mceng

Paris 3465_EN	Paris 3466_EN	CCCParker 578_EN	Ayasofya 4095_EN	Pococke 400_EN



1 / McChapterTitle Kopie von 86 Here ends the Chapter of the Rat and the Cat.		The Chapter of the Cat and Rat	The Chapter of the Cat and Rat	The Chapter of the Cat and Rat

2 / McKingsQuestionOnPact Dabshīlam the king said to Baydabā the philosopher: “Now that I have heard this parable, tell me a parable about a man whose enemies multiplied and surrounded him on every side, so that with them he was about to perish. So he sought salvation and a way out by befriending one of his enemies and making a truce with him, and thus became free of fear and safe, and then he kept his promise to the one of them with whom he made peace.”	Dayshalīm the king said to Baydanā the philosopher: “I have understood this parable. Now tell me a parable about a weak man whose enemies were many and surrounded him from every side, so that he was on the verge of perishing. Then he sought a truce with one of his enemies, and thereby became safe and kept his promise to the one with whom he made peace. Tell me about the proper time for a truce, how one should go about making it.”	“I have understood what you mentioned of the matters of knowledge and reason,” said the King to the Philosopher, “and how a man of both benefits and gains merit. Now, tell me the parable of a man whose enemies are many, and being on the brink of perishing at their hands, seeks to reconcile with them, since he fears them. Tell me about the nature of truce and how it should be.”	[223v] “I have heard the parable you presented,” said the King to the Philosopher. “Present to me now, if you will, the parable of a man whose enemies are many and surround him on every side; who is on the brink of perishing; who seeks a way out by partnering with one of the enemies, reconciling with him; [224r] who is saved from that he fears; and who keeps his promise to the one enemy with whom he reconciled. Tell me about the nature of truce and how that is sought.	“I have understood what you mentioned of the matters of government and reason,” said the King to the Philosopher, “and how a man of both stands to benefit. Now, tell me the parable of the man who, outnumbered by enemies and on the brink of perishing, finds a way out through reconciling with one of them, is saved from that which had frightened him, and keeps his promise to the one with whom he reconciled. Tell me about the nature of truce—how it is”

3 / McPhilAnswersEmotionsChange The Philosopher said: “Affection and enmity do not remain in one state forever: affection often has changed into enmity, and enmity has become friendship; and for this there are occasions, causes, and experiences.	[274] The Philosopher said: “Enmity and friendship, affection and hatred do not all of them last and remain constant: much affection often turns into hatred, and much hatred turns into into affection, in response to changing circumstances and occasional events.	The Philosopher said: “Enmity and closeness do not endure and become firm. Much of affection turns into hatred and much of hatred turns into affection, as motives and conditions changeandhatred might also become love and love hatred.	The Philosopher said: “Not all instances of enmity, amity, and hatred become firm and endure. Much of affection turns into hatred and much of hatred turns into love and affection, as motives and conditions change;	The Philosopher said: “Not all instances of enmity and closeness endure and are made firm. Much of affection turns into hatred and much of hatred turns into affection, as motives and conditions change;

4 / McPhilIntelligentResponds The person of judgment produces for every eventuality a strategy: as regards an enemy, [a strategy of] forcefulness; as regards a friend, [a strategy of] familiarity.	The perspicacious man produces a judgment for every event and prepares his resources for it—when there is hope for what an enemy has [to offer], or disappointment with respect to a friend.		and so a man of reason and intelligence prepares for all such arising events a natural judgment regarding that which ensues with an enemy—and there is no issue with the feelings of a friend.	and so a man of reason adapts to all such arising changes acting upon the character of the enemy before him.

5 / McPhilAnswersIntelligentAsks Enmity does not prevent a possessor of intelligence from *** someone who was hostile to him by asking him to help repel a danger or bring about something desired.	Hostility that once was in his soul toward his enemy will not prevent him from approaching him and seeking what he has [to offer] when he hopes that by him he can repel danger or bring about a benefit; he uses his wits to bring about rapprochement and reconciliation.	A man of reason is not hindered by an enmity in his soul toward someone of his kin, or otherwise, from asking aid, if he so covets, to avert a scary matter or draw benefit; and he does not fail to use his judgement in creating a connection,	A man of reason is not hindered by an enmity toward his enemy from approaching him and soliciting aid, if he desires him to avert a scary matter, and so he applies judgment in creating connection and reconciliation;

6 / McPhilAnswersResoluteReaches Whoever acts prudently in this way will obtain his need.	Whoever employs his judgment on this and acts resolutely will achieve his end thereby and emerge from his predicament.	for he who preempts such failure and acts diligently in this will attain his need and reach his pursuit.	for he who sees [a fitting] judgment for that and acts upon it to attain his need

7 / McPhilAnswersParabCatAndRat An example of this is the parable of the Rat and the Cat, when they fell into a predicament and by concluding a truce with each other escaped from their grave predicament.”	Among the examples of this is the parable of the Rat the and Cat, who concluded a truce when they fell into a predicament and hardship, and therein lay the salvation of both from what they had fallen into.” blank space for illustration marginal legend: Picture of the King and the Philosopher [275]	A parable that tells of this is the parable of the cat and the rat, who put their disagreements aside when they fell into trouble and difficulty, and therein was the wellbeing of them both.”	A parable that tells of this is the parable of the rat and the cat, who put their disagreements aside, when such judgment proved sensible to them, and in their agreement was the wellbeing of them both and rescue from dire difficulty.”	A parable that tells of this is the parable of the cat and the rat, who put their disagreements aside when they fell into trouble and difficulty and, owing to their truce, kept their lives.”

8 / McKingRequestsStoryPhilNarrates The King said, “And how was that?” Baydabā said:	The king said, “And how was that?” The philosopher said:	“And how was that?” said the King.	“And how was that?” said the King. The Philosopher said:	“And how was that?” said the King.

