Tales from Rumi
Moses and the Shepherd Moses saw a shepherd on the way, who was saying, “O God who choosest as Thou wilt, Where art Thou, that I may become Thy servant and sew Thy shoes and comb Thy head? That I may wash Thy clothes and kill Thy lice and bring milk to Thee, O worshipful One; That I may kiss Thy little hand and rub Thy little feet and sweep Thy little room at bedtime.” On hearing these foolish words, Moses said, “Man, to whom are you speaking!” He answered, “To Him who created us and brought this earth and heaven to sight.” “Hark!” said Moses, “you are a very wicked man: indeed you are no true believer, you have become an infidel. What babble is this? What blasphemy and raving? Stuff some cotton into your mouth! The stench of your blasphemy hath made the whole world stink: your blasphemy hath torn the mantle of religion to rags. Shoes and socks are fitting for you, but how are such things right for the Lord of glory? Truly the friendship of a fool is enmity: the h...