Zgodba prvega dekleta

Besedilo

Zgodba prvega dekleta

Then one of them came forward, kissed the ground before him, and said, “Know, O King, that a person of refinement should shun idle pursuits, adorn himself with virtues, fulfil his religious duties, and avoid grave sins. He should cleave to these practices as one who would perish if parted from them, for the foundation of refinement is nobility of character. Know that the chief purpose of seeking a livelihood is to sustain life, and the purpose of life is to worship God. You should therefore treat people graciously and never depart from that way. Those of greatest consequence have the greatest need of sound judgment, and kings need it more than common folk, for common folk may plunge into affairs without considering their outcome. You should devote your life and wealth to the service of God. Know that an enemy is an adversary whom you may overcome by argument and against whom you must be on your guard; but between you and a friend there is no judge save good character. Choose your friend for yourself only after testing him. If he is to be a brother in the life to come, let him be diligent in observing the outward precepts of the sacred law and versed, as far as he is able, in its inward meaning. If he is to be a brother in this world, let him be noble-minded and truthful, neither ignorant nor wicked. An ignorant man deserves to have even his own parents flee from him, and a liar cannot be a true friend, for friendship takes its name from truthfulness, which springs from the heart’s depths—what, then, of a man whose tongue utters lies? Know that adherence to the sacred law benefits the one who follows it. Love your brother if he possesses these qualities, and do not forsake him even if he shows you something you dislike. He is not like a wife, whom you may divorce and take back, but like glass, which cannot be mended once it cracks. How well the poet said:

“Guard hearts most carefully from hurt, for once estranged they are not easily won back. When hearts are parted in affection, they are like glass: their breaking cannot be repaired.” At the close of her speech, the maiden gestured toward us and said, “The wise have said: The best of brothers is the most earnest in giving counsel; the best of deeds is that whose outcome is fairest; and the best praise is that which passes from mouth to mouth. It has also been said: A servant of God should never neglect to thank Him, especially for two blessings—health and reason. And it is said: He who holds his soul in honour makes little of his desires; he who magnifies small misfortunes will be tried by God with great ones; he who obeys his passions neglects his obligations; he who listens to a talebearer loses his friend. If someone thinks well of you, prove his good opinion true. He who goes too far in a quarrel incurs sin, and he who does not beware of injustice will not be safe from the sword.

“Now I shall tell you something of the conduct proper to judges. Know, O King, that even a rightful judgment is of no avail unless the facts have first been established. A judge should treat all people as equals, so that the powerful may not hope for partiality and the weak may not despair of justice. He should require the claimant to produce evidence and the one who denies the claim to take an oath. Reconciliation is lawful among Muslims, except for a settlement that makes lawful what is forbidden or forbids what is lawful. If you doubt a judgment you have given today, reconsider it and seek sound guidance, so that you may return to the truth. Truth is a duty, and returning to it is better than persisting in error. Recognize comparable cases, understand what is said, give both parties equal standing before you, and keep your attention fixed upon the truth. Entrust your affairs to God, the Almighty and Glorious, and require evidence from the claimant. If he produces it, secure his right for him; otherwise, require the defendant to swear an oath. Such is God’s judgment. Accept the testimony of upright Muslims concerning one another, for God Most High has commanded judges to rule according to what is manifest, while He Himself takes charge of what is hidden. A judge must refrain from giving judgment when suffering severe pain or hunger, and in judging between people he must seek the favour of God Most High. For whoever is sincere in intention and sets his own inner affairs aright, God will suffice him in his dealings with others. Al-Zuhri said: ‘Three qualities render a judge unfit for office: honouring the base, loving praise, and dreading dismissal.’ Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz once dismissed a judge, who asked him, ‘Why have you dismissed me?’ Umar answered, ‘I have heard that your words exceed your standing.’ It is also related that Alexander said to his judge, ‘I have appointed you to an office in which I have entrusted you with my life, my honour, and my dignity. Safeguard that office for the sake of your own self and judgment.’ To his cook he said, ‘You have power over my body, so take care for your own sake in tending it.’ And to his secretary he said, ‘You give expression to my mind, so safeguard me in what you write on my behalf.’”

Then the first maiden stepped back and the second came forward. But morning overtook Shahrazad, and she fell silent, leaving her tale untold.

When the eightieth night had come

She said, “It has reached me, O fortunate King, that the vizier Dandan said to Daw al-Makan: ‘Then the first maiden stepped back and the second came forward. She kissed the ground seven times before your father the king, then said: …’”