Thus having got his fancied answers all by heart, He goes to see the sick man; deftly plays his part. On asking: “How are you?” the patient says: “Near dead.” The deaf man straight rejoins: “Of that I’m very glad.” The sufferer felt insulted by this joy expressed. The deaf one had surmised,--had failed in what he’d guessed. 145 He now inquired the diet: “Oh! It’s poison all!” Complained the sick man. “Glad to hear it,” he let fall. Still more the patient wondered. “Who attends you, pray?” Asked Deafy; “whose advice is’t leads you on your way?” “Death tracks my hours!” said he; “pray leave me now to rest.” The other answered: “Better can’t be found; he’s best.” The visitor retired, quite pleased with his rich art; And offered thanks for having played so kind a part. The sick man, on the contrary, was all on fire: “Whence comes this malice? Who has roused his soul to ire?” 150 So, turning in his mind the matter o’er and o’er, A message he determines that shall pay the score. Just so, a man who’s eaten ill-digesting food, Can have no rest till it’s ejected, well and good. Long-suffering is thy better part, reject it not; With patience, thou shalt find soft words best heal a plot. But our sick man found no such solace for his mind; He called the deaf one “Ass,” and “Fool,” and “Sot,” and “Blind.” Said he: “I’ll serve him out; I’ll pay him what’s his due! Till then, my spirit will his hateful visit rue! 155 A visit to the sick’s for consolation’s sake; His visit I abhor, his insults I’ll not take. He’s wished to gloat on foe laid prostrate at his feet; Some joy to gather thence his secret hate to greet.” How many pious men there are, to outward view, Reward of joy in heaven, as object, who pursue. At heart they’re sinners still, despite the show they make. Alas! Hypocrisy for righteousness they take! Just as our deaf man thought he’d done a friendly act; And yet, withal, had vexed his neighbour, as a fact. 160 He soothed his soul by thinking: “Kindly part I’ve played! I’ve acted as a neighbour! Sorrow I’ve allayed!” Whereas, in truth, a fire he’d lighted for himself; And his sick neighbour’s heart inspired with vengeful elf. Beware the fires you kindle by such acts as this! Beware offence to give, while proffering a kiss! The Prophet said one was a hypocrite, he knew: “Go, worship, friend; thy act’s no worship, as I trew!” For fear lest we should trespass, even as we pray, Our worship has the prayer: “Lord, guide us in Thy way!”[364] 165 “Permit not Thou, O God, that my devotion’s act Be counted erring hypocrite’s unwelcome pact!”