INTRODUCTION
WehaveinTheStoryofAhikaroneofthemostancient sourcesofhumanthoughtandwisdom.Itsinfluencecan betracedthroughthelegendsofmanypeople,including theKoran,andtheOldandNewTestaments.
AmosaicfoundinTreves,Germany,picturedamong thewisemenoftheworldthecharacterofAhikar.Here ishiscolorfultale.
Thedateofthisstoryhasbeenasubjectoflively discussion.ScholarsfinallyputitdownabouttheFirst Centurywhentheywereprovedinerrorbytheoriginal storyturningupinanAramaicpapyrusof500B.C. amongtheruinsofElephantine.
ThestoryisobviouslyfictionandnothistoryInfactthe readercanmakeitsacquaintanceinthesupplementary pagesofTheArabianNights.Itisbrilliantlywritten,and thenarrativewhichisfullofaction,intrigue,andnarrow escapeholdstheattentiontothelastThelibertyof imaginationisthemostpreciouspossessionofthewriter
Thewritingdividesitselfintofourphases:(1)The Narrative;(2)TheTeaching(aremarkableseriesof Proverbs);(3)TheJourneytoEgypt;(4)TheSimilitudes orParables(withwhichAhikarcompletestheeducation ofhiserringnephew)
CHAPTER1
Ahikar,GrandVizierofAssyria,has60wivesbutis fatedtohavenosonThereforeheadoptshisnephew Hecramshimfullofwisdomandknowledgemorethan ofbreadandwater
1ThestoryofHaiqârtheWise,VizierofSennacherib theKing,andofNadan,sister'ssontoHaiqârtheSage
2TherewasaVizierinthedaysofKingSennacherib, sonofSarhadum,KingofAssyriaandNineveh,awise mannamedHaiqâr,andhewasVizieroftheking Sennacherib.
3Hehadafine,fortuneandmuchgoods,andhewas skilful,wise,aphilosopher,inknowledge,inopinion andingovernment,andhehadmarriedsixtywomen, andhadbuiltacastleforeachofthem.
4Butwithitallhehadnochildbyany.ofthesewomen, whomightbehisheir.
5Andhewasverysadonaccountofthis,andoneday heassembledtheastrologersandthelearnedmenand thewizardsandexplainedtothemhisconditionandthe matterofhisbarrenness.
6Andtheysaidtohim,'Go,sacrificetothegodsand beseechthemthatperchancetheymayprovidetheewith aboy.'
7Andhedidastheytoldhimandofferedsacrificesto theidols,andbesoughtthemandimploredthemwith request,andentreaty.
8Andtheyansweredhimnotoneword.Andhewent awaysorrowfulanddejected,departingwithapainat hisheart
9Andhereturned,andimploredtheMostHighGod, andbelieved,beseechingHimwithaburninginhis heart,saying,'OMostHighGod,OCreatorofthe Heavensandoftheearth,OCreatorofallcreatedthings!
10IbeseechTheetogivemeaboy,thatImaybe consoledbyhimthathemaybepresentatmyheath,that hemayclosemyeyes,andthathemayburyme.'
11Thentherecametohimavoicesaying,'Inasmuchas thouhastreliedfirstofallongravenimages,andhast offeredsacrificestothem,forthisreasonthoushalt remainchildlessthylifelong.
12ButtakeNadanthysister'sson,andmakehimthy childandteachhimthylearningandthygoodbreeding, andatthydeathheshallburythee.'
13ThereuponhetookNadanhissister'sson,whowasa littlesuckling.Andhehandedhimovertoeightwetnurses,thattheymightsucklehimandbringhimup.
14Andtheybroughthimupwithgoodfoodandgentle trainingandsilkenclothing,andpurpleandcrimson Andhewasseateduponcouchesofsilk
15AndwhenNadangrewbigandwalked,shootingup likeatallcedar,hetaughthimgoodmannersand writingandscienceandphilosophy
16AndaftermanydaysKingSennacheriblookedat Haiqârandsawthathehadgrownveryold,and moreoverhesaidtohim
17'Omyhonouredfriend,theskilful,thetrusty,the wise,thegovernor,mysecretary,myvizier,my Chancelloranddirector;verilythouartgrownveryold andweightedwithyears;andthydeparturefromthis worldmustbenear
18Tellmewhoshallhaveaplaceinmyserviceafter thee'AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Omylord,maythyhead liveforever!ThereisNadanmysister'sson,Ihave madehimmychild
19AndIhavebroughthimupandtaughthimmy wisdomandmyknowledge'
20Andthekingsaidtohim,'OHaiqâr!bringhimtomy presence,thatImayseehim,andifIfindhimsuitable, puthiminthyplace;andthoushaltgothyway,totakea restandtolivetheremainderofthylifeinsweetrepose.'
21ThenHaiqârwentandpresentedNadanhissister's son.Andhedidhomageandwishedhimpowerand honour.
22Andhelookedathimandadmiredhimandrejoiced inhimandsaidtoHaiqâr:'Isthisthyson,OHaiqâr?I praythatGodmaypreservehim.Andasthouhast servedmeandmyfatherSarhadumsomaythisboyof thineservemeandfulfilmyundertakings,myneeds, andmybusiness,sothatImayhonourhimandmake himpowerfulforthysake.'
23AndHaiqârdidobeisancetothekingandsaidtohim, 'Maythyheadlive,Omylordtheking,forever!Iseek fromtheethatthoumaystbepatientwithmyboyNadan andforgivehismistakesthathemayservetheeasitis fitting.'
24Thenthekingsworetohimthathewouldmakehim thegreatestofhisfavourites,andthemostpowerfulof hisfriends,andthatheshouldbewithhiminallhonour andrespect.Andhekissedhishandsandbadehim farewell.
25AndhetookNadan.hissister'ssonwithhimand seatedhiminaparlourandsetaboutteachinghimnight anddaytillhehadcrammedhimwithwisdomand knowledgemorethanwithbreadandwater.
CHAPTER2
A"PoorRichard'sAlmanac"ofancientdaysImmortal preceptsofhumanconductconcerningmoney,women, dress,business,friends.Especiallyinterestingproverbs arefoundinVerses12,17,23,37,45,47Compare Verse63withsomeofthecynicismoftoday
1Thushetaughthim,saying:'Omyson!hearmy speechandfollowmyadviceandrememberwhatIsay.
2Omyson!ifthouhearestaword,letitdieinthyheart, andrevealitnottoanother,lestitbecomealivecoal andburnthytongueandcauseapaininthybody,and thougainareproach,andartshamedbeforeGodand man
3Omyson!ifthouhastheardareport,spreaditnot; andifthouhastseensomething,tellitnot
4Omyson!makethyeloquenceeasytothelistener, andbenothastytoreturnananswer
5Omyson!whenthouhastheardanything,hideitnot 6Omyson!loosenotasealedknot,noruntieit,and sealnotaloosenedknot
7Omyson!covetnotoutwardbeauty,foritwanesand passesaway,butanhonourableremembrancelastsfor aye
8Omyson!letnotasillywomandeceivetheewithher speech,lestthoudiethemostmiserableofdeaths,and sheentangletheeinthenettillthouartensnared 9Omyson!desirenotawomanbedizenedwithdress andwithointments,whoisdespicableandsillyinher soulWoeotheeifthoubestowonheranythingthatis thine,orcommittoherwhatisinthinehandandshe enticetheeintosin,andGodbewrothwiththee.
10Omyson!benotlikethealmond-tree,foritbrings forthleavesbeforeallthetrees,andediblefruitafter themall,butbelikethemulberry-tree,whichbrings forthediblefruitbeforeallthetrees,andleavesafter themall.
11Omyson!bendthyheadlowdown,andsoftenthy voice,andbecourteous,andwalkinthestraightpath, andbenotfoolish.Andraisenotthyvoicewhenthou laughestforifitwerebyaloudvoicethatahousewas built,theasswouldbuildmanyhouseseveryday;andif itwerebydintofstrengththattheploughweredriven, theploughwouldneverberemovedfromunderthe shouldersofthecamels.
12Omson!theremovingofstoneswithawisemanis betterthanthedrinkingofwinewithasorryman.
13Omyson!pouroutthywineonthetombsofthejust, anddrinknotwithignorant,contemptiblepeople.
14Omyson!cleavetowisemenwhofearGodandbe likethem,andgonotneartheignorant,lestthoubecome likehimandlearnhisways
15Omyson!whenthouhastgottheeacomradeora friend,tryhim,andafterwardsmakehimacomradeand afriend;anddonotpraisehimwithoutatrial;anddo notspoilthyspeechwithamanwholackswisdom.
