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: <br /> <br /> I am not so little occupied with thee, O heavenly face, <br /> That remembrance of myself occurs to my mind. <br /> From thy sight I am unable to withdraw my eyes <br /> Although when I am opposite I may see that an arrow comes. <br /> <br />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.’ <br /> <br /> The ill-wishing eye, be it torn out <br /> Sees only defects in his virtue. <br /> But if thou possessest one virtue and seventy faults <br /> A friend sees nothing except that virtue.<br /><br />Saadi Shirazi<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ch-05-on-love-and-youth-story-05/
