One of the ullemma had many eaters to provide for and only a slender income. This fact he communicated to a great man of whose character he entertained a very favourable opinion but his expectations were disappointed because the man made a wry face and averred that according to his opinion applications from respectable persons for aid are unbecoming. <br /> <br /> With a face made sad by misfortune, to a dear friend <br /> Do not go because thou wilt embitter his life also. <br /> For the needful for which thou appliest, go with a fresh and smiling face. <br /> The man of joyful countenance will not be unsuccessful in his affairs. <br /> <br />It is related that the great man augmented his stipend a little but considerably diminished his familiarity towards him and when he perceived after some days that it was not as usual, he recited: <br /> <br /> ‘Evil is the food which the time of degradation acquires. <br /> The kettle is indeed placed but the dignity is lowered.’ <br /> He increased my bread but diminished my honour. <br /> Poverty is better than the degradation of asking.<br /><br />Saadi Shirazi<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ch-03-on-the-excellence-of-contentment-story-12/
