Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/189

Stories CXX and CXXI

intelligent youth possessed an abundant share of accomplishments and discreet behavior, so that he was allowed to sit in assemblies of learned men, but he refrained from conversing with them. His father once asked him why he did not likewise speak on subjects he was acquainted with. He replied: "I fear I may be asked what I do not know, and be put to shame."

Hast thou heard how a Sûfi drove A few nails under his sandals, And an officer, taking him by the sleeve, Said to him: "Come and shoe my horse."

For what thou hast not said no one will trouble thee, but when thou hast spoken, bring the proof.

of note had a controversy with an unbeliever, but, being unable to cope with him in argument, shook his head and retired. Someone asked him how it came to pass that, with all his eloquence and learning, he had been unable to vanquish an irreligious man?

He replied: "My learning is in the Qurân, in tradition, and in the sayings of Sheikhs, which he neither believes in nor listens to; then of what use is it to me to hear him blaspheming?"

To him of whom thou canst not rid thyself by the Qurân and tradition, the [best] reply is, if thou dost not reply anything.