The rose-garden of Shekh Muṣliḥuʼd-dīn Sādī of Shīrāz

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1865 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II. Of the. Morals of Durwaishes. TALE I. CERTAIN personage asked a devout man what he said of a particular Abid, of whose character others had spoken disrespectfully. He replied, "I see no fault in his exterior, and am ignorant of what is concealed within him. Whomsoever thou seest in a religious habit, consider as a pious and a good man, if you know not what is hidden in his mind: what business hath the Mohtesib with the inside of the house? 7 TALE II. T SAW a Durwaish, who, having placed his X forehead on the threshold of the temple of Mecca, was lamenting and saying: " O gracious and most merciful God, thou knowest what can proceed from the most unjust and ignorant of men, that is fit to be offered unto thee; I implore pardon for my imperfections, since I can have no claim of return for any performance of duty. The wicked repent of their sins: they who know God ask-forgiveness for the imperfectness of their worship. The Abid seeks reward for his obedience, and merchants require the value of their capital stock; but I, who am a servant, have brought hope, not obedience, and am come to beg, not to traffic. Do unto me that which is worthy of thee; and treat me not according to my desert. Whether you slay, or whether you pardon, my face and head are on thy threshold. It is not for a servant to direct: whatsoever thou commandest, I shall perform." At the gate of the Kaba I saw a mendicant who was weeping bitterly, and saying, "I ask not that thou shouldst approve my services; draw the pen of forgiveness over my offences." TALE III. UBDULKADUR Gilanee, having placed his forehead on the pebbles before the gate of the temple of Mecca, was saying, "O God, pardon my sins; but shouldst thou doom me to punishment, then at the resurrection raise me up blind...