I heard that in the plain of Sanaa, Junayd

Saw a dog with its teeth pulled out from the hunt

From the strength of its head and claws, the lion-catcher

It was helpless, like an old fox, exhausted and unable

After a roar and the pursuit of a deer

It was kicked by the sheep of the herd

Seeing its plight and exhaustion, its beard trembling

He gave it half of its own provisions

I heard it saying, and weeping joyfully

Who knows who is better than both of us?

In appearance, I am better than this today

But who knows what fate holds for me tomorrow?

If the foot of faith does not slip from its place

I will place the crown of God's forgiveness upon my head

And if the robe of knowledge covers me

I will be nothing, much less than this

For when a dog dies, despite its bad reputation

It will not be taken to hell

This is the path, says Saadi, for the men of the way

They did not look at themselves with pride

Because of this, they had honor among the angels

For they did not consider themselves better than a dog