On Friends and Enemies ~ by Saadi

I am displeased with the company of friends

To whom my bad qualities appear to be good

They fancy my faults are virtue and perfection

My thrones they believe to be rose and jasmine

Say! where is the bold and quick enemy

to make me aware of my defects.

(translated by edward Holden)

Silence from Gulistan ~Saadi

To the ignorant man nothing is better than silence,
And were he aware of this he would no longer be ignorant.
When you are not possessed of perfection or excellence,
It is better that you keep your tongue within your mouth.
The tongue bringeth disgrace upon men. The nut without a kernel is light in weight. The beast will not learn of thee how to speak; Learn thou of the beast how to be silent. Whoever reflecteth not before he answereth, Will probably utter inappropriate words. Either adorn thy speech with the intelligence of a man, Or sit in silence like a dumb animal. (translated by: Sameul Robinson)

the Grass of God's Gardeb ~by Saadi (c. 1213-1291)

I saw bouquets of fresh roses

tied upon copula of grass

I asked: what is despicable grass

to sit also in the line of Roses

The grass wept and said: Hush

comparison does not obliterate nobility

Although I have no color, beauty and perfume

Am I not afterall the Grass of God's Garden

(translated by Edward Holden)