Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/286

The Gulistân foot, whilst a negligent scholar is [like] a sleeping rider. A sinner who lifts his hands [in supplication] is better than a devotee who keeps them [proudly] on his head.

A good-humoured and pleasant military officer is superior to a theologian who injures men.

being asked what a learned man without practice resembled, replied: "A bee without honey."

Say to the rude and unkind bee, "At least forbear to sting, if thou givest no honey."

without virility is a woman, and an avaricious devotee is a highway robber.

O thou, who hast put on a white robe for a show, to be approved of men, whilst the book [of thy acts] is black. The hand is to be restrained from the world, no matter whether the sleeve be short or long.

will not leave the hearts of two persons, and their feet of contention will not emerge from the mire: a merchant with a wrecked ship, and a youth sitting with Qalandars.

Dervishes will consider it licit to shed thy blood, if they can have no access to thy property. Either associate not with a friend who dons the blue garb or bid farewell to all thy property ; either make no friends with elephant-keepers or build a house suitable for elephants.