Ch 08 On Rules For Conduct In Life - Maxim 57

The meekness of the camel is known to be such that if a child takes hold of its bridle and goes a hundred farsakhs, it will not refuse to follow, but if a dangerous portion occurs which may occasion death and the child ignorantly desires to approach it, the camel tears the bridle from his hand, refusing any longer to obey because compliance in times of calamity is blamable. It is also said that by complaisance an enemy will not become a friend but that his greed will only be augmented. To him who is kind to thee, be dust at his feet But if he opposes thee fill his two eyes with dust. Speak not kindly or gently to an ill-humoured fellow Because a soft file cannot clean off inveterate rust.