سندبادنامه 181.7

181.7

in tracking the conditions and investigating the traces of this party. Obeying the commands and prohibitions
of masters of fortune and benefactors is among the duties of the path of generosity, particularly in deeds
pertaining to the preservation of the sanctuary and the integrity of honor, which are among the requisites of intellect and manhood, and the obligations
of noble freedom and chivalry. Whoever traverses the path of neglect and delay in carrying out these duties,
reliance on the sincerity of his love and the purity of his affection is removed, and his companionship and assembly among
brethren and friends becomes the herald of an ill omen and the precursor to meanness and ignominy; he will find no room in the hearts of compassionate brothers,
and in the eyes of sincere companions he will seem contemptible.' When the man heard these answers,
he showered praises upon it, and approved the traces of its acumen amid the lights of sagacity, its guarding the subtleties
of loyalty, and its observing the side of nobility, and said: 'May a thousand lives be sacrificed
for a friend who, in reviving the customs of nobility, knows how to formulate such words and premises: