I heard of a certain rich man, who was as
notorious for parsimony as Hatim Tai for liberality. His external form was
adorned with wealth, but the meanness of his disposition was so radiated, that
he never gave even a loaf of bread to any one: he would not have bestowed a
scrap on the cat of Abu Horiera, nor thrown a bone to the dog of companions of
the cave. In short, no one ever saw his door open nor his table spread. A
Durwesh never knew his victuals, excepting by the smell; no bird ever picked up
any crumbs that fell from his table. I heard that he was sailing on the
Mediterranean Sea towards Egypt, with all the pride of Pharaoh in his
imagination, according to the word of God, ‘Until the time that he was
drowned.’ Suddenly a contrary wind assailed the ship, in the manner as they
have said, ‘What can the heart do that it may not record with your sorrowful disposition;
the north wind is not always favourable for the ship.’ He lifted up the hands
of imploration, and uttered ineffectual lamentations. God hath said, ‘“When you
embark on ships offer up your prayers unto the Lord.’
Of what benefit will it be to the servant
in the time of need, to lift up his hands in imploration, which are extended
during prayers, but when any favour is wanted are folded under his arms?
‘Bestow comfort on others with silver and gold, and from thence derive also
benefit yourself. Know thou, that this edifice of yours will remain, use
therefore bricks of gold and bricks of silver.’
They have related, that he had poor
relations in Egypt, who were enriched with the remainder of his wealth. At his
death they rent their old garments and made up silks and damask. In that same
week I saw one of them riding a fleet horse, with an angelic youth running
after him. I said, “Alas if the dead man should return amongst his tribe and
relations, the heirs would feel more sorrow in restoring him his estate than
they suffered on account of his death.” On the strength of the acquaintance
which had formerly subsisted between us, I pulled his sleeve, and said, “Enjoy
thou, 0 good man of happy endowments, that wealth which the late possessor
accumulated to no purpose.”
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