Gulistan of Saadi

On the Excellence of Contentment

 Story 15

Hatim Tai, having been asked whether he had seen in the world anyone of more exalted sentiments
than himself, replied: ‘Yes, one day I slaughtered forty camels to entertain Arab amirs. I had occasion
to go out on some business into a corner of the desert, where I noticed a gatherer of briars, who had
accumulated a hillock of thistles, and I asked him why he had not become a guest of Hatim since
many people had come round to his banquet but he replied:

“Who eats bread by the work of his own hand
Will not bear to be obliged to Hatim Tai.”
Then I saw that his sentiments were more exalted than mine.’

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

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Gulistan of Saadi | On the Excellence of Contentment | Story 12