Showing that (the proverb), “Omission to reply is a reply,” confirms the saying that silence is the (proper) reply to the fool. The explanation of both these (sayings) is (contained) in the story which will now be related.
1490. There was a king: he had a slave; he (the slave) was one whose
reason was dead
and whose lust was alive.
He would neglect the
niceties of service
to him (the king): he
was
thinking evil and
deeming (it)
good.
The monarch
said, “Reduce
his allowance, and if he wrangle strike his name off the roll.”
His reason was deficient, his cupidity
excessive: when he saw
the allowance
reduced he
became violent and refractory.
Had there been
reason (in him), he would have
made a circuit
round himself,
in order that
he might see his offence and become
forgiven.
1495. When, on account of asininity, a tethered ass becomes violent, both his (fore-)legs will be shackled in addition.
Then the ass will say,
“One tether is enough
for me”; (but)
in sooth do not think
(that such is the case), for those two are (result) from the
action of that vile
creature.
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