Page 79 - The Book of Rumi

The Wise Madman

young man had determined that it was time to get married, but he was
A not entirely sure about his decision. Because he did not wish to make
a grave mistake, knowing that the choice of a bride was probably the most
important decision of one’s life, he decided to consult with someone wiser
than himself. He searched the entire town and asked everyone he knew until
fi nally someone told him: “In our town, there’s only one wise person, and he’s
the old man who plays with children!”
It didn’t take long to fi nd the wise man; in fact, it would be hard to miss
him. There, in the middle of the town’s main square, he spent his days chas-
ing a group of young children while riding a long bamboo stick, pretending
that it was his wild and unruly horse. When the young man spotted him from
a distance, he took note that he’d better approach the man carefully. “Hello,
great horseman, would you please veer your horse toward me for a minute?”
he implored desperately.
“Be swift and state your business,” the man replied in a formal tone. “As
you can see, my horse is wild and fi erce and will kick you if you make a silly
move,” he warned.
“I wish to get married but am inexperienced and need advice. What can
you tell me about women? Which woman would be the best choice for me?” he
asked humbly, not sure if he was actually going to get a decent answer.
“There are three kinds of women in the world,” replied the horseman
knowledgeably. “Two are great treasures indeed, but the third kind is the
greatest of treasures both in this world and the next.”
The young man was grateful but confused. “Would you mind expound-
ing on your theories?” he asked politely.
“I will start with the fi rst type, who will be entirely yours all your life;
while the second type of woman will be yours only partially; and the third
type will not belong to you at all! Now, move away before my horse kicks your
shin and lames you,” declared the old man as he turned his bamboo horse
toward the children and began to gallop away.

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