A Story

I heard that one of the pious men once laughed and joked freely with a child. The other pious men, secluded in their cells, fell upon him and began to pick at his fault. In the end the tale could not stay hidden; they told it to a wise and discerning man, and he replied: Do not tear the veil from a friend who lost himself in innocent joy. Joking is not forbidden, and slander is not allowed!