  the  stomach  will  supply, 
Bui  not  earth's  richest  gifts  the  greedy  eye." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Rue  agrar  chand  piri  chihra  wa  zlba  b£i8had 
Na  tawan  did  dar  aina  ki  nurani  nist 
Abid  wa  zahid  wa  Sufl  hama  atfal  rahand 
Mard  agrar  hast  ba  juz  'alim-i-rabbanl  nlst."  Anwar-i-Suheii.i, 

"  If  darkness  should  the  sullied  mirror  mask, , 
Vainly  in  it  the  fairest  face  may  glance  ; 
Recluse,  monk,  Sufi  children  are  astray. 
The  man  is  he  who  walks  in  God's  own  way." 

Eastwick. 
"  Rue  bar  khak-i-'ujz  me  gnyam 
Har  sahrgrah  ki  yad  miayard 
Ey  ki  harglz  faramusht  nakunam 
Hichat  az  banda  yad  miayad  ?  "  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Humbly  in  dust  I  bow  each  day 
My  face  ;  with  wakening  memory, 
O  Thou  whom  I  forget  not,  say  ; 
Dost  Thou  bethink  Thee  e'er  of  me  ?  "     (Eastwick). 

"  Rue  khubat  ay  ate  az  lutf  bar  ma  kashf  kard 
Z'an  sabab  Juz  lutf  wa  khubi  nist  dar  tafsir-i-ma."  Hafiz. 

*'  By  its  grace  thy  beautiful  face  explained  to  us  a  verse  of  the  Koran, 
For  that  reason  in  our  explanation  is  nought  save  grace  and  beauty." 

(Clakke). 

"  Rue  maqsud  ki  shahan  ba  dua  mi-talaband 
Mazharash  ain^'e  tal'ati  darwisb  anast."  Hafiz. 

"  The  form  of  the  object  that  the  kings  of  the  world  seek, 
Its  reflection  is  the  mirror  of  the  appearance  of  dervishes." 

Clarke. 
"  Rue  tama'  az  khalq  ba  plch  az  mardi 
Tasbih-i-hazar  dana  ba  dast  ma  pich."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Be  manly,  and  from  cringing  cease,  for  this 
Than  thousand  beaded  rosaries  better  is."       Eastwick. 

"  Rub  chu  az  mihr  kinarat  gririft 
Ruh  shawad  pish-i-tu  jumla  nuqvish."  DiwAN-i-SHAMs-i-TAnRiz. 

"  When  the  spirit  lovingly  embraces  Thee, 
In  Thy  presence  all  images  become  spirit." 

(Nicholson). 


248  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Rubra  ki  ishq-i-haqiqi  shi'ar  nist 
Nabuda  bih  ki  budan-i-u  ghair-'ar  nist."        Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabri7. 

"  'Twere  better  that  the  spirit  which  wears  not  true  love  as  a  garment 
Had  not  been  ;  its  being  is  but  shame."  (Nicholson). 

"  Rubra  suhbat-i-najins  azabist  'alim."  Hafiz. 

'•  The  society  of  the  uncongenial  is  excruciating  torment  to  the  soul." 

Clarke. 
"  Ruh  sakht  latif  ast  "wa  ishq  sakht  g-haiyur 
Chi  jae  surat  agar  khud  namad  shawad  sad  tu." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Spirit  is  very  subtle  and  love  is  very  jealous, 
What  room  for  form,  if  the  felt  is  hundredfold  ?  " 

(Nicholson). 
"  Rukh-i-tu  dar  dilam  amad,  murad  khwaham  yaft 
Chira  ki  hal-i-niku  dar  qafa'e  fal  nikust."  Hafiz. 

"  Thy  face  came  into  my  heart ;  my  desire  I  shall  gain 

For  after  the  happy  omen  is  the  happy  state."  Clarke. 

"  Rushna'e  tal'at-i-tu  mah  na  darad 
Pish-i-tu  gul  raunaq-i-glyah  na  darad 
Gusha'e  abru'e  tust  manzil-i-janam 
Khushtar  az  in  gusha  padshah  nadarad."  Hafiz. 

"  The  moon  hath  not  the  luminosity  of  thy  face, 

In  comparison  with  thee  the  rose  hath  not  the  glory  of  grass. 
The  corner  of  thy  eyebrow  is  my  soul's  dwelling, 
A  happier  corner  than  this  the  king  hath  not." 

"  Rusta  zadagan-i-danishmand  • 

Bawaziri  badshah  raftand, 
Pisaran-i-wazir  naqis-i-aql 
Bagada'i  barusta  raftand."  Gulistan,  ch.ap.  7. 

"  The  king  his  vazirship  bestows 
On  peasants'  sons,  wise,  though  of  lowly  birth  ; 
The  vazir's  dullard  children  in  their  stead 
Through  town  and  hamlet  humbly  beg  their  bread." 

Eastwick. 

"  Rutab  nawarad  chub-i-khar  zahra  bar 
Chi  txikhm  afgani  bar  haman  chashm  dar."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  The  wood  of  the  colocynth  brings  not  the  green  date, 
Whatsoever  seed  thou  didst  cast,  expect  that  very  fruit." 

(Clarke). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  249 

"  Bu  wa  ear  dar  Jamaha  pichlda  id 
La  Jurm  ba  dida  wa  nadida  id. 
Admi  didast  wa  baqi  pust  ast 
Dida  anast  anki  did  dust  ast."  Jalaluooin  Rumi. 

"  With  muffled  heads  you  cannot  see, 
You've  wrapped  your  cloaks  in  folds  about  your  heads  and  eyes, 
Your  sense  of  sight  cannot  see  what  before  you  lies. 
The  world's  eye  man  is  ;  all  the  rest's  mere  skin  and  shell, 
A  real  eye's  he  who  atrives  his  friend  to  see  right  well." 

Redhouse. 

"  Buwaydaka  la  tu'qib  jamilaka  b'il'adha 
Fa  tadhi  wa  shamlu  'Imali  munsad'i 
Wa  la  tatagrhadhdhib  min  tazziyudi  sa'ilin 
Fa  ma  huwa  fl  saughi  'Uisani  bimubtadl." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  45. 

"  Eh,  gently,  let  not  bounty  be  followed  by  injury  for  else  both  thy  wealth 
and  fame  alike  will  be  lost  and  gone, 
And  fly  not  into  a  passion  if  a  beggar  exaggerates,  for  he  is  by  no  means 
first  to  polish  and  gloss  his  speech."  Steingass. 

"  Ruza  yaksu  shud,  wa  id  atnad  wa  dilha  barkhast 
Bada  nushi  ki  dar  u  rui  w^a  riyai  nabuwad 
Bihtar  az  zuhdfarushi  ki  dar  u  rui  riy'ast 
Ma  na  rindan-i-riya'im  wa  harifan-i-nlfaq 
An  ki  u  'alim-i-sirrast  bar  in  hal  g'awa'st 
Farz-i-Izid  bigruzarem  w^a  bakas  bad  nakunem 
Wan  chi  gxiyand  rawa  nist  nagruyem  rawa'st."  Hafiz. 

"  [The  fast  has  gone,  and  the  feast  h.is  come,  and  hearts  have  risen.] 
Better  the  drunkard  void  of  fraud  and  wiles 
Than  virtue's  braggart  who  by  fraud  beguiles, 
I  am  no  hypocrite,  no  toper  sly. 
Attest  it  He  who  secrets  doth  espy. 
Let  us  obey  God's  laws  and  injure  none 
Nor  teach  as  good  what  we  are  taught  to  shun."  BiCKNELL. 

"  Buz  bashad  ki  biayad  basalamat  bazam 
Ey  khush  an  ruz  ki  ayad  bar  salami  bar  ma."  Hafiz. 

"  When  my  beloved  will  come  in  safety  again  may  soon  be  the  day, 
O  happy  the  day  when  the  beloved  cometh  in  safety  to  our  house." 

Clarke. 

"  Buz  dar  kasb-i-hunar  kush,  ki  mai  khvu-dan-i-ruz 
Dil  chu  aina  dar  zhaner-i-zalam  andazad. 
An  zaman  waqt-i-mal  subh-farugh  ast,  ki  shab 
Gird-i-khargrah-i-ufuq  parda'e  sham  andazad."  Hafiz. 


250  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  By  day  seek  virtue  ;  wine  if  quaffed  by  day 
The  heart's  pure  mirror  shall  with  dust  o'erlay  ; 
Indulge  in  cups  of  wine  aurora-hright 
When  the  sky's  tent  is  curtained  by  the  night." 

BlCKNEI.L. 

"  Ruze  agar  g-hame  rasadat.  tangdil  ma  bash 
Rau,  shukr  kun,  mabad  ki  az  bad  batar  sha^vad, 
Ey  dil  sabur  bash,  wa  raakhur  gham,  ki  'aqibat 
In  sham  subh  gardad,  -wa  in  shab  sahar  shawad, 
Haflz,  Chun  nafa'e  sar-i-zulfash  ba  dast-i-tu'st 
Dam  dar  kash ;  ar  na  bad-i-saba  ra  khabar  shawad."  Hafiz. 

"  If  one  day  a  great  grief  should  reach  thee,  be  not  strait  of  heart, 
Go :  offer  thanks.     God  forbid  that  worse  than  bad  should  be, 
O  heart !  be  patient :  suffer  not  grief.    For  in  the  end 
This  evening  the  morn  becomelh,  and  the  night  the  dawn, 
Hafiz,  when  the  musk  of  His  tress-tip  is  in  thine  hand, 
Indraw  thy  breath.     If  not,  to  the  morning  breeze  news  would  be." 

(Clarke). 

"  Ruze  ba  chunan  guzasht  wa  ruze  ba  chunin 
Aknun  ki  nigah  kuni,  na  an  ast  w^a  na  in."  Anwak-i-Suheii.i. 

"  One  day  in  this,  the  next  in  that  goes  by. 
Thou  look'st,  and  now  nor  this  not  that  canst  spy." 

Eastwick. 

"  Ruze  budam  mushtaqwar 
Ta  babinam  dar  bashar  anwar-i-yar 
Ta  babinam  qulzume  dar  qatra'e 
Aftabe  darj  andar  zarra'e."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  One  day  I  was  filled  with  longing 

To  behold  in  human  form  the  splendours  of  the  Friend, 

To  witness  the  ocean  gathered  up  into  a  drop, 

The  sun  compressed  into  a  single  atom."  Whinfield. 

"  Ruze  ki  az  madar  tu  zadi  uriyan, 
Khalqan  hama  khandan,  tu  budi  giriyan, 
Dar  ruz  w^afatat  ki  jan  bispari 
Khalqan  hama  giriyan,  tu  bashi  khandan." 

"  On  parent  knees,  a  naked  new-born  child 

Weeping  thou  satst,  when  all  around  thee  smiled  ; 

.So  live,  that  sinking  in  thy  last  long  sleep. 

Calm  thou  mayst  smile,  when  all  around  thee  weep." 

Sir  W.  Jones, 
"  Ruze  ki  charkh  az  gil-i-ma  kuzaha  kunad 
Zinhar,  kasa'e  sar-i-ma  pur  sharab  kun."  Hafiz. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  251 

'*  When  Fate  at  last  makes  flagons  of  my  clay, 
With  wine,  forget  not,  fill  my  skull  that  day."   HiCKNEl.l.. 

"  Ruze  ki  Jaza-e-har  sifat  khwahad  bud 
Qadr-i-tu  ba  qadr-l-m'arlfat  khwahad  bud, 
Dtu*  hasan  sifat  kush  ki  dar  ruz-i-Jaza 
Hashr-i-tu  basurat-i-sifat  khwahad  bud."  Omak  Khavvam. 

"  On  the  dread  day  of  final  scrutiny 
As  in  thy  wisdom  so  thy  meed  shall  be, 
Strive  to  get  virtues  here,  for  thou  wilt  rise 
Bearing  the  imprint  of  thy  quality."  •        (Whinfield). 

"  Buze  kl  shawad  'idha  'ssama'u  'nfarat,' 
Wa  andam  kl  shawad  '  idha  'nnujumi  'nkadarat ' 
Man  daman-i-tu  bigriram  andar  arsat 
Quyam  sanama  'biayya  zanbin  qutilat.' "  Omar  Khawam. 

*•  On  that  dread  day  when  wrath  shall  rend  the  sky, 
And  darkness  dim  the  bright  stars'  galaxy, 
I'll  seize  the  Loved  One  by  the  skirt  and  cry, 
*  Why  hast  thou  doomed  these  guiltless  ones  to  die  ? '" 

(Whinfield). 

"  Ruzgrar  ast  kl  az  ghaiyat  bl  dad  dar  u 
Nist  mvunkln  kl  kase  ra  sar  wa  saman  bashad 
Chashm-i-niki  za  ki  darim  ba  ahde  kl  dar  u 
Gar  kase  bad  na  kunad,  grhayat-i-lhsan  bashad."    Anwar-i-Suheii.i. 

"  Such  is  the  age  that  from  excess  of  wrong 
The  life  or  goods  of  none  secure  can  be. 
To  whom  can  we  attribute  kindness  'mid  a  throng 
Who  think  they  do  a  favour  not  to  injure  thee."    Eastwick. 

"  Ruz-1-awwal  kl  sar-l-zulf-i-tu  didam  gnftam 
Ell  pareshana'e  in  sllsila  ra  akhir  nist."  Hafiz. 

'•  The  first  day  when  I  beheld  Thy  tress-tip,  I  spake 
Saying  '  End  to  this  chain's  confusion  is  not.'  '        Clarke. 

"  Buz-i-meo-g  chu  tabut-l-man  rawan  bashad 
Ouman  mabar  kl  mara  dll  dar  In  Jahan  bashad, 
Bara'e  man  ma  girl  wa  magu  '  Darigh  I  Darlgh  I ' 
Badam-i-dlv  dar  uftl,  darlgh  an  bashad."       Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  When  my  bier  moveth  on  the  day  of  death, 
Think  not  my  heart  is  in  this  world. 
Do  not  weep  for  me,  and  cry,  '  Woe  !  Woe  ! ' 
Thou  wilt  fall  in  the  devil's  snare  ;  that  is  woe." 

(Nicholson). 


252  ARABIC   AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Ruz-i-wasl-i-dustdaran  yad  bad, 
Yad  bad  an  ruzgaran  yad  bad, 
Garchi  yaran  farighand  az  yad-i-man 
Az  man  ishanra  hazaran  yad  bad 
Raz-i-Haflz  b'ad  az  in  nagufta  manad 
Ey  darigh  an  razdaran  yad  bad."  Hafiz  Odes. 


"  That  day  of  friendship  when  we  met  recall, 
Recall  those  days  of  fond  regret,  recall ! 
My  friends  it  may  be  have  forgotten  long 
But  I  a  thousand  times  that  throng  recall, 
No  more  from  Hafiz'  lips  shall  secrets  pass  ; 
Those  who  once  kept  them^I  alas,  recall."     (Bicknell). 

'  Ruz  xnahshar  bar  nihan  paida  shawad 
Ham  za  khud  har  mujrime  rus^va  shawad 
Dast  ■wa  pa  bidihad  gawahi  ba  bayan 
Bar  fasad-i-u  ba  pish  must  'aan 
Dast  guyad  man  chunin  duzdida  am 
Lab  bagruyad  man  chunin  busida  am 
Pa  gnyad  man  shudastam  tamana 
Farj  guyad  man  bikardastam  zina ; 
Chashm  guyad  ghamza  kardastam  haram 
Gush  guyad  chida  am  su  'alkalam 
Pas  darugh  amad  za  sar  ta  pa  Ava  khwish 
Chun  gawahi  midihad  'aza  za  pish."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  On  the  resurrection  day  all  secrets  will  be  disclosed. 
Yea,  every  guilty  one  will  be  convicted  by  himself, 
Hand  and  foot  will  hear  testimony  openly 
Before  the  Almighty  concerning  their  owner's  sins. 
Hand  will  say,  '  I  stole  such  and  such  things,' 
Lip  will  say,  '  I  asked  for  such  and  such  things,' 
Foot  will  say,  '  I  went  after  my  own  desires,' 
Arm  will  say,  '  I  embraced  the  harlot,' 
Eye  will  say,  '  I  looked  after  forbidden  things,' 
Ear  will  say,  '  I  listened  to  evil  talk.' 
Thus  the  man  will  be  shown  to  be  a  liar  from  head  to  foot 
Since  his  own  members  will  prove  him  to  be  a  liar." 

(Whinfield). 

'  Ruz  wa  shab  afsana  jui  ya  tu  chust, 
Juzu  juzu  tu  fasana-gui  fust 
Juzu  juzwat  ta  barastast  az  'adam, 
Chand  shadi  dida  and  -wa  chand  gham, 
Z'anki  bi  lazzat  na  roiad  hich  juzu 
Balki  laghar  gardad  az  har  pich  juzu."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  253 

"  Day  and  night  you  are  eagerly  asking  for  news, 
Whilst  every  meml)er  of  your  body  is  telling  you  news, 
Since  each  nieml)er  of  your  Injcly  issued  from  Not-being, 
How  much  pleasure  has  it  seen  and  how  much  pain? 
For  no  member  grows  and  flourishes  without  pleasure. 
And  each  member  is  weakened  by  every  pain."   (Whinfield). 

"  Semdia,  mard-i-nik  nam  na  mlrad  hareriz 
Murda  an  aat  kl  namash  ba  nikui  na  barand."         Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Sadi,  he  whose  fame  lives  can  ne'er  be  dead. 

Me  dies  whose  good  name  is  dishonoured."     Eastwick. 

"  Saarihi  ila  maerhfiratin  nain  rabbikum  wa  Jannatin  ardhuha 
'ssamawatu  wa'l'ardhu  'ulddat  lilmuttaqin  'lladhina  jmnflquna  fl 
'ssarral  wa  'dhdharral  wa  'Ikadhlmina  'Ighaidha  wa  'I'aflna  'anl 
'nnasi  wa  'llahu  yuhibbu  'Imuhslnin."  Koran,  chap.  3.   ^ ,  />7 

"  Vie  in  haste  for  pardon  from  your  Lord,  and  a  Paradise  vast  as  the 
heavens  and  the  earth,  prepared  for  the  God-fearing,  who  give  alms  alike 
in  f  rosperity  and  in  distress,   and  who  master  their  anger  and  forgive  y 

others.  AAnd  God  lovelh  the  doers  of  good. "^  (Rodwell).  ^ 

"  Sabilu  'Imautl  ghayatu  kulli  has^n  fada'ihi  I'ahli  I'ardhi  dal 
Wa  man  la  srutabat  yas'am  wa  yahram  wa  tusilmahu  'Imanun  ila 
'nqita'i."  Katari. 

"  The  pathway  of  death  is  set  for  all  men  to  travel, 
The  Crier  of  death  proclaims  throughout  the  earth  his  empire. 
Who  dies  not  when  young  and  sound,  dies  old  and  weary, 
Cut  off  in  his  length  of  days  from  all  love  and  kindness." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 
"  Sad  andakhti  tir  wa  bar  sad  khata'st, 
Agar  hushmandi,  yak  andaz  rast."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  Thou  didst  cast  a  hundred  arrows  and  each  one  of  the  hundred  is  a  miss. 
If  thou  art  wise,  cast  one  straight."  (Ci-ARKE). 

"  Sad  dalil  a\irad  muqaJlid  dar  bayan 
Az  qiyasi  giiyad  ura  na  z'aiyan ; 
Mashk  aludast  ama  mashk  nai 
Bue  mashkastash  walijuzpashknai."  Jalaluddiv  Rumu 

"  Though  the  mere  imitator  quotes  a  hundred  proofs. 
They  are  all  based  on  opinion,  not  on  conviction. 
He  is  only  scented  with  musk,  he  is  not  himself  musk. 
He  smells  of  musk  but  is  really  naught  but  dung." 

(Whinkield). 
"  Sad  hazaran  dam  wa  danast  ai  kbuda 
Ma  chu  murgrban  baris  w^a  binawa ; 
Damba  dam  ma  basta-e-dam  nau  im 
Har  eki  kar  baz  wa  Simurghe  shawim. 
Mi  ribani  bar  dami  mara  w^a  baz, 
Sui  dami  me  rawlm,  ey  sarfaraz."  Masnavi,  Rook  I, 


254  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  O  God  there  are  hundreds  of  snares  and  baits 
And  we  are  even  as  greedy  and  foolish  birds  ; 
Every  moment  our  feet  are  caught  in  a  fresh  snare, 
Yea,  each  one  of  us  though  he  be  a  falcon  or  Simurgh, 
Thou  dost  release  us  every  moment  and  straightway 
We  again  fly  into  the  snare,  O  Almighty  one."       Whinfield. 

"  Sad  hazaran  niza'e  Firaun  ra 
Dar  shikast  an  Musa  ba  yak  asa 
Sad  hazaran  tibb  Jalenus  bud 
Pish  Isa  wa  dam  ash  afsus  bud 
Sad  harazaran  dafbar  ash'ar  bud 
Pish  harfummi  ash 'ar  bud."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  The  million  spears  of  Pharaoh  vaunting  in  his  might, 
By  Moses'  wand  were  broken  in  the  appointed  night : 
And  many  sons  of  skill,  for  healing  science  famed 
By  Tesu's  curing  halt,  lame,  blind,  deaf,  mad,  were  shamed  ; 
How  many  poets,  orators,  great  men  of  note. 
By  word  of  the  Illiterate  One  *  were  shown  to  dote." 

(Redhouse). 
"  Safahna  'an  bani  Dhulin  wa  qulna  'Iqaumu  'ikhwanu 
'Asa  'I'ayyamu  'an  yarj'ina  qauman  ka'lladhi  kanu 
Falamma  sarraha  'shsharru  fa'anasa  wa  huwa  'uriyanu 
Wa  lam  yabka  siwa  'I'udwani  dinnahum  kama  danu."        Shahl. 

"  Forgiveness  had  he  for  Hind's  sons. 
We  said  '  The  men  our  brothers  are  : 
The  days  may  bring  that  yet  again 
They  be  the  folk  that  once  they  were.' 
But  when  the  111  stood  clear  and  plain 
And  naked  wrong  was  bare  to-day. 
And  naught  was  left  but  bitter  hate, 
We  paid  them  in  the  coin  they  gave."  (C.  J.  Lyall). 

"  Safar  'id  bashad  bar  an  kad  khuda 
Ki  ba  nawa'e  zishtash  buwad  dar  sara'e 
Dar  khurrami  bar  sara'e  biband 
Ki  bang  zan  az  wai  bar  ayad  buland."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  Travel  is  a  festival  to  that  house-master 
In  whose  house  is  a  wife  of  bad  disposition  ; 
Shut  the  door  of  joyfulness  on  that  house 
From  which  the  wife's  clamour  issues  largely."  (Clarke). 

"  Safar  murabbi  mard  ast  wa  astana'e  jah 
Safar  khazana'e  mal  ast  wa  ustad-i-hunar."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Travel  man's  tutor  is  and  glory's  gate, 
On  travel  treasure  and  instruction  wait."      Eastwick. 

*  Muhammed. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  255 

"  Seig  ba  daryae  haftgrana  mashau 
Kl  chu  tar  shud  palidtar  bashad."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

*•  In  the  seven  seas  would'st  thou  a  dog  make  clean, 
When  wet,  'tis  fouler  than  it  erst  has  been."       (Eastwick)., 

"  8agr-i-ashab-i-kahf  ruze  chand 
Pal  nikan  girlft  wa  mardam  shud."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

'*  The  cave-sleepers'  dog  some  time  remained 
With  good  men  and  the  rank  of  man  attained." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Sahab  qatra'e  baran  za  kuh  wa  na  girlft 
WaiT&rclil  dar  dil  khara  na  ml  kunad  taslr."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  The  clouds  shower  down  their  rain  the  hills  upon. 
Though  in  their  stony  breasts  they  nought  efl'ect." 

Eastwick. 

"  Sakhara  'Ibahra  lit  'akulu  mlnhu  lahman  tarlsTyan  wa  tastakh- 
liju  mlnhu  hllyatan  talbasunaha  wa  tara  'Ifiilka  mawakhlra  flhi 
lltabtagrhu  mln  fadhllhl."  Koran,  cli.ip.  16. 

'*  He  halh  subjected  the  sea  to  you  that  ye  may  eat  of  its  fresh  fish,  and 
take  forth  from  it  ornaments  to  wear,  and  thou  seest  the  ships  ploughing 
its  billows,  and  that  ye  may  go  in  quest  of  His  bounties."     (Rodwell). 

•'  Sakha wat  kunad  nikbakht  Ikhtlyar 
Kl  mard  az  sakha^vat  shawad  bakhtlyar 
Sakhawat  mls-i-albra  kimlyast 
Sakhawat  hama  dardra  dawast."  PANONxtiA  of  S'api. 

"  The  fortunate  maketh  choice  of  liberality 
Because  a  man  is  rendered  happy  thereby. 
Liberality  is  the  elixir  for  transmuting  the  copper  of  defect. 
Liberality  is  the  remedy  for  all  ills."  (Glauwin). 

"  Sakht  khak  aluda  mlayad  sukhan, 
Ab  tlra  shud,  sar-l-chah  band  kun, 
Ta  khuda  ash  baz  saf  wa  khush  kunad, 
Ankl  tlra  kard,  ham  safash  kunad, 
Sabr  arad  arzu,  na  shltab, 
Sabr  kun,  wa  Allah  allm  ba'aawab."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  The  Word  is  become  foul  with  mingled  earth, 
The  water  is  become  muddy  ;  close  the  mouth  of  the  well, 
Till  God  makes  it  again  pure  and  sweet. 
Yea,  till  He  purifies  what  He  has  made  foul ; 
Patience  will  accomplish  thy  desire,  not  haste, 
Be  patient,  God  knows  what  is  best."  (Whinfield). 

"  Salah  dlnl  wa  dunyast  zan-1-nlk 
Zlhl  sa'adat  marde  ki  zan  chunln  darad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 


256  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Sweet  is  the  converse  of  a  virtuous  wife 
Happy  his  fate  who  such  a  spouse  possesses." 

Eastwick. 
"  Salha  bar  tu  bugrzarad  ki  guzar 
Na  kuni  sue  tarbat-i-pidarat 
Tu  ba  jae  pidar  che  kardi  khair 
Ta  haman  chashm  dari  az  pisarat  ?  "  Gulistan,  chap.  6. 

"  Long  years,  successive  years  have  gone 
Since  thou  didst  visit  at  thy  father's  grave, 
What  filial  actions  hast  thou  done, 
That  from  thy  son  thou  shouldst  like  worship  crave  ?  " 

(Eastwick). 
"  Salha  pairaui-mazhab  rindan  kardam 
Ta  bafatwa  khirad  hirs  bazindan  kardam ; 
Naqsh-i-masturi  wa  masti  na  badast-i-man  wa  tu'st 
An  chi  Su.ltan-i-azl  guft  'bikun,'  an  kardam."  Hafiz  Ode,  407. 

"  Me  many  a  year  the  reveller's  path  allured, 
Till  Reason's  verdict  my  desire  immured, 
To  feast,  to  fast,  rests  not  with  thee  or  me. 
The  Lord  Eternal  caused  our  acts  to  be."     (BiCKNELL). 

"  Salha  raftam  safar  az  'ishq  mah 
Bi  khabar  az  rah  wa  hairan  dar  Allah 
Pa  barahna  merawi  bar  khar  wa  sang 
Gufb  man  hairanam  wa  b'ikhwish  wa  nang 
Az  rah  w^a  manzil,  za  kutah  wa  daraz 
Dil  chi  danad  k'ust  mast  dilnawaz."  Jalai.uddin  Rumi. 

"  I  journeyed  years  and  months  for  love  of  that  moon, 
Heedless  of  the  way,  absorbed  in  God, 
With  bare  feet  I  trod  upon  thorns  and  flints. 
Seeing  I  was  bewildered,  and  beside  myself  and  senseless; 
What  knows  the  heart  of  road  and  stages. 
What  of  distant  and  near,  while  it  is  drunk  with  love." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Samih  'akhaka  'idha  khalat  minhu  'I'isabat  bi'lghalat 
Wa  tajafa  'an  t'aniflhi  'in  zagha  yauman  au  qasat, 
Wa'hfadh  saniyaka  'indahu  shakara  'ssaniyata  'am  ghamat." 

Ma<ja.mat  of  Hariri. 

"  Pardon  thy  brother  when  he  mingles  his  right  aiming  with  error. 
And  shrink  from  rebuking  him  if  he  swerve  or  decline, 
Keep  to  thy  kind  dealing  towards  him  whether  he  thank  for  the  kind- 
ness or  slight  it."  (Chenery). 

"  Sang  dar  dast  wa  mar  sar  bar  sang 
Na  kunad  mard-i-hushyar  dirang 
Tarahhum  bar  palang-i-tlz  dandan 
Sitam  kari  buwad  bar  gusfandan."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  257 

**  When  a  stone  is  in  the  hand  ;  on  a  stone  the  serpent's  pate, 
He  is  not  a  man  of  sense  who  to  strike  should  hesitate. 
To  sharp-toothed  tigers  kind  to  be, 
To  harmless  flocks  is  tyranny."  Easiwick. 

"  Sange  ba  chEind  sal  shawad  I'al-i-para, 
Zinhar nafsash  nasbikani  ba  sangl."  Glxisian,  chap.  8. 

"  'Tis  years  before  the  pebble  can  put  on 
The  ruby's  nature.     Wilt  thou  on  a  stone 
In  one  short  moment  mar  what  time  has  done." 

Eastwick. 
"  Sanl  "bi  chun  ctau  'alam  afrid 
Aql  awwal  ra  muqaddam  aft-id ; 
Dih  bud  silak  aqul,  ey  khurda  dan, 
Wa  an  diham  bashad  muassir  dar  jahan ; 
Kar  kun  JuAvad  ast  dar  ^ti  tamam 
Aql  faalash  az  u  kardand  nam 
U'st  dar  'alam  mufaiyaz  khair  wa  sharr 
U'st  dar  grlti  kufail  nafa  wa  zarar."  Jami,  Salaman  and  Absau 

*'  The  Incomparable  Creator  when  this  world 
He  did  create,  created  first  of  all 
The  First  Intelligence.     First  of  a  chain 
Of  Ten  Intelligences,  of  which  the  last 
Sole  agent  is  in  this  our  universe 
Active  intelligence  so  called.     The  one 
Distributor  of  evil  and  of  good, 
Of  joy  and  sorrow."  E.  Fitz(;ekai.d. 

'  Sara'e  wa  madr  asa  wa  bahs-i-llm  w^a  taq  w^a  rawaq 
Chi  sud  Chun  dil-i-dana  wa  chashm-i-bina  nist  ?  "  H  afiz. 

"  Collegiate  halls  and  learned  strifes  where  porch  and  arch  are  high, 
What  profit  they  when  wisdom  fails  or  seeing  eye  is  not.''" 

BiCKNEI/L. 

'  Sar  kl  aqli  az  wai  bipard  dum  shawad."  jALALcuurs  Kumi. 

"  The  head  whose  reason  has  fled  is  a  tail." 

Whinkield. 

'  Sar  ta  sar  afaq  bahawan  Sudan, 
Nih  taq-i-falak  bakhun-i-dil  andudan. 
Sad  sal  digar  asir-1-zindan  budan, 
Bih  z'an  kl  dame  hamdam-1-nadan  budan."  Hakiz. 

"  The  whole  earth  in  a  mortar  to  pound  fine. 
To  smear  thy  heart's  blood  on  heaven's  arches  nine. 
To  be  immured  a  hundred  years  is  less 

Than  with  a  fool  one  moment  to  combine."  BiCKNEi.L. 

17 


258  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Satafarraqu  umtnati  'ala  thalathni  wa  sabi'ina  millatan  kuUu- 
hum  fi  'nnari  ilia  millatun  wahidatun."  Saying  of  Muhammad. 

"  My  people  will  be  divided  into  three  and  seventy  sects,  and  all  of 
them  shall  be  in  the  Fire  save  one  sect." 

"  Satudhri  'ddama  la  'ddam'a,  Idha  'ayanta  la  jam 'a 
Yaqi  fl  'arsati  'Ijam'a,  ■wa  la  khala  wa  la  'amm, 
Ka  'anni  bika  tankhattu  ila  'llahdi  -wa  tanghatu, 
Waqad  'aslamaka  'rrahtu  ila  'adhyaqa  min  samm, 
Hunaka  'Ijismu  mamdudun  liyast'akilahu  'dudu, 
Ila  an  yankhara  'I'udu,  Ava  yumsi  Tadhmu  qad  rainm." 

Hariri,  Maqamat,  II. 

"  Thou  shalt  weep  blood  not  tears,  when  thou  perceivest  that  no  com- 
pany can  protect  thee  in  the  Court  of  Assembling ;  no  kinsman  of  father 
or  mother. 

It  is  as  though  I  could  see  thee  when  thou  goest  down  to  the  vault  and 
divest  deep  ;  when  thy  kinsmen  have  committed  thee  to  a  place  narrower 
than  a  needle's  eye, 

There  is  the  body  stretched  out  that  the  worms  may  devour  it  until  the 
coffin-wood  is  bored  through  and  the  bones  moulder."  (Chekery). 

"  Saya  parwarda  ra  chi  taqat-i-an 
Ki  rawad  ba  mubarizan  baqital 
Sust  bazu  ba  jahl  miafgand 
Panja  ba  mard-i-aliani  changal."  Guhstan,  chap.  8. 

"  He  who  was  nursed  in  soft  repose 
Cannot  with  warriors  to  the  battle  go  ; 
Vain  with  his  weakly  arm  to  close 
And  struggle  with  an  iron-wristed  foe."       Eastwick. 

*'  Sayyad  ki  bar  nagzarad  az  kunjishke 
Dani  chi  kunad  chu  kabak  wa  tihu  binad."  Anwar-i-Slheili. 

"  The  fowler  that  not  sparrows  e'en  will  spare. 
Think  what  he  does  when  game  and  quails  are  there." 

Eastwick. 

"  Ser  amadam  ey  khuda  az  pasta-e-khwisli, 
Az  tanfe'  dili  w^a  az  tihi  dasta-e-kw^ish 
Az  nist  cbu  hast  mekuni  birun  ar 
Z'in  nistiatn  ba  hurmat-i-hasta-e-khwish."  Omak  Khayyam. 

"  Lord,  I  am  tired  of  this  low  state  of  mine, 
This  wretched  lot,  this  beggary  of  mine  ; 
Thou  makest  all  from  naught,  bring  me  from  naught. 
Into  that  sacred  being  which  is  thine."  (Whinfield). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  259 

■*'  Shab  erurizad  chunk!  nur  amad  za  dur 
Pas  chi  danad  zulmat  shab  hal-i-nur 
Pasha  bierurizad  za  bad-i-badha 
Pas  chi  danad  pasha  zauq  badha ; 
Chun  qadim  ayad  hadas  grardad  'abas 
Pas  kuja  danad  qadimi  ra  hadas."  Jalai.uodin  Ruml 

"  When  the  clay  dawns  from  heaven,  night  flees  away 
What  then  can  its  darlcness  know  of  the  nature  of  light? 
The  gnat  scuds  away  before  the  blast  of  the  winds, 
What  then  knows  the  gnat  of  the  savour  of  the  winds? 
When  the  Eternal  appears,  the  transitory  is  annulled, 
What  then  knows  the  transitory  of  the  Eternal  ?  " 

(Whinfiei.d). 
■"  Shab-i-tarik-i-dustan-i-khuda 
Mibitabad  chu  ruz-i-rakhshlnda 
Wa  in  sa'dat  ba  zur-i-bazu  nist 
Ta  na  bakhshad  khuda'e  bakhshinda."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  The  dark  night  of  the  friends  of  heaven 
Shines  with  the  brilliant  light  of  day; 
Not  to  man's  might  is  this  rich  blessing  given, 
It  comes  from  God,  no  other  way."  (Eastwick). 

"  Shab-i-tarik  wa  bim  mauj  wa  girdabi  chunln  hall 
Kuja  danand  hal-i-ma  sabuk  barani  sahilaha."  Hafiz. 

"  The  waves  are  wild,  the  whirlpool  dreadful,  the  shadgw  of  the  night 
steals  o'er. 
How  can  my  fate  excite  compassion  in  the  light-burdened  of  the  shore  ?  " 

(BiCKNELI,)- 

"  Shaha  falakat  bi  khusrui  t'ain  kard 
Wa  za  bahr-i-tu  asp  padshahi  zln  kard, 
Ta  dar  harakat  samand  zarrin  sum  tu 
Bar  gril  nihand  pa-e-zamin  simin  kard."  Omar  Khawam. 

"  Oh  Shah  !  heaven  portioned  sovereignty  to  thee, 
And  saddled  power  thy  glorious  steed  to  be, 
And  where  thy  charger  sets  his  golden  hoofs, 
Earth  glitters  like  some  golden  tapestry."       (Whinfield). 

■"  Shahra  bih  buwad  az  ta'at-i-sadsala  wa  zuhd 
Qadri  yak  saata  'umri  ki  daru  dad  kunad."  Hafiz. 

"  For  better  in  a  king  one  hour  in  deeds  of  justice  passed. 
Than  piety  and  works  austere  that  five-score  years  should  last." 

BiCKNELL. 

'"  Shakar  bar  tute  flkun,  murdar  pish  gurgran."        Kasim  Al  Anwar. 

'•  Throw  sugar  to  the  parrot,  but  place  carrion  before  the  wolf." 

(Ouseley). 


26o  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Shakh  ki  bi  mewa  buwad  nakhush  ast 
Matbakhan  ra  madad-i-atish  ast."  ANWAK-i-SinKii.r. 

"  The  barren  branches  do  but  shock  the  eye, 
And  can  but  fuel  to  the  cook  supply."  Eastwick. 

"  Shakh-i-niki  sa'adat  arad  bar 
Gul  na  chinad  kase  ki  karad  khar 
Chun  yaqin  shud  jaza'e  nafa'  ^wa  zarar 
Nikui  kun  ki  nikui  bihtar."  An\var-i-Suheii.u 

"Joy's  fruit  upon  the  branch  of  kindness  grows, 
Who  sows  the  bramble  will  not  pluck  the  rose  ; 
Since  lo.«s  or  gain  are  to  our  acts  assigned, 
Do  good,  for  'tis  far  better  good  to  find."  Eastwick. 

"  Shakhsam  ba  chashm-i-'aliman  khub  manzarast 
Wa  za  khubs-i-batinam  sar-i-khajlat  nihada  pish 
Tausra  ba  naqsh  •wa  nig-ari  ki  hast,  khalq 
Tahsin  kunand,  wa  u  khajal  az  pae  zisht-i-kh-wish." 

GuLisTAN,  chap.  2. 

"  My  person  in  men's  eyes  is  fair  to  view 

But  for  my  inward  faults  shame  bows  my  head  ; 

The  peacock  lauded  for  his  brilliant  hue 

Is  by  his  ugly  feet  discomfited."  (Eastwick). 

