بخش 95 - حکایت دیدن خر هیزم‌فروش با نوایی اسپان تازی را بر آخر خاص و تمنا بردن آن دولت را در موعظهٔ آنک تمنا نباید بردن الا مغفرت و عنایت و هدایت کی اگر در صد لون رنجی چون لذت مغفرت بود همه شیرین شود باقی هر دولتی کی آن را ناآزموده تمنی می‌بری با آن رنجی قرینست کی آن را نمی‌بینی چنانک از هر دامی دانه پیدا بود و فخ پنهان تو درین یک دام مانده‌ای تمنی می‌بری کی کاشکی با آن دانه‌ها رفتمی پنداری کی آن دانه‌ها بی‌دامست

The Master of the (royal) stable saw it and took pity—for the man was acquainted with the owner of the ass—

So he saluted him and asked him what had happened, saying, “What is the cause of this ass being bent double like a dál?”

He replied, “On account of my poverty and destitution this dumb animal is not getting even straw.”

“Hand him over to me,” said the other, “for a few days, that in the King's stable he may grow strong.”

He handed the ass over to him, and that merciful man tethered him in the Sultan's stable.

(He saw the ground) swept (clean) under their feet and sprinkled with water; the straw coming at the (proper) time, and the barley at the hour (when it was expected).

He saw the horses curry-combed and rubbed down. (Then) he lifted up his muzzle, crying, “O glorious Lord,

Am not I Thy creature? I grant that I am an ass, (but) wherefore am I wretched, with sores on my back, and lean?

At night, because of the pain in my back and the (pangs of) hunger in my belly, I am always wishing to die.

Their legs were tightly bandaged with (strips of) canvas: the farriers were standing in file,

The ass saw (all) that, and was saying, “O God, I am satisfied with poverty and health.

I have no taste for that (plentiful) food and those hideous wounds.” Every one who desires (spiritual) health abandons the world.