In Section 23 of Book Three in the Masnavi, Rumi introduces a powerful metaphor regarding the spiritual hazards of worldly power: 'Wealth is a snake containing poisons, and that acceptance and prostration of the people is a dragon.' While material wealth (the snake) is spiritually dangerous and can poison the soul, public adulation and the worshipful submission of others (the dragon) represent a far more monstrous and consuming threat. Rumi uses this principle to explain Pharaoh's downfall, demonstrating that his ultimate delusion of divinity was fueled not merely by his riches, but by his consumption of the 'dragon' of his subjects' constant veneration.