A pious man was a guest of a king. When they sat down to eat, he ate less than he desired, and when they stood up for prayer, he prayed more than his custom, so that they would increase their opinion of his piety.

I fear you will not reach the Kaaba, O Arab,

For this path you are taking leads to Turkestan.

When he returned to his own place, he asked for a meal to eat a little. He had a perceptive son. He said: O father! You did not eat anything at the king's gathering? He said: I did not eat anything in their presence that would be of use. He said: Make up the prayer as well, for you did nothing that would be of use.

O you who hold skills in the palm of your hand,

And hold faults under your arm,

What do you intend to buy, O conceited one,

On the day of helplessness with counterfeit silver?