9 / McRatsHole They have stated that at the root of a great tree was the den of a Cat named Rūmī. Near [117v] it was the den of a Rat named Farīdūn.	They have alleged that in such-and-such a place there was a great yabrūṭ tree by whose root was the den of a Rat named Fayrūz. Near it was the dwelling of a Cat named Rūmī.	“The claim goes,” said the Philosopher that, in the land of Sarandīb, there was a tree, at its foot lived a rat, and next to the tree there was the den of a cat named Rūmī.	“The claim goes that, in the land of Sarandīb, there was a tall tree, and at its foot there was the burrow of a rat called Farīdūn and the den of a cat named Rūmī.	“The claim goes,” said the Philosopher that, in the land of Sirandīb, there was a tree at whose foot lived a rat named Farīdūn and next to it was the den of a cat named Rūmī.

10 / McCatIsCaught Hunters often frequented that place to hunt animals and birds. One day a hunter encamped and set up his snares near Rūmī’s place, and it wasn’t long before he fell into them.	Hunters often sought to hunt animals and birds near that tree. One day a hunter set up his snares and the Cat fell into them.	The hunters of that land had gone every day to valleys and other sites to find game from which to benefit. One day they passed that very tree and noticed that fowl and wild animals took shelter there; and so they started to that place at all times [[and every time]].” “One day,” he continued, “one of them came and set his snares, which caught the cat whose name was Rūmī!”	Hunters, at times, used to pass by that place, seeking to hunt wild game. One such huntsman came by, one day, set his snares, and Rūmī fell into them.	Hunters at times used to seek game and fowl there; one day, one such huntsman set his snares, which caught the cat.

11 / McRatSurroundedByFoes The Rat came creeping out, looking for something to eat, wary of Rūmī. While he was walking along, he caught sight of him caught in the snare; it made him glad and he rejoiced. Then he turned and saw behind him a Weasel intending to take him, and in the tree an Owl intending to snatch him. He was perplexed about what to do. He feared that if he turned back, the Weasel would take him; if he went right or left, the Owl would snatch him; and if [118r] he went straight ahead, the Cat would seize him.	The Rat crept out to find something to eat, warily turning and looking. When he saw the Cat caught in the snares, he rejoiced at it. Then he turned round and saw a Weasel that had followed him and lay in wait; he looked up, and there in the tree was an Owl watching him. He feared that if he turned back, the Weasel would pounce on him; if he went right or left, the Owl would snatch him; and if he went straight ahead, the Cat would eat him.	He said: “As the cat fell into the snares, the rat was coming out to seek some nourishment. Upon seeing the cat in the snares, he became afraid for himself, turning left and right. Then saw the cat in the snares and rejoiced greatly at that, as if he fell upon an opportunity. While joyful, he happened to look behind and suddenly saw a mongoose; he then raised his eye toward the tree and saw an owl on the tree. And so, he feared for himself: if he turned back, illustration the mongoose would jump on him and if he stepped forward, the cat would take him.	“The rat came out wanting to eat something, yet all the while cautious, turning around, surveying; upon seeing the cat trapped in the snares, he rejoiced. He then turned behind him and saw that a mongoose had tracked him; and looking over his head, he saw an owl, atop a tree, watching him. And so, he feared—that if he turned back, the weasel would jump on him; that if he moved left or right, the owl would take him; and that if he stepped forward, the cat was right in front of him.	The rat came out creeping, seeking something to eat, turning around, surveying; upon seeing the cat in the snares, he rejoiced at it. Then he looked behind and saw that a mongoose had tracked him and lay in wait, and looking toward the top of the tree, he saw an owl watching him. And so, he fearedthatif he turned back, the weasel would jump on him; that if he moved left or right, the owl would snatch him; and that if he stepped forward, the cat would take him.

12 / McRatKeepsAlert So he said to himself: “This is a trouble that has encompassed me: evils have leagued together against me, and trials have surrounded me. But I still have my intelligence. My situation will not frighten me, my affair will not terrify me, perplexity will not overtake me, and my heart will not become unsettled.	So he said: “These are troubles that have surrounded me, and evils that have leagued together against me. I have no recourse but my intelligence and resourcefulness. Dismay must not overcome me, and my intelligence must not go to pieces.	‘These are troubles that have besieged me,’ he said, ‘and evils that have come upon me in succession, and I have no resort but to my ingenuity and sense. I should not fall into confusion and be disheartened;	“The Rat said, ‘This is trouble which has besieged me [224v] and evils that have come upon me in succession, and I have no resort but to my sense and ingenuity. I should not fall into confusion and be disheartened;	‘These are troubles that have besieged me,’ he said, ‘and evils that have come upon me in succession, and there is no recourse but to my sense and ingenuity. I should not fall into confusion and be disheartened;

13 / McIntelligentAlwaysKeepsAlert The intelligent person’s judgment never leaves him, and his mind never abandons him.	The intelligent person’s judgment does not become scattered, and his intelligence never deserts him.	the sensible man does not lose judgment and his intelligence does not abandon him, whatever the circumstance.	the sensible man does not lose judgment and his intelligence does not abandon him, whatever the circumstance.	the sensible man does not lose judgment and his intelligence does not abandon him, whatever the circumstance.

14 / McIntelligentIsLikeSea Intelligence is like the sea whose bottom cannot be reached.	For the minds of the intelligent are like the sea, whose depth cannot be plumbed.	For the minds of the wise are like the sea whose depth cannot be reached,	For the minds of the level-headed are like the sea whose depth cannot be reached.	Good judgment in this is like the sea whose depths cannot be reached,

15 / McIntelligentNotBlindedBySituation The perspicacious person does not remain exhausted. A man’s judgment should not bring him to a point at which he is blinded to his situation.	[276] Trouble does not overtax a person of judgment, nor should hope master him to such an extent as to render him reckless, intoxicated, or blind to his situation. I must use my intelligence.”	and trouble does not so much affect a level-headed man as to stupefy his mind and cause him to perish.	Trouble does not affect the level-headed man with the loss of his sense as to cause him to perish; and neither should comfort affect him so as to make him complacent, exuberant, and blind to his situation.	and trouble does not so much take over a level-headed man—especially over his intelligence—as to cause him to perish, while hope is attainable.

16 / McRatWillSeekPactWithCat I see no way out of this trouble except making a truce with the Cat. Trouble has descended on him like what has descended on me—or part of it. Perhaps if he listens to the words that I will speak to him, heeds my eloquent address, and my pure sincerity, about which there is no disagreement and in which there is no deception, he will understand it and desire my assistance to him, and we shall all be saved.”	Then he said: “I see no better scheme than to seek a truce with the Cat. A misfortune has descended on the Cat such that no one but I can extricate him from it. Perhaps, if he listens to the true words without deception that I will speak to him, he may understand my intent, hope for my assistance and a truce with me for his own benefit, and in it there will be salvation for me and for him.” blank space for illustration marginal legend: Picture of the Cat in the Snares, the Rat Addressing Him, and the Owl in the Tree to the Side	I see no better strategy than for me to seek reconciliation with the cat, for he has been beset by a harmful affair, and I might be able set him free. If he listens to what I’m going to say to him, in words that are genuine and without deceit, he would understand me and would desire [[my amity]] my help, and this could be, for me and him, the rescue.’	Then he said, ‘I see no better strategy than to seek reconciliation with the cat, for the cat has been beset by trouble, and I might be able [to bring about] his well-fare. Perhaps, if he listens to what I’m going to address him with—words that are genuine and without deceit—he would understand me, would desire my help, and would be assuaged by reconciling with me. Perhaps, this will hold, for me and him, the rescue.’”	I see no better strategy than to seek reconciliation with the cat, for he has been beset by a grave burden. I could … me, and he would desire my remaining alive, and in that could lie my and his rescue.’

17 / McRatApproachesAndQuestionsCat The Rat then approached the Cat and said to him, “How are you?”	So he said to him, “How are you?”	“And so the rat approached the cat and said, ‘How are you?’	“He approached him and said, ‘How are you?’	He approached him and said, ‘How are you?’

18 / McCatAdmitsBeingTrapped “Just as you would like,” he said, “in trouble and distress!”	“Just as you would like,” he said, “in trouble and distress!”	The cat said, ‘As you can see and would fancy—in dire straits.’	The cat answered, ‘As you would fancy—in dire straits.’	The cat said, ‘As you would fancy—in dire straight.’

19 / McRatDescribesCommonProblem He said: “Today I am your partner in misfortune. I can hope for no salvation for myself except by something whereby I hope for salvation for you. These words of mine contain no lying or deception. The Weasel here is lying in wait for me, and the Owl is watching me. Each of them is an enemy to me and you. If you grant me a guarantee of safety, I will cut your cords and save you from this predicament. If that happens, each of us shall escape because of the otherlike	The Rat said: “I am speaking to you without lying. By my life, whatever harmed you used to bring me joy, and I used to consider whatever distressed you a comfort to me. But today I’ve become your partner in misfortune. Such distress has befallen me that your death would not make me happy. So I am your partner, and my only hope for salvation [277] lies in something that I hope will also be your salvation. That is what has softened me towards you. And you also: no one is more able to help you and free you from this misfortune than I. You will know the truth of my words and that there is no lying or deception in them. You can see where the Weasel is lying in wait for me, and where the Owl is wanting to snatch me. Each of them is an enemy to me, but both of them fear you and guard themselves against you. If you guarantee my safety and promise not to kill me, I will approach you, cut your cords, and rescue you from your distress, and I shall escape. Have confidence in what I have said; trust it and me.	‘I wouldn’t dupe you,’ said the rat, ‘for I swear that I used to find delight in that and everything that used to sadden you, and I used to view that which constrained you as comforting to me. However, I have now joined you in trouble, and I can only hope to be delivered through hoping the same for you, for this has made me feel compassion toward you. You will know that my words are neither false nor scheming or deceitful, for you can see the mongoose lying in ambush for me, and the owl wants to snatch me, and both, to you and me, are enemies. They, however, fear and avoid you. So, if you provide to secure me as I approach you—thus saving myself from them—to cut your bonds and deliver you from what you are in, I would do so.	‘I wouldn’t accuse you of lying,’ said the rat, ‘for I swear that I used to find delight in everything that used to sadden you, and I used to view that which constrained you as comforting to me. Today, however, I have joined you in trouble, and I can only hope to be delivered through hoping that the same thing will deliver you; it is this that has made me feel compassion toward you. You will know that my words bear neither doubt nor deceit, for you can see the mongoose lying in ambush for me, and the owl wants to snatch me, and both, to me and you, are enemies. They, however, fear and respect you. So, if you provide to secure me as I approach you, thus saving me from them, I will deliver you from what you are in. Be reassured as to what I have mentioned and trust me.	‘I swear,’ said the rat, ‘that which delighted you used to sadden me, and I might have desired for your conditions to harden and for your end loom about you. However, I have been so beset by evils that neither the precariousness of your situation nor your death can delight me. You, too! No one is more capable of getting you out of this situation than I am. [I am] weary of the weasel and the owl: they are watching me, and I am weak, incapable of fending them off. If you guarantee me restraint on your part and ensure deliverance from the others that have besieged and are watching me, I will save you from that in which you are and deliver you from your bonds. Seize on that, then,

20 / McFailWithoutMutualTrust	No one is farther from the good than two persons whose standing is the same though their character be different: one is the person who trusts no one; the other is the person whom no one trusts.	No one is farther from the good than two whose situation is the same, their quality is different, and one is distrustful and the other cannot be trusted.	For no one is farther from the good than two whose situation is the same and their quality is different: one, is he who trusts no one; and the other, is he whom no one trusts.

21 / McRatPromisesFaithfulness	You have my word that I will fulfill what I have offered you. Accept it from me and be at ease with me! Don’t delay while you can.	I will fulfill my commitment to you. So do accept my proposal and be open to me; and make haste in that,	I will fulfill to you the commitment I pledged on my behalf. So do accept my proposal and be open to me—make haste in that and don’t delay!

22 / McIntelligentDoesntPostpone	An intelligent person doesn’t postpone acting in time!	for the sensible man does not postpone his action.	For the sensible man does not postpone his action.

23 / McCatRatCommonRescue	May you be as glad to see my survival as I to see yours! Each of us will be saved by the other—like	And let yourself be pleased by my survival as I will be pleased by yours,	And let yourself be pleased by [225r] my survival as I will be pleased by yours,

24 / McSailorShipCommonGoal a ship and its passengers at sea: they are saved by the ship, and the ship is saved [118v] by them.	a ship at sea: it reaches safety only by means of its passengers, and the passengers reach safety only by means of the ship.	for each one of us will be saved by the other, as with a ship and its passengers—they are delivered by the ship, which in turn emerges from the sea and is delivered by them.	for each one of us will be saved by the other, as with a ship and its passengers at sea: it is by the ship that the passengers are delivered, and it is by the passengers that the ship is delivered.

25 / McCatRatMutualHelp	Similarly, by helping each other we can hope to be saved from this distress.”			and help me deliver you and myself, for as I desire my survival to be bound to your survival, like so you should desire your survival to be bound to my survival and my deliverance. [ As people survive the seas with ships], so I hope that we arrive, through cooperation, at survival for us both from this trouble.’

26 / McCatTrustsRat When the Cat recognized the Rat’s words, he recognized that he was telling the truth, and said to him: “These words of yours do indeed seem true. I, too, agree to that whereby I hope for salvation for you and for myself. Then, if you do this, I will thank you for it as long as I live.”	When the Cat heard the Rat’s words, he knew that he was telling the truth. He became happy and trusted his words. He said to the Rat: “I think your words resemble truth and honesty. I accept this truce, which I hope will bring salvation to myself and to you. [278] I will thank you for it as long as I live and reward you most splendidly.” So they made a pact on it.	“When the cat heard his talk, he was delighted and knew that the rat was truthful in it and said, ‘I see that your words are akin to the truth, and I desire this truce, in which for you and me, I hope, will be survival. I will then be grateful and grant you the best reward. You are to be thanked, and with that, I will be safe in the end due to you—I will neither fear you nor panic.’”	“When the cat heard the talk by the rat, he was delighted by it and knew that he was truthful and said to the rat, ‘I see that your words are akin to truth and sincerity. I am desirous of this truce, in which for myself and you, I hope, will be deliverance. I will then thank you for it, as long as I live, and grant you for it the best reward.	“When the cat heard this from the rat, he knew that he was truthful and said, ‘You are correct and have spoken the truth. See to the arrangement by which we can be rid of this trouble, and I will enact it. I will remember this favor forever and will ensure that I properly reward you.’

27 / McRatExplainsStrategy	Then the Rat said to the Cat: “When I approach you, show the Weasel and the Owl by your behavior that we’ve made peace. They will go away disappointed, and then, feeling safe, I will proceed to cut your cords.”	“When the cat reached the end of his speech,” he continued, “the rat turned to him and said, ‘When I approach you, the mongoose and the owl should see us, so they will know of our truce, and withdraw, giving up on us.’ ‘You have spoken truthfully,’ the rat said.”	“The rat said, ‘When I approach you, show the mongoose and the owl that by which they will learn of our truce, making them leave, having given up on us, and I will proceed to gnaw at the ropes.	‘Allow me to approach to you,’ said the rat, ‘for if the owl and the weasel see us in agreement, they will leave us, and when I am in safety from them, I will cut your bonds while feeling secure.’

28 / McCatFulfillsHisPart	When the Rat approached the Cat, the Cat embraced him, greeted him, and shook his hand.	“When the rat approached the cat, intending to do what the cat had ordered	“When the rat approached the cat, he took him and held him close.	“The cat did so, An illustration of the rat, the cat in the net, the weasel in the den, and the owl on the tree. ensuring his safety, and the rat approached him.

29 / McRatExplainsLastRope The Rat said: “I will approach you and cut all the cords, except one cord, which I will leave as security for my life.”				Kopie von 49 ‘I will cut your bonds but leave one cord, which I will take as a security, for you to cut yourself, so that you could not catch me—then you will be saved from your bonds.’

30 / McRatBeginsCutRope Then he began gnawing his cords.			Kopie von 32 and the rat took to gnawing at the cat’s cords.

31 / McFoesLeaveFrustrated When the Weasel and the Owl saw the Rat approach the Cat, they despaired of [catching] him and went away.	When the Weasel and the Owl saw this, they went away despairing of the Rat and retreated disappointed.	and the owl and the mongoose saw him, they left disappointed.”	When the owl and the mongoose saw that, they left disappointed,	“When the mongoose and the owl saw that, they left the place,

32 / McRatBeginsCutRopeA Kopie von 50 The Rat then began cutting the Cat’s cords.	The Rat started cutting the Cat’s cords; he began cutting them little by little.	He said: “The rat approached him and took to gnawing at the cat’s ties, illustration but the cat found him slow and said, ‘I don’t see that you are serious! If you’ve attained your want and have shifted away from your earlier commitment and tarry in the matter at hand, well that is not characteristic of the noble, who should not fail to fulfill the need of his friend, if he is able to do so.	and the rat took to gnawing at the cat’s cords.	and the rat took to cutting the trap, one cord at a time.

33 / McCatDeemsFulfillmentSlow The Rat then took his time with Rūmī in cutting the cords, so [Rūmī] said to him: “How come I don’t see you exerting yourself in cutting my cords? [119r] If, having obtained what you need, you’ve changed your mind about my needa	When the Cat saw that the Rat was not exerting himself cutting the snare, he deemed him to be working too slowly, and he said: “I don’t think you’re serious about cutting my bonds! If, after obtaining what you need, you’ve reneged on what you promised me and become indifferent to methis		But the cat found him slow and said, ‘I don’t see that you are serious in cutting my bond!	“When the cat noticed that the rat was not diligent about cutting the net, he said, ‘What stops you, dear friend, from assiduously cutting the trap and being through. Is having

34 / McNobleMustHelp noble person does not become indifferent to his companion’s due.	noble person should not become indifferent to his companion’s need when he has satisfied his own need.	Kopie von 32 He said: “The rat approached him and took to gnawing at the cat’s ties, illustration but the cat found him slow and said, ‘I don’t see that you are serious! If you’ve attained your want and have shifted away from your earlier commitment and tarry in the matter at hand, well that is not characteristic of the noble, who should not fail to fulfill the need of his friend, if he is able to do so.	If, having attained your want, you have changed from your earlier commitment and tarried [in fulfilling] my need, well it is not fit for the noble to tarry in fulfilling the need of his companion once he has attained his own need.	secured your need for safety preventing you from that? If that is so, it is not a deed the righteous would do!

