One of the Arab kings ordered his officials to double the allowance of a certain attendant because he was always at the palace expecting orders while the other servants were engaged in amusements and sports, neglecting their duties. A pious man who heard this remarked that high degrees at the court of heaven are similarly bestowed upon servants: <br /> <br /> If a man comes two mornings to serve the shah <br /> He will on the third certainly look benevolently on him. <br /> Sincere worshippers entertain the hope <br /> That they will not be disappointed at the threshold of God. <br /> Superiority consists in attending to commands. <br /> The neglect of commands leads to exclusion. <br /> Who possesses the criterion of righteousness <br /> Places the head upon the threshold.<br /><br />Saadi Shirazi<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ch-01-manner-of-kings-story-25/
