English
The Way of the Wise
Anyone who looks on the world with kindness
does well to handle everything wisely.
Whatever might wound even the heart of an ant,
he turns away from, though it were the water of life.
Contentment and generosity are the marks of a free soul;
first dedicate the house of your heart to these two.
Since both good and bad will pass, it is far better
to live your whole life in a happy spirit.
Guard your tongue in what to say and what to leave unsaid,
for the candle burns away its own life on the tip of its flame.
In this house, whose beginning is nothingness at its end,
seek eternal life through good character.
Once you know the world and what its habit is,
is it right for anyone to lean on it for support?
Eat well now, drink well, and gather a good name,
for the wise man finds a hundred excuses for a single cup.
Do not grieve over what tomorrow may bring,
for the wheel of your life is wasted on that tune.
Though this world of dust is worth nothing on the road,
a wise man makes it the target for the arrow of insight.
There is nothing better in the world than a quiet corner,
so that from it you may draw the fruit of devotion.
Whoever seeks Saadi's company in this life,
why would he not also seek the happiness of both worlds?
Though building houses is not the path of knowledge,
especially for one who does it in these times,
still, in the eyes of the wise he is surely excused,
the one who lays the foundation of a home for shelter.
For though the bird trusts in providence for seed and water,
with its own hands it builds a nest for itself.