سندبادنامه 161
English (machine translation) 161
- Language
- English
161.1
You will soon see, when the dust clears, whether a horse is beneath you or a donkey.
And God Almighty has said: “O you who believe! If an evildoer comes to you with news, investigate, lest
you harm a people out of ignorance, and become regretful over what you have done.” (49:6) And if the king does not show deliberation in this matter,
does not fulfill the requirements of caution and verification, and does not distinguish truth from falsehood, and deceit from veracity,
he will be duped just as that man was by his parrot, through the trickery and guile
161.6
[...]
161.7
5 The Story of the Householder, the Wife, and the Parrot
of his wife; and when the true state of affairs was revealed and the hidden aspects of what had occurred
and the concealed details of that event were established, regret was of no avail, and remorse provided no relief.
161.10
The king asked: “What is that story? Tell it!”
161.11
5 The Story of the Householder, the Wife, and the Parrot
The vizier said: “May the life of the just king endure in perfect fortune and all-encompassing felicity,
and may God, exalted and glorified, be his guardian and helper! It is related that in past months and departed years, a man had a wife who would follow satanic whisperings
and comply with corrupt carnal impulses, treading unknown paths of lust and greed,
and carrying on love affairs with downy-cheeked youths and handsome beardless lads. Now this man possessed a parrot,
eloquent and clever, master of tongues and articulate. Whatever occurred in the house of good or evil, of benefit
or harm, it would report all of it and disclose the events and happenings. One night,
a friend prepared a banquet and observed every elegance and ceremony fitting for agreeable friends and true brothers.
The man asked permission of his wife, and at the time of departure
he went before the parrot’s cage and said: “O wakeful sentinel, and O vigilant guard!
You must increase your watchfulness and guarding tonight, and draw the collyrium of wakefulness over your sight until the hour of dawn;
observe with a penetrating eye and sharp attention, and know whatever comes to pass,
161.23
[...]
161.24
5 The Story of the Householder, the Wife, and the Parrot
worthless or precious, manifest or hidden, good or bad, beneficial or harmful;
commit it to memory; and as soon as the morning raises its head from the collar of the east,
I shall return home, and all my reliance will be on your word, and my judgment regarding events
on the truth of your speech, which is free of ulterior motive and clear of the taints of rancor.”
The parrot rejoiced at this and said:
161.30
“Your command, if you enjoin us, is carried out; / and your word, if you bid us, is obeyed.”
Linked texts (1)
- سندبادنامه — Ẓahīrī Samarqandī, Persian