Sa di

Ch 02 The Morals Of Dervishes Story 29

A man had a friend, who held the office of devan to the padshah, but whom he had not seen for a long time; and, a man having asked him for the reason, he replied: "I do not want to see him. " A dependent however of the devan, who also happened to be present, queried: "What fault has he committed that thou art unwilling to meet him? " He replied: "There is no fault in the matter but a friend who is a devan may be seen when he is removed from office. " Whilst in greatness and in the turmoil of business They do not like to be troubled by neighbours But when they are depressed and removed from office They will lay open their heart’s grief to friends. THE GULISTAN OF SA'DI Translated by Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890)