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On the Excellence of Contentment

Two sons of Amirs were in Egypt, the one acquiring science, the other accumulating wealth, till the former became the Ullemma of the period, and the other the Prince of Egypt; whereon the rich man looked with contempt upon the Faqih, and said: "I have reached the Sultânate whilst thou hast remained in poverty as before."

He replied: "O brother! I am bound to be grateful to the Most High Creator for having obtained the inheritance of prophets, whilst thou has obtained the inheritance of Pharao and of Haman, namely the kingdom of Egypt. I am that ant which is trodden under foot, not that wasp, the pain of whose sting causes lament; how shall I give due thanks for the blessing that I do not possess the strength of injuring mankind!"