16Omyson!whileashoestaysonthyfoot,walkwith itonthethorns,andmakearoadforthyson,andforthy householdandthychildren,andmakethyshiptaut beforeshegoesontheseaanditswavesandsinksand cannothesaved.
17Omyson!iftherichmaneatasnake,theysay,--"It isbyhiswisdom,"andifapoormaneatit,thepeople say,"Fromhishunger."
18Omyson!hecontentwiththydailybreadandthy goods,andcovetnotwhatisanother's.
19Omyson!benotneighbourtothefool,andeatnot breadwithhim,andrejoicenotinthecalamitiesofthy neighbours.Ifthineenemywrongthee,showhim kindness
20Omyson!amanwhofearsGoddothoufearhim andhonourhim
21Omyson!theignorantmanfallsandstumbles,and thewiseman,evenifhestumbles,heisnotshaken,and evenifhefallshegetsupquickly,andifheissick,he cantakecareofhislifeButasfortheignorant,stupid man,forhisdiseasethereisnodrug
22Omyson!ifamanapproachtheewhoisinferiorto thyself,goforwardtomeethim,andremainstanding, andifhecannotrecompensethee,hisLordwill recompensetheeforhim
23Omyson!sparenottobeatthyson,forthedrubbing ofthysonislikemanuretothegarden,andliketying themouthofapurse,andlikethetetheringofbeasts, andliketheboltingofthedoor
24Omyson!restrainthysonfromwickedness,and teachhimmannersbeforeherebelsagainsttheeand bringstheeintocontemptamongstthepeopleandthou hangthyheadinthestreetsandtheassembliesandthou bepunishedfortheevilofhiswickeddeeds
25Omyson!gettheeafatoxwithaforeskin,andan assgreatwithitshoofs,andgetnotanoxwithlarge horns,normakefriendswithatrickyman,norgeta quarrelsomeslave,norathievishhandmaid,for everythingwhichthoucommittesttothemtheywillruin.
26Omyson!letnotthyparentscursethee,andtheLord bepleasedwiththem;forithathbeensaid,"Hewho despisethhisfatherorhismotherlethimdiethedeath(I meanthedeathofsin);andhewhohonourethhis parentsshallprolonghisdaysandhislifeandshallsee allthatisgood."
27Omyson!walknotontheroadwithoutweapons,for thouknowestnotwhenthefoemaymeetthee,sothat thoumaystbereadyforhim.
28Omyson!benotlikeabare,leaflesstreethatdoth notgrow,butbelikeatreecoveredwithitsleavesand itsboughs;forthemanwhohasneitherwifenor childrenisdisgracedintheworldandishatedbythem, likealeaflessandfruitlesstree
29Omyson!belikeafruitfultreeontheroadside, whosefruitiseatenbyallwhopassby,andthebeastsof thedesertrestunderitsshadeandeatofitsleaves 30Omyson!everysheepthatwandersfromitspath anditscompanionsbecomesfoodforthewolf.
31Omyson!saynot,"MylordisafoolandIamwise," andrelatenotthespeechofignoranceandfolly,lest thoubedespisedbyhim.
32Omyson!benotoneofthoseservants,towhom theirlordssay,"Getawayfromus,"butbeoneofthose towhomtheysay,"Approachandcomeneartous."
33Omyson!caressnotthyslaveinthepresenceofhis companion,forthouknowestnotwhichofthemshallbe ofmostvaluetotheeintheend.
34Omyson!benotafraidofthyLordwhocreatedthee, lestHebesilenttothee.
35Omyson!makethyspeechfairandsweetenthy tongue;andpermitnotthycompaniontotreadonthy foot,lesthetreadatanothertimeonthybreast.
36Omyson!ifthoubeatawisemanwithawordof wisdom,itwilllurkinhisbreastlikeasubtlesenseof shame;butifthoudrubtheignorantwithastickhewill neitherunderstandnorhear
37Omyson!ifthousendawisemanforthyneeds,do notgivehimmanyorders,forhewilldothybusinessas thoudesirest:andifthousendafool,donotorderhim, butgothyselfanddothybusiness,forifthouorderhim, hewillnotdowhatthoudesirestIftheysendtheeon business,hastentofulfilitquickly
38Omyson!makenotanenemyofamanstrongerthan thyself,forhewilltakethymeasure,andhisrevengeon thee
39Omyson!maketrialofthyson,andofthyservant, beforethoucommittestthybelongingstothem,lestthey makeawaywiththem;forhewhohathafullhandis calledwise,evenifhebestupidandignorant,andhe whohathanemptyhandiscalledpoor,ignorant,evenif hebetheprinceofsages
40Omyson!Ihaveeatenacolocynth,andswallowed aloes,andIhavefoundnothingmorebitterthanpoverty andscarcity
41Omyson!teachthysonfrugalityandhunger,thathe maydowellinthemanagementofhishousehold.
42Omyson!teachnottotheignorantthelanguageof wisemen,foritwillbeburdensometohim.
43Omyson!displaynotthyconditiontothyfriend,lest thoubedespisedbyhim.
44Omyson!theblindnessoftheheartismoregrievous thantheblindnessoftheeyes,fortheblindnessofthe eyesmaybeguidedlittlebylittle,buttheblindnessof theheartisnotguided,anditleavesthestraightpath, andgoesinacrookedway.
45Omyson!thestumblingofamanwithhisfootis betterthanthestumblingofanwithhistongue.
46Omyson!afriendwhoisnearisbetterthanamore excellentbrotherwhoisfaraway.
47Omyson!beautyfadesbutlearninglasts,andthe worldwanesandbecomesvain,butagoodnameneither becomesvainnorwanes.
48Omyson!themanwhohathnorest,hisdeathwere betterthanhislife;andthesoundofweepingisbetter thanthesoundofsinging;forsorrowandweeping,ifthe fearofGodbeinthem,arebetterthanthesoundof singingandrejoicing.
49Omychild!thethighofafroginthyhandisbetter thanagooseinthepotofthyneighbour;andasheep neartheeisbetterthananoxfaraway;andasparrowin thyhandisbetterthanathousandsparrowsflying;and povertywhichgathersisbetterthanthescatteringof muchprovision;andalivingfoxisbetterthanadead lion;andapoundofwoolisbetterthanapoundof wealth,Imeanofgoldandsilver;forthegoldandthe silverarehiddenandcoveredupintheearth,andarenot seen;butthewoolstaysinthemarketsanditisseen, anditisabeautytohimwhowearsit.
50Omyson!asmallfortuneisbetterthanascattered fortune
51Omyson!alivingdogisbetterthanadeadpoorman. 52Omyson!apoormanwhodoesrightisbetterthana richmanwhoisdeadinsins
53Omyson!keepawordinthyheart,anditshallbe muchtothee,andbewarelostthourevealthesecretof thyfriend
54Omyson!letnotawordissuefromthymouthtill thouhasttakencounselwiththyheartAndstandnot betwixtpersonsquarrelling,becausefromabadword therecomesaquarrel,andfromaquarreltherecomes war,andfromwartherecomesfighting,andthouwilt beforcedtobearwitness;butrunfromthenceandrest thyself
55Omyson!withstandnotamanstrongerthanthyself, butgettheeapatientspirit,andenduranceandan uprightconduct,forthereisnothingmoreexcellentthan that
56Omyson!hatenotthyfirstfriend,forthesecondone maynotlast
57Omyson!visitthepoorinhisaffliction,andspeak ofhimintheSultan'spresence,anddothydiligenceto savehimfromthemouthofthelion
58Omyson!rejoicenotinthedeathofthineenemy,for afteralittlewhilethoushaltbehisneighbour,andhim whomockstheedothourespectandhonourandbe beforehandwithhimingreeting.
59Omyson!ifwaterwouldstandstillinheaven,anda blackcrowbecomewhite,andmyrrhgrowsweetas honey,thenignorantmenandfoolsmightunderstand andbecomewise.
60Omyson!ifthoudesiretobewise,restrainthy tonguefromlying,andthyhandfromstealing,andthine eyesfrombeholdingevil;thenthouwiltbecalledwise.
61Omyson!letthewisemanbeattheewitharod,but letnotthefoolanointtheewithsweetsalve.Behumble inthyyouthandthoushaltbehonouredinthineoldage.
62Omyson!withstandnotamaninthedaysofhis power,norariverinthedaysofitsflood.
63Omyson!benothastyintheweddingofawife,for ifitturnsoutwell,shewillsay,'Mylord,make provisionforme';andifitturnsoutill,shewillrateat himwhowasthecauseofit
64Omyson!whosoeveriselegantinhisdress,heisthe sameinhisspeech;andhewhohasameanappearance inhisdress,healsoisthesameinhisspeech
65Omyson!ifthouhastcommittedatheft,makeit knowntotheSultan,andgivehimashareofit,thatthou maystbedeliveredfromhim,forotherwisethouwilt endurebitterness.
