Though one be a king and the other a cotton-carder, when they sleep in death the night of both becomes day.
When thou seest a rich man filled with pride, go and give thanks, O thou who art poor, that thou, praise be to God! hast not the power to inflict injury upon any one.
Story of a Holy Man who built a House
A holy man built a house as high as his own stature. Some one said to him: “I know thee able to erect a better house than this.”
“Enough,” he cried, “what need have I of a lofty roof? This that I have built is high enough for a dwelling which I must leave at death.”
Set not thy house in the path of a flood,[28] O slave, for never will it be perfected.
Story of a Sheikh who became King
A certain king died, and, having no heir, bequeathed the throne to a venerable sheikh. When the recluse heard the roar of the drums of empire, he desired no longer the corner of seclusion. He led the army to left and right, and became so strong and valiant that he filled the hearts of the brave with fear.
After he had slain a number of his enemies, some others combined together against him and reduced him to such straits in his fortified town that he sent a message to a pious man, saying: “Aid me with thy prayers, for the sword and arrow do not avail.”
The devotee laughed and said: “Why did he not content himself with half a loaf and his vigils? Did not the wealth-worshipping Korah[29] know that the treasure of safety lies in the corner of retirement?”