"  Shakhse  hama  shab  ba  sar-i-bimar  grist 
Chun  ruz  shud  u  bamurd  wa  bimar  bazist."  Gulistan.. 

"  A  person  wept  the  live-long  night  beside  a  sick  man's  bed  ; 
When  it  dawned  the  sick  was  well,  and  the  mourner,  he  was  dead." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Sham 'a  parw^ana  ra  basukht  wale 
Zud  buriyan  shawad  ba  raugan-i-khwish."  Anwar-i-Suheii.i. 

"  The  taper  did  the  moth  consume,  'tis  true. 
Burned  in  its  wax,  it  soon  will  perish  too."    Eastwick. 

"  Shams  dar  kharij  agarchi  hast  fard 
Mi-tawan  ham  misl-i-u  taswir  kard 
Shams-i-jan  k'u  kharij  amad  az  asir 
Na  bud  ash  dar  zihn  w^a  dar  kharij  nazir."  Jalaluddin  Rumi.. 

"  Though  the  material  sun  is  unique  and  single. 
We  can  conceive  similar  suns  like  to  it, 
But  the  Sun  of  the  soul  beyond  this  firmament. 
No  like  thereof  is  seen  in  concrete  or  abstract." 

Whinfield. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  261 

*'  Shamshir-i-nik  za  ahani  bad  chun  kunad  kase? 
Na  kas  ba  tarbiyat  nashawad,  ey  hakim,  kas 
Baran  ki  dar  latafat-i-tab*aash  khllaf  nist 
Dar  baerh  lala  roiyad  wa  dar  bum  khas."  Gulistak,  chap.  i. 

"  Who  can  from  faulty  iron  good  swords  frame  ? 
Teaching,  O  sage,  lends  not  the  worthless  worth, 
The  rain  whose  bounteous  nature's  still  the  same 
Gives  flowers  in  gardens,  thorns  in  salt  land  birth. 

(Eastwick). 
"  Sharab-i-lutf-i-khudawandra  kirane  nist 
Wa  grar  kiranash  numayad  qusur-i-Jaxn  buwad." 

Diwan-i-Shams-nTabriz. 

**  The  wine  of  God's  grace  hath  no  brim. 

If  it  appear  to  have  a  brim,  'tis  the  fault  of  the  cup." 

(Nicholson). 

"  SharafU'I  makan  bi  '1-inakln."  Araimc  Pkoverd. 

*'  The  dignity  of  the  dwelling  is  in  the  dweller." 

E,  G.  Urowne. 

*'  Sharru  Twara  man  yavimuhu  'akhsaru  mln  'amsihi." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  4. 

*•  The  worst  of  men  is  he  whose  to-day  falls  short  of  his  yesterday." 

(Chexery). 
*'  Sharbat-i-angB,bin  ma  jui  az  dahr 
Ki  bar  amikhta  ast  shahd  ba  zahr, 
Tu  tasauvrwlr  kuni  ki  an  'asal  ast, 
Wa  an  'asal  nist,  'asal  jalist."  Awvar-j-Suheili. 

"  Think  not  sweet  sherbet  from  the  world  to  drink, 
Honey  with  poison  is  commingled  there. 
That  which  thou  fondly  dost  sweet  honey  think 
Is  but  the  deadly  potion  of  despair."  Eastwick. 

*'  Sharmat  niayad  az  in  tabahi  kardan 
Z'in  tark-i-awamir  Ava  navrahi  kardan, 
Giram  ki  sarasar  injahan  mulk-i-tu  shud 
Juz  an  ki  rlha  kuni,  chi  khwahi  kardan  ?  "  Omar  Kh avvam. 

"  Have  you  no  shame  for  all  the  ill  you  do? 
Sins  of  omission  and  commission  too? 
Suppose  you  gain  the  world,  you  can  but  leave  it. 
You  cannot  carry  it  away  with  you."  '        Whinfield. 

"  Sharra    'ddawabbi    Ind    'Uahi    'ssumu    'Ibukmu    'lladhina   la 

ya'qilun."  Koran,  chap.  7. 

"  The  vilest  beasts  in  God's  sight  are  the  deaf,  the  dumb  who  under- 
stand not."  (RODWELL). 


262  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Sh'ar  Ava  hirs  dani  chist 
An  yake  tifl  wa  an  digar  daya."  Anwari.. 

"  Dost  thou  know  what  poetry  and  covetousness  are? 
The  former  is  the  child  and  the  latter  the  nurse." 
^  (E.  G.  Browne). 

"  Sheikhe  bazan-i-fahisha  gufta  '  Masti ; 
Har  lahza  badam-i-digare  pa  basti,' 
Gufta  '  Sheikha  har  anchi  gui,  hastam, 
Amma  tu  chunanki  me  numai  hasti  ? ' "  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  A  Shaikh  beheld  a  harlot  and  quoth  he, 
'  You  seem  a  slave  to  drink  and  lechery  ; ' 
And  she  made  answer,  '  What  I  seem,  I  am, 
But,  Master,  are  j'ou  all  you  seem  to  be  ?'  "  Whinfield. 

"  Sher  ra  salsala  dar  gardan  wa  ruba  hama  shab 
Farigh  ul  bal  bar  atlal  wa  daman  migardad."  Anwar-i-Suheilu 

"  The  chain  is  on  the  lion's  neck  while  the  jackal  all  night  long. 
With  thoughtless  freedom  ranges  the  ruined  wastes  among." 

Eastwick. 

"  Shigufa  gah  shiguftast,  gah  khushida, 
Darakht  waqt  barahna  w^a  waqt  pushida."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  The  bud  now  blossoms ;  withered  now  is  found  ; 
The  tree  now  naked,  now  with  leaves  is  crowned." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Shikam  band  dast  ast  wa  zanjir-i-pae 
Shikam  banda  kamtar  parastad  khtida'e."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  The  belly  binds  the  hands,  the  feet  unnerves. 
He  heeds  not  heaven  who  his  belly  serves."    (Eastwick). 

"  Shikasta  qadah  gar  bi  bandand  chust 
Ni  aurd  khwahad  baha'e  durust."  Bostan  ok  S'adi,  chap.  9. 

"  If  they  cleverly  piece  together  the  broken  goblet, 
It  will  not  fetch  the  price  of  the  perfect  one."  Clarke. 

"  Shukr  qadarash  qudratat  afzun  kunad, 
Jabr  ni'amat  az  guft  birun  kunad ; 
Jabr-i-tu  khuftan  buad  dar  rah,  makhvisp, 
Ta  bini  an  dar  w^a  dargah,  makhusp."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Giving  thanks  for  blessing  increases  blessings 

But  fatalism  snatches  those  blessings  from  your  hands, 

Your  fatalism  is  to  sleep  on  the  road  ;  sleep  not 

Till  ye  behold  the  gate  of  the  king's  palace."        Whinfield, 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  263 

"  Shuma  dilha  nlerah  darid,  man  bari,  Musalmanan, 
Chunan  amikhtam  ba  u,  kl  dil  ba  man  niamizad, 
Nukhust  az  ishq-i-u  zadam,  ba  akhir  dil  badu  dadam, 
Chu  mewa  zayad  az  shakhi,  badan  shakh  andar  awizad." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabkiz. 

"  Look  to  your  hearts  !     I  whatever  betide,  O  Moslems, 

Am  so  mingled  with  Mim,  that  no  heart  is  mingled  with  me,  ; 

I  was  born  of  His  love  at  the  first,  I  gave  Him  my  love  at  the  last, 
When  the  fruit  springs  from  the  lx)ugh,  on  that  bough  it  hangs."  "*J 

(Nicholson). 

"  Shunidam  ki  dar  ruzgar-i-qadlm 
Shude  sangr  dar  dast-i-abdal  aim ; 
Na  piudari  in  qaul  m'eiqul  nist 
Chu  razi  shudi,  aim  wa  sangrat  yak  ast."       Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  c. 

*'  I  heard  that  in  ancient  times 

A  stone  used,  in  the  hands  of  the  pious,  to  become  silver ; 

Thou  thinkest  not  that  this  speech  is  unreasonable, 

When  thou  becomest  content,  silver  and  stone  are  alike  to  thee." 

(Clarke). 
"  Shunidam  ki  mardan-i-rah-i-khuda 
Dil-i-dushmanan  ham  nakardand  tangr ; 
Tiu-a  kai  muyassar  shawad  in  maqam 
Ki  ba  dustanat  khilafast  wa  jang?"  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  The  men  of  God's  true  faith  I've  heard, 
Giieve  not  the  hearts  e'en  of  their  foes. 
When  will  this  station  be  conferred. 
On  thee  who  dost  thy  friends  oppose?"     (Eastwick). 

"  Shur  bakhtan  ba  arzu  khwahand 
Muqbilanra  zawal-i-n'imat  wa  jah 
Gar  na  binad  ba  ruz  shapparah  chashm. 
Chashma-e-aftabrachigunah?"        ^  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

'•  The  wretched  long  to  witness  the  decay 
Of  fortune's  favours  to  the  happier  few, 
But  though  the  bat  be  visionless  by  day, 
Can  we  lor  this  a  fault  or  failing  view- 
In  the  sun's  fount  of  light?"  (Kastwick). 

"  Shutur  ba  chashma-i-suzan  birun  na  khwahad  shud 
Hasud-i-kham  tama',  gru  darin  hawas  bi'gda'z."  Dhahik. 

"  The  camel  will  not  go  through  the  eye  of  a  needle, 

Bid  thine  envier  with  his  crude  ambitions  melt  in  this  vain  endeavour." 

(E.  G.  Browne). 
"  Sifle  na  khwahad  digarera  bakam 

Khas  nagzarad  meiRasra  bajam 

Bi-hunaran  sad  hil  arand  pish 

Ta  na  rawad  kar-i-hunarmand  pish."  Akwar-i-Scheilu 


264  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  The  mean  man  grudges  others  their  success, 
And  so  the  miser  would  the  fly  expel 
From  the  same  cup.     Endless  the  tricks,  finesse, 
That  knaves  who  neither  act  nor  prosper  well 
Will  try,  lest  fortune  should  true  merit  bless." 

Eastwick. 

"  Sikandar-ra  na  mi-bakhshand  abe 
Bazur  ■wa  zar  muyassar  nist  in  kar 
Khirad  harchand  naqdi-ka'inat  ast 
Chi  sanjad  pish  ishq  kimiagar?"  Hafiz  Ode.  282.. 

"  In  vain  Sikandar  for  the  water  sighs. 

Nor  gold  nor  strength  gains  access  to  the  prize  ; 

Though  reason's  coin  may  in  the  world  assist, 

What  is  it,  weighed  by  Love  the  Alchemist?"    Bicknei.l. 

"  Sim-i-bakhil  waqte  az  khak  bar  ayad  ki  way  ba  khak  dar  ayad.' 

Gllistan,  chap.  7. 

"  The  silver  of  the  miser  is  disinterred  when  he  is  interred." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Simurgh  -war  chun  nata"wran  kard  qasd-i-Qaf 
Chun  s'awa  khurd  bash  wa  faru  gir  bal  wa  par."      Sultan  Timoor. 

*'  If  thou  canst  not  soar  like  the  Simurgh  to  the  heights  of  the  Caucasus, 
Be  thou  small  like  the  sparrow,  and  fold  up  thy  wings  and  feathers." 

(Kuka). 

*'  Sim  w^a  zar  bar  ma  la  shai  ast  w^a  bi  miqdar 
Dilast  matlab-i-ma  gar  mara  talabgari, 
Za  'arsh  w^a  kursi  wa  lauh  w^a  qalam  fazun  bashad 
Dile  kharab  ki  anra  kahi  bishumari."  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tahriz. 

"  Nor  gold  nor  silver  seek  I  but  above 
All  gifts,  the  heart,  and  buy  it  with  my  love. 
Yea  !  one  sad  contrite  heart  which  men  despise, 
More  than  my  throne  and  fixed  decree  I  prize." 

(Falconer). 

"  Sirrat  hama  Dana'e  falak  midanad 
K'u  mui  ba  mui  w^arak  baraq  midanad 
Giram  ki  ba  ziraq  khalqra  bi  faribi 
Ba  u  chi  kuni  ki  yak  ba  yak  midanad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Heaven's  Sovereign  Lord  knows  all  thy  mystery. 
He  can  thy  every  hair  and  vein  descry. 
Granted  thy  wiles  may  blind  thy  fellow-man. 
Can  they  cheat  Him  who  does  all  nature  scan  ?  " 

Eastwick. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  265 

"  Sirr  az  hama  nakasan  nihan  bayad  dasht, 
Raz  az  hama  ablahan  nihan  bayad  dasht, 
Binerar  ki  bajae  marduman  chi  kuni 
Chashm  az  hama  marduman  nihan  bayad  dasht." 

Omar  Khavvam. 

**  To  knaves  tliy  secret  we  must  not  confide, 
To  comprehend  it  is  to  fools  denied  ; 
See  then  to  what  hard  case  Thou  doomest  men, 
Our  hopes  from  one  and  all  perforce  we  hide." 

(Whinfikld). 

*"  Sirre  k'ash  az  dushman  nihuftan  lazim  ast 
Bih  ki  az  afsha'i  an  ba  dusti  kam  dam  zanl ; 
Dida  am  bisyar  k'az  salr  sipar  kaj  nihad 
Dustan  dushman  shawand  wa  dustiha  dushmanl." 

Jami,  Biiiakistan,  2. 

"  A  secret  necessary  to  be  concealed  from  a  foe, 
Thou  wilt  do  well  not  to  reveal  it  even  to  a  friend  ; 
I  have  seen  many  who  in  course  of  capricious  time 
Became  foes  from  friends,  and  amity  to  enmity  turned." 

Rehatsek. 

■*  Slru  fl  'I'ardhi  fa  'ndhuru  kaifa  kana  'a,qibatu  'Unujrimin." 

KoKAN,  chup.  27. 

"  Go  ye   through  the  land  and  see  what  hath   been  the  end  of  the 
wicked."  (Rodwell). 

■"  Sitam-lcash  grar  ahe  bar  tirad  za  dil 
Zanad  suz-i-u  shu'ala  dar  ab  Ava  gll 
Makun  bar  z'alfan  bichara  zur 
Bi  andish  akhir  za  taneri  grur."  Pand-nama  op  S'aou 

"  If  the  oppressed  sendeth  out  from  his  heart  one  sigh. 
The  heat  thereof  will  set  in  flames  Ijoth  sea  and  land ; 
Oppress  not  the  weak  who  arc  incapable  of  making  resistance, 
Think  of  the  end  and  of  the  punishment  in  the  grave." 

Gladwin. 

"  Sitanad  zaban  az  rakiban-i-raz 
KI  ta  raz-i-Sultan  na  gruyand  baz."  Nizami. 

"  He  taketh  the  tongue  from  such  as  share  the  mystery. 
So  that  they  may  not  repeat  the  king's  secret." 

(E.  G.  Brow.ne). 

""  Situn-i-khirad  burdbari  buwad 
Subuk-sar  hamesha  ba  khwari  buwad."  Anwak-i-Si  heili. 

"  In  patience  reason's  prop  we  see, 

And  man  disgraced  by  levity."'  Eastwick. 


266  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Subhan  'lladhi  'asra  biabdihi  lailan  mina  'Imasjidi  'Iharami  ila. 
'Imasjidi  'la'qsa  'lladhi  barakna  haulahu  linuriyahu  min  aiyatina- 
innahu  huwa  ssami'u  'Ibasir." 

I  declare  the  glory  of  Ilim  who  transported  His  servant  by  night  from 
he  sacred  temple  to  the  temple  that  is  more  remote,\whose  precinct  we 
have  blessed  that  we  might  show   him  of  our  signs  !  '  He  verily  is  the- 
Hearer,  the  Beholder."  Kuran,  chap.  xvii.     /< 

"  Subhast,  saqia,  qadahe  pur  sharab  kun, 
Daur-i-falak  dirang  na  darad,  shitab  kun,  • 

Z'an  peshtar  ki  'alam-i-fani  shawad  kharab, 
Ma  ra  zi  jam-i-bada'e  gulg-vm  kharab  kun 
Ruze  ki  charkh  az  gil-i-ma  kuzaha  kunad, 
Zinhar,  kasa'e  sar-i-ma  pur  sharab  kun."  Hafiz  Ode,  459. 

I  *'  'Tis  morn,  O  Saki,  fill  the  wine-cup  high, 

Be  quick  ;  the  lieavens  delay  not  as  they  fly, 
Ere  yet  this  fading  world  to  ruin  goes 
My  senses  ruin  with  thy  wine  of  rose. 
"When  Fate  at  last  makes  flagons  of  my  clay 
With  wine,  forget  not,  fill  my  skull  that  day." 

(BlCKNEl.l.). 

"  Sud  -wa  ziyan  -wa  maya  chvi  kh-wahad  shudan  zi  dast 
Gu  bahar  in  mu'amala  ghamgin  mabash  -wa  shad 
Badat  badast  bashad,  agar  dil  nihi  bahich, 
Dar  m'araza  ki  takht-i-Suleiman  ra-wad  babad 
Bi  khar  gul  na  bashad,  -wa  bi  nish  nush  ham 
Tadbir  chist?  -waz'a-i-jahan  inchunin  futad."  Hakiz  Ode,  264. 

"  As  loss  and  gain  and  capital  shall  soon  no  more  be  thine. 
Whatever  to  thy  lot  may  fall,  rejoice  not  nor  repine. 
When  the  heart's  hope  on  Nothing  rests,  the  hand  grasps  wind  alone. 
In  this  abode  where  wind  has  swept  from  Solomon  his  throne, 
Upon  the  rose  the  thorn  is  found,  a  sting  in  honey  lurks. 
What  counsel  can  avail  us  aught  ?     This  law  in  all  things  works." 

(Bicknell). 
"  Sue  tigh  ishqash  ey  nang-i-zaman 
Sad  hazaran  jan  nigar  dastak  zanan, 
Jui  didi,  kuza  andar  jui  riz 
Abra  az  jue  kai  bashad  guriz  ? 
Ab  kuza  chun  dar  ab  ju  shawad 
Mah-w  gardaddar-wai -waju  u  sha-wad."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  O  base  one,  behuld  a  hundred  thousand  souls 
Dancing  towards  the  deadly  sword  of  his  love. 
Behold  water  in  a  pitcher  ;  pour  it  out ; 
Will  that  water  run  away  from  the  stream  ? 
When  that  water  joins  the  water  of  the  stream 
It  is  lost  therein  and  becomes  itself  the  stream." 

Whinfielu.. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  267- 

Sufi  ibn-ul-waqt  bashad  dar  misal 

Lek  safl  farigh  ast  az  waqt  wa  hal ; 

Halaha  mauquf  flkr  wa  rae-i-u 

Zinda  az  nafah  Masih  asae  u  ; 

Ashiq  hali  na  ashiq  bar  mani 

Bar  ummid  hal  bar  man  me  tanl."  Jalaluddin  Rimi 

"  The  Sufi  is  as  it  were,  the  '  son  of  the  season' 
But  the  pure  is  exalted  above  season  and  stale, 
Religious  raptures  depend  on  feelings  and  will 
But  the  pure  one  is  regenerated  by  the  breath  of  Jesus, 
You  are  a  lover  of  your  own  raptures,  not  of  me, 
You  turn  to  me  only  in  hope  of  experiencing  raptures." 

W'lUNFIKl.I). 

'  Suhbat-i-ablahan  chu  digh  tihist 
K'az  dirun  khali  az  birun  siyahast."  Anwar-i-Slheili. 

"  Fools'  company  like  to  an  eniptj  pot 
Is  black  without  and  aught  within  is  not."      Eastwick. 

'  Suhbat-i-an  kas  ki  ba  sidq  wa  safa'st 
Daman-i-u  gir  ki  ahl  wafa'st 
Mail  kase  kun  ki  wafayat  kunad 
Jan  sipar-i-tir-i-balayat  kunad ; 
Bahri  chunan  dust  ki  jani  buwad 
Dusti  jan  za  grirani  buwad."  Anwar-i-Suhf.ii.i. 

"  Whose  converse  is  sincere  and  free  from  wile. 
Grasp  thou  his  skirt  for  he  will  faithful  be  ; 
And  seek  the  man  whose  acts  are  void  of  guile, 
Who  against  fortune's  arrow  would  shield  thee 
With  life.     Friends  who  at  core  devoted  are. 
Their  love  than  life  itself  is  dearer  far."  Eastwick. 

"  Suhbat-i-8hahra  za  rue  qlyas 
Hamchu  darya'e  bi-glrana  shinas 
Ba  chunin  bahr  pvu-  za  khauf  wa  khatax 
Har  ki  nazdiktar  parishantar."  Anwar-i-Suheh  i. 

"  Would'st  thou  judge  right  of  princes'  company, 
Then  view  it  as  a  vast  and  shoreless  sea  ; 
To  such  an  ocean  full  of  risk  and  fear. 
Most  wretched  aye  the  man  that  is  most  near." 

Eastwick. 

"  Suhbat-i-yaran  ghanimat  dan  ki  naqd-i-zindagi 
Khass  az  bahri  nisar  suhbat-i-yaran  khushast 
Khush  buwad  bahri  tamasha'e  gulshan  umr  aziz 
Wa  an  tEimasha  ham  ba  didar  hawadaran  khushast." 

Anwar-i-Suhf.ilu 


268  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

*'  Prize  high  the  converse  of  thy  friends,  for  know,  the  coin  of  life-time  here 
Was  given  but  to  scatter  at  the  feet  of  those  that  we  hold  dear, 
Oh  life  is  precious,  but  to  view  the  flowers  that  in  the  world  appear, 
This  spectacle  is  joyous  but  when  friends  and  those  we  love  are  near." 

Eastwick. 
*'  Sukhan  ang-ah  kunad  hakim  aghaz 
Ya  sar-i-angusht  sue  luqma  daraz 
Ki  za  na  guftanash  khalal  zayad 
Ya  za  nakhurdanash  bajan  ayad 
La  jurm  hikmatash  buad  gnftar 
Khurdanash  tandurusti  arad  bar."  Gulistan,  ch.np.  3. 

"  The  wise  will  then  begin  their  speech, 
Then  towards  food  their  fingers  reach. 
When  silence  would  with  ills  be  rife 
When  lasting  would  endanger  life  ; 
Such  speech  were,  certes,  wisdom  too. 
And  from  such  food  will  health  accrue."    (Eastwick). 

""  Sukhan  dan-i-parwarda  pir-i-kuhan 
Bi  andishad  angah  baguyad  sukhan 
Mazan  bi-taammul  ba  guftar  dam 
Niku  gui  gar  der  gui,  chi  gham?"  Gulistan,  Preface. 

"  The  well-taught  orators,  the  men  of  age 

First  ponder  well,  and  then  their  thoughts  declare, 

Waste  not  thy  breath  in  thoughtless  speech  ;  if  sage 

Thy  counsel,  slowness  will  it  nought  impair."     (Eas'iwick). 

"*'  Sukhan  div  bandist  dar  chah-i-dil 
Ba  bala'e  kam  wa  zabanash  ma  hil."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  Speech  is  a  demon  confined  in  the  heart's  well. 
Let  it  not  go  to  the  height  of  palate  and  tongue." 

(Ci.arkp:). 
"  Sukhan  durr  ast  -wa  taalluq  ba  gush-1-Shah  darad." 

AN\VAU-I-SUI1EII,1. 

"  Speech  is  a  pearl  befits  the  ear  of  kings."       Eastwick. 

"  Sukhan-i-shah  shahhar  sukhan  ast."  Akhlaq-i-Mlhsim. 

"  The  word  of  a  king  is  the  King  of  words."  Kkexe. 

"  Sukhan  ta  na  gui,  bar  u  dast  hast, 
Chu  gufta  shawad,  yabad  u  bar  tu  dast."     Bostax  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  So  long  as  thou  utterest  not  speech,  to  thee  there  is  power  over  it, 
When  it  becomes  uttered,  it  obtains  mastery  over  thee."  (Clarke). 

"  Sukhan  ta  na  gufti  tawanash  guft 
Wale  gufta  ra  baz  natawan  nihuft,"  Anwak-i-Suiieii,i. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS--  269. 

"  Thou  canst  the  unsaid  or  say  or  else  abstain, 
Once  spoken,  no  conceahnenl  will  remain."     Eastwick. 

"  Sukuni  badast  awar  ai  bi  sabat 
Ki  basaner-i-g1rdan  na  roiad  nabat."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  6. 

"  O  one  without  [jermanence  bring  tranquility  to  thy  hand, 

For  %egetalion  grows  not  on  the  rolling  stone."  (Cl.ARKK). 

"  Sulh  izdad  ast  umr  in Jahan."  Jalallddin  Rumi. 

"  The  life  of  this  world  is  a  truce  between  opposites." 

"  Sunnate  banihad  za  asbab  wa  tarq 
Taliban  ra  zir  in  nile  tutuq 
Ey  gririftar-i-sabab  birun  mabar 
Lek  azal  an  Musabbib  zan  mabar 
Ba  sababha  az  Musabbib  ghafili 
Sue  in  rupushaha  z'an  mairi."  An\vak-i-Sukbii.i. 

"  To  study  ways  and  means  is  GoJ's  decree, 
To  all  beneath  the  sky's  blue  canopy. 
By  causes  chained,  seek  not  from  cause  to  fly, 
Yet  doubt  not  the  first  Cause  is  Deity, 
Art  thou  through  causes  to  their  Cause  supine, 
Can'st  thou  from  Him  to  those  veiled  ones  incline?" 

"  Sunnat  ma  kun  ^va  farizhara  bugrzar 
Wa  an  luqma  ki  dari  za  kasan  baz  madar 
Ohaibat  makun  wa  majui  kasra  azar 
Ham  wada-e-an  jahan  manam  bada  biar."  Omar  Khayvam. 

"  Heed  not  traditions,  forms  or  discipline. 
So  that  you  injure  none,  and  none  malign, 
And  ne'er  withhold  your  store  from  \vorlhy  men, 
I  guarantee  you  heaven, — and  now  some  wine." 

(Whinfiei.d). 
"  Surat  az  bisurati  amad  birun, 
Baz  shud  '  k'anna  alaihi  rajlun ; ' 
Pas  tura  bar  lahza  marg^  raj'atist 
Mustafa  farmud  dunya  sa'atist ; 
Fikr-i-ma  tirast  az  Hu  dar  hawa, 
Dar  hawa  kai  payad,  ayad  ta  khuda."  Jalaluddin-  Rumi. 

"  Form  is  born  of  that  which  is  without  form, 
Wherefore  to  thee  every  moment  comes  death  and  *  return,' 
Mustafa*  saith  'The  world  endureth  only  a  moment,' 
So  thought  is  an  arrow  shot  by  God  into  the  air. 
How  can  it  stay  in  the  air?     It  returns  to  G(k1."       Whinfield.. 

*  ••  The  chosen  one,"  i.e.,  Muhammad. 


270  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Suratgar-i-naqqasham,  har  lahza  bute  sazam 
Wa  angah  hama  buthara  dar  pish-i-tu  bigdazam 
Sad  naqsh  bar  angizam,  ba  ruh  dar  amizam 
Chun  naqsh-i-tura  binam  dar  atishash  andazam, 
Tu  saqi  khammari  ya  dushman-i-hushyari 
Ya  anki  kuni  wiran  har  khana  ki  bar  sazam 
Jan  rikhta  shud  ba  tu,  amikhta  shud  ba  tu, 
Chun  bui  tu  darad,  jan  janra  hala  binawazam." 

DlWAK-I-SllAMS-I-TAliinZ. 

•"  I  am  a  painter,  a  maker  of  pictures  ;  every  moment  I  shape  a  beauteous 
form, 
And  then  in  thy  presence  I  melt  them  all  away. 
I  call  up  a  hundred  phantoms  and  endue  them  with  a  spirit 
When  I  behold  thy  phantom,  I  cast  them  in  the  fire, 
Art  thou  the  vintner's  cup-bearer  or  the  enemy  of  him  who  is  sober, 
Or  is  it  thou  who  mak'st  a  ruin  of  every  house  I  build  ? 
In  thee  the  soul  is  dissolved,  with  thee  it  is  mingled, 
So  I  will  cherish  the  soul,  because  it  has  a  perfume  of  thee." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Ta  'azza  fa'inna  'ssabra  bilhurri  aj  malu  wa  laisa  'ala  raibi  'zza- 
mani  mu'awallu."  Idrahim  h.n  Kunaif. 

"  Be  patient ;  for  free-born  men  to  bear  is  the  fairest  thing. 
And  refuge  against  time's  wrong  and  help  from  his  hurt  is  none." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 

"  Ta  ba  dukan  wa  khana  dar  girawl 
Hargiz  ey  kham,  admi  na  shawi, 
Birau,  andar-i-jahan  taflFaraj  kun, 
Pish  az  an  ruz  k'az  jahan  birawi."  Gulistan,  chap.  3. 

'*  Whilst  thou  art  wedded  to  thy  shop  and  home, 
O  simpleton  !  a  man  thou  ne'er  wilt  he  ; 
Go  bliihely  forth  and  in  the  wide  world  roam, 
Ere  thou  roam'st  from  it  to  eternity."  (East wick). 

"  Ta  bitawani  ranja  magardan  kasra. 
Bar  atish-i-khashm-i-khwish  manshan  kasra, 
Gar  rahat-i-jawidan  tarn 'a  medari 
Meranj  hamesha  wa  maranjan  kasra."  Omar  Khawam. 

"  Whate'er  thou  doest,  never  grieve  thy  brother. 
Nor  kindle  fumes  of  wrath  his  peace  to  smother. 
Dost  thou  desire  to  taste  eternal  bliss. 
Vex  thine  own  heart,  but  never  vex  another." 

(WhJNI'IELD). 

"  Tabban  litalibi  dunya,  thanna  alaiha  'nsibabihi 
Wa  lau  dara,  lakafahu  mimma  yarumu  sababihi." 

Maqam.\t  of  Hariki,  chap,  i 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  271 

■*'  Woe  to  him  who  seeks  the  world  and  turns  to  it  his  careering, 

Oh,  if  he  were  wise,  but  a  drop  of  what  he  seeks  would  content  him  ! " 

(Chi-nkrv). 

"'  Ta  dil-i-dustan  badast  arl,  bustan-l-pidr  farukhtan  bih, 
Pukhtan-i-dier-i-nik  khiwahanra  bar  chi  rakht-i-sar  ast  sukhta 

bih 
Ba  badandish  ham  nlku'i  kun.  dlhan-i-saer  ba  luqma  dukhta  bih." 

Cllistan,  chap.  i. 

•'  To  gain  thy  friends'  afl'ection,  sell  the  garden  of  thy  sire  ; 

To  gain  them  food,  protection,  with  tliy  goods  go  feed  the  fire, 

Show  kindness  even  to  thy  foes,  the  dog's  mouth  with  a  morsel  close." 

(Eastvvick). 
"  Tafawut  kunad  hargriz  ab-i-zilal, 

Garash  kuza  zarrin  buwad  ya  sifal  ? 

Khirad  bayad  andar  sar-i-mard  -wa,  magrhz 

Na  bayad  mara  chun  tu  dastar  naghaz."      Bosta.v  of  .S'aui,  chap.  4. 

"  Is  drinking  water  ever  different 
If  its  vessel  be  golden  or  earthen  ? 
Wisdom  and  brain  witliin  man's  head  are  necessary, 
F"or  me,  like  thee,  a  beautiful  turban  is  unnecessary." 

(Clarke). 
"  Ta  gham  na  khurad  wa  dard  nayafead  qadr  mard 
Ta  I'al  khun  na  kard  jigrar  qimate  na  yaft ; 
Az  nama'e  sa'adat  khud  mard  rah-rau 
Bi  dagrh-i-mihnati  raqm  daulate  na  yafb."  Anwar-i-Sl  heu.i. 

"  None  will  be  honoured  till  they  suffer  grief  and  toil  and  pain. 
The  ruby  must  effuse  its  heart's  blood,  ere  it  value  gain. 
Ne'er  did  the  traveller  trace  out  in  the  scroll  of  happiness, 
Clear  from  blot  of  toil  and  trouble,  the  handwriting  of  success." 

Eastuick. 
""  Tahammul  chu  zahrat  numayad  nakhust 
Wali  shahd  gardad  chu  dar  tab'a  rust."        Bostan  of  S'aui,  chap.  4. 

"  Endurance  appears,  at  first,  to  thee  like  poison. 
But  when  it  grows  in  the  disposition  it  becomes  honey." 

(Cl.AKKli). 

"  Tahammul  kunad  sar  bar  kl  ra  aql  hast 
Na  aqle  kl  khashmash  kunad  zir-i-dast."  Anwar-i-Svheili. 

"  He  that  is  ratonal,  is  patient  too. 
But  senseless  he  whom  anger  masters."         Eastuick. 

"  Ta  hushyaram  tarab  za  man  pinhan  ast 
Chun  mast  shudam  dar  khiradam  miqsan  ast, 
Hal  ist  mlyan-i-masti  wa  hushyari 
Man  banda-e-an  ki  zindaganl-an  ast."  0.mar  Khayyam. 


272  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Sobriety  doth  rob  me  of  delight, 
And  drunkenness  doth  drown  my  sense  outright ; 
There  is  a  middle  state,  it  is  my  life, 
Nor  altogether  drunk,  nor  sober  quite."  (Whinfiei.d). 

"  Tajir  tarsanda  tab 'a  shisha  jan 
Dar  talab  na  sud  darad  na  ziyan ; 
Bal  ziyan  darad  ki  mahrumast  wa  khwar, 
Nur  u yadad ki  bashad  shu'ala khwar."  Jalaluddin  Rimi. 

"  The  lamp  of  the  heart  that  is  a  timid  trader 
Acquires  neither  loss  nor  gain  by  its  ventures. 
Nay  it  acquires  loss,  for  it  is  precluded  from  gain, 
'Tis  the  lamp  that  takes  fire  that  acquires  light." 

Whinfield. 

Ta  khak  mara  baqalib  amikhta  and 

Bas  fltna  ki  az  khak  bar  angikhta  and 

Man  bihtar  az  in  na  mi  tavranam  budan 

K'az  buta  mara  chunin  birun  rikhta  and."  Omar  Khayvaju 

"  When  the  great  Founder  moulded  me  of  old, 
He  mixed  much  baser  metal  with  my  gold  ; 
Better  or  fairer  I  can  never  be, 
Than  what  I  was  when  fresh  from  Allah's  mould." 

(Whinfiki.d). 

"  Talattuf  kun  ki  har  kare  ki  s'ab  ast 
Ba  narmi  wa  madar  mi-tawan  sakht."  Anwar-i-Suheilu 

"  Be  mild  for  things  though  hard  and  troublous  too. 

Thou  may'st  by  kindness  and  by  mildness  do."     Eastwick. 

"  Ta  mard  sukhan  nagnfta  bashad 
Aib  w^a  hunarash  nihufta  bashad 
Har  bisha  guman  ma  bar  ki  khalist 
Shayad  ki  palang  khufba  bashad."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

*'  While  a  man's  say  is  yet  unsaid, 
His  weakness,  merits  none  descry  ; 
Think  not  each  waste  untenanted, 
A  sleeping  tiger  there  may  lie."  (Eastwick). 

"  Tanahi  'ssabr  mudh  nallat  bimaw^a  'las  di  sirhan 
Wa  tara  'laqlu  idh  ghannat  bil  maghna  '1-wrurqi  ghurban."   Hafiz. 

"  All  patience  has  fled  for  the  wolf  abides  where  the  lion  before  was  found, 
Reason,  driven  away  has  fled,  ravens'  notes  for  pigeons  sound." 

(Bicknell). 

"  Ta  na  kubi  gandam  andar  asya 
Kai  shawad  arasta  z'an  khwan-i-ma? "  (Masnaxi). 

•'  Till  the  corn  be  ground  with  the  mill,  how  can  our  table  be  furnished 
with  bread  ?  " 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  273 

"  Tangi  mal  I'al  khwaham  wa  diwani 
Sadd-i-ramaqi  bayad  wa  nlsf-l-nanl, 
Wa  angah  man  wa  tu  nishasta  dar  wlrani 
Khushtar  bud  tiz  mamlukat-l-Sultani."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Give  me  a  skin  of  wine,  a  crust  of  bread, 
A  pittance  hare,  a  lx)ok  of  verse  to  read, 
With  thee,  O  love,  to  share  my  solitude, 
I  would  not  take  the  Sultan's  realm  instead." 

Whinfieli). 

"  Tan  za  jan  wa  Jan  za  tan  mastur  nlst, 
Lekkasradidjandasturnlst."  Jalai.uddim  Rumi. 

"  Body  is  not  veiled  from  soul,  neither  soul  from  liody, 
Yet  no  man  hath  ever  seen  a  soul."  (Whini  ikld). 

"  Tariqat  bajuz  khidmat-i-khalq  nist 
Ba  tasbih  wa  sajja  wa  dalaq  nist."  Bostan  ok  S'adi,  chap.  1. 

"  Religion  is  only  in  the  service  of  the  people. 
It  is  not  in  the  rosary  and  the  prayer-carpet  and  the  darwesh-garment." 

(Clarke). 

"  Tarsam  na  rasi  ba  ka'aba  ey  a'rabi ! 
K'in  rah  kl  tu  merawl  ba  Ttirkistan  ast."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  O,  Arab,  much  I  fear  that  thou  at  Mecca's  shrine  will  never  be, 
For  the  road  that  thou  art  going  is  the  road  to  Tartary." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Tars-i-ajal  w^a  w^ahm-i-fana  masti  tu'st 
Wama  za  fana  shakh-i-baqa  khwahad  rust, 
Ta  az  dam-i-Isawl  shudam  zinda  ba  jan 
Margr-i-abad  az  wujud-i-man  dast  bashust."  Omar  Khavvam. 

"  Death's  terrors  spring  from  baseless  phm'asy. 
Death  yields  the  tree  of  immortality  ; 
Since  Jesus  breathed  new  life  into  my  soul, 
Eternal  death  has  washed  its  hands  of  me.  ' 

(Whinfield). 

"  Tartaqa  'anfusina  b'ilittaqa 
Mutuhafan  mina  'ala  dai*u  'Ibaqa, 
Ttaumma  yatina  makafatu  'Imaqal 
Dh'af  dhaka  rahmata  min  dhu  'Ijalal 
Thumma  yaljaina  al  'amthaliha 
Kai  yanaJLu  'I'abad  mima  naliha 
Hakadha  taarraj  wa  tanazzul  dalma 

Dba  fala  zalat  alaibi  qalma."  Jalai.uodin  Rumi. 

18       ■ 


274  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Our  breathings  are  lifted  up  in  fear  of  God, 
Offerings  from  us  to  the  throne  of  Eternity, 
Then  come  down  to  us  rewards  for  our  praises 
The  double  thereof  yea  mercies  from  the  king  of  glory, 
Therefore  are  we  constrained  to  utter  these  praises 
That  slaves  may  attain  the  height  of  God's  gifts, 
And  so  this  rising  and  descent  go  on  evermore. 
And  cease  not  for  ever  and  aye."  (Whinfield). 

