Story 11

A dervish ran into an urgent need. Someone told him: a certain man has boundless wealth; if he learns of your need, surely he will not delay in meeting it. The dervish said: I do not know him. The man said: I will guide you to him. He took the dervish by the hand and led him to that man's house. There the dervish saw someone sitting sullen and sour-faced, his lips hanging low. He turned back without saying a word. Someone asked him: what did you do? He said: I gave up his gift in exchange for not having to look at his face. Do not carry your need to a sour-faced man, for his foul temper will wear you down. If you must tell the sorrow of your heart, tell it to someone whose very face already brings you some relief.