sperity.
My son, he who sees his own faults has no time to see the faults of
others; he who is satisfied with the allotments of Providence does not
regret the past; he who unsheaths the sword of aggression will be
killed by it; he who digs a pit for his brother will fall into it; he
who forgets his own sin makes much of the sin of another; he who takes
to evil ways will be despised; he who commits excesses will be known to
do them; he who associates with the base will be subject to constant
suspicion; he who remembers death will be content with little in this
world; he who boasts of his sins before men, God will bring him to
shame."

THE EXPERIENCES OF AN OLD MAN

"I have heard many sermons and had many counsels, but I have heard no
preacher so effective as my grey hairs, and no counsellor so effectual
as the voice of my own conscience. I have eaten the most choice food,
and drunk the best kinds of wine, and enjoyed the love of the most
beautiful women; but I found no pleasure so great as that of sound
health. I have swallowed the bitterest food and drink, but I found
nothing so bitter as poverty. I have worked at iron and carried heavy
weights, but I found no burden so heavy as that of debt. I have sought
wealth in all its forms, but found no riches so great as those of
contentment."

EIGHT MEN WHO DESERVE TO BE SLAPPED ON THE FACE

He who despises a man of power; he who enters a house uninvited and
unwelcomed; he who gives orders in a house not his own; he who takes a
seat above his position; he who speaks to one who does not listen to
him; he who intrudes on the conversation of others; he who seeks
favours from the ungenerous; and he who expects love from his enemies.

FORBEARANCE

The following story is related by Arabian authors of Ma'an Ibn-Zaidah,
who, from a humble origin, rose to be Governor of Irak. The story is
probably not altogether historical, but it shows the high ideal of Arab
moralists as regards forbearance and gentleness.

An Arab of the desert, who had heard much of the great gentleness of
Ibn-Zaidah, came one day to try him. Entering abruptly into his
presence he addressed him thus (in verse):

"Rememberest thou when thy bed-covering was a sheepskin and thy sandals
made of camel-skin?"

_Ma'an_ answers (in prose): Yes, I remember, and I have not forgotten
it.

_The Arab_. Praise be to God, who hath given thee a great rule, and
taught thee how to sit on a throne!

_Ma'an_