Masnavi I, 2379-80
When the listener has become thirsty and craving,
the preacher, even if he is as good as dead,
becomes eloquent.
When the hearer is fresh and without fatigue,
the drunk and mute will find
a hundred tongues to speak.
Version by Camille and Kabir Helminski
From the Persian translation by Yahyá Monastra
"Rumi: Daylight"
Threshold Books, 1994
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