66Omyson!makeafriendofthemanwhosehandis satisfiedandfilled,andmakenofriendoftheman whosehandisclosedandhungry.
67Therearefourthingsinwhichneitherthekingnor hisarmycanbesecure:oppressionbythevizier,and badgovernment,andperversionofthewill,andtyranny overthesubject;andfourthingswhichcannotbehidden: theprudent,andthefoolish,andtherich,andthepoor.'
CHAPTER3
Ahikarretiresfromactiveparticipationinaffairsof stateHeturnsoverhispossessionstohistreacherous nephewHereistheamazingstoryofhowathankless profligateturnsforgererAcleverplottoentangle Ahikarresultsinhisbeingcondemnedtodeath ApparentlytheendofAhikar
1ThusspakeHaiqâr,andwhenhehadfinishedthese injunctionsandproverbstoNadan,hissister'sson,he imaginedthathewouldkeepthemall,andheknewnot thatinsteadofthathewasdisplayingtohimweariness andcontemptandmockery
2ThereafterHaiqârsatstillinhishouseanddelivered overtoNadanallhisgoods,andtheslaves,andthe handmaidens,andthehorses,andthecattle,and everythingelsethathehadpossessedandgained;and thepowerofbiddingandofforbiddingremainedinthe handofNadan
3AndHaiqârsatatrestinhishouse,andeverynowand thenHaiqârwentandpaidhisrespectstotheking,and returnedhome
4NowwhenNadanperceivedthatthepowerofbidding andofforbiddingwasinhisownhand,hedespisedthe positionofHaiqârandscoffedathim,andsetabout blaminghimwheneverheappeared,saying,'Myuncle Haiqârisinhisdotage,andheknowsnothingnow.'
5Andhebegantobeattheslavesandthehandmaidens, andtosellthehorsesandthecamelsandbespendthrift withallthathisuncleHaiqârhadowned.
6AndwhenHaiqârsawthathehadnocompassionon hisservantsnoronhishousehold,hearoseandchased himfromhishouse,andsenttoinformthekingthathe hadscatteredhispossessionsandhisprovision.
7AndthekingaroseandcalledNadanandsaidtohim: 'WhilstHaiqârremainsinhealth,nooneshallruleover hisgoods,noroverhishousehold,noroverhis possessions.'
8AndthehandofNadanwasliftedofffromhisuncle Haiqârandfromallhisgoods,andinthemeantimehe wentneitherinnorout,nordidhegreethim.
9ThereuponHaiqârrepentedhimofhistoilwithNadan hissister'sson,andhecontinuedtobeverysorrowful.
10AndNadanhadayoungerbrothernamed Benuzârdân,soHaiqârtookhimtohimselfinplaceof Nadan,andbroughtupandhonouredhimwiththe utmosthonour.Andhedeliveredovertohimallthathe possessed,andmadehimgovernorofhishouse.
11NowwhenNadanperceivedwhathadhappenedhe wasseizedwithenvyandjealousy,andhebeganto complaintoeveryonewhoquestionedhim,andtomock his,uncleHaiqâr,saying:'Myunclehaschasedmefrom hishouse,andhaspreferredmybrothertome,butifthe MostHighGodgivemethepower,Ishallbringupon himthemisfortuneofbeingkilled.'
12AndNadancontinuedtomeditateastothe stumbling-blockhemightcontriveforhim.Andaftera whileNadanturneditoverinhismind,andwrotea lettertoAchish,sonofShahtheWise,kingofPersia, sayingthus:
13'Peaceandhealthandmightandhonourfrom SennacheribkingofAssyriaandNineveh,andfromhis vizierandhissecretaryHaiqâruntothee,Ogreatking! Lettherebepencebetweentheeandme
14Andwhenthisletterreachesthee,ifthouwiltarise andgoquicklytotheplainofNisrîn,andtoAssyria,and Nineveh,Iwilldeliverupthekingdomtotheewithout warandwithoutbattle-array'
15Andhewrotealsoanotherletterinthenameof HaiqârtoPharaohkingofEgypt'Lettherebepeace betweentheeandme,Omightyking!
16Ifatthetimeofthisletterreachingtheethouwilt ariseandgotoAssyriaandNinevehtotheplainof Nisrîn,Iwilldeliveruptotheethekingdomwithoutwar andwithoutfighting'
17AndthewritingofNadanwasliketothewritingof hisuncleHaiqâr
18Thenhefoldedthetwoletters,andsealedthemwith thesealofhisuncleHaiqâr;theywereneverthelessin theking'spalace
19Thenhewentandwrotealetterlikewisefromthe kingtohisuncleHaiqâr:'PeaceandhealthtomyVizier, mySecretary,myChancellor,Haiqâr
20OHaiqâr,whenthisletterreachesthee,assembleall thesoldierswhoarewiththee,andletthembeperfectin clothingandinnumbers,andbringthemtomeonthe fifthdayintheplainofNisrîn.
21Andwhenthoushaltseemetherecomingtowards thee,hasteandmakethearmymoveagainstmeasan enemywhowouldfightwithme,forIhavewithmethe ambassadorsofPharaohkingofEgypt,thattheymay seethestrengthofourarmyandmayfearus,forthey areourenemiesandtheyhateus.'
22ThenhesealedtheletterandsentittoHaiqârbyone oftheking'sservants.Andhetooktheotherletterwhich hehadwrittenandspreaditbeforethekingandreadit tohimandshowedhimtheseal.
23Andwhenthekingheardwhatwasintheletterhe wasperplexedwithagreatperplexityandwaswroth withagreatandfiercewrath,andsaid,'Ah,Ihave shownmywisdom!whathaveIdonetoHaiqârthathe haswrittentheseletterstomyenemies?Isthismy recompensefromhimformybenefitstohim?'
24AndNadansaidtohim,'Benotgrieved,Oking!nor bewroth,butletusgototheplainofNisrînandseeif thetalebetrueornot'
25ThenNadanaroseonthefifthdayandtooktheking andthesoldiersandthevizier,andtheywenttothe deserttotheplainofNisrîn.Andthekinglooked,andlo! Haiqârandthearmyweresetinarray.
26AndwhenHaiqârsawthatthekingwasthere,he approachedandsignalledtothearmytomoveasinwar andtofightinarrayagainstthekingasithadbeen foundintheletter,henotknowingwhatapitNadanhad diggedforhim.
27AndwhenthekingsawtheactofHaiqârhewas seizedwithanxietyandterrorandperplexity,andwas wrothwithagreatwrath.
28AndNadansaidtohim,'Hastthouseen,Omylord theking!whatthiswretchhasdone?butbenotthou wrothandbenotgrievednorpained,butgotothyhouse andsitonthythrone,andIwillbringHaiqârtothee boundandchainedwithchains,andIwillchaseaway thineenemyfromtheewithouttoil'
29Andthekingreturnedtohisthrone,beingprovoked aboutHaiqâr,anddidnothingconcerninghimAnd NadanwenttoHaiqârandsaidtohim,'W’allah,Omy uncle!Thekingverilyrejoicethintheewithgreatjoy andthankstheeforhavingdonewhathecommanded thee
30Andnowhehathsentmetotheethatthoumayst dismissthesoldierstotheirdutiesandcomethyselfto himwiththyhandsboundbehindthee,andthyfeet chained,thattheambassadorsofPharaohmayseethis, andthatthekingmaybefearedbythemandbytheir king'
31ThenansweredHaiqârandsaid,'Tohearistoobey' Andhearosestraightwayandboundhishandsbehind him,andchainedhisfeet
32AndNadantookhimandwentwithhimtotheking
AndwhenHaiqârenteredtheking'spresencehedid obeisancebeforehimontheground,andwishedfor powerandperpetuallifetotheking
33Thensaidtheking,'OHaiqâr,mySecretary,the Governorofmyaffairs,myChancellor,therulerofmy State,tellmewhatevilhaveIdonetotheethatthouhast rewardedmebythisuglydeed.'
34Thentheyshowedhimthelettersinhiswritingand withhisseal.AndwhenHaiqârsawthis,hislimbs trembledandhistonguewastiedatonce,andhewas unabletospeakawordfromfear;buthehunghishead towardstheearthandwasdumb.
35Andwhenthekingsawthis,hefeltcertainthatthe thingwasfromhim,andhestraightwayaroseand commandedthemtokillHaiqâr,andtostrikehisneck withtheswordoutsideofthecity.
