"Spare me four things– and say after that what thou pleasest– do not lie to me for liars have no judgment, and do not answer me regarding what I don not ask thee for it is a distraction from what I do ask thee, and do not be extravagant in my praise for I know myself better then thou, and do not incite me against my subjects for verily clemency unto them is more needful for me."

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Added on April 10, 2026
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Original Language: English

Sources

History of The Caliphs, p. 224

https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Abd_al-Malik_ibn_Marwan