This allegory in Attar's Mosibat Nameh illustrates the virtue of forbearance (hilm) and the avoidance of futile disputes. Through the interaction between the sage Ahnaf ibn Qais and an ignorant man who threatens to return ten insults for every one received, Ahnaf demonstrates noble character by refusing to reply to even one insult. The tale emphasizes that responding to base behavior from those of low character degrades one's own spiritual standing, and true strength lies in enduring pettiness without retaliating.