Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/104

The Morals of Dervishes

, who had fallen into want, stole a blanket from the house of a friend. The judge ordered his hand to be amputated; but the owner of the blanket interceded, saying that he had condoned the fault.

The judge rejoined: "Thy intercession cannot persuade me to neglect the provision of the law."

The man continued: "Thou hast spoken the truth, but amputation is not applicable to a person who steals some property dedicated to pious uses, [moreover] a begged possesses nothing, and whatever belongs to a Dervish is dedicated to the use of the needy."

Thereon the judge released the captive, saying: "The world must indeed have become too narrow for thee, that thou hast committed no theft except from the house of a friend."

He replied: "Hast thou not heard the saying: 'Sweep out the house of friends and do not knock at the door of foes'?"

If thou sinkest in a calamity, be not helpless; strip thy foes of their skins, and thy friends of their fur coats.