Sheikh Saadi was a great poet in Iran. He used to lead
a very simple life. Once on his way for a night to the court of the king of
Iran, he took shelter in a noble man’s house for a night. He was then in very
simple dress. The noble man could not recognize him and the treatment he
received offended him. But he did not say anything to him.
The next day Sheikh Saadi went to the court of the
king and was received with honor. He stayed there for a few days. He composed
some beautiful poems and entertained the king and his courtiers. He received
rich gifts from the king. He put on a very rich and ornamented dress. Thus he
was returning to his village. On his way he again visited that noble man’s
house. This time, the rich man was surprised to see Sheikh Saadi in a rich
ornamental dress. He was delighted to see the change in Sheikh Saadi and
treated him with the best of the foods and comfort.
While eating, he was surprised to
see the rich delicious foods and understood the rich man’s attitude. Sheikh
Saadi then instead of eating the foods started putting them into the pockets of
his rich cloth. This surprised the rich man, “Why are you putting the foods
into the pockets of your dress?” said the rich man. “I am putting them into the
pockets of my dress because these foods are meant for my dress, not for me,”
said Saadi. The rich man realized his earlier folly and became ashamed.
