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THECONFERENCEOFTHEBIRDS
FARIDUD-DINATTAR,thePersianmystic-poet,wasbornduringthetwelfthcentury at Neishapour (where Omar Khayyam had also been born) innortheast Iran. His date of birth is given by different authorities atvarioustimesbetween1120and1157;theearlierdateismorelikely.Heis said tohavebeeneducatedat the theological schoolattachedto theshrineofImamRezaatMashhad(amajorcentreofpilgrimage)andlaterto have travelled to Rey (the ancient Raghes, near modern Tehran),Egypt,Damascus,Mecca,Turkestanand India.Afterhiswanderingshesettled inhishometown,wherehekeptapharmacy,and itwas therethat hewrote his poems. Later in his life hewas apparently tried forheresy;thechargewasupheldandAttarwasbanishedandhispropertylooted.However,hehadreturnedtoNeishapouratthetimeofhisdeath,whichwasprobablyshortlybefore1220.HisotherchiefworksareTheBookoftheDivine,TheBookofAfflictionandTheBookofSecrets.
DICK DAVIS was born in 1945 and educated at King's College,Cambridge,wherehereadEnglish,andattheUniversityofManchester(Ph.D.inPersianLiterature).HelivedinIranforeightyears(1970–78)andhasalsolivedinItalyandGreece.HeisProfessorofPersianatOhioState University, USA. He has published six books of poetry, criticalworks and translations from Italian as well as from Persian. HetranslatedTheLegendofSeyavashbyFerdowsiforPenguinClassics,andalsoeditedEdwardFitzGerald’sRuba’iyatofOmarKhayyamforPenguin.HeisaFellowoftheRoyalSocietyofLiterature.
AFKHAMDARBANDIwasbornin1948inTehran,whereshegrewup.Shetrained as a nurse and then as a translator. She and Dick Davis weremarriedin1974.
FARIDUD-DINATTAR
TranslatedwithanIntroductionbyAfkhamDarbandiandDickDavis
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Thistranslationfirstpublished198428
Copyright©AfkhamDarbandiandDickDavis,1984Allrightsreserved
ExceptintheUnitedStatesofAmerica,thisbookissoldsubjecttotheconditionthatitshallnot,bywayoftradeorotherwise,belent,re-sold,hiredout,orotherwisecirculatedwithoutthepublisher’spriorconsentinanyformofbindingorcoverotherthanthatinwhichitispublishedandwithoutasimilarconditionincludingthisconditionbeingimposedonthesubsequentpurchaser
9780141920955
THISTRANSLATIONISDEDICATEDTOTHEMEMORYOFMARIAMDARBANDI,1956–1983
CON T EN T S
INTRODUCTION
THECONFERENCEOFTHEBIRDS
BIOGRAPHICALINDEX
INTRODUCTION
TheConference of the Birds (Manteq at-Tair) is the best-knownwork ofFaridud-DinAttar,aPersianpoetwhowasbornatsometimeduringthetwelfth century in Neishapour (where Omar Khayyam had also beenborn), in north-east Iran, and died in the same city early in thethirteenthcentury.Hisname,Attar,isaformofthewordfromwhichweget the ‘attar’ of ‘attar of roses’ and it indicates a perfume seller ordruggist.Attarwrote thathe composedhispoems inhisdaru-khané, awordwhichinmodernPersianmeansachemist’sshopordrug-store,butwhichhassuggestionsofadispensaryorevenadoctor’ssurgery;anditisprobablethathecombinedthesellingofdrugsandperfumeswiththepracticeofmedicine.
His date of birth is given by different authorities at various timesbetween 1120 and 1157; modern writers have inclined towards theearlierdate.Twomanuscript copiesofTheConference of theBirdsgivethedateofitscompletionas1177,andoninternalevidenceonewouldjudgeittobetheworkofawriterwellpasthisyouth;thisalsosuggeststhatabirth-datecloser to1120 than1157 is likely.He is said tohavespentmuch of his childhood being educated at the theological schoolattached to the shrine of ImamReza atMashhad (the largest town innortheastern Iranandamajor centreofpilgrimage), and later tohavetravelled to Key (the ancient Raghes, near modern Tehran), Egypt,Damascus, Mecca, Turkestan (southern Russia) and India. SuchitinerariesarecommoninthelivesofPersianpoetsofthisperiod,andit
wasclearlyusual for them, like theircounterparts inmedievalEurope,thetroubadoursandwanderingscholars,totravelfromplacetoplaceinsearchofknowledgeorpatronageorboth.Attar’stravelsseemtohavebeenundertakenmore in thepursuit of knowledge thanpatronage;heboastedthathehadneversoughtaking’sfavourorstoopedtowritingapanegyric (this alonewouldmake himworthy of note among Persianpoets). Though The Conference of the Birds is about the search for anideal,spiritualking,Attarobviouslyhadalowopinionofmostearthlyrulers;heusuallypresentstheirbehaviourascapriciousandcruel,andatonepointinthepoemhespecificallysaysitisbesttohavenothingtodowith them. The knowledge he particularly soughtwas concernedwiththebiographiesandsayingsofIslamicsaints;thesehecollectedtogetherin his prose work Tadhkirat al-Auliya (Memorials of the Saints), whichbecameanimportantsourcebookforlaterhagiographers.
After hiswanderings he settled again in his home town,where hepresumablykepthisdaru-khané.Thereissomeevidencethatlateinhislifehewastriedforheresy–readingTheConferenceoftheBirdsitisnotdifficulttoseewhy,thoughtheaccusationwasmadeagainstadifferentpoem.Thechargewasupheld,Attarwasbanishedandhispropertywas
looted.EdwardG.Browne*pointsoutthatthiswasanotuncommonfateforPersianmysticalpoets toendure,and that inhis lastbook,Lisanu’lGhaib,Attar‘compareshimselftoNasir-e-Khosrow,who,likehimself,“inorder thathemightnot lookon theaccursed faces”ofhispersecutors,retiredfromtheworldand“hidhimselflikearubyinBadakhshan”.’TheConferenceoftheBirdscontainsmanyanecdotesaboutsufiswhosufferedfor their beliefs; and if Attar was attacked for his writings, the
experiencecannothavebeenasurprisetohim.
However,hewasbackinNeishapouratthetimeofhisdeath,whichis variouslygivenashavingoccurredbetween1193and1235.Oneofthe datesmost favoured among early writers is 1229, the year of theMongols’sackofNeishapourduringtheirdevastatingsweepwestwards,whichtookthemtoBaghdadandbeyond.IfAttarwasbornaround1120hewouldhavebeenwelloverahundredyearsoldat this time,and itseems more likely that his biographers have been seduced by thepathetic picture of the saintly old poet butchered by the barbarianhordesthanthatheactuallydidlivesolong.Adateshortlybefore1220is more probable, though even this would mean that he was in hisninetieswhenhedied.
AmemorialstonewaserectedoverAttar’stombinthelatefifteenthcentury,andthesiteisstillmaintainedasaminorshrine.(ThetombsofPersianmysticalpoetshavecommonlybecomeshrines;Ansari’stombinHerat was once a magnificently adorned place of pilgrimage – it stillexistsinamoreorlessdilapidatedstate–andRumi’stombatKonyaistothisdaymaintainedinlavishsplendour.)BothAttar’stombandOmarKhayyam’s were restored in the 19305 –Attar’s with rather morediscretion than Khayyam’s; the building that now houses the tomb issurroundedbyasmallgarden.
The Conference of the Birds is a poem about sufism, the doctrinepropounded by the mystics of Islam, and it is necessary to knowsomething about this doctrine if the poem is to be fully appreciated.Sufismwasanesotericsystem,partlybecauseitwascontinuallyaccusedofbeingheretical,partlybecauseitwasheldtobeincomprehensibleand
dangerous if expounded to those who had not received the necessaryspiritualtraining.Itwashandeddownwithinordersofadepts,whowereforbidden to reveal the most important tenets of belief (though someoccasionallydid),fromsheikhtopupil(throughoutTheConferenceoftheBirds theword ‘sheikh’ denotes a spiritual leader, not a secular chief).Different sufis living at different times have clearly believed differentthings, and most sufi authors tend to retreat into paradox at crucialmoments, either because they feel their beliefs are genuinelyinexpressiblebyothermeansorbecausetheyfearorthodoxreprisal.
Thedoctrineiselusive,butcertaintenetsemergeascommontomostaccounts.These,briefly,are:onlyGod trulyexists,allother thingsareanemanationofHim,orareHis‘shadow’;religionisusefulmainlyasawayofreachingtoaTruthbeyondtheteachingsofparticularreligions–however,somefaithsaremoreuseful for this thanothers,andIslamisthe most useful; man’s distinctions between good and evil have nomeaningforGod,whoknowsonlyUnity;thesoulistrappedwithinthecage of the body but can, by looking inward, recognize its essentialaffinity with God; the awakened soul, guided by God’s grace, canprogressalonga‘Way’whichleadstoannihilationinGod.ThedoctrinereceiveditsmostextremeexpressioninthewritingsoftheSpanishArabpantheist IbnArabi,acontemporaryofAttar,whomaintained that thebeingofcreationandtheCreatorareindivisible.InTheConferenceoftheBirdsAttarfrequentlyseemstobeabouttopropoundthesamedoctrine,only to step back at the lastmoment andmaintain a final distinctionbetweenGodandHiscreatures.
Attar’s own connection with sufism is not entirely clear. It is not
possible,forexample,toidentifyincontrovertiblythesheikhfromwhomhereceived instruction,oreven to statewithcertaintywhichorderhebelonged to. J. Spencer Trimingham, in his excellent book The SufiOrdersinIslam(Oxford,1971),saysthathissheikhwasMajdad-Dinal-Baghdadi (died 1219) of theKubrawiya order; however, E.G. BrownequotesaPersiansourcetotheeffectthatthoughMajdad-DinwasAttar’steacheritwasmedicinethathetaughthim,nottheWayofsufism.Thereisanotherpersistenttradition(firstmentionedbyRumi,whomAttar issaid to have dandled on his knee as a child and whose poetry isconsideredbyPersianstobetheneplusultraofmysticalliterature)thatAttarhadinfactnoteacherandwasinstructedintheWaybythespiritofMansural-Hallaj,thesufimartyrwhohadbeenexecutedinBaghdadin922andwhoappearedtohiminadream.
The two traditions are not wholly exclusive; Attar may havebelonged, to an order and have had a confirmatory dream in whichHallaj appeared to him. His collection of sayings and anecdotesconnectedwiththelivesofsufisaints,MemorialsoftheSaints(manysuchanecdotesalsoappearinTheConferenceoftheBirds),suggestsabookish,ratherscholarlymaninterestedinthelivesofthosewhohadgonebeforehim.Myownguess–itisnomorethanthat–isthatthetraditionofhisinstructionby thespiritofHallaj isadramatic symbolofhis scholarlypreoccupationwiththelivesofdeadsufis.
Attar shows a particular interest in the lives of two sufis, al-HallajandBistami(or‘Bayazid’,asAttarcallshim).Both,significantlyenough,wererepresentativesof themoreextreme,antinomianand, tomanyoftheorthodox,scandaloustendenciesofsufism.HallajwasaPersianwho
wroteinArabic(ArabicoccupiedthepositioninIslamicAsiaandAfricathatLatinheldinmedievalChristianEurope,andmanyauthorsuseditinpreferencetotheirownvernacularlanguages).Hebrokewiththesufitradition of secrecy and openly taught mystical doctrines; his mostfamous pronouncement, made while in a state of religious exaltation,was ‘I am theTruth’ (or even ‘I amGod’: the relevantword,haq, canmean either ‘God’ or ‘truth’).Hewas imprisoned for eight years, thentried and condemned to death; he was flogged, mutilated, hung on agibbet and thendecapitated; his bodywas burned and the asheswerescattered in the Tigris. Some of his followers fled to Khorasan (north-eastern Iran, where Attar was born), where his ideas were firstincorporatedintoPersianversebyAbouSaidAboulKheir;theybecamethe staple of Persian mystical literature when they were taken up bySana’i,andafterhimbyAttarandthenRumi.Thestatement ‘IamtheTruth’ was considered a declaration of the non-existence of the Selfwhichhasbeenre-absorbedintothetruereality,i.e.God;hisdeathwasseenasawarningoftheworld’shostilitytosufism,whichbecameevermoresecretive,paradoxicalandesoteric.ThepoetHafezgoessofarastoimplythatHallajdiedbecausehehadrevealedwhatshouldbehidden;that is, thoughtotheorthodoxhisdeathmayhavebeenapunishmentforblasphemy, to the sufis itwasapunishment for the revelationofamystery.
BistamiorBayazid(Bistam,whichisabouthalfwaybetweenReyandNeishapour,washisbirthplace)wasafamousasceticassociatedwiththe‘ecstatic’ratherthanthe‘sober’sufipath(the‘sober’waywasassociatedwithJunaidofBaghdad).LikeHallaj,Bistamiissaidtohaveattaineda
state of annihilation inGod, and likeHallaj he proclaimed the fact inutterancesthatscandalizedtheorthodox(‘GlorytoMe!HowgreatisMymajesty!’–heclaimedtohavehadavisionofthethroneofGodandtohaveseenhimselfsittingonit).However,heescapedoutrightcondemnation,perhapsbyfeigningmadness,anddiedin874inBistam.Histombwasmade intoaverybeautiful shrineby theMongol IlkhanUljeitu intheearlyfourteenthcentury;muchofthisshrinestillexists.Attarisoneof the chief sources for anecdotes about Bistami’s life. Triminghamquotes al-Hujwiri, the author of one of the most important medievaltextsonsufism,assayingthatBistami’s teachingwas ‘characterizedbyghalaba (rapture, ecstasy)and sukr (intoxication);whereas thatderivedfromal-Junaid is basedon sobriety (sahw)’. The two schoolswerenotseen as opposed, and Attar mentions Junaid with respect, but he isclearlymoretakenupwiththeKhorasaniantradition;hewas,afterall,borninKhorasanandprobablyimbibeditsparticularemphasesearlyinhiseducation.
Sufism was never simply a doctrine to which one intellectuallyassented; it was also a discipline for life, and its adepts followed acarefully prescribed ‘Way’. To quote Trimingham again, ‘[readersunacquainted with the writings of sufis] could have no betterintroduction than Attar’sManteq at-Tair (The Conference of the Birds)wherethesevenvalleystraversedbythebirdsofthequestare:Search,Love, mystic Apprehension, Detachment/Independence, Unity,Bewilderment, and Fulfilment in Annihilation… The purpose of thediscipline… is to achieve purification. The aspirant has: to purify hisnafs,i.e.hispersonality-self,fromitsinclinationtoshahawat,thatis,the
thoughtsanddesiresofthenaturalman,andsubstitutethesewithlove(mahabba); then he must be cast into the flames of passion (ishq) toemerge in the state of union (wusla)with transmutation of self (fana)through the gifts of dazzlement andwonder (haira) to everlastingness(baqa).’Attar’spoemthenisadescriptionofthestagesencounteredbytheadeptofthesufis’Way.
A poet of the generation before Attar, Sana’i (who died around 1150,whenAttarwasprobablyinhistwenties),haddonemoreorlessjustthisinhisHadiqatu’lHaqiqat(TheGardenoftheTruth),inwhichsufidoctrineismixedwithagreatdealofextraneousmatter.Thepoemissignificantas being the first of the three famous long narrative Persian poemswritten in coupletswhich expound sufi teachings – the other two areAttar’sManteqat-TairandRumi’sMasnavi-e-Ma’navi–but isby far theleast popular of the three and owes its fame to chronological pre-eminence rather than to intrinsic excellence. E. G. Browne, withcharacteristic forthrightness, called it ‘inmyopiniononeof thedullestbooksinPersian,seldomrisingtothelevelofMartinTupper’sProverbialPhilosophy,andasfarinferiortotheMas-naviofJalalu’dDinRumiasis
RobertMontgomery’sSatantoMilton’sParadiseLost’.*Thisisanextremeview, but compared toAttar’swork, Sana’i’s is undeniably patchy anddull.Attar’sgreatadvanceonSana’i’sbeginningwastopresentthesufidoctrine in an extended allegorical form which is itself continuallyinteresting and amusing, which has moments of great psychologicalinsight, humour and narrative suspense, and which gives the poem –over its four and a half thousand lines – a convincingly unfoldednarrativestructure.Inotherwordshehastransformedbeliefintopoetry,
muchinthewaythatMiltonorDantedid.
Theallegoricalframeworkofthepoemisasfollows:thebirdsoftheworldgathertogethertoseekaking.Theyaretoldbythehoopoethatthey have a king – the Simorgh – but that he lives far away and thejourneytohimishazardous.Thebirdsareatfirstenthusiastictobegintheirsearch,butwhentheyrealizehowdifficultthejourneywillbetheystart to make excuses. The nightingale, for example, cannot leave hisbeloved; the hawk is satisfied with his position at court waiting onearthly kings; the finch is too afraid even to set out, and so on. Thehoopoecounterseachoftheirexcuseswithanecdoteswhichshowhowtheir desires and fears are mistaken. The group flies a little way,formallyadoptsthehoopoeasitsleader,andthendecidestoaskaseriesofquestionsabouttheWaybeforeproceeding.Thesequestionsarealsoansweredbyillustrativeanecdotes.Thelastquestionisaboutthelengthofthejourney,andinanswerthehoopoedescribesthesevenvalleysoftheWay.Thejourneyitselfisquicklydealtwithandthebirdsarriveatthe court of the Simorgh. At first they are turned back; but they arefinally admitted and find that the Simorgh they have sought is noneotherthanthemselves.Themomentdependsonapun–onlythirty(si)birds(morgh)areleftattheendoftheWay,andthesimorghmeettheSimorgh,thegoaloftheirquest.
Though Attar treats his material in an entirely different way fromSana’i,itispossiblethatashorterpoemofSana’isuggestedthedeviceofthebirdstohim.InSana’i’sDivanthereisapoeminwhichthedifferentcries of the birds are interpreted as the birds’ ways of calling on orpraising God. A second sourcemay have beenKalila and Dimna. This
extraordinarilypopularwork,alsocalledThefablesofBidpai,originatedin India andwas translated intomany languages. The Persian texts ofKalila and Dimna which survive are relatively late prose versions, butRudaki,who lived early in the tenth century andwas one of the firstpoets towrite inPersian,madeaverse translationof thework,whichAttar could have known. Significantly enough, Rudaki used the samecoupletformasAttarwaslatertouseforTheConferenceoftheBirds;butadirectinfluenceisimpossibletoprove,becauseallbutafewfragmentsofRudaki’spoemhavebeen lost. InKalilaandDimna animals talkandactashumans;thefablesusuallyhaveamoralpointtothem,andtheirnarratives are allegories of human characteristics and failings. This ispreciselythemethodofAttar’sConferenceoftheBirds,andthetwoworksalso show a similar kind of folksy humour. Another work whichprobablyinfluencedAttarwhenhecametowritehispoemistheshortArabictreatiseTheBirdbyAvicenna.Thisisthefirst-personnarrativeofabird(clearlyrepresentingthehumansoul)whoisfreedfromacagebyotherbirds,andthenfliesoffwithhisnewcompanionsonajourneytothe‘GreatKing’.Thegroupfliesovereighthighmountainpeaksbeforereachingtheking’scourt;thereareafewmomentswhenAttarseemstoechoAvicenna’simagery.
ThehoopoeinAttar’spoemispresentedasthebirds’guideandleader;he is therefore the equivalent of a sheikh leading a group of religiousadepts, orwould-be adepts, along their path.His relation to the otherbirds is alsoAttar’s relation tohis audience: he expounds thedoctrinethey wish to hear and admonishes them to act on it. Attar veryfrequentlygives the impressionofmerginghispersonalitywith thatof
the hoopoe; this is aided in Persian by the absence of punctuation, inparticular quotation marks; a translator has to choose whether thehoopoe or the author is speaking, whereas Attar need not make thisdecision.Though the storiesareostensibly toldby thehoopoe tobirdstheyareinrealitytoldbyAttartomen,andtheadmonitionsinthemarealmostalwaysaddressedtohumanity,Attar’srealaudience,ratherthanto the hoopoe’s fictitious avian audience. For example, Persian has aphraseexactlyequivalent to theEnglish ‘Beaman!’ (i.e. ‘Pullyourselftogetherandfacedangerbravely!’);Attaroftenusesthisphrasebecausehe clearlyhashis true, humanaudienceuppermost inhismind ratherthanthebirdstowhomthestoriesaresupposedtobeaddressed.
Most of the poem is organized around the hoopoe’s answers todifferent birds’ objections to the journey or questions about it. At thebeginning the birds are identified by their species (and each speciesclearlyindicatesahumantype:thenightingaleisthelover,thefinchisthe coward, etc.); and theymake excuses, according to their kind, fornot going on the journey. Once the journey has begun the birds askquestionsaboutitscourse,andheretheanalogyismuchmorethatofabeginner on the spiritual path asking his sheikh about the trials he islikely to encounter. Each section (except for the opening and closingpages)thereforebeginswithabirdquestioningthehoopoe(orarguingwithhim)andcontinueswiththehoopoe’sanswer.Eachanswerusuallycontains two or three stories which illustrate the particular point thehoopoe is making; the stories are linked together by admonition andcommentary.
