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And a fourth
If a quickwitted man have made proof of mankind, I have eaten of them, where but tasted hath he,
And have seen their affection but practice and nought But hypocrisy found their religion to be.’
‘O my father,’ said Ali, ‘I hear and obey: what more shall I do?’ ‘Do good when thou art able thereto,’ answered his father; ‘be ever courteous and succourable to men and profit by all occasions of doing a kindness; for a design is not always easy of accomplishment; and how well saith the poet:
’Tis not at every time and season that to do Kind offices, indeed, is easy unto you;
So, when the occasion serves, make haste to profit by’t, Lest by and by the power should fail thee thereunto.’
Night cccix.‘I hear and obey,’ answered Ali; ‘what more?’ ‘Be mindful of God,’ continued Mejdeddin, ‘and He will be mindful of thee. Husband thy wealth and squander it not; for, if thou do, thou wilt come to have need of the least of mankind. Know that the measure of a man’s worth is according to what his right hand possesses: and how well saith the poet:
If wealth should fail, there is no friend will bear me company, But whilst my substance yet abounds, all men are friends to me.
How many a foe for money’s sake hath companied with me! How many a friend for loss thereof hath turned mine enemy!’
‘What more?’ asked Ali. ‘O my son,’ said Mejdeddin, ‘take counsel of those who are older than thou and hasten not to do thy heart’s desire. Have compassion on those that are below thee, so shall those that are above thee have compassion on thee; and oppress none, lest God set over thee one who shall oppress thee. How well saith the poet:
