The fables of Pilpay, a famous Indian phylosopher containing many useful rules for the conduct of humane life / made English and address'd to His Highness the Duke of Gloucester.

The Fable of a religious Doctor and a Derwiche.

THere liv'd in a City of Persia, an ancient religious Doctor, who had the Reputati∣on throughout the Kingdom, of being a very learned and vertuous Man. He was call'd Rouchan Zamir, that is to say, Clear Conscience. One day a Derwiche push'd on by the Mo∣tions of an extraordinary Devotion, parted from Mauralnachos, which is the Name of a Province of Tartary, to visit this religious Do∣ctor above mention'd, and to consult him upon some difficult Questions. After much pains and time he arriv'd at the Monastery, but the Doctor was not within, only his Companion was there, who observing that the Derwiche was weary and tyr'd, desir'd him to rest him∣self; adding withall these words, This is the Hour that my Companion usually returns from Court, whither he goes every Day. But when the Derwiche heard that the religious Doctor, Clear Conscience, intermedl'd with State Af∣fairs, Oh! cry'd he, how sorry I am to have come so far and lose my time, for there is no∣thing to be got from a Man that frequents the Court. After this Discourse, he departed from the Convent, conceiving an ill Opinion of the religious Doctor. Now the Captain of the Watch was searching about that Day for a no∣torious Robber, who had made his Escape the Night before; and the King had threaten'd to put him to Death if he did not find him again. The Captain meeting the Derwiche, seiz'd him

instead of the hainous Offender whom he sought for, and without examining him, car∣ri'd him immediately to Execution. 'Twas in vain for the Derwiche to swear himself an honest Man, his Tale would not be heard; and already the Hang-man had his Knife rea∣dy to chop off his Hand, when the religious Doctor returning from Court saw the Der∣wiche in the Hands of the Executioner. Pre∣sently the Doctor order'd him to be unty'd, affirming him to be one of his Brethren, and that it was impossible he should have commit∣ted the Crime for which he was accus'd. Im∣mediately the Executioner came to kiss the Doctor's Hand, and unbound the Derwiche, who accompany'd the Doctor to his Convent. By the way, said the Doctor to the Derwiche, be not surpriz'd, that I spend the greatest part of my time at Court: I live not after this man∣ner but only to deliver from Death the Inno∣cent, such as you are. Then the Derwiche ac∣knowledging that he had made a rash Judgment, told the Doctor, that from that time forward, he would never blame those that went to Court for the Glory of God.

By this Example, added Siagousch, we see that the greatest observers of the Law are not always banisht from the Court. And thou, said he to Damna, com'st here to make ridiculous Compa∣risons. Tis very true, reply'd Damna, that some∣times most vertuous Men do live at Court; but 'tis after they have implor'd the succour of Hea∣ven; because they know full well, that unless Heaven particularly protect 'em, they must of necessity ruin themselves. Besides they never come to Court, till they have absolutely laid

aside all private Interest, which is the most dangerous Rock that they can split against. I must confess, that with a Mind so free from Interest, a Man may imbrace all sorts of Con∣ditions. But we that are not endow'd with such a sublime Vertue, how shall we exercise an Employment so dangerous, unless we serve just and penetrating Princes, who, being able to distinguish faithful from wicked Servants, reward and punish 'em according to the Rules of Justice.

Then the Mother of the Lyon taking her turn, You speak against your self, said she to Damna, since this Assembly sits not here but on∣ly to upbraid ye for your Perfidie, and for destroying one of the King's most faithful Sub∣jects. Madam, reply'd Damna, his Majesty is not ignorant, no more then this Assembly, that there never was any Quarrel or Dispute between the Ox and me. On the other side, all the World knows, that he was beholding to me for the Preferment and Dignities to which the King's Favour had advanc'd him. 'Tis true, that I inform'd his Majesty of an Attempt that was forming against his Per∣son; however, I said nothing but what I heard with my Ears and saw with my own Eyes. I acted without Passion or Interest: For what Advantage could I reap by Chotorbe's Death? The Favours which I have receiv'd from the King my Master, and the Duty I owe him, would they permit me to conceal from him such a piece of Treason? And as for those that now accuse me, they are only such as fear me; and they seek my Life, to the end I should not discover their Enterprises.

These Words Damna pronounc'd with such a constancy and presence of Mind, that the Lyon, not knowing what to resolve, We must refer this Cause, said he, to a select number of Judges; because it is my Plea∣sure that this Cause be well examin'd. Most justly ordain'd, cry'd Damna, for that they who judge with Precipitation, judge amiss. Nothing is to be decided without having a perfect knowledge of the Cause, for fear of being deluded as the Woman was, whose Ad∣venture I am going to tell your Lordships.