How some Súfís abused a certain Súfí, saying that he talked too much in the presence of the Shaykh.
شاعر: رومی
وزن: فاعلاتن فاعلاتن فاعلن (رمل مسدس محذوف یا وزن مثنوی)
صنف: مثنوی
Some Súfís abused a certain Súfí, and came to the Shaykh of the convent,
And said to the Shaykh, “Demand justice for our souls from this Súfí, O Guide!”
He said, “Why, what is the complaint, O Súfís?” He (their spokesman) replied, “This Súfí has three annoying habits:
In speech he is garrulous as a bell; in eating he eats more than twenty persons;
And if he sleep, he is like the Men of the Cave.” (Thus) did the Súfís march to war (against him) before the Shaykh.
The Shaykh turned his face towards that dervish, saying, “In every case that exists, take the middle (course).
(It is stated) in Tradition that the best things are the mean (those between the two extremes): the (four) humours are beneficial through being in equipoise.
If by accident (any) one humour become excessive, disease appears in the human body.
Do not exceed in (any) quality him that is thy yoke-fellow, for that will assuredly bring about separation (between you) in the end.
The speech of Moses was in measure, but even so it exceeded the words of his good friend.
That excess resulted in (his) opposing Khadir; and he (Khadir) said, ‘Go, thou art one that talks too much: this is a (cause of) separation (between us).’
O (thou who resemblest) Moses, thou art garrulous. Go far off, or else be dumb with me and blind!
And if thou goest not, but remainest sitting (here) in despite (of me), thou art gone in reality and severed (from my company).”
When suddenly you commit an act of (legal) impurity in the ritual prayer, it (the prayer) says to you, “Go speedily to purify yourself”;
And if you go not, you will be moving (exerting yourself) in vain; verily your prayer is gone (is void): sit down, O misguided man!
Go to them that are your mates, (them) that are enamoured of your discourse and thirsting for it.
One who keeps watch is superior to those who slumber: the (spiritual) fish have no need of one who keeps watch.
Those who wear clothes look to the launderer, (but) the soul of the naked hath (Divine) illumination as its adornment.
Either withdraw (and turn) aside from the naked, or like them become free from body-garments.
And if you cannot become wholly naked, make your garments less, so that you may tread the middle path.
