Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, KEEP YOUR OWN SECRET, by MOSHARREF OD-DIN IBN MOSLEH OD-DIN SADI


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

KEEP YOUR OWN SECRET, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sultan takish once committed a secret to his slaves, which
Last Line: "either talk sensibly or hold thy tongue."
Alternate Author Name(s): Saadi


SULTAN TAKISH once committed a secret to his slaves,
which they were enjoined to tell again to no one.
For a year it had not passed from his breast to
his lips; it was published to all the world in a single day.
He commanded the executioner to sever with the sword
their heads form their bodies without mercy.
One from their midst exclaimed: "Beware! slay not the
slaves, for the fault is thine own.
"Why didst thou not dam up at once what at first was
but a fountain? What availeth it to do so when it is become a
torrent?"
Take heed that thou reveal not to any one the secret of
thy heart, for he will divulge it to all the world.
Thy jewels thou mayst consign to the keeping of thy
treasurer; but thy secret reserve for thine own keeping.
Whilst thou utterest no a word, thou hast thy hand upon
it; when thou hast uttered it, it hath laid it hand upon thee.
Thou knowest that when the demon hath escaped from
his cage, by no adjuration will he enter it again.
The word is an enchained demon in the pit of the heart;
to retake him by stratagem is not possible.
A child may untether "Lightning" but a hundred
Rustams will not bring him to the halter again.
Take heed that thou say not that which, if it come to the
crowd, may bring trouble to single individual.
It was well said by his wife to an ignorant peasant: --
"Either talk sensibly or hold thy tongue."






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