Story 25

  One of the Arab kings ordered his officials to double the

allowance of a certain attendant because he was always at the palace

expecting orders while the other servants were engaged in amusements

and sports, neglecting their duties. A pious man who heard this

remarked that high degrees at the court of heaven are similarly

bestowed upon servants:

      If a man comes two mornings to serve the shah

      He will on the third certainly look benevolently on him.

      Sincere worshippers entertain the hope

      That they will not be disappointed at the threshold of God.

        Superiority consists in attending to commands.

        The neglect of commands leads to exclusion.

        Who possesses the criterion of righteousness

        Places the head upon the threshold.