However, Abdullah was determined to have the golden box at any cost, even at the end of the Dervish’s life. He said sternly, “If it’s harmful to me, it’s harmful to you as well. It could only harm your prayers. So better part with it.”
The Dervish took out the golden box from his pocket and said, “You can have it too, as I don’t need it. But i must tell you of its virtues. There is a magic ointment in it. If you apply a little on the left eye, you would be able to see all the treasure hidden under the earth.”
“I want to see it,” said abdullah.
The Dervish applied a little of the ointment of Abdullah’s left eye, and he was surprised that he could see all the treasure in the earth. He was amazed. As he took possession of the golden box, the Dervish warned him, “You haven’t heeded to my earlier warning, you continue to be greedy. I warm you now. Never ever apply this ointment on your right eyelid, come what may. It would only harm you.”
“You aren’t telling me the truth. When it can reveal the hidden wealth when it is applied to the left eye, it can certainly show me much more wealth if I apply it to my right eye,” said Abdullah curiously.
“No, if you happen to apply it to the right eye, you will become blind of both eyes. So, I once again warn you not to overlook my advice,” said the Dervish.
Source- https://pixabay.com/en/treasure-chest-chest-jewellery-open-619868/
.... Telling his story to the Caliph, Abdullah took a deep breath. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he said, “I didn’t care for the advice of the Dervish. I opened the box and applied some of the ointment on the tight eye. The words of the Dervish came true. As I opened the eyes, I could see nothing. It was dark everywhere and nothing else. It was the punishment for my greed. The Dervish had warned me about this but i had not paid heed to.”
“What happened then?” Asked the Caliph.
“Hungry and thirsty I wondered on the hot days and cold nights. I don’t know what became of the Dervish or the Camels. I would have died a terrible death, had a caravan no spotted me. It brought me to Baghdad.” Abdullah sobbed for a while and concluded, “Now you know why I ask people to punch me hard on my face; it is the punishment for the greed that I had practised. I was fated to be the richest man in Baghdad, now I’m the poorest beggar.”
The Caliph was moved at his plight. He said, “I think you have suffered much for your greed. Your strange behaviour is much justified m. I will give you a hut and two dirhams a day.”
Abdullah pleaded, “Please let me continue to beg, so that i get punished for my greed every time, I get alms.”
The Caliph said,” I think you have had much punishment by now. Moreover, I can’t allow beggars in my country.”
Abdullah stood up and bowed low to pay his obeisance before he was led outside to palace.