Sheikh Saadi and His Dress

Copy 1: 100–120 Words

The king of Iran often invited the great poet Sheikh Saadi to his court. One day, Saadi was going to the king’s court. On the way, he took shelter in a nobleman’s house for one night. He was wearing simple and dirty clothes.

The nobleman did not know him. He treated Saadi badly and gave him poor food. Saadi said nothing.

The next day, Saadi reached the king’s court. The king gave him fine clothes. On his way back, Saadi again stayed in the same house. This time, the nobleman gave him great respect and good food.

Saadi put the food near his dress and said, “Eat, my dress.” The nobleman felt ashamed.

Copy 2: 150–200 Words

The king of Iran often invited the great poet Sheikh Saadi to his court. Once Saadi was going to the king’s court. On the way, night came. So he took shelter in a nobleman’s house.

At that time, Saadi was wearing very simple and dirty clothes. The nobleman did not know that he was a great poet. He did not show him respect. He gave Saadi a poor room and very simple food. Saadi ate quietly and slept there.

The next day, Saadi went to the king’s court. The king welcomed him with great love. He gave Saadi fine clothes and many gifts. After some days, Saadi returned by the same road. Again he stayed in the same nobleman’s house.

This time, Saadi was wearing rich clothes. The nobleman welcomed him warmly. He gave him a good room and many kinds of food. Saadi took some food and put it near his dress. He said, “Eat, my dress. This food is for you.”

The nobleman was surprised. Saadi said, “Last time you did not respect me. Today you respect my dress.” The nobleman felt ashamed.

Copy 3: 250–280 Words

The king of Iran often invited the great poet Sheikh Saadi to his court. Saadi was a wise and respected man. But he was also simple. He did not like pride. Once he was going to the king’s court. On the way, evening came, and he needed a place to stay for the night.

So Saadi took shelter in a nobleman’s house. At that time, he was wearing old and simple clothes. His clothes were dusty because he had travelled a long way. The nobleman looked at him and thought that he was an ordinary poor man. He did not welcome him kindly. He gave him a poor room and very little food. Saadi understood everything, but he said nothing.

The next morning, Saadi went to the king’s court. The king was very happy to see him. He welcomed him with honour and gave him fine clothes and some gifts. After some days, Saadi started for home. On his way back, he again went to the same nobleman’s house.

This time, Saadi was wearing beautiful clothes. The nobleman saw him and welcomed him with great respect. He gave him a clean room and many kinds of good food. Saadi sat at the table. But he did not eat the food. He took some food and put it near his dress.

The nobleman was surprised. He asked, “Sir, why are you giving food to your dress?” Saadi smiled and said, “This food is not for me. It is for my dress. Last time I came here in poor clothes, and you gave me poor food. Today I came in fine clothes, and you gave me respect.”

The nobleman felt ashamed. He learned that we should respect people, not their clothes.