36ThenNadanscreamedandsaid,'OHaiqâr,O blackface!whatavailstheethymeditationorthypower inthedoingofthisdeedtotheking?'
37Thussaysthestory-teller.Andthenameofthe swordsmanwasAbuSamîk.Andthekingsaidtohim, 'Oswordsman!arise,go,cleavetheneckofHaiqârat
thedoorofhishouse,andcastawayhisheadfromhis bodyahundredcubits.'
38ThenHaiqârkneltbeforetheking,andsaid,'Letmy lordthekingliveforever!andifthoudesiretoslayme, letthywishbefulfilled;andIknowthatIamnotguilty, butthewickedmanbastogiveanaccountofhis wickedness;nevertheless,Omylordtheking!Ibegof theeandofthyfriendship,permittheswordsmantogive mybodytomyslaves,thattheymayburyme,andlet thyslavebethysacrifice.'
39Thekingaroseandcommandedtheswordsmantodo withhimaccordingtohisdesire.
40Andhestraightwaycommandedhisservantstotake Haiqârandtheswordsmanandgowithhimnakedthat theymightslayhim.
41AndwhenHaiqârknewforcertainthathewastobe slainhesenttohiswife,andsaidtoher,'Comeoutand meetme,andlettherebewiththeeathousandyoung virgins,anddressthemingownsofpurpleandsilkthat theymayweepformebeforemydeath.
42Andprepareatablefortheswordsmanandforhis servantsAndmingleplentyofwine,thattheymay drink'
43AndshedidallthathecommandedherAndshewas verywise,clever,andprudentAndsheunitedall possiblecourtesyandlearning
44Andwhenthearmyofthekingandtheswordsman arrivedthefoundthetablesetinorder,andthewineand theluxuriousviands,andtheybeganeatinganddrinking tilltheyweregorgedanddrunken
45ThenHaiqârtooktheswordsmanasideapartfromthe companyandsaid,'OAbuSamîk,dostthounotknow thatwhenSarhadumtheking,thefatherofSennacherib, wantedtokillthee,Itooktheeandhidtheeinacertain placetilltheking'sangersubsidedandheaskedforthee?
46AndwhenIbroughttheeintohispresencehe rejoicedinthee:andnowrememberthekindnessIdid thee
47AndIknowthatthekingwillrepenthimaboutme andwillbewrothwithagreatwrathaboutmyexecution
48ForIamnotguilty,anditshallbewhenthoushalt presentmebeforehiminhispalace,thoushaltmeet withgreatgoodfortune,andknowthatNadanmy sister'ssonhasdeceivedmeandhasdonethisbaddeed tome,andthekingwillrepentofhavingslainme;and nowIhaveacellarinthegardenofmyhouse,andno oneknowsofit.
49Hidemeinitwiththeknowledgeofmywife.AndI haveaslaveinprisonwhodeservestobekilled.
50Bringhimoutanddresshiminmyclothes,and commandtheservantswhentheyaredrunktoslayhim. Theywillnotknowwhoitistheyarekilling.
51Andcastawayhisheadahundredcubitsfromhis body,andgivehisbodytomyslavesthattheymaybury it.Andthoushalthavelaidupagreattreasurewithme. 52AndthentheswordsmandidasHaiqârhad commandedhim,andhewenttothekingandsaidto him,'Maythyheadliveforever!'
53ThenHaiqâr'swifeletdowntohiminthehidingplaceeveryweekwhatsufficedforhim,andnoone knewofitbutherself
54Andthestorywasreportedandrepeatedandspread abroadineveryplaceofhowHaiqârtheSagehadbeen slainandwasdead,andallthepeopleofthatcity mournedforhim.
55Andtheyweptandsaid:'Alasforthee,OHaiqâr!and forthylearningandthycourtesy!Howsadaboutthee andaboutthyknowledge!Wherecananotherlikethee befound?andwherecantherebeamansointelligent, solearned,soskilledinrulingastoresembletheethat hemayfillthyplace?'
56ButthekingwasrepentingaboutHaiqâr,andhis repentanceavailedhimnaught.
57ThenhecalledforNadanandsaidtohim,'Goand takethyfriendswiththeeandmakeamourninganda weepingforthyuncleHaiqâr,andlamentforhimasthe customis,doinghonourtohismemory.'
58ButwhenNadan,thefoolish,theignorant,the hardhearted,wenttothehouseofhisuncle,heneither weptnorsorrowednorwailed,butassembledheartless anddissolutepeopleandsetabouteatinganddrinking
59AndNadanbegantoseizethemaidservantsandthe slavesbelongingtoHaiqâr,andboundthemandtortured themanddrubbedthemwithasoredrubbing
60Andhedidnotrespectthewifeofhisuncle,shewho hadbroughthimuplikeherownboy,butwantedherto fallintosinwithhim
61ButHaiqârhadbeencutintothehiding-place,andhe heardtheweepingofhisslavesandhisneighbours,and hepraisedtheMostHighGod,theMercifulOne,and gavethanks,andhealwaysprayedandbesoughtthe MostHighGod
62Andtheswordsmancamefromtimetotimeto Haiqârwhilsthewasinthemidstofthehiding-place: andHaiqârcameandentreatedhimAndhecomforted himandwishedhimdeliverance
63Andwhenthestorywasreportedinothercountries thatHaiqârtheSagehadbeenslain,allthekingswere grievedanddespisedkingSennacherib,andthey lamentedoverHaiqârthesolverofriddles.
CHAPTER4
"TheRiddlesoftheSphinx."Whatreallyhappenedto Ahikar.Hisreturn.
1AndwhenthekingofEgypthadmadesurethat Haiqârwasslain,hearosestraightwayandwrotealetter tokingSennacherib,remindinghiminit'ofthepeace andthehealthandthemightandthehonourwhichwe wishspeciallyforthee,mybelovedbrother,king Sennacherib.
2Ihavebeendesiringtobuildacastlebetweenthe heavenandtheearth,andIwanttheetosendmeawise, clevermanfromthyselftobuilditforme,andtoanswer meallmyquestions,andthatImayhavethetaxesand thecustomdutiesofAssyriaforthreeyears.'
3ThenhesealedtheletterandsentittoSennacherib.
4Hetookitandreaditandgaveittohisviziersandto thenoblesofhiskingdom,andtheywereperplexedand ashamed,andhewaswrothwithagreatwrath,andwas puzzledabouthowheshouldact.
5Thenheassembledtheoldmenandthelearnedmen andthewisemenandthephilosophers,andthediviners andtheastrologers,andeveryonewhowasinhis country,andreadthemtheletterandsaidtothem,'Who amongstyouwillgotoPharaohkingofEgyptand answerhimhisquestions?'
6Andtheysaidtohim,'Oourlordtheking!knowthou thatthereisnoneinthykingdomwhoisacquaintedwith thesequestionsexceptHaiqâr,thyvizierandsecretary.
7Butasforus,wehavenoskillinthis,unlessitbe Nadan,hissister'sson,forhetaughthimallhiswisdom andlearningandknowledge.Callhimtothee,perchance hemayuntiethishardknot.'
8ThenthekingcalledNadanandsaidtohim,'Lookat thisletterandunderstandwhatisinit.'AndwhenNadan readit,hesaid,'Omylord!whoisabletobuildacastle betweentheheavenandtheearth?'
9AndwhenthekingheardthespeechofNadanhe sorrowedwithagreatandsoresorrow,andstepped downfromhisthroneandsatintheashes,andbeganto weepandwailoverHaiqâr
10Saying,'Omygrief!OHaiqâr,whodidstknowthe secretsandtheriddles!woeismeforthee,OHaiqâr!O teacherofmycountryandrulerofmykingdom,where shallIfindthylike?OHaiqâr,Oteacherofmycountry, whereshallIturnforthee?woeismeforthee!howdid Idestroythee!andIlistenedtothetalkofastupid, ignorantboywithoutknowledge,withoutreligion, withoutmanliness
11Ah!andagainAhformyself!whocangivetheeto mejustforonce,orbringmewordthatHaiqârisalive? andIwouldgivehimthehalfofmykingdom
12Whenceisthistome?Ah,Haiqâr!thatImightsee theejustforonce,thatImighttakemyfillofgazingat thee,anddelightinginthee
13Ah!Omygrieffortheetoalltime!OHaiqâr,how haveIkilledthee!andItarriednotinthycasetillIhad seentheendofthematter.'
14Andthekingwentonweepingnightandday.Now whentheswordsmansawthewrathofthekingandhis sorrowforHaiqâr,hisheartwassoftenedtowardshim,, andheapproachedintohispresenceandsaidtohim:
15'Omylord!commandthyservantstocutoffmy head.'Thensaidthekingtohim:'Woetothee,Abu Samîk,whatisthyfault?'
