Story 4

  A thief paid a visit to the house of a pious man but, although he

sought a great deal, found nothing and was much grieved. The pious

man, who knew this, threw the blanket upon which he had been

sleeping into the way of the thief that he might not go away

disappointed.

        I heard that men of the way of God

        Have not distressed the hearts of enemies.

        How canst thou attain that dignity

        Who quarrelest and wagest war against friends?

  The friendship of pure men, whether in thy presence or absence, is

not such as Will find fault behind thy back and is ready to die for

thee before thy face.

        In thy presence gentle like a lamb,

        In thy absence like a man-devouring wolf.

  Who brings the faults of another to thee and enumerates them

  Will undoubtedly carry thy faults to others.