The Teaching of a slave

A Buzrug of former times narrates:

" After I purchased a slave,I asked his name.

He replied: "My name is whatever you call me."

I said : "What work will you do?"

He said: "Whatever task you impose on me."

I said:"What food do you prefer?"

He said: "Whatever you feed me."

I said: " What does your heart wish for?"

He said: "What can a slave wish for in the presence of his master!"

I broke down weeping. I reflected and thought of the relationship I should have with my Master(Allah Ta'ala). I said to the slave: O my friend! You have imparted adab(respect) to me."

An excerpt from the "Orchards of Love"