Preface
First move about, then stir out. Try thy virility first, then marry. Though a cock may be brave in war, he strikes his claws in vain on a brazen falcon. A cat is a lion in catching mice, but a mouse in combat with a tiger.
But, trusting in the liberal sentiments of the great, who shut their eyes to the faults of their inferiors and abstain from divulging the crimes of humble men, we have in this book recorded, by way of abridgment, some rare events, stories, poetry, and accounts about ancient Kings, spending a portion of our precious lives in the task. This was the reason for composing the book Gulistân; and help is from Allah.
The author, having deliberated upon the arrangement of the book, and the adornment of the chapters, deemed it suitable to curtail the diction of this beautiful garden and luxuriant grove, and to make it resemble paradise, which also has eight entrances.[1]
I. The Manners of Kings. II. On the Morals of Dervishes. III. On the Excellence of Contentment. IV. On the Advantages of Silence. V. On Love and Youth. VI. On Weakness and Old Age. VII. On the Effects of Education. VIII. On Rules for Conduct in Life.
The Hejret[2] was six hundred and fifty-six.
Our intention was advice and we gave it,
We recommended thee to God and departed.
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