I saw a dervish who placed his head upon the threshold of the Ka’bah, groaned, and said: ‘O forgiving, 0 merciful one, thou knowest what an unrighteous, ignorant man can offer to thee.’ <br /> <br /> I have craved pardon for the deficiency of my service <br /> Because I can implore no reward for my obedience. <br /> Sinners repent of their transgressions. <br /> Arifs ask forgiveness for their imperfect worship. <br /> <br />Devotees desire a reward for their obedience and merchants the price of their wares but I, who am a worshipper, have brought hope and not obedience. I have come to beg and not to trade. Deal with me as thou deemest fit. <br /> <br /> Whether thou killest me or forgivest my crime, <br /> my face and head are on thy threshold. <br /> A slave has nothing to command; whatever thou commandest I obey. <br /> <br />I saw a mendicant at the door of the Ka’bah Who said this and wept abundantly: <br /> <br /> ‘I ask not for the acceptance of my service <br /> But for drawing the pen of pardon over my sins.’<br /><br />Saadi Shirazi<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ch-02-the-morals-of-dervishes-story-02/