Manyof the stories at first reading seemobscure. This obscurity is
certainly,inpartatleast,intentional;thereaderisbeingaskedtolookatsome problem in an unfamiliar way, and logic is often deliberatelyflouted so that we are, as it were, teased or goaded – rather thanlogically led – into understanding. The paradoxical koans of ZenBuddhismareananalagousphenomenon.And,nearerhome,Bunyan,intheprefatorypoemtothesecondpartofhisPilgrim’sProgress,counterstheobjection that ‘hiswords and stories are sodark /Theyknownothow,bythem,tofindhismark’withlinesthatcouldwellstandattheheadofAttar’spoem:
AndtostirthemindTosearchafterwhatitfainwouldfind,ThingsthatseemtobehidinwordsobscureDobutthegodlymindthemoreallureTostudywhatthosesayingsshouldcontainThatspeaktousinsuchacloudystrain.
IalsoknowadarksimilitudeWillonthefancymoreitselfintrude,AndwillstickfasterintheheartandheadThanthingsfromsimilesnotborrowèd.
Theobscuritiesarethereto‘allure’themind,andtheambiguitiesoftheallegoryarethe‘darksimilitude’which‘willstickfasterintheheartandhead’. For example, Attar will tell a story about two people, one ofwhomisclearlyGod,theothertheaspirantsufi,but justas thereaderhasworkedoutwhich iswhichhewill find thathehas to changehismindorsuspendjudgement;thelongstorywithwhichthepoemclosesisagoodexampleofthis.Thereader’sattemptstoexplaintheallegorytohimselfarewhatmakeit‘stickfast’.
Butthoughmuchofthepoemisdeliberatelyina‘cloudystrain’itiscertainly not meant to be read in a state of hazy unrelievedincomprehension. Some of what at first sight seems obscure will beclarifiedifthereaderpaysattentiontothecontextofeachstory.(Thisiswhy it is not really a good idea to dip into the book at random; it ismeanttobereadthrough,atleastsectionbysection.)AgoodexampleofhowthecontextclarifiesmeaningoccurswhenthehoopoetellsthetaleofthepoorfisherboybefriendedbyKingMas’oud(pp.79–80);whenthekingcaststheboy’slineheissuccessful,andcatchesagreatquantityoffish,whichhegivestheboy.Thenextdayhemakestheboythepartnerofhis throne.Outofcontext, the story,given that the readerknows itcomes from a religious allegory, would probably be interpreted as afableaboutGod’sgrace.Butifweputthestorybackintoitscontexttheallegorybecomesmoreinteresting.Abirdhasaskedthehoopoewhyhe(the hoopoe) is spiritually successful whereas all the other birds getnowhere.ThehoopoesaysitisbecauseSolomonhasglancedathim;hegoesontosaythatthisglanceisworthfarmorethanprayer.However,thisdoesnotmeanthatoneneednotpray–onthecontrary,oneshouldprayunceasinglyuntilSolomonglancesatone.Therefollowsthestoryofthe fisherboy;wenowsee that theboy’sconstant fishing (hecomes tofish in the same spot every day) represents the spiritual ‘fishing’ ofconstant prayer; the king’s visit is the glance of Solomon.The story isabout individual effort as well as grace and the fact that both arenecessary forspiritualprogress. If thepointofastoryseemselusiveatfirstreading,itisusuallyagoodideatore-readtheprecedingfewlines,or to refer back to the beginning of the section in order to remindoneselfwhat question or objection thehoopoe is answering. Similarly,
storiesareoftenlinkedbyakeyword;sometimesthislinkwillbeapunwhich subtly changes the direction of the argument, at other times itseemsthat,as inacomedian’spatter,wordwhichcomesat theendofonestoryhassimplyremindedAttarofanotherstorywhichdependsonthesamenotion.
It is clear that certain of the beliefs central to sufism engaged Attar’simagination more than others. Two themes in particular are diffusedthroughout almost the entire poem – the necessity for destroying theSelf,andtheimportanceofpassionatelove.Botharementionedineveryconceivable context and not only at the ‘appropriate’moments withinthe scheme. The two are connected: the Self is seen as an entitydependent onpride and reputation; there canbenoprogressuntil thepilgrim is indifferent to both, and the commonestway ofmaking himindifferent is theexperienceofoverwhelming love.Nowthe loveAttarchooses to celebrate (and the stories thatdealwith loveareeasily themostdetailedandthelongestofthepoem)isofaparticularkind; it isalways love that flies in the faceof either socialor sexualor religiousconvention. Itmaybe lovebetweena social superiorand inferior (e.g.betweenaprincessandaslave); it isverycommonlyhomosexual love;or,asinthelongeststoryofthepoem(pp.57–75,aboutSheikhSam’an),itmay be love between people of different religions. In each case thelovecelebrated is seenby theworldas scandalous (itmaybeobjectedthat homosexual love was not seen by medieval Islam as particularlyscandalous, but it is forbidden in the Koran (iv. 20), and in TheConferenceof theBirds theanecdoteaboutShebli in thebrothel (p.93)shows that itwas commonly thought of as shameful). Themention of
scandalremindsusof the ‘scandalous’, i.e.blasphemous,aspectsof theKhorasanian tradition of sufism to which Attar belonged; the‘scandalous’ loveswhich Attar celebrates, their flouting of convention,are the allegorical counterpart of this spiritually ‘scandalous’abandonment.
Attar’sconcern todemonstrate that thesufis’ truthexistsoutsideofhumanconventionsalsoappearsinhispredilectionforstoriesinwhichapoor, despised person (a dervish or beggar) is shown as spirituallysuperiortoagreat lordorking;and, incommonwithothersufipoets,Attarwill usewords like ‘fool’ or ‘idiot’ tomean ‘wiseman’ or ‘saint’.The most extreme examples of such an attitude occur in the sectionwherehehaspilgrimsinsultingGod.Likemanyreligiouspoetshelovesparadox,aswhenhehasasaintprayingthatGodcursehim(becausethecurseisGod’sandthuspreferabletoablessingfromanyothersource),and this is part of the same habit of mind – the need to insist that‘normal’apprehensionsandexpectationsarequestionable,toturntheminsideout.
Readers acquainted with medieval European literature will not findAttar’smethodunfamiliar;parallelssuchasTheOwlandtheNightingaleand Chaucer’s Parliament of Fowls immediately suggest themselves.Indeed,itisremarkablehowcloseAttar’spoemfrequentlyisintoneandtechnique to medieval European classics. Like Chaucer’s CanterburyTales, it is a group of stories bound together by the convention of apilgrimage,andas inChaucer’sworktheconventionallowstheauthorto present a panorama of contemporary society; both poems canaccommodatewidelydifferingtonesandsubjects, fromthescatological
totheexaltedtothepathetic(and,occasionally,itmustbeadmitted,thebathetic); both authors delight in quick character sketches and briefvignettes of quotidian life. With Dante’s Divine Comedy Attar’s poemshares its basic technique,multi-layered allegory, and a structure thatleadsusfromtheseculartotheDivine,fromacrowded,randomworld,describedwithagreatpoet’srelishforlanguageandobservation,totheineffablerealmoftheAbsolute.Andintheworkofallthreeauthorswecandiscernabasiccatholicityofsympathy,atoddswiththestereotypesof inflexible exclusiveness often associatedwith bothmedieval RomanCatholicismandmedievalIslam.
TowesternreadersAttar’smisconceptionsaboutotherreligionsmayproveirritating;buthischaracterizationofmonasteriesasplaceswhereorgies go on and good Moslems are led astray is after all no moregrotesquethanmedievalChristiancharacterizationsofwhatwentoninJewish communities. His obsessionwith idolatory is part of a generalIslamicconcern,butinTheConferenceoftheBirds,asinagreatdealofsufi poetry, the true idol to be destroyed is the Self. Of especialsignificance is Attar’s use of the imagery of fire to indicate religiousexaltation; pre-Islamic IranhadbeenZoroastrian, and theZoroastriansworshippedfire;the‘fire-worshippers’ofPersianmysticalpoetryareyetanother symbol for an antinomian religious fervour scandalous to theorthodox. In the same way Persian poets, including Attar, use theintoxication inducedbywine – forbidden toMoslems– as ametaphorfor the ‘forbidden’ intoxications ofmysticism. In the story of theArabwhohasallhisgoodsstolenwhiletravellinginPersia(pp.176–7),theArabrepresentsthefolloweroftheformal,outwardpath,ofreligion;the
bandits are the sufis, who follow the inward path of mysticism andspiritual poverty; the wine which makes the Arab drunk and whichenables the bandits to strip him of his outward wealth is the sufidoctrine.
Attar’s language is, compared with that of many Persian poets, fairlydirect and does not present too many difficulties for the translator.Persianlyricpoetryisoftenatissueofallusionandthusextraordinarilydifficult to render into English; but this poem is a narrative, andwhatever else is happening the translator has at least the story toconvey. Attar is relatively sparing with metaphor, but a word or twoabout the use of metaphor in Persian verse will perhaps be helpful.Persian metaphors are rarely the visual images that English readersexpecttofindinpoetry.Insteadtheyjuxtaposewordswhichhavepotentassociationsinawaythatdeepensandwidensthemeaningsimpliedbythe passage. If the reader attempts to visualize the juxtaposition theresult is often ludicrous. Henry Vaughan’s poem ‘My soul, there is acountry’hasaline,‘SweetPeacesitscrownedwithsmiles’,whichseemsto me untypical of English metaphor (it is absurd to try and see apersonified Peacewith a crown literallymade of smiles – what couldsuch a crown look like?), but itwould not startle a Persian poet. Themetaphorworks, if itworks,by juxtaposing theassociationsof ‘Peace’,‘crowned’ and ‘smiles’ to convey a notion of benign authority. This isexactlyhowmostPersianmetaphorsconveymeaning.ThuswhenAttarcomparestheProphet’sfacetothemooninonelineandthesuninthenext, he does not want his readers to visualize the result; rather heexpectsthemtocombinethenotionofbeautyassociatedwiththemoon
andthenotionofsolitarysplendourassociatedwiththesun.
Most of Attar’s metaphors are stock comparisons, and readers willsoonrealizethathisdescriptionsofbeautifulyouthsandmaidensallusethe same vocabulary and imagery. This is of course a common deviceused to unify long narrative poems –particularly epics – in manylanguages. Two other rhetorical devices deserve mention. One iscommontoagreatdealofPersianpoetry, theother ismore typicalofAttarhimself.The first ishyperbole;mostdescriptionsof love, sorrow,longing etc. in the poemwill strike the western reader as, to say theleast, veryunrestrained.Thishyperbolic language isnormal inPersianverse,and,aswiththemetaphors,oneshouldnotbetooliteral-mindedinone’sresponse.Tosaythatthemoonisjealousofone’sbeloved’sfaceorthatoneweepsbloodratherthantearsisclearlynottoofferaliteralexplanation or description but to indicate the depth of emotionwhichmakesonefeelthesethingstobeso.OneofAttar’sfavouritedevicesisanaphora, the repetition of a particular word or phrase many timeswithin a few lines, or sometimes over a more extended passage, e.g.‘Love’s built on readiness to share love’s shame; / Such self-regardingloveusurpslove’sname’(p.70).Theeffectproducedisofanobsessiveworrying of a concept; though this can sound peculiar in English, wehaveingeneral,thoughnotineverycase,triedtoreproducethedevice.
Theanecdotesandstoriesare,asonemightexpect,easiertorenderinEnglish than the passages of commentary and religious exhortation.Thelatterareoftenhighlyabstract,andtheylackthehumaninterestofthetales;aparticulardifficultyisthatagreatdealoftheexhortationiswritten in the imperativemood,which is hard to sustain convincingly
for long periods in English; and the negative imperative is especiallyawkward.However,wehaveinalmostallcasesresistedthetemptationtoomitthesepassages,andinthefewplaceswherewehavedonesonomorethantwoconsecutivelineshavebeencut;usuallyonlyonelineisabsent.
To translate a long, narrative poem into heroic couplets, a formassociated largely with the eighteenth century, may seem to be anundertaking that needs justification. However, it would, I believe, beperversetotranslatethispoemintoanyotherform.Attar’smetreisthecommonmasnavi metre of Persian narrative poetry; the rhymes occurwithintheline,andeachlinehasanewrhyme.Eachlinehas,normally,twenty-twosyllables,therhymesoccurringattheeleventhandtwenty-secondsyllables.Almostalllinesareend-stopped,i.e.theunitofsenseisthesamelengthastheline(thereareperhapstwentylines,outofoverfourthousand,inTheConferenceoftheBirdswhicharenotend-stopped).TheproximityofthisformtotheEnglishheroiccoupletisimmediatelyobvious.IngeneralwehavetranslatedonePersianlinebyonecouplet,though we have sometimes compressed two lines into one couplet.Englishheroic coupletsarenotnormallyas relentlesslyend-stoppedasAttar’s Persian lines are, and we have tried to effect a compromisebetween producing a fairly normal English narrative flow and givingsome idea of the more rigorously divided movement of the Persian.Thereisanotherlesstechnicalreasonforthedecisiontoreproducethecouplet form. As I have indicated, the subjects of Attar’s poem arelargelyconnectedwiththebreakingofconvention;inorderforthistobeeffectiveandinterestingthepoemmustbeseentoberootedinafairly
rigidconvention,andtheconventionofthecoupletisaformalparadigmof the conventions of the society Attar is writing about. If the readerconsidersthisadoubtfulorspuriouspoint,lethimconsidertheideaofsuchapoemwritteninfreeverse;allsenseoftension,ofstruggleagainstaprevailingformality,would,Isuggest,bedissipatedbytheopennessoftheform.
Further,narrativepoetrydependsonwhattheAmericanpoetTurnerCassity has called ‘recitative’.We are used to short poems and expectthemtofunctionatamaximumofemotionalintensity,liketheariasofgrand opera. One cannot maintain such intensity over hundreds ofpages,anditwouldbewearyingifonecould.Narrativepoetryneedsitsworkadayrecitativesbetweenthearias,itssimpleconveyingofthestoryfrompoint a to pointb. The heroic couplet has been one of themostsuccessful means of effecting such ‘recitatives’ in English. For thesereasons–thesimilarityoftheEnglishformtothePersian(whichgivesthetranslatorat least thechanceofreproducingsomethingof thetoneandmovement of the original) and the necessity of some fairly strictformal scheme if thepoem’smeaning is not tobebetrayed–wehaveconsidered that any drawbacks which may come from eighteenth-centuryassociationsaremore thanoutweighedby theadvantages.Ourmethodof translationdoes,however,owesomething to theeighteenthcentury; we have followed, more or less, the guide-lines set out inAlexanderFraserTytler’sadmirableEssayonthePrinciplesofTranslation(first published in 1791), with particular reference to the chapters onversetranslation.
No complete translation of the poem has previously been made into
English.Thistranslationisofthewholepoemwiththeexceptionoftheinvocation and the epilogue. The invocation, a traditional prelude tolongnarrativepoemsinPersian,consistsofpraiseofGod,oftheProphetandof the foundersof Islam.Attarcleverlyweaves the introductionofhisbirds into the listofprophets,and it isat thispoint that thepoemproperstartsandourtranslationopens.Theepilogue,againatraditionalfeature of such poems, consists largely of self-praise and is a distinctanticlimax after a poem devoted to the notion of passing beyond theSelf.
Previous translations have been made into English by EdwardFitzGerald, Masani and C. S. Nott. Of these, FitzGerald’s is the mostinteresting, though it also takes the most liberties with the text.FitzGeraldtranslatesaboutafifthofthepoem(intoheroiccouplets);herearrangesthestories,sometimesbowdlerizesthemandoftentranslatesveryfreelyindeed(ashedoesinhisversionsofKhayyam).But,aswiththe Khayyampoems, he frequently succeeds in capturingmuch of thetoneandfeelingoftheoriginal.Masani’stranslation,ofaroundhalfthepoem,isintoadequateprose.Nott’sprosewaspreparedfromGarcindeTassy’s nineteenth-century French translation; unfortunately theintervention of another language between Nott and the Persian hasmeant that many of the stories have become blurred in the process.FrequentlythepointAttarismakingisobscuredorsimplychanged;thisisespeciallytrueinthesectionwherethehoopoetellsanecdotesaboutsufis who quarrel with God. A fair number of stories are omitted,includingtheimportantlaststory;quitealotofthecommentaryisalsoomitted,andthishasrenderedthepoem’sstructureveryelusive.Attar’s
tone shifts from the exalted to the sarcastic, from the witty to theindignant; Nott’s tone, perhaps because he is translating from aninterveninglanguage,isconsistently‘reverent’,andthismakesthepoemseemmuchlesslivelythanitinfactis.
DICKDAVIS
‘This translation has beenmade from the edition of Attar’sManteq at-TairpreparedbyDrSadeghGouharin(Tehran,1978),andthenotestohis editionhave been consulted in the preparationof theBiographicalIndex which follows the poem. Line numbers of the Persian text aregivenoneachpage.Otherbookstowhichweareparticularlyindebted,apartfromthosecitedintheintroduction,areTheEncyclopaediaofIslamand A. J. Arberry’s translation of episodes from Attar’s Tadh-kirat al-Auliya(London,1966).WearegratefultotheBritishInstituteofPersianStudiesforgenerousfinancialassistanceandtothosefriendswhohaveread the manuscript through, entirely or in part, and made manyvaluablesuggestions.
lines616–36
Dearhoopoe,welcome!Youwillbeourguide;ItwasonyouKingSolomonreliedTocarrysecretmessagesbetweenHiscourtanddistantSheba’slovelyqueen.Heknewyourlanguageandyouknewhisheart–AshiscloseconfidantyoulearnttheartOfholdingdemonscaptiveunderground,Andforthesevaliantexploitsyouwerecrowned.Andyouarewelcome,finch!RiseupandplayThoseliquidnotesthatstealmen’sheartsaway;LikeMosesyouhaveseentheflamesburnhighOnSinai’sslopesandthereyoulongtofly,LikehimavoidcruelPharaoh’shand,andseekYourpromisedhomeonSinai’smountainpeak.ThereyouwillunderstandunspokenwordsToosubtlefortheearsofmortalbirds.Andwelcome,parrot,perchedinparadise!Yoursplendidplumagebearsastrangedevice,
Anecklaceofbrightfireaboutthethroat;Thoughheaven’sblissispromisedbyyourcoat,Thiscirclestandsforhell;ifyoucanfleeLikeAbrahamfromNimrod’senmity,Despisetheseflames–uninjuredyouwilltreadThroughfireiffirstyoucutoffNimrod’shead,AndwhenthefearofhimhasdiedputonYourgorgeouscoat;yourcollar’sstrengthhasgone!Welcome,dearpartridge–howyoustrutwithprideAlongtheslopesofwisdom’smountain-side;Letlaughterringoutwhereyourfeethavetrod,ThenstrikewithallyourstrengththedoorofGod;DestroythemountainoftheSelf,andhereFromruinedrocksacamelwillappear;Besideitsnew-bornnoblehooves,astreamOfhoneymingledwithwhitemilkwillgleam–Driveonthisbeastandatyourjourney’sendSalehwillgreetyouasalong-lostfriend.Rarefalcon,welcome!Howlongwillyoube
lines637–52
Sofiercelyjealousofyourliberty?Yourlureislove,andwhenthejessistied,Submit,andbeforeversatisfied.GiveuptheintellectforloveandseeInonebriefmomentalleternity;
Breaknature’sframe,beresoluteandbrave,ThenrestatpeaceinUnity’sblackcave.Rejoiceinthatclose,undisturbeddarkair–
TheProphetwillbeyourcompanionthere.*
Andwelcome,francolin!SinceonceyouheardAndansweredGod’sfirstall-commandingword,Sincelovehasspokeninyoursoul,rejectTheSelf,thatwhirlpoolwhereourlivesarewrecked;AsJesusrodehisdonkey,rideonit;YourstubbornSelfmustbearyouandsubmit–ThenburnthisSelfandpurifyyoursoul;LetJesus’spotlessspiritbeyourgoal.Destroythisburden,andbeforeyoureyesTheHolyGhostinglorywillarise.Welcome,dearnightingale–fromyoursweetthroatPouroutthepainofloversnotebynote.LikeDavidinlove’sgardengentlysigh;Theresingthesongsthatmakemenlongtodie,O,singasDaviddid,andwithyoursongGuidehomeman’ssufferinganddeludedthrong.TheSelfislikeamailcoat–meltthissteelTopliantwaxwithDavid’sholyzeal,Andwhenitsmetalmelts,likeDavidyouWillmeltwithloveandbidtheSelfadieu.Andwelcome,peacock–onceofparadise,Wholetthevenomous,smoothsnakeenticeYourinstinctstoitsmaster’sevilway,
Andsufferedexileforthatfatefulday;
lines653–72
HeblackenedyouruntutoredheartandmadeAtangleddarknessoftheorchard’sshade–Untilyoucrushthissnake,howcanyoubeApilgrimworthyofourmystery?DestroyitsuglycharmandAdamthenWillwelcomeyoutoparadiseagain.Cockpheasant,welcome!Withyourpiercingsight,Lookupandseetheheart’ssourcedrownedinlight;Youareimprisonedinyourfilthywell,Adarkandnoisome,unremittinghell–
RisefromthiswellasJosephdidandgain
ThethroneofEgypt’sfabulousdomain,
WhereyouandJosephwilltogetherreign.