35 / McRatMustFulfillPact				As I made haste to deliver you, so you should likewise be assiduous in delivering me.

36 / McCatStatesRatOwesReciprocation My prompt affection already has brought you profit and benefit that you have seen. You ought to reciprocate and not remember the enmity that was between me and you. What has come to pass between us erases any previous malice and turns each of us away from what nested in the soul of his companion.	For you, in my prompt affection, there was benefit and rescue from destruction, as you have seen. You should reciprocate and not remember any of our former hostility. The truce that has come to pass between us should make you forget that. And, along with that, there is the merit that lies in loyalty and the evil consequences that come from treachery.	You found in my amity, swift benefit and deliverance from perishing, as you have seen; and you owe me reward accordingly and are not to remember the enmity between you and me. What has transpired between us deserves to be brought to completion.	You found in my amity swift benefit and deliverance from perishing, as you have seen; and you owe me reward accordingly and are not to remember the enmity between you and me. What has transpired between us should make you forget that.	And if you still remember that old enmity, you should not, especially that I have done well by you, and a deed of this kind is deserving of gratitudeone

37 / McNobleSubstitutesFriendshipEnemity	The noble person is always grateful, never hateful: one act of benevolence makes him forget many acts of injury.	The noble person will always be found grateful, free of grudge, one good quality sticks with him [outweighing] many harmful deeds;	The noble person is always grateful, free of grudge, one good quality makes him forget many harmful qualities;	good deed rights many wrongs!’

38 / McBetrayalIsPunished The swiftest punishment of the liar is treachery. Someone who, when entreated and begged for forgiveness, does not forgive, has acted treacherously.”	[279] It has been said: the swiftest punishment is the punishment of betrayal and perjury, and of a person who, when entreated by someone distraught and begged by an offender for pardon and forgiveness, neither pardons nor forgives when he can. No keeper of the ethics of the righteous is someone who doesn’t do their deeds .	and the swiftest punishment is that of betrayal and perjury and of him who you plead with and ask his forgiveness but who neither forgets nor forgives.’	and the swiftest punishment is that of betrayal and perjury and of him whom you plead with and ask his forgiveness but who neither forgives nor forgets.’

39 / McRatMustFulfillPact	As I hastened to save you and help you, so ought you to exert yourself to save me from these bonds.”

40 / McRatBeginsDefence The Rat said:	The Rat said:	The rat said,	The rat said,	“The rat said,

41 / McFreeVsForcedFriendship “Friends are of two kinds: eager and forced. Both of them seek benefit and guard against damage. As for the eager [friend], he feels at ease with his friend and works for him in all situations. As for the forced [friend], in some situations he feels at ease and in some he holds back.	“Friends are of two kinds: voluntary and forced. Each of them seeks benefits and guards against damages. As for the voluntary [friend], one should feel at ease with him and feel safe in every situation. As for the forced [friend], there is a situation in which one can feel at ease with him, but a situation in which one must be on guard.	‘Friends are of two kinds: the complaisant and the compelled, and both seek benefits and are wary of harm. One should be open the complaisant, whatever the situation may be; as for the compelled, there are situations in which you can feel secure with him and others in which you keep your reserve.	‘Friends are of two kinds: the complaisant and the compelled, and both seek benefits and are wary of harm. One should be open toward and trustful of the complaisant, whatever the situation may be; as for the compelled, there are [225v] situations in which you can be open toward him and others in which you remain cautious of him.	‘Friends are of two kinds, and one of them is the sincere friend, who must prioritize his friend over himself, his kin, and his possessions. As for the friend who is compelled into amity with an acquaintance, it could happen that the amity becomes firm and lasting; but oftentimes, it disbands, going stale and unfulfilled. But a wise man should hold his tongue! For he who reconciles with the enemy, trusts him, acts in his interest, and does not watch out for himselfhis

42 / McIntelligentWithholdsSomething The intelligent person always casts part of his needs against part, to seek the benefit that comes from them.	The intelligent person always makes [the fulfillment of] part of his need conditional on [another] part that he leaves [unfulfilled] and he fears.	Kopie von 43 And so in these situations, the sensible man always holds back a need of the other as a guarantee against what he fears;	And so[, in these situations,] the sensible man always holds back a need of the other as a guarantee against what he is cautious of and what he fears;

43 / McIntelligentTradesFavors		And so in these situations, the sensible man always holds back a need of the other as a guarantee against what he fears;	Kopie von 42 And so[, in these situations,] the sensible man always holds back a need of the other as a guarantee against what he is cautious of and what he fears;

44 / McFriendshipForProfit	Most relationship and friendship among people is only for the seeking of immediate or expected benefit.	and on the whole, people’s connections and experiences only exist to seek an immediate or deferred benefit.	and on the whole, connections and mutual love among people exist only to seek an immediate benefit.

45 / McRatExplainsSelfProtection	I will keep my word to you, while guarding myself lest I suffer at your hands the very thing that compelled me to make a truce with you and compelled you to accept it from me.	I will fulfill to you what I have pledged upon myself but am wary not to be afflicted with the very thing which had made me seek a truce with you;	I will fulfill to you what I have pledged upon myself but am wary not to be afflicted with the very thing which had made me seek a truce with you;

46 / McRatBeginsCutRopeC		for each action has a catch,

47 / McEverythingHasItsTime	Every action has a time: whatever isn’t done at its time has no outcome.		for each action has a set time, and if it is not carried out in its [proper] time, it will have no outcome.

48 / McTrustingFoeLikeEatingBadFood				truce is like him he who eats with someone who follows his fancy with food, and his stomach cannot digest.

