the prudent may get hurt. If they fill a cistern to the brim with
rose-water, and let a dog fall into it, the whole will be
contaminated."


VI

A zahid was the guest of a king. When he sat down at table he ate more
sparingly from that than his appetite inclined him, and when he stood up
at prayers he continued longer at them than it was his custom; that they
might form a high opinion of his sanctity.--I fear, O Arab! that thou
wilt not reach the Caabah; for the road that thou art taking leads to
Turkistan, or the region of infidels.

When he returned home he ordered the table to be spread that he might
eat. His son was a youth of a shrewd understanding. He said: "O father,
perhaps you ate little or nothing at the feast of the king?" He
answered, "In his presence I ate scarce anything that could answer its
purpose!" Then retorted the boy, "Repeat also your prayers, that nothing
be omitted that can serve a purpose." Yes, thy virtues thou hast exposed
in the palm of thy hand, thy vices thou hast hid under thy arm-pit. Take
heed, O hypocrite, what thou wilt be able to purchase with this base
money on the day of need or day of judgment.


VII

I remember that in my early youth I was overmuch religious and vigilant,
and scrupulously pious and abstinent. One night I sat up in attendance
on my father, on whom be God's mercy, never once closed my eyes during