OM-ARHAM

PAÑCATANTRA [23 of 324]

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Story or THE (INVESTIGATION) GATE of the Lion and the Bull [22 of 90]

When Damag realized that the lion was praising him, he said:

"Whoever is near a powerful person must demonstrate their zeal through action, but the powerful person must take note of their conduct, service, and usefulness; for even wheat and barley, while still hidden in the earth, cannot be distinguished from one another; but when the grain later sprouts and emerges from the earth, it becomes clear whether it is wheat or barley. Likewise, one who lingers at the gate of the powerful must distinguish themselves among their companions through zeal; but the powerful person must employ them according to their own exceptional zeal. It is said that these two things, head ornaments and foot ornaments, should be worn in the manner appropriate to each, although I can wear my ornaments as I please. For I consider him a fool who hangs his head ornament on his feet and his foot ornament on his head. Likewise, if someone sets hyacinth stones and pearls [in tin, the hyacinths and pearls will indeed] be praised, but he who has set them in tin is reprimanded. It is also said that one should not associate with someone who cannot distinguish right from left. For the proper cooperation of a warrior with his horse, skill in arms, and the interpretation and understanding of doctrine are only recognized by him who possesses these qualities himself.

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