16Andtheswordsmansaiduntohim,'Omymaster! everyslavewhoactscontrarytothewordofhismaster iskilled,andIhaveactedcontrarytothycommand.'
17Thenthekingsaiduntohim.'Woeuntothee,OAbu Samîk,inwhathastthouactedcontrarytomy command?'
18Andtheswordsmansaiduntohim,'Omylord!thou didstcommandmetokillHaiqâr,andIknewthatthou wouldstrepenttheeconcerninghim,andthathehad beenwronged,andIhidhiminacertainplace,andI
killedoneofhisslaves,andheisnowsafeinthecistern, andifthoucommandmeIwillbringhimtothee.'
19Andthekingsaiduntohim'Woetothee,OAbu Samîk!thouhastmockedmeandIamthylord.'
20Andtheswordsmansaiduntohim,'Nay,butbythe lifeofthyhead,Omylord!Haiqârissafeandalive.'
21Andwhenthekingheardthatsaying,hefeltsureof thematter,andhisheadswam,andhefaintedfromjoy, andhecommandedthemtobringHaiqâr.
22Andhesaidtotheswordsman,'Otrustyservant!if thyspeechbetrue,Iwouldfainenrichthee,andexalt thydignityabovethatofallthyfriends.'
23Andtheswordsmanwentalongrejoicingtillhecame toHaiqâr'shouse.Andheopenedthedoorofthehidingplace,andwentdownandfoundHaiqârsitting,praising God,andthankingHim.
24Andheshoutedtohim,saying,'OHaiqâr,Ibringthe greatestofjoy,andhappiness,anddelight!'
25AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Whatisthenews,OAbu Samîk?'AndhetoldhimallaboutPharaohfromthe beginningtotheendThenhetookhimandwenttothe king
26Andwhenthekinglookedathim,hesawhimina stateofwant,andthathishairhadgrownlonglikethe wildbeasts'andhisnailsliketheclawsofaneagle,and thathisbodywasdirtywithdust,andthecolourofhis facehadchangedandfadedandwasnowlikeashes
27Andwhenthekingsawhimhesorrowedoverhim androseatonceandembracedhimandkissedhim,and weptoverhimandsaid:'PraisebetoGod!whohath broughttheebacktome'
28ThenheconsoledhimandcomfortedhimAndhe strippedoffhisrobe,andputitontheswordsman,and wasverygracioustohim,andgavehimgreatwealth, andmadeHaiqârrest
29ThensaidHaiqârtotheking,'Letmylordtheking liveforever!Thesebethedeedsofthechildrenofthe worldIhaverearedmeapalm-treethatImightleanon it,anditbentsideways,andthrewmedown
30But,OmyLord!sinceIhaveappearedforethee,let notcareoppressthee!Andthekingsaidtohim:'Blessed beGod,whoshowedtheemercy,andknewthatthou wastwronged,andsavedtheeanddeliveredtheefrom beingslain.
31Butgotothewarmbath,andshavethyhead,andcut thynails,andchangethyclothes,andamusethyselffor thespaceoffortydays,thatthoumaystdogoodto thyselfandimprovethyconditionandthecolourofthy facemaycomebacktothee.'
32Thenthekingstrippedoffhiscostlyrobe,andputit onHaiqâr,andHaiqârthankedGodanddidobeisanceto theking,anddepartedtohisdwellinggladandhappy, praisingtheMostHighGod.
33Andthepeopleofhishouseholdrejoicedwithhim, andhisfriendsandeveryonewhoheardthathewas aliverejoicedalso.
CHAPTER5
Theletterofthe"riddles"isshowntoAhikarTheboys ontheeagles.Thefirst"airplane"ride.OfftoEgypt. Ahikar,beingamanofwisdomalsohasasenseof humor.(Verse27).
1Andhedidasthekingcommandedhim,andtookrest forfortydays.
2Thenhedressedhimselfhisgayestdress,andwent ridingtotheking,withhisslavesbehindhimandbefore him,rejoicinganddelighted.
3ButwhenNadanhissister'ssonperceivedwhatwas happening,feartookholdofhimandterror,andhewas perplexed,notknowingwhattodo.
4AndwhenHaiqârsawitheenteredintotheking's presenceandgreetedhim,andhereturnedthegreeting, andmadehimsitdownathisside,sayingtohim, 'OmydarlingHaiqâr!lookattheseletterswhichthe, kingofEgyptsenttous,afterhehadheardthatthou wastslain.
5Theyhaveprovokedusandovercomeus,andmanyof thepeopleofourcountryhavefledtoEgyptforfearof thetaxesthatthekingofEgypthassenttodemandfrom us
6ThenHaiqârtooktheletterandreaditandunderstood itscontents
7Thenhesaidtotheking'Benotwroth,Omylord!I willgotoEgypt,andIwillreturntheanswersto Pharaoh,andIwilldisplaythislettertohim,andIwill replytohimaboutthetaxes,andIwillsendbackall thosewhohaverunaway;andIwillputthyenemiesto shamewiththehelpoftheMostHighGod,andforthe Happinessofthykingdom'
8AndwhenthekingheardthisspeechfromHaiqârhe rejoicedwithagreatjoy,andhisheartwasexpanded andheshowedhimfavour
9AndHaiqârsaidtotheking:'Grantmeadelayofforty daysthatImayconsiderthisquestionandmanageit' Andthekingpermittedthis
10AndHaiqârwenttohisdwelling,andhecommanded thehuntsmentocapturetwoyoungeagletsforhim,and theycapturedthemandbroughtthemtohim:andhe commandedtheweaversofropestoweavetwocablesof cottonforhim,eachofthemtwothousandcubitslong, andhehadthecarpentersbroughtandorderedthemto maketwogreatboxes,andtheydidthis.
11Thenhetooktwolittlelads,andspenteveryday sacrificinglambsandfeedingtheeaglesandtheboys, andmakingtheboysrideonthebacksoftheeagles,and heboundthemwithafirmknot,andtiedthecabletothe feetoftheeagles,andletthemsoarupwardslittleby littleeveryday,toadistanceoftencubits,tilltheygrew accustomedandwereeducatedtoit;andtheyroseall thelengthoftheropetilltheyreachedthesky;theboys beingontheirbacks.Thenhedrewthemtohimself.
12AndwhenHaiqârsawthathisdesirewasfulfilledhe chargedtheboysthatwhentheywerebornealofttothe skytheyweretoshout,saying:
13'Bringusclayandstone,thatwemaybuildacastle forkingPharaoh,forweareidle'
14AndHaiqârwasneverdonetrainingthemand exercisingthemtilltheyhadreachedtheutmostpossible point(ofskill)
15Thenleavingthemhewenttothekingandsaidto him,'Omylord!theworkisfinishedaccordingtothy desire.ArisewithmethatImayshowtheethewonder.'
16SothekingsprangupandsatwithHaiqârandwent toawideplaceandsenttobringtheeaglesandtheboys, andHaiqârtiedthemandletthemoffintotheairallthe lengthoftheropes,andtheybegantoshoutashehad taughtthem.Thenhedrewthemtohimselfandputthem intheirplaces.
17Andthekingandthosewhowerewithhimwondered withagreatwonder:andthekingkissedHaiqârbetween hiseyesandsaidtohim,'Goinpeace,Omybeloved!O prideofmykingdom!toEgyptandanswerthequestions ofPharaohandovercomehimbythestrengthofthe MostHighGod'
18Thenhebadehimfarewell,andtookhistroopsand hisarmyandtheyoungmenandtheeagles,andwent towardsthedwellingsofEgypt;andwhenhehad arrived,heturnedtowardsthecountryoftheking
19AndwhenthepeopleofEgyptknewthat SennacheribhadsentamanofhisPrivyCounciltotalk withPharaohandtoanswerhisquestions,theycarried thenewstokingPharaoh,andhesentapartyofhis PrivyCouncillorstobringhimbeforehim
20Andhecameandenteredintothepresenceof Pharaoh,anddidobeisancetohimasitisfittingtodoto kings
21Andhesaidtohim:'Omylordtheking!Sennacherib thekinghailstheewithabundanceofpeaceandmight, andhonour
22Andhehassentme,whoamoneofhisslaves,thatI mayanswertheethyquestions,andmayfulfilallthy desire:forthouhastsenttoseekfrommylordthekinga manwhowillbuildtheeacastlebetweentheheavenand theearth
23AndIbythehelpoftheMostHighGodandthy noblefavourandthepowerofmylordthekingwill builditfortheeasthoudesirest
24But,Omylordtheking!whatthouhastsaidinit aboutthetaxesofEgyptforthreeyears--nowthe stabilityofakingdomisstrictjustice,andifthou winnestandmyhandhathnoskillinreplyingtothee, thenmylordthekingwillsendtheethetaxeswhich thouhastmentioned.
