Story 2

  Two sons of amirs were in Egypt, the one acquiring science, the

other accumulating wealth, till the former became the ullemma of the

period and the other the prince of Egypt; whereon the rich man

looked with contempt upon the faqih and said: 'I have reached the

sultanate whilst thou hast remained in poverty as before.' He replied:

'O brother, I am bound to be grateful to the most high Creator for

having obtained the inheritance of prophets whilst thou hast

attained the inheritance of Pharaoh and of Haman, namely the kingdom

of Egypt.'

        I am that ant which is trodden under foot

        Not that wasp, the pain of whose sting causes lament.

        How shall I give due thanks for the blessing

        That I do not possess the strength of injuring mankind?