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(Masnavi Book 4: 33) The Divine and the Thief who stole his turban



Story of the divine with a big turban and the man who carried it off, and how he (the divine) shouted, Undo it and see what you are taking: then take it (if you wish)!

A certain divine had collected some old rags and wound them in his turban,
In order that it might become big and look grand when he came into the assembly in the Hatím.

1580. He had clipped the rags from (various) garments and outwardly embellished the turban with them.
The exterior of the turban was like a robe of Paradise, (but) it was shameful and ugly within, like the hypocrite.
Shreds of dalq (dervish-cloak) and cotton and fur were buried inside that turban.
He had set his face towards the college at dawn, that by means of this false dignity he might gain (material) blessings.
A clothes-robber stood waiting on the dark road to practise his craft.

1585. He snatched the turban from his head, and then started to run in order that he might settle the business.
Thereupon the divine shouted at him, saying, O son, undo the turban (first), then take it (away
with you).
Even as you are flying with four wings (very rapidly), (with the same speed) undo the gift which you are taking away.
Undo it and rub (feel) with your hand, then take it if you like: I sanction (that).
When he who was fleeing undid it, a hundred thousand rags dropped on the road.

1590. Of that big improper turban of his there remained in his (the robber's) hand (only) an ell of old cloth.
He dashed the rag on the ground, saying, O worthless man, by this fraud you have put me out of business (deprived me of profit).”

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