Dearpigeon,welcome–withwhatjoyyouyearnToflyaway,howsadlyyoureturn!Yourheartiswrungwithgrief,yousharethegaolThatJonahknew,thebellyofawhale–TheSelfhasswallowedyouforitsdelight;Howlongwillyouendureitsmindlessspite?Cutoffitshead,seekoutthemoon,andflyBeyondtheutmostlimitsofthesky;EscapethismonsterandbecomethefriendOfJonahinthatoceanwithoutend.
Welcome,sweetturtle-dove,andsoftlycooUntiltheheavensscatterjewelsonyou–Butwhatingratitudeyoushow!AroundYourneckaringofloyaltyisbound,ButwhileyouliveyoublithelyacquiesceFromheadtoclawinsmugungratefulness;Abandonsuchself-loveandyouwillseeTheWaythatleadsustoReality.Thereknowledgeisyourguide,andKhezrwillbringClearwaterdrawnfromlife’seternalspring.Andwelcome,hawk!Yourflightishighandproud,Butyoureturnwithheadpolitelybowed–Inbloodandinafflictionyoumustdrown,AndIsuggestyoukeepyourheadbentdown!
lines673–92
Whatareyouhere?Merecarrion,rottenflesh,WithheldfromTruthbythisworld’sclumsymesh;Outsoarboththisworldandthenext,andthere,Releasedfromboth,takeoffthehoodyouwear–WhenyouhaveturnedfrombothworldsyouwilllandOnZulgharnin’soutstretchedandwelcomehand.Andlittlegoldfinch,welcome!MayyourfireBeanexternalsignoffiercedesire.Whateverhappens,burninthosebrightflames,Andshutyoureyesandsoultoearthlyclaims.
Then,asyouburn,whateverpainyoufeel,RememberGodwillrecompenseyourzeal;WhenyouperceiveHishiddensecrets,giveYourlifetoGod’saffairsandtrulylive–Atlast,madeperfectinReality,
Youwillbegone,andonlyGodwillbe.
ThebirdsassembleandthehoopoetellsthemoftheSimorgh
Theworld’sbirdsgatheredfortheirconferenceAndsaid:‘Ourconstitutionmakesnosense.Allnationsintheworldrequireaking;Howisitwealonehavenosuchthing?Onlyakingdomcanbejustlyrun;Weneedakingandmustinquireforone.’
Theyarguedhowtosetabouttheirquest.Thehoopoeflutteredforward;onhisbreastThereshonethesymboloftheSpirit’sWayAndonhisheadTruth’scrown,afeatheredspray.Discerning,righteousandintelligent,Hespoke:‘Mypurposesareheaven-sent;IkeepGod’ssecrets,mundaneanddivine,Inproofofwhichbeholdtheholysign
Bismillah*etchedforeveronmybeak.
lines693–716
NoonecansharethegriefwithwhichIseekOurlonged-forLord,andquickenedbymyhasteMywitsfindwaterinthetracklesswaste.IcomeasSolomon’sclosefriendandclaimThematchlesswisdomofthatmightyname(Heneveraskedforthosewhoquithiscourt,ButwhenIlefthimoncealonehesoughtWithanxiousvigilanceformyreturn–Measuremyworthbythisgreatking’sconcern!).Iborehisletters–backagainIflew–WhateversecretshedivinedIknew;Aprophetlovedme;Godhastrustedme;Whatotherbirdhaswonsuchdignity?ForyearsItravelledovermanylands,Pastoceans,mountains,valleys,desertsands,AndwhentheDelugeroseIflewaroundTheworlditselfandneverglimpseddryground;WithSolomonIsetouttoexploreThelimitsoftheearthfromshoretoshore.Iknowourking–buthowcanIaloneEndurethejourneytoHisdistantthrone?Joinme,andwhenatlastweendourquestOurkingwillgreetyouasHishonouredguest.
Howlongwillyoupersistinblasphemy?Escapeyourself-hood’svicioustyranny–WhoevercanevadetheSelftranscendsThisworldandasaloverheascends.Setfreeyoursoul;impatientofdelay,Stepoutalongoursovereign’sroyalWay:Wehaveaking;beyondKaf’smountainpeakTheSimorghlives,thesovereignwhomyouseek,AndHeisalwaysneartous,thoughweLivefarfromHistranscendentmajesty.AhundredthousandveilsofdarkandlightWithdrawHispresencefromourmortalsight,AndinbothworldsnobeingsharesthethroneThatmarkstheSimorgh’spowerandHisalone–
lines717–37
Hereignsinundisturbedomnipotence,BathedinthelightofHismagnificence–Nomind,nointellectcanpenetrateThemysteryofHisunendingstate:HowmanycountlesshundredthousandsprayForpatienceandtrueknowledgeoftheWayThatleadstoHimwhomreasoncannotclaim,Normortalpuritydescribeorname;TheresoulandmindbewilderedmissthemarkAnd,facedbyHim,likedazzledeyes,aredark–
NosagecouldunderstandHisperfectgrace,NorseerdiscernthebeautyofHisface.HiscreaturesstrivetofindapathtoHim,Deludedbyeachnew,deceitfulwhim,Butfancycannotworkasshewouldwish;Youcannotweighthemoonlikesomuchfish!HowmanysearchforHimwhoseheadsaresentLikepolo-ballsinsomegreattournamentFromsidetogiddyside–howmanycries,Howmanycountlessgroansassailtheskies!DonotimaginethattheWayisshort;VastseasanddesertsliebeforeHiscourt.Considercarefullybeforeyoustart;Thejourneyasksofyoualion’sheart.Theroadislong,theseaisdeep–onefliesFirstbuffetedbyjoyandthenbysighs;Ifyoudesirethisquest,giveupyoursoulAndmakeoursovereign’scourtyouronlygoal.Firstwashyourhandsoflifeifyouwouldsay:“Iamapilgrimofoursovereign’sWay”;Renounceyoursoulforlove;HeyoupursueWillsacrificeHisinmostsoulforyou.
ItwasinChina,lateonemoonlessnight,TheSimorghfirstappearedtomortalsight–Heletafeatherfloatdownthroughtheair,
Andrumoursofitsfamespreadeverywhere;
lines738–54
ThroughouttheworldmenseparatelyconceivedAnimageofitsshape,andallbelievedTheirprivatefantasiesuniquelytrue!(InChinastillthisfeatherisonview,Whencecomesthesayingyouhaveheard,nodoubt,“Seekknowledge,untoChinaseekitout.”)Ifthissamefeatherhadnotfloateddown,TheworldwouldnotbefilledwithHisrenown–ItisasignofHim,andineachheartThereliesthisfeather’shiddencounterpart.Butsincenowordssuffice,whatusearemineTorepresentortodescribethissign?WhoeverwishestoexploretheWay,Lethimsetout–whatmoreistheretosay?’
Thehoopoefinished,andatoncethebirdsEffusivelyrespondedtohiswords.Allpraisedthesplendouroftheirdistantking;Allroseimpatienttobeonthewing;EachwouldrenouncetheSelfandbethefriendOfhiscompanionstillthejourney’send.Butwhentheyponderedonthejourney’slength,
Theyhesitated;theirambitiousstrengthDissolved:eachbird,accordingtohiskind,Feltflatteredbutreluctantlydeclined.
Thenightingale’sexcuse
Thenightingalemadehisexcusesfirst.Hispleadingnotesdescribedthelover’sthirst,
Andthroughthecrowdhushedsilencespreadashe
Descantedonlove’sscopeandmystery.
‘Thesecretsofallloveareknowntome,’
Hecrooned.‘ThroughoutthedarkestnightmysongResounds,andtomyretinuebelongThesweetnotesofthemelancholylute,
lines755–75
Theplaintivewailingofthelove-sickflute;WhenlovespeaksinthesoulmyvoicerepliesInaccentsplangentastheocean’ssighs.Themanwhohearsthissongspurnsreason’srule;Greywisdomiscontenttobelove’sfool.Myloveisfortherose;Ibowtoher;FromherdearpresenceIcouldneverstir.IfsheshoulddisappearthenightingaleWouldlosehisreasonandhissongwouldfail,Andthoughmygriefisonethatnobirdknows,
Onebeingunderstandsmyheart–therose.IamsodrownedinlovethatIcanfindNothoughtofmyexistenceinmymind.Herworshipissufficientlifeforme;Thequestforherismyreality(Andnightingalesarenotrobustorstrong;ThepathtofindtheSimorghistoolong).Myloveishere;thejourneyyouproposeCannotbeguilemefrommylife–therose.Itisformesheflowers;whatgreaterblissCouldlifeprovideme–anywhere–thanthis?Herbudsaremine;sheblossomsinmysight–HowcouldIleaveherforasinglenight?’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoeansweredhim:‘Dearnightingale,ThissuperficiallovewhichmakesyouquailIsonlyfortheoutwardshowofthings.RenouncedelusionandprepareyourwingsForourgreatquest;sharpthornsdefendtheroseAndbeautysuchasherstooquicklygoes.TruelovewillseesuchemptytransienceForwhatitis–afleetingturbulenceThatfillsyoursleeplessnightswithgriefandblame–Forgettherose’sblushandblushforshame!
lines776–97
Eachspringshelaughs,notforyou,asyousay,Butatyou–andhasfadedinaday.
Thestoryofadervishandaprincess
Therewasakingwhosecomelydaughter’sgraceWassuchthatanymanwhoglimpsedherfaceDeclaredhimselfinlove.LikestarlessduskHerdarkhairhung,soft-scentedlikefinemusk;Thecharmofherslow,humideyesawokeThedepthsofsleepinglove,andwhenshespoke,Nosugarwasassweetasherlips’sweet;Norubieswiththeircolourcouldcompete.Adervishsawher,bythewillofFate.FromhisarrestedhandthecrustheateDroppedunregarded,andtheprincesssmiled.Thisglancelivedinhisheart–themangrewwildWithardentlove,withrestlessmisery;ForsevenyearsheweptcontinuallyAndwascontenttolivealoneandwait,Abject,amongstraydogs,outsidehergate.Atlast,affrontedbythisfoolandtiredOfhisdespair,herserving-menconspiredTomurderhim.Theprincessheardtheirplan,Whichshedivulgedtohim.“Owretchedman,”
Shesaid,“howcouldyouhopeforlovebetweenAdervishandthedaughterofaqueen?Youcannotliveoutsidemypalacedoor;Beoffwithyouandhauntthesestreetsnomore.Ifyouareheretomorrowyouwilldie!”Thedervishansweredher:“ThatdaywhenIFirstsawyourbeautyIdespairedoflife;WhyshouldIfearthehiredassassin’sknife?Ahundredthousandmenadoreyourface;Nopoweronearthcouldmakemeleavethisplace.Butsinceyourservantswanttomurderme,Explainthemeaningofthismystery:
lines798–814
‘Whydidyousmileatmethatday?”“Poorfool,Ismiledfrompity,almostridicule–‘Yourignoranceprovokedthatsmile.”Shespoke,Andvanishedlikeawispofstrengthlesssmoke.’
Theparrot’sexcuse
Theprettyparrotwasthenexttospeak,Clothedallingreen,withsugarinherbeak,Androundherneckacircleofpuregold.EventhefalconcannotboastsoboldAloveliness–earth’svariegatedgreen
Isbuttheimageofherfeathers’sheen,AndwhenshetalksthefascinatingsoundSeemssweetascostlysugarfinelyground;Shetrilled:‘Ihavebeencagedbyheartlessmen,Butmydesireistobefreeagain;IfIcouldreassertmylibertyI’dfindthestreamofimmortalityGuardedbyKhezr–hiscloakisgreenlikemine,AndthissharedcolourisanopensignIamhisequalorequivalent.OnlythestreamKhezrwatchescouldcontentMythirstingsoul–IhavenowishtoseekThisSimorgh’sthroneofwhichyoulovetospeak.’
Thehoopoeanswersher
Thehoopoesaid:‘Youareacringingslave–Thisisnotnoble,generousorbrave,TothinkyourbeinghasnootherendThanfindingwaterandaloyalfriend.Thinkwell–whatisitthatyouhopetogain?Yourcoatisbeautiful,butwhere’syourbrain?Actasaloverandrenounceyoursoul;Withlove’sdefianceseekthelover’sgoal.
lines815–32
AstoryaboutKhezr
KhezrsoughtcompanionshipwithonewhosemindWassetonGodalone.ThemandeclinedAndsaidtoKhezr:“Wetwocouldnotbefriends,Forourexistenceshavedifferentends.Thewatersofimmortallifeareyours,Andyoumustalwayslive;lifeisyourcauseAsdeathismine–youwishtolive,whilstIImpatientlypreparemyselftodie;Ileaveyouasquickbirdsavoidasnare,Tosoarupinthefree,untrammelledair”.’
Thepeacock’sexcuseandthehoopoe’sanswer
Nextcamethepeacock,splendidlyarrayedInmany-colouredpomp;thishedisplayedAsifheweresomeproud,self-consciousbrideTurningwithhaughtylooksfromsidetoside.
‘ThePainteroftheworldcreatedme,’
Heshrieked,‘butthiscelestialwealthyousee
Shouldnotexciteyourheartstojealousy.
Iwasadwelleronceinparadise;Theretheinsinuatingsnake’sadviceDeceivedme–Ibecamehisfriend,disgraceWasswiftandIwasbanishedfromthatplace.Mydearesthopeisthatsomeblessedday
AguidewillcometoindicatethewayBacktomyparadise.ThekingyoupraiseIstoounknownagoal;myinwardgazeIsfixedforeveronthatlovelyland–ThereisthegoalwhichIcanunderstand.HowcouldIseektheSimorghoutwhenIRememberparadise?’AndinreplyThehoopoesaid:‘ThesethoughtshavemadeyoustrayFurtherandfurtherfromtheproperWay;Youthinkyourmonarch’spalaceofmoreworth
lines833–53
ThanHimwhofashioneditandalltheearth.Thehomeweseekisineternity;TheTruthweseekislikeashorelesssea,Ofwhichyourparadiseisbutadrop.Thisoceancanbeyours;whyshouldyoustopBeguiledbydreamsofevanescentdew?Thesecretsofthesunareyours,butyouContentyourselfwithmotestrappedinitsbeams.Turntowhattrulylives,rejectwhatseems–Whichmattersmore,thebodyorthesoul?Bewhole:desireandjourneytotheWhole.
AstoryaboutAdam
AnoviceaskedhismastertoexplainWhyAdamwasforbiddentoremainInhisfirstundividedhappiness.Themastersaid:“Whenhe,whosenamewebless,Awokeinparadiseavoicedeclared:‘ThemanwhosemindandvisionareensnaredByheaven’sgracemustforfeitthatsamegrace,ForonlythencanhedirecthisfaceTohistrueLord’.”Thelover’slifeandsoulArefirmlyfocusedonasinglegoal;ThesaintsinparadiseteachthatthestartOfdrawingnearistorenouncetheheart.’
Theduck’sexcuse
Thecoyduckwaddledfromherstreamandquacked:‘NownoneofyoucanarguewiththefactThatbothinthisworldandthenextIamThepurestbirdthateverfleworswam;Ispreadmyprayer-matout,andallthetimeIcleanmyselfofeverybitofgrimeAsGodcommands.There’snodoubtinmymindThatpuritylikemineishardtofind;
lines854–74
AmongthebirdsI’mlikeananchorite–
Mysoulandfeathersareaspotlesswhite.IliveinwaterandIcannotgoToplaceswherenostreamsorriversflow;Theywashawayaworldofdiscontent–WhyshouldIleavethisperfectelement?Freshwaterismyhome,mysanctuary;Whatusewouldariddesertsbetome?Ican’tleavewater–thinkwhatwatergives;Itisthesourceofeverythingthatlives.Water’stheonlyhomeI’veeverknown;WhyshouldIcareaboutthisSimorgh’sthrone?’
Thehoopoeanswersher
Thehoopoeansweredher:‘YourlifeispassedInvague,aquaticdreamswhichcannotlast–Asuddenwaveandtheyaresweptaway.Youvaluewater’spurity,yousay,Butisyourlifeaspureasyoudeclare?Afooldescribedthenaturebothworldsshare:“TheunseenworldandthatwhichwecanseeArelikeawater-dropwhichinstantlyIsandisnot.Awater-dropwasformedWhentimebegan,andonitssurfaceswarmedTheworld’sappearances.IftheyweremadeOfall-resistingirontheywouldfade;Hardironismerewater,afterall–
Dispersinglikeadream,impalpable”.’
Thepartridge’sexcuse
Thepompouspartridgewasthenexttospeak,Freshfromhisstoreofpearls.HiscrimsonbeakAndruddyplumagemadeasplendidshow–AheadstrongbirdwhosesmalleyesseemedtoglowWithangryblood.Heclucked:‘Myonedesire
lines875–903
Isjewels;Ipickthroughquarriesfortheirfire.TheykindleinmyheartanansweringblazeWhichsatisfiesme–thoughmywretchèddaysAreonelongturmoilofanxiety.ConsiderhowIlive,andletmebe;YoucannotfightwithonewhosleepsandfeedsOnpreciousstones,whoisconvincedheneedsNoothergoalinlife.MyheartistiedBybondsoflovetothisfairmountain-side.ToyearnforsomethingotherthanajewelIstodesirewhatdies–tobeafool;Nothingispreciouslikeapreciousstone.Besides,thejourneytotheSimorgh’sthroneIshard.Icannottearmyselfaway;Myfeetrefuseasifcaughtfastinclay.
Mylifeishere;Ihavenowishtofly;Imustdiscoverpreciousstonesordie.’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘YouhavethecoloursofThosejewelsyousoinordinatelylove,Andyetyouseem–likeyourexcuses–lame.Yourbeakandclawsareredasbloodorflame,YetthosehardgemsfromwhichyoucannotpartHaveonlyhelpedyoutoahardenedheart;WithouttheircolourstheyarenothingmoreThanstones–andtothewisenotworthastraw.
KingSolomonandhisring
NojewelsurpassesthatwhichSolomonWoreonhisfinger.Itwasjustastone,Amerehalf-danginweight,butasasealSetinhisringitbroughttheworldtoheel.Whenheperceivedthenatureofhisrule–
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Dependentonthecreditofajewel–HevowedthatnooneafterhimshouldreignWithsuchauthority.’(Donotagain,
DearGod,Ipray,createsuchpuissantkings;Myeyeshaveseentheblighttheirglorybrings.Butcriticizingcourtsisnotmytask;Abasket-weaver’sworkisallIask,AndIreturntoSolomon’sgreatseal.)‘Althoughthepoweritbroughtthekingwasreal,PossessionofthisgemmeantthatdelayDoggedhisadvancealongthespirit’sWay–TheotherprophetsenteredparadiseFivehundredyearsbeforetheking.ThispriceAjewelextractedfromgreatSolomon,HowwouldithindersuchadizzyoneAsyou,dearpartridge?Riseabovethisgreed;TheSimorghistheonlyjewelyouneed.’
Thehoma’sexcuse
Thehoma*nextaddressedthecompany.Becausehisshadowheraldsmajesty,ThiswanderingportentoftheroyalstateIsknownasHomayun,TheFortunate’.Hesang:‘Obirdsoflandandocean,IAmnotasotherbirds,butsoarandflyOnloftyaspiration’slordlywings.Ihavesubduedthedogdesire;greatkings
LikeFeridounandJamshid†owetheirplaceTomydarkshadow’sinfluence.Disgrace
Andlowlynaturesarenotmyconcern.Ithrowdesireitsbone;thedogwillturnAndletthesoulgofree.WhocanlokdownOnonewhoseshadowbringstheroyalcrown?line923–39
Theworldshouldbaskinmymagnificence–LetKhosroe’sglorystandinmydefence.WhatshouldthishaughtySimorghmeantome?’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘Poorslavetovanity,Yourself-importanceisridiculous;Whyshouldashadowmeritsomuchfuss?YouarenotnowthesignofKhosroe’sthrone,Morelikeastraydogsquabblingforabone.ThoughitistruethatyouconferonmenThismajesty,kingsmustsinkdownagainAndbearthepunishmentsofJudgementDay.
