Number 12

Iraqi style
English

Number 12

The stability of power and kingdom will not stay as it is now, for every night, without fail, gives way to a coming day. While the upper hand is yours, reach out and do as much as you can, because the power may shift and the hand may change.
Explanation: The Persian plays on 'dast' (hand), meaning both physical hand and the upper hand or advantage in fortune.

Original · Persian

شمارهٔ ۱۲

چنین که هست نماند قرار دولت و ملک که هر شبی را بی‌اختلاف روزی هست
چو دست دست تو باشد دراز چندان کن که دست دست تو باشد اگر بگردد دست