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SEPTEMBER, 1884.)
CORRESPONDENCE AND MISCELLANEA.
271
CORRESPONDENCE AND MISCELLANEA. To the Editor of the Indian Antiquary. 155. Don't strive with one whom you cannot SIR,-With the story of Zerka, the lynx-eyed vanquish. watchman of Nur, given by Mr. Howorth in your 156. Promise nothing which you cannot give. number for July 1834 (p. 206) compare the follow. 157. Have no dealings with him from whom ing from Captain Playfair's "History of Arabia you cannot expect justice. Felix."
158. Don't say all that you know, for there is “He informed Hassan Tobba (reigned in Yemen enough of folly in it. 237-250 A.D.) that he had a sister named Zerka-el. 159. Don't repudiate a friend, though he may be Yemama, married to one of the Jadisites, who was ungrateful, nor believe an enemy though he possessed of such a wonderful power of vision thank you. that she could distinguish objects at a distance 160. Don't disclose your secret to your wife or of several days' journey; and recommended that servant, for they will reduce you to slavery, do each soldier should carry before him branches of not exceed moderation in your desires and anger trees to conceal the approach of the force. This for they will disarm you. advice was followed; but in spite of the precau- 161. Don't think little of an enemy though he tion Zerka-el-Yemama descried the advancing may be weak. army at a great distance; and informed the tribe 162. Do nothing which may dishonour your that she saw a forest advancing, beyond which
reputation and good name. were the Himyarites. No heed was given to this
163. Let not your desires reduce you to slavery, warning, and when, a short time afterwards, she
for God created you free. declared that she saw a soldier step out of the
164. Do not grieve for pardon granted to others, ranks to repair his sandal, she was laughed to
nor rejoice at punishment inflicted on them. scorn; and no preparations for defence being
165. Do not associate too much with kings, for taken until it was too late, the Himyarites
if you frequent their company for a long time attacked and exterminated the Jadisites; only
they may get tired of you, and if you advise one escaped. Zerka-el-Yemama was taken, and
them they may treat you badly. deprived of sight. When her eyes were extracted,
166. Don't associate with worldly people, for if it was found that the eyeball was traversed with
you are poor they will despise you, but if rich black fibres; and she avowed that she owed her
they will envy you, wonderful eyesight to a salve of powdered anti
167. Don't rejoice over riches nor grieve over mony. It has been said that she was the first
poverty and trials, for gold is tried in the fire Arab female who employed kohl or collyrium.
and the pious man in afflictions. The province of Jan, the seat of the Jadisites,
168. Don't put the anxieties of a whole year was subsequently called after her Yemama."
into one day, let that which is appointed suffice So far Captain Playfair, quoting Caussin de
for each day; for if you should live the whole Percival, and I have seen the story somewhere
year God will give on each to-morrow that which else, with the remark that Zerka or Serca means
is destined, but if you should not live, what is "Blue-eyes" (P) Mr. Howorth's authority is ap
the use of being anxious about what is not yours. parently Petit de la Croix; but the original Arab story must have been carried up and localized at
169. A wise man should address a fool as # Nur by some professional story-teller; and after
dootor does a sick man. words laid hold of by De la Croix' authority.
170. There are four signs of failing fortune, viz. Birnam Wood has certainly marched a good
bad management, base profusion, little attention, deal about the world in its day.
and much sloth. W. F. SINCLAIR
171. As there is no reward for your soul
except Paradise, so don't sell it except for that THE PROVERBS OF ALI BIN TALEBI. Paradise. Translated by K. T. Best, M.A., M.R.4.8.,
172. Many men are tempted by ingenious Principal, Guzerat College.
words.
173. He who is contented with his own lot has Continued from p. 212.
enough. 153. Don't trust one who has no religion, nor be 174. He who sees and disapproves of the view friendly with him who has no fidelity, nor 1880- of men and afterwards is himself pleased with ciate with him who has no understanding, nor them is very foolish indeed. tell a secret to one who is not true.
175 The glory of poverty is abstinence, the 154. Ask not from him whose refusal you fear.'glory of riches is gratitude.
