Discourses of Rumi

154 V DISCOURSES OF RUMI“Woe to those that prayYet do not listen to their own prayers,Or to those who make big displaysBut for others have no care.”But these are merely words. You have caughtthat Light but still have not found humanity. Seekhumanity: that is your true purpose. The rest ismere long-windedness. When words are elaboratelydecorated, their purpose is forgotten.A certain greengrocer was in love with awoman, and he sent messages by the lady’s maid.“I am like this, I am like that. I am in love, I amon fire. I find no peace. I am cruelly treated. I waslike this yesterday. Last night such and such happenedto me.” And he recited long, long stories.The maid came into the lady’s presence andaddressed her as follows:“The greengrocer sends you greetings and says,‘Come, so that I may do this and that to you.’”“So coldly?” the lady asked.“He spoke at great length,” answered themaid. “But that was his purpose.”The purpose is the root of the matter; the restis merely a headache.