"  Ta  tawan  bar  masnad-i-izzat  nihadan  pa'e  khwish 
Az  Chi  bayad  kard  dar  khak-i-mazillat  ja'e  khwisli." 

Anwar-1-Suheili. 

"  On  honour's  cushion  till  our  foot  we  place. 
Why  in  the  dust  sit  down  of  foul  disgrace."    Eastwick. 

"  Ta  tiryak  az  Iraq  awarda  sliawad  mar-gnzida  murda  buwad." 

GuLisTAN,  chap.  I. 

"  Before  the  antidote  is  brought  from  Trak,  the  person  who  is  bitten  by 
the  snake  may  be  dead."  (Eastwick). 

*'  Ta  tawani  dirun-i-kas  makharasli 
K'andarin  rah  kliarha  bashad ; 
Kar-i-darwish  mustmand  bar  ar 
Eli  tura  niz  karha  bashad."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Strive  not  to  pain  a  single  heart 
Nor  by  that  thorny  pathway  move  ; 
But  with  the  needy  aye  take  part ; 
To  thee  too  this  will  succour  prove."        (Eastwick). 

"  Tawaf-i-k'aba'e  dil  kun  agar  dile  dari 
Dilast  k'aba'e  m'ana,  chu  gil  chi  pindari? 
Tawaf-i-k'aba'e  surat  haqqat  badan  farmud 
Ki  ta  ba  wasta'e  an  dile  bidast  ari 
Hazar  bar  piyada  tawaf-i-K'aba  kuni 
Qabul-i-haqq  na  shawad  gar  dile  biazari."     Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Beats  there  a  heart  within  that  breast  of  thine, 
Then  compass  rev'rently  its  sacred  shrine  : 
P"or  the  true  spiritual  K'aba  is  the  heart 
And  no  proud  pile  of  perishable  art. 
When  God  ordained  the  pilgrim  rite,  that  sign 
Was  meant  to  lead  thy  heart  to  things  divine, 
A  thousand  times  he  treads  that  round  in  vain. 
Who  e'en  one  human  heart  would  idly  pain." 

(Falconer). 
"  Tawanam  an  ki  niazaram  andarun-i-kasl 
Hasudra  chi  kunam  ku  zi  khud  baranj  darast 
Bimir  ta  birahi,  ey  hasud,  kin  ranjist 
Ki  az  mashaoqati-an  juz  ba  marg  natawan  rast." 

Gulistan,  chap.  i. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  275 

> 

"  This  can  I  do — inflict  distress  on  none, 
Envy's  its  own  distress — what  can  I  there  ? 
Perish  O  envious  one  !  for  thus  alone 
Can'st  thou  escape  from  thy  self-nurtured  care." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Tawan  ba  marham  tadblr  nlk  wa  rae  sawab 
Jarahat-i-dil  sad  para  ra  dawa  kardan."  Anwar-i-Suhbili. 

"  With  the  salve  of  happy  counsel  and  of  schemes  that  aim  aright, 
Be  the  heart  in  fragments  shivered  there  is  healing  for  its  plight." 

Eastwick. 
"  Tawanerara  dil-i-darwlsh-l-khud  badast  awar, 
Kl  makhzan-1-zar  wa  granj-i-dlram  na  khwahad  mand 
Bar  in  riwaq-i-zabarjad  nawishta  and  ba  zar 
Ki  juz  nikui  ahl-i-karm  nakhwahad  mand."  Hafiz  Ode,  176. 

"  Do  thou,  thyself,  O  rich  man  console  the  poor  who  weep, 
Thy  store  of  gold,  thy  silver  heap  shall  not  remain  ; 
'Tis  writ  in  golden  letters  upon  the  sapphire  sphere, 
'  Save  noble  actions  all  things  here  shall  not  remain.' " 

BlCKNELL. 

"  Tawangaranra  waqf  ast  wa  nazr  wa  mihrnani 
Zakat  wa  *itaq  wa  hadi  w^a  qurbanl 
Tu  kai  badaulat-i-ishan  rasi  ki  natawanl 
Juz  in  du  rak'at  wa  an  ham  ba  sad  parisbani."      Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  Offerings  to  God,  bequests  to  furnish  ease 
To  the  worn  traveller,  enfranchisement 
Of  slaves,  alms,  gifts  and  sacrifices, — these 
Are  rich  men's  works.     Say,  when  wilt  thou  invent 
Like  merits  for  thyself  who  can'st  but  pray 
With  twice  a  hundred  wanderings,  twice  a  day?" 

(Eastwick). 

"Tawangrari  ba  hunar  ast  na  ba  mal,  biizursri  ba  aql  ast  na  ba  sal." 

Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Wealth  consists  in  talent,  not  in  goods ;  greatness  in  understanding, 
not  in  age."  (Eastwick). 

"  Tawan  shinakht  ba  yak  ruz  dar  shamail-i-mard 
Ki  ta  kujash  rasid  ast  pae^ah  'ulum 
Wali  za  batinash  aiman  ma  bash  wa  ^harra  mashu 
Ki  khubs-i-nafs  na  graxdad  ba  salaha  m'alum."       Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

'*  From  a  man's  qualities  a  day's  enough 
To  make  us  of  his  learning's  limits  sure. 
Plume  not  thyself  as  though  the  hidden  stuff 
Thou  of  his  heart  hast  reached  ;  nor  be  secure, 
For  not  e'en  long  revolving  years  can  tell 
The  foul  things  which  in  man  unnoticed  dwell." 

Eastwick. 


276  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Tawaz'u  kun,  ey  dust  ba  khasm  tund 
Ki  narmi  kunad  tigh.  burranda  kund."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  4. 

'*  Oh  friend  !  exercise  humility  to  a  stern  enemy. 
For  gentleness  makes  blunt  the  cutting  sword." 

(Ci  arke). 

"  Ta"waz'u  kunad  mardra  sarfaraz 
Tawaz'u  buwad  sarAvaranra  taraz."  Pandnama  of  S'adi, 

"  ?lumility  exaltelh  a  man, 

Humility  is  the  embroidery  of  chiefs."  Gladwin. 

"  Ta  za  jahl  wa  khwanbaki  wa  fazul, 
U  ba  pish-i-ma  -wa,  ma  az  ■wai  malul 
Tishna  ra  dard-i-sar  arad  bang  r'aad, 
Chu  na  danad  k'u  kushayad  abr  s'ad. 
Bikhabar  az  zauq-i-ab-i-asman, 
Chashma-i-u  manadast  dar  jue  rawan ; 
Markab-i-himmat  su  aflak  rand 
Az  musabbib  la  jurm  mahjub  rand."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Through  ignorance,  sloth  and  folly, 

Though  He  stands  by  us,  we  are  shut  ofif  from  Him, 

The  noise  of  thunder  makes  the  head  of  the  thirsty  ache. 

When  he  knows  not  that  it  unlocks  the  blessed  showers, 

His  eyes  are  fixed  on  the  running  stream 

Unwitting  of  the  sweetness  of  the  rain  from  heaven  ; 

He  urges  the  steed  of  his  desire  towards  the  caused, 

And  perforce  remains  shut  off  from  the  causer^  (Whinfield). 

"  Ta  zan  na  buri  ki  man  blkhud  maujudam 
Ya  in  rah-i-khun  khwara  bakhud  paimudara 
In  budi  na  bud-i-man  za  bud-i-u  buw^ad 
Man  kbud  kih  budam,  kuja  budam,  kai  budam  ?  " 

Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Think  not  I  am  existent  of  myself, 
Or  walk  this  blood-stained  pathway  of  myself ; 
This  being  is  not  mine,  it  is  of  Him, 
Pray  what  and  where  and  whence  is  this  myself?" 

(Whinfield). 

"  Thalathat  'ihbabu ;  fahubbun  'ilaqatun,  wa  hubbun  timlaiqun, 
wa  hubbun  huwa  'Iqatlu."  (Anon). 

Three  be  the  ways  of  love  :  a  knitting  of  heart  to  heait ;  a  pleasing  of 
and  eyes ;  a  third  love  whose  name  is  death."  C.  J.  Lyall. 

Thamaratu  'Ijubni  la  ribhun  wa  la  khusrun."  Arabic  Proverb. 

"  The  fruit  of  timidity  is  neither  gain  or  loss." 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  27; 

"  Thumma  qasat  qulubukvim  min  ba'di  dhaJika  fahia  k'alhijarati 
au  ashaddu  qaswatan  walnna  mina'l  hljarati  lama  yatafaj]aru 
min  hu  'lanharu  wa  Inna  minha  yashshaqqaqu  fa  yakhraju  min- 
hu'lma'u  wa  inna  minha  yahbitu  min  khashiyatl  'Uahl." 

Koran,  chap.  2. 

*'  Then  after  that  yiur  hearts  became  hard,  and  they  were  like  rocks  or 
harder  still  ;  for  verily  there  are  rocks  from  which  rivers  have  pushed,  and 
there  are  others  verily  from  which  when  cleft,  water  hath  issued,  and  there 
are  others  verily  which  have  sunk  down  through  fear  of  God." 

(RODWELL). 

"  Tifl  ta  erir  wa  ta  poya  na  buwad 
Markabash  Juz  gardan-i-baba  na  buwad, 
Chun  fazuli  gasht  vra  dast  wa  pa  namud 
Dar  fana  uftad,  dar  kur  wa  kabud."  Jalaluddin  Rumi, 

"  So  long  as  a  babe  cannot  grasp  or  run. 
It  takes  its  father's  back  for  its  carriage, 
But  when  it  becomes  independent  and  uses  its  hands 
It  falls  into  grievous  troubles  and  disgrace."        VVhineield. 

"  Tigh  dadan  dar  kaf-i-zange  mast 
Bih  ki  ayad  ilmra  nakas  ba  dast."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Better  to  arm  a  drunken  negro  than 
To  lavish  learning  on  a  wicked  man."    .  (Eastwick). 

"  Tigh  dar  dastash  nlh  az  ujuzash  blkun 
Ta  ki  ghazi  gardad  u  ya  rahzan, 
Z'anki  'karamna'  shud  Adam  z'ikhtiyar 
Nim  zambur  'asl  shud,  nim  mar."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Place  a  sword  in  his  hand  and  remove  his  impotence 
To  see  if  he  turns  out  a  warrior  or  a  robber  ; 
Because  freewill  is  that  with  which  '  We  honour  Adam,' 
Half  the  swarm  become  bees,  and  half  wasps." 

(Whinkield). 

"  Tigh-i-hilm  az  tigh  ahan  tiztar 
Bal  za  sad  lashkar  zafar  angiztar."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Mildness  than  steel  a  greater  sharpness  boasts, 
Yea,  'tis  more  conquering  than  a  hundred  hosts." 

Eastwick. 

"  Tigh-ra  chun  ba  qasd-i-jan  kardand 
Bast  Chun  surat-i-zaban  kardand."  Anwar-i-Suhkili. 

"  Since  swords  were  formed  a  deadly  trade  to  ply, 
'Twas  right  them  in  the  shape  of  tongues  to  make." 

Eastwick. 


278  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Tihi  pae  raftan  bih  az  kafash  tang 
Bala'e  safar  bih  ki  dar  khana  jang ; 
Bazindan-i-qazi  giriffcar  bih 
Ki  dar  khana  didan  bar  abru  girih."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  To  go  barefoot  is  better  than  the  tight  shoe, 
The  toil  of  travel  better  than  contention  in  the  house  ; 
To  be  a  captive  in  the  Qazi's  dungeon  is  better 
Than  in  the  house  to  see  contraction  on  the  eyebrow  of  the  wife." 

(Clarke). 
"  Tire  ki  ajal  kashad  siparha  hich  ast 
Wa  in  muhtashime  •wa  sim  wa  zarha  hich  ast, 
Chandanki  barue  karha  nigaram 
Nikast  ki  nikast  digarha  hich  ast."  (Omar  Khayyam). 

"  Against  death's  arrows  what  are  bucklers  worth? 
What  all  the  pomps  and  riches  of  the  earth  ? 
When  I  survey  the  world  I  see  no  good 
But  goodness,  all  beside  is  nothing  worth."     (Whinfield). 

"  Tirkash  umarash  tihi  shud,  umar  raft 
Az  da'widan  dar  shikar-i-saya  tuft 
Saya'e  yazdan  chi  bashad  daya'e  ash 
Wa  rihanad  az  khiyal  "wa  saya'e  ash 
Saya'e  yazdan  buwad  banda'e  khuda 
Murda'e  in  'alana  wa  zinda'e  khuda."  Jalai.ludin  Rumi. 

"  Our  life's  our  quiver.     When  our  years  are  vainly  spent 
In  chasing  phantoms,  grief  one  day  will  have  its  vent. 
Let  God's  protection  mercifully  on  us  rest, 
AH  fancies  and  all  phantoms  stand  at  once  confessed, 
God's  servants  are  His  shadows  here  below  on  earth 
To  this  world  dead,  but  living  in  a  second  birth."    Redhouse. 

"  Tishnaganra  numayad  andar  khwab 
Hama  alam  ba  chashna  chashma'e  ab."  Gui.istan,  chap.  7. 

"  To  those  athirst  the  whole  world  seems 
A  spring  of  water  in  their  dreams."  (Eastwick). 

"  Tu  an  gah  shawl  pish-i-mardam  'aziz 
Ki  mar  kh-wishtan  ra  na  giri  bachiz 
Buzurge  ki  khud  ra  za  khurdan  shumard, 
Badunya  wa  'uqba  buzurgi  biburd."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  4. 

"  Thou  becomest  precious  before  men  at  that  time 
When  thou  reckonest  thyself  for  nothing. 
The  great  one  who  reckoned  himself  among  the  small  folk, 
Carried  away  greatness  in  this  and  in  the  future  world." 

(Clarke). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  279 

"  Tu'asi  'nnasiha  'Ibarra  wa  tatasu  wa  tazwarru 
Wa  tanqadu  liman  erharra,  wa  man  mana  wa  man  namma 
Wa  tasa'  fl  hawa  'nnafsi,  wa  tahtalu  ala  'Ifalsi 
Wa  tansa  dhulmata  'rramsi  wa  la  tadhkuru  ma  thamma." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  cbap.  ii. 

"  Thou  resislest  him  who  counselleth  righteousness ;  thou  art  hard  in 
understanding ;  ihou  swervest  aside  ;  but  thou  followest  the  guiding  of 
him  who  deceiveth,  who  Ueth,  who  defan>.eth.  Thou  walkesl  in  the  desire 
of  thy  soul ;  thou  schemest  after  money  but  thou  forgettest  the  darkness  of 
the  grave,  and  rememberest  not  what  is  there."  (Chenery). 

"  Tu  auwwal  na  basti,  chu  sar-1-chashma  bud ; 
Ohu  sailab  shud,  pish  bastan  chi  sud."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  At  first  when  it  was  a  mere  fountain,  thou  didst  not  bind  it, 
When  it  became  a  torrent,  of  what  use  is  binding?"      (Clarke). 

"  Tu  az  an  ruze  ki  dar  hast  amadi 
Atishi  ya  khak  ya  bade  budi ; 
Gax  bad  an  halat  tura  budi  baqa 
Kai  rasidi  mar  ttira  in  irtiqa  ?  "  Jalaluddin  Rumu 

"  On  the  day  that  you  entered  upon  existence 
You  were  first  fire,  or  earth,  or  air, 
If  you  had  continued  in  that  your  original  state. 
How  could  you  have  arrived  at  this  dignity  of  humanity." 

Whinfield. 

"  Tu  £iz  changal  gurgram  dar  rabudi 
Chi  dldam?  aqibat  khud  gurg  budi."  Anwar-i-Suheilu 

**  Thou  didst  me  from  the  wolfs  claws  free  ;  but  now 

I  do  at  last  perceive  a  wolf  art  thou."  Eastwick. 

"  Tu  ba  k'aba  gar  narafti,  bikashandat  sa'adat, 
Magriiriz,  ey  fuzuli  kl  za  haqq  mafarr  na  dari." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz.. 

"  If  you  have  not  gone  to  the  Kaaba,  fortune  will  draw  you  thither, 
Do  not  flee,  O  babbler,  for  you  have  no  refuge  from  God." 

(Nicholson). 
"  Tu  barae  wasl  kardan  amadi 
Na  barae  fasi  kardan  amadi ; 
Ta  taw^ani,  pa  ma  nih  andar  firaq 
Abghadha  'I'ashya  'indahu  'ttalaq."  Jalaluddin  Rumi.. 

"  Thou  hast  come  to  draw  men  to  union  wilh  Me, 
Not  to  drive  them  far  away  from  Me, 
So  far  as  possible,  engage  not  in  dissevering  ; 
*  The  thing  most  repugnant  to  Me  is  divorce.'" 

(Whinfield), 


28o  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

*'  Tu  bar  an  guzida'e  khuda  wa  paighambar 
Guzidi  fulan  wa  fulan  wa  fulanra."  Nasir-i-Khusraw. 

"  God  and  His  Prophet  thus  decreed ;  but,  no  ! 
You  much  prefer  the  views  of  So-and-so." 

E.  G.  Browne. 
■"  Tu  baz-i-said-i-shahi  b'ustukhwan  m'angar 
Huma'e  himmat-i-khudra  buland  rah  parw^az."    Akhlaq-i-Muhsini. 

"  Thou,  the  falcon  of  the  royal  wrist,  look  not  upon  hones, 

Give  a  lofty  flight  to  the  phoenix  of  thy  ambition."         (Keene). 

*'  Tu  budi  awwal,  wa  akhir  tu  bashi 
Tu  bih  kun  akhiram  az  awwalinam ; 
Chu  tu  pinhan  sbawi  az  ahl-i-kufaram, 
Chu  tu  paida  shawi  az  ahl-i-dinam,"  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Thou  wert  first  and  last  thou  shalt  be, 
Make  my  last  better  than  my  first, 
When  Thou  art  hidden,  I  am  of  the  infidels, 
When  Thou  art  manifest,  I  am  of  the  faithful." 

(Nicholson). 
■"  Tu  dar  'aqila'e  tartib-i-rish  wa  dastarl 
Chiguna  ratal-i-griran  khwarra  ba  dast  ari." 

•  Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

*'  You  are  in  the  bonds  of  (absorbed  in)  the  arrangement  of  beard  and 
turban, 
How  will  you  gain  him  who  quaffs  the  mighty  flagon  (of  love)  ?  " 

(Nicholson). 

*'  Til,  ey  bulbul,  ki  ba  giil  dar  wisali 
Ghanlmat  dan  ki  bas  farkhanda  fall."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  O  nightingale  !  that  with  the  rose  dost  sit, 
Thy  stale  is  blissful,  therefore  value  it."         Eastwick. 

"  Tu  gil  budi  w^a  dil  shudi,  jahil  budi,  aqil  shudi 
An  k'u  kashidat  in  chunin,  an  su  kaslianat  an  chunan 
Andar  kasha  kashhae'u  nushast  nakhushhae'u 
Ab  ast  atishhae'u,  bar  w^ai  makun  rura  giran." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

*'  Thou  wert  dust  and  art  spirit,  thou  wert  ignorant  and  art  wise, 
He  who  has  led  thee  thus  far,  will  lead  thee  further  also. 
How  pleasant  are  the  pains  He  makes  thee  suffer  while  He  gently  draws 

thee  to  Himself, 
His  flames  are  as  water,  do  not  frown  upon  Him."  (Nicholson). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  281 

"  Tu  hama  tain 'a  bar  an  nih  kl  bar  an  nlst  ummidat 
Kl  za  naummidl-i-awwal  tu  badln  aue  rasidi." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Taiiriz. 

'*  Set  thy  whole  desire  on  that  whereof  thou  hast  no  hope. 
For  thou  hast  come  thus  far  from  original  hopelessness." 

(Nicholson). 
**  Tu  ham  bar  dare  hasti  ummidwar 
Pas  vimmld  bar  dar  nishinan  barar ; 
Nakhwahl  kl  bashad  dllat  dardmand, 
Dil-i-dardmandan  bar  awar  za  band."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  i. 

*'  Thou  even  art  hopeful  at  the  door  of  God, 

Then  accomplish  the  hope  of  those  sitting  at  thy  door, 
Thou  dost  not  wish  that  thy  heart  may  be  sorrowful. 
Bring  forth  from  fetters  the  heart  of  the  sorrowing  ones." 

(Clarke). 
"  Tu  hamchu  wadl  khushki  wa  ma  chu  barani 
Tu  hamchu  shahr-i-kharabi  wa  ma  chu  m'imarl, 
Bagrhair-i-khidmat-i-ma  ki  mashariq-i-shadist 
Na  did  khalq  wa  na  blnad  za  shadl  asarl."     Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  You  are  as  a  dry  valley  and  I  as  the  rain, 
You  are  as  a  ruined  city  and  I  as  the  architect, 
Except  my  service  which  is  joy's  sunrise 
Man  has  never  felt  and  never  will  feel  an  impression  of  joy." 

(Nicholson). 
"  Tu  ham  gardan  az  hukm-i-dawar  ma  plch 
Kl  gardan  na  plchad  za  hukm-1-tu  hich."  (Bostan  of  S'adi). 

"  Do  thou  also  from  the  order  of  the  Ruler  (God)  twist  not  thy  neck, 
So  that  no-one  from  thy  order  may  twist  his  neck."  (Clarke). 

"  Tu  k'az  khwab-i-naushin  babang-1-rahil 
Nakhizl,  dlgar  kal  rasi  dar  sabil  ? 
Sabaq  bxirda  rah-rau,  ki  barkhast  zud, 
Pas  az  naql  bedar  budan,  chl  sud?"  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap,  9. 

"  When  from  sweet  sleep  at  the  sound  of  '  Alrahil '  (march  !)  thou 
Risest  not,  when  wilt  thou  again  reach  the  track  of  the  caravan  ? 
That  wayfarer  excelled,  who  rose  quickly. 

To  be  awake  after  translation  to  the  next  world  what  profit  is  it?" 

(Clarke). 
"  Tu  k'az  sara'e  tab! 'at  nami-ravl  birun, 
Kuja  bakul-haqlqat  guzar  tawani  kard? 
Gada'l  dar  mai-khana  tarfa  iksirast, 
Grar  in  'amal  bikunl,  khak  zar  tawani  kard."  Hafiz  Ode,  125. 

"  Thou  who  ne'er  hast  issued  from  the  shrine  of  sense, 
How  to  Truth's  high  pathway  can'st  thou  journey  hence  ? 
Begging  at  the  wine  house  is  the  chemic  stone, 
Dust  to  gold  transmute  thou  by  this  act  alone."         Bicknell. 


282  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Tukhm-i-daghl  mikashti,  afsusha  mi-dashti 
Haqq-ra  'adam  pindashti,  aknun  bibin  ey  qaltaban ! " 

Di\van-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Thou  didst  sow  the  seed  of  deceit,  thou  didst  indulge  in  derision, 
Thou  didst  regard  God  as  nothing  :  see  now,  O  miscreant  I  " 

(Nicholson). 
"  Tukhm-i-takabbur  m'afslian  sinara 
Jae  madih  dar  dll-i-khud  kinara."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Sow  not  the  seeds  of  pride  within  thy  breast. 

Nor  suffer  malice  in  thy  heart  to  rest."  Eastwick. 

"  Tu  murg-h-i-'alara-i-qudsi,  nadim-i-majlis-i-unsi 
Darigh  bashad  agar  tu  darin  maqam  bamani 
Hamirasad  za  8aina"wat  har  sabah  nidayat 
Kl  rah  buri  banishana,  cbu  gard-i-rah  binshani, 
Barah-i-k'aba'e  -waslash  bibin  bar  har  bun-i-khari 
Hazar  kushta'e  shauqand  dada  jan  ba  ja-wani 
Hazar  khasta  dar  In  rah  faru  shudand  wa  niyamad, 
Za  bui  wasl  nasime,  za  kui  dust  nishani."       Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  O  honoured  guest  in  love's  high  feast,  O  bird  of  the  angel  sphere, 
'Tis  cause  to  weep  if  thou  wilt  keep  thy  habitation  here. 
A  voice  at  morn  to  thee  is  borne — God  whispers  to  the  soul, 
'  If  on  the  way  the  dust  thou'Ut  lay,  thou  soon  wilt  gain  the  goal. 
That  road  be  thine  toward  the  shrine  ;  and  lo  !  in  bush  and  briar 
The  many  slain  by  love  and  pain  in  flower  of  young  desire. 
Who  on  the  track  fell  wounded  back  and  saw  not  ere  the  end 
A  ray  of  bliss,  a  touch,  a  kiss,  a  token  of  the  Friend." 

(Nicholson). 
"  Tu  na  karda  bar  khalq  bakhshaishe 
Kuja  yabi  az  khvsrish  asaishe, 
Chu  dllha  za  bimat  binaland  hame 
Ki  bar  jan-i-rishat  nihad  marhame  ?  "  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Thou,  who  didst  ne'er  to  others  pardon  grant, 
When  wilt  thou  solace  for  thine  own  self  find  ? 
And  say,  when  all  in  terror  of  thee  pant, 
Who  will  spread  ointment  on  thy  wounded  mind  ?  " 

Eastwick. 
"  Tu  niku  rawish  bash  ta  bad  sigal 
Ba  bad  guftan-i-tu  nayabad  majal 
Chu  ahang-i-barbat  buwad  mustaqim 
Kai  az  dast-i-mutrib  khurad  gxishmal."  Gulistan,  chnp.  2. 

"  Walk  well,  that  he  who  would  calumniate 
Thee  may  naught  evil  find  of  which  to  prate  ; 
For,  when  the  lute  a  faithful  sound  returns. 
It  from  the  minstrel's  hand  what  censure  earns." 

(Eastwick). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  283 

"  Tu  nik  wa  bad  ham  az  khud  bipurs, 
Chira  digrare  bayadat  muhtasib? 
Wa  man  yattaqi  'Uaha,  yu j  11  lahu 
Wa  yarzuqhu  mln  baithu  la  yahtasib."  Hafiz. 

"  Learn  good  and  evil  from  thyself  alone, 
A  watchman  wherefore  in  some  other  own  ? 
*  God  helps  the  creature  that  Him  glorifies, 
And,  whence  he  hopes  not  all  his  wants  supplies.' " 

(Bicknell). 
"  Tura  Janat  nama  ast,  kardar  khatt 
Ba  Jan  bar  makiin  Juz  ba  niki  raqam 
Ba  nama  dirun  jumla  niki  nawis 
Ki  dar  dast-i-tiist  ey  biradar  qalam."  Nasir-i-Khusraw. 

*'  Thy  soul  is  a  book,  thy  deeds  are  like  the  writing :  write  not  on  thy  soul 
ought  else  but  a  fair  inscription, 
Write  what  is  wholly  good  in  the  book,  O  brother,  for  the  pen  is  in 
thine  own  hand."  E.  G.  BROWNE. 

"  Tura  kl  dard  na  bashad  za  hal-i-ma  chi  tafawut, 
Tu  qadr-i-tishna  chi  danl,  ki  dar  kinara'e  jau'i  ?  "    Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  How  canst  thou,  painless,  estimate  the  cruel  pang  of  our  regret? 
How  tell  what  those  athirst  must  feel,  while  by  thee  flows  the  rivulet." 

Eastwick. 
"  Tu  pak  bash,  wa  madar,  ey  biradar  az  kas  bak, 
Zanand  Jama'e  napak  gazuran  bar  sangr."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Remain  thou  pure  O  brother  and  have  no  fear  of  anyone  : 
It  is  the  unclean  garment  which  the  washerman  dashes  against   the 
stone."  (Platts). 

"  Tura  nist  an  takiya  ba  kardigar 
Ki  mamluk  ra  ba  khudawandgar."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  6. 

"  Thou  hast  not  the  same  reliance  on  the  Omnipotent, 
That  a  slave  has  on  his  Lord." 

"  Tura  ta  dihan  bashad  az  hirs  baz 
Niayad  bierush-i-dil  az  ghaib  raz."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  3. 

•'  So  long  as  thy  mouth  is  open  through  avarice. 

The  secret  of  God  from  the  hidden  comes  not  to  the  ear  of  the  heart." 

(Clarke). 
"  Tura  zi  kungrara-i-'arsh  mi-zanand  saflr 

Na-danamat  ki  darin  khakdan  chi  uftadast."  Hafiz. 

"  They  are  calling  to  thee  from  the  pinnacles  of  the  throne  of  God, 
I  know  not  what  hath  befallen  thee  in  this  dust  heap." 

(E.  G.  BroWxNE). 


284  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Tu  rihai  ju  za  na  jinsan  ba  jadd 
Suhbat-i-najins  gur  ast  wa  lahad."  Jalalludin  Rumi. 

"  Seek  earnestly  for  deliverance  from  the  uncongenial, 
The  society  of  the  uncongenial  is  like  the  grave." 

"  Tute  kalaghash  bud  ham  nafas 
Ghanimat  shuiuarad  khvilas  az  qafas."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  A  parrot  for  whom  a  crow  was  companion 
Considers  freedom  from  the  cage,  gain."  (Clarke). 

"  Tutian  wa  bulbulanra  az  pasand 
Az  khush  a-wazi  qafs  dar  mikunand 
Zaghra  -wa,  chagbdra  andar  qafs 
Kai  kunad,  in  khud  nayamad  dar  qisas."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  It  is  on  account  of  their  sweet  voices 
That  choice  parrots  and  nightingales  are  prisoned  in  cages  ; 
Ugly  owls  and  crows  are  never  prisoned  in  cages, 
Such  a  thing  was  never  heard  of  in  history."  (Whinkiei.d). 

"  Tu  tu  ham  me  kuni  az  qurb  Haqq 
Ki  tabqgar  dur  na  bud  az  tabq 
An  na  me  bini  ki  qurb  auliya 
Sad  karamat  darad  wa  kar  wa  kiya  ? 
Ahan  az  Daud  mum  me  shawad 
Mum  dar  dastat  chu  ahan  meshawad."  Jalaluddin  Ruml 

"  Thou  fanciest  thyself  near  to  God, 
Saying  '  The  maker  of  the  dish  is  not  far  from  the  dish,' 
Knowest  thou  not  that  the  nearness  of  saints  to  God 
Involves  the  power  to  do  mighty  works  and  signs? 
Iron  was  as  wax  in  the  hands  of  Uavid, 
Wax  in  thy  handj  is  as  iron."  (Whinfield). 

"  Tu  u  mulk  u  ja  Sikandari,  man  u  rasm  u  rah  qalandari 
Agar  an  khush  ast,  tu  dar  khuri,  wa  gar  in  bad  ast  mara  saza." 

KURRAT   AI,   AyN. 

"  Sikandar's  pomp  and  display  be  thine,  the  Kalandar's  habit  and  way  be 
mine, 
That,  if  it  please  thee,  I  resign,  while  this,  though  bad,  is  enough  for 
me."  E.  G.  Browne. 

"  Tu  yar-i-khilwat-i-nazi,  muqim-i-parda'e  razi, 
Qarargah  chi  sazi  dar  in  nishlman-i-fani  ? 
Ba  hal-i-khud  nazare  kun,  birun  birau,  safare  kun, 
Za  habs-i-'alam-i-surat  bamarghzar-i-ma'ni." 

Divvan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  285 

"  Thou  art  a  darling  bosom  friend,  thou  art  always  behind  the  secret  veil. 
Why  dost  thou  make  thy  dwelling-place  in  this  perishable  abode, 
Regard  thine  own  stale,  go  forih  and  journey 
From  the  prison  of  the  Formal  world  to  the  meadow  of  Ideas." 

(Nicholson). 

*•  Tu  zar  na'l,  ey  ghafll-1-nadan,  kl  tura 
Dar  khak  nihand,  wa  baz  blrun  awarand."  Omak  Khayyam. 

"  You  are  not  gold  ;  once  hidden  in  the  earth 
No-one  will  care  to  dig  you  up  again."  Whinfield. 

"  Uallllu  'nnafea  bl  Tamali  'arqubuha 
Ma  'adhyaqa  'I'aisha  lau  la  fashatu  'I'amali ; 
Lam  'artadhl  'I'aisha  wa'lalyyamu  muqbilatun 
Fakaifa  'ardba  waqad  wallat  'ala  'I'ajali  ?"  Al  Tughrai. 

*'  But  midst  my  sorrows  and  my  toils 

Hope  ever  soothed  my  breast  with  smiles, 

Her  hand  removed  each  gathering  ill, 

And  oped  life's  closing  prospects  still. 

Yet  spite  of  all  her  friendly  art 

The  spacious  scene  ne'er  gained  my  heart ; 

I  loved  it  not  although  the  day 

Met  my  approach  and  cheered  my  way, 

I  loathe  it  now  the  hours  retreat 

And  fly  me  with  reverted  feet."  J.  D.  Carlyle. 

"  UalUmuhu  'rrimayata  kulla  yaumin, 
Fallama  ashtadda  sa'iduhu,  ramani."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

*'  I  taught  him  archery  every  day, 
And  when  his  arm  waxed  strong,  he  shot  me."     (Platts). 

"  U  ba  juyanda-i-khud  hamrah  ast,  wa  dast  erirlfba  dar  talab-i- 
khud  mitazad."  Jami,  Beharistan. 

"  He  is  the  companion  of  the  journey  of  them  who  seek  Him,  and  holds 
by  the  hand  those  who  are  in  search  of  Him."  (Asiatic  Journal). 

"  U  ba  khunam  tishna  wa  man  bar  labfish ;  ta  chun  shawad  kam 
bistanam  az  u,  ya  dad  bistanad  zi  man."  Hakiz. 

"  Thirsty   for  my  blood— He,   and   for    His   lip— I.      So   that   when  it 
happeneth, 
My  desire  I  will  take  from  Him,  or  revenge  He  will  lake  from  me." 

(Clakke). 
"  U  bifarmudast  man  in  bandagri 
Nist  mara  az  khud  in  gruyandagi, 
Jan  barae  amr-i-u  darim  ma 
Oar  bar  rege  eruyad  u,  karim  ma."  Jalaloddim  Ruhi, 


286  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"JGod  has  enjoined  this  servitude  upon  us, 
We  say  not  this  merely  on  our  own  authority ; 
We  enjoy  life  on  condition  of  doing  His  will ; 
If  He  bids  us,  we  sow  our  seed  upon  the  sand." 

Whinfield. 
"  U  chu  Faraun  wa  tanash  Musa'e  u 
U  ba  birun  mi-daw^ad  ki  'k'u  adu?' 
Nafs  andar  khana'e  tan  naznin 
Bar  dlgar  kas  dast  mi-khayad  ba  kin."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  He  is  like  Pharaoh  and  his  body  like  Moses, 
He  runs  abroad  crying  '  Where  is  my  foe  ? ' 
While  lust  is  in  his  house,  which  is  his  body, 
He  bites  his  finger  in  spite  against  strangers." 

Whinfield. 
"  Udimu  mitala  'Iju'i  hatta  umitahu 
Wa  'adhrabu  'anu  'dhdhikra  saf  ban  fa  'adhhalu 
Wa  'astaffu  turba  'lardbi  kaila  yara  lahu 
Alayya  mina  'ttawali  amraun  mutatawwilu."  Ash  Shanfara. 

''  I  make  perpetual  the  term  of  delay  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  calls  of 
hunger,  until  I  kill  it.     I  then  turn  away  from  noticing  it,  and  I  forget  it. 

"  And  I  lick  up  the  dry  dust  of  the  earth,  lest  some  pretender  to 
generosity  should  imagine  in  himself  a  superiority  over  me  by  offering 
food."  Redhouse. 

"  Udkhul  fl  'ibadi  multaqi 
Jannatan  min  ruyati  ya  muttaqi."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Enter  the  hearts  of  my  servants 
To  gain  the  paradise  of  beholding  me,  O  fearer  of  God." 

Whinfield. 
"  Udkhulu  'labyata  min  abwabaha 
W'utlubu  lag-hraz  fl  asbabiha."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Enter  houses  by  the  doors 

And  trace  effects  to  their  causes." 

"  Uflfa  li  ddunya  idha  kanat  kadha 
Ana  fiha  fi  bala'in  wa  adha 
In  safa  'aishu  amrin  fl  subhiha 
Jarr'athu  mumsiyan  kasa  'rradda 
Wa  laqad  kuntu  idha  ma  qila  man 
An  'amu  'i'alami  'aishan  qila  dha."  Alif  Laila  wa  Laila. 

"  Foul  fall  thee,  world  it  should  be  so  ! 
Nought  else  but  toil  and  wail  and  woe 
Is  doled  to  me. 
**  In  morning  tide  though  life  be  bright, 
Yet  man  must  drain  the  cup  ere  night 
Of  misery. 
"  And  e'en  with  me  if  men  asked  erst 
'  Who  in  the  world  of  joy  ranks  first  ?' 

They  answered  '  He  ! ' "  Torrens. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  287 

**  UfUq  zi  aksl  shafaq  rangr-i-erulistan  grirad."  Hafiz. 

"  From  the  reflection  of  the  ruddy  crepuscule  the  horizon  taketh  the  hue 
of  the  rose-garden."  Clarkr, 

"  n  Jahan  kamil  ast  wa  muft-ad  ast 
Nuskha'e  kull  wujud  ura  ba  dast 
Pas  haml-firuyand  har  naqsh  wa  nigrar 
'Muzhdal  muzhdal  nak haiui-ayad bahar ! '"       Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  He  is  the  perfect  world,  yet  He  is  single, 
He  holds  in  hand  the  writing  of  the  whole  of  existence, 
Wherefore  all  forms  and  colours  of  beauty  cry  out, 
'  Good  news  !  good  news  !  lo  !  the  spring  is  at  hand  ! ' " 

Whinfield. 

"  n  kl  erhafll  bud  az  kisht  bahar 
U  chl  danad  qlmat-i-in  ruzgrar 
Dar  panah  lutf-i-haqq  bayad  gurikht 
K'u  hazaran  lutf  bar  arwah  likht 
Ta  pinahe  yabi  anki  chun  panah 
Ab  wa  atlsh  mar  tu  ra  g-ardad  sipah."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Whoever  may  put  off  to  sow  seed  in  spring 
Ignores  the  true  value  of  time's  swiftest  wing. 
Let  each  one  take  refuge  in  mercy  of  God 
Who  grace  manifold  on  our  souls  has  bestowed. 
Then  shait  thou  find  shelter,  when  shelter  thou  needest, 
Fire's,  water's  protection  thou'lt  have  as  thou  heedest." 

Redhouse. 

"  Ukhtar  watanan  ma  ardhaka  fa'imia  'Ihurra  yadhi'  fl  baladihi 
wa  la  y'urafu  qadruhu."  Shkrishi. 

*'  Choose  a  land  which  pleases  thee,  for  the  free  man  is  neglected  in  his 
own  country  and  his  worth  is  not  recognised." 

"  Ulamara  zar  bidlh  ta  digrar  bikhanand  wa  zuhhadra  chize  ma 
dih  ta  zahid  bamanand."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  To  the  wise  give  gold  that  they  may  study  the  more  ;   and  to  the 
devout  give  nothing  that  they  may  remain  devout."  (Eastvvick). 