KingMahmoudafterdeath
Therewasaman,advancedalongtheWay,WhoonenightspoketoMahmoudinadream.Hesaid:“Greatking,howdoesexistenceseemToonebeyondthegrave?”Mahmoudreplied:
“IhavenomajestysinceIhavedied;Yourgreetingspiercemysoul.ThatmajestyWasonlyignoranceandvanity;TruemajestybelongstoGodalone–Howcouldaheapofdustdeservethethrone?SinceIhaverecognizedmyimpotence,Iblushformyimperialpretence.Callme‘unfortunate’,not‘king’.IshouldHavebeenawandererwhobeggedforfood,Acrossing-sweeper,anylowlythingThatdragsitswaythroughlife,butnotaking.Nowleaveme;Ihavenothingmoretosay;Hell’sdevilswaitforme;Icannotstay.IwishtoGodtheearthbeneathmyfeetHadswallowedmebeforeIheardthebeat
lines940–58
Ofthataccursèdhoma’swings;theycastTheirshade,andmaytheyshrivelinhell’sblast!”’
Thehawk’sexcuse
Thehawkcameforwardwithhisheadheldhigh;Hisboastsofgrandconnectionsfilledthesky.Histalkwasstuffedwitharmies,glory,kings.Hebragged:Theecstasymysovereignbrings
Hasturnedmygazefromvulgarcompany.MyeyesarehoodedandIcannotsee,ButIperchproudlyonmysovereign’swrist.IknowcourtetiquetteandcanpersistInself-controllikeholypenitents;WhenIapproachtheking,mydeferenceCorrectlykeepstotheestablishedrule.WhatisthisSimorgh?IshouldbeafoolIfIsomuchasdreamtofhim.AseedFrommygreatsovereign’shandisallIneed;TheeminenceIhavesufficesme.Icannottravel;IwouldratherbePerchedontheroyalwristthanstrugglingthroughSomearidwadiwithnoendinview.Iamdelightedbymylifeatcourt,Waitingonkingsorhuntingfortheirsport.’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘Dearhawk,yousetgreatstoreBysuperficialgraces,andignoreTheall-importantfactofpurity.AkingwithrivalsinhisdignityIsnotrueking;theSimorghrulesaloneAndentertainsnorivalstohisthrone.AkingisnotoneofthosecommonfoolsWhosnatchesatacrownandthinksherules.
Thetruekingreignsinmildhumility,’
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Unrivalledinhisfirmfidelity.Anearthlykingactsrighteouslyattimes,Butalsostainstheearthwithhatefulcrimes,AndthenwhoeverhoversnearesthimWillsuffermostfromhisdestructivewhim.Acourtierrisksdestructioneveryhour–Distanceyourselffromkingsandworldlypower.Akingislikearagingfire,mensay;Thewisestconductistokeepaway.
Akingandhisslave
Therewasamonarchoncewholovedaslave.Theyouth’spalebeautyhauntedhim;hegaveThisfavouritetherarestornaments,Watchedoverhimwithjealousreverence–Butwhenthekingexpressedawishtoshoot,Hislovedoneshookwithfearfromheadtofoot.AnapplebalancedonhisheadwouldbeThetargetfortheroyalarchery,Andasthemarkwassplitheblenchedwithfear.OnedayafoolishcourtierstandingnearAskedwhyhislovelyfacewasdrainedandwan,
Forwashenottheirmonarch’schosenone?Theslavereplied:“IfIwerehitinsteadOfthatroundapplebalancedonmyhead,Iwouldbethenquiteworthlesstotheking–Injuredordead,lowerthananythingThecourtcanshow;butwhenthearrowhitsThetremblingtargetandtheapplesplits,Thatishisskill.ThekingishighlyskilledIfhesucceeds–ifnot,theslaveiskilled”.’
Theheron’sexcuse
Theheronwhimperednext:‘MymiseryPreferstheemptyshorelineofthesea.
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Therenoonehearsmydesolate,thincry–
Iwaitinsorrowthere,theremournandsigh.
‘Myloveisfortheocean,butsinceI–
Abird–mustbeexcludedfromthedeep,Ihauntthesolitaryshoreandweep.Mybeakisdry–notonedropcanIdrink–ButiftheleveloftheseashouldsinkByonedrop,jealousragewoudseizemyheart.Thislovesufficesme;howcanIstartAjourneyliketheonethatyousuggest?
Icannotjoinyouinthisarduousquest.TheSimorgh’sglorycouldnotcomfortme;Myloveisfixedentirelyonthesea.’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoeansweredhim:‘YoudonotknowThenatureofthisseayoulove:belowItssurfacelingersharks;tempestsappear,Thensuddencalms–itscourseisneverclear,Butturbid,varying,inconstantstress;Itswater’stasteissaltybitterness.Howmanynobleshipshasitdestroyed,Theircrewssuckedunderinthewhirlpool’svoid:ThediverplungesandinfearofdeathMuststruggletoconservehisscantybreath;Thefailureiscastup,abrokenstraw.Whotruststhesea?Lawlessnessisherlaw;YouwillbedrownedifyoucannotdecideToturnawayfromherinconstanttide.Sheseetheswithloveherself–thatturbulenceOftumblingwaves,thatyearningviolence,AreforherLord,andsinceshecannotrest,Whatpeacecouldyoudiscoverinherbreast?ShelivesforHim–yetyouaresatisfiedTohearHisinvitationandtohide.
lines998–1014
Ahermitquestionstheocean
Ahermitaskedtheocean:“Whyareyou
Clothedinthesemourningrobesofdarkestblue?*
Youseemtoboil,andyetIseenofire!”Theoceansaid:“MyfeverishdesireIsfortheabsentFriend.IamtoobaseForHim;mydarkrobesindicatedisgraceAndlonelypain.Lovemakesmybillowsrage;Loveisthefirewhichnothingcanassuage.
MysaltlipsthirstforKausar’s†cleansingstream.”ForthosepurewaterstensofthousandsdreamAndarepreparedtoperish;nightanddayTheysearchandfallexhaustedbytheWay.’
Theowl’sexcuse
Theowlapproachedwithhisdistractedair,Hooting:‘Abandonedruinsaremylair,Because,wherevermortalscongregate,Strifeflourishesandunforgivinghate;AtranquilmindisonlytobefoundAwayfrommen,inwild,desertedground.Theseruinsaremymelancholypleasure,Notleastbecausetheyharbourburiedtreasure.
LoveforsuchtreasurehasdirectedmeTodesolate,wastesites;insecrecyIhidemyhopesthatonefinedaymyfootWillstumbleoverunprotectedloot.LovefortheSimorghisachildishstory;Myloveissolelyforgold’sburiedglory.’
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Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoeansweredhim:‘Besottedfool,Supposeyougetthisgoldforwhichyoudrool–WhatcouldyoudobutguarditnightanddayWhilelifeitself–unnoticed–slipsaway?Theloveofgoldandjewelsisblasphemy;Ourfaithiswreckedbysuchidolatry.Tolovegoldistobeaninfidel,Anidol-worshipperwhomeritshell.OnJudgementDaythemiser’ssecretgreedStaresfromhisfaceforeveryonetoread.
Themiserwhobecameamouse
Amiserdied,leavingacacheofgold;AndinadreamwhatshouldthesonbeholdButhisdeadfather,shapednowlikeamouse
Thatdasheddistractedlyaboutthehouse,Hismouse-eyesfilledwithtears.ThesleepingsonSpokeinhisdream:“Why,father,mustyourunAboutourhomelikethis?”Thepoormousesaid:“WhoguardsmystoreofgoldnowIamdead?Hasanythieffoundoutitshiding-place?”Thesonaskednextabouthismouse-likefaceAndheardhisfathersay:“Learnfrommystate;Whoeverworshipsgold,thisishisfate–Tohauntthehiddencacheforevermore,Ananxiousmousethatdartsacrossthefloor”.’
Thefinch’sexcuse
Thetimidfinchapproached.HerfeebleframeTrembledfromheadtofoot,anervousflame;Shechirped:‘IamlesssturdythanahairAndlackthecouragethatmybettersshare;MyfeathersaretooweaktocarrymeThedistancetotheSimorgh’ssanctuary.
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HowcouldasicklycreaturestandaloneBeforethegloryoftheSimorgh’sthrone?
TheworldisfullofthosewhoseekHisgrace,
ButIdonotdeservetoseeHisface
Andcannotjoininthisdelusiverace–
Exhaustionwouldcutshortmyfoolishdays,OrIshouldturntoashesinHisgaze.JosephwashiddeninawellandIShallseekmylovedoneinthewellsnearby.’
Thehoopoeanswersher
Thehoopoesaid:‘Youteasinglittlebird,Thishumbleostentationisabsurd!Ifallofusaredestinedforthefire,Thenyoutoomustascendtheburningpyre.Getreadyfortheroad,youcan’tfoolme–Sewupyourbeak,Iloathehypocrisy!ThoughJacobmournedforJoseph’sabsentface,Doyouimagineyoucouldtakehisplace?
Jacob’sdreamwhenJosephwaslost
WhenJacoblosthissonhiseyesgrewblind;Tearsfloodedforthechildhecouldnotfind.HislipsrepeatedlyformedJoseph’sname–TohisdespairtheangelGabrielcameAndsaid:“Renouncethisword;ifyoupersist,Yourownnamewillbecancelledfromthelist
OfprophetsclosetoGod.”SincethiscommandCamefromhisGod,dearJoseph’snamewasbannedHenceforthfromJacob’slips;deepinhissoulHehidthepassionshecouldnotcontrol.Butashesleptonenightthelong-lostchildAppearedbeforehiminadream,andsmiled;Hestarteduptocallhimtohisside–Andthenremembered,struckhisbreastandsighed.
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Whenfromhisvividdreamtheoldmanwoke,TheangelGabrielcametohim,andspoke:“Thoughyoudidnotpronounceyourlostson’sname,Yousighed–theexhalationmeantthesameAsifyouhadrenouncedyourvow;asighRevealstheheartasclearlyasacry”.’
TheotherbirdsprotestandthehoopoetellsthemoftheirrelationshipwiththeSimorgh
TheotherbirdsinturnreceivedtheirchanceToshowofftheirloquaciousignorance.Allmadeexcuses–floodsoffoolishwordsFlowedfromthesebabbling,rumour-lovingbirds.Forgiveme,reader,ifIdonotsay
AlltheseexcusestoavoidtheWay;Butinanincoherentrushtheycame,Andallwereinappropriateandlame.HowcouldtheygaintheSimorgh?SuchagoalBelongstothosewhodisciplinethesoul.Thehoopoecounselledthem:‘TheworldholdsfewAsworthyoftheSimorgh’sthroneasyou,Butyoumustemptythisfirstglass;thewineThatfollowsitislove’sdevotedsign.Ifpettyproblemskeepyouback–ornone–Howwillyouseekthetreasuresofthesun?Indropsyouloseyourselves,yetyoumustdiveThroughuntoldfathomsandremainalive.Thisisnojourneyfortheindolent–OurquestisTruthitself,notjustitsscent!’Whentheyhadunderstoodthehoopoe’swords,Aclamourofcomplaintrosefromthebirds:‘Althoughwerecognizeyouasourguide,Youmustaccept–itcannotbedenied–Weareawretched,flimsycrewatbest,Andlackthebareessentialsforthisquest.
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Ourfeathersandourwings,ourbodies’strengthArequiteunequaltothejourney’slength;ForoneofustoreachtheSimorgh’sthrone
Wouldbemiraculous,athingunknown.AtleastsaywhatrelationshipobtainsBetweenHismightandours;whocantakepainsTosearchformysterieswhenheisblind?Ifthereweresomeconnectionwecouldfind,Wewouldbemorepreparedtotakeourchance.HeseemslikeSolomon,andwelikeants;HowcanmereantsclimbfromtheirdarkenedpitUptotheSimorgh’srealm?AndisitfitThatbeggarstrythegloryofaking?Howevercouldtheymanagesuchathing?’Thehoopoeansweredthem:‘HowcanlovethriveInheartsimpoverishedandhalfalive?“Beggars”,yousay–suchnigglingpovertyWillnotencouragetruthorcharity.Amanwhoseeyesloveopensriskshissoul–Hisdancingbreaksbeyondthemind’scontrol.WhenlongagotheSimorghfirstappeared–Hisfacelikesunlightwhenthecloudshavecleared–Hecastunnumberedshadowsontheearth,Oneachonefixedhiseyes,andeachgavebirth.Thuswewereborn;thebirdsofeverylandArestillhisshadows–think,andunderstand.IfyouhadknownthissecretyouwouldseeThelinkbetweenyourselvesandMajesty.Donotrevealthistruth,andGodforfendThatyoumistakeforGodHimselfGod’sfriend.
IfyoubecomethatsubstanceIpropound,YouarenotGod,thoughinGodyouaredrowned;ThoselostinHimare’nottheDeity–Thisproblemcanbearguedendlessly.YouareHisshadow,andcannotbemovedBythoughtsoflifeordeathoncethisisproved.
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IfHehadkeptHismajestyconcealed,Noearthlyshadowwouldhavebeenrevealed,AndwherethatshadowwasdirectlycastTheraceofbirdssprangupbeforeitpassed.YourheartisnotamirrorbrightandclearIftheretheSimorgh’sformdoesnotappear;NoonecanbearHisbeautyfacetoface,Andforthisreason,ofHisperfectgrace,Hemakesamirrorinourhearts–lookthereToseeHim,searchyourheartswithanxiouscare.
Akingwhoplacedmirrorsinhispalace
Therelivedaking;hiscomelinesswassuchTheworldcouldnotacclaimhischarmtoomuch.Theworld’swealthseemedaportionofhisgrace;Itwasamiracletoviewhisface.Ifhehadrivals,thenIknowofnone;
Theearthresoundedwiththisparagon.WhenridingthroughhisstreetshedidnotfailTohidehisfeatureswithascarletveil.Whoeverscannedtheveilwouldlosehishead;Whoeverspokehisnamewasleftfordead,Thetonguerippedfromhismouth;whoeverthrilledWithpassionforthiskingwasquicklykilled.Athousandforhisloveexpiredeachday,Andthosewhosawhisface,inblankdismayWouldraveandgrieveandmourntheirlivesaway–TodieforloveofthatbewitchingsightWasworthahundredliveswithouthislight.Nonecouldsurvivehisabsencepatiently,Nonecouldendurethisking’sproximity–HowstrangeitwasthatmencouldneitherbrookThepresencenortheabsenceofhislook!Sincefewcouldbearhissight,theywerecontentTohearthekinginsoberargument,Butwhiletheylistenedtheyenduredsuchpain
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Asmadethemlongtoseetheirkingagain.ThekingcommandedmirrorstobeplacedAboutthepalacewalls,andwhenhefacedTheirpolishedsurfaceshisimageshoneWithmitigatedsplendourtothethrong.
IfyouwouldglimpsethebeautywerevereLookinyourheart–itsimagewillappear.Makeofyourheartalooking-glassandseeReflectedtheretheFriend’snobility;Yoursovereign’sglorywillilluminateThepalacewherehereignsinproperstate.Searchforthiskingwithinyourheart;HissoulRevealsitselfinatomsoftheWhole.ThemultitudeofformsthatmasqueradeThroughouttheworldspringfromtheSimorgh’sshade.IfyoucatchsightofHismagnificenceItisHisshadowthatbeguilesyourglance;TheSimorgh’sshadowandHimselfareone;Seekthemtogether,twinnedinunison.Butyouarelostinvagueuncertainty…PassbeyondshadowstoReality.HowcanyoureachtheSimorgh’ssplendidcourt?Firstfinditsgateway,andthesun,long-sought,Eruptsthroughclouds;whenvictoryiswon,Yoursightknowsnothingbuttheblindingsun.
AstoryaboutAlexandertheGreat
WhenAlexander,thatunconqueredlord,Whosubjugatedempireswithhissword,
RequiredalengthymessagetobesentHedressedupasthemessengerandwent.“Thekinggivessuchanorder,”hewouldsay,AndnoneofthosewhohurriedtoobeyOnceguessedthismessenger’sidentity–Theyhadnoknowledgeofsuchmajesty,
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Andevenifhesaid:“Iamyourlord”,Theclaimwasthoughtpreposterousandignored.DeludednaturescannotrecognizeTheroyalwaythatstandsbeforetheireyes.
Ayaz’ssickness
Ayaz,afflictedwiththeEvilEye,Fellill.ForsafetyhewasforcedtolieSequesteredfromthecourt,inloneliness.Theking(wholovedhim)heardofhisdistressAndcalledaservant.“TellAyaz,”hesaid,“WhattearsofsympathyIdailyshed.TellhimthatIendurehissuffering,AndhardlycomprehendIamtheking;Mysouliswithhim(thoughmyfleshishere)Andguardshisbedsolicitouswithfear;Ayaz,whatcouldthisEvilEyenotdo,
Ifitdestroyssuchlovelinessasyou!”Thekingwassilent;thenagainhespoke:“Goquicklyasafire,returnlikesmoke;Stopnowhere,butoutrunthebrilliantflashThatlightstheworldbeforethethunder’scrash.Gonow;ifyousomuchaspauseforbreathMyangerwillpursueyouafterdeath.”
Theservantscuttledoff,consumedwithdread,
AndlikethewindarrivedatAyaz’bed–
Theresathissovereign,bythepatient’shead!
Aghast,theservanttrembledforhislifeAndpicturedinhismindtheblood-smearedknife.“Myking,”hesaid,“Iswear,Iswearindeed,ThatIhavehurriedherewithutmostspeed–AlthoughIseeyouhereIcannotseeHowintheworldyouhaveprecededme;Believemyinnocence,andifIlieIamaheathenanddeservetodie.”Hissovereignansweredhim:“Youcouldnotknow
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Thehiddenwaysbywhichweloversgo;Icannotbearmylifewithouthisface,AndeveryminuteIaminthisplace.ThepassingworldoutsideisunawareOfmysteriesAyazandMahmoudshare;
InpublicIaskafterhim,althoughBehindtheveilofsecrecyIknowWhatevernewsmymessengerscouldgive;Ihidemysecretandinsecretlive”.’
Thebirdsquestionthehoopoeandheadvisesthem
AnancientsecretyieldedtothebirdsWhentheyhadunderstoodthehoopoe’swords–TheirkinshipwiththeSimorghwasnowplainAndallwereeagertosetoffagain.ThehomilyreturnedthemtotheWayAndwithonevoicethebirdswereheardtosay:‘Tellus,dearhoopoe,howweshouldproceed–Ourweaknessquailsbeforethisgloriousdeed.’
‘Alover’,saidthehoopoe,nowtheirguide,‘IsoneinwhomallthoughtsofSelfhavedied;ThosewhorenouncetheSelfdeservethatname;Righteousorsinful,theyareallthesame!YourheartisthwartedbytheSelf’scontrol;Destroyitsholdonyouandreachyourgoal.Giveupthishindrance,giveupmortalsight,Foronlythencanyouapproachthelight.Ifyouaretold:“RenounceourFaith”,obey!TheSelfandFaithmustbothbetossedaway;
Blasphemerscallsuchactionblasphemy–Tellthemthatloveexceedsmerepiety.Lovehasnotimeforblasphemyorfaith,NorloversfortheSelf,thatfeeblewraith.Theyburnallthattheyown;unmovedtheyfeelAgainsttheirskinthetorturer’ssharpsteel.
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Heart’sbloodandbitterpainbelongtolove,Andtalesofproblemsnoonecanremove;Cupbearer,fillthebowlwithblood,notwine–Andifyoulacktheheart’srichbloodtakemine.Lovethrivesoninextinguishablepain,Whichtearsthesoul,thenknitsthethreadsagain.Amoteofloveexceedsallbounds;itgivesThevitalessencetowhateverlives.Butwherelovethrives,therepainisalwaysfound;Angelsaloneescapethiswearyround–TheylovewithoutthatsavageagonyWhichisreservedforvexedhumanity.IslamandblasphemyhavebothbeenpassedBythosewhosetoutonlove’spathatlast;LovewilldirectyoutoDamePoverty,AndshewillshowthewaytoBlasphemy.WhenneitherBlasphemynorFaithremain,ThebodyandtheSelfhavebothbeenslain;
ThenthefiercefortitudetheWaywillaskIsyours,andyouareworthyofourtask.Beginthejourneywithoutfear;becalm;ForgetwhatisandwhatisnotIslam;Putchildishdreadaside–likeheroesmeetThehundredproblemswhichyoumustdefeat.
ThestoryofSheikhSam’an
Sam’anwasoncethefirstmanofhistime.WhateverpraisecanbeexpressedinrhymeBelongedtohim:forfiftyyearsthissheikhKeptMecca’sholyplace,andforhissakeFourhundredpupilsenteredlearning’sway.Hemortifiedhisbodynightandday,Knewtheory,practice,mysteriesofgreatage,AndfiftytimeshadmadethePilgrimage.Hefasted,prayed,observedallsacredlaws–Astonishedsaintsandclericsthrongedhisdoors.
