Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HUMANITY, FR. THE GARDEN OF PERFUME by MOSHARREF OD-DIN IBN MOSLEH OD-DIN SADI

First Line: A MAN FOUND IN THE DESERT A THIRSTY DOG, WHICH FROM WANT OF
Last Line: STRENGTH: THE FOOT OF A LOCUST WOULD BE HEAVY FOR AN ANT.
A MAN found in the desert a thirsty dog, which from want
of drink was at its last gasp.
The worthy man made a bucket of his cap, and twisted his muslin
sash into a rope;
Then he girded his waist and extended his arms for
service, and gave to the feeble dog a sup of water.
The Prophet revealed of his future condition, that the
Supreme Judge had for this act pardoned his sins.
Oh, if thou hast been a hard man, bethink thee; learn to
be kind, and make beneficence thy business!
If kindness done to a dog is not lost, how should that be
which is done to a worthy man?
Do good as you find it offered to your hand; the Master
of the Universe hath closed against no one the door for doing
some good.
To give from your treasury a talent of gold is of less
worth than a carat bestowed by the hand labor.
Each one shall bear the burthen proportioned to his
strength: the foot of a locust would be heavy for an ant.




Home: PoetryExplorer.net