"  Umar  barf  ast  wa  aftab  tammuz 
Andake  manad  wa  khwaja  gharra  hanuz."  Gulistan,  Preface. 

"  Life  is  like  snow  in  July's  sun 
Little  remains  ;  and  is  there  one 
To  boast  himself  and  vaunt  thereon?"         Eastwick. 


288  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Umaralia  shud  ta  dar  in  kakh-i-kuhan 
Tar-i-nazm  basta  bar  'ud-i-sukhan, 
Har  zaman  az  nau  nawa'e  mi-zanara 
Dam  za  diri  majara  mi-zanam 
Raft  umr,  v/a  in  nawa  akhir  na  shud 
Kast  jan  -wa  in  majara  akhir  na  shud 
Pusht-i-man  chu  chang  kham  gasht  hanuz 
Har  shabe  dar  sar  'udam  ta  ba  ruz."  Jami  (Salaman  and  Arsai.). 

"  And  yet  how  long,  Jami,  in  this  old  house 
Stringing  thy  pearls  upon  a  harp  of  song? 
Year  after  year  striking  up  some  new  song 
The  breath  of  some  old  story.     Life  is  gone 
And  yet  the  song  is  not  the  last  ;  my  soul 
Is  spent, — and  still  a  story  to  be  told  ! 
And  I  whose  back  is  crooked  as  the  harp 
I  still  keep  tuning  through  the  night  till  day." 

Fitzgerald. 

"  Umar  bignzasht  ba  bihasili  wa  bu  'Ihawasi 
Ey  pisar  jam-i-mayam  dih  ki  bapiri  birasi 
Dush  dar  khail-i-ghulaman-i-darash  mi-raftam 
Guft '  k'ey  bekas  bichara,  tu  bari  chi  kasi  ? 
Ta  chu  mi j  mar  nafsi  daman-i-janan  girim 
Dil  nihadim  bar  atish  zi  pae  khush  nafsi.' "  Hafiz. 

*'  In  fruitlessness  and  lustfulness  passed  my  life, 

O  son  !  give  me  the  cup  of  wine  so  that  to  old  age  thou  mayest  reach. 

Last  night  in  the  crowd  of  slaves  of  His  door  I  went, 

He  spake,  saying,  '  O  friendless,  remediless  one,  the  load  of  what  person 

art  thou. 
So  that  like  the  censer  a  moment  we  may  take  the  skirt  of  the  Beloved, 
We  placed  our  heart  on  the  fire  for  the  sake  of  a  pleasant  breath." 

Clarke. 

"  Umar  ba  khushnudi  dilha  guzar 
Ta  za  tu  khushnud  sha'wad  kirdagar."  Nizami. 

"  Pass  thy  life  in  contenting  hearts  that  the  Creator  may  be  content  with 
thee."  Asiatic  Miscellany. 

"  Umar  dar  kunj-i-tajarrud  magzaran  digar  ki  hast 
'Ishrat  abad  tahhul  rauza'e  aman  wa  aman."  Anwar-i-Suheh.i. 

"  Pass  not  thy  life  a  celibate,  the  while 
Thou  mightest,  bird-like,  those  glad  gardens  skim, 
Where  pleasures  reign  and  joys  the  goblet  brim." 

Eastwick. 

"  Umar  ki  bi  ishq  raft  hich  hisabash  ma  gir 
Ab-i-hayat  ast  ishq  dar  dil  wa  janash  pazir." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  289 

"  Prize  not  at  all  life  that  has  passed  without  love, 
Love  is  the  water  of  life  :  receive  it  in  thy  heart  and  soul." 

Nicholson. 

"  nmaththilu  shakhsahum  fl  wastl  qalbl 
Gharamun  wa  ishtiyaqun  wa  Iftikaru 
Eya  man  dhikruhum  adha  dlthari 
Kama  hubba  lahum  haul!  shi'aru 
Ahibbtuna  ila  kam  dha  'ttamadi 
Wa  kam  hadha  'ttaba  "udu  wa  'nnafaru."         Alif  Laila  wa  Laila. 

"  Their  form  lies  pictured  in  my  bosom's  core 
With  love  desire  and  dreamy  passion  fraught, 
Close  as  a  vest  their  memory  still  I  wore 
While  love  enwrapped  me  in  a  robe  of  thought. 
Long  as  they  linger  hence,  so  lastingly 
Endures  our  love,  past  mortal  constancy."  Torrens. 

"  Ummatu  'I'lshqi  khafl  fl  'inimmtim 
Mithljudhaulahulaumusaqam."  Jalalludin  Rumi. 

"  The  people  of  love  are  hidden  among  the  peoples 
As  a  liberal  encompassed  by  the  contumely  ol  the  base." 

Whinfikld. 
"  Ummld-l-aflyat  an  gah  buwad  muaflq-i-aql 
Ki  nabz  ra  batabiat  shinas  binumai 
Bipurs  bar  chi  na  dani  kl  zill-i-ptirsidan 
Dalil-i-rah-1-tu  bashad  ba-azz-i-danai."  Guustan,  chap.  8. 

'•  Hope  thou  with  reason  for  good  health  when  thou 
•  Dost  to  the  skilful  leech  thy  pulse  present,  . 

Ask  what  thou  knowest  not, — with  the  sligma  now 
(If  shame  there  be)  of  asking  be  content, 
And  thus  in  learning  grow  pre-eminent."  Eastwick. 

•'  Ummid  basta  bar  amad  wall  chi  faida  az  ankl 
Ummid  nist  ki  umr  gruzashta  baz  ayad."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Hope  long  delayed  is  granted.     Have  I  gained 
Aught?     Nay.     Life  spent  returns  not  back  again." 

Eastwick. 
"  Ummid-i-dU8ti  nau  az  dushmanan  kuhan 
Chunan  buwad  ki  talab  kardan  gvl  az  gulkhan."  Anwar-i-Suhkil 

"  To  hope  new  friends  will  spring  from  ancient  foes 
Is  from  a  furnace  to  expect  a  rose."  (Eastwick). 

"  Ummidwar  buwad  admi  ba  khair-i-kasan 
Mara  ba  khair-i-tu  ummid  nist,— sharr  marasan." 

Gui-isTA   ,  chap.  4. 

*'  From  some  a  man  might  favours  hope,  -from  thee 
We  hope  for  nothing  but  immunity."  Eastwick. 

19     ■ 


290  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Umri  bi  gnl  wa  bada  biraftim  bigasht 
Yak  kar-i-man  az  daur-i-jahan  rast  nagasht 
Az  mai  chu  nashud  hich  murade  hasil 
Az  bar  chi  guzashtim  guzashtim  guzasht."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Long  time  in  wine  and  rose  I  took  delight 
But  found  my  business  never  went  aright ; 
Since  wine  could  not  accomplish  my  desire, 
I  have  abandoned  and  forsworn  it  quite." 

(Whinfield). 

"  Umratan  bad  wa  murad,  ey  saqian-i-bazm-i-Jam 
Garchi  jam-i-ma  na  shud  pur  mai  badauran-i-shuma."         Hafiz. 

*'  O  cup-bearers  of  the  banquet  of  Jam — long  be  your  life;    that  is  our 
desire, 
Although  our  cup  be  not  full  of  wine  at  the  circulation  of  the  cup  of 
yours."  (Clarke). 

"  Umr-i-giranmaya  dar  in  sarf  shud 
Ta  chi  khuram  saif  wa  chi  pusham  sita. 
By  shikam  khira  binani  bisaz 
Ta  nakuni  pusht  bakhidmat  du  ta."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Life,  precious  life  has  been  in  pondering  spent 
On  summer  clothing  and  on  winter  food, 
O  glutton  belly  !  let  one  loaf  content 
Thee,  rather  than  the  back  in  slavish  mood 
Be  to  the  ground  in  other's  service  bent."  Eastwick. 

"  Umr-i-tu  chihal  gasht,  ba  juz  chihal  na  shudi 
Dakhil  ba  dar  madina'e  dil  na  shudi 
Guyand  ki  'arbain  buwad  sal  kamal 
Shud  umr-i-tu  'arbain  wa  kamal  na  shudi."  Nabil. 

"  Thine  age  is  forty,  yet  thou  art  nought  but  a  fool. 

Thou  hast  not  entered  in  at  the  gate  of  the  city  of  the  heart, 

They  say  that  forty  is  the  year  of  perfection, 

Thine  age  is  forty,  yet  hast  thou  not  become  perfect." 

E.  G.  Browne. 

"  'Umr-i-tu  chi  du  sad  w^a  chi  sisad,  chi  hazar 
Z'in  kukna  sera  birun  birandat  nachar 
Gar  badshahi  war  gar  gada'e  bazar 
In  har  du  ba  yak  nirk  buwad  akhir-i-kar."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Though  you  should  live  to  four  or  forty  score, 
Go  hence  you  must  as  all  have  gone  before  ; 
Then,  be  you  king  or  beggar  of  the  streets 
They'll  rate  you  all  the  same,  no  less,  no  more." 

Whinfielu. 


\ 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  291 

*'  Umri  za  pa'e  murad  za'i  daram, 
W'az  daur-i-falak  chist  ki  nafi  daram, 
Ba  har  ki  bigruftam  kl  tura  dust  shudam, 
Shud  dushman-i-man,  wah  I  ki  chi  tali  daram  ?"  Hapiz. 

*'  Crossed  in  my  hopes  in  life,  gone  far  have  I, 
From  circling  heaven  but  woes  that  mar  have  I ; 
He  whom  at  any  time  I  called  my  friend 
Has  proved  a  foe  to  me  ;  what  star  have  I."        BiCKNELL. 

"  Umrur  'ala  jadathi  'lladhi  hallat  bihi  Umm-'al-AIa  fanadiha  lau 

tasm'au 
'Anni  halalti  wa  kunti  Jidda  faruqatin  baldan  yamurru  blhi  'shsh- 

uja'u  fa'yafza'u? 
Falaqad  tarakti  saghiratan  marhumatan  lam  tadrina  Jaz'aun 

alaiki,  fatahjaz'au, 
Waldha  sam'itu  'aninaha  fl  lailiha  tafiqat  'alaiki  shuHmu  'alni 

tadma'u."  Mlwaihk  Al-Mazmum. 

'*  Take  thou  thy  way  by  the  grave  wherein  thy  dear  one  lies, 
Umm-al-Ala,  and  lift  up  thy  voice  ;  ah,  if  she  could  hear  ! 
How  art  thou  come, — for  very  fearful  wast  thou, — to  dwell 
In  a  land  where  not  the  most  valiant  goes  but  with  quaking  heart? 
And  a  little  one  hast  thou  left  behind — God's  ruth  on  her  ! 
She  knows  not  what  to  bewail  thee  means,  yet  weeps  for  thee. 
When  her  crying  smites  in  the  night  upon  my  sleepless  ears. 
Straightway  mine  eyes  brimful  are  filled  from  the  well  of  tears." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 
"  Undhub  zamanan  salafa  sawwadatta  flhi  'ssuhafa 
Wa  lam  tazal  mu'takifa  ala  'Iqabihi  'shshan'i." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri. 
"  Bewail  the  time  that  passed  away 
When  thou  hast  blackened  pages  bright. 
And  never  ceased  to  steep  thyself 
In  deeds  of  shame  and  heinousness."  Steingass. 

"  Undhur  bi  ainika  hal  'ardhun  mu'attalatun 
Mina  'nnabati  k'ardhin  hafiTaha  'shshajaru 
Fa'addi  'amma  srushiru  'lag-hbiyau  blhi 
Fa  'eyyu  fadhlin  li  udin  ma  lahu  thamaru." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  37. 

*'  See  for  thyself  if  a  land  that  is  not  decked  out  with  plants  is  like  a 
land  all  around  hedged  in  with  trees  rich  of  growth. 

"  So  wend  aside  from  what  foots  are  in  their  sloth  pointing  to,  for  say, 
uhat  good  can  there  be  in  wood  that  never  bears  fruit."         Steingass. 

"  Uqaddimu  ustadhi  'ala  nafsi  walidi 
Wa'in  nalani  min  walidi  'Ifadhlu  wa'  sh  sharaf 
Fadhaka  murabbi  'rruhi  wa'  ri'uhu  jauharu 
Wa  hadha  murabbi  'Ijismi  wa'  Ijismu  min  sadaf." 

MaJANI   I'L  ADAB. 


292  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  I  esteem  my  teacher  higher  than  my  father, 
From  my  father  came  to  me  grace  and  honour, 
But  my  teacher  nurtured  my  spirit  and  the  spirit  is  a  pearl, 
While  my  father  nurtured  my  body  which  is  but  a  shell." 

"  Uqba'e  z'in  s'abtar  dar  rah  nist 
Ey  khunuk  an  k'ash  hasad  hamrah  nist 
In  jEisd  khana'e  hasad  amad  badan 
K'az  hasad  aluda  grardad  khandan."  Jalalludin  Rumi. 

"  No  mountain-pass  as  this  life's  progress  is  so  steep, 
Let  envy  not  increase  thy  load  ;  thou  canst  but  creep. 
The  flesh  a  hot-bed  is  of  envy  and  of  strife 
These  soil  the  soil ;  for  envy's  bane  of  mortal  life." 

Redhouse. 

"  U-ra  kh'wahi  za  zan  wa  farzand  bibur 
Mardana  dar  az  khwish  -wa,  paiwand  bibur, 
Har  chiz  ki  hast  band-i-rah  ast  tura 
Ba  band  chiguna  rah  ra^vi,  band  bibur."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  If  you  seek  Him,  abandon  child  and  wife. 
Forsake  and  sever  all  these  ties  to  life  ; 
All  these  are  bonds  that  check  your  upward  course. 
Arise  and  cut  these  bonds  as  with  a  knife."        Whinfield. 

"  'Uridu  bastata  kaflBn  'asta'inu  biha 
'Ala  qadha'i  huquqin  lil'ula  qibali, 
Wa'  ddahru  yu'kisu  'amali  ■wa  jruqni'uni 
Mina  'Ighanimati  b'ada  'Ikaddi  b'ilqafali."  Al  Tughrai. 

"  But  wealth  I  own  engrossed  each  thought. 
There  was  a  moment  when  I  sought 
The  glittering  stores  ambition  claims 
To  feed  the  wants  his  fancy  frames  ; 
But  now  'tis  past, — the  changing  day 
Has  snatched  my  high-built  hopes  away. 
And  bade  this  wish  my  labours  close. 
Give  me  not  riches  but  repose."  J.  D.  Carlyle. 

"  Ushahidu  man  'ahwa  bighairi  wasilatin 
Fayalhaquni  sh'anun  'adhallu  tariqa 
Yuwajjiju  naran  thumnaa  yutfl  birashshatin 
Lidhalika  tarani  muhraqan  wa  ghariqa."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  I  behold  Him  whom  I  love  without  a  mediator 
And  so  I  fall  into  such  a  state  that  I  lose  my  way ; 
He  kindles  a  fire,  then  extinguishes  it  with  a  sprinkling, 
For  this  reason  thou  seest  me  burnt  and  drowned."       Plaits. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  293 

*  Ushtur  amad  In  wu.lud  khar  khwar 
Mustafa  zadi  bar  in  ushtur  sawar 
Ushtura  t&ng  grule  bar  pusht-i-tust 
K'az  nasimash  dar  tu  sad  erulzar  ra.st 
Mail-i-tu  sue  mughilanast  wa  reg 
Ta  ki  erul  chini  za  khar  murda  reer."  Jalaluduin  Rumi 

"  Thorn-eating  camel  truly  is  this  world  of  ours, 
Ahmed  *  then  came  and  mounted  ;  him  that  camel  bears. 
O  camel,  on  thy  back  thou  bear'st  a  vase  of  rose. 
On  thee  from  thence  have  sprouted  rose-buds  as  God  knows, 
Thy  tastes  lead  thee  to  camel-thorn  and  wastes  of  sand, 
To  thee  the  thorn's  a  rose ;  the  wilderness,  rich  land. 

Redhouse. 
"  Ustad-i-mu'allim  chu  buwad  kam  azar 
Kharsak  bazand  kudakan  dar  bazar."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

*'  When  the  schoolmaster  gentle  is  and  sweet, 
The  boys  will  play  at  leap-frog  in  the  street." 

Eastwick. 
"  ntlub  ad'dxirra,  akhi  wasti  'ssadaf 
W'utlub  al  fann  mln  arbabu  'Iharf."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Seek  the  pearl,  O  brother,  in  the  shell. 
And  seek  for  skill  among  the  learned." 

"  Utlubni  Inda  'Iqulubi  'Imunkasarati  w'alqubur  'ulmundrisati." 

Hadis-i-Qudsi. 

*'  Seek  Me  in  the  broken  hearts  and  by  the  crumbling  tombs." 

"  Utlubu  'I'ilma  wa  lau  kana  bi  'Sinl."  Savinc;  of  Muhammad. 

"  Seek  learning  though  it  be  as  far  as  China." 

"  Uzr-i-taqsir-i-khidmat  awardam 
Ki  nadaram  bita'at  istizhar 
'Asiyan  az  grunah  tauba  kunand 
'Arifan  az  'ibadat-i-istigrhfar."  Gulistan,  chap.  a. 

"  Excuse  for  my  faulty  service  do  I  bring. 

For  I  have  not  the  strength  to  serve  Thee  ; 

Sinners  of  their  sins  repent, 

Those  who  hold  communion  with  thee  implore  forgiveness  for  worship- 
ping." (Platts). 
"  Uzr  khwahl  kun  wa  'afu  talab  chu  uftad 

Rakhna  dar  qalda  yari  yaran  qadim ; 

"War  niayad  band  an  rakhna  bagruftar  zaban 

Dar  imarat  grirish  ktish  bikhisht  zar  wa  sim." 

Jami,  Biharistan,  chap.  3. 

*  Muhammad. 


294  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Excuse  thyself  and  beg  pardon  from  ihy  friends, 
When  a  breach  arises  in  the  foundation  of  amity  among  friends  ; 
And  if  the  breach  cannot  be  repaired  by  word  of  speech, 
Endeavour  to  build  it  up  by  employing  bricks  of  gold  and  silver." 

(Rehatsek). 

"  Wa'auha  rabbuka  ila  'nnahli  'ani  'ttakhidhi  mina  'Ijibali  busru- 
tan  wa  mina  'shshajarin  -wa  mimma  yaVishuna,  thumnia  kuli  min 
kizlli  'thamarati  fa'sluki  subula  rabbiki  dhululan  yakhruju  min 
butuniha  sharabun  mukhtalifun  'alwanuhu  flhi  shifa  linnasi." 

Koran,  chap.  16. 

"  Thy  Lord  hath  taught  the  bee  '  Provide  ihee  houses  in  the  mountains 
and  in  the  trees  and  in  the  hives  which  men  build  thee  ;  feed  moreover  on 
every  kind  of  fruit  and  walk  the  easy  paths  of  thy  Lord  ;  from  its  belly 
Cometh  forth  a  fluid  of  varying  hues  which  yieldeth  medicine  to  man."- 

(Rodwell). 

"  Wa  'bud  rabbaka  hatta  yatiyaka  'lyaqin."  Kor.^n,  chap.  15. 

"  Serve  thy  Lord  till  the  certainty  (death)  overtake  thee." 

(Rodwei-l). 

"  Wa  'dhkur  rabbaka  fl  nafsika  tadharru'an  wa  khifatan  wa  duna 
'Ijahri  min  'Iqauli  bi'l  ghuduwvri  wa  'I'asali."  Kok.\n,  chap.  7. 

"  Think  within  thine  own  self  on  God  with  lowliness  and  with  fear  and 
without  loud-spoken  words  at  even  find  morn."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wa  erar  bar  jafa  pisha  bashitafti 
Ki  az  dast-i-qahrash  aman  yafti?"  Bostan  ok  S'adi. 

"  If  He  (God)  had  hastened  against  one  tyranny  — practising 

Who  could  have  obtained  safety  from  the  hand  of  His  violence  ?  " 

(Clarke). 
"  Wagar  na  dida'e  dil  bar  kushayad  az  himmat 
Nazr  ba  sue  ma'ala  na  mitawan  afkand."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  If  the  soul's  vision  ope  not  by  emprise 
The  sight  to  lofty  things  can  never  rise."        Eastwick. 

"  Wagar  sail-i-marg  amad  wa  har  du  burd 
Chi  bar  takht  sultan,  chi  bar  dasht  gurd?" 

Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  6. 

"  If  the  torrent  of  death  comes  and  takes  both, 
Whether  the  sultan  on  the  throne  ;  or  the  wanderer  in  the  desert, 
What  difference  ?  "  (Clarke). 

"  Wagar  tu  pae  na  dari,  safar  guzin  dar  khwish 
Chu  kan-i-l'al  pazra  shu  az  shu'a  asr ; 
Za  khwishtan  safare  kun  ba  khw^ish,  ey  khw^aja, 
Ki  az  chunin  safare  gasht  khak  m'adan-i-zar." 

Di\van-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  295 

"  Though  you  have  no  feet,  choose  to  journey  in  yourself, 
Like  the  ruby-mine  receive  a  print  from  the  sunbeams. 
Make  a  journey  out  of  self  into  self,  O  master, 
For  by  such  a  journey  earth  becomes  a  quarry  of  gold." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Wa'grhdhudh  mln  sautika  Inna  'ankara  'laswati  lasautu  'Ihamir." 

KoKAN,  chap.  31. 

"  Lower  thy  voice ;  verily  the  least  pleasing  of  voices  is  surely  the  voice 
of  asses."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wa  hla  tajri  bihim  fl  maujin  ka'ljibali  wa  naxla  nuhun  'bnaha 
•wa  kana  fl  m'azilin,  ya  bunayya  'rkab  ma'ana  "wa  la  takun  ma'a 
'Ikaflrin  Qala  s'aawi  ila  jabalin  ya'simuni  mina  'Imal  qala  la  'asima 
'lyauma  min  arnri  'llahi  ilia  man  rahima,  wa  hala  balnahuma 
Imaviju  fakana  min  'Imughraqin."  Koran,  chap.  n. 

"  And  the  ark  moved  on  with  them  amid  waves  like  mountains,  and 
Noah  called  to  his  son,  for  he  was  apart,  '  Embark  with  us,  O  my  child, 
and  be  not  with  the  unlielievers.'  He  said,  '  I  will  betake  me  to  a  moun- 
tain that  shall  secure  me  from  the  water.'  He  said,  '  None  shall  be  secure 
this  day  from  the  decree  of  God  save  him  on  whom  He  shall  have  mercy.' 
And  a  wave  passed  between  them,  and  he  was  among  the  drowned." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Wa  huwa  'Iqahiru  fauqa  'ibadihl  wa  smrsilu  'alaikum  hafadha- 
tan  hatta  Idha  ja'i  ahadakumu  'Imautu  tawaflfiathu  rusiiluna  wa 
bum  la  yufarrltun."  Koran,  chap.  6. 

"  And  He  is  the  supreme  over  His  servants,  and  sendeth  forth  guardians 
who  watch  over  you  until,  when  death  overtaketh  any  one  of  you,  our 
messengers  receive  him  and  they  fail  not."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wa  Idha  busbshira  ahaduhum  bi'Iuntha  dballa  wajhuhu  mtis- 
wadan  wa  huwa  kadhim,  yatawara  mina  'Iqauml  mln  su  ma  bvish- 
shira  bihi  ayumsikuhu  ala  hunin  'am  yadussuhu  fl  'tturabi." 

Koran,  chap.  16. 

"  When  the  birth  of  a  daughter  is  announced  to  any  one  of  them,  dark 
shadows  settle  on  his  face,  and  he  is  sad  ;  he  bideth  himself  from  the 
people  because  of  the  bad  news  :  shall  he  keep  it  with  disgrace  or  bury  it 
in  the  dust  ?  "  Rodwell. 

"  Waldha  busbshira  'ahaduhum  bima  dharaba  lirrahmanl  math- 
alan  dhalla  wajhuhu  muswadan  wa  huwa  kadhim  'awaman  yun- 
Eishsh'u  fl  Ihilyatl  wa  huwa  fl  'Ikhisami  erhairu  mubin." 

Koran,  chap.  43. 


296  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  But  when  that  *  is  announced  to  any  one  of  them  which  he  imputeth 
to  the  God  of  mercy,  as  His  likeness,  his  face  settleth  into  darkness  and  he 
is!  silent — sad. 

I  ji"  And  make  they  a  female  to  be  the  offspring  of  God,  one  who  is 
brought  up  among  trinkets,  and  is  contentious  without  reason  ?  " 

(Rodwell). 


"Wa'idlia  ra'u  tijaratan  au  lahwan  'nfadhdhu  ilaiha  wa  tara- 
kuka  qa'iman,  qui  ma  "ind  'Uahi  khairun  min  'llahwi  wa  mina 
^ttijarati  wa  'llahu  khairu  'rraziqin."  Koran,  chap.  62. 

H"  But  when  they  get  a  sight  of  merchandise  or  sport,  they  disperse  after 
it,^  and  leave  thee  standing  alone.  Say  '  God  hath  in  reserve  what  is 
tetter  than  sport  or  merchandise.     And  God  is  the  best  of  providers.'" 

(Rodwell). 

"  "Wa'idha  sa'laka  'ibadl  'anni,  falnni  qaribun,  ujibu  da'wata 
^ddai'  Idha  d'aani  falyastajibu  li  walyuminu  bi  la'allahum  yarstiu- 
'dlUX."  Koran,  chap.  2. 

"  And  when  My  servants  ask  thee  concerning  Me,  then  verily  will  I  be 
nigh  unto  them  and  will  answer  the  cry  of  him  that  crieth,  when  he  crieth 
unto  Me,  but  let  them  hearken  unto  Me  and  believe  in  Me.  Haply  they 
will  proceed  aright."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wa  jala's-suyvilu  *ani  't-tululi  ka'  annaha 
Zubvirun  tujiddu  mutuna-ha  aklamu-ha 
Fa-wakaftu  as'alu-ha :  fa-keyfa  su'aluna 
Summan  khaw^alida  ma  yabinu  kalamu-tia."    Mo'allaka  of  Lebid. 

"  And  the  torrents  have  laid  bare  its  traces,  as  though 
'Twere  a  book  of  which  a  pen  renews  the  characters, 
And  I  stood  questioning  them  :  but  how  can  we  question 
Dumb  rocks,  whose  speech  is  not  clear  ?  "         E.  G.  Browne. 

•'  Wa  Ian  tastati'yii  'an  ta'dllu  baina  'nnisa'i  wa  lau  harastum  fa 
la  tamilu  kulla  'I'maili."  Koran,  chap.  4. 

"  Ye  may  not  have  it  at  all  in  your  power  to  treat  your  wives  with  equal 
justice,  even  though  you  fain  would  do  so ;  but  yield  not  wholly  to  dis- 
inclination." (Rodwell). 

"Walaqad  khalaqna  'llnsana  wa  na'alimu  ma  tuwas'wisu  bilii  ^ 

nafsuhu  wa  nahna  'aqribu  ilaihi  min  habli  'Iw^arid."  Koran,  chap.  50.      i    'i 

"  But  of  old  we  created  man  :  and  we  know  what  his  soul  whispereth 
(/^     within  him,  and  we  are  closer  to  him  than  his  neck-vein. "    (Rodwell). 

*  The  ancient  Arabs  called  their  goddesses  "daughters  of  God." 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  297 

"  Wa  la  tarkan  Ua  'ddahri,  wain  lana,  wain  sarra, 
Fatvilfa  kamanl  'ghtarra  bi'araan  tanfuthu  'ssamma, 
Wa  khafQdh  min  taraqika,  fa  inna  'Itnauta  laqika, 
Wa  sarin  fl  taraqika,  wa  ma  yankulu  in  hamma." 

Mai^amat  of  Hariri  (ii). 

•*  Rely  not  on  fortune  though  it  be  soft,  though  it  be  gay :  for  so  shalt 
thou  be  found  like  one  deceived  by  a  viper  that  spitleth  venom.  And 
lower  thyself  from  thy  loftiness  for  death  is  meeting  thee  and  reaching  at 
thy  collar  ;  and  he  is  one  who  shrinketh  not  back  when  he  hath  purposed." 

(Chenery). 

"  Wa  la  tabli  basaJatuhum  win  hum  ealu  b'ilharbi  hinan  b'ada 
hinin 
Humu  man'au  hlma  'Iwaqba  bidharbin  yuwillafu  baina  'ashtati 
'Imanuni."  Adu'l  Ghul, 

**  Their  sternness  abides  unflagging  though  they  be  roasted 
Again  and  again  in  war's  most  flaming  furnace. 
They  held  with  the  sword  al-Wakaba  s  guarded  meadow 
The  sword  from  whose  edge  flew  all  death's  shapes  united." 

C.  J.  Lyall. 

"  Wa  la  tudhi  fursata  'ssururl  fa  ma  tadri  aiyauman  talshu  'am 

dara, 
Wa'lam  ba'anna  'almEtnuna  j'a'ilatun  wa  qad  'adarat  ala  'Iwara 

dara 
W'aqsamat  la  tazalu  qanisatan  ma  qarra  'asra  'Imahia  wa  ma 

dara 
Fakaifa  tiirja  'nnajata  min  sharakin  lam  yanju  mlnhu  Kisra  wa 

la  Dara."  Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  28. 

"  Miss  thou  no  chance  of  enjoyment,  for  thou  knowest  not  if  thou  live  a 

day  or  if  an  age, 
Know  thou  that  death  is  going  round,  and  the  moon-halves  circle  above 

all  created  beings, 
Swearing  that  they  will  not  cease  chasing  them  as  long  as  morn  and  even 

turn  and  return  ; 
How  then  mayest  thou  hope  to  escape  from  a  net  from  which  neither 

Kisra  escaped  nor  Dara."  (Steingass). 

"  Wa  lau  kanat  ad-dunya  Irsa  litulliqat,  wa  lakinnaha  \imm  yah- 
abbaha  waladviba  'ala  'IHiquqi  wa  tasadhum  'ani  'draku  'Ihuquq." 

Abu'l  Ala. 

"  Were  the  world  a  bride  she  would  have  been  divorced  ;  but  rather  she 
is  a  mother  who  has  nursed  and  whom  her  children  love  in  spite  of  unkind- 
ness  and  albeit  she  defrauds  them  of  their  rights." 

O.  S.  Margoliouth. 


xX 


298  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Walfata  liddhari  wa  'dhdharu  zu  fununi, 
Wa'l'usru  k'alyusri  w'alghani  k'al'udmi  w'alhasTyu  lilmanuni." 

SULMI    IBM    RaBIAH. 

"  Man  is  set 
The  prey  of  time  and  time  is  change  ; 
Life  strait  or  large,  great  store  or  nought, 
All's  one  to  time,  all  men  to  death."  C.  J.  Lyall. 

"  Wa  lillahi  'Imashriqu  wa  'Imaghribu  fa'aynama  tuwallu  fath- 
umma  wajhu  'Uahi,  Inna  'llaha  wasiun  'alim."  Koran,  chap.  2. 

The  east  and  the  west  is  God's  ;   therefore  whichever  way  ye  turn, 
there  is  the  face  of  God.     Truly  God  is  immense,  knowing." 

(Ron  well). 

"  Wa  lillahi  yasjudu  man  fl  'ssamawati  wa  I'ardhi  tauan  wakar- 
han  wa  dhilaluhum  bi  'Ighuduwwi  wa  'lasal."  Koran,  chap.  13.     i 

\y    f       "  And  unto  God  doth  all  in  the  heavens  and  on  the  earth  bow  dowr)  in 
^  worship  willingly  or  by  constraint  :    their  very  shadows  also  morn  and 
even."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wa  'Uadhina  kafaru  'amaluhum  kasarabin  biqi'atin  yahsabuhu 
'dhdhamanu  ma'an  hatta  idha  jaa'hu  lam  yajidhu  shaian  wa 
wajada  'llaha  'indahu  fawaffahu  hisabahu  w^'allahu  sari'u  'Ihisab." 

Koran,  chap.  24.     V 

"  But  as  to  the  infidels,  their  works  are  like  the  mirage  in  a  level  plain 
which  the  thirsty  deemeth  to  be  water,  until  when  h^  cometh  unto  it,  he 
findeth  it  nought,  but  findeth  that  God  is  with  him  j'^and  He  fully  payeth 
>  him  his  account,  for  swift  to  take  account  is  God."    ^  (Rodwell). 

"  W'allahi,  ma  yaghfulu  'ddayyanu,  wa  la  tuhmalu  ya  insanu,  bal 
saynwadhau  laka  'Iraizanu,  wa  kama  tudinu  tudan." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  21. 

"  By  Allah,  the  Judge  shall  not  be  unregarding  :  thou  shalt  not  be  left 
at  large,  O  man  :  but  the  balance  shall  be  set  for  thee,  and  as  thou 
rewardest,  thou  shalt  be  rewarded."  (Chenery). 

"  W'altandhur  nafsun  ma  qaddamat  li  ghadin."  Koran,  chap.  59. 

"  Let  every  soul  look  well  to  what  it  sendeth  on  for  the  morrow." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Waludh  bi  'Imatabi  'amama  'ddhahabi  fa  man  daqqa  baba  kari- 
min  fatah."  Maqamat  of  Hariri,  12. 

"  Take  refuge  in  repentance  before  thy  departure  ;  for  whoso  knocks  at 
the  door  of  the  merciful  causes  it  to  open."  (Chenery). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  299 

"Wa  ma  'adraka  ma  yaumu  'ddin,  thumma  ma  'adraka  ma 
yaumu  'ddln,  yauma  la  tamliku  naftun  linaf^ln  shai'an  wa  'lamru  ^^ 

yauma'ldhln  lillahl."  Kokan,  chap.  82.       ! "    ' 

"  What  shall  teach  thee  what  the  day  of  judgment  is?    Once  more  ; 
what  shall  teach  thee  what  the  day  of  judgment  is?     It  is  a  day  when  one  ^^^ 
soul  shall  be  powerless  for  another  soul ;  and  all  on  that  day  shall  lie  in  the 
hands  of  God."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wa  ma  khalaqtu  '1  jinna  wa  'I'insa  lUa  11  yaTjudun."  y 

Koran,  chap.  51.  */  •  3  * 

"  Moveover  I  have  not  created  Djinn  and  men  but  that  they  should    r 
worship  me."  (Rodwell). 

"Wa  ma  mata  mlnna  sayyldun  hatfa  'anfihi  wa  la  tvilla  minna 
halthu  kana  qatilu 
Tasilu  'ala  haddi  'dhubati  nufusuna  wa  laisat  'ala  grhalri  'dhubati 
tagilu."  Aud-l'l-Malik. 

•*  Their  dies  among  us  no  lord  a  quiet  death  in  his  bed,  and  never  is 
blood  of  us  poured  forth  without  vengeance  :  Our  souls  stream  forth  in  a 
flood  from  the  edge  of  the  whetted  swords ;  no  otherwise  than  so  doth  our 
spirit  leave  its  mansion."  (C.  J.  Lyall). 

"  Wa  man  'ahsanu  dinan  mimman  wajhahu  lillahi  muhsinun  wa 
'ttaba'a  millat  'Ibrahima  hanifan."  Kokan,  chap.  4.     >"  /  "^V 

"  Who  hath  a  better  religion  than  he  who  resigneth  himself  to  God  and     m^ 
followeth  the  faith  of  Abraham  the  sound  in  faith  ?"  (Rodwell). 

"  Wa  ma  'nnasu  'Ilia  ka'ddiyari  wa'hluha 
Biha  yauma  halluha  wa  ghadwan  bala<i1u/'  Labid. 

"  And  mankind  are  no  other  than  the  like  of  dwellings  the  occupants 
thereof  being  in  them  during  the  day  in  which  they  have  alighted  in  them, 
and  to-morrow  they  are  vacant."  (Lane). 

"  Waman  'a'ra^ha  'an  dhikii  fainna  lahu  malshatan  dhanka." 

Koran,  chap.  ao. 

"  Whoso  turneth  away  from  My  warning,  his  truly  shall  be  a  life  of 
misery."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wa  man  talaba  'I'ula  min  ghayri  keddln 
Adha'a  I'amra  fi  talabi  '1  muhali."  Arab  Poet. 

"  And  he  who  hopes  to  scale  the  heights  without  enduring  pain. 
And  toil  and  strife,  but  wastes  his  life  in  idle  quest  and  vain." 

E.  G.  Browne. 


300  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Wa  man  yattaqi  'Uaha  yaj'al  lahu  makhrajan  wa  yarzuqhu  min 
haisu  la  yahtasib."  Koran,  chap.  65. 

"  And  whoso  feareth  God,  to  him  will  He  grant  a  prosperous  issue  and 
will  provide  for  him  whence  he  reckoneth  not  upon  it."         (RODWELL). 

"  Wamash  madih  an  ki  bi  namaz  ast 
War  khud.  dihanash  za  faqa  baz  ast ; 
K'u  farz-i-khuda  na  mi  guzarad 
Az  qarz-i-tu  niz  gham  na  darad."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  Lend  not  to  him,  who  prayer  neglects,  though  he 
Gasping  with  want  and  inanition  be  ; 
For  he  who  renders  not  to  God  His  due, 
What  will  he  care  for  what  he  owes  to  you  ?  "    (Eastvvick). 

"Wa  min  ayatihi  'annaka  tara  'I'ardha  khashi'atan  fa'idha 
'anzalna  alaiha  'Inaa'i  'htazzat  warabat,  inna  'Uadhi  'ahyaha  lamuhi 
'Imauta."  Koran,  chap.  41. 

"  And  among  His  signs  is  this  that  thou  seest  the  earth  drooping  ;  but 
when  we  send  down  the  rain  upon  it,  it  is  stirred  and  swelleth  ;  verily  He 
who  giveth  it  life,  will  surely  give  life  to  the  dead."  Rodwell. 

"  Wa  min  ayatihi  'Ijawari  fl  'Ibaliri  k'ala'lami  'in  yasha'  yuskini 
'Iriyyha  fayadhlalna  rawakida  ala  dharihl."  Koran,  chap.  42. 

"  Among  His  signs  also  are  ships  out  at  sea  like  mountains  ;  if  such  be 
His  will,  He  luUeth  the  wind  and  they  He  motionless  on  the  back  of  the 
waves."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wa  min  b'adu  fa  la  budda,  mina  'I'ardhi  idha  "utudda, 
Siratun  jisruhu  mudda  ala  'nnari  liman  'amma ; 
Fakam  min  murshiddin  dhalla,  wa  min  dhi  'idhdhatin  dhalla, 
Wa  kam  min  'alimin  zalla,  wa  qala  '  'Ikhatbu  qad  tamma.' 
Fabadir  eyyuha  'Ighumru  lima  yahlu  bihi  'Imurru, 
Faqad  kada  yahi  'lumru  wa  ma  'aql'ata  'an  dhamma." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri  ("ii). 

