[9] A man of learning,
wheresoever he goes, is treated with respect, and sits in the uppermost
seat, whilst the ignorant man gets only scanty fare and encounters
distress." There once happened (adds Saadi) an insurrection in Damascus,
where every one deserted his habitation. The wise sons of a peasant
became the king's ministers, and the stupid sons of the vazir were
reduced to ask charity in the villages. If you want a paternal
inheritance, acquire from your father knowledge, for wealth may be spent
in ten days.
[8] "All perishes except learning."--_Auvaiyar_.
[9] "Learning is really the most valuable treasure.--A wise
man will never cease to learn.--He who has attained
learning by free self-application excels other
philosophers.--Let thy learning be thy best
friend.--What we have learned in youth is like writing
cut in stone.--If all else should be lost, what we have
learned will never be lost.--Learn one thing after
another, but not hastily.--Though one is of low birth,
learning will make him respected."--_Auvaiyar_.
In the following charming little tale Saadi recounts an interesting
incident in his own life: I remember that in my youth, as I was passing
through a street, I cast my eyes on a beautiful girl.
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