25AndifIshallhaveansweredtheeinthyquestions,it shallremainfortheetosendwhateverthouhast mentionedtomylordtheking.'
26AndwhenPharaohheardthatspeech,hewondered andwasperplexedbythefreedomofhistongueandthe pleasantnessofhisspeech.
27AndkingPharaohsaidtohim,'Oman!whatisthy name?'Andhesaid,'ThyservantisAbiqâm,andIa littleantoftheantsofkingSennacherib.'
28AndPharaohsaidtohim,'Hadthylordnooneof higherdignitythanthee,thathehassentmealittleant toreplytome,andtoconversewithme?'
29AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Omylordtheking!Iwould toGodMostHighthatImayfulfilwhatisonthymind, forGodiswiththeweakthatHemayconfoundthe strong.'
30ThenPharaohcommandedthattheyshouldpreparea dwellingforAbiqâmandsupplyhimwithprovender, meat,anddrink,andallthatheneeded.
31Andwhenitwasfinished,threedaysafterwards Pharaohclothedhimselfinpurpleandredandsatonhis throne,andallhisviziersandthemagnatesofhis kingdomwerestandingwiththeirhandscrossed,their feetclosetogether,andtheirheadsbowed.
32AndPharaohsenttofetchAbiqâm,andwhenhewas presentedtohim,hedidobeisancebeforehim,and kissedthegroundinfrontofhim.
33AndkingPharaohsaidtohim,'OAbiqâm,whomam Ilike?andthenoblesofmykingdom,towhomarethey like?'
34AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'OmylordthekinIthouart liketheidolBel,andthenoblesofthykingdomarelike hisservants'
35Hesaidtohim,'Go,andcomebackhithertomorrow'SoHaiqârwentaskingPharaohhad commandedhim
36AndonthemorrowHaiqârwentintothepresenceof Pharaoh,anddidobeisance,andstoodbeforetheking AndPharaohwasdressedinaredcolour,andthenobles weredressedinwhite
37AndPharaohsaidtohim'OAbiqâm,whomamIlike? andthenoblesofmykingdom,towhomaretheylike?'
38AndAbiqâmsaidtohim,'Omylord!thouartlikethe sun,andthyservantsarelikeitsbeams'AndPharaoh saidtohim,'Gotothydwelling,andcomehithertomorrow'
39ThenPharaohcommandedhisCourttowearpure white,andPharaohwasdressedlikethemandsatupon histhrone,andhecommandedthemtofetchHaiqâr Andheenteredandsatdownbeforehim
40AndPharaohsaidtohim,'OAbiqâm,whomamI like?andmynobles,towhomaretheylike?'
41AndAbiqâmsaidtohim,'Omylord!thouartlikethe moon,andthynoblesareliketheplanetsandthestars.' AndPharaohsaidtohim,'Go,andto-morrowbethou here.'
42ThenPharaohcommandedhisservantstowearrobes ofvariouscolours,andPharaohworearedvelvetdress, andsatonhisthrone,andcommandedthemtofetch Abiqâm.Andheenteredanddidobeisancebeforehim.
43Andhesaid,'OAbiqâm,whomamIlike?andmy armies,towhomaretheylike?'Andhesaid,'Omylord! thouartlikethemonthofApril,andthyarmiesarelike itsflowers.'
44Andwhenthekinghearditherejoicedwithagreat joyandsaid,'OAbiqâm!thefirsttimethoudidst comparemetotheidolBel,andmynoblestohis servants.
45Andthesecondtimethoudidstcomparemetothe sun,andmynoblestothesunbeams.
46Andthethirdtimethoudidstcomparemetothe moon,andmynoblestotheplanetsandthestars
47Andthefourthtimethoudidstcomparemetothe monthofApril,andmynoblestoitsflowers.Butnow, OAbiqâm!tellme,thylord,kingSennacherib,whomis helike?andhisnobles,towhomaretheylike?'
48AndHaiqârshoutedwithaloudvoiceandsaid:'Beit farfrommetomakementionofmylordthekingand thouseatedonthythrone.ButgetuponthyfeetthatI maytelltheewhommylordthekingislikeandto whomhisnoblesarelike.'
49AndPharaohwasperplexedbythefreedomofhis tongueandhisboldnessinanswering.ThenPharaoh arosefromhisthrone,andstoodbeforeHaiqâr,andsaid tohim,'Tellmenow,thatImayperceivewhomthylord thekingislike,andhisnobles,towhomtheyarelike.'
50AndHaiqârsaidtohim:'MylordistheGodof heaven,andhisnoblesarethelightningsandthethunder, andwhenhewillsthewindsblowandtherainfalls.
51Andhecommandsthethunder,anditlightensand rains,andheholdsthesun,anditgivesnotitslight,and themoonandthestars,andtheycirclenot.
52Andhecommandsthetempest,anditblowsandthe rainfallsandittramplesonAprilanddestroysits flowersanditshouses'
53AndwhenPharaohheardthisspeech,hewasgreatly perplexedandwaswrothwithagreatwrath,andsaidto him:'Oman!tellmethetruth,andletmeknowwho thoureallyart'
54Andhetoldhimthetruth'IamHaiqârthescribe, greatestofthePrivyCouncillorsofkingSennacherib, andIamhisvizierandtheGovernorofhiskingdom, andhisChancellor'
55Andhesaidtohim,'Thouhasttoldthetruthinthis sayingButwehaveheardofHaiqâr,thatking Sennacheribhasslainhim,yetthoudostseemtobe aliveandwell'
56AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Yes,soitwas,butpraisebe toGod,whoknowethwhatishidden,formylordthe kingcommandedmetobekilled,andhebelievedthe wordofprofligatemen,buttheLorddeliveredme,and blessedishewhotrustethinHim'
57AndPharaohsaidtoHaiqâr,'Go,andto-morrowbe thouhere,andtellmeawordthatIhaveneverheard frommynoblesnorfromthepeopleofmykingdomand mycountry.'
CHAPTER6
Therusesucceeds.Ahikaranswerseveryquestionof Pharaoh.Theboysontheeaglesaretheclimaxofthe day.Wit,sorarelyfoundintheancientScriptures,is revealedinVerses34-45.
1AndHaiqârwenttohisdwelling,andwrotealetter, sayinginitonthiswise:
2FromSennacheribkingofAssyria.andNinevehto PharaohkingofEgypt.
3'Peacebetothee,Omybrother!andwhatwemake knowntotheebythisisthatabrotherhasneedofhis brother,andkingsofeachother,andmyhopefromthee isthatthouwouldstlendmeninehundredtalentsofgold, forIneeditforthevictuallingofsomeofthesoldiers,
that,Imayspendituponthem.AndafteralittlewhileI willsenditthee.'
4Thenhefoldedtheletter,andpresenteditonthe morrowtoPharaoh.
5Andwhenhesawit,hewasperplexedandsaidtohim, 'VerilyIhaveneverheardanythinglikethislanguage fromanyone.'
6ThenHaiqârsaidtohim,'Trulythisisadebtwhich thouowesttomylordtheking.'
7AndPharaohacceptedthis,saying,'OHaiqâr,itisthe likeoftheewhoarehonestintheserviceofkings.
8BlessedbeGodwhohathmadetheeperfectinwisdom andhathadornedtheewithphilosophyandknowledge.
9Andnow,OHaiqâr,thereremainswhatwedesire fromthee,thatthoushouldstbuildasacastlebetween heavenandearth.'
10ThensaidHaiqâr,'Tohearistoobey.Iwillbuild theeacastleaccordingtothywishandchoice;but,O mylordIprepareuslimeandstoneandclayand workmen,andIhaveskilledbuilderswhowillbuildfor theeasthoudesirest'
11Andthekingpreparedallthatforhim,andtheywent toawideplace;andHaiqârandhisboyscametoit,and hetooktheeaglesandtheyoungmenwithhim;andthe kingandallhisnobleswentandthewholecity assembled,thattheymightseewhatHaiqârwoulddo 12ThenHaiqârlettheeaglesoutoftheboxes,andtied theyoungmenontheirbacks,andtiedtheropestothe eagles'feet,andletthemgointheairAndtheysoared upwards,tilltheyremainedbetweenheavenandearth 13Andtheboysbegantoshout,saying,'Bringbricks, bringclay,thatwemaybuildtheking'scastle,forwe arestandingidle!'