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Hesplitreligioushairsinargument;Hisbreathrevivedthesickandimpotent.Heknewthepeople’sheartsinjoyandgriefAndwastheirlivingsymbolofBelief.Thoughconsciousofhiscreditintheirsight,
Astrangedreamtroubledhim,nightafternight;Meccawasleftbehind;helivedinRome,Thetemplewhereheworshippedwashishome,Andtoanidolheboweddownhishead.“Alas!”hecried,whenheawokeindread,“LikeJosephIaminawellofneedAndhavenonotionwhenIshallbefreed.ButeverymanmeetsproblemsontheWay,AndIshallconquerifIwatchandpray.IfIcanshiftthisrockmypathisclear;Ifnot,thenImustwaitandsufferhere.”Thensuddenlyheburstout:“ItwouldseemThatRomecouldshowthemeaningofthisdream;ThereImustgo!”Andofftheoldmanstrode;Fourhundredfollowedhimalongtheroad.
TheylefttheKa’abah*forRome’sboundaries,Agentlelandscapeoflowhillsandtrees,Where,infinitelylovelierthantheview,Theresatagirl,aChristiangirlwhoknewThesecretsofherfaith’stheology.Afairerchildnomancouldhopetosee–Inbeauty’smansionshewaslikeasunThatneverset–indeedthespoilsshewonWereheadedbythesunhimself,whosefaceWaspalewithjealousyandsourdisgrace.ThemanaboutwhoseheartherringletscurledBecameaChristianandrenouncedtheworld;
Themanwhosawherlipsandknewdefeat
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Embracedtheearthbeforeherbonnyfeet;AndasthebreezepassedthroughhermuskyhairThemenofRomewatchedwonderingindespair.Hereyesspokepromisestothoseinlove,Theirfinebrowsarchedcoquettishlyabove–ThosebrowssentglancingmessagesthatseemedTooffereverythingherloversdreamed.Thepupilsofhereyesgrewwideandsmiled,Andcountlesssoulsweregladtobebeguiled;Thefacebeneathhercurlsglowedlikesoftfire;Herhoneyedlipsprovokedtheworld’sdesire;ButthosewhothoughttofeasttherefoundhereyesHeldpointeddaggerstoprotecttheprize,Andsinceshekepthercounselnooneknew–Despitetheclaimsofsome–whatshewoulddo.Hermouthwastinyasaneedlë’seye,HerbreathasquickeningasJesus’sigh;HerchinwasdimpledwithasilverwellInwhichathousanddrowningJosephsfell;Aglisteringjewelsecuredherhairinplace,Whichlikeaveilobscuredherlovelyface.TheChristianturned,thedarkveilwasremoved,Afireflashedthroughtheoldman’sjoints–heloved!
Onehairconvertedhundreds;howcouldheResistthatidol’sfaceshownopenly?Hedidnotknowhimself;insuddenfireHekneltabjectlyastheflamesbeathigher;InthatsadinstantallhehadbeenfledAndpassion’ssmokeobscuredhisheartandhead.Lovesackedhisheart;thegirl’sbewitchinghairTwinedroundhisfaithimpiety’ssmoothsnare.Thesheikhexchangedreligion’swealthforshame,Ahopelessheartsubmittedtolove’sfame.“Ihavenofaith,”hecried.“TheheartIgaveIsuselessnow;IamtheChristian’sslave.”WhenhisdisciplessawhimweepingthereAndunderstoodthetruthoftheaffair,
lines1235–58
Theystared,confoundedbyhisfranticgrief,Andstrovetocallhimbacktohisbelief.Theirremonstrationsfellondeafenedears;Advicehasnoeffectwhennoonehears.Inturnthesheikh’sdiscipleshadtheirsay;Lovehasnocure,andhecouldnotobey.(Whendidaloverlistentoadvice?Whendidanostrumcoollove’sflamestoice?)TilleveningcamehecouldnotmovebutgazedWithstupefactioninhisface,amazed.
Whengloomytwilightspreaditsdarkeningshrouds–Likeblasphemyconcealedbyguiltyclouds–Hisardentheartgaveouttheonlylight,Andloveincreasedahundredfoldthatnight.HeputasidetheSelfandselfishlust;IngriefhesmearedhislockswithfilthanddustAndkepthishauntedvigil,watchedandwept,Laytremblinginlove’sgripandneverslept.“OLord,whenwillthisdarknessend?”hecried,“Orisitthattheheavenlysunhasdied?ThosenightsIpassedinfaith’sausteritiesCannotcomparewiththisnight’sagonies;ButlikeacandlenowmyflameburnshighToweepallnightandinthedaylightdie.Ambushandbloodhavebeenmylotthisnight;Whoknowswhattormentsdaywillbringtolight?ThisfevereddarknessandmywretchedstateWeremadewhenIwasmade,andaremyfate;Thenightcontinuesandthehoursdelay–PerhapstheworldhasreacheditsJudgementDay;Perhapsthesun’sextinguishedwithmysighs,Orhidesinshamefrommybeloved’seyes.Thislong,darknightislikeherflowinghair–Thethoughtinabsencecomfortsmydespair,Butloveconsumesmethroughthisendlessnight–
Iyieldtolove,unequaltothefight.
lines1259–79
Whereistheretimeenoughtotellmygrief?Whereisthepatiencetoregainbelief?Whereisthelucktowakenme,ormoveLove’sidoltoreciprocatemylove?Whereisthereasonthatcouldrescueme,Orbysometrickprovemyauxiliary?Whereisthehandtopourdustonmyhead,OrliftmefromthedustwhereIliedead?Whereisthefootthatseeksthelonged-forplace?Whereistheeyetoshowmeherfairface?Whereisthelovedonetorelievemypain?Whereistheguidetohelpmeturnagain?Whereisthestrengthtouttermycomplaint?Whereisthemindtocounselcalmrestraint?Thelovedone,reason,patience–allaregoneAndIremaintosufferlovealone.”
Atthisthefonddisciplesgatheredround,Bewilderedbyhisgroans’patheticsound.“Mysheikh,”urgedone,“forgetthisevilsight;Rise,cleanseyourselfaccordingtoourrite.”“InbloodIcleansemyself,”thesheikhreplied;
“Inblood,ahundredtimes,mylifeisdyed.”Anotherasked:“Whereisyourrosary?”Hesaid:“Iflingthebeadsawayfromme;
TheChristian’sbelt*ismysolesanctuary!”Oneurgedhimtorepent;hesaid:“Ido,OfallIwas,allthatbelongedthereto.”Onecounselledprayer;hesaid:“WhereisherfaceThatImaypraytowardthatblessèdplace?”Anothercried:“Enoughofthis;youmustSeeksolitudeandinrepentantdustBowdowntoGod.”“Iwill”,repliedthesheikh,“Bowdownindust,butformyidol’ssake.”Andonereproachedhim:“Haveyounoregret
lines1280–1302
ForIslamandthoseritesyouwouldforget?”Hesaid:“Nomanrepentspastfollymore;WhyisitIwasnotinlovebefore?”Anothersaid:“Ademon’spoisoneddart–Unknowntoyou–haspiercedyourtrustingheart.”Thesheikhsaid:“IfademonstraightfromhellDeceivesme,Irejoiceandwishherwell.”Onesaid:“Ournoblesheikhhaslosthisway;Passionhasledhiswanderingwitsastray.”“True,IhavelostthefameIoncehelddear,”Repliedtheirsheikh,“andfraudaswell,andfear.”
Onesaid:“Youbreakourheartswiththisdisgrace.”Helaughed:“TheChristian’sheartwilltaketheirplace.”Onesaid:“Staywitholdfriendsawhile,andcome–We’llseektheKa’abah’sshadeandjourneyhome.”Thesheikhreplied:“AChristianmonasteryAndnottheKa’abah’sshadesufficesme.”Onesaid:“ReturntoMeccaandrepent!”Heanswered:“Leavemehere,Iamcontent.”Onesaid:“Youtravelonhell’sroad.”“ThissighWouldshrivelsevenhells”washisreply.Onesaid:“Inhopeofheaventurnagain.”Hesaid:“Herfaceisheaven;Iremain.”Onesaid:“BeforeourGodconfessyourshame.”Heanswered:“GodHimselfhaslitthisflame.”Onesaid:“Stopvacillatingnowandfight;Defendthewaysourfaithproclaimsasright.”Hesaid:“Prepareyourearsforblasphemy;Aninfideldoesnotpratepiety.”Theirwordscouldnotrecallhimtobelief,Andslowlytheygrewsilent,sunkingrief.Theywatched;eachfelttheheartwithinhimfail,FearfulofdeedsFatehidbeneathherveil.
Atlastwhitedaydisplayedhergoldenshield;Blacknightdeclinedhishead,compelledtoyield–Theworldlaydrownedinsparklinglight,anddawn
lines1303–25
Disclosedthesheikh,stillwretchedandforlorn,DisputingwithstraydogstheplacebeforeHisunattainablebelovèd’sdoor.Thereinthedustheknelt,tillconstantprayersMadehimresembleoneofherdarkhairs;ApatientmonthhewaiteddayandnightToglimpsetheradianceofherbeauty’slight.Atlastfatigueandsorrowmadehimill–Herstreetbecamehisbedandhelaystill.Whensheperceivedhewould–andcould–notmove,Sheunderstoodthefuryofhislove,
Butshepretendedignoranceandsaid:
“Whatisit,sheikh?Whyisourstreetyourbed?
HowcanaMoslemsleepwhereChristianstread?”
Heansweredher:“Ihavenoneedtospeak;YouknowwhyIamwasted,paleandweak.Restoretheheartyoustole,orletmeseeSomeglimmerinyourheartofsympathy;InallyourpridefindsomeaffectionforThegrey-haired,lovesickstrangeratyourdoor.Acceptmyloveorkillmenow–yourbreathRevivesmeorconsignsmeheretodeath.Yourfaceandcurlscommandmylife;bewareOfhowthebreezedisplaysyourvagranthair;
Thesightbreedsfeverinme,andyourdeepHypnoticeyesinducelove’srestlesssleep.
Lovemistsmyeyes,loveburnsmyheart–alone,
Impatientandunloved,Iweepandgroan;
SeewhatasackofsorrowIhavesewn!
Igivemysoulandalltheworldtoburn,AndendlesstearsareallIhopetoearn.Myeyesbeheldyourface,myheartdespaired;WhatIhaveseenandsufferednonehaveshared.Myhearthasturnedtoblood;howlongmustISubsistonmisery?YouneednottryTohumblewretchedness,orkickthefoeWhointhedustsubmissivelybowslow.
lines1326–45
Itismyfortunetolamentandwait–When,if,loveanswersmedependsonFate.Mysoulisambushedhere,andinyourstreetReliveseachnighttheanguishofdefeat;Yourthreshold’sdustreceivesmyprayers–IgiveAscheapasdustthesoulbywhichIlive.HowlongoutsideyourdoormustIcomplain?Relentamomentandrelievemypain.YouarethesunandIashadowthrownByyou–howthencanIsurvivealone?Thoughpainhaswornmetoashadow’sedge,
LikesunlightIshallleapyourwindow’sledge;LetmecomeinandIshallsecretlyBringsevenheavens’happinesswithme.Mysoulisburnttoash;mypassion’sfireDestroystheworldwithunappeaseddesire.LovebindsmyfeetandIcannotdepart;Loveholdsthehandpressedhardagainstmyheart.Myfaintingsouldissolvesindeathlysighs–Howlongmustyoustayhiddenfrommyeyes?”
Shelaughed:“Youshamelessfool,takemyadvice–Prepareyourselffordeathandparadise!Forgetflirtatiousgames,yourbreathiscold;Stopchasinglove,rememberyouareold.Itisashroudyouneed,notme!HowcouldYouhopeforwealthwhenyoumustbegforfood?”Heansweredher:“Saywhatyouwill,butIInlove’sunhappytormentsliveanddie;ToLove,bothyoungandoldareone–hisdartStrikeswithunequalledstrengthineveryheart.”Thegirlreplied:“TherearefourthingsyoumustPerformtoshowthatyoudeservemytrust:BurntheKoran,drinkwine,seelupFaith’seye,Bowdowntoimages.”AndinreplyThesheikhdeclared:“WineIwilldrinkwithyou;TherestarethingsthatIcouldneverdo.”
lines1346–70
Shesaid:“Ifyouagreetomycommands,Tostartwith,youmustwhollywashyourhandsOfIslam’sfaith–thelovewhichdoesnotcareTobendtolove’srequestsisemptyair.”Heyieldedthen:“Imustandwillobey;I’lldowhateveryouarepleasedtosay.Yourslavesubmits–leadmewithringletstwinedAschainsaboutmyneck;Iamresigned!”Shesmiled:“Comethenanddrink”,andheallowedHertoescorthimtoahall(thecrowdOfscholarsfollowed,weepingandafraid)WhereChristiansbanqueted,andthereamaidOfmatchlessbeautypassedthecuparound.Lovehumbledourpoorsheikh–withoutasoundHegavehisheartintotheChristian’shands;Hismindhadfled,hebowedtohercommands,Andfromthosehandshetooktheprofferedbowl;Hedrank,oblivionoverwhelmedhissoul.Winemingledwithhislove–herlaughterseemedTochallengehimtotaketheblisshedreamed.Passionflaredupinhim;againhedrank,Andslave-likeatherfeetcontentedsank–ThissheikhwhohadthewholeKoranbyheartFeltwinespreadthroughhimandhisfaithdepart;Whateverhehadknowndesertedhim,
Wineconqueredandhisintellectgrewdim;Winesluicedawayhisconscience;shealoneLivedinhisheart,allotherthoughtshadflown.Nowlovegrewviolentasanangrysea,Hewatchedherdrinkandmovedinstinctively–Half-fuddledwiththewine–totouchherneck.Butshedrewbackandheldhishandincheck,Deridinghim:“Whatdoyouwant,oldman?Oldhypocriteoflove,whotalksbutcanDonothingelse?Toproveyourlove,declareThatyourreligionismyripplinghair.Love’smorethanchildishgames,ifyouagree–
lines1371–95
Forlove–toimitatemyblasphemyYoucanembracemehere;ifnot,youmayTakeupyourstickandhobbleonyourway.”TheabjectsheikhhadsunktosuchastateThathecouldnotresisthiswretchedfate;Nowignorantofshameandunafraid,HeheardtheChristian’swishesandobeyed–Theoldwinesidledthroughtheoldman’sveinsAndlikeatwistingcompassturnedhisbrains;Oldwine,younglove,aloverfartooold,Hersoftarmswelcoming–couldhebecold?Besidehimselfwithloveanddrinkhecried:
“Commandmenow;whateveryoudecideIwillperform.IspurnedidolatryWhensober,butyourbeautyistomeAnidolforwhosesakeI’llgladlyburnMyfaith’sKoran.”“Nowyoubegintolearn,Nowyouaremine,dearsheikh,”shesaid.“Sleepwell,Sweetdreams;ourripeningfruitbeginstoswell.”
NewsspreadamongtheChristiansthatthissheikhHadchosentheirreligionforlove’ssake.Theytookhimtoanearbymonastery,Whereheacceptedtheirtheology;HeburnthisdervishcloakandsethisfaceAgainstthefaithandMecca’sholyplace–Aftersomanyyearsoftruebelief,Ayounggirlbroughtthislearnedsheikhtogrief.Hesaid:“Thisdervishhasbeenwellbetrayed;Theagentwasmerepassionforamaid.Imustobeyhernow–whatIhavedoneIsworsethananycrimebeneaththesun.”(Howmanyleavethefaiththroughwine!ItisThemotherofsuchevilvagaries.)“Whateveryourequiredisdone,”hesaid.“Whatmoreremains?IhaveboweddownmyheadInlove’sidolatry,Ihavedrunkwine;
lines1396–1416
Maynoonepassthroughwretchednesslikemine!Loveruinsonelikeme,andblackdisgraceNowstaresaonce-loveddervishintheface.ForfiftyyearsIwalkedanopenroadWhileinmyhearthighseasofworshipflowed;LoveambushedmeandatitssuddenstrokeForChristiangarmentsIgaveupmycloak;TheKa’abahhasbecomelove’ssecretsign,AndhomelessloveinterpretstheDivine.Considerwhat,foryoursake,Ihavedone–Thentellme,whenshallwetwobeasone?Hopeforthatmomentjustifiesmypain;Haveallmytroublesbeenenduredinvain?”Thegirlreplied:“Butyouarepoor,andICannotbecheaplywon–thepriceishigh;Bringgold,andsilvertoo,youinnocent–ThenImightpityyourpredicament;Butyouhaveneither,thereforego–andtakeAbeggar’salmsfromme;beoff,oldsheikh!Beonyourtravelslikethesun–alone;Bemanlynowandpatient,donotgroan!”“Afineinterpretationofyourvow,”Thesheikhreplied;“mylove,lookatmenow–Ihavenoonebutyou;yourcypressgait,Yoursilverform,decidemywretchedfate.
Takebackyourcruelcommands;eachmomentyouConfusemebydemandingsomethingnew.Ihaveenduredyourabsence,promptlydoneAllyouhaveasked–whatprofithaveIwon?I’vepassedbeyondloss,profit,Islam,crime,ForhowmuchlongermustIbidemytime?Isthiswhatweagreed?Myfriendshavegone,Despisingme,andIamherealone.Theyfollowoneway,youanother–IStandwitlesshereuncertainwheretofly;Iknowwithoutyouheavenwouldbehell,Hellheavenwithyou;moreIcannottell.”
lines1417–38
Atlasthisprotestationsmovedherheart.“Youaretoopoortoplaythebridegroom’spart,”Shesaid,“butbemyswineherdforayearAndthenwe’llstaytogether,neverfear.”Thesheikhdidnotrefuse–afractiouswayEstrangeslove;hehurriedtoobey.Thisreverendsheikhkeptswine–butwhodoesnotKeepsomethingswinishinhisnature’splot?Donotimagineonlyhecouldfall;Thishiddendangerlurkswithinusall,RearingitsbestialheadwhenwebeginTotreadsalvation’spath–ifyouthinksin
Hasnoplaceinyournature,youcanstayContentathome;youareexcusedtheWay.ButifyoustartourjourneyyouwillfindThatcountlessswineandidolsteasethemind–DestroythesehindrancestoloveoryouMustsufferthatdisgracethesadsheikhknew.
Despairunmannedhisfriends;theysawhisplightAndturnedinhelplesshorrorfromthesight–Thedustofgriefanointedeachbowedhead;Butoneapproachedthehaplessmanandsaid:“WeleaveforMeccanow,Oweak-willedsheikh;Istheresomemessageyouwouldhaveustake?OrshouldweallturnChristiansandembraceThisfaithmencallablasphemousdisgrace?WegetnopleasurefromthethoughtofyouLeftherealone–shallwebeChristianstoo?Orsincewecannotbearyourstateshouldwe,Desertingyou,incontinentlyflee;ForgetthatyouexistandliveinprayerBesidetheKa’abah’sstonewithoutacare?”Thesheikhreplied:“Whatgriefhasfilledmyheart!Gowhereyouplease–butquickly,now,depart;OnlytheChristiankeepsmysoulalive,AndIshallstaywithherwhileIsurvive.
lines1439–64
ThoughyouarewiseyourwisdomcannotknowThewildfrustrationsthroughwhichloversgo.Ifforonemomentyoucouldsharemypain,Wecouldbeoldcompanionsonceagain.Butnowgoback,dearfriends;ifanyoneAsksaftermeexplainwhatIhavedone–Saythatmyeyesswimblood,thatparchedIwaitTrappedinthegulletofamonstrousfate.SayIslam’selderhasoutsinnedthewholeOfheathenblasphemy,thatself-controlSlippedfromhimwhenhesawtheChristian’shair,Thatfaithwasconqueredbyinsanedespair.Shouldanyonereproachmyactions,sayThatcountlessothershavepursuedthisWay,ThisendlessWaywherenooneissecure,Wheredangerwaitsandissuesareunsure.”Heturnedfromthem;aswineherdsoughthisswine.Hisfriendsweptvehemently–theirsheikh’sdeclineSeemeddeathtothem.Sadlytheyjourneyedhome,ResigningtheirapostatesheikhtoRome.
