University of Virginia Library

SAYINGS

[1. In life's small things be resolute and great]

In life's small things be resolute and great
To keep thy muscle trained: know'st thou when Fate
Thy measure takes, or when she'll say to thee,
“I find thee worthy; do this deed for me ”?

[2. A camel-driver, angry with his drudge]

A camel-driver, angry with his drudge,
Beating him, called him hunchback; to the hind
Thus spake a dervish: “Friend, the Eternal Judge
Dooms not His work, but ours, the crooked mind.”

[3. Swiftly the politic goes: is it dark?—he borrows a lantern]

Swiftly the politic goes: is it dark?—he borrows a lantern;
Slowly the statesman and sure, guiding his steps by the stars.

[4 “Where lies the capital, pilgrim, seat of who governs the Faithful?”]

“Where lies the capital, pilgrim, seat of who governs the Faithful?”
“Thither my footsteps are bent: it is where Saadi is lodged.”