"  Afterward  there  is  no  escape  from  that  review  of  souls  ;  since  Sirat  is 
prepared ;  its  bridge  is  stretched  over  the  fire  to  every  one  who  cometh 
thither.  And  how  many  a  guide  shall  go  astray  !  and  how  many  a  great 
one  shall  be  vile,  and  how  many  a  learned  one  shall  sUp  and  say,  '  The 
business  surpasseth  ! '  Therefore  hasten  O  simple  one  to  that  by  which 
the  bitter  is  made  sweet ;  for  thy  life  is  now  near  to  decay,  and  thou  hast 
not  withdrawn  thyself  from  blame."  Chenery. 

"  Wa  naza'na  ma  fi  sudurihim  min  ghillln,  tajri  min  tahtihim  'lan- 
haru,  wa  qalu  'Ihamdu  lillahi  'lladhi  badana  lihadha,  wa  ma  kunna 
linahtadiya,  laula  'an  hadana."  Koran,  chap.  7, 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  301 

"  And  we  will  remove  whatever  rancour  was  in  their  bosoms,  rivers 
shall  roll  at  their  feet  :  and  they  shall  say  '  Praise  be  to  God  who  hath 
guided  us  hither.     We  had  not  been  guided,  had  not  God  guided  us." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Wandubl  rilaki  'Iqabiha  wa  sahhi  lahl  bldam 
Wadbugrhlhi  bitaubatin  qabla  'an  yahlama  'aradam 
Fa  'asa  'Uahu  'an  yaqikl  ss'alra  'lladhl  'htadam 
Yavuua  la  'athratun  tuqal  wa  la  yanfali  'ssfidani." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri  (31). 

••  Bewail  thy  work  of  shame  shedding  tears  of  blood  for  it. 
Curing  it  with  sore  repentance,  before  the  hide  all  through  is  rotten, 
May  then  be  that  Allah  guard  thee  against  the  fire  that  blazes  fiercely. 
On  the  day  when  sin  is  cancelled  no  more,  tardy  repentance  vain." 

(Stei.n'Gass). 

"  Waqaffaina  bi  'Isa  "bni  Maryama  wa'atenahu  'I'lnjila  waja'alna 
fl  qulubi  'Uadhina  ttab'uhu  ra'fatan  wa  rahmatan,  w^a  rahbani- 
yatan  'btada'uha."  Koran,  chap.  57. 

"  We  caused  Jesus  the  son  of  Mary  to  follow  them,  and  we  gave  him  the 
Evangel,  and  we  put  into  the  hearts  of  those  who  followed  him  kindness 
and  compassion,  but  as  to  the  monastic  life,  they  invented  it  themselves." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Waqt-i-zarurat  chu  namanad  gruriz 
Dast  bigrirad  sar-i-shamshir-i-tiz."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  The  hand  when  flight  remains  not,  in  despair 

Will  grasp  the  edge  of  the  sharp  scimetar."     (Eastwick). 

"  Wa  rakibatun  niyaqan  fl  hawadijaha 
Lam  yaltafltna  ila  man  grhasa  fl  'Ikuthubi."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  Borne  aloft  in  camel-litters,  what  I  pray  do  women  care 
For  the  tired  pilgrim  struggling  through  the  sand-heaps  drifted  there?' 

(Eastwick). 

"  War  aftab  na  rafti  ba  par  wa  pa  bar  shab 
Jahan  chigruna  munawwar  ba  grab  sahar  ? 
War  ab-i-talkh  na  rafti  za  bahr  sue  ufuq 
Kuja  hayat-i-grulistan  shudi  ba  sail  wa  matar  ?  " 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz, 

"  If  the  sun  did  not  fare  by  foot  .-xnd  wing  every  night. 
How  would  the  world  be  illuminated  at  morning  tide? 
And  if  the  salt  water  did  not  go  up  from  the  sea  to  the  sky 
Whence  would  the  garden  be  quickened  by  river  and  rain?" 

(Nicholson). 


302  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Wa'shshamsi  vra  dhuhaha,  walqamari  'idha  talaha,  wa'nnahari 
Idha  jallaha,  'wa'Uail  'idha  yaghshaha  wa'  ssamai  wa  ma  banaha, 
wa'l'ardhi  wa  ma  tahaha  wa  nafsin  wa  ma  saww^aha  fa'lhamaha 
fujuraha  wa  taqwaha,  qad  'aflaha  man  zakkaha,  wa  qad  khaba 
man  dassaha."  Koran,  chap.  91.     l-lo 

"  By  the  sun  and  his  noon-day  brightness,  by  the  moon  when  she 
followeth  him,  by  the  day  when  it  revealeth  his  glory,  by  the  night  when 
\/  I  it  enshroudeth  him,  by  the  heaven  and  Him  who  built  it,  by  the  earth  and 
Him  who  spread  it  forth,  by  the  soul  and  Him  who  balanced  it,  and 
breathed  into  it  its  wickedness  and  its  piety,— happy  is  he  who  hath  kept 
it  pure,  and  undone  is  he  who  hath  corrupted  it."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wasle  ki  dar  an  malal  bashad 
Hijran  bih  az  an  wisal  bashad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  .Sure  separation  would  be  better  far 
Than  meetings  which  the  cause  of  sorrow  are." 

Eastwick. 
"  Watarahum  yandhuruna  a'ilaika,  wa  hum  la  ynbsirun." 

Koran,  chap.  7. 

"  Thou  seest  them  look  towards  thee,  yet  do  they  not  see." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Wa  'ttaqu  yauman  la  tajzi  nafsun  'an  nafsin  shai'an  wa  la  yuq- 
balu  minha  'adiun  wa  la  tanfa'uha  shafa'atun."  Koran,  chap.  2. 

"  And  dread  the  day  when  not  in  aught  shall  soul  satisfy  for  soul,  nor 
shall  any  ransom  be  taken  from  it  nor  shall  any  intercession  avail." 

(Rodwell). 

"  Wa  'tturi,  wa  kitabin  mastur,  fl  raqqin  manshur,  w'albaiti  'Ima'- 
mur  wa'  ssaqfl  'Imarfu'  wa  'Ibahri  'Imasjur,  inna  'adhaba  rabbika 

lawaqi'."  Koran,  chap.  52. 

"  By  the  mountain,  and  by  the  book  written  on  an  outspread  scroll,  and 
by  the  frequented  fane,  and  by  heaven's  lofty  roof,  and  by  the  swollen  sea, 
verily  a  chastisement  from  thy  Lord  is  most  imminent."        (Rodwell). 

"  Wawassaina  'linsana  biwalidaihi,  hamalathu  ummuhu  wahnan 
ala  wahnin  wa  fisaluhu  fl  'amaini  'ani  'shkur  li  w^alwalidaika  ilaiyya 
Imasir.  '  Koran,  chap.  31. 

"  We  have  commanded  man  concerning  his  parents.  (His  mother 
carrieth  him  with  weakness  upon  weakness  ;  nor  until  two  years  is  he 
weaned.)  'Be  grateful  to  Me  and  to  thy  parents.  Unto  Me  shall  all 
come."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wa-Tvujuhin  yauma'izin  nazirah  ila  rabbiha  nazirah,  wa-wuju- 
hin  yauma  'izin  basirah,  tazannu  an  yufala  bi-ha  faqirah." 

Koran,  chap.  75.     ^i  V^ 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  303 

"  On  this  day  shall  faces  beam  with  light,  out-looking  towards  their 
Lord  ;  and  faces  on  that  day  shall  be  dismal,  as  if  they  thought  that  some    V^ 
calamity  would  therein  befall  them."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wayad*u  'llnsanu  bi'shsharri  du'ahu  bl'lkhalri  wa  kana  lln- 
sanu  'ajulan."  Kokan,  chap.  17. 

"  Man  prayeth  for  evil  as  if  he  were  praying  for  good  ;  for  man  is 
hasty."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wa  yasalunaka  ani  'Ijibali,  faqul  yanslfuha  rabbi  nasfan  fayad- 
baruha  qa'an  saf safari,  la  tara  flha  'iwajan  Tva  la  'amtan,  yaumaid- 
hln  yattabi'una  'dda'i  la  iwaja  lahu  wa  khasha'ati  Taswatu  Urrab- 
xntuii  fbla  ta.sina'u  ilia  hamsan."  Koran,  chap.  20. 

"  And  they  will  ask  thee  of  the  mountains:  Say  then  'scattering  my 
Lord  will  scatter  them  in  dust ;  and  He  will  leave  them  a  level  plain  ;  thou 
wilt  see  in  them  no  hollows  or  jutting  hills.  On  that  day  shall  men  follow 
the  Summoner, — he  marcheth  straight  on  ;  and  low  shall  be  their  voices 
before  the  Merciful ;  nor  shall  thou  hear  aught  but  the  light  footfall." 

(Rodwell). 

"Wa  yauma  yuhsharu  'a'daau  'llahi  ila  'nnari  fahum  yuzaun, 
hatta  idha  ma  Jauha  shahida  alaihim  sara'uhum  wa  'absaruhum 
wa  jaluduhum  bima  kanu  ya'malun  wa  qalu  li  juludihim  lima  sha- 
hidthum  alaina,  qalu  antaqana  'llahu  'lladhi  'antaqa  kiilla  shaian." 

Koran,  chap.  41. 

"  And  one  day  the  enemies  of  God  shall  be  gathered  unto  the  fire  urged 
on  in  bands  ;  until  when  they  reach  it,  their  ears  and  their  eyes  and  their 
skins  shall  bear  witness  against  them  of  their  deeds  :  And  they  shall  say  to 
their  skins,  '  Why  have  ye  borne  witness  against  us  ? '  They  answer,  '  God 
who  giveth  a  voice  to  all  things  giveth  us  a  voice."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wayiisabbihu  'rr'adu  blhamdlhi  wa  'Imalaikatu  mln  khaifatihi 
wa  yursilu  'ssawaiqa  fa  yusibu  biha  man  yashau  wa  hum  so^jadi- 
luna  fl  'llahi."  Kokan,  chap.  13. 

"  And  the  thumler  uttereth  His  praise  and  the  angels  also  for  awe  of 
Him  ;  and  He  sendeth  His  bolts  and  smiteih  with  them  whom  He  will, 
while  they  are  wrangling  about  God."  (Rodwell). 

"  Wujud-i-tu  shahr  ast  pur  nik  wa  bad, 
Tu  sultan,  wa  dastur-i-dana,  khirad."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  Thy  body  is  a  city  full  of  good  and  bad. 
Thou  art  sultan  ;  and  wisdom  is  the  prime  minister." 

(Clarke). 


304  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Ya  Aba  Huraira !  ziirni  ghiban,  tazdad  hubban." 

Saying  of  Muhammad. 

"  O  Aba  Huraira !  Visit  me  every  second  day  and  thou  wilt  increase 
our  friendship  "  (i.e.,  not  every  day). 

"  Ya  Ali  az  jumla-e-ta'at  rah 
Bar  gnzin  tu  saya'e-khass  Allah ; 
Tu  birau  dar  saya-e-aqil  guriz. 
Ta  ribi  z'an  dushman  pinhan  sitiz ; 
Az  hama  ta'at  inat  bihtar  ast 
Sabaq  yabi  bar  bar  an  sabiq  ki  hast."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  O  Ali  !  out  of  all  forms  of  religious  service 

Choose  thou  the  shadow  of  that  dear  friend  of  God  ! 

Do  thou  seek  refuge  in  the  shadow  of  the  wise  man 

That  thou  niayest  escape  thy  fierce  secret  foes, 

Of  all  forms  of  service  this  is  fittest  for  thee 

Thou  shalt  surpass  all  who  were  before  thee."     Whinfield, 

"  Ya  a^TTuha  'lladhina  amanu  'sbiru  wa  sabiru  wa  rabitu  wa  'ttaqu 
'Uaha  laallakum  tufllhun."  Koran,  chap.  3. 

"  O  ye  who  believe  !  suffer  patiently  and  excel  in  patience,  and  be  firm 
and  fear  God.     Haply  it  shall  be  well  with  you."  (Rodwell). 

"  Ya  ayjruha  'lladhina  amanu  'jtanibu  kathiran  mina  'dhdhanni, 
'inna  ba'dha  'dhdhanni  'ithmun  wa  la  tajassasu  -wa  la  yaghtab 
ba'dhukum  ba'dhan,  ayuhibbu  'ahadukum  'an  yakula  lahma  'akhihi 
maitan,  fakarihtumuhu."  Koran  (chap.  49). 

"  O  believers,  avoid  frequent  suspicions,  for  some  suspicions  are  a  crime  ; 
and  pry  not ;  neither  let  one  of  you  traduce  another  in  his  absence. 
Would  any  one  of  you  like  to  eat  the  flesh  of  his  dead  brother  ?  Surely  ye 
would  loathe  it."  (Rodwell). 

"  Ya  ayyuha  'Imuzmir  hanaan,  la  tahamm 
Innaka  in  tuqdira  laka  'Ihama,  taham."  Abu'l  Ala. 

"  Oh  thou  whose  heart  is  full  of  care,  fear  not ;  if  fever  be  ordained  for 
thee,  thou  shalt  take  it."  D.  S.  Margoliouth. 

"  Ya  bani  Adama  qad  'anzalna  'alaikum  libasan  yiiwari  sawatikum 
warishan  wa  libasu  'ttaqwa  dhalika  khairun  dhalika  rain  ayati 
'Uahi  la'allahum  yadhdhakkarun."  Koran,  chap.  7. 

"  O  children  of  Adam  !  now  have  we  sent  down  to  you  raiment  to  hide 
your  nakedness,  and  splendid  garments  ;  but  the  raiment  cf  piety — this  is 
best.     This  is  one  of  the  signs  of  God  :  haply  man  will  be  monished." 

(Rodwell). 


ARABIC  ANt)  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  305 

"Ya  bcinl  'Isra'ila  'dhkuru  nramatia  'llati  'an'amtu  alalkum 
wa'inni  fadhaltukum  'alaTalamin."  Koran,  chap.  2. 

*'  O  children  of  Israel,  remember  My  favour  wherewith  I  showed  favour 
upon  you  ;  and  that  to  you  above  all  creatures  have  I  been  bounteous." 

(KODWELL). 

"  Ya  bint  I  la  tafHhi  bithubi  arsuka,  ya  ma  warahu  mina  'shshaqa." 

Akahic  Proverb. 

"  Girl  !  don't  exult  in  ihy  wedding  dress.  Ah  !  how  much  trouble  is 
behind  it."  (Burton). 

"Ya  bunajrya  'aqimi  'ssalata  wa'amur  bl'lma'rufl  wa'nahu  'anl 
Imunkari  wa'sbir  'ala  ma'asabaka  'inna  dhalika  'adhmiTumuri." 

Koran,  thap.  31. 

"  O  my  son  !  observe  prayer  and  enjoin  the  right  and  forbil  the  wrong, 
and  be  patient  under  whatever  shall  betide  thee,  for  this  is  a  bounden 
duty."  (Rodwell). 

"  Ya  bvinasrya  innaka  mas'tilan  yauma  'Iqiyamati  madha  Iktasabta 
la  3mqalu  biman  Intasabta."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  O  my  son  !  thou  wilt  be  asked  in  the  day  of  resurrection, 

'What  hast  thou  acquired?'  not  "from  whom  hast  thou  sprung?'" 

Eastvvick. 

"  Yad  bad  an  ki  chu  chashmat  baltabam  ml-kusht 
Mu'ajiz  Isa'wiyat  dar  lab-i-shakkar  kha  bud. 
Yad  bad  an  kl  sabuhe  zada  dar  majlis-i-uns 
Juz  man  vra  yar  nabudim,  vra  Khuda  ba  ma  bud."  Hafi/ 

"  Be  memory  of  that  time  when  we  with  reproach  thine  eye  slew 

When  in  thy  lip  sugar-devouring  the  miracle  of  Jesus  life-giving  was ; 
Be  memory  of  that  time  when  in  the  assembly  of  companionship  w«» 

drained  the  morning  cup  ; 
We  were  not,  save  I  and  the  friend  and  with  us  God."        (Clarke). 

"  Ya  dvirr  ba  Taar  du  dast  kunad  khwaja  dar  kinar, 
Ya  mauj  ruzi  afgrandash  mtirda  bar  klnar."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Or  with  both  hands  the  merchant  shall  one  day  embrace  the  gold, 
Or  by  the  waves  his  lifeless  form  shall  on  the  strand  be  rolled." 

(Eastwick). 

"Ya  Ibadla  'lladhina  'asrafu  'ala  'anfusihim  la  taqnatu  mln 
rahmati  'llahl  'inna  'llaha  yaghflru  'dbdhunuba  jami'an." 

Koran,  chap.  39. 
20 


3o6  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  O  my  servants  who  have  been  extravagant  against  their  own  souls  !  be 
not  in  despair  of  the  mercy  of  God  :  verily  God  forgives  sins,  all  of  them." 

(Palmer). 

"  Yak  chand  bakudaki  b'ustad  shudim, 
Yak  chand  b'ustadi  khud  shad  shudim, 
Payan-i-sukhan  shinau  ki  mara  chi  rasid 
Az  khak  bar  amadim  Ava  bar  bad  shudim."  Omak  Khayyam. 

"  I  studied  with  the  masters  long  ago, 
And  then  myself  taught  pupils  what  I  know  ; 
Hear  now  the  sum  and  upshot  of  it  all, 
'  We  come  from  earth  and  to  the  winds  we  go.'  " 

Whinfield. 
*•  Yak  dasta  gul  dimagh  parwar 
Az  khirman  sad  giyah  khushtar."  Shahi. 

"  One  bunch  of  roses  with  their  ravishing  odour  is  worth  more  than  a 
garden  filled  with  a  hundred  common  shrubs  and  grasses." 

(Ouseley). 
"  Yak  dast  bamusahafem  -wa.  yak  dast  bajam, 
Gah  nlzd-i-halalam,  wa  gahe  nizd-i-haram, 
Mayem  darin  gambad-i-flruza  rukham 
Na  kafir-i-mutlaq,  na  musulman-i-tamam."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  One  hand  with  Koran,  one  with  wine-cup  dight 
I  have  incline  to  wrong,  and  half  to  right ; 
This  crystal  azure  dome  beholds  in  me 
A  sorry  Moslem,  yet  not  heathen  quite.'  (Whinfiei.d). 

Yake  Allah  me  gufti  shabe, 

Taki  shirin  g-ardad  az  zikarash  labe  ; 

Guft  Shaitanash  '  khamush,  ey  sakht  ru, 

Chand  gui  akhir  ey  bisyar-gu, 

Mi  n'ayad  yak  jawab  az  pish-i-takht 

Chand  "Allah"  mi  zani  ba  rue  sakht.' 

U  shikasta  dil  shud  wa  binihad  sar 

Did  dar  khwab  u  Khizr  ra  dar  hazar. 

Gufb  '  Hin  az  zikr  chun  ■wa  manda'i 

Chun  pashimani  azan  k'ash  khanda'i 

Guft  "Labeikum"  na  miayad  jawab, 

Za  an  hamitarsam  ki  basham  radd  bab.' 

Gxift  Khizrash  ki  khuda  guft '  In  ba  man 

KI  blrau  ba  u  bigu  "  ey  mumtahan ! 

Guft  in  'Allah'  tu  labeik-i-ma'st. 

In  niyaz  wa  suz  dardat  paiylk-1-mast, 

Hiliha  wa  chara  wa  juiha-i-tu 

Jazb-i-ma  bud  wa  kushad  an  pa-i-tu, 

Tars  wa  'ishq-i-tu  kamand  lutf  m'ast 

Zir  har  '  Ya  Rabb  '-i-tu  '  Labeikihast.' "  Jalaluddim  Rumi. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  307 

^'  That  person  one  night  was  crying  '  O  Allah  !' 
That  his  mouth  might  be  sweetened  thereby, 
And  Satan  said  to  him  '  Be  quiet,  O  austere  one  ! 
How  long  wilt  thou  babble  O  man  of  many  words  ? 
No  answer  comes  to  thee  from  nigh  the  throne, 
How  long  wilt  thou  cry  "  Allah  !  "  with  harsh  face? ' 
That  person  was  sad  at  heart  and  hung  his  head 
And  then  beheld  Khizr  present  before  him  in  a  vision 
Who  said  to  him  '  Ah  !  thou  hast  ceased  to  call  upon  God, 
Wherefore  repentest  thou  of  calling  upon  Him  ?' 
The  man  said  '  The  answer  *'  Here  am  I  "  came  not, 
Wherefore  I  fear  that  I  am  repulsed  from  the  door.' 
Khizr  replied  to  him  '  God  has  given  me  this  command 
Go  to  him  and  say  "  O  much  tried  one  ! 
That  calling  *  Allah '  of  thine  was  my  '  Here  am  I ; ' 
And  that  pain  and  longing  and  ardour  of  thine  was  my  messenger  ; 
Thy  struggles  and  strivings  for  assistance 
Were  My  attractions  and  originated  thy  prayer. 
Thy  fear  and  thy  love  are  the  covert  of  My  mercy, 
Each  '  O  Lord  ! '  of  thine  contains  many  '  Here  am  I's." 

Whinfield. 
"  Yake  bacha'e  gxirer  mi  parwarid, 
Chu  parwarda  shud  khwajara  bar  darid."  Gulistan,  chap.  3. 

"  A  wolfs  whelp  had  been  fostered  till  one  day 
Grown  strong,  it  tore  its  master's  life  away."  . 

^'  Take  dar  baharan  biyafshanad  jau 
Chi  erandum  sitanad  biwaqt-i-dirau  ?  "  Bostan  of  S' adi,  chap.  9. 

"  A  certain  one  scatters  barley  in  the  spring. 
How  may  he  take  wheat  at  reaping  time?"    (Clarke). 

"  Yake  halqa'e  k'aba  darad  bidast, 
Yake  dar  kharabat  uftada  ast ; 
Gar  in  bikhand  ki  nug'zaradash  ? 
War  anra  birand  ki  baz  aradaehi  ?  "  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  This  one  has  in  his  hand  the  door-ring  of  the  K'aba 
That  one  is  fallen  intoxicated  in  the  tavern, 
If  God  calls  this  one,  —  who  may  not  permit  him? 
And  if  He  drives  away  that  one, — who  may  bring  him  back?" 

(Clarke). 

"  Yake  juyam,  yake  danam,  yake  binam,  yake  khwanam, 
Huwa  'lawwal,  huwa  'lakhir,  huwa  'Izahir,  huwa  'Ibatin." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz, 

"  One  I  seek,  one  I  know,  one  I  see,  one  I  call. 

He  is  the  first,  He  is  the  last.  He  is  the  outward,  He  is  the  inward." 

(Nicholson). 


3o8  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Yake  mignft  'khush  budi  jahan 
Gar  na  budi  bak  marg  andar  miyan ' ; 
An  digar  gufb  '  ar  na  budi  marg  hich, 
Ki  na  arzidi  jahan  pich  pich 
Kharmane  budi  bar  dasht  afrashta, 
Muhmal  wa  nakufta  bugzashta.' "  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  One  said  'The  world  would  be  a  pleasant  place, 
If  death  never  set  foot  within  it' ; 
Another  answered  '  If  there  were  no  death, 
The  complicated  world  would  not  be  worth  a  jot. 
It  would  be  a  crop  raised  in  the  desert 
Left  neglected  and  never  threshed  out.'"        (Whinfield). 

"  Yake  pasban  wa  yake  padshah, 
Yake  dadkhwah  wa  yake  tajkhwah, 
Yake  kamran  wa  yake  mustamand, 
Yake  sbadman  wa  yake  dardmand, 
Yake  ta  j  dar  wa  y  ake  ba  j  dar 
Yake  sarfaraz  wa  yake  khaksar, 
Yake  namurad  wa  yake  kamkar, 
Yake  bi  nau  wa  yake  maldar."  Pandnama  of  S'adi. 

'•  One  is  a  watchman,  another  a  king, 
One  imploring  justice,  another  coveting  a  crown  ; 
One  gratified  and  another  wishing. 
One  merry  and  another  sad, 

One  wearing  a  crown  and  another  paying  tribute, 
One  elevated  and  another  humble. 
One  disappointed  and  another  blessed, 
One  poor  and  another  rich."  (Gladwin). 

"  Yake  pursid  az  an  gum  karda  farzand, 
Ki '  ey  pak  gauhar,  pir-i-khiradmand, 
Za  misarash  bui  pairahan  shunidi, 
Chara  dar  chah-i-kan'anash  na  did!  ? ' 
Baguft,  'ahwal-i-ma  barq-i-jahan  ast, 
Dame  paida,  wa  digar  dam  nihan  ast.'"  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  To  thnt  bereaved  father  *  one  once  said 

'  Aged  sire,  on  whose  bright  soul  truth's  light  is  shed 
From  Egypt  hist  coat's  scent  thy  nostrils  knew 
In  Canaan's  pit  why  was  he  hid  from  view  ? ' 
'  My  state  '  he  said  '  is  like  heaven's  flashing  light,^ 
One  moment  shown,  the  next  concealed  in  night.'" 

Eastwick. 


'Jacob.  t  Joseph's. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  309 

"  Yake  qatra  baran  za  abare  chakid, 
KhUal  shud  chud  panha'e  darya  badld, 
Ki  *Jae  kl  daryast,  man  kistam? 
Oar  u  haat  haqqa  ki  man  nistam.' 
Chu  khudra  bachashm-i-hiqarat  badid, 
Sadaf  dar  kinarash  bi  Jan  parwarid."  Bostan  of  S'aoi,  chap.  4. 

"  A  rain-drop  dropped  from  a  cloud 

It  became  ashamed  when  it  i)eheld  the  amplitude  of  ocean. 

Saying  *  Where  the  ocean  is,  what  am  I  ? 

If  it  be  by  God  !  then  I  am  not.' 

When  it  regarded  itself  with  an  eye  of  contempt 

A  shell  cherished  it  with  fervour  in  its  bosom."  (Clarke). 

"  Yakera  bizindan  darash  dustan 
Kuja  manadash  'alsh  dar  bustan."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  How  can  he  whose  friends  are  in  a  dungeon,  any  longer  find  enjoy- 
ment in  his  garden  ? "  (Falconer). 

"  Yakera  kl  pindar  dar  sar  buwad 
Mapin  dar  hargriz  kl  haqq  bishanawad."        Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  4. 

"  One  in  whose  head  is  conceit 
Think  not  that  he  will  ever  listen  to  truth."        (Clarke). 

"  Yakera  zishtkhue  dad  dushnam 
Tahammul  kard  wa  gruft '  ey  nlk  farjam, 
Badtar  zanam  ki  khwahl  gnftan  ani, 
Ki  danam  'aib-i-man  chun  man  na  dani.'"  Gulistan,  ch.ip.  i. 

''  An  ill-bred  fellow  once  a  man  reviled 

Who  patient  bore  it,  and  replied  '  Good  friend, 

Worse  am  I  than  by  thee  I  couhl  be  slyled 

And  better  know  how  ollen  I  offend.'"  (East'.VICK). 

*  Yake  tukhm  bar  khak  az  an  mi  nihad 
Ki  ruz-i-farumandagi  bar  dihad."  Bostan  of  S'adi  chap.  2. 

"  He  places  a  seed  in  ttie  dust  for  the  reason 
That  it  may  in  the  day  of  distress,  give  fruit." 

(Clarke). 

"  Yakflaka  ma  balasrhuka  'Imahall ;  in  'ajaza  dhilun  anl  shakbsika 
fa  la  yajazana  'anl  adnuin  mlnka.  Abu'l  Ala. 

"  Be  satisfied  with  what  brings  you  to  your  destination  ;  if  there  is  not 
shade  enough  for  yjur  whole  body,  there  is  sure  to  l>e  enough  for  one  of 
your  members."  D.  S.  Margomouth. 

"  Yak  grul  bi-khar  dar  in  bagrh  nist, 
Lala'e  u  bi  asar-i-dagrb  nist, 
Tigh  zanad  bar  tu  wa  grul  khur  ast 
Zard  kunad  niiyat  wa  grul  zar  ast."  Anwar-i-Sukeill 


3IO  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Ne'er  in  thai  fjanlen  blooms  a  lliornless  rose. 
Nor  spotless  tulips  there  their  charms  unfold  ; 
And  yet  thou  seest  sunbeams  in  its  blows, 
It  gilds  thy  visage  and  thou  callst  it  gold."       (Eastwick) 

"  Yak  jara  'mai  za  mulk-i-Kaus  bihast 
Wa  za  takht-i-Kobad  Tva  mulkat-i-Taus  bihast 
Har  nala  ki  ashiqe  bar  arad  ba  sahar 
Az  na'ra'e  zahidan-i-salus  bihast."  Omar  Khawam. 

"  One  draught  of  wine  outweighs  the  realm  of  Tus, 
Throne  ol  Kobad  and  crown  of  Kai  Kaius, 
Sweeter  are  s'ghs  that  lovers  heave  at  morn 
Than  all  the  groanings  zealot  throats  produce." 

WniNFIELD. 

"  Yak  jau  az  khirmani  natawanad  bardasht, 
Har  ki  dar  kui  fana  dar  rah-i-haqq  dana  naklsht."      Hafiz  Ode,  6i. 

"  Not  one  grain  of  the  sheaves  of  life  is  stored  by  those  who  trod 
This  pathway  of  mortality  and  sowed  no  seed  for  God." 

BiCKNEI.L. 

"  Yak  jau  g-ham-i-ayyam  na  darim  khushim, 
Gar  chasht  buTvad  sham,  na  darim  khushim, 
Chun  pukhta  ba  ma  na  mi-rasad  az  matbakh, 
Az  kas  tam'a-i-kham  nadarim  khushim."  Omar  Khavyam.. 

"  These  worldly  cares  I  rate  not  at  one  grain, 
So  I  eat  once  a  day,  I  don't  complain  ; 
And  since  earth's  kitchen  yields  no  solid  food 
I  pester  no  man  with  petitions  vain."  Whinfield. 

"  Yak  jazb-i-haqq  bih  za  sad  kushish  ast."        Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

*'  One  impulse  from  God  is  better  than  a  hundred  efforts." 

(Nicholson). 

*'  Yak  lahza  ghafll  gashtam  wa  sad  sala  raham  dur  shud." 

The  Dahistan. 

"  During  one  moment  I  was  heetlless  and  he  was  removed  from  me  a 
journey  of  a  hundred  years."  (Shea). 

"  Yak  nan  ba  du  ruz  agar  shaw^ad  hasil-i-mard, 
Wa'z  kuza'e  shikasta'e  dam-i-abi  sard ; 
Makhdum-i-kam  az  khudi  chira  bayad  bud 
Ya  khidmat-i-chun  khud'i  chira  bayad  kard?  "         Omar  Khayyam 

"  Sooner  with  half  a  loaf  contended  be 
And  water  from  a  broken  crock,  like  me. 
Than  lord  it  over  your  inferiors, 
Or  to  your  equals  bow  the  vassal  knee."      Whinfield. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  311 

'  Yak  ruz  falak  kar  mara  saz  na  dad, 
Har^iz  sue  man  dame  khush  awaz  na  dad, 
Yak  ruz  dame  za  sbadmani  na  zadam, 
K'anruz  badast-i-sad  ghamam  baz  na  dad."  Omak  Khayyam. 

'•  For  me  heaven's  sphere  no  music  ever  made, 
Nor  yet  with  soothing  voice  my  fears  allayed, 
If  e'er  I  gained  a  breathing  space  of  joy 
Into  woe  s  grip  I  was  at  once  betrayed."         Whinfield. 

'  Yak  niz  za  band-i-'alam  azad  na  yam. 
Yak  dam  zadan  az  wujud-i-khud  sbad  na  yam, 
Shagrirdi-i-ruzgar  kardam  blsyar 
Oar  daur-1-Jaban  hanuz  ustad  na  yam."  Omar  Khayyam 

"  Never  from  worldly  toils  have  I  been  free, 
Never  for  one  short  moment  glad  to  be  ; 
I  served  a  long  apprenticeship  to  fate, 
But  yet  of  fortune  gained  no  mastery."        Whinfield. 

'  Yak  zamane  suhbate  ba  auliya 
Bihtar  az  sad  sala  ta'at  bi  riya ; 
Gar  tu  sang-i-khara  -wa  marmar  shawl, 
Chun  ba  sahib  dil  rasi,  gauhar  shawl."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Society  with  saints  no  doubt's  of  great  avail 
To  piety  it  leads;  '  God's  fear  shall  never  fail.' 
Thou  wast  a  very  rock,  a  worthless  pebble-stone. 
By  saints'  communion  fined,  a  pearl  of  price  thou'st  shone." 

(RF-DHOUSE). 

'  Ya  lahfa  naf^l  'ala  'shshababi  wa  lam  afqid  bihl  Idh  faqadtuhu 

'amama 
Idh  'asbahtu    'rralta   wa'lmaruta    11a  'adna   tajaii   w^'anfudhu 

'lllmama 
La  taghbiti  'Imar'a  'an  uqala  lahu  'amsa  fulanan  llslnnlhl  hakama 
In  sarrahu  tulu  nunrlhl  falaqad  'adha  'ala  'Iwajhl  tulu  ma  salima.'* 

Amkibn  Kamiah. 

"  Alas  my  soul  !  for  youth  that's  gone 
No  light  thing  lost  I  when  he  fled  ! 
What  time  I  trailed  my  skirts  in  pride. 
And  shook  my  locks  at  the  tavern's  door. 
Nay,  envy  not  a  man  that  men 
Say  *  Age  has  made  him  ripe  and  wise.' 
Though  thou  love  life  and  live  long  safe 
Long  living  leaves  its  print  on  thee."  C.  J.  Lvall. 


312  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

•"  Ya  laita  qabla  maniyati 
Yauman  'afuzu  bimuniyati, 
Nahrin  talatama  rukbati 
Fa'adhallu  'amla'un  qirbati."  Gulistan,  chap.  3. 

"  O  would  that  before  my  death,  I  might  one  day  obtain  my  wish.  A 
river  dashing  its  waves  against  my  knee  !  Then  would  I  not  cease  to  fill 
my  leather  water-bag.''  (Platts). 

"Ya  mala'ikiti,  laqad  isthaiytu  min  'abdi  wa  laisa  lahu  ghairi 

faqad  ghafartu  lahu."  -  Gulistan-  (Preface). 

"  O  my  angels,  verily  I  am  ashamed  by  reason  of  my  servant  and  he 
hath  no  God  but  myself;  therefore  of  a  surety  I  pardon  him." 

(Eastwick). 
■"  Ya  qillatu'zzad  wa  wahshata  'ttariq ! "  All 

"  Oh  !  the  .scantiness  of  the  provision  and  the  terrors  of  the  road  ! " 

•"  Yaquluna  Inna  jamala  'Ifata  wa  zinatahu  'adabun  rasikhu, 
Wa  ma'in  yazinu   siwa  'Imukthirina  wa   ma   taudu   sudadihi 

shamikhu, 
Fa'amma  'Ifaqiru  fakhairun  lahu  mina'l'adabi  'Iqursu  wa'lka- 

mikhu, 
Wa  'ayya  jamalin  lahu  'an  yuqala  'adibun  yu'allimu  au  nasikhu?" 

Maqamat  of  Hakiri,  ch.ap.  44. 

"They  say  that  a  man's  chief  adornment  and   pride,  and  his  beauty  is 

learning,  deep-rooted  sound, 
Alas,  it  adorns  but  the  wealthy  and  him,  whose  summit  of  lordship  is 

rising  aloft. 
But  as  for  the  poor  man,  I  reckon  for  him  far  better  than  learning  a  loaf 

and  a  stew  ; 
What  beauty  bestows  it  on  him  if  they  say  '  A  scholar,  a  school  drudge, 

or  may  be  a  clerk  ? '  "  Steingass. 

"  Yaqut  ra  muqabil  khar  muhra  mi-nihand 
Sang-i-sujah  ba  nirkh  zar  surkh  mi-kharand."       Akhlaq-i-Jalali. 

"  Men  will  risk  a  jewel  like  the  merest  toy 
And  buy  for  Stirling  gold  some  base  alloy." 

(Thompson). 
"  Ya  Rabb,  ba  dil-i-asir-i-raan  rahmat  kun, 
Bar  sina-e-gham-pazir-i-man  rahmat  kun. 
Bar  pa-e-kharabat  rau-i-man  bakhsha, 
Bar  dast  piyala  gir-i-man  rahmat  kun."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Pity  O  ^ord,  this  prisoned  heart  I  pray. 
Pity  this  bosom  stricken  with  dismay. 
Pardon  these  hands  that  ever  grasp  the  cup. 
These  feet  that  to  the  tavern  ever  stray."      (Whinkield^. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  313 

•"  Ya  Rabb,  za  qabul-1-warazdam  baz  rihan, 
Mashgrhul  khudat  kun  za  kbudam  baz  rihan, 
Ta  hushyaram  za  nik  wa  bad  midanam 
Mastam  kiin  wa  az  nik  wa  badam  baz  rihan."  Omar  Khawam. 

"  From  self-reliance,  Loril,  deliver  me, 
Sever  from  self  and  occupy  with  Thee, 
When  sober,  I  am  bondman  to  the  world. 
Make  me  beside  myself  and  set  oie  free." 

(Whinkield). 
•"  Yar  Chun  raft  an  bakhubi  az  hama  'alam  fazun, 
Dar  faraqash  az  hama  'alam  fazun  khwaham  grist, 
Rizad  aknun  khun  dil  as  gruna  zardam  bakhak 
Chun  rawam  dar  khak  ham  z'in  gruna  khun  khw^ahajn  grrist." 

Jami,  Biharistan,  chap.  5. 

"  As  that  friend  of  mine  departed  who  is  better  than  the  whole  world, 
I  shall  l>emoan  his  loss  more  than  the  whole  woiki. 
My  heart  now  sheds  tears  of  blood  from  my  pale  cheek  to  the  {jround, 
When  I  depart  under  giound,  I  i.tili  shall  weep  in  this  manner." 

(Rehatsek). 
"  Yar-i-kuhan  ba  hich  ru  ma  dih  az  dast 
Bahr  harifan  nau  ki  nik  nabashad."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Do  not  an  old  and  well  tried  friend  forego, 
For  new  allies,  for  this  may  end  in  woe."       Eastwick. 

"  Yar-i-na  paedar  dust  ma  dar. 
Dusti  ra  na  shayad  in  ghaddar."  GulistXn  (Preface). 

"  Hold  not  as  friend  this  comiade  light  ('.<;.,  the  world) 
With  one  so  false  no  friendship  plight."  F^ASTWlCK. 

"Yas'alunaka   'ani  'Iruhl   qull  'rruhu  min   'amri  rabbi  wa  ma 
*utit\im  mina  'lUmi  'ilia  qalila."  Koran,  chap.  17. 

"  They  will  ask  thee  of  the  spirit.    Say  '  The  spirit  comes  at  the  bidding 
of  my  Lord,  and  ye  are  given  but  a  little  knowle-lge  the 


(Palmer). 

"  Yas  'alunaka  'ani  'ssa'ati  'ayyana  mtirsaha  qui  innama  'ilmuha 
Inda  rabbi  la  yujalliha  liwaqtiha  'ilia  huwa  thaqulat  fi'  ssamawati 
wa'l'ardhi  la  t'atikum  'ilia  baghtatan."  Koran,  chap.  7. 