Theyskulkedincorners,shamefulandafraid.AclosecompanionofthesheikhhadstayedInMeccawhilethegrouphadjourneyedwest–
Amanofwisdom,fitforanytest,Who,seeingnowthevacantoratoryWhereoncehisfriendhadworshippedfaithfully,Askedaftertheirlostsheikh.IntearsthentheyDescribedwhathadoccurredalongtheway;Howhehadboundhisfortunestoherhair,Andblockedthepathoffaithwithlove’sdespair;HowcurlsusurpedbeliefandhowhiscloakHadbeenconsumedinpassion’sblackeningsmoke;Howhe’dbecomeaswineherd,howthefourActscontrarytoallIslamiclawHadbeenperformedbyhim,howthisgreatsheikhLivedlikeapaganforhislover’ssake.
lines1465–86
Amazementseizedthefriend–hisfacegrewpale,Heweptandfelttheheartwithinhimfail.“Ocriminals!”hecried.“OfrailerthanWeakwomeninyourfaith–whendoesamanNeedfaithfulfriendsbutinadversity?Youshouldbethere,notprattlingheretome.Isthisdevotedlove?Shameonyouall,Fair-weatherfriendswhorunwhengreatmenfall.HeputonChristiangarments–soshouldyou;Hetooktheirfaith–whatelsehadyoutodo?Thiswasnofriendship,toforsakeyourfriend,
TopromiseyoursupportandattheendAbandonhim–thiswassheertreachery.Friendfollowsfriendtohellandblasphemy–Whensorrowscomeaman’struefriendsarefound;Intimesofjoytenthousandgatherround.Oursheikhissavagedbysomeshark–youraceToseparateyourselvesfromhisdisgrace.Love’sbuiltonreadinesstosharelove’sshame;Suchself-regardingloveusurpslove’sname.”“Repeatedlywetoldhimallyousay,”Theycried.“WewerecompanionsoftheWay,Sworntoacommonhappinessorgrief;WeshouldexchangethehonoursofbeliefForodiumandscorn;weshouldacceptTheChristiancultoursheikhcouldnotreject.Butheinsistedthatweleave–ourloveSeemedpointlessthen;heorderedustomove.AthisexpresscommandwejourneyedhereTotellhisstoryplainly,withoutfear.”
Heansweredthem:“Howeverhardthefight,Youshouldhavefoughtforwhatwasclearlyright.Truthstruggledtherewitherror;whenyouwentYouonlyworsenedhispredicament.Youhaveabandonedhim;howcouldyoudare
lines1487–1510
ToenterMecca’suncorruptedair?”Theyheardhisspeech;notonewouldraisehishead.Andthen,“Thereisnopointinshame,”hesaid.“What’sdoneisdone;wemustactjustlynow,Burythissin,seekoutthesheikhandbowBeforehimonceagain.”TheylefttheirhomeAndmadetheirwayasecondtimetoRome;Theyprayedahundredthousandprayers–attimesWithhope,attimesdisheartenedbytheircrimes.TheyneitheratenorsleptbutkepttheirgazeUnswervingthroughoutfortynightsanddays.Theirwailinglamentationsfilledthesky,Movingthegreen-robedangelsrankedonhighToclothethemselveswithblack,andintheendTheleaderofthegroup,thesheikh’struefriend,Hisheartconsumedbysympatheticgrief,Letloosethewell-aimedarrowsofbelief.Forfortynightshehadprayedprivately,Raptindevotion’sholyecstasy–Atdawntherecameamusk-diffusingbreeze,Andinhisheartheknewallmysteries.HesawtheProphet,lovelyasthemoon,Whoseface,Truth’sshadow,wasthesunatnoon,Whosehairintwoblackheavybraidswascurled–Eachhair,ahundredtimes,outpricedtheworld.
Asheapproachedwithhisunruffledpace,Asmileofhauntingbeautylithisface.Thesheikh’sfriendroseandsaid:“God’sMessenger,Vouchsafeyourhelp.Oursheikhhaswanderedfar;YouareourGuide;guidehimtoTruthagain.”TheProphetanswered:“IhaveloosedthechainWhichboundyoursheikh–yourprayerisanswered,go.ThickcloudsofdusthavebeenallowedtoblowBetweenhissightandTruth–thosecloudshavegone;Ididnotleavehimtoendurealone.IsprinkledonthefortunesofyoursheikhAcleansingdewforintercession’ssake–
lines1511–33
Thedustislaid;sindisappearedbefore
Hisnew-madevow.Aworldofsin,besure,
Shallwithcontrition’sspittlebemadepure.
TheseaofrighteousnessdrownsinitswavesThesinsofthosesincererepentancesaves.”
Withgratefulhappinessthefriendcriedout;Theheavensechoedhistriumphantshout.Hetoldthegoodnewstothegroup;againTheysetouteagerlyacrosstheplain.Weepingtheyrantowheretheswineherd-sheikh,
Nowcuredofhisunnaturalmistake,HadcastasidehisChristianclothes,thebell,Thebelt,thecap,freedfromthestrangefaith’sspell.Seeinghisfriendsapproachhishiding-place,HesawhowhehadforfeitedGod’sgrace;Herippedhisclothesinfrenziesofdistress;Hegrovelledinthedustwithwretchedness.Tearsflowedlikerain;helongedfordeath;hissighs’Greatheatconsumedthecurtainoftheskies;GriefdriedthebloodwithinhimwhenhesawHowhehadlostallknowledgeofGod’slaw;AllhehadonceabandonednowreturnedAndheescapedthehellinwhichhe’dburned.Hecamebacktohimself,andonhiskneesWeptbitterlyforpastiniquities.Whenhisdisciplessawhimweepingthere,Bathedinshame’ssweat,theyreeledbetweendespairAndjoy–bewilderedtheydrewnearandsighed;Fromgratitudetheygladlywouldhavedied.Theysaid:“Themisthasfledthathidyoursun;Faithhasreturnedandblasphemyisgone;TruthhasdefeatedRome’sidolatry;Gracehassurgedonwardlikeamightysea.TheProphetintercededforyoursoul;Theworldsendsupitsthanksfrompoletopole.Whyshouldyoumourn?YoushouldthankGodinstead
lines1534–53
Thatoutofdarknessyou’vebeensafelyled;GodwhocanturnthedaytodarkestnightCanturnblacksintopurerepentantlight–Hekindlesarepentantspark,theflameBurnsalloursinsandallsin’sburningshame.”
Iwillbebrief:thesheikhwaspurifiedAccordingtothefaith;hisoldselfdied–Heputthedervishcloakonasbefore.ThegroupsetoutforMecca’sgatesoncemore.
AndthentheChristiangirlwhomhehadlovedDreamedinhersleep;ashaftofsunlightmovedBeforehereyes,andfromthedazzlingrayAvoicesaid:‘’Rise,followyourlostsheikh’sway;Accepthisfaith,beneathhisfeetbedust;Youtrickedhimonce,bepuretohimandjust,And,ashetookyourpathwithoutpretence,Takehispathnowintruthandinnocence.Followhislead;youonceledhimastray–BehiscompanionashepointstheWay;YouwerearobberpreyingontheroadWhereyoushouldseektosharethetraveller’sload.
Wakenow,emergefromsuperstition’snight.”Shewoke,andinherheartasteadylightBeatlikethesun,andanunwontedpainThrobbedthere,alongingshecouldnotrestrain;Desireflaredupinher;shefelthersoulSlipgentlyfromtheintellect’scontrol.Asyetshedidnotknowwhatseedwassown–ShehadnofriendandfoundherselfaloneInanunchartedworld;notonguecantellWhatthenshesaw–herprideandtriumphfellLikerainfromher;withanunearthlyshoutShetorethegarmentsfromherback,ranoutAndheapedthedustofmourningonherhead.Herframewasweak,theheartwithinherbled,Butshebeganthejourneytohersheikh,
lines1554–76
AndlikeacloudthatseemsabouttobreakAndsheditsdownpouroftorrentialrain(Theheart’srichblood)sheranacrosstheplain.Butsoonthedesert’sendlessvacancyBewilderedher;wildwithuncertainty,Sheweptandpressedherfaceagainstthesand.“OGod,”shecried,“extendyoursavinghandToonewhoisanoutcastoftheearth,Toonewhotrickedasaintofunmatchedworth–
Donotabandonme;myevilcrimeWasperpetratedinathoughtlesstime;IdidnotknowwhatIknownow–acceptTheprayersofonewhoignorantlyslept.”
Thesheikh’sheartspoke:“TheChristianisnomore;Thegirlyoulovedknocksatreligion’sdoor–Itisourwayshefollowsnow;gobackAndbethecomforterhersorrowslack.”Likewindheran,andhisdisciplescried:“Hasyourrepentantvowsoquicklydied?Willyouslipback,ashamelessreprobate?”Butwhenthesheikhexplainedthegirl’ssadstate,CompassionmovedtheirheartsandtheyagreedTosearchforherandservehereveryneed.Theyfoundherwithhairdraggledinthedirt,Proneontheearthasifacorpse,herskirtTornfromherlimbs,barefoot,herfacedeath-pale.Shesawthesheikhandfeltherlaststrengthfail;Shefaintedathisfeet,andasshesleptThesheikhhungoverherdearfaceandwept.
Shewoke,andseeingtearslikeraininspringKnewhe’dkeptfaithwithherthrougheverything.Shekneltbeforehim,tookhishandsandsaid
“TheshameIbroughtonyourrespectedheadBurnsmewithshame;howlongmustIremainBehindthisveilofignorance?Makeplain
lines1577–95
ThemysteriesofIslamtomehere,AndIshalltreaditshighwaywithoutfear.”Thesheikhspeltoutthefaithtoher;thecrowdOfgratifieddisciplescriedaloud,WeepingtoseethelovelychildembraceThesearchforTruth.Then,ashercomelyfaceBenttohiswords,herheartbegantofeelAninexpressibleandtroublingzeal;Slowlyshefeltthepallofgriefdescend,KnowingherselfstillabsentfromtheFriend.“Dearsheikh,”shesaid,“Icannotbearsuchpain;Absenceundoesmeandmyspiritswane.Igofromthisunhappyworld;farewellWorld’ssheikhandmine–furtherIcannottell,Exhaustionweakensme;Osheikh,forgive…”Andsayingthisthedearchildceasedtolive.Thesunwashiddenbyamist–herfleshYieldedthesweetsoulfromitsweakeningmesh.ShewasadropreturnedtoTruth’sgreatsea;Sheleftthisworld,andso,likewind,mustwe.
Whoeverknowslove’spathissoonawareThatstoriessuchasthisarefarfromrare.Allthingsarepossible,andyoumaymeetDespair,forgiveness,certainty,deceit.TheSelfignoresthesecretsoftheWay,Themysteriesnomortalspeechcansay;Assurancewhispersintheheart’sdarkcore,NotinthemuddiedSelf–abitterwarMustragebetweenthesetwo.TurnnowandmournThatyourexistenceissodeeplytorn!’
Thebirdssetoffontheirjourney,pause,thenchoosealeader
Theyheardthetale;thebirdswereallonfireToquitthehindranceoftheSelf;desireTogaintheSimorghhadconvulsedeachheart;
lines1596–1614
Lovemadethemclamourforthejourney’sstart.
TheysetoutontheWay,anobledeed!
Hardlyhadtheybegunwhentheyagreed
Tocallahalt:‘Aleader’swhatweneed,‘
Theysaid,‘onewhocanbindandloose,onewhoWillguideourself-conceittowhatistrue;
WeneedajudgeofrareabilityToleadusoverdanger’sspacioussea;WhateverhecommandsalongtheWay,Wemust,withoutrecalcitrance,obey,UntilweleavethisplainofsinandprideAndgainKaf’sdistantpeak.Thereweshallhide,Amotelostinthesun;theSimorgh’sshadeWillcoverthosewhotravelledandobeyed.Butwhichofusisworthyofthistrust?Alotteryissuitableandjust.
Thewinninglotmustfinallydecide
Whichbirdshouldbeourundisputedguide.’
Ahushfell,argumentswerelaidaside,
Thelotswerechosen,andthehoopoewon,Aluckyverdictthatpleasedeveryone.Hewastheirleader;theywouldsacrificeTheirlivesifhedemandedsuchaprice;AndastheytravelledontheWayhiswordWouldspellauthoritytoeverybird.
ThebirdsarefrightenedbytheemptinessoftheWay,andthehoopoetellsthemastoryaboutSheikhBayazid
Thehoopoe,astheirchief,washailedandcrowned–Hugeflocksofbirdsinhomagegatheredround;Ahundredthousandbirdsassembledthere,Makingamonstrousshadowintheair.
Thethrongsetout–but,clearingthefirstdune,TheirleadersentacryuptothemoonAndpanicspreadamongthebirds;theyfearedTheendlessdesolationwhichappeared.
lines1615–31
Theyclungtogetherinahuddlingcrowd,DrewintheirheadsandwingsandwailedaloudAmelancholy,weak,faint-heartedsong–Theirburdensweretoogreat,thewaytoolong!Howfeaturelesstheviewbeforetheireyes,AnemptinesswheretheycouldrecognizeNomarksofgoodorill–asilencewhereThesoulknewneitherhopenorblankdespair.Onesaid,TheWayislifeless,empty-why?’Towhichthehoopoegavethisstrangereply:Toglorifytheking.
OnemoonlitnightSheikhBayazid,attractedbythesightOfsuchrefulgentbrilliance,clearasday,AcrossthesleepingcitytookhiswayAndthenceintothedesert,wherehesawUnnumberedstarsadorningheaven’sfloor.HewalkedalittleandbecameawareThatnotasounddisturbedthedesertair,
ThatnoonemovedinthatimmensitySavehim.HisheartgrewnumbandgraduallyPureterrortouchedhim.“OgreatGod,”hecried,“Yourdazzlingpalacebeckonsfarandwide–Wherearethecourtierswhoshouldthrongthiscourt?”Avoicesaid:“Wanderer,youaredistraught;Becalm.OurgloriousKingcannotadmitAllcomerstoHiscourt;itisnotfitThateveryrascalwhosleepsoutthenightShouldbeallowedtoglimpseitsradiantlight.Mostareturnedback,andfewperceivethethrone;Amongahundredthousandthereisone”.’
Thebirdsaskthehoopoetoresolvetheirdoubts
Thetremblingbirdsstaredoutacrosstheplain;Theroadseemedendlessastheirendlesspain.
lines1632–56
Butinthehoopoe’sheartnewconfidenceTransportedhimabovethefirmaments–ThesandscouldnotalarmhimnorthehighHarshsunatnoon,thepeacockofthesky.Whatotherbird,throughouttheworld,couldbearThetroublesoftheWayandallitscare?
Thefrightenedflockdrewnearertotheirguide.‘YouknowtheperilsoftheWay,’theycried,‘Andhowweshouldbehavebeforetheking–YouservedgreatSolomonineverythingAndflewacrosshislands–thereforeyouknowExactlywhereit’ssafeandrighttogo;You’veseentheupsanddownsofthisstrangeWay.ItisourwishthatasourguideyousayHowweshouldactbeforethekingweseek;Andmore,asweareignorantandweak,ThatyoushouldsolvetheproblemsinourheartsBeforethefearfulcompanydeparts.Firsthearourdoubts;thethingwedonotdoubtIsthatyou’llanswerthemanddrivethemout–WeknowthatonthislengthyWaynolightWillcometoclearuncertainty’sdarknight;ButwhentheheartisfreeweshallcommitOurheartsandbodies,allwehave,toit.’
Thehoopoestoodtospeak,andallthebirdsApproachedtobeencouragedbyhiswords;Ahundredthousandgatheredwithonemind,Serriedinranksaccordingtotheirkind.Thedoveandnightingalevoicedtheircomplaint;Suchbeautymadethecompanygrowfaint–
Acryofecstasywentup;astateWhereneitherSelfnorvoidpredominateFellonthebirds.Thehoopoespoke;hedrewTheveilfromwhatisultimatelytrue.
lines1657–73
Oneasked:‘HowisityousurpassusinThissearchforTruth;whatisourcripplingsin?Wesearchandsodoyou–butyoureceiveTruth’spuritywhilewestandbyandgrieve.’
ThehoopoetellsthemabouttheglanceofSolomon
Thehoopoeansweredhim:‘GreatSolomonOncelookedatme–itisthatglancealoneWhichgavemewhatIknow;nowealthcouldbringThesubstanceIreceivedfromwisdom’sking.Noonecangainthisbytheformsofprayer,ForevenSatanbowedwithpiouscare;Thoughdon’timaginethatyouneednotpray;Wecursethefoolwhotricksyouinthisway.Prayalways,neverforonemomentcease,Prayindespairandwhenyourgoodsincrease,Consumeyourlifewithprayer,tillSolomonBestowshisglance,andignoranceisgone.WhenSolomonacceptsyou,youwillknow
Farmorethanmyunequalwordscanshow.’
ThestoryofKingMas’oudandthefisherboy
Hesaid:‘KingMas’oud,ridingoutoneday,Waspartedfromhisarmyontheway.SwiftasthewindhegallopedtillhesawAlittleboysatbytheocean’sshore.Thechildwasfishing–ashecasthishook,ThekingdismountedwithafriendlylookAndsatbyhim;buttheunhappychildWastroubledinhisheartandhardlysmiled.“YouseemthesaddestboyI’veeverseen,”Themonarchsaid.“Whatcansuchsorrowmean?”“Ourfather’sgone;forsevenchildrenIMustcastmyline”washissubduedreply.“Ourmother’sparalysedandwearepoor;ItisforfoodthatImusthauntthisshore–Icometofishhereinthedawn’sfirstlightAndcannotleaveuntilthefallofnight.ThemeagreharvestofmytoilandpainMustlastusalltillIreturnagain.”
Thekingsaid:“Let’sbefriends,doyouagree?”
Thepoorchildnoddedand,immediately,
Hisnewfriendcasttheirlineintothesea.
Thatdaytheboydrewupahundredfish.“Thiswealthisfarbeyondmywildestwish,
“Hesaid.“Asplendidhaul,”thekingreplied.“GoodFortunehasbeenbusyatyourside–Acceptyourluck,don’ttrytocomprehendHowthishashappened;you’dbelost,myfriend.Yourwealthisgreaterthanmyown;todayAkinghasfishedforyou–Icannotstay.”Heleaptontohishorse.“Buttakeyourshare,”Theboysaidearnestly.“That’sonlyfair.”“Tomorrow’scatchismine.Wewon’tdivideToday’s;youhaveitall,”thekingreplied.“TomorrowwhenIfishyouaretheprey,AtrophyIrefusetogiveaway.”Thenextday,walkinginhisgarden’sshade,Thekingrecalledthefriendthathehadmade.Acaptainfetchedtheboy,andthisunknownWasattheking’scommandsetonhisthrone.Thecourtiersmurmuredathispoverty–“Heismyfriend,thisfactsufficesme;Heismyequalhereineverything,Thepartnerofmythrone,”declaredtheking;Toeverytaunttheboyhadonereply:“Mysadnessvanishedwhenthekingpassedby.”
Amurdererwhowenttoheaven
Amurderer,accordingtothelaw,Waskilled.Thatnightthekingwho’dkilledhimsaw
lines1693–1710
Thesamemaninadream;tohissurpriseThevillainlordeditinparadise–Thekingcried:“You!Inthiscelestialplace!Yourlife’sworkwasanabsolutedisgrace;Howdidyoureachthisstate?”Themanreplied:“AfriendtoGodpassedbymeasIdied;Theearthdrankupmyblood,butstealthilyThatpilgrimonTruth’sjourneyglancedatme,AndallthegloriousextravaganceThatlapsmenowcamefromhissearingglance.”
ThemanonwhomthatquickeningglancealightsIsraisedtoheaven’sunsuspectedheights;Indeed,untilthisglancediscoversyouYourlife’samysterywithoutaclue;Youcannotcarveyourwaytoheaven’sthroneIfyousitlockedinvanityalone.Youneedaskilfulguide;youcannotstartThisocean-voyagewithblindnessinyourheart.
Itmaybeyouwillmeettheveryguide
Whoglancedatme;besurehewillprovide–
Whatevertroublescome–aplacetohide.
Youcannotguesswhatdangersyouwillfind,
Youneedastafftoguideyou,liketheblind.Yoursightisfailingandtheroadislong;Trustonewhoknowsthejourneyandisstrong.Whoevertravelsinagreatlord’sshadeNeedneverhesitateorbeafraid;Whoeverundertakesthislord’scommandsFindsthornswillchangetorosesinhishands.
