Original content

English translation

The Qadi of Baghdad came out on foot, intending to go to the Friday mosque. A drunkard came upon him, recognized him, and said: 'May God honor you, O Qadi, is it fitting that you should go on foot?' Then he swore an oath by divorce that he would carry the Qadi upon his own neck. The Qadi said: 'Come forward, O accursed one.' When he had mounted upon his neck, the drunkard turned his face back and asked: 'Shall I go at a brisk pace or slowly?' He said: 'Between the two, but you must not bolt or slip, and keep close to the walls so that I may be safe from the jostling of passers-by.' He said: 'Blessed be God, O Qadi, you yourself know well the rules of riding.' When he had brought the Qadi to the mosque, the Qadi ordered that he be imprisoned. He said: 'May God set you right, O Qadi, is this the reward of one who delivers you from the humiliation of walking on foot, submits himself to being your mount, and brings you to the mosque with the honor of riding?' The Qadi laughed and let him go. When a drunkard bent on brawling blocks your way, Deal with him gently, O wise and skillful one. The honor of a wise, discerning man is thin as a hair; Do not let it be split in two by the tug-of-war of fools.