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Shaikh Saadi (1208-1292) Thy body...(Post 19)

A Selection from Bostan of Saadi.

Thy body is a city full of good and bad;
Thou art sultan; and wisdom is the prime minister.
Know for sure that the mean, neck­ exalting,
In this city are­ false pride and passion and avarice(greed).

 Lust and concupiscence(strong sexual desire) are highwaymen(robbers) and pickpockets.
When the sultan displays favor to the bad,
How may ease remain for the wise?
Lust and avarice and envy
Are like blood in thy veins; and like the soul in thy body.
If these enemies should obtain nurture,
They would turn aside their heads from thy order and judgment.

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