On the Excellence of Contentment
no money thou canst not cross the river by force; what boots the strength of ten men? Bring the money for one."[1]
The young man's heart was irritated by the insult of the boat-man and longed to take vengeance upon him. The boat had, however, started; accordingly he shouted: "If thou wilt be satisfied with the robe I am wearing, I shall not grudge giving it to thee."
The boatman was greedy and turned the vessel back. Desire sews up the vision of a shrewd man, greediness brings fowl and fish into the snare.
As soon as the young man's hand could reach the beard and collar of the boatman, he immediately knocked him down, and a comrade of the boatman, who came from the vessel to rescue him, experienced the same rough treatment and turned back. The rest of the people then thought proper to pacify the young man, and to condone his passage-money.
When thou seest a quarrel, be forbearing,
Because gentlemen will shut the door of strife;
Use kindness when thou seest contention;
A sharp sword cannot cut soft silk;
By a sweet tongue, grace, and kindliness,
Thou wilt be able to lead an elephant by a hair.
Then the people fell at his feet, craving pardon for what had passed. They impressed some hypocritical kisses upon his head and his eyes, received him into the boat, and started, progressing until they reached a pillar of Yunâni[2] workmanship, standing in the water. The boatman said: "The vessel is in
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