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his disciples what he had seen. Quoth one of them, ‘O Spirit of God,[1] nought resembleth this but my own story.’ ‘How so?’ asked Jesus, and the other said,
THE DISCIPLE’S STORY.
‘I was aforetime in such a city and hid a thousand dirhems in a monastery there. After awhile, I went thither and taking the money, bound it about my middle. [Then I set out to return] and when I came to the desert, the carrying of the money was burdensome to me. Presently, I espied a horseman pricking after me; so I [waited till he came up and] said to him, “O horseman, carry this money [for me] and earn reward and recompense [from God].” “Nay,” answered he; “I will not do it, for I should weary myself and weary my horse.” Then he went on, but, before he had gone far, he said in himself, “If I take up the money and spur my horse and forego him, how shall he overtake me?” And I also said in myself, “Verily, I erred [in asking him to carry the money]; for, had he taken it and made off, I could have done nought.” Then he turned back to me and said to me, “Hand over the money, that I may carry it for thee.” But I answered him, saying, “That which hath occurred to thy mind hath occurred to mine also; so go in peace.”’
Quoth Jesus (on whom be peace!), ‘Had these dealt prudently, they had taken thought for themselves; but they neglected the issues of events; for that whoso acteth
- ↑ Or “Breath of God,” a title given to Jesus by the Mohammedans.
