An old man in Turkestan had two most beloved objects—his swift-footed horse and his son. “I hold nothing dearer than these two,” said the old man, “but if anyone informs me that my son is dead, I would present to that person my favourite horse as a thanksgiving for the good news; because, my friend, I see that these two objects are like two idols in my way”*.
“Indeed”, continued the Hoopoe, “I can think of no better fortune for a valiant man than this that he loses himself from himself.”
“O master of foresight,” said another bird in great exultation, “although I am frail in body, I carry with me loftiness of spirit in the Path of Truth. Although I cannot boast of much devotion, I can lay claim to more than a little magnanimity.”
“Valour alone is the key to the gates of difficulties,” observed the Hoopoe. “Whoever possesses a particle of magnanimity eclipses the sun with that small atom. The key to the sovereignty of the world is magnanimity. The wing and feather of the bird of the world is magnanimity. Men of valour cheerfully surrender their soul and body. For years they undergo burning and boiling. The bird of their magnanimity, therefore, approaches the Royal Presence. It passes beyond the region of this world as well as that of faith. If you are not a man of such spirit, move on since you do not belong to the race of the magnanimous.”