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Story CXXXII

STORY CXXXII

Hasan Muimandi was asked, that as the Sultân Mahmûd possesses so many beautiful slaves, each of whom is a marvel in the world, how it happens that he manifests towards none of them so much inclination and love as to Iyâz, although he is not more handsome [than the others]. He replied: "Whatever descends into the heart appears good to the eye."

He whose Murid^[1] the Sultân is, if he does everything bad, it will be good; but he whom the Pâdshâh throws away will not be cared for by anyone in the household.

If anyone looks with an unfavourable eye, [even] the figure of Joseph^[2] will indicate ugliness. And if he looks with the eye of desire on a demon, he will appear an angel, a cherub in his sight.

↑ 'Disciple' in a religious sense, but literally 'one who desires something,' e.g. instruction, affection, etc. See also footnote on p. 94.
↑ Joseph is the paragon of male beauty in Persian poetry.

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[1] 'Disciple' in a religious sense, but literally 'one who desires something,' e.g. instruction, affection, etc. See also footnote on p. 94.

[2] Joseph is the paragon of male beauty in Persian poetry.

[1]

[2]