Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/134

The Morals of Dervishes

to this story how in Baghdad a flag and a curtain fell into dispute. Travel-stained, dusty, and fatigued, the flag said to the curtain by way of reproach: "I and thou, we are both fellow-servants, slaves of the Sultân's palace. Not a moment had I rest from service; in season and out of season I travelled about; thou hast suffered neither toil nor siege, nor from the desert, wind, nor dust and dirt. My step in the march is more advancing, then why is thy honour exceeding mine? Thou art upon moon-faced servants, or jessamine-scented slave-girls; I have fallen into 'prentice hands; I travel with foot in fetters and head fluttering."

[The curtain] said: "My head is on the threshold, not like thin, in the heavens. Who carelessly lifts up his neck throws himself upon his neck."