"  They  will  ask  you  about  the  hour,  for  what  lime  it  is  fixed.  Say  'The 
knowledge  thereof  is  only  with  my  Lord;  none  shall  manifest  it  at  its 
time  but  He  ;  it  is  heavy  in  the  heavens  and  the  earth  ;  it  will  not  come  to 
you  save  on  a  sudden.'"  (I'ai.mer). 

"  Yas'altihu  man  fl'  ssamawati  wa'l'ardhi,  Inilla  yaumin  huwa  fl      -» 
Shan."  Koran,  chap.  55.      ^ 

'*  To  Him  maketh  suit  all  ihat  is  in  the  heaven  and  the  earth.     Every  i^ 
day  doth  some  new  work  employ  Him."  (Rouwell). 


■liL 


314  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Yatime  ki  na  karda  Kuran  durust 
Kutub  khana'e  chand  naillat  bishust ; 
Chu  azamash  bar  anglkht  shamshir-i-bim 
Ba  muajiza  mujan-i-qamr  zad  du  nim."  Bostan  of  S'adu 

"  The  orphan  (Muhammad)  who,  the  Kuian  uncompleted, 
Washed  the  library  of  (effaced)  so  many  religions 
When  anger  drew  forth  his  sword  of  terror 
Struck  by  a  miracle  the  waist  of  the  moon  in  two  halves." 

(Clarke). 

"  Yaunaa'idhin  yasduru  'nnasu  'ashtatan  li5?nrau  'amalahum 
faman  ya'mal  mithqala  dbarratin  khairan  yarabu,  ■waman  ya'mal' 
mithqala  dharratin  sharran  yarahu."  Koran,  chap.  99.     ^  -? 

y     "  On  that  day  shall  men  come  forward  in  throngs  to  behold  iheir  works, 
(y^  and  whosoever  shall  have  wrought  an  atom's  weij;ht  of  good  shall  behold 
it,   and   whosoever   shall   have  wrought   an   atom's  weight  of  evil   shall 
behold  it."  (Rodwell). 

"  Yauma  'inda  rabbika  ka'alfi  sanatin  mimma  ta'uddun." 

Koran,  chap.  22. 

{^-^     "  A  day  with  thy  Lord  is  as  a  thousand  years,  as  ye  reckon  them." 

(Rodwell). 
"  Yauma  'Ikhamisi  laqad  faraqtu  ahababi, 
"Wa  ghassaluni  'ala  lauhin  mina  'Ibabi, 
Wa  harra  duni  thiyaban  kuntu  labisaha 
"Wa  'Ibasuni  thiyaban  ghaira  'athwabi. 
Wa  hammaluni  'ala  'anaqi  arba'atin 
Ila  'Imusalla  ■wa  ba'dhu  nnasi  salla  bi. 
"Wa  shayyauni  ila  darin  muqnazaratin 
Yafna  'zzamanu  ■wa  la  yuftah  laba  babi."  Alif  Laila  wa  Laila, 

"  On  the  fifth  day  I  parted  from  those  I  loved. 

And  they  washed  me  on  a  plank  from  out  the  door, 
They  stripped  me  of  the  clothes  I  erst  was  dressed  in, 
And  clad  me  in  raiment  that  was  other  than  mine  own. 
/  And  they  bore  me  away  on  four  men's  necks. 

To  a  place  of  prayer  and  some  of  the  people  prayed  for  me. 

And  they  accompanied  to  a  dwelling  house  arched  in, 

Let  all  mankind  perish  yet  will  my  door  not  open."     Torrrns. 

"Yauma  naqulu  lijahannama  hali  'mtal'ati  -wa  taqulu  hal  min 
mazid."  Koran,  chap.  50.      V  ."l^ 

"  On  that  day  will  we  cry  to  hell  'Art  thou  full?'     And  it  shall  say 
^     *  Are  there  more  ? '  "  (Rodwell). 

"Yauma  tabayadhdhu  ■wujuhun  ^wa  tas^waddu  ■wujuhun  fa'amma 
lladhina  's^waddat  ^vujuhuhum  'akfartum  b'ada  'imanikum  fad- 
liuku  'I'adhaba  bima  kuntum  takfurun."  Koran,  chap.  3. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  315 

"  On  the  day  when  faces  shall  turn  white  anH  faces  shall  turn  black  ! 
And  as  to  those  whose  faces  shall  have  turned  black.  .  .  .  '  What !  after 
your  belief  have  ye  become  infidels.  Taste  then  the  chastisement  for  that 
ye  have  been  unbelievers.' "  (Rouwell). 

"  Yavuna  tajidu  kullu  naflsin  ma  'amllat  min  khairln  muhdharan 
wa  ma  'amilat  min  su'an  tawaddu  lau  'anna  bainaha  wa  balnahu 
'amadan  ba'idan."  Kokan,  cliap.  3.  i/,  ^ 


"  On  that  day  shall  every  soul  find  present  to  it,  whatever  it  hath 
wrought  of  good  ;  and  as  to  what  it  hath  wrought  of  evil  it  will  wish  that 
wide  were  the  space  between  itself  and  it."  (Rodwell). 

"  Yauma  takunu  'ssamau  ka'lmuhli,  watakunu  'Ijibalu  ka'llhni,. 
-wa  la  yasalu  hamimun  hamiman  yubassarunahum." 

Koran,  chap.  70. 

"  The  day  when  the  heaven  shall  become  as  molten  brass  ;  and  the 
mountains  shall  become  like  flocks  of  wool,  and  friend  shall  not  question  of 
friend,  though  they  look  at  each  other."  (Roowei.l). 

"  Yauma  tara  'Imiiminina  wa  'Imuminati  yas'a  nuruhum  baina 
'aydihim  wabi  'aymanihim  btishrakumu  'lyauma  jannatun  tajri 
min  tahtiha  Tanharu."  Koran,  chap,  57. 

"  One  day  thou  shall  see  the  believers,  men  and  women,  with  their  light 
running  before  them,  and  on  their  right  hand.  The  angels  shall  say  to 
them  '  Good  tidings  for  you  this  day  of  gardens  beneath  whose  shades  the 
rivers  flow.'"  (Kodwell). 

"  Yauma  taraunaha  tadhhalu  kullu  murdlii'atin  'amma  'ardha'at 
wa  tadha'u  kullu  dhati  hamlin  hamlaha  wa  tara  'nnasa  sukara  wa 
ma  hum  bisukara  w^a  lakinna  'adhaba  'llahi  shadid." 

Koran,  chap.  22. 

•'  On  the  day  when  ye  shall  behold  it  (the  last  judgment),  every  suckling 
woman  shall  forsake  her  sucking  babe ;  and  every  woman  that  hath  a 
burden  in  her  womb  shall  cast  her  burden  ;  and  thou  shall  see  men 
drunken,  yet  are  they  not  drunken:  but  it  is  the  mighty  chastisement  of 
God."  (RonwEi.L). 

Yauma  yajma'ukum  liyaumi  'Ijam'a  dhalika  yaumu  'ttagabuni 
wa  man  yumin  bi  'llahi  wa  y'amal  salihan  yukaflBr  'anhu  sasryatihl 
wa  yndkhilhu  jannatin  tajri  min  tahtiha  'lanharu  khalidlna  flha 
'abadan  dhalika  'Ifaudhu  'I'adhim.  Koran,  chap.  64. 

"  The  day  when  Me  shall  gather  you  together  for  the  day  of  the 
assembly  will  be  the  day  of  mutual  deceit,  and  whoso  believeth  in  God  and 
does  what  is  right,  his  deeds  of  evil  will  He  cancel  and  He  will  bring  him 
into  the  gardens  beneath  whose  shades  the  rivers  flow,  to  abide  therein  for 
evermore.     This  will  be  the  great  bliss."  (Rodwell). 

"Yauma  yandhuru  'Imaru  ma  qaddamat  yadahu  wa  yaqtilu 
'Ikaflru  ya  laitani  kuntu  turaba."  Koran,  chap.  78.     v' .  M I 


3i6  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  The  day  on  which  a  man  shall  see  the  deeds  which  his  hands  have 
t^        sent  before  him  ;  and  when  the  unbelijver  shall  say  'Oh  I  would  I  were 
dust!'"  (RonwKLL). 

"  Yauma  yaqulu  'Imunaflquna  wa  'Imunafiqatu  lilladhina  amanu 
'ndhuruna  naqtatais  min  nurikum  qila  'rji'u  wara'akum  fa'ltamisu 
nuran  fadhuriba  balnahum  bisurin  lahu  babun  batinahu  flhi'lrah- 
matu  wa  dhahiruhu  min  qibalihi  Tadhab."  Koran,  chap.  57. 

"  On  that  day  the  hypocrites  both  men  and  women  shall  say  to  those 
who  believe,  'Tarry  for  us  that  we  may  kindle  our  light  at  yours.'  It  shall 
be  said  '  Return  ye  back,  and  seek  light  for  yourselves.'  But  between  them 
shall  be  set  a  wall  with  a  gateway,  within  which  shall  be  the  Mercy,  and 
in  front,  without  it,  the  Torment."  (Rodwell). 

"  Yawadda  bi' jadha  'lanfl  lau  an  dhabaraha 
Mina  'nnasi  a'ra  mina  sarat  adim."  (Anon). 

"  He  would  give  his  nose  if  only  the  earth's  surface  were  as  clear  of  men 
as  tanned  leather  is  of  hair."  D.  S.  Margoliouth. 

"  Ya  wafa  khud  na  nabud  dar  'alam, 
Ya  maprar  kas  dar  in  zamana  na  kard. 
Kas  niamukht  ilm-i-tir  az  man 
Ki  mara  'aqibat  nishana  na  kard."  Gulistan,  chap,  i 

"  On  earth  there  is  no  gratitude,  I  trow, 
Or  none  peihaps  to  use  it  now  pretend. 
None  learn  of  me  the  science  of  the  bow 
Who  make  me  not  their  target  in  the  end." 

(Eastwick). 

"  Ya  waiba  man  'andharahu  shaibuhu 
Wa  huwa  'ala  ghayy  'ssiba  munkamish, 
Yagshu  'ila  nari  'Iha'wa  b'ada  ma 
'Asbahamin  dh'ufi  'Ighuwa  yart'aish, 
Wa  yamti  'llahwa  wa  yatadduhu 
'Auta  ma  yaftarishu 'Imuftarish."  Maqamat  of  Hariri  (chap.  41). 

*'  Woe  to  the  man,  who,  warned  by  his  hoariness,  still   blindly  rushes 
along  on  youth's  folly  bent, 
And  glances  back  on  pleasure's  fire  when  all  his  limbs  already  from 

weakness  shake, 
Who  rides  the  steed  of  wantonness  which  he  deems  a  softer  couch  than 
chamberlains  ever  spread."  Steingass. 

"  Ya  warldan  sura  'aishin  kulluhu  kadarun, 
'Anfaqta  safwaka  fl  'ayyamika  'lauvrwali ; 
Fima  'qtahamuka  luj.ia  'Ibahri  tarkabuhu, 
Wa'  anta  yakfika  minhu  massatu  'Iwashali."  Al  Tughrai. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  317 

"  But  why  exhaust  life's  vapid  bowl 
And  suck  the  dregs  with  sorrow  foul, 
\Vhen  long  ere  this  my  youth  has  drained 
VVhaiever  zest  the  cup  contained  ? 
Why  should  we  mount  upon  the  wave 
An<l  ocean's  yawning  horrors  brave 
When  we  may  swallow  from  the  flask 
Whaie'er  the  warns  of  mortals  asW."       J.  D.  Caki.yi.e. 

"  Ya  zar  ba  har  du  dast  kunad  khwaja  dar  klnar, 
Ya  mauj  ruze  afffhandash  mtirda  bar  kinar.  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Or  with  both  hands  the  merchant  shall  one  day  emlnace  the  gold, 
Or  by  the  waves  his  lifeless  form  shall  on  the  strand  be  rolled." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Yudhannu  bi  'dhdhanini  wa  yunaflsu  fl  'ththamini." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  4. 

"  Only  he  who  clings  should  be  clung  to  ;  only  he  who  is  valuable 
should  be  prizeil."  (Chenery). 

"  Yu'jibuka  'ttakathuru  bima  ladeika  wa  la  tadhkuru  ma  baina 
yadeika  wa  la  tuball  'alaka  'am  aleika,  'atadhunnu  'an  satutruku 
'Sudan  wa  'an  la  tuhasibu  ghadan  am  tahsabu  'anna  'Imauta  yaq- 
balu  'iTUsha  au  yumaiyylzu  baina  'lasadl  wa  'rrasha." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri,  chap.  21. 

"  It  pleases  thee  to  increase  what  belongs  to  thee  l)ut  thou  rememberest 
not  what  is  before  thee  ;  thou  carest  not  whether  the  account  shall  be  in 
thy  favour  or  against  thee  !  Dost  ihou  think  thou  shalt  be  left  at  large,  or 
that  thou  shalt  not  be  reckoned  with  to-morrow  ?  Or  dost  thou  count  that 
Death  will  take  bribes  ;  that  he  will  distinguish  between  the  lion  and  the 
fawn?"  Chenery. 

"  Yuriduna  'an  yutflu  nura  'llahi  bi'afwahihrm  wa  yaba  'llahu  'ilia 
'an  yutimma  nurahu  wa  lau  kariha  "Ikaflrun."  Koran,  chap.  9. 

"  Fain  would  they  put  out  God's  light  with  their  mouths  ;  but  God  only 
desireth  to  perfect  his  light,  albeit  the  infidels  abhor  it."       (Rouweli.). 

"  Yusdi  wa  yulhimu  fl  'Imadhalimi  walighan 
Fl  wirdiha  tauran  wa  tauran  muwaligha 
Main  yubala  hina  yattabi'u  'Ihawa 
Fiha  'a'aslaha  dinahu  'am  'autagha 
Ya  wayhahu  lau  kana  yuqinu  annahu 
Ma  halatun  Ilia  tahulu  lama  tagha."      Maqamat  ok  Hariri,  chap.  21. 

"  He  weaves  warp  and  woof  in  tyrannies  ;  now  lapping  at  their  well,  now 
Udding  oti'.ers  to  lap, 
Nor  cares  he  when  he  is  following  his  desires  in  Ihem  whether  he  main- 
tains his  religion  or  destroys  it. 
Oh  woe  to  him,  if  he  knew  well  that  there  is  no  state  but  changes, 
surely  he  would  not  transgress."  Chenery. 


3i8  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

""  Yusuf-i-gTim  gashta  baz  ay  ad  bakan'aan  grham  makhur, 
Gulba'e  ihzan  shaw^ad  ruze  gulistan,  gham  makhur, 
Ey  dil-i-ghamdida,  halat  bih  shawad,  dil  bad  makun, 
Wa  in  sar-i-shurida  baz  ayad  ba  saman,  gham  makhur, 
Gar  bahar-i-'umr  baz  ba  takht-i-chaman, 

Chatri  gul  bar  sar  kashi,  ey  murgh-i-shabkhwan,  gam  makhur. 
Han  ma  shau  na-ummid  chun  waqif  na'i  az  sirr-i-ghaib 
Bashad  andar  parda  bazihai  pinhan,  gham  makhur." 

Hafiz  Ode  284. 

'^    "  Lost  Joseph  shall  return  to  Kanaan's  land — despair  not, 

Affliction's  cell  of  gloom  with  flowers  shall  bloom — despair  not, 

Sad  heart,  ihy  state  shall  mend  ;  repel  despondency, 

Thy  head  confused  with  pain  shall  sense  regain — despair  not, 

When  life's  fre>h  spring  returns  upon  the  dais  mead 

O  night  hird  o'er  thy  head  ihe  rose  shall  spread — despair  not, 

Hope  on,  though  things  unseen  may  baffle  thy  research, 

Mysterious  sports  we  hail  behind  the  veil — despair  not." 

(BiCKNELI.). 

•"  Za  bad  asl  niki  ma  darid  ummld 
Ki  zangi  na  gardad  ba  shustan  sufld."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Hope  not  that  evil  natures  good  will  show. 

For  ru.it,  through  washing,  white  will  never  grow." 

Eastwick. 

•"  Za  bagh-i-'ishq  talab  kun  'aqida'e  shirin 
Ki  tab'a  sirka  farushast  wa  gh^vara  afshari." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabkiz. 

*'  Seek  swtei  syrup  in  the  gaiden  of  love. 

For  nature  is  a  seller  of  vinegar  and  a  crusher  of  unripened  grapes." 

(NiCHOLOSON). 

""  Zaban  amad  az  bahr  shukr  wa  sipas 
Bighibat  nagardanadash  haqq  shinas."        Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  8. 

"  The  tongue  came  (from  God)  for  thanks  and  praise. 

The  grateful  one  moves  ii  not  in  slander."  (Clarke). 

""  Zaban  burida  ba  kunji  nishast  summ  w^a  bukum 
Bih  az  kase  ki  zabanash  na  bashad  andar  hukin." 

Guhstan,  Preface. 

"  Better  who  sits  in  nooks  deaf,  sj^eechless,  idle. 
Than  lie  who  knows  not  his  own  tongue  to  bridle." 

(Eastwick). 
■"  Zada  az  andishha'e  khub-i-tu  w^ildan  wa  hur 
Zada  az  andishha'e  zisht-i-tu  div-i-kalan  ; 
Sirr  w^a  andisha  munhadis  bin  shuda  qasr  wa  sara 

Sirr-i-taqdir-i-azlra  bin  shuda  chandin  jahan." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  319 

■*'  From  thy  good  thoughts  are  born  the  boys  of  Paradise  and  the  houris, 
From  thy  evil  thoughts  is  born  the  great  demon  (Iblis), 
See  how  the  secret  thought  of  the  geometrician  has  l)ecome  a  castle  or  a 

palace, 
See  how  the  hidden  Providence  without   beginning  has  become   this 

mighty  universe."  (Nicholson). 

"'  Zadam  tisha  yak  ruz  bar  tall-i-khak 
Ba  gush  amadam  nala'e  dardnak 
Ki  '  zinhar  agrar  raardi,  ahistatar, 
Kl  chashm  wa  bina,  grush  wa  rue  ast  war  sar."       Bostan  op  S'adi. 

••  I  one  day  struck  a  mattock  against  a  hillock  of  earth  ;  a  plaintive 
expostulation  broke  moaning  on  my  ear  :  '  Beware,  if  thou  art  mortal ; 
more  gently  !  for  this  is  an  eye,  an  ear,  a  face,  a  head."       (Falconer). 

"  Za  dud-i-dil-i-khalq  ghafll  mabash 
Ma  kun  mardum  azari  ey  tundrae 
Ki  nagrah  rasad  bar  tu  qahr-l-kbudae."  Panonama  of  S'adi. 

"  Slight  not  the  sighs  of  the  hearts  of  God's  creatures. 
Exercise  not  severity  and  moroseness 
For  the  vengeance  of  God  will  overtake  thee  unawares." 

Gladwin. 
^'  Za  dushman  shinau  sirat-i-khud,  ki  dust 
Har  an  chi  az  tu  ayad,  ba  chashmash  nikust." 

Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  i. 

*•  Hear  thine  own  character  from  the  enemy,  because  ' 
In  the  friend's  eye,  whatever  comes  from  thee  is  good." 

(Clarke). 

■"  Za  grush  pamba  binin  ar  wa  dad-i-khalq  bidih, 
Wa  grar  tu  me  na  dihi  dad,  ruz-i-dadi  hast."  Glustan,  chap.  i. 

"  Unstop  thy  ears,  thy  people's  wants  relieve. 

If  not,  a  day  shall  come,  when  all  their  rights  receive." 

(East  wick). 
"'  Zahidi  dar  pilas-pushi  nist 
Zahid-i-pak  bash  wa  atlas  push ; 
Tark-i-dunya  w^a  shahwatast  w^a  ha  was 
Parsa'i,— na  tark-i-jama  wa  bas."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Virtue  lies  not  in  sackcloth  coarse  and  sad. 
Be  purely  pious  and  in  satin  clad  ; 
True  holiness  consists  in  quilting  vice, 
The  world  and  lust,  not  dress  ; — let  this  suffice." 

(Eastwick). 
•"  Zahiran  bar  zan  chu  ab  ar  gralib'i 
Batinan  maghlub  wa  zan  ra  talibl."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Apparently  thou  art  the  ruler  of  thy  wife  like  water  over  fire. 
In  reality  thou  art  ruled  by  and  suppliant  to  her."     Whinkield. 


320  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Zahir-i-hal-i-'arifan  dalqast 
Inqadr  bas  ki  rue  dar  khalqast ; 
Dar  'amal  kush  -wa  har  che  khwahi  push 
Taj  bar  sar  nih  wa  'alam  bar  dush."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  Rags*  are  the  external  sign  of  holiness 
Sufficient, — for  men  judge  by  outward  dress; 
Strive  to  do  well  and  what  thou  pleasest  wear, 
Thy  head  a  crown,  thy  arm  a  flag  may  bear." 

(Eastwick). 
"  Zahr  maran  mar-ra  bashad  hayat 
Nisbatash  ba  admi  atnad  mumat."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Serpents'  poison  is  life  to  serpents. 

In  relation  to  mankind  it  is  death."      (Whinfield). 

"  Za  kar-i-basta  ma'andish  wa  dil-i-shikasta  ma  dar  ki  ab-i-chash- 
ma'e  haiwan  darun  tarikast."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Have  no  doubts  because  of  trouble  nor  be  thou  discomfited  ;  for  the 
water  of  life's  fountain  springeth  from  a  gloomy  bed."  (Eastwick). 

"  Zalimera  khufta  didam  nim  ruz 
Guftam  'in  fltna  ast,  khwabash  burda  bih,' 
Anki  khwabash  bih  tar  az  bidariast 
Anchunan  bad  zindagani  murda  bih."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  A  tyrant  lay,  his  noon-tide  slumber  taking, 
Said  I  '  'tis  Ijest  this  scourge  should  sleeping  lie, 
And  he  whose  sleep  is  belter  than  his  waking, 
'Tis  best  for  such  an  evil  one  to  die.'"  (Eastwick). 

"  Zamin  shura  sambal  bar  niyarad 
Dar  u  tukhm  'amal  za'i  magardan  ; 
Nikui  ba  badan  kardan  chunanast 
Ki  bad  kardan  ba  jae  nik  mardan."  Gulistan,  chap,  i, 

"  Salt  ground  will  not  the  precious  spikenard  bar 
Waste  not  thereon  the  seed  of  thy  emprise  ; 
Who  benefits  dn  evil  men  confer 
Upon  the  good  no  less  heap  injuries."  (Eastwick). 

"  Z'an  dam  ki  amadasti  andar  jahan-i-hasti, 
Pishat  ki  ta  barasti  binhada  nirdubanast ; 
Awwal  jamad  budi,  akhir  nabat  gashti, 
Angah  shudi  tu  haiwan  ;  in  bar  tu  chun  nihanast? 
Gashti  az  an  pas  insan  ba'ilm  w^a  'aql  wa  iman 
Bingar  che  kul  shud  an  tan  k'u  juzwi  khakdanast, 
Za  insan  chu  sair  kardi,  bishakk  flrishta  gardi, 
Be  in  zamin,  az  an  pas  jayat  bar  asmanast." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 


*  i.e.,  the  faqir's  rag 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  321 

*•  From  the  moment  you  came  into  the  world  of  being 
A  ladder  was  placed  before  you  that  you  might  escape, 
First  you  were  mineral,  later  you  turned  to  plant, 
Then  you  became  animal :  how  should  this  be  a  secret  to  you  ? 
Afterwards  you  were  made  man,  with  knowledge,  reason,  faith. 
Behold  the  body  which  is  a  portion  of  the  dust-pit,  how  perfect  it  has 

grown  ! 
When  you  have  travelled  on  from  man,  you  will  doubtless  become  an 

angel. 
After  that  you  are  done  with  this  earth ;  your  station  is  in  heaven." 

(Nicholson). 

•"  Zan-i-khub,  fannanbar,  parsa 
Kiinad  mard-i-daxwish  ra  badshah."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  7. 

"  A  good,  order-bearing,  chaste  wife 
Makes  a  poor  man  a  king."  (Clarke). 

"  Z'an  pish  kl  az  jam-i-ajal  mast  shawl 
Zir-i-lakd-l-hadlsha  past  shawi, 
Sarmaya  ba  dast  ar  inja  k'anja 
Sudl  nakuni  ag'ar  tihi  dast  shawi."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  Bestir  thee,  ere  death's  cup  for  thee  shall  flow, 
And  blows  of  ruthless  fortune  lay  thee  low  ; 
Acquire  some  substance  here,  for  none  is  there, 
For  those  who  empty-handed  thither  go."     (WHINFIE1.D). 

■"  Za  palidi  wa  za  khubi  tu  kuni  surat-i-shakhse 
Ki  gurizad  ba  do  farsang'  w^ay  az  bue  palidi 
Kuniash  ta'mahe  khaki  ki  shawad  sabza'e  paki, 
Birahad  u  za  najasat  chu  dar  u  ruh  damidi." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

**  Thou  mouldest  of  foul  and  fair  the  form  of  a  man 

That  he  may  flee  two  leagues  from  the  odour  of  foulness  ; 

Thou  mak'bt  him  a  morsel  of  dust  that  he  may  become  pure  herbage. 

He  is  free  from  tilth  when  Thou  hast  breathed  into  him  a  soul." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Zar  andar  kaf-i-mard  dunya  parast 
Hanuz  ey  blradar  bisangr  andar  ast."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  2. 

"  Gold  in  the  palm  of  the  man's  hand  world-worshipping. 
Oh  brother  !  is  yet  within  ilic  stone."  (Clarke). 

"  Za  ranj  wa  rahat  dauran  ma  ran j  an  wa  ma  shu  khurram 
Kl  aminjahan  g&he  chunan  grahe  chunin  bashad." 

Anwar  i-SuHKiLi. 

••'  Grieve  not  nor  let  thy  heart  be  glad  at  this  world's  joy  or  sorrow. 
For  know  the  scene  that  now  seems  fixed  aye  changes  on  the  morrow." 

E/5TVVICK. 
21 


322  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Zar'a-ra  chun  rasid  waqt-i-dirau 
Na  khiramad  chunanki  sabza'e  nau."  Gulistan,  chap.  6, 

*'  Not  so  elastic  bends  the  yellow  corn, 
As  the  young  blade  before  the  breeze  of  morn/' 

(Eastwick). 

"  Zar  bidili  mard-i-sipahira  ta  sar  binihad 
Wagarash  zar  na  dihi  sar  binihad  dar  'alam."         Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Give  thy  troops  gold  that  for  thee  they  may  die, 
Else  they'll  go  seek  a  better  destiny.''  (Eastwick). 

"  Zare  ki  pak  buwad  za  imtihan  chi  g-bana  darad." 

Anwar-i-Suheili. 

*'  Gold  that  is  pure,  why  should  it  dread  the  test?" 

Eastwick. 

"  Zarra  zarra  k'andarin  arz  wa  samast 
Jins-i-khudra  hamchu  kah  wa  kahrubast ; 
Narian  mar  narian  ra  jaziband 
Nurian  ham  nurianra  taliband  ; 
Safra  ham  saflan  raghib  and 
Dardra  ham  tiragan  jazib  shawand  ; 
Batilanra  chi  rabayad  batile 
Aqilanra  chi  khush  ayad  aqile  ; 
Ahl-i-batil  batilanra  mikashand 
Baqiyan  az  baqiyan  ham  sar  khushand."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Each  atom  in  this  earth  and  heaven,  we  find 
Resembles  straw  and  amber  to  its  kind  ; 
Things  igneous  with  fiery  essences  unite 
'  And  bodies  luminous  seek  things  of  light ; 

Pure  natures  wishfully  pursue  things  pure 
And  gloom  attracts  the  sorrowful  and  dure. 
How  are  the  vain  seized  on  by  vanities 
And  to  wise  men  how  pleasing  are  the  wise ; 
The  foolish  fools  to  follow  them  compel 
And  others  like  them  please  as  well."  Eastwick. 

"  Za  s£id  chuba  ayad  yake  bar  hadaf."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  2. 

*'  Out  of  a  hundred  arrows  one  comes  to  the  butt." 

(Clarke). 

"  Zat-i-tu  qadir  ast  ba  ijad  har  muhal 
Ilia  b'afridan  chun  khud  yagana."  Urfu 

"  Thy  essence  is  able  to  call  into  being  all  that  is  Impossible, 
Except  to  create  one  like  Thyself."  (Shea). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  323 

'  Za  zakhm-i-tu  na  erurizam  kl  sakht  kham  buwad 
Dile  ki  sukhta'e  atish-i-bala'e  tu  nist, 
Kirana  nist  sana  wa  sanagraran-1-tura 
Kudam  zarra  kl  sargrashta'e  sana'e  tu  nist? " 

DiWAN'I-ShAMS'I'TaBRIZ. 

•'  I  will  not  shun  thy  blow,  for  very  crude 
Is  the  heart  that  ne'er  burned  in  the  fire  of  thine  affliction, 
To  thy  praise  and  praisers  there  is  no  end, 
What  atom  but  is  reeling  with  thy  praise  ?  "  (Nicholson). 

'  Za  zindan  wa  harif  ahl  ma  gnrez 
Za  bustan  wa  za  na  ahlan  biparhez 
Aerar  Eujil  buwad  khasm-i-tu  bihtar 
Kl  banadan  shawl  yar  wa  blradar."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  Flee  not  a  prison  with  friends  to  thy  mind, 
But  those  unsuited  e'en  in  gardens  shun, 
Thou  wilt  a  prudent  foeman  better  find 
Than  with  a  fatuous  comrade  to  be  one."       Eastwick. 

'  Za  z'uf-l-khud  ma  kun  dar  man  nigrah 
Bar  tu  shab  bar  man  haman  shab  chastgah, 
Bar  tu  zindan  bar  man  an  zindan  chu  bagph 
Aln  mashghuli  mara  ^ashta  flragh 
Pa'e  tu  dar  gil,  mara  ^11  frashta  grul 
Mar  tiira  matam,  mara  sur  wa  duhul."  Jalaluddin-  Rumi. 

"  I,et  not  a  weakling  like  you  censure  me  ; 
What  seems  night  to  you  is  broad  day  to  me. 
What  seems  a  prison  to  you  is  a  garden  to  me, 
Busiest  occupation  is  rest  to  me, 
Your  feet  are  in  the  mire,  to  me  mire  is  rose, 
What  to  you  is  funeral  wailing  is  marriage  drum  to  me." 

Whinfirld. 

'  Za  zvilmat  matars,  ey  pasandida  dust, 
Kl  mumkln  buwad  k'ab-i-haiwan  dar  \is't 
Dil  az  bi-muradi  ba  flkrat  ma  suz 
Shab  abistan  ast,  ey  biradar,  baniz."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  6. 

"  O  approved  friend,  fear  not  the  darkness. 
In  which  it  is  possible  there  is  the  water  of  life, 
Consume  not  thy  heart  with  failure  of  desire, 
O  brother,  the  night  is  pregnant  with  the  day." 

(Clarke). 

'  Z'lbtida  daur-1-Adam  ta  ba  ahd-i-padshah 
Az  buzvu^an  'afu  bud  ast,  az  faru-dastan  grunah." 

Anwar-i-Suhkh.!, 


324  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  From  Adam's  time  to  thine,  O  king,  'tis  still  the  same, 
The  great  extend  forgiveness,  and  the  lowly  are  to  blame." 

Eastwick. 

"  Zidd  ziddra  mi-numayad  chun  Bum  wa  Zang."     Jalai.uddin  Rumi. 

"  Opposite  shows  up  opposite  as  a  Frank  a  negro." 

Whinfield. 

"  Zihi  khurshaid-i-janafza,  ki  yak  tabash  chu  shud  paida, 
Hazaran  jan-i-insani  biruyad  az  gril-i-tira."    Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  Welcome  soul-producing  sun  !  when  a  single  ray  of  thine  hath  appeared, 
Thousands  of  human  souls  shoot  forth  from  black  (barren)  clay." 

(Nicholson). 

"  Zlhtiyaj  badtar  dar  jahan  bala'e  nist 
Ba  hich  wajh  tihidast  ra  naw^a'e  nist 
Kase  kl  gasht  dilash  mubtila'e  ranj  tama' 
Bi^u  bi-mir  kl  in  dard  ra  dawa'e  nist."  Anwar-i-Suheili. 

"  The  world  no  greater  ill  than  want  can  show. 
The  needy  wins  no  solace  for  his  grief ; 
The  victim  of  distressful  want  and  woe 
Must  die  ;  for  poverty  finds  no  relief."  Eastwick. 

"  Z'in  hamrahan-i-sust  'anasir  dllam  glrifb 
Sher-i-khuda  wa  Rustam-i-dastanam  arzu'st 
Dar  dast-i-har  ki  hast  za  khubi  qurazbast 
An  m'adan-i-malahat  wa  an  kanam  arzu'st." 

Diwan-i-Shams-i-Tabriz. 

"  My  heart  is  weary  of  these  weak-spirited  companions, 
I  desire  the  Lion  of  God  (Ali)  and  Rustam  son  of  Zal, 
Filings  of  beauty  are  in  the  possession  of  every  one  that  exists, 
I  desire  that  quarry  and  that  mine  of  exquisite  loveliness." 

(Nicholson). 

*'  Zi  mulk  ta  malakutash  hi  jab  bar  darand 
Har  an  ki  khldmat-i-jam-i-jahan-numa  bi-kunad 
Tabib-i-ishq  Masiha  dam-ast  w^a  mushflq,  lek 
Chu  dard  dar  tu  na  binad  ki-ra  dawa  bikunad."  Hafiz. 

"  They  rend  the  veil  between  this  world  and  the  next  for  him  who 
performs  the  service  of  the  cup  world-displaying. 

"  The  physician  of  love  has  a  life-giving  breath  like  the  Messiah  and  is 
merciful,  but  if  he  sees  no  pain  in  thee  to  whom  is  he  to  give  his  medicine  ?  " 

"  Zi  mushkilat-i-tariqat  Inan  ma  tab  ey  dil 
Ki  mard-i-rah  na  yandishad  az  nashib  wa  flraz."  Hafiz. 

"  O  heart  from  the  difficulties  of  the  path  turn  not  the  rein. 
For  the  man  of  the  path  reflecteth  not  of  ascent  and  descent." 

Clarke. 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  32J 

"  Zinhar  az  qarin-i-bad,  zlnhar 
Waqina  rabbana  'azaba  'nnar."  Gulistan,  chap.  2. 

"  From  a  vixen  wife  protect  U8  well, 
Save  us,  O  God  !  from  the  pains  of  hell."    (Eastwick). 

"  Z'in  past  ashiyan  ba  faraz  ashlyana  shud 
Azada  bud  Tva  zad  Juz  azadagi  na  Just 
Tan  ra  ba  tan  gxizasht  rawanash  raw^ana  shud 
Janash  ba  zat-i-Hazrat  Jan-aft*in  rasid 
Birun  za  qaid-i-charkh  vra  zamin  wa  zamana  shud." 

The  Dabistak. 

"  From  this  lowly  nest  he  departed  to  the  nest  on  high, 

lie  was  truly  free  and  sought  no  stores  but  those  of  holy  freedom, 

He  abandoned  his  body  to  corporeal  matter,  and  his  spirit  joined  the- 

spiritual  region. 
His  soul  was  united  to  the  Sublime  Being,  the  Creator  of  souls, 
Soaring  beyond  the  limits  of  heaven,  earth  and  time."  (ShEj\). 

"  Zin  pish  birun  za  khwish  pindashtamat 
Dar  grayat-i-sair-i-khud  guman  dashtamat, 
Aknun  ki  tura  yaftam  ani  danam 
K'andar  qadam  nakhust  bugzashtamat."  Jami  (Beharistan). 

•'  Formerly  I  thought  Thou  wast  without  me,  and  deemed  that  I  should 
find  Thee  by  long  journeying. 
Now  that  I  have  found  Thee,  I  know  this,  that  at  the  first.step  I  took^ 
I  left  Thee  behind  me."  (Asiatic  Journal). 

"  Zin  gB,mbad-i-gardida  bad  afali  bin 
"Waz  raftan-i-diistan  jahan  khali  bin  ; 
Ta  bitawani  tu  yak  nafas  khud-ra  bash 
Farda  mangrar,  dar  matlab  hali  bin."  Omar  Khayyam.. 

"  See  what  foul  tricks  this  circling  dome  doth  play, 
See  earth  left  empty  of  friends  snatched  away  ! 
To  live  the  one  breath  you  can  call  your  own 
Look  for  no  morrow,  mourn  no  yesterday."   (Whinfield)^ 

"  Zin  gruna  Id  man  kar-i-Jahan  mibinam 
'Alam  hama  raegan  baran  mi-binam, 
Subhan  Allah  bahr  chi  dar  miyangaram 
Nakami  khTvish  andar  an  ml-binam."  Omar  Khayyam. 

"  So  far  as  this  world's  dealings  I  have  traced, 
I  find  its  favours  shamefully  misplaced  ; 
Allah  be  praised  that  I  am  one  of  those 
Who' re  disappointed  by  it  and  disgraced  !"  Whinfield^ 

"  Z'in  sham'aha'e  simigun,  z'in  pardaha'e  nilgun 
KhGQqe  'ajab  amad  birun  ta  ghaibha  gardad  *iyan." 


326  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

",From  these  stars  like  inverted  candles,  from  these  blue  awnings  of  the 
sky, 
There  has  come  forth  a  wondrous  people,   that  the  mysteries  may  be 
revealed."  (Nicholson). 

*'  Zi  nior  qina'at  bar  afruz  jan 
Kirushanzakhurshaidbasliad  jahan."  Pandnama  of  S'adi. 

"  Illumine  the  soul  by  the  light  of  contentment 
As  the  world  is  irradiated  by  the  sun."  Gladwin. 

"  Zi  panja  diram,  panj  agar  kam  sha'wad 
Dilat  rish-i-sar-i-panja'e  g-ham  sha^wad 
Chu  panj  ah  salat  birun  shud  zi  dast 
Ghanimat  shumar  panj  ruze  ki  hast."  Bostan  of  S'adi. 

"  If  out  of  fifty  dirams  five  become  wanting, 
Thy  heart  with  the  grasp  of  grief  becomes  torn  ; 
When  fifty  years  have  gone  forth  from  thy  hand, 
Consider  it  gain  that  there  is  a  space  of  five  days." 

(Clarke). 

*'  Zirakan  guyand  k'andar  marg  nau'e  rahatast 
Wa  za  bayan  in  sukhan  bar  khalq  minnat  mi-nihand 
Gufta  and  an  kas  ki  mirad  az  du  birun  nist  hal 
Ya  bade  bashad  ki  khalq  az  jaur-i-u  kamtar  jahand 
Ya  kam  azaru,  neku  khulqi  ki  ahl-i-ruzgar 
Mihr-i-u  warzand  Ava  ura  dar  dil-i-khud  ja  dihand 
Gar  nekukar  ast  az  in  zindan-i-mihnat  wa  rihad 
War  bad  andish  ast  khalq  az  mihnat-i-u  ■wa  rihand." 

