Gulistan of Saadi

On the Excellence of Contentment

 Story 17

I noticed an Arab of the desert sitting in a company jewellers at Bosrah and narrating stories to them.
He said: ‘I had once lost my road in the desert and consumed all my provisions. I considered that I
must perish when I suddenly caught sight of a bag full of pearls and I shall never forget the joy and
ecstasy I felt on thinking they might be parched grain nor the bitterness and despair when I discovered
them to be pearls.’

In a dry desert and among moving sand
It is the same to a thirsty man whether he has pearls or shells in his mouth.
When a man has no provisions and his strength is exhausted
It matters not whether his girdle is adorned with pearls or potsherds.

READ MORE:

Gulistan of Saadi | On the Excellence of Contentment | Story 16

Gulistan of Saadi | On the Excellence of Contentment | Story 15

Gulistan of Saadi | On the Excellence of Contentment | Story 14