14Andthecrowdwereastonishedandperplexed,and theywonderedAndthekingandhisnobleswondered 15AndHaiqârandhisservantsbegantobeatthe workmen,andtheyshoutedfortheking'stroops,saying tothem,'Bringtotheskilledworkmenwhattheywant anddonothinderthemfromtheirwork'
16Andthekingsaidtohim,'Thouartmad;whocan bringanythinguptothatdistance?'
17AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Omylord!howshallwe buildacastleintheair?andifmylordthekingwere here,hewouldhavebuiltseveralcastlesinasingleday.'
18AndPharaohsaidtohim,'Go,OHaiqâr,tothy dwelling,andrest,forwehavegivenupbuildingthe castle,andto-morrowcometome.'
19ThenHaiqârwenttohisdwellingandonthemorrow heappearedbeforePharaoh.AndPharaohsaid,'O Haiqâr,whatnewsisthereofthehorseofthylord?for whenheneighsinthecountryofAssyriaandNineveh, andourmareshearhisvoice,theycasttheiryoung.'
20AndwhenHaiqârheardthisspeechhewentandtook acat,andboundherandbegantoflogherwithaviolent floggingtilltheEgyptiansheardit,andtheywentand toldthekingaboutit.
21AndPharaohsenttofetchHaiqâr,andsaidtohim,'O Haiqâr,whereforedostthouflogthusandbeatthat dumbbeast?'
22AndHaiqârsaidtohim,mylordtheking!verilyshe hasdoneanuglydeedtome,andhasdeservedthis drubbingandflogging,formylordkingSennacherib hadgivenmeafinecock,andhehadastrongtruevoice andknewthehoursofthedayandthenight.
23Andthecatgotupthisverynightandcutoffitshead andwentaway,andbecauseofthisdeedIhavetreated hertothisdrubbing.'
24AndPharaohsaidtohim,'OHaiqâr,Iseefromall thisthatthouartgrowingoldandartinthydotage,for betweenEgyptandNinevehtherearesixty-eight parasangs,andhowdidshegothisverynightandcut offtheheadofthycockandcomeback?'
25AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Omylord!iftherewere suchadistancebetweenEgyptandNinevehhowcould thymareshearwhenmylordtheking'shorseneighsand casttheiryoung?andhowcouldthevoiceofthehorse reachtoEgypt?'
26AndwhenPharaohheardthat,heknewthatHaiqâr hadansweredhisquestions.
27AndPharaohsaid,'OHaiqâr,Iwanttheetomakeme ropesofthesea-sand'
28AndHaiqârsaidtohim,"Omylordtheking!order themtobringmearopeoutofthetreasurythatImay makeonelikeit'
29ThenHaiqârwenttothebackofthehouse,andbored holesintheroughshoreofthesea,andtookahandfulof sandinhishand,sea-sand,andwhenthesunrose,and penetratedintotheholes,hespreadthesandinthesun tillitbecameasifwovenlikeropes
30AndHaiqârsaid,'Commandthyservantstotake theseropes,andwheneverthoudesirestit,Iwillweave theesomelikethem'
31AndPharaohsaid,'OHaiqâr,wehaveamillstone hereandithasbeenbrokenandIwanttheetosewitup'
32ThenHaiqârlookedatit,andfoundanotherstone
33AndhesaidtoPharaoh'Omylord!Iamaforeigner: andIhavenotoolforsewing
34ButIwanttheetocommandthyfaithfulshoemakers tocutawlsfromthisstone,thatImaysewthat millstone'
35ThenPharaohandallhisnobleslaughed.Andhesaid, 'BlessedbetheMostHighGod,whogavetheethiswit andknowledge.'
36AndwhenPharaohsawthatHaiqârhadovercome him,andreturnedhimhisanswers,heatoncebecame excited,andcommandedthemtocollectforhimthree years'taxes,andtobringthemtoHaiqâr.
37Andhestrippedoffhisrobesandputthemupon Haiqâr,andhissoldiers,andhisservants,andgavehim theexpensesofhisjourney.
38Andhesaidtohim,'Goinpeace,Ostrengthofhis lordandprideofhisDoctors!haveanyoftheSultans thylike?givemygreetingstothylordkingSennacherib, andsaytohimhowwehavesenthimgifts,forkingsare contentwithlittle.'
39ThenHaiqârarose,andkissedkingPharaoh'shands andkissedthegroundinfrontofhim,andwishedhim strengthandcontinuance,andabundanceinhistreasury,
andsaidtohim,'Omylord!Idesirefromtheethatnot oneofourcountrymenmayremaininEgypt.'
40AndPharaoharoseandsentheraldstoproclaimin thestreetsofEgyptthatnotoneofthepeopleofAssyria orNinevehshouldremaininthelandofEgypt,butthat theyshouldgowithHaiqâr.
41ThenHaiqârwentandtookleaveofkingPharaoh, andjourneyed,seekingthelandofAssyriaandNineveh; andhehadsometreasuresandagreatdealofwealth.
42AndwhenthenewsreachedkingSennacheribthat Haiqârwascoming,hewentouttomeethimand rejoicedoverhimexceedinglywithgreatjoyand embracedhimandkissedhimandsaidtohim, 'Welcomehome:Okinsman!mybrotherHaiqâr,the strengthofmykingdom,andprideofmyrealm.
43Askwhatthouwould'sthavefromme,evenifthou desirestthehalfofmykingdomandofmypossessions.'
44ThensaidHaiqâruntohim,'Omylordtheking,live forever!Showfavour,Omylordtheking!toAbu Samîkinmystead,formylifewasinthehandsofGod andinhis'
45ThensaidSennacheribtheking,'Honourbetothee, OmybelovedHaiqâr!IwillmakethestationofAbu SamîktheswordsmanhigherthanallmyPrivy Councillorsandmyfavourites'
46Thenthekingbegantoaskhimhowhehadgoton withPharaohfromhisfirstarrivaluntilhehadcome awayfromhispresence,andhowhehadansweredall hisquestions,andhowhehadreceivedthetaxesfrom him,andthechangesofraimentandthepresents
47AndSennacheribthekingrejoicedwithagreatjoy, andsaidtoHaiqâr,'Takewhatthouwouldstfainhaveof thistribute,foritisallwithinthegraspofthyhand'
48AndHaiqârmid:'Letthekingliveforever!Idesire naughtbutthesafetyofmylordthekingandthe continuanceofhisgreatness
49Omylord!whatcanIdowithwealthanditslike? butifthouwiltshowmefavour,givemeNadan,my sister'sson,thatImayrecompensehimforwhathehas donetome,andgrantmehisbloodandholdme guiltlessofit'
50AndSennacheribthekingsaid,'Takehim,Ihave givenhimtothee.'AndHaiqârtookNadan,hissister's son,andboundhishandswithchainsofiron,andtook himtohisdwelling,andputaheavyfetteronhisfeet, andtieditwithatightknot,andafterbindinghimthus hecasthimintoadarkroom,besidetheretiring-place, andappointedNebu-halassentineloverhimtogivehim aloafofbreadandalittlewatereveryday.
CHAPTER7
TheparablesofAhikarinwhichhecompleteshis nephewseducation.Strikingsimiles.Ahikarcallsthe boypicturesquenamesHereendsthestoryofAhikar 1AndwheneverHaiqârwentinorouthescoldedNadan, hissister'sson,sayingtohimwisely:
2'ONadan,myboy!Ihavedonetotheeallthatisgood andkindandthouhastrewardedmeforitwithwhatis uglyandbadandwithkilling
3'Omyson!itissaidintheproverbs:Hewholisteneth notwithhisear,theywillmakehimlistenwiththe scruffofhisneck'
4AndNadansaid,'Forwhatcauseartthouwrothwith me?'
5AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'BecauseIbroughttheeup, andtaughtthee,andgavetheehonourandrespectand madetheegreat,andrearedtheewiththebestof breeding,andseatedtheeinmyplacethatthoumightest bemyheirintheworld,andthoudidsttreatmewith killinganddidstrepaymewithmyruin.
6ButtheLordknewthatIwaswronged,andHesaved mefromthewarewhichthouhadstsetforme,forthe Lordhealeththebrokenheartsandhindereththeenvious andthehaughty.
7Omyboy!thouhastbeentomelikethescorpion whichwhenitstrikesonbrass,piercesit.
8Omyboy!thouartlikethegazellewhowaseatingthe rootsofthemadder,anditaddmeto-dayandto-morrow theywilltantheyhideinmyroots."
