Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/255

Story CLXXII sexual organs are twins, that is to say, they are the two children of one belly, and as long as one of these is contented, the other will likewise be satisfied. I heard that a Dervish had been seen committing a wicked act with a youth, and although he had been put to shame, he was also in danger of being stoned. He said: 'O Mussalmâns! I have no power to marry a wife, and no patience to restrain myself, what am I to do? There is no monasticism in Islam.' Among the number of causes producing internal tranquillity and comfort in wealthy people, the fact may be reckoned that they take every night a sweetheart in their arms, and may every day contemplate youth whose brightness excels that of the shining morn, and causes the feet of walking cypresses to conceal themselves abashed, plunging the fist into the blood of beloved persons, dying the finger-tips with the colour of the jujube-fruit.

"It is impossible that with his beauteous Stature he should prowl around prohibited things or entertain intentions of ruin [to himself]. How could he, who took as booty a Hûri of paradise, take any notice of the idols (i.e. Belles) of Yaghma. He who has before him fresh dates which he loves has no need to throw stones on clusters [upon trees].

"Mostly empty-handed persons pollute the skirt of modesty by transgression, and those who are hungry steal bread. When a ferocious dog has found meat he asks not whether it is of the camel of Sâleh or the ass of Dujjal.

What a number of modest women have on account of