Support the burthen of poverty

TALE XVI

One of my companions was complaining to me of the unfavorableness of the times, and said, “I have but small means with a large family, I am not able to support the burthen of poverty. It has frequently come into my mind to go to some other country, that by whatever way I might maintain myself no one would know of my good or bad fortune. Many a person has slept an hungered without any one knowing who it was: many a vital spirit has departed, over which no one has wept.

Again, I reflect on the malevolence of my enemies, who in my absence would scoflingly laugh at my conduct, and impute my exertions for the benefit of my family to want of humanity; and might say, ‘ Behold that shameless wretch, who will never experience good fortune; he consults his own ease, and abandons to distress his wife and children.’ I have some skill in arithmetic, as you know; and if, through your interest, any office can be obtained, that will be the means of making my mind easy, during the remainder of my life, I shall not be able to express my gratitude.”

I said, “Alas! my friend, the service of princes has two sides, the expectation of livelihood, and the dread of losing one’s life; and it is contrary to the opinion of the wise, for the sake of such hope to fall into such danger. No one cometh to the poor man’s house, saying, ‘ Pay the taxes on your ground or garden; either be prepared to encounter anxiety and grief or expose your intestines to the crow.’ ” He replied, “This speech is not applicable to my case: you have not answered my question. Have you not heard the saying, that whosoever is guilty of dishonesty, his hand trembles on rendering hi(S account? Rectitude is the means of conciliating the divine favour.