Page 109 - The Book of Rumi

because I exist, for I’m a sign of God’s graciousness. I’ve become a tablet brim-
ming with His beauty.”
He then turned to face the other jackals and spat out: “You lowly beasts,
don’t you ever dare call me a jackal again. When was a jackal ever as magnifi -
cent as I?”
The jackals circled around him and asked: “If not a jackal, then what
should we call you?”
“I’m the exquisite male peacock, as lustrous as Jupiter!”
“If you’re a peacock, then let’s hear your unrivaled, piercing song,” they
demanded shrewdly.
“No, no, no! Singing I cannot do!”
The jackals all burst into loud laughter and walked away from the delu-
sional painted jackal, shaking their heads in amusement at his inept mind.

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