The laughable stories collected by Mâr Gregory John Bar Hebræ

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PROFITABLE SAYINGS OF THE ARAB ASCETICS.
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"ceticism than am I, because I have only renounced
"this world which abideth not, from which also thou
"thyself art about to be deprived by death; but thou
"hast also renounced that world which passeth not
"away, and thou hast hated it,, therefore thou art an
"ascetic in respect of both worlds, while I am an as-
"cetic in the matter of one only."
CCXC. Another ascetic said, "He that is careful to
"gather together more than he needeth, heapeth up
"for
another."
CCXCI. When certain men were blaming another
ascetic, and saying, "Thou givest away thine alms too
"freely," he made answer to them, "Why will ye not under-
"stand that it is meet for him that wisheth to go from
"one house to another to send on some provision in
"advance.''"
CCXCII. Unto, another ascetic a king said, "How is it
"that thou dost not pay homage to me, seeing that thou
"art of my servants.''" And he replied, "If thou didst
"but understand thou wouldst know that thou wert in
"very truth the servant of my servants, for I have
"gained the mastery over and have conquered worldly
"lusts, but they have gained the mastery over and
"have conquered thee."
CCXCIII. Unto another ascetic
one of the rich men
said, "How is it that thy face is always joyful as if
"thou didst lead a life of pleasure?" And he replied,
"It is meet for thee to lament and mourn and for me
"to rejoice and be glad, for in thy case the days of
"thy pleasure are coming to an end, and in mine it is
"the days of my tribulation which are about to cease."
CCXCIV. Another ascetic was asked, "Who is the
"Good One?" And ' replied, "The Good One is
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