As both were in a
hurry, and etiquette would allow neither to set his foot upon the
other even if dignity had permitted prostration, they maintained for
some time a stationary condition. After some reflection, each decided
to jump round the other; but as etiquette did not warrant conversation
with a stranger, neither made known his intention. The consequence was
they met, with considerable emphasis, about four feet from the edge of
the path, and went through a flight of soaring eagles, a mile out of
their way![A]
[Footnote A: This is infamous! The learned Parsee appears wholly to
ignore the distinction between a fable and a simple lie.--TRANSLATOR.]
XXIII.
A stone which had lain for centuries in a hidden place complained to
Allah that remaining so long in one position was productive of cramps.
"If thou wouldst be pleased," it said, "to let me take a little
exercise now and then, my health would be the better for it."
So it was granted permission to make a short excursion, and at once
began rolling out into the open desert. It had not proceeded far
before an ostrich, who was pensively eating a keg of nails, left his
repast, dashed at the stone, and gobbled it up.
This narration teaches the folly of contentment: if the ostrich had
been content with his nails he would never have eaten the stone.
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