Story 3-the Advantages of Silence- gulistaan-e-sa.adii

An intelligent youth possessed an abundant share of accomplishments and discreet behaviour so that he was allowed to sit in assemblies of learned men but he refrained from conversing with them. His father once asked him why he did not likewise speak on subjects he was acquainted with. He replied: 'I fear I may be asked what I do not know and be put to shame.'

Hast thou heard how a Sufi drove

A few nails under his sandals

And an officer taking him by the sleeve

Said to him: 'Come and shoe my horse.'

For what thou hast not said no one will trouble thee

But when thou hast spoken bring the proof.

An intelligent youth possessed an abundant share of accomplishments and discreet behaviour so that he was allowed to sit in assemblies of learned men but he refrained from conversing with them. His father once asked him why he did not likewise speak on subjects he was acquainted with. He replied: 'I fear I may be asked what I do not know and be put to shame.'

Hast thou heard how a Sufi drove

A few nails under his sandals

And an officer taking him by the sleeve

Said to him: 'Come and shoe my horse.'

For what thou hast not said no one will trouble thee

But when thou hast spoken bring the proof.