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 a very simple
dress. The nobleman 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.