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2
202-211

  • Now listen to the outward form of the tale, but take heed to separate the grain from the chaff.
  • .
  • When at last (the meditation of) that circle of Súfís who were seeking (spiritual) profit came to an end (culminated) in ecstasy and enthusiasm,
  • They brought dishes of food for the guest, and he then bethought him of his beast.
  • He said to the famulus (the servant of the Súfís), “Go into the stable and make the straw and barley all right for the animal.” 205
  • “Good gracious!” he replied, “why this saying overmuch? These things have been my care since long ago.”
  • The Súfí said, “First wet his barley, for ’tis an old ass, and his teeth are shaky.”
  • “Good gracious!” said he, “why are you telling (me) this, Sir? They are taught by me (to make) these arrangements.”
  • The Súfí said, “First of all take off his saddle and (then) put the salve of manbal on his sore back.”
  • “Good gracious!” exclaimed the servant. “Why, O purveyor of wisdom, I have had a thousand guests of your sort, 210
  • And all have departed from us well-pleased: the guest is (dear to us as) our life and our kinsman.”