Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/90

The Morals of Dervishes

a Dervish who placed his head upon the threshold of the Ka'bah, groaned, and said: "O forgiving, O merciful one! Thou knowest what an unrighteous, ignorant man can offer to Thee. I have craved pardon for the deficiency of my service, because I can implore no reward for my obedience; sinners repent of their transgressions, Arifs ask forgiveness for their imperfect worship. Devotees desire a reward for their obedience, and merchants the price of their wares; but I, who am a worshipper, have brought hope and not obedience; I have come to beg and not to trade-deal with me as Thou deemest fit. Whether Thou killest me, or forgivest my crime, my face and head are on Thy threshold; a slave has nothing to command; whatever Thou commandest, I obey."

I saw a mendicant at the door of the Ka'bah who said this, and wept abundantly: "I ask not for the acceptance of my service, but for drawing the pen of pardon over my sins."