One of the scholars had many mouths to feed and meager means. He told one of the dignitaries in whom he had faith. He frowned at his expectation, and he considered the impropriety of asking from men of letters as reprehensible.

With an angry face due to fortune, before a dear friend

Do not go, lest you also make life bitter for him

When you go for a need, go with a cheerful and smiling face, for a generous person will not hinder your affairs.

It is said that he slightly increased his allowance but greatly decreased his devotion. When the scholar did not see the usual affection after a few days, he said:

Wretched are the foods when humiliation earns them

The pot is set up (ready to cook), but the worth (of the person) is diminished

He increased my bread but decreased my honor

Poverty is better than the humiliation of asking