An\var-i-Suheih. 

"  The  wise  declare  in  death  some  pleasure  lies 
And  kindly  thus  the  explanation  give  : 
One  of  two  natures  must  be  his  who  dies, 
Or  bad,  whence  others  less  agreeably  live 
Or  in()ff"ensive,  of  kind  sympathies 
So  men  him  love  and  in  their  bosoms  hive. 
If  good,  he  from  this  troublous  world  gets  free, 
If  bad,  men  from  his  troubling  freed  will  be." 

Eastwick. 
"  Ziraki  za  Iblis  -wa  'ishq  az  Adam  ast, 
Ziraki  amad  sabahat  dar  bahar ; 
'Ishq  Chun  kishti  bu^vad  bahr  khawas, 
Gum  bud  afat,  bud  aghlab  khalas."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  Cleverness  comes  from  Iblis  (Satan)  but  love  from  Adam, 
Cleverness  is  like  Canaan  (Ham)'s  swimming  in  the  ocean, 
Love  is  as  the  ark  appointed  for  the  righteous 
Which  annuls  the  danger  and  provides  a  way  of  escape." 

(Whinfield). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  327 

"  Z'ishq-i-na-tamam-i-ina  Jamal-i-yar  mustagrhnist 
B'ab  wa  ranff  wa  khal  wa  khat  chi  hajat  rue  zeba  ra."         Hakiz. 

"  The  beauty  of  the  Beloved  is  in  no  need  of  our  imperfect  love, 
Of  lustre  and  colour  and  mole  and  tricked  line  of  eyebrow, 
What  need  hath  the  lovely  face  ?  "  (Clarke), 

•*  Z'ittlhad-l-hajrula  wa  ikhtilaf-i-slwar 
Khirad  zi  bar  grul-i-nau  naqshi  sad  bayan  girad 
Man  andar  an  kih  ?   Dam  klst  in  mubarak  dam 
Ki  W£uit-i-subh  dar  in  tira  khakdan  erirad  ?  "  Haf iz. 

"  From  unity  of  matter  and  contrariety  of  form. 

From  every  new  rose  the  picture  of  a  hundred  explanations  wisdom 

taketh, 
Whose  auspicious  breath  is  this  that  at  morning  time  kindleth  this  dark 

dust-heap  (the  world)?"  Clarke. 

"  Zlyan  ml-kunad  mard  tafsir  dan 
Ki  ilm  wa  adab  farusbad  ba  nan. 
Kuja  aql  wa  sbara  fatwa  dibad 
Ki  ahl-i-khirad  din  ba  dunya  dlhad?  "  (Bostan  of  S'adi), 

"  The  man  Koran-knowing  does  injury 
When  he  sells  for  bread  the  Koran  and  sound  doctrine. 
Where  do  wisdom  and  law  give  the  decision 
That  one  of  wisdom  should  give  religion  for  the  world." 

Clarke. 
"  Zi  zanjir-i-na  parsayan  barast 
Ki  dar  kbalqa'e  parsayan  nlsbast 
Aerar  hajate  dari  in  kbalqa  grlr 
Ki  sultan  az  in  dar  na  darad  gruzir."  Bostan  or  S'adu 

"  He  escaped  from  the  chain  of  the  impure 
Who  sat  in  the  circle  of  the  devout. 
If  thou  hast  any  need,  choose  this  society 
For  the  Sultan  even  has  no  flight  from  this  door."    Clarke. 

"  Zi  zubd-i-khushk  malvilam  biyar  bada'e  nab 
Dame  zi  wlswasa'e  aql  bi  khabar  darad. 
Dil-i-shikasta'e  Hafiz  bakhak  khwahad  burd 
Chu  lala  dagh-i-hawa'e  ki  bar  jigrar  darad."  Hafiz, 

"  I  am  vexed  with  dry  austerity.     Bring  pure  wine 
For  my  brain  ever  fresh  wine's  perfume  keepeth, 
To  the  dust  of  the  grave  Hartz's  shattered  heart  will  take  with  itself, 
The  stain  of  desire  that  like  the  tulip  it  hath."  Clarke. 


328  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

"  Zud  ba  saltanat  rasad  har  ki  bu-wad  gada'e  tu 
Shah-i-nishin-i-chashm-i-inan  takiyag-ah'e  khiyal-i-tust 
Ja'e  dua'st,  shah -i -man  bi  tu  mabad  ja'e  tu 
Shur-i-sharab  wa  sirr-i-ishq  an  nafsam  rawad  zi  sar 
K'in  sar-i-purhawas  shawad  khak-i-dar-i-sara'e  tu."  Hafi 

"*'  To  sovereignty  quickly  reacheth  whoever  was  the  beggar  of  Thine, 
My  eye's  king-seat  is  the  resting-place  of  Thy  image  ; 
A  place  of  prayer  it  is.    O  my  sovereign,  without  Thee,  be  not  the  place 

of  Thine  ! 
Goeth  from  my  head  wine's  clamouring  and  love's  consuming  at  that 

moment, 
When  this  head  full  of  passion  becometh  the  dust  of  the  door  of  the 

abode  of  Thine."  (Clarke). 

""  Zud  bashad  ki  khira  sar  bini 
Badu  pae  uftada  andar  band  ; 
Dast  bar  dast  mi-zanad  ki  darigh 
Nashunidam  hadis-i-danishmand."  Gulistan,  chap.  7. 

"  Soon  shall  thou  see  the  man  of  head-strong  will 
With  his  two  legs  by  fetters  pressed. 
Smiling  his  hands,  he  cries  in  accents  still 
'  To  hearken  to  the  sage  is  best.'  "  (Eastwick). 

■"  Zud  bini  shikasta  pishani 
Tu  ki  bazi  ba  sar  kunad  ba  ghuch."  Gulistan,  chap.  8. 

"  Who  play  at  butting  with  a  ram 
Will  quick  enough  a  broken  forehead  rue." 

(Eastwick). 
•"  Zud  raMrad,  zud  nashin  shud  ghubar 
Z'an  ba  yake  jae  na  darad  qarar 
Kuh  b'ahistagi  amad  ba  jae 
Az  sar-i-an  ast  chunin  dar  pae."  Nizami. 

■"  The  dust  goes  quickly ;  it  was  quickly  settled  ;   thence  it  has  no  per- 
manence in  one  place  ; 
The  mountain  by  gentle  degrees  attains  its  height ;  by  reason  of  that  it 
is  so  durable."  Asiatic  Miscellany. 

■"  Zulam-i-zulm  chu  zahir  shawad,  bar  ayad  pur 
Jahan  za  tiragi  wa  talkh  a  ,shi  wa  tangl ; 
Ba  adl  kush  ki  chun  subh-i-an  tul'u  kunad 
Farugh-i-an  birawad  ta  hazar  farsangi."     Jami,  Biharistan,  chap.  2. 

'*  When  ihe  darkness  of  tyranny  manifests  itself 

The  world  is  filled  with  gloom,  destitution  and  misery. 

Cultivate  jusiice  ;  for  when  its  morning  dawns 

The  splendour  thereof  extends  to  a  thousand  parasangs." 

\  (Kehatsek). 


ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS  329 

"  Zxilm  shud  Im  ruz  tamasha'e  man 
W'al  ba  ruswa'e  farda'e  man."  Nizami. 

"  To-day  oppression  was  my  amusement, 
Alas  !  for  my  disgrace  of  to-morrow." 

Asiatic  Miscellany. 
"  Zulmate  daram  banisbat  ba  shamus 
Nur  daram  bahri  zulmat  nafus 
Z'an  zaifam  ta  tu  tabi  awari 
Ki  na  mard  aftab  an  war! 
Hamchu  shahd  wa  sirka  darham  baftam 
Ta  sue  ranj-i-jigrar  rah  yaftam."  Jalaluudin  Rumu 

"  I  still  am  dark  compared  to  the  sun 
Though  I  am  light  compared  to  the  dark  souls  of  men, 
Therefore  is  my  light  weak  that  you  may  hear  it, 
For  you  are  not  strong  enough  to  bear  the  dazzling  sun, 
I  have,  as  it  were,  mixed  honey  with  vinegar, 
To  succour  the  sweetness  of  your  hearts."  Whinfield. 

"  Z'umar  bar  khurad  an  kas  kl  dar  Jam'i  sifat 
Ba  khwlsh  bingarad,  an  grab  tariq-i-an  girad."  Hafiz. 

"  Of  life  that  one  eateth  the  fruit  who  in  all  qualities 
Looketh  at  himself,  then  the  path  taketh."  (Clarke). 

*'  Z'Umar,  ey  pisar,  chashm-i-ujrat  madar 
Chu  dar  khana'e  Zaid  bashi  bakar."  Bostan  of  S'adi,  chap.  5. 

"  O  son  expect  not  reward  from  Umar, 
When  thou  art  at  work  in  the  house  of  Zaid."     (Clarke). 

"  Zummi  'Ufadha  'in  nadda,  fa  ma  'as'ada  man  zamma, 
Wa  rummi  'lamala  'rraththa,  faqad  'aflaha  man  ramma 
Warish  man  rishahu  'nhassa,  blma  'amma  wa  ma  kbassa 
Wa  la  tasa  ala  'nnaqsi  w^a  tahris  ala  'llamma ; 
Wazawwld  nafsaka  'Ikhalra,  wa  d'a  yu'klbu  'dhdhaira, 
Wa  hajryla  markaba  'ssairi  wa  khaf  min  lajjati  Uyamma." 

Maqamat  of  Hariri  (it). 

"  Bridle  thy  speech  if  it  would  run  astray  for  how  happy  is   he  who 

bridleth  it : 
And  mend  thy  ragged  conduct,  for  he  hath  prospered  who  mendeth  it, 
And  plume  him  whose  plumage  hath  fallen  in  calamity  great  or  small  ^ 

and  sorrow  not  at  the  loss  and  be  not  covetous  in  amassing, 
And  make  provision  of  good  for  thy  soul,  and  leave  that  which  wil 

bring  on  ill,  and  prepare  the  ship  for  thy  journey  and  dread  the 

deep  of  the  sea."  (Chenery). 

22 


330  ARABIC  AND  PERSIAN  SAYINGS 

*'  Zurat  az  pish  ini-ra"wad  ba  ma 
Ba  khudawand  ghaib-dan  na  rawad."  Gulistan,  chap.  i. 

"  Thy  power  extends  to  us, 
It  does  not  extend  to  God  the  knower  of  Secrets." 

*'  Zur-i-jan  kuhkan  sbaqq-i-hajar 
Zur-i-jan-i-jan  dar  an  shaqqu  'Iqanaar."  Jalaluddin  Rumi. 

"  The  strength  of  strongest  man  can  merely  split  a  stone, 
The  power  that  informs  man's  soul  can  cleave  the  moon." 

Redhouse. 

"  Zuj^na  linnasi  hubbu  'shshawati  mina  nnissa'i  w'albanina 
"w'alqanatiri  'Imuqantarati  mina  Idhdhahabi  w'alfldhdhati  ■wa'lk- 
haili  'Imusawwamati  ■w'alan'aami  w'alharthi."  Koran,  chap  3. 

"  The  love  and  eager  desire  of  wives  and  children  and  sums  heaped  up 
of  gold  and  silver  and  excellent  horses  and  cattle  and  land  is  prepared  for 
men."  Sale. 


INDEX  OF  AUTHORS 


Abdah  ibn  At-tabib,  S6 
Abdullah  ibn  Tba'labah,  173 
Abdul-Malik,  14,  216,  299 
Abu  Duad,  8 
Abu'l  Ala,  14,  87,  131,  133,  150, 

155,  172,  297,  304,  309 
Abu'l  Ghul,  297 
AbuU  Qasim  Naerabadi,  143 
Abu  Zubaid,  164 

Akhlaq-i-Jalali,  6?,  129,  229,  312 
Akhlaq-i  Muhaini,    25,    172,    200, 

204,  268,  280 
Al  Buhturi,  168 
Al  Ibshaibi,  235 
Al  Ikd  al  Farid,  1 70 
Al-Muthakkibu  I'Abdi,  86 
Al  Tughrai,    13,   19,  85,  99,  123, 

126,  188,  199,  244,  255,  292,  316 
Ali  al  Murtaza,  1 1 
Ali  Bin  Muhammad  at  Tahamy, 

198 
Alif  Laila  wa  Lai  la,  83,  89,  230, 

237,  238,  286,  289,  315 
Amir  Ehiuru,  241 
Amr  ibn  Eamiah,  3 1 1 
Amr-ul-Eaia,  234 
Anon,  22,  77,  121,   160,   166,  299, 

3«6 
Anwar-i-Suheili,  i,  5,  16,  20,  22, 

26,  27,  31,  35,  36,  37,  38,  40,  42, 

43.  47,  48,  52,  54,  56,  57,  59,  60, 
61,  62,  65,  66,  67,  69,  70,  72,  73, 
74,  76,  77,80,  81,85,  87,90,91, 
92,  94,  95,  98,  100,  102,  103, 
no,  III,  115,  116,  118,  119,  120, 
121,  122,  123,  124,  125,  128,  130, 
131,  138,  139,  140,  142,  143,  149, 
151,  153,  154.  158,  166,  175,  178, 
180,  183,  188,  189,  190,  193,  196, 
197,  198,  200,  205,  206,  211,  212, 
213,  215,  216,  217,  218,  222,  224, 
226,  232,  235,  239,  241,  243,  244, 


245,  246,  247,  249,  250,  251,  253, 
254,  255,  258,  260,  261,  262,  263, 
264,  265,  266,  268,  269,  271,  272, 
274,  275,  277,  280,  281,  282,  288, 
289,  294,  302,  309,  313,  318,  321, 

322,  323,  324,  326 
Anwari,  113,  262 

Arabic  Proverbs,  10,  15,  16,  74, 
127,  142,  145,  160,  165,  171,  172, 
184,  188,  230,  238,  261,  277,  305 

Ash  Shanfara,  286 

Attar,  63 

Avicenna,  10,  no 

Azizi,  244 

Beha-Ullah,  90 
Buzurgi,  141 

Dabistan,  The,  46,  144,  232,  310, 
325 

Dhahir,  263 

Diwsn-i-Shams-i-Tabriz,  i,  4,  6, 
20,  31,  32,  35,  38,  39,  42,  43,  44, 
46,  47,  48,  49,  50,  53,  59,  60,  61, 
65,  68,  69,  70,  75,  78,  79,  80,  88, 
91,  93,  102,  105,  109,  114,  118, 
"9,  135,  139.  141,  142,  143,  145, 
150,  155,  158,  174,  175,  176,  178, 
181,  182,  183,  184,  187,  188,  193, 
200,  212,  214,  218,  226,  242,  243, 
249,  251,  252,  261,  263,  264,  271, 
274,  280,  281,  282,  284,  288,  294, 
301,  307,  310,  318,  319,  320,  321, 

323.  324 
Duraid,  S9 

Farazdak,  207 
Fariddudin  Attar,  22,  147 
Firdausi,  48,  90 

Gulistan,  The,  i,  2,  4,  5,  7,  8,  11, 
12,  13,  16,  17,  20,  21,  22,  25,  26, 
27,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35, 
38,  40,  42,  43,  44,  45,  46,  47,  48, 


332 


INDEX  OF  AUTHORS 


49.  51.  52.  54,  55, 
62,  63,  64,  65,  66, 

72,  73.  75.  78,  70, 
88,  90,  91,  93,  94, 
100,  loi,  102,  103, 
III,  113,  114,  IIS, 
120,  125, 127,  129, 
138,  140,  142,  143, 

153,  154,  155,  156, 

161,  162,  172,  173, 

183,  184,  185,  189, 

201,  203,  204,  205, 

209,  210,  2x1,  212, 

^217,  218,  219,  220, 

'231,233,239,242, 

251,  252,  255,  256, 

260,  261,  262,  263, 

271,272,273,274, 

285,  287,  289,  290, 

301,  305,  308,  309, 

317,318,319,320, 

328 

Gulshan-i-Raz,  138, 

Ghazzali,  18,  84 


56,  58,  60,  61, 
67,  69,  70,  71, 
80,81,83,87, 

95,  96,  97,  98, 
105,  106,  108, 
116,  117,  119, 
134,  136,  137, 
149,  151,  152, 
157,  158,  159. 
174,  176,  181, 
191,  192,  194, 
206,  207,  208, 
213,  215,  216, 
223,  224,  229, 
243,  246,  250, 
257,  258,  259, 
264,  268,  270, 
275,  278,  283, 
292,  293,  300, 
312,313,316, 
322,  325, 327, 

139 


Hadis-i-Qudsi,  293 

Hafiz,  6,  19,  26,  29,  32,  34,  39,  44, 
59,  61,  65,  67,  70,  74,  75,  77,  78, 
84,  88,  92,  93,  98,  99,  100,  104, 
no,  115,  118,  119,  122,  123,  125, 
127,  137,  140,  152,  159,  160,  174, 
185,  193,  194,  195,  198,  200,  201, 
202,  203,  207,  208,  213,  215,  224, 
225,  227,  230,  235,  236,  240,  242, 
246,  247,  248,  249,  251,  252,  256, 
257,  258,  264,  266,  272,  275,  282, 
283,  285,  287,  288,  290,  291,  305, 
310,  318,  324,  326,  327,  328,  329 

Hamasa,  163 

Hariri  (Maqamat),  2,  3,  6,  7,  8, 
12,  15,  16,  17,  21,  22,  23,  82,  83, 
84,  85,  86,  87,  128,  132,  133,  134, 
144,  145,  159,  162,  163,  164,  166, 
168,  169,  170,  178, 182,  231, 234, 
238,  245,  252,  256,  258,  261,  270, 
279,  291,  297,  298,  300,  301,  312, 
316, 317, 329 

Hatim  Tai,  190 

Hittan,  132 

Husain  ibn  Mutair,  228 


Ibrahim  ibn  Eunaif,  160,  270 
lyas  ibn  al  Aratt,  217 

Jafar  ibn  Ulbah,  85 

Jalaluddin  Bumi,  4,  6,  7,  10,  14,, 
16,  20,  21,  29,  30,  31,32,33,  37, 
39,42,  50,  SI,  52,53,54.55.57, 
61,63,  67.  69,  71,  72,76,77,79, 
80,  83,  91,  95,  96,  97,  99,  loi, 

103,  104,  106,  107,  108,  109,  II2» 
114,  115,  117,  118,  120,  121,  122, 
124,  13s,  136,  137,  139,  140,  143, 
144,  145,  146,  147,  148,  149,  150, 
152,  153,  156,  157,  158,  160,  162,. 
164,  175,  177,  179,  180,  182,  184, 

i8s,  191,  192,  194,  195,  196,  199, 
201,  202,  203,  207,  210,  213,  214,. 
216,  217,  219,  220,  221,  222,  223, 
225,  226,  227,  228,  229,  230,  231,, 
232,  234,  236,  237,  239,  240, 241, 
242,  244,  245,  248,  249,  250,  252, 
2S3,  254,  25s,  256,  257,  258,  260, 
263,  266,  267,  269,  272,  273,  276, 
277,  278,  279,  280,  284,  285, 286, 
287,  289,  292,  293,  304,  306,  308,, 
311,  319,  320,  323,  324,  326,  328, 

329 

Jam-i-Kai  Ehusro,  243 

Jami,  2,  28,  36,  39,  41,  58,  S9,  65, 
76,  79,  87,  94,  104,  106,  107,. 
109,  III, 117,  119,  121,  124,  136, 
137, 140, 157,  189,  190,  222,  228, 
235,  257,  265,  285,  288,  293,  313,. 

325,  329 
Junaid,  171 

Kasini  al  Anwar,  233,  259 

Eatari,  84,  253 

Kisa'i,  109 

Koran,  The,  '2,  3,  4,  8,  9,  10,  12^ 
13,  t4,  is,  16,  17,  18,  19,  22,  23^ 
24,  25,  66,  67,  82,  84,  85,^^6,  87, 
8^,  III,  126,  127,  128,  129,  130, 
131,  132,  133,  134,  135,  136,  138,. 
149,  151,  152,  155,  156,  157,  159. 
160,  162,  163,  164,  165,  166,  167, 
169,  170,  171,  172,  173,  177,  178, 
179,  180,  181,  183,  184,  185,  186, 
187,  188,  189,  191,  196,  232,  233, 
237,  238,  239,  24i,^5j[,  255,  261^ 


INDEX  OF  AUTHORS 


333 


265(26^  277,  294,  2954 296,  228; 
30'.(3^Q03i  304,305. 
H^<3i>' 3^'  317.  330 
LtfTMHTiI  Sfn,  39,  143.  284 

I/abid,  4,  133,  296,  299 
Lataif  ul  Muluk,  160 

Majani  ul  Adab,  250,  291 
Mansur  Hallaj,  209 
Muhammad,  Sayings  of,  7,  11,  13, 

149,  159,  160,  164,  165,  166,  173, 

181,  231,  258,293,  304 
Itlawailik  al  Mazmum,  291 

Nabil,  290 

Nasiri-Khusraw,    94,    102,    104, 

211,  283 
Nizami,  27,  88,  147,  243,  265,  288, 

328,  329 


Omar  Khayyam,  i, 

25,  26,  27,  31,  32, 

43.  53.  54,  55.  57, 
71,  74,  77,  81,  82, 
112,  114,  115,  119, 
134.  136,  137,  139, 
163,  174, 177,  180, 
205,  207,  210, 218, 
232,  233,  239,  241, 
259,  261,  262,  265, 
272,  273,  276,278, 
306,  310,  311,  312, 


2,  7,  21,  23, 
34,  36,  41,  42, 
58,  63,  64,  68, 
88,  94,  96,  98, 
123,  129,  130, 
140,  149,  154, 
185,  190,  192, 
221,  224,  227, 
245,  248,  258, 
269,  270,  271, 
285,  290,  292, 
313,321,325 


Persian  Proverbs,  114,  154 


Basikh,  126 

Saadi,  142 

8'adi,  44,  56,  94,  157 

„  (BoBtan),  18,  26,  33,  34,  35, 
37.  38,  39,  40.  41.  44,  45,  47,  48, 
49,  50,  51.  58,  59,  62,  68,  69,  90, 
91,  92,  93.  95,  96,  98,  100,  no, 
125,  138,  142,  151,  152,  161,  163, 
176,  180,  185,  193,  195,  196,  197. 
198,  199,  201,  204,  205,  206,  208, 
209,  210,  211,  214,  216,  220,  221, 
225,  226,  229,  235,  236,  244,  252, 
253,  254,  262,  263,  268,  269,  271, 
273,  276,  278,  279,  281,  282,  284, 
294,  303,  307,  309,  315,  318,  321, 
322,  323,  326,  327,  329 

S'adi  (Pandnama),  46,  47,  59,  61, 
loi,  113,  139,  156,  175,  182,206, 
215,  25s,  265,  276,  308,  319,  327 

S'aid,  32,  215 

Sarabi,  25 

Shabistari,  202 

Shahi,  12,  254 

Sherishi,  287 

Subahani,  18 

Salmi  ibn  Babiah,  298^ 

Sultan  Timoor,  264 

Ta'abbata  Sharran,  82,  131 
Taubi  ibn  al  Humaiyir,  170 

Urfi,  24,  322 

Zoheir,  85,  131,  133,  168,  173,  240, 
243 


INDEX 


Abortive,  every  work  not  in  God's 

name,  159 
Absence,  76,  232 
Absent,  62 
Absolute,  the,  60 
Abstinance,  91 

,,     no  concupiscence,  no,  50 
,,     when  thou  endurest  not  the 
pain  of,  55 
Abn  Huraira,  304 
Account,  remember  the  day  of  final, 

148 
Act,  when  one  member  of  a  tribe 

has  done  a  foolish,  51 
Action,  breath  without,  236 

,,     necessary — is  religion,  229 
Actions,  every  man  pledged  to  God 
for  his,  159 
,,     nothing  remains  but    noble, 

275 

„    slay  the  guilty  their  own  bad, 
197 

,,     who  sows  ill,  113 
Acts,  God  knows  my  secret,  134 
Adam,  207 

,,     children  of,  165 

,,     we  are  all  meml)ers  of,  177 
Advantage,  four  things  tend  to,  43 
Adversity,  27 

Aivice,  affects  not  those  who  can- 
not feel,  5 

,,     is  wind,  45 

,,     my  sire's,  223 
Affection,  hard  to  recall,  204 

,,     hope  not  for,  168 

,.     to  gain  thy  friend's,  271 
Affliction,     when     bounty     came, 

where  lagged,  47 
Age,  and  youth,  45,  311 

,,     the  changing  watch  of,  211 

,,     the  people  of  this,  144 


Aghush,  129 

Airs,  we  put  on — before  strangers, 

133 
Al  Eosai,  207 
Al  Wakaba,  the  guarded  meadow 

of,  297 
Ali,  109 

All-informed,  the,  169 
Allah,  137,  298,  307 

,,     knows  the  truth,  109 

,,     seek  with — refuge  from  Satan, 
21,  240 
Alms,  169 
Aloes-tray,  212 
Ambition,  280 
Amir,  be  not  vehement  in  addressing^ 

an,  59 
Amity,  show — to  every  friend,  19 
Angel,  97 

Angels  come  when  fiendsjretire,  69' 
Anga,  the,  36 
Anger,  7,  49.  50,  83,  129 
Annihilation,  67 
Anv/ari,  1 14 
Ant,  181,  194 

,,     the — beneath  thy  tread,  112 

,,     the— of  lust,  195 

,,     the  foe  that  was  an — is  now  a 
serpent,  198 

,,     would    the — had   not   wings, 
176 

,,     wound  not  the,  44 
Ants,  when — assemble,  205 
Appearances,  208 
Arab,  the  sitting^bv  the^Tigris,  18 
Araf,  80 
Archers,  212 
Archery,  285 
Ark,  295 

Armies,  no  need  of — where  no  an- 
tagonist, 50 


336 


INDEX 


Arrogance,  41 

Arrow,    bucklers    useless    against 
death's,  278 

,,     cast  one — straight,  253 

„     fate's,  57 

,,     cannot  bring  back — which  has 
left  string,  16 
Arslan,  129 
Art,  is  long,  231 
Artisan,  the  heavenly,  114 
Ascetic,  the,  225 
Ashes,  155 
Ass,  the — is  dull,  192 

,,     the  wild — dressed  whole,  4 
Athirst,  to  those,  278 
Atom,  the  motion  of  every,  146 
Attainments,  89 
Attraction,  draw  the  soul  without 

a  ladder,  143 
Avarice,  34,  113 

Babbler,  280 

Babe,  dependent  on  its  father,  278 

,,     love  as  a  new  born,  17 
Back,  bent,  225 
Bank,  safety  is  on  the,  169 
Barley,     sow  —  you     cannot     reap 

wheat,   176,  307 
Base,  the,  71 
Bazar,    when    the    wife   takes    the 

path  to  the,  58 
Be,  and  it  is,  133 
Beasts,  the  vilest  in  God's  sight, 

261 
Beauty,  174 

,,     I   weighed    thy — against   the 
morn,  126 
Bee,  the,  108  115,  294 
Beginning,  everything  small  at  the, 
160 
,,     was — as  clear  as  the  ending, 
170 
Being,  no   crime  worse  than  thy, 

214 
Believe,  if  ye— not,  84 

,,     signs  to  people  who,  10 
Believer,  the — not  stung  twice,  172 

,,     the  heart  of  the,  231 
Believers,  304 
,,     true,  229 


Believers,  victory  falls  to  the,  199 

,,     wilt    thou    compel    men    to 
become,  3 
Belly,  105,  262,  290 

,,     the  source  of  man's  life,  189 
Beloved,  presence  of  the,  31 

,,     the  remembrance  of  our,  234 

,,     union  with  the,  120 
Benefactor,  224 
Bird,  200,  201 
Birds,  72,  78 

,,     to  catch,  5 

,,     will  flock  with  birds  of  their 
own  feather,  16 
Birth,  high,  99 
Bitterness,  211 
Blanket,   ten  dervishes  may  sleep 

under  one,  60 
Blaze,  what   guide  needed  to   the 

solar,  125 
Blessings,  blessing  increases,  263 

,,     the — of  the  pious.  122 
Blind,  3 

,,     the,  4 

,,     wisdom  learned  from  the,  174 
Bliss,  178 
Blood,  whole  earth  not  worth  one 

drop  of,  199 
Blow,  the,  15 
Boaster,  80 
Body,  cherish  not  thy,  185 

,,     full  of  good  and  evil,  303 

,,     not  veiled  from  soul,  273 

„     the,  144,  177 

,,     two  souls  dwelling  in  one,  209 
Bone,   every — contains   some   mar- 
row, 72 

,,     you   may   devise   to   swallow 
the  rough,  209 
Book,  this — a  guide  to  God-fearing, 

66 
Borrowing,  74 
Bough,  the — full  of  fruit,  215 
Bountiful,  be,  145 
Bounty,    let   not — be   followed   by 

injury,  252 
Bow,  ere  yet  the— be  strung,  176 
Boy,  the  wise,  158 
Bramble,  who  sows   the — will  not 
pluck  the  rose,  260 


INDEX 


337 


Branches,  barren,  260 
Bread,  care  for  thy  son's,  icX) 
„     no — till  the  corn  be  ground, 

272 
„    the  beggar's,  23 
,,     the   faithful    pine   for   daily, 
230 
Breast,   the  door  of  whose — hath 

been  opened,  177 
Breath,  life  hangs  on  a  single,  142 

,,     whence  came  this,  78 
Bride,  a  fair,  140 
Brim,  the  wine  of  God's  grace  hath 

no,  261 
Broils,  174 
Brother,  ne'er  grieve  thy,  270 

,,     pardon  thy,  256 
Bud, 262 
Building,  founded  on  the  fear  of 

God,  3 
Bulbuls,  36,  205 
Burden,  endure  the — of  the  feeble, 

49 
Butt,  he  who  composes  makes  him- 
self a,  184 
,,     not  every  time  does  the  archer 

hit  the,  204 
,,     of   a    hundred    arrows,    one 
comes  to  the,  322 
Buttermilk,  no  one  calls  his  own 
— sour,  154 

Gage,  the  birdless — has  no  value, 

101 
Calamities,  despair  not  in,  168 
Calamity,  114 

,,     a  person  overtaken  i-y,  229 
Calumny,  avoid,  283 
Camel,  how  can  camel-driving  be 
done  without  a,  150 
,,     I  ride  not  on  a,  204 
,,     passeth  through  the  eye  of  a 

needle,  171,  263 

,,     the— goes  day  and  night,  21 

,,     thorn-eating,  293 

,,     when  Bactria's — faints,  293 

Oane-brake,  when  thou  settcst  fire 

to  the,  47 
Caravan,  life's,  134 
Care  goes  with  thy  treasure,  42 


Oare,  thou  whose  heart  is  full  of,  304 
,,     who  flies  from  home  has  no 
further,  55 
Career,  they  who  choose  an  unjust, 

"5 
Carelessness,  the  ear  of,  34 
Carrion  to  the  wolf,  259 
Cat,  the  religious — can  pray,  78 
,,     the — may  lacerate   the   leop- 
ard's eyes,  205 
Celibate,  pass  not  thy  life  a — 388 
Certainty,  18 
Chain,  the — is  on  the  lion's  neck, 

262 
Chalice,  made  with  art  profound, 

139 
Champings,  hot — of  thy  spirit,  102 
Chance,  89 
Character,  hear   thine   own — from 

the  enemy,  319 
Chaste,  when  the  wife  is,  50 
Chastity,  123 

,,     the  house  that  hath  not,  59 
Chattels,  when  the — are  thine,  197 
Chessmen,  we  are  but,  180 
Child,  new  born,  248 
Choice,  leave  a  man  to  his,  155 
Christians,  167,  181 
Clay,  68 

,,     break  the  idol  of,  35 

,,     devils  are  fashioned  from,  104 

,,     mankind  moulded  in,  177 

,,     perfumed,  103 
Cleverness,  7,  326 
Clod,  152 

Clods,  they  who  throw,  151 
Clouds,  25s 
Coin,  72 

,,     the  base,  231 
Colocynth,    the — brings    not    the 

date,  252 
Communion,  the  house  of,  148 
Companionship,  profit  by,  93 
Company,  bad,  141 

,,     fools',  267 

,,     princes',  267 
Comrade,  a  distasteful,  232 
Conceit,  205 

,,     cannot   profit   against   truth, 
132 


338 


INDEX 


Concerts,  God  protect  us  from,  87 
Condescension,  152,  212 
Conflict,  danger  in  the,  231 
Constancy,  hope  not  from  fortune 

a,  66 
Contempt,  from  the  dust  of  trial, 

231 
Contentment,  15,  51,  73,  199,  214, 

235,  263,  310,  327 
Contest  between  two  persons,  193 
Contrition,  79 
Cord,    the   broken    may   be  joined 

again,  56 
Corn,  the  yellow,  322 

,,     who    eat    their — while    it    is 
green,  117 
Corpse,  rejoice  not  at  the — of  thine 
enemy,  77 
,,     use  wine  to  wash  my,  78 
Counsel,  father's — to  his  son,  225 
Counterfeit,  19, 
Courser,  in  battle  outvalue  stall-fed 

ox,  21,  79 
Court,  they  who  worship  in  God's, 

70 
Courtesy,  show — to  every  foe,  19 
Covetous,  the  desire  of  the,  162 
Covetousness,  228,  262 
Creator,  no  error  in  earth's,  100 
Creature,  to  the— will  belongs  not, 

96 
Creeds,  some  look  for  truth  in,  233 
Crepuscule,  horizon  takes  its  hue 

from  the,  287 
Crime,  one  stained  with,  60 
Crow,  122 

Cup,   common  stone  may  break  a 
golden,  95 
,,     no  solace  left  but  the,  7 
Cur,  when  a  ravenous — finds  meat, 

56 
Curds,  loi 
Cure,  think  of  the — before  the  thing 

occurs,  128 
Curl,  thy,  32 
Cushion,  on  honours',  274 

Darkness,  sunlight  succeeds,  76 
Daughters,  295,  296 
David,  107 


Dawn,  123,  259 
Day,  10,  138 

,,     night  pregnant  with,  323 
Dead,  destroy  not  the  good  name  of 
the,  129 
,,     shame  on  the — whose  task  is 

unfinished,  135 
,,     we  are  the  sons  of  the,  209 
,,     when  I  am,  53 
Deaf,    canst    thou    make    the — to 

hear,  4 
Death,  3,  6,  11,  14,  15,  23,  44,  57, 
84,  85,  162,  186,  198,  207,. 
218,  241,   243,  249,  253,. 
273,  294,  299,  308,  326 
,,     every  soul  shall  taste  of,  159 
,,     in  my  foes  — what  joy,  186 
,,     indulge  not  in  joy  at  another's,. 

180 
,,     is  not — thy  doom,  16 
,,     of  the  poor,  188 
Deceit,  282 
Deed, a  good,  214 

,,     keep  thyself  free  from  evil,  60 
Deeds,  evil,  232 

,,     had  my — deeds  been  like  my 

words,  93 
,,     rise  by,  99 
Deer,  115 
Defeats,  214 
Deliberation,  35 
Demons,  many — with  men's  faces,. 

S2 
Desert,  in  the,  33 

,,     sweet  is  slumber  in  the,  158 
Desire,  consume  not  thy  heart  witb 
the  failure  of,  323 
,,     of  wives  and  children,  320 
,,     sensual,  1 19 
,,     the — in    the    desolate    heart,. 

195 
,,     the  seed  of,  82 
,,     what  you  have  no  hope  for, 
281 
Desired,  the— obtained  44 
Desolate,    king    will    not    extract 

tribute  from,  100 
Despair,  77,  172,  301 
Despoiler,  198 
Destiny,  44,  151 


PNDEX 


339- 


Devil,  84 

Devils,  104 

Devious,  the,  151 

Devout,  the  circle  of  the,  327 

,.     the,  287 
Diflienlties,  do  not  turn  from,  324 
Dirams,    if   live    out    of    fifty — be 

wanting,  326 
Director,  having  chosen  thy,  53 
Disciple,  safer  from  the  disbeliever 

than  the,  33 
Disappointment,  291 
Disciples,  201 
Disgrace,  67 

,,     no  distress  brings,  164 
Distressed,  go  seek  out  the,  29 
Dog,  a — would  defile  a  cistern  of 
rose-water,  27 

„     a  wet,  255 

,,     the  cave-sleepers,  255 
Dolt,  the,  2,  230 
Dominion,  2 

Doom,  none  outruns  his,  160 
Dooms,  240 

Door,  ill  fated  he  who  turns  from 
the,  25 

,,     who  is  at  the,  105 
Doors,  enter  houses  by  their,  286 
Doubt,   hand   of   truth   rends    the 

cloak  of  doubt,  132 
Dream,  the  world  only  a,  71 
Drum,    do    not    beat    a — under   a 
quilt,  70 

,,     oh  noisy,  81 
Dullards,  206 
Dust,  119,  328 

,,     tread  gently  on  this,  221 
Dweller,  dignity  of  dwelling  in  the, 
261 

Ear,  105 

,,     lend  not  the — to  selfish  men, 

183 
,,     take  cotton  of  evil  from  the 

minds',  227 
,,     the  mind's,  221 
,,     the     thoroughfare    for     the 
Koran,  no 
Earnest,  him  who  cometh  to  the,  I 
Earth,  35,  39,  219 


Earth,  all — his  who  flies  from  home, 

55 
,,     so  transient  is  this,  147 

,,     the — a  mortar,  257 

,,     we  come  from  the,  306 

Ease,  pompous,  13 

Edifice,  must  have  sure  foundations,. 

35 
Effects,  trace  causes  to  their,  286 
Egress,  try  the — before  you  enter,. 

229 
Egypt,  193 

Elephants,  gnats  can  overcome,  221 
,,     they  that  make  war  with,  210 
Eloquence,  83 
Embrace,  open   your  arms  if  you 

desire  an,  35 
Emprise,  waste  not  the  seed  of  thy,. 

320 
Encouragement,    who   then    to   a 

ba.se  man  givest,  154 
Endurance,  60,  271 
Endured,  they  who  have  patiently, 

178 
Enemies,  the  most  magnificent  of 

thine,  2 
Enemy,   choose  an — you  can  van- 
quish, 48 
, ,     upon  whose  favours  conferred, 

"3 
Enfranchisement,     die     if     thou 

would'st  gain,  35 
Enjojrment,  87,  297 
Ennui,  175 
Envy,  55,  275 
Erring,   to  his  own  loss  the— err,. 

