And said: ‘If I should win this doubtful day,
The dervishes will bear the spoils away.’
They fought, and Mahmoud’s conquest was complete --
His captives piled their treasures at his feet.
The king declared ‘I will fulfil my vow;
The dervishes shall have this booty now.’
But all his courtiers cried: ‘Can gold and jewels
Be given to that crowd of cringing fools?
Reward the soldiers who have won this war,
Or have it piled up in the royal store.’
What should he do? Shah Mahmoud was unsure.
Just then his eye caught sight of Boul Hoosein,
A pious fool whom many thought insane;
He said: ‘Whatever that man says, I’ll do --
No kings or armies influence his view.’
They called the madman over to the king,
Who welcomed him and told him everything.
The madman said: ‘O king, these anxious plans
Are not worth more than two small barley grains --
If all your dealings with the Lord cease here,
Forget the vow you made and never fear;
But if you think you might need Him again
Then keep your promise to the final grain.
God gave the victory to you; now where
In this agreement is your lordship’s share?’
So Mahmoud gave the gold where it was owed,
And took his way along the royal road.”
THE CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS Farid ud-din Attar
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