I have heard that in olden times stones became silver in the hands of saints. Think not that this is contrary to reason—when thou hast become contented, silver and stones will be as one to thee. Say to the devotee who worships kings that a king is poorer than a darwesh. A dinar satisfies a beggar; Faridun was but half content with the whole of the kingdom of Persia. A beggar free from care is better off than a troubled king. The villager and his wife sleep more happily than the king ever did in his palace. Though one be a king and the other a cotton-carder, when they sleep in death the night of both becomes day. When thou seest a rich man filled with pride, go and give thanks, O thou who art poor, that thou, praise be to God! hast not the power to inflict injury upon any one. STORY OF A HOLY MAN WHO BUILT A HOUSE A holy man built a house as high as his own stature. Some one said to him: “I know thee able to erect a better house than this.” “Enough,” he cried, “what need have I of a lofty roof? This that I have built is high enough for a dwelling which I must leave at death.” Set not thy house in the path of a flood,[28] O slave, for never will it be perfected. STORY OF A SHEIKH WHO BECAME KING A certain king died, and, having no heir, bequeathed the throne to a venerable sheikh. When the recluse heard the roar of the drums of empire, he desired no longer the corner of seclusion. He led the army to left and right, and became so strong and valiant that he filled the hearts of the brave with fear. After he had slain a number of his enemies, some others combined together against him and reduced him to such straits in his fortified town that he sent a message to a pious man, saying: “Aid me with thy prayers, for the sword and arrow do not avail.” The devotee laughed and said: “Why did he not content himself with half a loaf and his vigils? Did not the wealth-worshipping Korah[29] know that the treasure of safety lies in the corner of retirement?” DISCOURSE CONCERNING RICHES The generous man may attain to perfection although he possess not gold. Dost think that if a mean man became a Korah his sordid nature would be changed? If he who trades in liberality obtain not bread, his nature remains yet rich. Generosity is the soil, and riches the seed that is sown; give, that the root may not be destitute of a branch. Exert not thyself in the amassing of wealth, for evil is the smell of stagnant water; strive, rather, to be generous, for running water becomes a flood. The miser who falls from position and wealth but seldom stands a second time upon his feet. If thou be a precious jewel,[30] grieve not, for Time will not pass thee by; it is the brickbat by the wayside that goes unheeded. Shavings of gold that fall from the scissors are searched for with a candle. CHAPTER VII CONCERNING EDUCATION Those who turn the reins of their desires from unlawful things have surpassed Rustam[31] and Sām[32] in valour.