A grain dealer to whom Sufis were owing some money asked them for it every day in the town of Waset and used harsh language towards them. The companions had become weary of his reproaches but had no other remedy than to bear them; and one of them who was a pious man remarked: ‘It is more easy to pacify a hungry stomach with promises of food than a grain dealer with promises of money.’
It is preferable to be without the bounty of a gentleman Than to bear the insults of the gate-keepers. It is better to die wishing for meat Than to endure the expostulations of butchers.
