I also belong to the circle of dervishes; nay I am even in their service.

I also belong to the circle of dervishes; nay I am even in their service.' In consequence of the force of the friendly advances of his beloved, he raised his head from the dashing waves of love and said: 'It is a marvel that with thy existence mine remains That when thou speakest words to me remain.' Saying these words he uttered a shout and surrendered his life. It would not be strange if he had been slain at his tent door But it would be strange that if alive he should escape safe.

Story 5 A schoolboy was so perfectly beautiful and sweet-voiced that the teacher, in accordance with human nature, conceived such an affection towards him that' he often recited the following verses: I am not so little occupied with thee, O heavenly face, That remembrance of myself occurs to my mind. From thy sight I am unable to withdraw my eyes Although when I am opposite I may see that an arrow comes. Once the boy said to him: 'As thou strivest to direct my studies, direct also my behaviour.

If thou perceivest anything reprovable in my conduct, although it may seem approvable to me, inform me thereof that I may endeavour to change it.' He replied: 'O boy, make that request to someone else because the eyes with which I look upon thee behold nothing but virtues.' The ill-wishing eye, be it torn out Sees only defects in his virtue. But if thou possessest one virtue and seventy faults A friend sees nothing except that virtue.

Story 6 I remember that one night a dear friend of mine entered when I jumped up in such a heedless way that the lamp was extinguished by my sleeve. A vision appeared in the night and by its appearance the darkness was illuminated. I was amazed at my luck exclaiming whence this felicity? He took a seat and began reproving me saying that when I beheld him I extinguished the lamp.

I said: 'I thought the sun had risen and wits have said: When an ugly person comes before the lamp Arise to him and pull him into the assembly But if it be a sugar-smiled, sweet-lipped one Pull him by the sleeve and extinguish the lamp.' Story 7 One who had for a considerable time not seen his friend asked him where he had been and said he had been longing.

He replied: 'To be longing is better than to be satisfied.' Thou hast come late, O intoxicated idol, We shall not soon let go thy skirt from the hand. He who sees his sweetheart at long intervals Is after all better off than if he sees too much of her.