Page:Tales from the Gulistan (1928).pdf/95

Story XLVI

being the guest of a Pâdshâh, ate less than he wished when sitting at dinner; and, when he rose for prayers, he prolonged them more than was his wont, in order to enhance the opinion entertained [by the Pâdshâh] of his piety.

When he returned to his own house, he desired the table to be laid out for eating. He had an intelligent son, who said: "Father! Hast thou not eaten anything at the repast of the Sultân?"

He replied: "I have not eaten anything to serve a purpose."

The boy said: "Then likewise say thy prayers again, as thou hast not done anything to serve that purpose."