49 / McRatExplainCutRopesButOne Kopie von 29 The Rat said: “I will approach you and cut all the cords, except one cord, which I will leave as security for my life.”	I will cut all your cords, but I am leaving one knot as a pledge of security from you: I’ll cut it only at the moment I know that your attention is diverted from me and that you cannot reach me when you are freed from the snare.”	and I will cut your bonds in proper time but will leave one knot to guarantee my safety from you and won't cut it until the time when I know your attention to be distracted from me.’	I will cut your bonds in due time but will leave one knot to guarantee my safety from you and won't cut it until the time when I know you’re too busy with some matter to notice me.’”	‘I will cut your bonds but leave one cord, which I will take as a security, for you to cut yourself, so that you could not catch me—then you will be saved from your bonds.’

50 / McRatCutsAllExceptOneRope The Rat then began cutting the Cat’s cords.	And he did that.	Kopie von 8 “And how was that?” said the King.	“He did so,	Kopie von 8 “And how was that?” said the King.

51 / McHunterApproaches While he was at it, the Hunter arrived.	When morning came, they saw the hunter approaching from afar.	“When morning came, “he continued, “the cat and the rat noticed the huntsman [approaching] from afar,	ٍand they spent the night, talking until morning came when they saw the huntsman approaching from afar.	“When morning came, the huntsman arrived at the place and set his eyes on the cat.

52 / McCatRequestsFulfillment The Cat said to [Rūmī]: “Now [the time for] seriousness in cutting my cords has come.”	Kopie von 54 The Rat said: “Now the moment has come for seriousness about cutting what remains of your bonds.”	Kopie von 54 so the rat said to the cat, ‘the time for alertness has now come indeed; I will diligently cut what is left of your cords.’”	Kopie von 54 So the rat said to the cat, ‘the time now has come for diligence in cutting what is left of your cords.’”	The cat looked at the rat, having had left the one cord uncut;

53 / McCatExpectsToDie	[280] When the cat saw him, he sensed destruction.

54 / McRatAnnouncesCutLastRope Kopie von 52 The Cat said to [Rūmī]: “Now [the time for] seriousness in cutting my cords has come.”	The Rat said: “Now the moment has come for seriousness about cutting what remains of your bonds.”	so the rat said to the cat, ‘the time for alertness has now come indeed; I will diligently cut what is left of your cords.’”	So the rat said to the cat, ‘the time now has come for diligence in cutting what is left of your cords.’”

55 / McRatFulfillsPact So the Rat exerted himself in gnawing until,	And before the hunter came near, the Rat finished cutting the cords, while the Cat was full of apprehension and consternation.	“And before the huntsman could come close, the rat had finished cutting the rest of the cords with which the cat had been tied—he cut them despite his mistrust in the cat and afraid that he might trick him, knowing his treachery and untrustworthiness.”	“He cut his cords, and before the huntsman came close, the rat had finished, despite the cat’s mistrust and perplexity.”	he pulled at the net, not expecting the cord to be cut, but it did,

56 / McCatRatEscape when he had finished, the Cat jumped into the tree, to the Hunter’s amazement, and the Rat entered one of the dens.	When the Rat had finished, the Cat ran to the tree and climbed it, and the Rat dived into his burrow. The hunter took up his ruined snares and net and went away disappointed.	“When he cut the rest of his cords, and the cat knew that he had been delivered from the cords, he passed toward the tree, scampering, flabbergasted, and climbed it; the rat went into his den; illustration and the huntsman grabbed his shredded cords and left feeling sad.”	“When he got free, he ran to the tree and climbed it, the rat entered his burrow, and the huntsman grabbed his shredded cords and left disappointed.”	and both survived! The cat climbed up the tree, the rat went into the den, and the huntsman left the place.

57 / McCatCallsBackRat Then the Rat came out of his burrow afterward. He was reluctant to approach the cat. So the Cat called to him: “O sincere Friend, [you] who have done [me] a favor,	The Rat came out of his burrow afterward. He saw the Cat from a distance, but was reluctant to approach him. blank space for illustration marginal legend: Picture of the Rat and the Cat Conversing The Cat called to him: “Friend, [you] who have done me a favor,	The rat came out after that, saw the cat and dreaded coming close to him. ‘Come, friend,’ cried the cat, ‘you who have done a good deed.	The rat came out of his burrow after that, saw the cat from afar and dreaded approaching him. ‘O, friend,’ cried the cat, ‘you who have done a good deed!	“Later, the rat wanted to come out of the den, but he saw the cat and did not come close to him. ‘Why don’t you approach me, O gracious friend,’ cried the cat.

58 / McCatRemindsRatOfFriendship what has prevented you from approaching me, so that I can reward you [119v] for the good deed you conferred on me? Come to me! Don’t cease treating me as a brother!	what prevents you from approaching me, so that I can reward you for your good deed to me? Come to me! Don’t break off our friendship!	What is stopping you from approaching me, so that I can reward you for the good you’ve done by me? Come to me, then, and don’t sever my brotherly ties;	What is stopping you from approaching me, so that I can endow you with the best for the treatment you have shown me? Do come to me and don’t sever my brotherly ties;

59 / McGiveUpFriendLoosingOut Anyone who makes a friend and then ceases treating him as a brother and wastes his friendship, loses the fruit of his friendship.	Someone who makes a friend and breaks off the friendship loses the fruits of friends and friendship, and brothers and friends dispair of benefit from him.	for he who takes a friend and then loses those brotherly ties will be prevented from reaping the fruits of brotherhood and will make despair those people who hold affection for him.	for he who takes a friend and then loses the affection of those brotherly ties will be prevented from reaping the fruits of brotherhood and will despair from obtaining benefits from brethren.

60 / McCatSuggestsReward Know that what I owe you will be repaid generously.”	Your favor to me will never be forgotten, and you are entitled to seek a reward [281] for it from me and from my brothers and friends. Don’t be afraid of me at all! Know that what I owe to you will be repaid generously.” Then he swore energetically to the sincerity of what he had said.	Your favor, to me, is a favor that cannot be forgotten, and you are entitled to seek my reward for it—as well as that of my brothers and friends. So fear nothing from me, for you should know that what has been declared to you will be bestowed.’ He then swore fervently to the truth of his words.”	Your favor, to me, is a favor that cannot be forgotten, and you are entitled to seek the reward for that from me and from my brothers and friends. So fear nothing from me and know that what is mine will be bestowed upon you.’ He then swore fervently to the truth of what he had said.”	‘I would love to reward you for your beneficence and let you taste the fruits of your deed. Approach me and fear not: you are dearer to me than myself,’ and he swore he did not want to do him harm.”

