Hekayat 41 from Chapter 2 of Golestan of Saadi

Listen to this story that took place in Baghdad:

The banner and the curtain had a disagreement.

The banner, covered in dust from the road and weary from travel,

Said to the curtain in a reproachful manner:

"You and I are both servants,

Slaves of the Sultan’s court.

I have not rested for a moment from service,

Always traveling, day and night.

You have not experienced hardship or siege,

Nor the desert, wind, dust, and grime.

My steps are ahead in effort,

So why is your honor greater?

You are among the beautiful servants,

With jasmine-scented slaves.

I am in the hands of apprentices,

Bound and wandering in travel."

The curtain replied: "I rest my head on the threshold,

Not like you, who raise your head to the sky.

Whoever raises his head in vain,

Throws himself into trouble."