ThestoryofKingMahmoudandthewoodcutter
KingMahmoudwentouthunting.InthechaseHiscourtiersflagged,unequaltothepace.AnoldmanledadonkeywhosehighloadOfbrushwoodslippedandfellintotheroad.
lines1711–31
Theoldmanscratchedhishead;thekingcamenearAndsaid:“Doyouneedhelp?”“Ido,that’sclear,”Theoldmansaid;“ifyoucouldlendahand,Youwon’tlosemuch.IseethatyoucommandYourshareofgrace–suchmenarealwaysgood.”Thekinggotdownandhelpedhimwiththewood,Hisflower-likehandsembracedthethorns;andthenHerodebacktohiswaitinglordsagain.Hesaidtothem:“Anoldmanwillappear,Ridingapiled-highdonkey–leadhimhere;
Blockallthepathsandhighwaystothisplace;Iwanthimtoconfrontmefacetoface.”Thewindingroadswereblockedupinaring,Ofwhichthecentrewasthewaitingking.Theoldmanmumbledasherodealone:“Whywon’thego…thisdonkey’sskinandbone.Soldiers!…Goodday,mylords!”andstillthewayLedpitilesslyon;tohisdismayThereroseaheadaroyalcanopy,Andtherewasnoescapethathecouldsee.Herode,fortherewasnothingelsetodo,Andfoundawaitinghimafaceheknew.“Imadeakinghumpwoodforme,”hecried;“Godhelpallsinnersnow,I’mterrified.”“Whattroublesyou,myman?”inquiredtheking.“Don’tplaywithme,youtookineverything,”Theoldmansaid;“I’mjustawretchedfoolWhodayandnightmustscourtheplainforfuel;IsellthethornsIgetandbuydrybread–Givemesomescraps,andblessingsonyourhead.”Thekingreplied:“Oldman,I’llbuyyourwood–Come,nameapriceyouthinkisfairandgood.”“Mylord,suchwoodcannotbecheaplysold;It’sworth,Ireckon,tenfullbagsofgold.”Thecourtierslaughed:“It’sworthtwobarleygrains.Shutupandsell,andthankyouforyourpains.”“Twograins,myfriends,that’strue–butthisrarebuyer
lines1732–47
Cansurelymanagesomethingratherhigher?Agreatonetouchedthesethorns–hishandbroughtforthAhundredflowers;justthinkwhatthatisworth!Adinarbuysoneroot–alittlegainIsonlyright,I’vehadmyshareofpain;Thewooditselfisworthless,Iagree–Itisthattouchwhichgivesitdignity”‘
Acowardlybirdprotests
Oneofthebirdsletoutahelplesssqueak:‘Ican’tgoonthisjourney,I’mtooweak.Dearguide,IknowIcan’tflyanymore;I’venevertriedafeatlikethisbefore.Thisvalley’sendless;dangerslieahead;ThefirsttimethatwerestI’lldropdowndead.Volcanoesloombeforethegoaliswon–Admitthisjourney’snotforeveryone.ThebloodofmultitudeshasstainedtheWay;Ahundredthousandcreatures,asyousay,Addressthemselvestothisgreatenterprise–Howmanydie,auselesssacrifice!Onsucharoadthebestofmenarecowed,Hoodshidethefrightenedfeaturesoftheproud–
Whatchancehavetimidsouls?WhatchancehaveI?IfIsetoutit’scertainIshalldie!’
Thehoopoeadmonisheshim
Thehoopoesaid:‘Yourheart’scongealedlikeice;Whenwillyoufreeyourselffromcowardice?Sinceyouhavesuchashorttimetolivehere,Whatdifferencedoesitmake?Whatshouldyoufear?Theworldisfilthandsin,andhomelessmenMustenteritandhomelessleaveagain.Theydie,asworms,insqualidpain;ifwe
lines1748–69
Mustperishinthisquest,that,certainly,Isbetterthanalifeoffilthandgrief.Ifthisgreatsearchisvain,ifmybeliefIsgroundless,itisrightthatIshoulddie.Somanyerrorsthrongtheworld–thenwhyShouldwenotriskthisquest?TosufferblameForloveisbetterthanalifeofshame.Noonehasreachedthisgoal,sowhyappealTothosewhoseblindnessclaimsitisunreal?I’dratherdiedeceivedbydreamsthangiveMyhearttohomeandtradeandneverlive.We’veseenandheardsomuch–whathavewelearned?
NotforonemomenthastheSelfbeenspurned;Foolsgatherroundandhinderourrelease:Whenwilltheirstale,insistentwhiningcease?WehavenofreedomtoachieveourgoalUntilfromSelfandfoolswefreethesoul.TobeadmittedpasttheveilyoumustBedeadtoallthecrowdconsidersjust.OncepasttheveilyouunderstandtheWayFromwhichthecrowd’sglibcourtiersblindlystray.Ifyouhaveanywill,leavewomen’sstories,AndevenifthissearchforhiddengloriesProvesblasphemyatlast,besureourquestIsnotmeretalkbutanexactingtest.Thefruitoflove’sgreattreeispoverty;Whoeverknowsthisknowshumility.Whenlovehaspitchedhistentinsomeone’sbreast,Thatmandespairsoflifeandknowsnorest.Love’spainwillmurderhim,thenblandlyaskAsurgeon’sfeeformanagingthetask–Thewaterthathedrinksbringspain,hisbreadIsturnedtobloodimmediatelyshed;Thoughheisweak,faint,feeblerthananant,Loveforceshimtobehercombatant;HecannottakeonemouthfulunawareThatheisflounderinginaseaofcare.
lines1770–90
SheikhNoughaniatNeishapour
SheikhNoughanisetoutforNeishapour.ThewaywasmorethanhecouldwellendureAndhefellsick-hespentahungryweekHuddledintatteredclothes,aloneandweak.Butaftersevendayshadpassedhecried:“DearGod,sendbread.”Anunseenvoicereplied:“Go,sweepthedirtofNeishapour’smainsquare,AndwiththegrainofgoldthatyoufindthereBuybreadandeat.”Thesheikhabruptlysaid:“IfI’dabroomIwouldn’tbegforbread,ButIhavenothing,asyouplainlysee;Givemesomebreadandstoptormentingme!”Thevoicesaid:“Calmyourself,youneednotweep–Ifyouwantbreadtakeupyourbroomandsweep.”ThesheikhcrawledoutandpublicizedhisgriefTillhewaslentabroomandsweeper’ssieve.Hesweptthefilthysquareashe’dbeentold,Andinhislastsieve’sdust-heapfoundthegold.Hehurriedtothebaker’s,boughthisbread–Thoughtsofthebroomandsievethenfilledhishead.Hestoppedshortinhistracks;theshininggrainWasspentandhewasdestituteagain.HewanderedaimlesslyuntilhefoundAruinedhut,andonthestonygroundHeflunghimselfheadlong;tohissurprise
Thebroomandsieveappearedbeforehiseyes.Joyseizedtheoldman–thenhecried:“OLord,WhymustItoilsohardformyreward?Youtellmetoexhaustmyselfforbread!”“Breadneedsthesauceofwork,”theLord’svoicesaid;“Sincebreadisnotenough,IwillincreaseThesaucethatmakesittasty;workinpeace!”
Asimpletonwalkednakedthroughthecrowd,Andseeingsuchfineclotheshecriedaloud:
lines1791–1810
“Godgivemejoyliketheirs.”Avoicereplied:“Igivethesun’skindwarmth;besatisfied.”Hesaid:“MyLord,thesunclothesyou,notme!”Thevoicesaid:“Waittendays,thenyouwillseeThegarmentIprovide.”Tendayshadgone;Apoormanofferedtothissimpleton
Araggedcloakmadeupofscrapsandshreds.*
“You’vespenttendayswithpatchesandoldthreadsStitchingthiscloak,”themadmansaid;“I’llbetYouspoiledatreasuryofclothestogetSomanybitstogether–won’tyoutellYourservantwhereyoulearnedtosewsowell?”Theanswercame:“InHisgreatcourtonemust
BehumbleasHisroyalhighway’sdust;Somany,kindledbyHisglory,come–Butfewwilleverreachthelonged-forhome.”
AstoryaboutRabe’eh
SaintRabe’ehforsevenyearshadtrodThepilgrimagetoMeccaandherGod.Nowdrawingnearthegoalshecried:“AtlastI’vereachedtheKa’abah’sstone;mytrialsarepast”–JustatthatmomenttheaspiringsaintSuccumbedtowoman’sintimatecomplaint–Shewasimpure;sheturnedasideandsaid:“Forsevenyearsapilgrim’slifeI’veled,AndasIreachthethrongofpilgrimsHePlantsthisunlooked-forthorntohinderme;DearGod,giveaccesstoyourglorioushome,OrsendmebackthewearywayI’vecome.”NoloverlivedastrueasRabe’eh,Yetlook,shetoowashinderedontheWay.WhenfirstyouenterWisdom’ssea,beware–Awaveofindecisionfloodsyouthere.
lines1811–25
YouworshipattheKa’abah’sshrineandthenYou’reweepinginsomeworthlesspagan’sden;
Iffromthiswhirlpoolyoucanraiseyourhead,Tranquillitywilltaketheplaceofdread.ButifyousinkintoitsswirlaloneYourheadwillseemsomemill’senormousstone;TheleastdistractionwilldivertyourmindFromthattranquillityyouhopedtofind.
Atroubledfool
Asaintlyfoollivedinasqualidplace.OnedayhesawtheProphetfacetoface,Whosaidtohim:“Inyourlife’sworkIseeThesignsofheaven-senttranquillity.”“Tranquillity!WhenIcan’tgetawayFromhungryfleasbynightorfliesbyday!AtinygnatgotintoNimrod’sbrainAndbyitsbuzzingsentthemaninsane;IseemtheNimrodofthistime–flies,fleas,Mosquitoes,gnatsdowithmeastheyplease!”’
Abirdcomplainsofhissinfulness
Anotherbirdcomplained:‘Sinstainsmysoul;Howcanthewickedeverreachourgoal?HowcanasouluncleanasnoisomefliesTowardtheSimorgh’smountainshopetorise?
Whensinnersleavethepath,whatpowercanbringSuchstragglerstothepresenceofourking?’
Andthehoopoeanswershim
Theanswercame:‘Youspeakfromignorance;DonotdespairofHisbenevolence.SeekmercyfromHim;throwawayyourshield,Andbysubmissiongainthelonged-forfield.
lines1826–47
Thegatestandsopentocontrition’sway–Ifyouhavesinned,squeezethroughitwhileyoumay,Andifyoutravelwithanhonestheart,Youtoowillplaythevictor’sgloriouspart.
Shameforcedavicioussinnertorepent.Oncemorehisstrengthreturned,oncemorehewentDownhisoldpathsofwickednessandlust;LeavingtheWay,hewallowedinhisdust.Butpainwelledinhisheart,hislifebecame–Asecondtime–thesourceofbittershame.Sincesinhadbroughthimnothingbutdespair,Hewantedtorepent,butdidnotdare;Hislooksbetrayedmoreagitationthan
Ripecorngrainsjumpinginaheatedpan–Hisheartwasrackedbygriefandwarringfears;Thehighway’sdustwaslaidbyhissadtears.Butinthedawnheheardavoice:“TheLordWasmercifulwhenfirstyoupledgedyourword.YoubrokeitandagainIgaveyoutime,Askingnopaymentforthisnewercrime;Poorfool–wouldyourepentoncemore?MygateStandsopenalways;patientlyIwait.”
Gabrielandtheunbeliever
OnenightinparadisegoodGabrielheardTheLordsay:“Iamhere”,andatHiswordTherecameanothervoicewhichweptandprayed–“Whoknowswhosevoicethisis?”theangelsaid.“Itcomesfromone,ofthisatleastI’msure,WhohassubduedtheSelf,whoseheartispure.”Butnooneintheheavensknewtheman,AndGabrielswoopedtowardtheearthtoscanThedeserts,seasandmountains–farandwideHesearched,withoutsuccess,untilhecriedForGodtoleadhissteps.“SeekhiminRome,”
lines1848–67
Godsaid.“Apagantempleishishome.”
ThereGabrielwentandsawthemanintears–Aworthlessidolruledhishopesandfears.Astonished,Gabrielturnedandsaid:“Tellme,DearLord,themeaningofthismystery;YouanswerwithyourkindnessonewhopraysBeforeasenselessidolallhisdays!”AndGodreplied:“HedoesnotknowourWay;Mereignorancehasledthismanastray–IunderstandthecauseofhisdisgraceAndwillnotcoldlyturnasideMyface;IshalladmithimtoMysanctuaryWherekindnesswillconverthisblasphemy”.’
Thehoopoepausedandraisedhisvoiceinprayer,Thensaid:‘ThismanforwhomGodshowedsuchcareWasonelikeyou–andifyoucannotbringGreatvirtuestothepresenceofourking,Donotalarmyourself;theLordwillblessThesaint’sdevotionsandyournothingness.
Asufiwhowantedtobuysomethingfornothing
AvoicerangoutonemorninginBaghdad:“Myhoney’ssweet,thebestthatcanbehad–Thepriceischeap;nowwhowillcomeandbuy?”Asufipassinginastreetnearby
Asked:“Willyousellfornothing?”Buthelaughed:“Whogiveshisgoodsfornothing?Don’tbedaft!”Avoicecamethen:“Mysufi,turnaside–Afewstepshigher–andbesatisfied.FornothingWeshallgiveyoueverything;Ifyouwantmore,that‘more’We’llalsobring.KnowthatOurmercyisaglitteringsun;Noparticleescapesitsbrilliance,none–DidWenotsendtosinandblasphemyOurProphetasasignofclemency?”
lines1868–84
GodremonstrateswithMoses
Godsaid:“Gharounhastentimesseventimes,DearMoses,beggedforgivenessforhiscrimes–Stillyouignorehim,thoughhissoulisfreeFromallthetwistinggrowthsofblasphemy;IhaveuprootedthemandnowprepareArobeofgraceinanswertohisprayer.Youhavedestroyedhim;woundhasfollowedwound;Youforcehisheadtobowdowntotheground–IfyouwerehisCreatoryouwouldgiveSomerespitetothissufferingfugitive.”OnewhoshowsmercytothemercilessBringsmercyclosetoGodlikeblessèdness;
TheoceanofGod’sgraceisinfinite–Oursinsarelikeateardissolvedinit.HowcouldHismercychange?–itcancontainNotraceoftemporalcorruption’sstain.OnewhoaccusessinnerstakesthepartOftyranny,andbearsatyrant’sheart.
Asinnerentersheaven
Asinnerdied,and,ashiscoffinpassed,AmanwhopractisedeveryprayerandfastTurnedostentatiouslyaside–howcouldHeprayforoneofwhomheknewnogood?Hesawthesinnerinhisdreamsthatnight,Hisfacetransfiguredwithcelestiallight.“Howdidyouenterheaven’sgates,”hesaid,“Asinnerstainedwithfilthfromfoottohead?”“Godsawyourmerciless,disdainfulpride,Andpitiedmypoorsoul,”themanreplied.
WhatgenerousloveHiswisdomheredisplays!Hispartismercy,oursisendlesspraise;HisWisdom’slikeacrow’swinginthenight–Hesendsachildoutwithataper’slight,line1885–1903Andthenawindthatquenchesthisthinflame;
Thechildwillsufferwordsofscathingblame,ButinthatnarrowdarknesshewillfindThethousandwaysinwhichhisLordiskind.Ifallwerepureofalliniquity,GodcouldnotshowHisgenerosity;TheendofWisdomisforGodtoshow–Perpetually–Hislovetothosebelow.OnedropofGod’sgreatWisdomwillbeyours,Aseaofmercywithunchartedshores;Mychild,thesevenheavens,dayandnight,Foryoursakewagetheiroldunweariedfight;Foryoursakeangelspray–yourloveandhateReflectedbackarehell’sorheaven’sgate.TheangelshaveboweddowntoyouanddrownedYoursoulinBeing,pastallplummet’ssound–Donotdespiseyourself,forthereisnoneWhocouldwithyousustaincomparison;Donottormentyourself–yoursoulisAll,Yourbodybutafleetingparticle.ThisAllwillclarify,andinitslightEachparticlewillshine,distinctlybright–Asfleshremainsanagentofthesoul,Yoursoul’sanagentofthesacredWhole.But“part”and“whole”mustdisappearatlast;TheWayisone,andnumberissurpassed.Ahundredthousandcloudsaboveyoupress;Theirrainispure,unendinghappiness;
Andwhenthedesertbloomswithflowers,theirscentAndbeautyministertoyourcontent;Theprayersofalltheangels,alltheydo,Alltheirobedience,Godbestowsonyou.
Theangels’jealousyofman
Abbassehsaid:“AtGod’slastJudgementDay,Whenpanicurgesmentorunaway
lines1904–18
Andatthesametimeparalysesthem,Whensinnersstumble,overwhelmedbyshame,Whenterrorseizesonthehumanrace,Andeachmanseekstohidehisanguishedface,ThenGod,whomalltheearthandheavensadore,WillHisunstintedbenedictionspourOnman,thehandfulofunworthydust.Theangelswillcryout:‘Lord,isthisjust,Thatman,beforeusall,takeprecedence?’AndGodwillsay:‘ThereisnoconsequenceOflossorgaininthisforyou,butmanHasreachedthelimitofhisearthlyspan–Hungermustalwaysbesuppliedwithbread;Amortalnationclamourstobefed’.”’
Anindecisivebirdcomplains
Anotherbirddeclared:‘Asyoucansee,
Ilacktheorgansofvirility;
EachmomentIpreferadifferenttree–
I’mdrunk,devout,theworld’s,then(briefly)His;Caughtbetween“No,itisn’t”,“Yes,itis”.Thefleshwillsendmedrinking,thenI’llfindThepraiseofGodawakeninginmymind;WhatshouldIdobetweenthesetwoextremes,Imprisonedbyconflictingneedsanddreams?’
Andthehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘Thistroubleseveryone;Whatmanistrulysingle-minded?None!Ifallofuscouldboastaspotlessmind,Whyshouldtheprophetsminglewithmankind?Ifitislovewhichpromptsyourferventprayers,Ahundredkindnesseswillcalmyourcares.Lifeisanobstinateyoungcolt–untilHe’sbrokeninbyyourrestrainingwill
lines1919–35
Heknowsnopeace;butyouareindolent,Stretchedoutbesidetheoven,warm,content.
Tearstemperhearts;butlivingwell’sarustThatinchbyinchreducesthemtodust–You’rejustaeunuchpamperinghisneeds;YourSelf’sgrowngross,adogthatsleepsandfeeds.
AstoryaboutShebli
Shebliwoulddisappearattimes;nooneInallBaghdadcouldguesswherehehadgone–AtlasttheyfoundhimwherethetownenjoysThesexualservicesofmenandboys,Sittingamongthecatamites;hiseyeWasmoistandhumid,andhislipsbone-dry.Oneasked:“Whatbringsyouhere,tosuchaplace?Isthiswherepilgrimscometolookforgrace?”Heanswered:“Intheworld’swaytheseyouseeAren’tmenorwomen;soitiswithme–ForinthewayofFaithI’mneithermanNorwoman,butambiguouscourtesan–Unmanlinessreproachesme,thenblameFormyvirilityfillsmewithshame.”Themanofunderstandingputsaside,Totravelonthispath,alloutwardpride(ThecourageofhischoicewillhonourthoseWhotaughtthispilgrimeverythingheknows).Ifyouseemmoresubstantialthanahair,You’vemadeanidolofyourself–takecare,
Whateverpraiseorblamemaysayofyou,You’reanidolaterinallyoudo.AsTruth’sswornslave,bewareofAzar’swaysWhocarvedthestonetowhichheofferedpraise–Devotionisthecrownofallmankind;
LeaveUzza*andsuchidolsfarbehind.
lines1936–53
YouseemasufitothecommonfolkButhideahundredidolswithyourcloak–Ifyou’reaeunuchunderneath,don’tdressInclothesofhighheroicmanliness!
Twosufisgotocourt
OnedaytwodressedaswanderingsufiscameBeforethecourtstolodgealegalclaim.Thejudgetookthemaside.“Thiscan’tberight,Forsufistoprovokealawyers’fight,”Hesaid.“Youweartherobesofresignation,Sowhathaveyoutodowithlitigation?Ifyou’rethementopayalawyer’sfee,Offwithyoursuficlothesimmediately!Andifyou’resufisasatfirstIthought,It’signorancethatbringsyoutothiscourt.I’mjustajudge,unversedinyouraffair,
ButI’mashamedtoseetheclothesyouwear;Youshouldwearwomen’sveils–thatwouldbelessDishonestthanyourpresentholydress.”
Howwillyousolvelove’ssecretloreifyou–Notman,notwoman–glidebetweenthetwo?Ifonitspathloveforcesyoutoyield,Thendosogladly,throwawayyourshield;Resistandyouwilldie,yoursoulisdead–Towardoffyourdefeatbowdownyourhead!
ApauperinlovewiththekingofEgypt
ApoormanfellinlovewithEgypt’sking,WhoheardthenewsandorderedguardstobringThewretchtohim.“Youlovetheking,”hesaid;“Nowchoose:giveupyourhomehereoryourhead–Youmustmakeupyourmindbetweenthesetwo,Exileordeath.Well,whichseemsbesttoyou?”
lines1954–69
Forallhislovethispauperwasn’tbrave;Hischoicewasexileratherthanthegrave.Heleft;theking’scommandcameloudandclear:“Cutoffhisheadatonceandbringithere.”
Theportersaid:“Butheisinnocent;Whyshouldmylordcommandthispunishment?”“Hedidnotreallylove,”thekingreplied.“Thoughhepretendedloveforme,helied:IfhewerevaliantinlovehewouldHavechosendeathhereasthehighestgood.Ifoneprefershisheadtolove,thenheMustpaytolovethetraitor’spenalty–Hadherequiredmyhead,athiscommandTherewouldhavebeennolordtorulethisland;Iwouldhavewornhislivery,akingWouldhavebecomehisslaveineverything–Butheresistedlove,anditisrightThatheshouldlosehisheadinsuchafight.Themanwholeavesme,thoughheraveandcry,Isanimpostorandhislove’salie–IsaythisasawarningtothatcrowdWhoseboastsofloveformeringlongandloud”.’
