
Bahram Sleeps on Felt at the Miser's
From D10.4, Bahram Is Ill-Treated by Baraham the Jew. It illustrates D10.4.25–35:
- D10.4.25He stepped down, tied his horse with bridle tight,And drew his sword, unsheathing it that night.
- D10.4.26He spread the felt, stretched out upon the ground;His saddle was his pillow; sleep he found.
- D10.4.27The miser locked the door and brought out food,Then sat to eat alone in selfish mood.
- D10.4.28He said, “O horseman, hear this ancient lore;Remember it, and keep it evermore.
- D10.4.29The man who has the means may eat his fill;The man without must watch, and hunger still.”
- D10.4.30Bahram replied, “I know that proverb well;The ancient sages had that tale to tell.
- D10.4.31I heard it once; I see it here tonight,The sage’s words brought plainly into sight.”
- D10.4.32The miser brought out wine to crown his meal;The drink increased the joy that he could feel.
- D10.4.33He cried, “O horseman, worn by toil and care,Hear this old saying, which I now declare:
- D10.4.34‘The man of substance keeps a happy mind,And in his wealth a jowshan he will find.
- D10.4.35But empty pockets bring a dry-lipped plight,Like you, half-starved here in the dead of night.’”
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