سندبادنامه 178
English (machine translation) 178
- Language
- English
178.1
As much as I turn things over in my mind, and urge the steed of imagination around the arena of perception,
and remove the dust of doubt from the face of the sun of certainty, suspicion falls nowhere except upon the parrot,
178.3
and the disclosing of this secret, the piercing of this veil, the revealing of what was hidden, and the spreading
of this secret cannot come from anywhere except the parrot. For the master gave him eloquent instructions to investigate and search out
news about you, and provided suitable promptings regarding revealing secrets and reporting every single movement
of yours; and all his trust in watching over and observing you, and tracking your words and deeds,
rests upon the parrot's prudence, courage, competence, and capability. You see that he spends most
of his time conversing with the parrot. A plan must be devised in the hope that deliverance may be achieved;
otherwise, human desires and worldly pleasures must be kicked aside altogether,
so that the napkin is not lifted from the tray at every moment!” And in this vein [the servant] spoke with the woman all night long.
Story of the Master of the House with his Wife and the Parrot
[The woman said:] “He has ascribed [this] to me, cast me into danger and sorrow, and it is necessary
178.14
[...]
178.15
5. The Story of the Householder, his Wife, and the Parrot
has attributed to me, and cast me into peril and hardship; and it is incumbent
to retaliate in her regard for such unpraiseworthy efforts and misplaced incitements.
178.18
When a period of time had elapsed after this incident, the man, out of expediency, disregarded this offense,
freed his heart from that accusation and suspicion, and deemed that event as though it had never been.
Until another time, a friend hosted a banquet and invited him to a feast. The man, at the time
of departing, went before the cage and delivered the charge that was fitting on that matter,
and said: 'O sincere friend and compassionate companion! You must fulfill the conditions of trust, integrity,
and good faith, and permit no neglect or carelessness in this affair. Until the rising
of the true dawn, remain awake, and perform whatever is possible of watchfulness, sleeplessness, vigilance,
and alertness; observe and inspect all movements and rests, deeds and words,
for by Him who adorned the heavens with stars and burned rebellious devils
with piercing meteors! If this time I become aware of any foul act or improper conduct,
178.28
[...]
178.29
5. The Story of the Householder, the Wife, and the Parrot
I will deliver myself from the disgrace of her company and the shame of intimacy with her. Even if she were the sun, I would not turn
my regard to her; and if she were the water of life, I would not swallow a draught:
Linked texts (1)
- سندبادنامه — Ẓahīrī Samarqandī, Persian