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SHAYAST LA-SHAYAST.
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2. This, too, that the nature of wisdom is just like fire; for, in this world, there is nothing which shall become so complete as that thing which is made with wisdom; and every fire, too, that they kindle and one sees from far, makes manifest what is safe and uninjured (airâkht); whatever is safe in fire is safe for ever, and whatever is uninjured in fire is uninjured for ever.
3. This, too, that a disposition in which is no wisdom is such-like as a clear, unsullied (anâhûk) fountain which is choked (basto) and never goes into use; and the disposition with which there is wisdom is such-like as a clear, unsullied fountain, over which an industrious man stands and takes it into use; cultivation restrains it, and it gives crops (bar) to the world.
1
4. This, too, that these three things are to be done by men, to force the demon of corruption (nasus) far away from the body, to be steadfast in the religion, and to perform good works. 5. To force the demon of corruption far away from the body is this, that before the sun has come up one is to wash the hands and face with bull's urine and water; to be steadfast in the religion is this, that one is to reverence the sun; and to perform good works is this, that one is to destroy several noxious
creatures.
6. This, too, that the three greatest concerns of men are these, to make him who is an enemy a friend, to make him who is wicked righteous, and to make him who is ignorant learned. 7. To make
1 See Chap. II, 1.
See Chap. VII, 7.
See Chap. VII, 1-6.
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