Story 4

  One of the kings of Persia had sent an able physician to wait upon

the Mustafa, the benediction of Allah and peace be on him; and he

remained for some years in the Arab country without anyone coming to

him to make a trial of his ability or desiring to be treated by him.

He went to the Prophet, salutation to him, and complained that

although he had been sent to treat the companions, none of them had up

to this time taken notice of him or required the services incumbent

upon him. The Apostle, salutation to him, replied: 'It is a law with

these people not to eat until appetite overpowers them and when some

of it yet remains they withdraw their hands from food.' The doctor

said: 'This is the cause of health', and kissing the earth of

service departed.

        The sage begins to speak

        Or points his fingers to the dish

        When silence would be dangerous

        Or abstinance would bring on death.

        No doubt his wisdom is in speaking

        And his eating bears the fruit of health.