183 
Error,  182 

Eternal,  fix  thy  heart  on  the,  68 
Eternity,  how  to  attain,  4 
Ethiopian  grows  not  white  with  a 

hot  bath,  34 
Evil,  172 

,,     learn— from  thyself,  283 
,,     turn  away,  127 
,,     who  does  no,  12 
Evolution,  53,  321 
Exaction,  king's,  5 
Example,   happy  the  man  warned 
by,  84 


.340 


INDEX 


JExcellence,  keep  silent  if  you  have 

not,  56 
Exertion,    man's — no  use   without 

God,  46 
Existence,  205,  236,  279 
Eye,  105 

,,     the  greedy,  250 
^yes,  king  recognising,  67 

Face,  67 

Eaith,  5,  117,  131 

,,     can  move  a  mountain,  230 

,,     men  of  God's  true,  263 

,,     no  value  after  death,  235 
"Faithful,  the— are  brethren,  133 
Faithfulness,  175 
Fall,  41 
Fallen,  when  one  has,  27 

,,     who  pities  not  the,  38 
Falsehood,  is  fleeting,  138 
Fame,  70 
Fancy,  no — without  some  truth,  97 

,,     the  tjird  of,  204 
Faqir,  the,  11 
Fasting,  13,  59 
Fate,  44,  54,  56.  Ill,  113,  233 

,,     every  man's,  159 
Father,  learn  what  thy — knew,  191 

,,     like — like  son,  ill 
Faults,  115 

,,     withhold  thy — from  sight,  78 
favours,  289 

Feet,  snares  laid  to  catch  our  trip- 
ping. 30 
Feridun,  90 
Fidelity,  want  of,  33 
Firdausi,  36,  44 
Fire,  by  wind,  becomes  more  lofty, 

45 
Flame,  the  Guebre's,  5 
Flatterer,  heed  not  the,  11 
Flesh,  the,  69 
Flowers,  Nirvan's,  98 
Fly,  67 
Foe,  72,  73 
Foeman,      prudent — better      than 

factious  comrade,  323 
Foes,  72 
-Folly,  130 

,,     the  five  marks  of,  124 


Fool,  139 

,,     a  wise  man  understands  the,  8 
,,     heaven  supplies  wealth  to  the, 

35 
„     old,  133 

,,     silence,  the  answer  to  a,  142 
Foolish,  lie,  7 
Fools,  16,  27,  322 

,,     man  may  be  too  kind  with,  12 
Forelock,  God  holdeth  every  crea- 
ture by  the,  181 
Forgiveness,  233 
Form,  269 

,,     and  reflection,  251 
5,     each — has  its  archetype,  118 
,,     the  outward,  102 
,,     without  life,  149 
Formal,  the  prison  of  the,  285 
Fortitude,  19 

Fortune,  28,  94,  99,  121,  170,  238 
,,     blame  not  unkind,  168 
,,     rely  not  on,  82,  297 
,,     trust  not,  86 
Founder,  the  great,  272 
Fowler,  who  will  not  sparrows  spar, 

258 
Fragments,    one   can    light  a  fire 

with,  34 
Frame,  28 
Freeman,  98 
Friend,  a  token  of  the,  2S2 

do  not  forego  an  old,  313 
make  not — of  the  world,  313 
news  of  a,  no 
united  with  my,  239 
weep  not  for  distant,  166 
who      consorts     with      your 
enemies,  37 
Friends,  72,  73,  74,  112,  267,  268, 
289 
,,     a  breach  among,  294 
,,     agreement  amongst,  36 
,,     he  who  would  have,  142 
,,     he  whose — are  in  a  dungeon, 

309 
,,     spurn  faithless,  32 
,,     taHv  with,  64 
Friendship,  56,  68,  73,  no 

,,     the   day  of — when  we  meet, 
249 


INDEX 


34' 


Turniture,  i6o 
Future,  had  I  known  the,  171 
Futurity,   he  who  giveth— to  the 
wind,  17s 
,,     the  prophets  chose,  16 

Gain,  lust  of,  40 
Garden,  the  spiritual,  39 
Garment,  old,  150 

,,     the      unclean  —  dashed      by 
washerman    against   stone 

283 

Gear,  worldly,  5 

Generous,  be,  142 

,,     he  who  would  call  mankind, 

117 
.,     the,  13,  196 

Gentleness,  pursue,  59 

Ghaul,  4 

Giaour,  96 

Gift,  the  poor  ant's,  4 

Glory,  166 

Goblet,  broken,  262 

God,  9,  13,  14,  32,  38,  46,  63,  66, 
67,  So,  81,  82,  86,  99,  107, 
109,  126,  127,  129,  131, 
132,  134,  146,  147,  155, 
156,  160,  165,  166,  170, 
171,  173,  174,  180,  184, 
185,  186,  187,  189,  191, 
195»  i96>  206,  212,  223, 
228,  232,  237,  238,  242, 
243,  253,  264,  267,  269, 
276,  281,  284,  285,  286, 
292,  294,  295,  296,  298, 
3C0,  301,  302,  303,  306, 

307,  313.  317,  322,  325. 

,,  connection  with,  194 

,,  faith  and  piety  prized  of,  235 

„  family  of,  175 

,,  favours  the  liberal,  189 

,,  fearer  of,  286 

,,  friends  and  foes  given  by,  95 

,,  grandeur  belongs  to,  157 

,,  have  mercy  on  the  wicked,  64 

,,  helps  those  who  glorify  him, 

283 

,,  keep  to  the  fear  of,  no 

,,  knows  what  is  best,  255 

,,  life  misery  without,  299 


God,  love  of,  135 

,,     one  pull  from,  143 

,,     orders  our  lives,  98 

,,     path  of,  173 

,,     praise  of,  9 

,,     prophet  cares  for  naught  but, 

99 
,,     remember,  82 
,,     round  about  the  unbelievers,- 

23 
,,     seek — in  broken  hearts,  293 
,,     the  best  of  providers,  296 
,,     the  essential  attributes  of,  178 
,,     the  light  of,  188 
,,     the  lion  of,  324 
,,     the  man  of,  215 
,,     the  weaver,  47 
,,     they  who  sowed  no  seed  for, 

310 
,,     think  on,  294 
,,     who  trusts  in,  153 
,,     who  would  not  die  for  love 

of,  25 
,,     whom — shall  guide,  87 
,,     withholds  grace   from   none, 

61 
, ,     you  can't  have-^and  the  world 

together,  112 
Gold,  47,  134,  321,  322 

,,     ass's  neck  encircled  with,  70, 

240 
„     give  thy  troops,  322 
,,     the  copper  of  your  existence 

changed  to,  193 
,,     the  touchstone  discovers  the, 

176 
Good,  64,  172,  219 

,,  and  bad  must  die,  213 

,,  be  thou  but,  212 

,,     do — and  speak  not  of  it,  145 

,,     if  thou  doest,  212 

,,     man  never  weary  of  praying 

for,  172 
,,     seek  to  do,  213 
,,     when  thou  reckonest  thyself 

among  the,  49 
GoodneBs,  116,  164 
Grace,  heavenly,  94 
,,     seek  means  of,  69 
,,     the  Holy  Spirit's  84 


.342 


INDEX 


Grace,     would'st     thou     God's  — 

obtain,  1 19 
•Grave,  the,  133,  141,  173 
Great,  now  will  he  be  called,  42 

„     the,  41.  243,  324 
'Greatness,  184,  191 
Greed,  123,  190 

,,     destroy,  22 

,,     quit,  24 
'Grief,  183,  238 

,,     no  longer  hug  your,  43 

,,     no  man  comes  to — who  knows 
his  place,  165 

,,     none  honoured  till  they  suffer, 

271 

,,     the  heaviest  wave  in,  222 
'Guest,  honour  the,  7 
iGuile,  88 

,,     avoid,  190 

Hafiz,  93,  no,  127 

!Hair,  white — comes,  197 

Hands,  wash  the  dross  of  life  from 

thy,  65 
Happiness,  186 

,,     the  one  road  to,  38 
Harlot,  262 
Harvest,  68 
Haste,  27 

Hate,  the  seed  of,  166 
Hatred,  hell  the  root  of,  20 

,,     uproot,  215 
•Hawk,  be  like  the — not  the  raven, 
48 

,,     white — not  made  from  dingy 
crow,  116 
Head,  75 

,,     when  thou  seest  a  severed,  48 

,,     without  reason,  257 
Health,  hope  for  good,  289 
Healthy,  the  enjoyment  of  the,  199 
JHeart,    beware    the    sigh    of    the 
wounded,   120 

,,     contrite,  264 

,,     do  not  pain  a  single,  274 

,,     illumined  with  light  of  love, 

"5 
,,     shake  off  dust  from  mirror  of 

the,  221 
.„     the,  63,  176,  183,  275 


Heart,  the  prison  of  the  secret  is  the, 

68 
Hearts,  God  hath  not  given  man 
two,  178 
,,     the  abode  of  devils,  156 
,,  who   tear  their — from  worldly 
things,  138 
Heaven,  43 

,,     messengers  of,  97 
Heedless,  a  thousand  speeches  profit 

not  the,  10 
Height,  no  test  of  value,  208 
Hell,  162 
Helplessness,  remember  the  day  of, 

92 
Hemp,  the  shame  of,  210 
Heresies,  147 
Hill,  dig  from  a,  94 
Hint,   a — sufficient  from  the  wise, 

10 
Hippocrates,  231 
Hog,    slay    the — or    bind    on    the 

Zinar,  63 
Home,  he  who  abides  far  away  from 
his,  37 
,,     life's,  no 
Honey,  128,  223 
Honour,    the   most    worthy   of — in 

God's  sight,  132 
Honours',  life's  92 
Hope,  39,  191,  281,  285 

,,     be  not  without — in  adversity, 

27 
,,     long  delayed,  289 
,,     succeeds  hopelessness,  76 
Hostility,  no  war  without,  50 
Houris,  233 

Hours,  youth's  circling,  66 
House,  each  comer  greets  a  new, 

116 
How,  reason  at  a  loss  to  understand 

the,  6 
Humility,  40,  41,  140,  276,  279 
Hunger,  286 
Hurricane,   a   hundred  jewels  not 

worth  one,  20 
Hyacinth,  100 

Hypocrisy,  blue  turbans  a  sign  of, 
84 


INDEX 


343 


Ice,  Q3 

Ideas,  the  meadow  of,  285 

Idol,  41,  202 

Idolatry,  religion  even  in,  202 

If.  54 

Ignorance,  the  beast  grew  with,  91 

Ignoble,  why  lament  the,  220 

111,  the  darts  of  coming,  153 

Ill-doing,  168 

Illuaion,  life  immersed  in,  18 

,,     the  world  an,  18 
Imitator,  the,  253 
Impossibilitiea,  118 
ImpulBB  from  God,  310 
Incendiary,  the  lamp  of  an,  139 
Indolence,  244 

,,     bloated,  1 3 
Ire,  211 
Intidel,  96 

Infidelity,  if  a  saint  imbibe,  114 
Infidels,  149,  150,  171,  298 
Injustice,  77,  156 
Intelligence,  257 
Intoxication,  where  there  is  wine 

there  is,  33 
Irak,  274 
Iron,  nail  of — cannot  pierce  a  stone, 

5 
Islam,  15,  181 

,,     no  monkery  in,  165 
Israel,  305 

Jackal,  262 

Jacob,  308 

Jam,  cup-bearers  of  the  banquet  of, 

290 
Jami,  288 
Jamsheds,  112 
Jar,     when     ulcerated     lips    have 

pressed  the,  65 
Jehun,  what   do   the   people  of — 

know  of  water,  44 
Jesus,  135,  181,  245,  301 
,,     a  sufficient  helper,  135 
„     buy    not    the    ass    with    the 
gospel  of,  34 
Jew,  when  the — grows  poor,  127 
Jewel,  every  maxim  is  a,  119 

,,     men  will  risk  a,  312 
Jews,  67 


Joseph,  59,  308 
Judgment,  167,  234 

„     day,  128,  165,  237,  248,  250, 

299.  302,   303.  304.   305. 

314,  315,  316 
Just,  be,  43 
Justice,  2,  138,  139,  329 

Eaaba,  193 

Kernels,  nuts  without,  149 

,,     sound  shells  often  cover  foul, 
226 
Ehosraus,  112 
Kindness,  break  the  colt  with,  242 

,,     misplaced,  257 

,,     the  skilful  exercises,  125 
King,  259 

,,     difference  of — and  slave,  88 

,,     the,  215 

,,     word  of  a,  268 
Kingcraft,  210 
Kingdom,    when    thy   real   self  is 

thy,  57 
Kings,  217 
Kitchen,  earth's,  310 
Knot,   from  the  skein  of  the  uni- 
verse, 121   . 

,,     remains  in  the  joined  cord,  56 
Knowledge,  125, 

,,     follow  not  that  of  which  thou 
hast  no,  167 

,,     the  angel  grew  with,  91 

„     to  gain,  59 

,,     traditional,  57 
Koran,  3,  19,  no,  130,  170,  171, 
182,  239,  306 

Labour,  25 

,,     after,  220 
Laila,  76,  108,  170 
Lamp,  which  God  has  lighted,  46 
Land,  choose  a — which  pleases  thee, 
287 

,,     not  decked  with  plants,  291 
Language,  81 
Law,  the  burden  of  the,  187 
Learning,  a  folly,  39,  312 

„     seek,  293 

,,     without  practice,  128 
Leg,  a  locust's,  4 


344 


INDEX 


Letters,  begging,  242 

Letter- writer,  only  know  the  letter's 

purport 
Liars,  158 
Liberal,  be,  197 
Liberality,  255 

Life,    23,   46,  91,    142,   157,    198, 
241,  250,   278,   287,   290, 
292,   308,   312,  317,  329 
,,     dross  of,  65 
,,     fairy  waters  of,  i 
,,     how  to  order  thy,  248 
,,     if  God  has  written  thee  long, 

51 
,,     is  short,  231 

,,     let  us  cut  short  the  ills  of,  217 
,,     look  on — as  occasion,  30 
,,     love  the  water  of,  1 
,,     offers  two  things,  70 
,,     one     breath     of— flies     each 

moment,   1 14 
,,     pass — in  pleasing  others,  288 
,,     rely  noi  upon  perishable,  46 
,,     the  world's,  128 
Light,  lamp  gives  no — in  the  sun, 

46 
,,     the    dolt    who    sets    up    a 

camphor,   2 
Loaf,    a    single — will    supply    the 

stomach,  250 
Lord,  a  day  with  thy,  314 

,,     call  upon  your— humbly,  23 

,,     hearken  unto  your,  136 

,,     heaven's  sovereign,  264 

,,     nothing  escapeth  the,  190 

,,     serve  thy,  294 

,,     the — caused  our  acts   to  be, 

256 
,,     those  that  fear  the,  164  ■ 
Lore,  life's — wrought,  7 
Love,  20,  68,  78,  79,  88,  105,  135, 

136,  143,   144,   164,  225, 

227,  228,  242,  256,  273, 

277,  289,  316 
,,     of  two  sorts,  14 
,,     the  alchemist,  264, 
,,     the  people  of,  289 
,,     the  voice  of,  118 
,,     the  water  of  life,  I,  289 
,,     to  win  the  Shepherd's,  no 


Love,  when  seeking,  64 
Loved,  do  you  see  the — and  hated 
together,  23 

,,     he  who  has,  236 
Lover,  194 

,,     the — a  monarch,  20 
Lovers,  75,  191 

,,     advice  to,  211 
Lowly,  the — are  to  blame,  324 
Lust,  2,  50,  123,  124,  208 

,,     battle  against,  22 

,,     carnal,  218 

„     of  gain,  40 

,,     the  eye  of,  67 
Lute,  I  am  thy,  182 

Macrocosm,  220 

Magic,  the  talisman  of,  160 

Magnet,  thy  love  is  the,  226 

Mahmud,  36 

Majnun,  76,  108 

Malignant,  give  not  opportunity  to 

the,  176 
Man,  2,  24,  74,  91,  132,  133,   156, 
157,   165,    186,   281,  296,. 
298,  303>  321 
,,     a  wise,  8,  28,  232 
,,     an  envious,  u,  137 
,,     demand  no  tax  from  the  poor,. 

,,     do  not  lavish  learning  on  a 

wicked,  277 
,,     every  garment  cloaks  a,  72 
,,     foolish  old,  316 
,,     furious,  219 
,,     honourable,  17- 
,,     honoured  by  trial,  234 
,,     ignorant  of  the  joys  of  life,  87 
,,     Koran-knowing,  327 
,,     many  a  righteous — turned  tO' 

dust,  24 
,,     may  he  too  kind  with  fools,  12 
,,     must  drink  the  cup  of  misery, 

286 
,,     merit  of  a,  204 
,,     of  headstrong  will,  328 
,,     that  for  which  a — hath  striven, 

163 
,,     the  dignity  of  a,  230 
,,     the  virtuous,  213 


Index 


345 


Man,  ihe  wings  of  a,  201 
,,     the  worthless,  226 
,,     thiiikest  thou  every — a  man,  8 
,,     void  of  understanding,  209 
,,     when   a — understands  eating 

and  sleeping,  48 
,,     who  is  less  than   a  woman, 

SI 
,,     who  needlessly  wounds,  134 
,,     who  walks  in  God's  own  way, 

251 
Mankind,  156,  299 

,,     the  most  foolish  of,  8 
Manly,  be,  251 
Market-place,    who    goest    empty 

handed  to  the,  I42 
Mate,  a  congenial,  186 
Meddling,  64 
Meekness,  25 
Men,  dissolute,  148 

,,     old,  210,  214 

,,     the  worst  of,  261 
Merchant,  305,  317 
Merciful,  the,  152, 
Mercies,  many  are  the  secret,  8 
Mercy,  12 

,,     show,  29 

,,     use  not — with  ice  water,  226 
Merits,  display  thy,  78 

,,     refuse  to  purchase,  125 
Mickle,  every — becomes  a  mite,  159 
Microcosm,  220 
Mild,  be,  272 
Mildness,  277 
Mina,  4 
Mine,   the — within   the   mountain, 

158 
Minstrel,  203 

Mirage,  let  not  the — beguile  you,  86 
Mire,  if  a  jewel  fall  in  the,  142 
Miser,  the,  264 

Mite,  every  mickle  becomes  a,  159 
Mole,  the,  216 

Monarclts,  commands  of,  124 
Money,  abides  not  with  the  careless, 

232 
Moon,  231 

,,     shines  only  in  the  night,  148 
Morals,  he  whose — are  corrupt,  162 
Moral  worth,  125 


Mom,  all  peace  till  the  breaking 

of,  131 
Morrow,  look  for  no,  325 

,,     what  is  now,  changes  on  the, 

S2I 

Moses,  141,  193,  202,  254 
Mosques,  to  fail  to  see  thy  face  in, 

31 
Moth,  260 
Mountain,  the,  328 
Mourner,  260 
Mouth,  from  beauty's,  40 
Muhammad,  196,  254,  314 
Musk,  201 

Name,  good,  98,  100 

Nasir-i-Ehusrau,  211 

Nasrin,  100 

Nation,  governed  by  a  woman,  164 

Nature,  296,  318 

,,    everyone    acts   according    to 
his,  177 

,,     evil — cannot  show  good,  318 

,,     when  the— is  evil,  102 

,,     your  first,  52    - 
Neck,  beware  thy  tongue  does  not 
cut  thy,  81 

,,  let  not  thy  hand  be  tied  to  thy, 
166 
Night,  10,  138 

,,     the   dark — of  the  friends  of 
heaven,  259 

,,     when  the  sun  goelh  up,  where 
stayeth,  47 
Nightingale,  40,  281 

,,     among  owls,  39 

,,     cooped  with  crows,  43 

,,     imprisoned  for  her  voice,  279 
Noah,  43,  295 

Noble,  the  hearts  of  the,  238 
Nothing,  266 

Obedience,  142 

Object,  prize  high  a  wished  for,  i88 

Obs,  164 

Oil,  midnight,  206 

Old,  when  thou  art,  56 

Omen,  the  happy,  252 

Omnipotent,  reliance  on  the,  284 

23 


346 


INDEX 


Opinions,  differing  from  the  king's, 

157 
Opportunity,  34,  92 

,,     take  care  of,  214 
OppoBites,  148,  324 
Oppression,  disgrace  follows,  329 
Oppressor,  82 
Orange,  none  will  eat  the— from  the 

dunghill,  65 
Orator  shall  have  his  defects  pointed 

out,  203 
Others,  to  mount  by,  242 
Outlaw,  245 
Oyster,  not  every — pregnant  with  a 

pearl,  204 

Pagodas,  41 

Fain,  we  cannot  rise  without  endur- 
ing, 299 
Painter,  270 

Paradise,  I  cannot  be  content  with, 
141 
,,     the  majority  of  those  m,  32 
Pardon,  283 
Parents,  be  grateful  unto  thy,  302 

,,     the  soul  of  our  first,  140 
Parrot,  279 
Partridge,  78 
Parsimonioiis,  119 
Parting,  with  loved  ones,  158 
Passion,  124 

Passions,  our  earthly,  149 
Past,  grieve  not  for  the,  243 
Pasture,    better    than    the    battle 

plain,  120 
Path,  oppose  no  barrier  to  a  good 
man's,  241 
,,     the  slain  on  God's,  167 
Patience,  151,  172,  183,  211,  270 
,,     reason's  proof,  265 
,,     reason's  treasury,  40 
,,     supplies    to    every   word    its 
key,  27 
Peace,  142 
Peacock,  discomforted  by  his  ugly 

feet,  260 
Pearl,  not  always  in  the  shell,  loo 
,,     should  the  diver  pause,  he'll 

never  win  the,  102 
„     the  precious,  235 


Pearls,  when  I  dived  without  find- 
ing, 48 

Pen,  231 

Penitence,  31 

People,     speak     to  —according    to 
their  understandings,   149 

Perchance,  54 

Perdition,  throw  not  yourself  into, 
169 

Pharaoh,  141 

Philosopher,    my   critics    call    me 
a,  71 

Phoenix,  125,  154 

Pictures,  fancy's,  214 

Pigeon,  149 

Pilgrim,  the  Hijaz,  154 

,,     what  do  the  comfortable  care 
for  the  tired,  301 

Pilot,  where  Noah  is  the,  43 

Pious,  the  vision  of  the,  201 

Pity,  220 

Place,  cling  not  to  a  native,  168 
,,     earth's  labouring,  119 

Plan,  no  unmatured— can  succeed, 

35 

Pleasure,  of  the  flesh,  144 

,,  pass  from  the — of  animals,  25 
,,  take  your — while  you  may,  64 
,,     the  value  of  a  day  of,  206 

Poetry,  262 

Pomps,  earth's  hollow,  88 

Poor,  heaven  does  not  strike  the,  43 

Potter,  68 

Poverty,  11,  88,  149,  206 
,,     God  defend  me  from,  23 
,,     in — there  is  rest,  loi 

Power,  2 

Praise  the  Lord,  89 

Prayer,  8,  9,  41,   151,  166,  174, 

241.  305 

,,     lend  not  to  him  who  neglects, 
300 

,,     poor  man's,  29 
Preacher,  55 
Pride,  220,  282 

,,     boast  not  of  having  no,  190 
Prison,  why  fall  asleep  in  a,  32 
Professions,  the  best  of,  213 
Profligacy,  93 
Profligate,  119 


INDEX 


347 


Promise,    to    whom    a    good — is 

promised,  3 
Prophet,  meek  man  all  but  a,  149 

,,     the,  215 
Prophets,  before  the— came,  223 

,,     purposes  of  the,  112 
Prosperity,  83 
Proudly,  walk  not,  167 
Purchaser,  who  will  pay  gold,  202 
Pure,  earth  is  the  footsti-ps  of  the, 
140 

„     of  heart,  60 

Qais,  86 
Qazi,  the,  234 
Qualities,  a  man's,  275 

,,     look  to,  63 
Quality,  extremes  of,  193 
Quilt,  do  not  beat  a  drum  under  a, 
70 

Race,  Adam's,  28 
Hags,  320 
Bain,  i,  4 

,,     crystal  —  falls      from      black 
clouds,  27 
Raindrops,  the—  and  the  ocean,  309 
Raiyyan,  4 
Ram,  who  play  at  butting  with  a, 

32S 
Rank,  seek,  121 

,,     to  whom — is  given,  118 
Rashness,  springs  from  the  devil, 

Rational,  be  that  is,  271 

Reap,  only — where  you  have  sown, 

67 
Reason,  39,  124 

,,     human,  102 
Reckoning,  the  people's,  135 
Reflection,  form  and,  251 
Regret,  38,  283 
Religion,  54,  163,  164,  273,  304 

,,     buy  not  the  world  in  exchange 
for,  34 

,,     Islam  your,  1 5 

,,     people    follow    the — of   their 
kings,  16 

,,     the  best,  299 


Religion,  they  that  barter— for  the 

world,   69 
Renewing,  146 
Repeat  but  half  of  what  you  hear, 

104 
Repentance,  90,  172,  183,  238,  298 
,,     no  use  when  life  squandered, 

Repose,  he  who  was  nursed  in  soft, 

258 
Resurrection,  10,  171,  207,  236 
Rhymes,  230 
Riches,  5,  12 

,,     who     would     wish    for     the 
world's,  65 
Bight,  12 

,,     will    enjoy — on    others,    for- 
getting your  own  souls,  22 
Righteous,  the,  133,  145,  165 
Rizvan,  122 
Bobber,  when  the — finds  success, 

„      58 

Bose,  garden,  39 

,,     no — without  a  thorn,  29,  33, 

41,  48 
,,     none  but  the  bird  interprets 

the,  230 
,,     the,  109,  217 
Boses,  306 

,,     from  the  hand  of  ugliness,  40 
Buby,  98,  164,  257,  291 

,,     a  stone  which  is  changed  into 
a,  112 
Bust,  5 

Saba,  203 

Sa'di,  208,  253 

Sage,  the — who  does  but  preach,  12 

Saint,  he  is  no,  204 

Saints,  153,  311 

,,     love  the,  191 

,,     vexed,   show   their    shallow- 
ness, 64 
Saki,  207 

Sanctuary,  the— ^before  thee,  113 
Satan,  the  deceits  of,  104 
Satiety,  eat  not  to  cause,  206 
Satisfied,  be,  309 

Schemes,    why    to    another's   care 
consign  thy,  91 


348 


INDEX 


Schoolmaster,  when  the — is  gentle, 

293 
Scorpion,  154 

,,     place  not  thy  finger  on  the, 
207 
Sea,  the,  255,  301 
Seas,  two — not  alike,  189 
Secret,  communicate  not  thy,  244 

,,     none  can  keep  a,  244 

,,     the— of  God,  284 
Secrets,  244,  265 
Sect,  only  one — saved,  258 
Sedate,  be,  27 
Seed,  35,  158,  309 

„     sowing,  35 

,,     time,  161,  212 
Seeds,  who— finds,  184 
Self,  6 

,,     journey  out  of,  295 
Self-praise,  235 
Self-reliance,  313 
Selim,  123 

Sense,  the  inward,  102 
Separation,  91,  175,  302 
Serpents,  320 
Servant,  arranges  but  God  settles, 

74 
,,     God's,  52 
Service,  faulty,  293 

,,     of  kings,  16 
Setting,  but  a  rising,  103 
Shafts,  shot,  return  not,  213 
Shah,  122,  259 
Shame,  261 

,,     bewail  the  work  of,  301 
,,     wretch  devoid  of,  33 
Sheiks,  201 
Shiraz,  157 
Shirin,  76 
Shoe,  barefoot,  better  than  a  tight, 

278 
Sickness,    what    sick     man    eats, 

source  of,  114 
Sigh,    slight    not     the— of    God's 

creatures,  319 
Signet,  your   heart   as   Solomon's, 

156 
Sikander,  284 
Silver,  263,  264 
Silence,  268 


Silence,  through  maintaining,  60 

Simpleton,  270 

Sin,  bliss  from  the  pardon  of  a,  197 

,,     the  leaven  of,  189 
Sinai,  17 
Sinners,  God  fearing,  209 

,,     repent,  20 

,,     when  God  desires  to  humble, 
54. 
Sins,  be  afraid  of  thy — this  moment, 

37 
Sirat,  300 
Skill,  90 
Skirt,  from  the — of  one  so  fair,  61 

,,     grasp  his,  61 
Skull,  fill  my— with  wine,  248,  266 
,,     what   stream   could    fill    the, 
227 
Slander,  45 

Slanderers,  you  cannot  escape,  185 
Slave,  116 

,,     who  taught  me,  made  me  his, 
181 
Sleep,  243 
Sleepers,  ope  not  slumber's  eye,  71, 

108 
Slight,    naught  —  that     God     has 

framed,  36 
Slinger,   keep   beyond   range  of  a 

practised,  48 
Small,  if  thou  art,  96 
Snake,  he  who  is  bitten  by  the,  274 
Snares,  life  full  of,  254 
Sneezing,  22 

So-and-so,  preferred  to  God,  280 
Sobriety,  272 
Son,  121 

,,     if  the  God  of  mercy  had  a, 

130 
,,     the  degenerate,  225 
Sorrow,  100,  313 
,,     diet  of,  26 
,,     who  for  thy  pleasure  givelh, 

98 
,,     would'st    thou    keep    thyself 
from,  37 
Sorrowful,  the,  39 
Soul,  6,  7,  46,  50,   no,   127,   141, 
142,    177,  218,   221,  235, 
2O6,  273,  274,  298, 


INDEX 


349 


Soul,  better  to  make  one's — rejoice, 

,,     he  whose — is  quickened  with 

love,  IIS 
,,     make   provision   for  good  of 

thy,  130 
,,     my— from  every  tarnish  free, 

99 
,,     the  burdened,  169 
,,     the  Primal,  146 
,,     the  vision  of  the,  294 
,,     which  art  at  rest,  24 
SouIb,  who  venture  naught,  Il6 
Source,   everything  returns  to  its, 

160 
Spark,  perishes  in  the  water,  41 
,,     quench  the — to  end  the  flame, 
22 
Speech,  268,  269 
,,     bridle  thy,  320 
,,     the  just  time  (or,  113 
Spirit,  313 

,,     is  very  subtle,  252 
,,     our  celestial — free,  31 
„     the,  69 

,,     the  seed  of  the,  61 
,,     turn  the  mirror  of  soul  lo,  65 
,,     which  wears  not  love,  257 
Spoken,  you  must  prove  what  you 

have,  208 
Spring,  203,  287 

,,     whoever    delays    sowing    in, 
287 
Star,  fortune's,  154 
Station,  proud  his— who  for  nothing 

hopes,  24 
Steep,  the,  85 
Stone,  263 

,,     a     common — may    break    a 

golden  cup,  95 
,,     a  rolling,  209 
,,     fruit  on  him  who  flings  a — 
bestow,  152 
Stranger,  for  one  friendly,  120 
,,     remembers  home  in  sickness, 

181 
,,     secure  the — as  thy  slave,  116 
Strength,  328 

Strife,  he  only  fitted  for  the,  83 
Substance,  labour  for,  70 


Sufi,  the,  267 

Sugar,  not  taste — from  the  reed,  I 

,,     throw — to  the  parrot,  259 
Sugar-cane,  115 
Sultan,  seal  of  proximity  to  the,  41 

,,     the  praise  of  the,  119 
Summary,  man  creation's,  74 
Sun,  94,  157,  260,  301,  324 

,,     lamp  gives  no  light  in  the,  46 

,,     no  need  of  stars  with  a,  151 

,,     none    but    the — can    display 
the,  4,  57 
Sunlight,  217 
Sunrise,  93 
Surfeiting,  91 
Swine,    in    the  heart   of  each   are 

found  a  hundred,  63 
Sword,  good — noi  made  from  faulty 
iron,  261 

,,     no  worse  for  worn  sheath,  178 

,,     suspended  by  single  hair,  90 

,,     time  a,  loi 

,,     who     dares     unsheath      the 
tyrant's,  118 

,,     who  draws  the  unrighteous, 
105 
Swords,  277 
Swordsman,  198 

Taper,  what  cares  morning  tho'  the 

—die,  85 
Tartary,  273 
Task,  fate's,  85 
Taverns,  better  to  commune  with 

thee  in,  31 
Teacher,  esteemed  higher  than  the 

father,  292 
Temper,  205 

Temperament,  the  human,  214 
Thorn  and  the  rose  together,  41 

,,     pluck  not  the,  238 

,,     upon  ihe  rose  is  found,  266 
Thought,  76,  91 

,,     all  creatures  enslaved  to,  147 

,,     good  and  evil,  319 

,,     the  glass  of,  120 
Thread,  who  unravelleth  the,  167 
Throat,  place  a  padlock  on  your, 

237 
Time,  change  of,  149 


350 


INDEX 


Time,  mar  what — has  done,  257 

,,     spend  well  thy.  100 

,,     the — that  passeth  away,  291 
Timidity,  272,  277 
To-day,  rejoice,  58 
Toils,  worldly,  311 
Tongue,  173,  318 

,,     every  thorn  a,  205 

,,     man  hidden  under  his  own, 
226 

,,     of  poets,  173 

,,     one  cannot  bind  the  enemy's, 

34 
,,     wounds  of  the,  171 
Tooth,  time's — bitter,  217 
Torrent,     you    cannot    bind    the, 

279 
Tradition,  heed  not,  269 
Tranquillity,  232 
Transient  things  die,  237 
Travel,  74,  254 
Traveller,   before    the — reach    his 

home,  182 
Treasure,  as  grows  thy,  42 
,,     hide  not  the  hidden,  161 
,,     no — without  a  serpent,  33 
,,     of  loving  kindness,  65 
,,     who  toils  not,  will  not  gain, 
206 
Tree,  62 

,,     derives   strength    from    root, 
244 
Trees,   had— the   power   to  move, 
62 
,,     none   cast    Stones   at — unless 
fruit  is  there,  120 
Trouble,  be  not  discomfited  by,  320 
,,     the — of  man,  82 
,,     whoever  says  1  falls  into,  1S4 
Truth,  8,  12,  61,  149,  171,  282 
„     conceited  will   not   listen  to, 

309 

,,     intellectual,  65 

,,     is  from  the  Lord,  13 

,,     not  from  worldly  men,  5 
Turbans,  blue,  84 
Tyranny,  104,  257,  329 

,,     eschew,  74 

,,     help  one  oppressed  by,  245 
Tyrants,  22,  320 


Tyrants,  never  live  long,  245 
,,     will  not  always  live,  210 

Ugliness,    roses  from  the  hand  of, 

40 
Umm-al-Ala,  291 
Umar,  329 
Unbelief,  18 
Unbelievers,  24,  179,  183 

,,     good  things  bestowed  on,  167 
Uncongenial,  society  of  the,  251, 

284 
Universe,  a  knot  from  the  skein  of 
the,  121 

,,     this  circle  of  the,  129 

,,     we  reflect  the — 123 
Unjust,  the,  196 
Unseen,  the,  114 

Unwoithy,  fortune  crowns  the,  210 
Upright,  be,  22 

Vain,  the,  322 

Valuable,    only    the  —  should    be 

prized,  317 
Vazirship,  252 
Veil,  of  the— is  lifted,  21 

,,     mortal  ken  bounded  by  the, 

64 
,,     the — of  God's  decrees,  154 
Vestments,  one  in  saintly,  117 
Vigorous,  oft  laid  beneath  the  clay, 

29 
Virtue,  95,  319 

,,     keep  time  to,  69 
,,     strive  to  get,  244 
Voice,  295 

,,     of  a  friend,  239 
Voices,  no — from  the  slain  return, 
96 

Wailings,  give  not  vent  to  angry, 

180 
Waist,  strive  when  the  water  pos- 
sesses only  thy,  161 
Wakefulness,  282 
Want,  324 

Wants,  relieve  the  people's,  319 
War,  142 

,,     he  must  risk  his  blood  who 

joins,  17 
,,     who  flies  in,  17 


Index 


35t 


Warning,  hcc«l  the  wise  man's,  io8 
Warrior,  tlie  well-ffd,  127 
Wa«te,  each — not  untenanted,  272 
Watchman,  must  not  sleep,  88 
Water,  266,  271 

,,     heart    thirst     not    slackened 

with,  66 
,,     whole  world  spring  of — to  the 
thirsty,  27s 
Water-wheel,  imitate  the,  29 
Ways  and  Means,  269 
Wealth,  28,  87,  275,  292 

cannot    deliver   when    deeds 

destroy,  22 
from  hand  to  hand  must  go, 

65 
if  for  the  Faith  thou  bearest 

thy,  180 
little  use  to  the  dying,  190 
the  misers',  180 
Wealth-dispensing,  be,  197 
Wealthy,  him  who  has  become,  2 
Wedding  dress,  much  trouble  be- 
hind a,  305 
Weeping,  103 
Whelp,  a  wolf's,  307 
Wicked,  Ciod  guidolh  not  the,  181 

,,     the  end  of  the,  265 
Wife,  319,  321 
,,     a  virtuous,  256 
,,     a  vixen,  325 
,,     of  bad  disposition,  254 
Wight,  a  starving,  29 
Will,  God's,  226 
Winds,  to  the— we  go,  306 

,,     when     the — blow     o'er     the 
meadows,  305 
Wine,  42,  78,  266,  269,  290,  310 
,,     give  me  a  skin  of,  273 
,,     no  solace  but,  7 
Wine-bibber,  96 
Wisdom,  65,  185,  257,  271 

,,     become   partner   with — now, 

161 
,,     seek,  122 
„     strange  to  see— ask  alms,  8g 


Wise,  opinion  of — not    approved, 
214 

,,     the,  27,  31,  218,  240 
Wit-sharpening,  83 
Wives,  296 
Wolf,  97,  280 

,,     when  the— howls,  23 

,,     wolf-cub  will  become  a,  7 
Woman,  219 

Women,  men  superior  to,  19 
Wood,  II,  47 
Words,  deceitful,  226 

,,     to  the  wise,  208 
Work,  a  good,  151 
Works,  165 

,,     good,  188 

,,     rich  men's,  275 
Workshop,  the   worker   hidden  in 

the,  153 
World,  71,  95,  114,  130,  138,  139, 
208,  261,  297,  308,  325 

,,     strive  for  joy  in  your  own,  199 

,,     the  life  of  this,  269 

,,     woe  to  him  who  seeks  the, 
271 
World  creator,  the^  138 
Woulds,  164 
Wound,  218 

,,     the  hornet's,  106 

,,     the  tongue  inflicts,  193 
Wrath,  102 

,,     doth  grief  contain,  103 
Wretched,  the,  262 

Year,  forty  the — of  perfection,  290 
,,     lay  not  on  the  day  the  burden 
of  the,  166 
Years,  when   fifty — have  gone,  58 
Yesterday,  mourn  no,  325 
Youth,  311 

Zaid,  329 

Zangbar,  93 

Zeal,  they  who  excel  in,  143 

Zinar,  63 


W.  JOLLY  &  SONS,  I'RINTERS,   ADERUBEN 


o  -te 


H 


fH    (1) 

<IJ    -rl 

rO       O 

u 

p3    - 

rH   -p 

o  o 

•H 

0) 
•H 


2:  o 

0-1  vO 


Bniversity  of  Toroito 


General 
Rcferent-e 


DO  NO 


REMOVE 

THE 

CARD 

FROM 

THIS 

POCKET 


Acme  Library  Card  Pocket 
LOWE-MARTIN  GO.  LiMlTiD 


•t>t'f*f'i»!^!>^^^ 


'>',>'>t>w