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The Morals of Dervishes

STORY LXXIX

A man was sleeping dead-drunk on the highway, and the bridle of spontaneity had slipped from his hands. A hermit passed near him, and considered the disgraceful condition he was in. The youth raised his head and recited: "'When they passed near something contemptible, they passed it kindly.' When thou beholdest a sinner be concealing and meek. Turn not thy face from a sinner, O anchorite; look upon him with benignity. If I am ignoble in my actions, pass me by like a noble fellow."

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