9Omyboy!thouhastbeentowhosawhiscomrade nakedinthechillytimeofwinter;andhetookcold waterandpoureditonhim
10Omyboy!thouhastbeentomelikeamanwhotook astone,andthrewituptoheaventostonehisLordwith itAndthestonedidnothit,anddidnotreachhigh enough,butitbecamethecauseofguiltandsin
11Omyboy!ifthouhadsthonouredmeandrespected meandhadstlistenedtomywordsthouwouldsthave beenmyheirandwouldsthavereignedovermy dominions
12Omyson!knowthouthatifthetailofthedogorthe pigweretencubitslongitwouldnotapproachtothe worthofthehorse'sevenifitwerelikesilk
13Omyboy!Ithoughtthatthouwouldsthavebeenmy heiratmydeath;andthouthroughthyenvyandthy insolencedidstdesiretokillmeButtheLorddelivered mefromthycunning
14Omyson!thouhastbeentomelikeatrapwhichwas setuponthedunghill,andtherecameasparrowand foundthetrapsetupAndthesparrowsaidtothetrap, "Whatdoestthouhere?"Saidthetrap,"Iampraying heretoGod."
15Andthelarkaskeditalso,"Whatisthepieceofwood thatthouholdest?"Saidthetrap,"ThatisayoungoaktreeonwhichIleanatthetimeofprayer."
16Saidthelark:"Andwhatisthatthinginthymouth?" Saidthetrap:"ThatisbreadandvictualswhichIcarry forallthehungryandthepoorwhocomeneartome."
17Saidthelark:"NowthenmayIcomeforwardandeat, forIamhungry?"Andthetrapsaidtohim,"Come forward."Andthelarkapproachedthatit,mighteat.
18Butthetrapsprangupandseizedthelarkbyitsneck.
19Andthelarkansweredandsaidtothetrap,"Ifthatis thybreadforthehungryGodacceptethnotthinealms andthykinddeeds.
20Andifthatisthyfastingandthyprayers,God acceptethfromtheeneitherthyfastnorthyprayer,and Godwillnotperfectwhatisgoodconcerningthee."
21Omyboy!thouhastbeentome(as)alionwhomade friendswithanass,andtheasskeptwalkingbeforethe lionforatime;andonedaythelionsprangupontheass andateitup.
22Omyboy!thouhastbeentomelikeaweevilinthe wheat,foritdoesnogoodtoanything,butspoilsthe wheatandgnawsit.
23Omyboy!thouhastbeenlikeamanwhosowedten measuresofwheat,andwhenitwasharvesttime,he aroseandreapedit,andgarneredit,andthreshedit,and toiledoverittotheveryutmost,anditturnedouttobe tenmeasures,anditsmastersaidtoit:"Othoulazy thing!thouhastnotgrownandthouhastnotshrunk."
24Omyboy!thouhastbeentomelikethepartridge thathadbeenthrownintothenet,andshecouldnotsave herself,butshecalledouttothepartridges,thatshe mightcastthemwithherselfintothenet.
25Omyson!thouhastbeentomelikethedogthatwas coldanditwentintothepotter'shousetogetwarm.
26Andwhenithadgotwarm,itbegantobarkatthem, andtheychaseditoutandbeatit,thatitmightnotbite them
27Omyson!thouhastbeentomelikethepigwho wentintothehotbathwithpeopleofquality,andwhen itcameoutofthehotbath,itsawafilthyholeandit wentdownandwallowedinit
28Omyson!thouhastbeentomelikethegoatwhich joineditscomradesontheirwaytothesacrifice,andit wasunabletosaveitself
29Omyboy!thedogwhichisnotfedfromitshunting becomesfoodforflies
30Omyson!thehandwhichdoesnotlabourand ploughand(which)isgreedyandcunningshallbecut awayfromitsshoulder
31Omyson!theeyeinwhichlightisnotseen,the ravensshallpickatitandpluckitout
32Omyboy!thouhastbeentomelikeatreewhose branchestheywerecutting,anditsaidtothem,"If somethingofmewerenotinyourhands,verilyyou wouldbeunabletocutme"
33Omyboy!thouartlikethecattowhomtheysaid: "Leaveoffthievingtillwemakefortheeachainofgold andfeedtheewithsugarandalmonds."
34Andshesaid,"Iamnotforgetfulofthecraftofmy fatherandmymother."
35Omyson!thouhastbeenliketheserpentridingona thorn-bushwhenhewasinthemidstofariver,anda wolfsawthemandsaid,"Mischiefuponmischief,and lethimwhoismoremischievousthantheydirectboth ofthem."
36Andtheserpentsaidtothewolf,"Thelambsandthe goatsandthesheepwhichthouhasteatenallthylife, wiltthoureturnthemtotheirfathersandtotheirparents orno?"
37Saidthewolf,"No."Andtheserpentsaidtohim,"I thinkthataftermyselfthouarttheworstofus."
38Omyboy!Ifedtheewithgoodfoodandthoudidst notfeedmewithdrybread.
39Omyboy!Igavetheesugaredwaterto.drinkand goodsyrup,andthoudidstnotgivemewaterfromthe welltodrink
40Omyboy!Itaughtthee,andbroughttheeup,and thoudidstdigahiding-placeformeanddidstconceal me.
41Omyboy!Ibroughttheeupwiththebestupbringing andtrainedtheelikeatallcedar;andthouhasttwisted andbentme.
42Omyboy!itwasmyhopeconcerningtheethatthou wouldstbuildmeafortifiedcastle,thatImightbe concealedfrommyenemiesinit,andthoudidstbecome tomelikeoneburyinginthedepthoftheearth;butthe Lordtookpityonmeanddeliveredmefromthy cunning.
43Omyboy!Iwishedtheewell,andthoudidstreward mewithevilandhatefulness,andnowIwouldfaintear outthineeyes,andmaketheefoodfordogs,andcutout thytongue,andtakeoffthyheadwiththeedgeofthe sword,andrecompensetheeforthineabominable deeds'
44AndwhenNadanheardthisspeechfromhisuncle Haiqâr,hesaid:'Omyuncle!dealwithmeaccordingto thyknowledge,andforgivememysins,forwhoisthere whohathsinnedlikeme,orwhoistherewhoforgives likethee?
45Acceptme,Omyuncle!NowIwillserveinthy house,andgroomthyhorsesandsweepupthedungof thycattle,andfeedthysheep,forIamthewickedand thouarttherighteous:Itheguiltyandthouthe forgiving'
46AndHaiqârsaidtohim,'Omyboy!thouartlikethe treewhichwasfruitlessbesidethewater,anditsmaster wasfaintocutitdown,anditsaidtohim,"Removeme toanotherplace,andifIdonotbearfruit,cutmedown"
47Anditsmastersaidtoit,"Thoubeingbesidethe waterhastnotbornefruit,howshaltthoubearfruit whenthouartinanotherplace?"
48Omyboy!theoldageoftheeagleisbetterthanthe youthofthecrow
49Omyboy!theysaidtothewolf,"Keepawayfrom thesheeplesttheirdustshouldharmthee."Andthewolf said,"Thedregsofthesheep'smilkaregoodformy eyes."
50Omyboy!theymadethewolfgotoschoolthathe mightlearntoreadandtheysaidtohim,"SayA,B."He said,"Lambandgoatinmybell"
51Omyboy!theysettheassdownatthetableandhe fell,andbegantorollhimselfinthedustandonesaid, "Lethimrollhimself,foritishisnature,hewillnot change.
52Omyboy!thesayinghasbeenconfirmedwhichruns: "Ifthoubegettestaboy,callhimthyson,andifthou rearestaboy,callhimthyslave."
53Omyboy!hewhodoethgoodshallmeetwithgood; andhewhodoethevilshallmeetwithevil,fortheLord requitethamanaccordingtothemeasureofhiswork.
54Omyboy!whatshallIsaymoretotheethanthese sayings?fortheLordknowethwhatishidden,andis acquaintedwiththemysteriesandthesecrets
55AndHewillrequitetheeandwilljudge,betwixtme andthee,andwillrecompensetheeaccordingtothy desert',
56AndwhenNadanheardthatspeechfromhisuncle Haiqâr,heswelledupimmediatelyandbecamelikea blown-outbladder.
57Andhislimbsswelledandhislegsandhisfeetand hisside,andhewastornandhisbellyburstasunderand hisentrailswerescattered,andheperished,anddied.
58Andhislatterendwasdestruction,andhewentto hell.Forhewhodigsapitforhisbrothershallfallintoit; andhewhosetsuptrapsshallbecaughtinthem.
59Thisiswhathappenedand(what)wefoundaboutthe taleofHaiqâr,andpraisebetoGodforever.Amen,and peace.
60ThischronicleisfinishedwiththehelpofGod,may Hebeexalted!Amen,Amen,Amen.