61 / McRatDistinguishHiddenOvertEnmity The Rat called to him: “Many an outward friendship has enmity latent within it and is more calamitous than outward enmity.	The Rat said: “Many an inward enmity has an outward appearance of friendship and is more harmful and dangerous than outward enmity.	“The rat said: ‘Many a hidden enmity is, on the surface, a friendship, which is more harmful than open enmity,	“The rat answered: ‘Many a hidden enmity is, on the surface, a friendship, which is more harmful than open enmity,	‘He who fails to appease friends and enemies,’ said the rat, ‘harms and ruins himself.

62 / McRidingElephantTusk Its effect is like that of a man who rides on the tusk of an elephant in rut and then, overcome by sleep, falls and perishes.	Anyone not on guard against it will suffer the fate of a man who rides on the tusk of an elephant in rut and then, overcome by sleep, wakes up under the feet of the elephant, who tramples him and kills him.	and whoever is not wary of it will suffer that which befell the man who was riding the tusk of an elephant and fell asleep.	and whoever is not wary of it will suffer that which befalls the man who rides the tusk of a rutting elephant then [226r] falls asleep.

63 / McEnemyBefriendedInNeed A friend is called ‘friend’ only because of the benefit expected from him, and an enemy is called ‘enemy’ because of the harm feared from him. When an intelligent person hopes to obtain a benefit from an enemy, he makes him a show of friendship.	A friend is called ‘friend’ only because of the benefit expected from him, and an enemy is called ‘enemy’ because of the harm one fears from him. When an intelligent person hopes to obtain a benefit from an enemy, he makes him a show of friendship; and if he fears harm from a friend, he makes him a show of enmity.	Now the friend is called a friend precisely for the benefits one hopes to gain from him, and the enemy an enemy for the damage one fears from him: when the sensible man hopes to benefit from the enemy, he feigns friendship; and when he fears evil from a friend, he feigns enmity.	Now the friend is called a friend precisely for the benefits one hopes to gain from him, and the enemy is called an enemy for the damage one fears from him: for, when the sensible man hopes to benefit from the enemy, he feigns friendship; and when he fears harm from a friend, he feigns enmity.	Enmity and friendship are of such a nature that the wise man acts accordingly: . . . should not fraternize with someone unto whom he was an enemy, except in the case of necessity.

64 / McYoungCattleNeedParents Don’t you see how animals follow their mothers in hope of their milk, and when [120r] that ceases, they depart from them?	Don’t you see how children follow their mothers in hope of their milk, and that when that milk ceases, they depart from them?	Don’t you see that the offspring of animals follow them hoping for their milk, but when it stops flowing, they part from them?	Don’t you see that the offspring of animals follow their mothers hoping for their milk, but when that stops flowing, they part from them?	The offspring of animals follow their mothers during nursing time and, when they do without being nursed, part from them.

65 / McCloudsRainOrNot	As clouds form one moment and disperse at another, shed rain one moment and withhold it at another,	Just as clouds form at a certain hour then disperse, appear once and disappear the other,	Just as clouds gather at a certain hour and disperse at another, pour down at a certain hour and hold off at another,

66 / McEnmityTurnsFriendshipInNeed As for enmity that has been made into friendship, need motivates it. Know that the lapse of someone done in by feeling at ease cannot be forgiven.	so the intelligent person varies his disposition according to the changing circumstances of friends. Sometimes he is alert, sometimes reserved; sometimes at ease, sometimes cautious; sometimes pleased, sometimes angry; sometimes patient, sometimes critical. Sometimes a man will stop granting his friend something he was accustomed to grant, but will fear no evil from him, because the root of the relationship was not hostility. But when the root of the relationship was essential hostility, and friendship was initiated because of some need which drove the person to it, once the need that occasioned the friendship disappears, [282] his friendship will turn into enmity and revert to its rootlike	so the state of the sensible man changes, as matters alter according to the diverse characters of his companions: he can be open at times and reserved at others; trusting at times and again reserved at others; pleased at times and cross at others. And a person might break off some of what had allied him to his friend without fearing any harm from him, because the basis of the affair had not been enmity; a person might also strike up a friendship from enmity, out of a need that causes him to do so, and when the matter that brought this about ceases to be, that friendship turns into enmityhis	so the sensible man changes his disposition, as matters alter according to the diverse states of his companions: he can be at ease at times and reserved at others; open at times and cautious at others. And a person might cut off some of the favor that had allied him to his friend and not fear any evil from him, because the basis of the affair had not been enmity. As for someone towards whom the basic state is enmity and he strikes up a friendship out of a need that causes him to do so—well, when the the matter which made this happen ceases to be, things return to the basic state,	If a man turns from enmity to friendship for profit, his friendship ceases when that profit ceases, turning into enmityas

67 / McHeatedWaterCoolsDown	water heated with fire: when it is removed from it, it reverts to coldness.	case is like water heated with fire: when it is extinguished, the water becomes cold.	as with water heated with fire: when it is taken off it, the water turns cold again.	with water heated on fire: when it is separated from the fire, it reverts to being cold.

68 / McRatsNeedForFriendshipEnded	Among my enemies there is none more harmful to me than you. Need compelled you and me to the truce we made. Now that the situation in which you needed me and I needed you has passed, I fear with its passage the return of enmity.	And no enmity is more harmful to me than yours. You and I were compelled by a situation to create an agreement; but the matter which made you need me, and which obliged me to you has passed, and I fear that in its passing is the revival of the enmity between me and you.	And no enemy is more harmful to me than you. You and I were compelled by a matter which had brought us to the agreement we achieved; but the matter which had made you need me and me you has passed, and I fear that in its passing is the return of the enmity between me and you.	Kopie von 72 You and I were compelled, by a need, to enter an agreement, and the matter which made you need me and which obliged [me] to you has passed. I fear, then, that in its passing is the return of the enmity between you and me.

