In the neighborhood lived a very famous dervish, who was deemed the best
philosopher in Turkey; him they went to consult. Pangloss was spokesman
and addressed him thus:--
"Master, we come to beg you to tell us why so strange an animal as man
has been formed?"
"Why do you trouble your head about it?" said the dervish; "is it any
business of yours?"
"But, reverend father," said Candide, "there is a horrible amount of
evil on the earth."
"What signifies it," says the dervish, "whether there is evil or good?
When His Highness sends a ship to Egypt does he trouble whether the rats
aboard are comfortable or not?"
"What is to be done, then?" says Pangloss.
"Be silent," answers the dervish.
"I flattered myself," replied Pangloss, "to have reasoned a little with
you on causes and effects, the best of possible worlds, the origin of
evil, the nature of the soul, and on pre-established harmony."
At these words the dervish shut the door in their faces.--_Candide_.