Imam Sufyan ath-Thawri رحمه الله entered into a gathering of Imam Malik’s رحمه الله and was amazed at the respect they gave the Imam.
Imam Sufyan رحمه الله then recited:
يأبى الجواب فلا يراجع هيبة والسائلون نواكس الأذقان
أدب الوقار وعز سلطان التقى فهو المهيب وليس ذا سلطان
” He refuses to answer, will not return {an answer} out of awe{of Allah}.
Those who ask sit with their necks bent
Refined manners, grace, and the dignity of a chief of piety
He inspires awe, yet he is no king. ”