69 / McWeakMustAvoidStrong	There is no good for the weak in the nearness of a strong enemy, nor for the lowly in the nearness of a mighty enemy.	There is no good in the weak being close to the powerful enemy and no good in the humble being near the grand.	There is no good in the weak being close to the powerful enemy and no good in the humble being close to the proud enemy.	Kopie von 73 There is no good in the weak becoming close with the powerful enemy and no good in the humble approaching the grand.’

70 / McEternalEnmity				You are an enemy unto me and I unto you. How can friendship work between us,

71 / McCatNeedsRatForFood	I know of no need you have for me, other than your wanting to eat me, or any trust in you.	And I’m not aware that you need me in any way except for eating me, so I don’t see that I should trust you;	And I’m not aware that you have any need for me except that of wanting to eat me, so I don’t see any trust in you;	while I know that you have no other need than that of eating me?

72 / McRatsNeedForFriendshipEnded	Kopie von 68 Among my enemies there is none more harmful to me than you. Need compelled you and me to the truce we made. Now that the situation in which you needed me and I needed you has passed, I fear with its passage the return of enmity.	Kopie von 68 And no enmity is more harmful to me than yours. You and I were compelled by a situation to create an agreement; but the matter which made you need me, and which obliged me to you has passed, and I fear that in its passing is the revival of the enmity between me and you.	Kopie von 68 And no enemy is more harmful to me than you. You and I were compelled by a matter which had brought us to the agreement we achieved; but the matter which had made you need me and me you has passed, and I fear that in its passing is the return of the enmity between me and you.	You and I were compelled, by a need, to enter an agreement, and the matter which made you need me and which obliged [me] to you has passed. I fear, then, that in its passing is the return of the enmity between you and me.

73 / McWeakMustAvoidStrong	Kopie von 69 There is no good for the weak in the nearness of a strong enemy, nor for the lowly in the nearness of a mighty enemy.	Kopie von 69 There is no good in the weak being close to the powerful enemy and no good in the humble being near the grand.	Kopie von 69 There is no good in the weak being close to the powerful enemy and no good in the humble being close to the proud enemy.	There is no good in the weak becoming close with the powerful enemy and no good in the humble approaching the grand.’

74 / McRatDepartsToSafety				“And so the rat stood firm in his stance, remaining wary of the cat.”

75 / McSummaryGist				This has been the parable of the rat who became friend to the cat. An illustration of the King and the Philosopher.

76 / McCautiousWeakBetterThanDeludedStrong	I’ve learned that a weak person on guard against strong enemy is closer to safety than a strong [person] if he is taken in by a weak person and feels at ease with him.	for I have learned that the weak is closer to being safe from the strong, when he is wary of him and not misled by him, than the powerful who feels safe while he trusts and is misled by the weak.	for I have learned that the weak is closer to being safe from the powerful enemy when he is wary of him and not misled by him, than the powerful who open to and misled by the weak.

77 / McIntelligentEndsForcedFriendship	An intelligent person makes a truce with his enemy when he is forced to; he flatters him, makes him a show of affection, and pretends to be at ease when he finds no alternative, but he hastens to get away from him as soon as he can.	The sensible man makes peace with his enemy, if he is compelled to that: he treats him well, displays friendliness, and shows him trust on his part—if he can’t manage otherwise—but gets out when he finds a way.	The sensible man shows his enemy favor, if he is compelled to it: he displays friendliness, and shows himself open ***

78 / McIntelligentDistrustsForcedFriendship The intelligent person keeps back part of himself from the enemy with whom he has made a truce. He does not trust him completely or feel safe for his life when he is near him, and [keeps] distance from him as much as he can.	It has been said that someone [too] quick to feel at ease can scarcely ask pardon for his fall.	He also knows that he who is felled by his own candor can hardly be excused for his mistep; he should keep his promise to whom he enters into a truce with, while trusting himself with this in ways in which he doesn’t trust others	*** can hardly be excused for his misstep; and the sensible man keeps his promise to whom he enters into a truce with, while trusting himself but does not trust [226v] anyone to do the same,

79 / McIntellMustLeaveForcedFriendship Kopie von 78 The intelligent person keeps back part of himself from the enemy with whom he has made a truce. He does not trust him completely or feel safe for his life when he is near him, and [keeps] distance from him as much as he can.	An intelligent person keeps his promise to the one with whom he has made a truce, *** the same from anyone.	Kopie von 78 He also knows that he who is felled by his own candor can hardly be excused for his mistep; he should keep his promise to whom he enters into a truce with, while trusting himself with this in ways in which he doesn’t trust others	Kopie von 78 *** can hardly be excused for his misstep; and the sensible man keeps his promise to whom he enters into a truce with, while trusting himself but does not trust [226v] anyone to do the same,

80 / McBestThingIsDistanceFromEnemy	He values nothing above caution. Distance from you is the best policy.	and preferring nothing to distance from his enemy as much as he can.	and he prefers nothing over distancing himself from his enemy as much as he can.

81 / McRatAwayFromCatCatAwayFromHunter		Staying away from the huntsman is prudent for you; and staying away from you is prudent for me.	Kopie von 82 For you to stay away from the huntsman and for me to stay away from you is the most prudent judgment.

82 / McBestThingIsDistanceFromEnemy		Kopie von 81 Staying away from the huntsman is prudent for you; and staying away from you is prudent for me.	For you to stay away from the huntsman and for me to stay away from you is the most prudent judgment.

83 / McRatLovesCatFromFar I will like you from afar.	I’ll like you from afar. I will like your survival and safety, something I did not like for you before today.	My judgment is to like you from afar,	ٍI like you from afar,

84 / McRatDoesNotNeedReward You need not reward me for my favor,	And there’d be no harm in your treating me similarly.	and there’s no duty for you to honor me likewise.	and you need not reward me likewise—if you so judge.

85 / McLastVerdictNoReunion as there is no way for us to meet.”	There is no way for us to meet. Peace!	There is no way for us to ever reunite.’”	Otherwise, there is no way for us to ever reunite. Peace!’”

86 / McEndOfChapter Here ends the Chapter of the Rat and the Cat.		Kopie von 1 The Chapter of the Cat and Rat	Kopie von 1 The Chapter of the Cat and Rat	Kopie von 1 The Chapter of the Cat and Rat