Story 3

  I heard that a dervish, burning in the fire of poverty and sewing

patch upon patch, said to comfort his mind:

  'We are contented with dry bread and a patched robe

  For it is easier to bear the load of one's own trouble

    than that of thanks to others.'

  Someone said to him: 'Why sittest thou? A certain man in this town

possesses a benevolent nature, is liberal to all, has girded his loins

to serve the pious and is ready to comfort every heart. If he

becomes aware of thy case, he will consider it an obligation to

comfort the mind of a worthy person.' He replied: 'Hush! It is

better to die of inanition than to plead for one's necessities

before any man.'

    It is better to patch clothes and sit in the corner of patience

    Than to write petitions for robes to gentlemen.

    Verily it is equal to the punishment of hell

    To go to paradise as a flunkey to one's neighbour.