AbirdcomplainsoftheSelf
Oneofthebirdsthensaid:‘Myenemy’sThatveteranofhighwayrobberies,
MySelf;howcanItravelontheWay
Withsuchafollower?Thedogwon’tpay
TheleastattentiontoawordIsay–
ThedogIknewisgoneandinhisplaceAslaveringwolfstalksbyme,paceforpace.’
Andthehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘HowhasthisdogbetrayedAndbroughttodustwhateverplansyoumade!
lines1970–87
TheSelf’ssquint-eyedandcannotguideyouwell,Partdog,partparasite,partinfidel.WhenyouarepraisedyourSelfswellsupwithpride(Awarethatpraiseisquiteunjustified);There’snohopefortheSelf–thedoggrowsfatterThemoreithearsmenfawn,deceiveandflatter.Whatisyourchildhoodbutanegligence,Atimeofcarelessnessandignorance?Whatisyouryouthbutmadness,strifeanddanger,Knowledgethatinthisworldyouareastranger?Whatisyouragebuttorpidhelplessness,Thefleshandspiritsappedbylongdistress?Untilthisdog,theSelf,canbesubdued,Ourlifeisfolly,endlesslyrenewed;Ifalloflifefrombirthtodeathisvain,Blanknothingnesswillbeouronlygain–SuchslavestheSelfowns!Whatacatalogue!
Howmanyrushtoworshipthisfouldog!TheSelfishell–afurnacebelchingfire,AnicypitasPridesucceedsDesire,Andthoughahundredthousanddieofgrief,Thatthissamedogshoulddieispastbelief.
Agravedigger
AmanwholivedbydigginggravessurvivedToripeoldage.Aneighboursaid:“You’vethrivedForyears,diggingawayinoneroutine–Tellusthestrangestthingyou’veeverseen.”Hesaid:“Allthingsconsidered,what’smoststrangeIsthatforseventyyearswithoutachangeThatdog,mySelf,hasseenmedigginggraves,Yetneitherdies,noralters,norbehaves!”
Abbasseh’sdescriptionoftheSelf
OnenightAbbassehsaid:“TheworldcouldbeThrongedwithwildinfidelsandblasphemy,
lines1988–2008
Oritcouldbeaplaceofpiousworks,Filledwiththefaithful,keenaszealousTurks.Insteadtheprophetscame–thatinfidel
TheSelfmustchoosebetweenthefaithandhell(Oneseemedtoodifficult,oneterrified–Howcouldtheindecisivesouldecide?).BeneaththeSelf’sreignweareinfidelsAndnourishblasphemyinallourcells;Itslifeisstubborn,strong,intractable–Tokillitseemswell-nighimpossible.Itdrawsitsstrengthfrombothalternatives;Nowonderitsoobstinatelylives.Butiftheheartcanrule,thendayandnightThisdogwilllabourfortheheart’sdelight,AndwhentheheartridesouthesprintsawayEagertoflushhisnoblemaster’sprey.WhoeverchainsthisdogwillfindthatheCommandsthelionofeternity;Whoeverbindsthisdog,hissandals’dustSurpassesallthecouncilsofthejust.”
Akingquestionsasufi
Araggedpilgrimofthesufis’WayBychancemetwithaking,andheardhimsay:“Who’sbetter,meoryou?”Theoldmansaid:“Silence,yourwordsareemptyasyourhead!Althoughself-praiseisnotournormalrule(Themanwholoveshimselfisstillafool),I’lltellyou,sinceImust,thatonelikeme
Exceedsathousandlikeyourmajesty.Sinceyoufindnodelightinfaith–alas,YourSelfhasmadeofyou,mylord,anassAndsatonyou,andsetitsloadonyou–You’rejustitsslaveineverythingyoudo;Youwearitshalter,followitscommands,Ano-one,leftcompletelyinitshands.
lines2009–27
MystudyistoreachTruth’sinmostshrine–AndIamnotmySelf’sass,heismine;NowsincethebeastIrideonridesonyou,ThatI’myourbetterisquiteplainlytrue.YoulovetheSelf–it’slitinyouafireOfnagginglust,insatiabledesire,Ablazethatburnsyourvigour,wastesyourheart,Leavinginfirmityineverypart–Consumingallyourstrength,tilldeafandblindYou’reold,forgetful,ramblinginyourmind.”
Thisman,andhundredslikehim,constituteThemightyphalanxoftheAbsolute;WhensuchanarmychargesyouwillfindYouandyourpunySelfareleftbehind.Howyoudelightinthisdog’spartnership–
Butit’sthedog,notyou,thatcracksthewhip!TheforcesofthekingwillseparateThisdogandyou–whynotanticipateTheirorderandforestallthepain?IfthoughYouweepthathereonearthyoucannotknowEnoughofthisaudaciousinfidel–Don’tworry;you’llbecomradesdowninhell.
Twofoxes
Twofoxesmet,andtastedsuchdelightTheycouldnotleteachotheroutofsight.ButthenakingcamehuntingontheplainAndpartedthem.“Whereshallwemeetagain?”Sheyelped.Hebarkedbackashereachedtheirhole:“Atthefurrier’s,dear–hungupasastole!”’
Abirdcomplainsofpride
Anothersaid:‘WheneverIdecideToseekHispresence,thatarch-devilPride
lines2028–43
‘Obstructsmypath.Ican’tfightbackwithforce;AgainsthisspecioustalkI’venorecourse.HowcanIfindsalvationfromhislies,
Drinkdownthewineofmeaningandbewise?’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘ThisdevilneverleavesUntiltheSelfhasgone;ifhedeceivesYounow,hiscunningisyourowndeceit–Yourwishesarethedevil,youthecheat!Ifyouaccomplishonedesire,ashoalOfstrugglingdemonsrisesinyoursoul;Theworld’safurnaceandaprisoncell,Thedevil’sprovince,anunendinghell–DrawbackyourhandfromitifyouwouldwinAnunmolestedlifesecurefromsin.
Thedevilcomplains
AsluggardonceapproachedafastingsaintAnd,baffledbydespair,madethiscomplaint:“Thedevilisahighwayman,athief,Who’sruinedmeandrobbedmeofbelief.”Thesaintreplied:“Youngman,thedeviltooHasmadehiswayheretocomplain–ofyou.‘Myprovinceistheworld,’Iheardhimsay;‘TellthisnewpilgrimofGod’sholyWayTokeephishandsoffwhatismine–ifIAttackhimit’sbecausehisfingerspry
Inmyaffairs;ifhewillleavemebe,He’snoconcernofmineandcangofree’.”
MalekDinar
OnedeartoGodaddressedMalekDinar:“I’velostmyself–buttellmehowyouare.”
lines2044–63
Hesaid:“IgetmybreadfromGod’sownhands,ThencarryouttheEvilOne’scommands.”
Yourvauntedfaithiswordyinsolence;Thedevilstrikes,andyouhavenodefence–Thisworld’sgriefclingstoyou,yetyoudecideYou’rereadyforourquest!Goddamnyourpride!Isaid“Giveuptheworld”,andnowIsayStandfirmtobeadmittedtotheWay;IfyouhavegivenHimthisearthlyshowWhenwillyouspreadyourhandsandletitgo?Yourslothhasdrownedyouinaseaofgreed;Youdon’tknowwhyyouwaitorwhatyouneed–Thoughearthandheavenweepyouseekoutsin;Greedbluntsyourfaith,passioncorruptswithin.Whatisthisworld,thisnestofgreedandlust,
Butleavingsofoppression,windsweptdust?Heretyrannyintensifieditsreign,Herecrueltystruckandleftanemptiedplain.Godcallsthisworldanothing,butitssnareHastrappedyou,andyoustruggleindespair–WhenwillyoudietosuchunhappinessAndtakethehandthatleadsyoufromdistress?Canonewho’slostinnothingrightlyclaimTheattributesofman,muchlessthename?ThecreaturewhoabandonswhathesoughtFornothing’ssakeisnoughtandlessthannought.Whatisthisworld’swork?–idlelethargy,Thatidlenessalongcaptivity.Whatistheworldbutaconsumingpyre,Wherenationfollowsnationtothefire?Andwhenitsflamesturnnighttoblindingday,Thelion-heartedherorunsaway–Tocloseyoureyesandfleeiscouragehere,Orlikesomeflutteringmothyou’lldrawtoonearAndintheblazebeburnt;toworshipflameIsdrunkenpride,thepathtodeathandshame.
lines2064–78
‘Thefiresurroundsyou,andwitheverybreathThescorchingflamesreachoutandthreatendeath;Buttheyarequenchedwhenweachieveourgoal,
Andlook–therewaitsasylumforyoursoul.
Arichlordandadervish
Atpublicprayersagreatlordcried:“OGod,Havemercyonmenowandsparetherod!”Acrazydervishheardhisprayerandsaid:“YoudaretocallHismerciesonyourheadWhenyourbehaviourseemstosay‘TheearthCanhardlyholdapersonofmyworth’–You’veraisedapalaceupagainstthesky,Embellisheditwithgoldtodazetheeye;Tenboysandtenyounggirlsawaityourwhim,WhatclaimhaveyouonmercyoronHim?Lookonyourlife,onallthatyoupossess–Thereisn’troomformercyinthismess!IfFategaveyoumydailyroundofbread,Thenyoucouldcalldownmerciesonyourhead.Shameonyou,man!UntilyouturnasideFrompowerandwealthandallyourstinkingpride,There’snothingtobedone–turnnow,andseeHowlikeaheroyoucanstillbreakfree.”
Death-bedrepentance
Atruebelieversaid:“ThereisacrowdWhowhentheycometodiewillcryaloud
AndturntoGod.Buttheyarefools;theyshouldHavespenttheirlivesinseekingwhatisgood.Whenleavesarefallingit’stoolatetosow;Repentanceonadeath-bedistooslow–Thetimetoturnasidehasflown;besureWhoeverwaitstillthenwilldieimpure”.’
lines2079–94
Amiserlybird
Anotherbirdsaid:‘Ilovegoldalone;It’slifetome,likemarrowtoabone–WhenIhavegoldIblossomlikeaflower;WithrestlessprideIrevelinitspower.‘
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘Appearancesdelight
TheheartthatcannotseeTruth’sdawninglight;
Youareasblindbydayasinthenight–
Yourlife’sacrawlingant’s.WhatessenceliesInsurfaces?Avoid!DirectyoureyesTomeaning’score;goldisastone,andyouArelikeachildattractedbyitshue.Itisanidolwhenitholdsthesoul
BackfromitsGod–hideitinsomedarkhole!AndifitisasovereignremedyItalsohasafoulutility(MenmakearingofitthatstopsamuleFrombeingcovered).Ounhappyfool,Who’shelpedbyallthisgold?AndwhatrealpleasureCanyouderivefromheapsofglitteringtreasure?IfyoucangiveadervishjustagrainYou’llnagathim,orwishitbackagain!It’struethatbackedbygoldyou’llneverlackForfriends–yourfriendship’sbrandburnseveryback!Eachmonthyoucounttheprofitsfromyourtrade,Whattrade!–yoursoul’sbeensold,thebargain’smade.Life’ssweetnesspassesandyouspendyourtimeScrabblingforfarthings–isn’tthisacrime?YougivethisAllfornothing,whileyourheartIsgivenwhollytothemerchant’sart;ButunderneathyourgibbetIshallwaitUntilitsstepsarejerkedawaybyFate.
lines2095–2115
Howmanydinesyou’11hang!EachslidingnooseWillseemahundredburningflames—whatuseWillyourreligion,gold,betoyouthen?Orwhenyou’redrowned,yourbusinessacumen?Inthatlasttumultasyougaspforair
You’llknowyourdoomandshriekinwilddespair.RemembertheKoran:“YoucannotgainSalvationwhilethethingsyouloveremain.”Youmustabandonallthingsthatexist;Eventhesoulitselfmustbedismissed–Renounceitsfellowship;ittoomustgo,Alongwithallyouownandallyouknow.Ifyouhavemadethisworldaplaceforsleep,Yourbed’stheloadthatmakestheWaysosteepBurnit!andpassbeyondwhatmerelyseems;Youcan’tdeceivetheTruthwithsleepydreams.Letfearpersuadeyou,andthefireislit;Burnyourbednowifyouwouldrisefromit.
Thenovicewhohadsomegold
Anovicehidalittlestoreofgold.Hissheikhknewthis,althoughhe’dnotbeentold.Therewasajourneythattheyhadtomake–Thetwosetout,theyoungmanandhissheikh;Thennightcametothevalleywheretheywalked,Andintotwothepaththeyfollowedforked.Thenovicetrembledforhishiddengold(Whichmakesitsownersratherlessthanbold);“Whichwaydoyouadvise?”heaskedhissheikh.“Therearetwopaths;whichisthebesttotake?”Thesheikhsaid:“Throwoutwhatyoucannothide,
Theneitherwaywilldo–asyoudecide.”Letgoldwinsomeone’sheart,andwhenthat’sdoneEventheDevil,outoffear,willrun(Whengoldisweighedwhatargumentsensue:“Onegraintoomany!”“No,onegraintoofew!”);
lines2116–32
Inwaysoffaithhe’slikeanassthat’slame,Castdown,preoccupiedandfullofshame–Akingwhencheatingpeople,butafoolWhenfaithismentioned–abewilderedmule.ThemanwhomshininggoldcanleadastrayIscapturedbytheworld,he’slosttheWay.RememberJosephandbewarethiswell;Treadcarefully;itleadstodeathandhell.
Rabe’ehandthetwograinsofsilver
AsheikhofBasrasaidtoRabe’eh:“Howmuchyouhaveenduredalonglove’sWay!Andallthisstrengthisfromyourself–tellmeThesourceofyourprofoundability,
Thisinwardlightwhichyouhaveneitherread
Norlearntnorcopied.”SaintRabe’ehsaid:
“Greatsheikh,Isimplyspincoarsecottonthread;
Isellthisandamsatisfiedtoget
Twograinsofsilver–thoughIneveryetHeldboththesegrainstogetherinmypalm,Butoneineitherhand.IfeartheharmThatfollowsfromtheclinkofcoinoncoin,Thesleeplessnightswhensumsofmoneyjoin.”
Theworldlyman’sembroiledinbloodycares,
LayingahundredthousanddifferentsnaresUntilunlawfullyhegetshisgold,Andpromptlydies!Beforehisbody’scold,Theeagerheirhasclaimedhisproperty,Hislegalrighttostrifeandmisery.YouselltheSimorghforthisgold;itslightHasmadeyourheartacandleinthenight!WeseektheWayofperfectUnity,Wherenoonecountshisownprosperity;Butyouarelikeanantthat’sledastrayTooeasilyfromourstrict,narrowWay–
lines2133–49
Thestraitpathoffersnodeceitfulsmiles;Whatlivingcreaturecanendureitstrials?
Thehermitwholistenedtoabird
AmandivinelyblessedfilledallhisdaysFortwicetwohundredyearswithsacredpraise.HelivedalonewherenomanevertrodAnd,hiddenbyTruth’sveil,conversedwithGod(HisonecompanionwastheLord,andHeMakesotherfriendsauselessluxury).Hisgardenhadatree–thistreeaguest;Fortherealovelybirdhadbuiltitsnest.Suchsweetlytrillingsongspouredfromitsthroat,Ahundredsecretslurkedineverynote!CharmedbythisliquidvoicethehermitfoundCompanionshipinitsbeguilingsound.Godcalledtheprophetofthattimeandsaid:“Wemustreproachthisman:‘Thelifeyou’veledHasdayandnightbeengivenuptoprayer;Foryearsyouburntwithlove–andnowyoudareTosellMeforthesingingofabird,Thewillingdupeofthatfinevoiceyouheard!I’veboughtandcaredforyou–yournegligenceHascheaplysoldmeoffasrecompense:Ipaythepriceforyou,youauctionMe,Isthisyourmeaningfor“fidelity”?IamtheoneCompanionyoushouldkeep,Notsomequickbargaintobemarkeddown“cheap”’.”’
Anostentatiousbird
Anotherbirddeclared:‘MyhappinessComesfromthesplendidthingswhichIpossess:MypalacewallsinlaidwithgoldexciteAstonishmentinallwhoseethesight.Theyareaworldofjoytome–howcould
lines2150–65
Iwrenchmyheartfromthissurpassinggood?ThereIamking;allbowtomycommands–ShallIcourtruininthedesertsands?ShallIgiveupthisrealm,andlivewithoutMycertaingloryinaworldofdoubt?WhatrationalmindwouldgiveupparadiseForwanderingsfilledwithpainandsacrifice?’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘Ungratefulwretch!AreyouAdogthatyoushouldneedakenneltoo?Thisworld’sakennel’sfilthymurkatbest;Yourpalaceisakennelwiththerest.Ifitseemsparadise,atyourlastbreathYou’llknowitisyourdungeonafterdeath.There’dbenoharminpalaceslikeyours,Didnotthethoughtofdeathbeatatourdoors.
Akingwhobuiltasplendidpalace
AkingwholovedhisownmagnificenceOncebuiltapalaceandsparednoexpense.Whenthiscelestialbuildinghadbeenraised,ThegorgeouscarpetsanditssplendourdazedThecrowdthatpressedaround–aservantflungTraysheapedwithmoneytothescrabblingthrong.ThekingnowsummonedallhiswisestfriendsAndsaid:“WhatdoIlack?WhorecommendsImprovementstomycourt?”“Wemustagree,”Theysaid,“nomancouldnoworeversee,Inalltheearth,apalacebuiltlikethis.”Anoldasceticspoke.“Onething’samiss,”Hesaid;“there’soneparticularyoulack.Thisnoblestructurehasanastycrack(Thoughifitweren’tforthatitwouldsufficeTobetheheavenlycourtofparadise).”Thekingreplied:“Whatcrack?Whereisit?Where?
lines2166–79
Ifyou’vecomeherefortrouble,thentakecare!”Themansaid:“Lord,itisthetruthItell–
AndthroughthatcrackwillenterAzra’el.*
Itmaybeyoucanblockit,butifnot,Thenthroneandpalacearenotworthajot!
Yourpalacenowseemslikesomeheavenlyprize,Butdeathwillmakeituglytoyoureyes;Nothingremainsforeverandyouknow–Althoughyouliveherenow-thatthisisso.Don’tprideyourselfonthingsthatcannotlast;Don’tgallopyourhigh-steppinghorsesofast.IfonelikemeislefttoindicateYourfaultstoyou,Ipityyoursadfate.”
Amerchantgivesaparty
Togratifyhisbusyself-esteem,Amerchantbuiltamansionlikeadream,Andwhenthepreparationswerealldone,HeregallyinvitedeveryoneToanenormousentertainmentthere,Atwhichthey’dfeastanddutifullystare.Butrunningself-importantlyaround,Hemetabeggingfool,whostoodhisgroundAndmockedthemerchant’sdiligence.“Mylord,”Hesaid,“I’mdesolate(O,restassured!)ThatIcan’tcomeanddrinkyourhealth,butI’mSobusythatIreallyhaven’ttime–Youwillforgiveme?”andhegaveagrin.“Ofcourse,”themerchantanswered,takenin.
Thespider
You’veseenanactivespiderwork–heseemsTospendhislifeinself-communingdreams;Infactthewebhespinsisevidence
lines2180–97
Thathe’sendowedwithsomefar-sightedsense.HedrapesacornerwithhiscunningsnareAndwaitsuntilafly’sentangledthere,ThendashesoutandsucksthemeagrebloodOfhisbewildered,buzzing,dyingfood.He’lldrythecarcassthen,andliveoffitFordays,consumingbitbytastybit–UntiltheownerofthehouseonedayWillreachupcasuallytoknockawayThecunningspider’shome–andwithherbroomSheclearsbothflyandspiderfromtheroom.
Suchistheworld,andonewhofeedsthereisAflytrappedbythatspider’ssubtleties;Ifalltheworldisyours,itwillpassbyAsswiftlyastheblinkingofaneye;Andthoughyouboastofkingsandpatronage,Youareachild,anactoronastage.Don’tseekforwealthunlessyouareafool;Aherdofcowsisallthatyoucanrule!
Whoeverlivesforbanners,drumsandgloryIsdead;thedervishunderstandsthisstoryAndcallsitwindynoise–windsvainlyflapThebanners,hollowlythebravedrumstap.Don’tgalloponthehorseofvanity;Don’tprideyourselfonyournobility.Theyskintheleopardforhissplendidpelt;They’llflayyoutoobeforeyournosehassmeltAwhiffofdanger.Whenyourlife’smadeplain,Whichwillbebetter,deathorchasteningpain?Youcannotholdyourheadupthen–obey!Howlongmustyoupersistinchildishplay?EithergiveupyourwealthorlayasideTherashpretensionsofyourcrazypride.Yourpalaceandyourgardens!They’reyourgaol,Thedungeonwhereyourruinedsoulwillwail,Forsakethisdustypride,knowwhatit’sworth;
lines2198–2213
Giveupyourrestlesspacingoftheearth.ToseetheWay,lookwiththeeyesofthought;Setoutonitandglimpsetheheavenlycourt–Andwhenyoureachthatsouls’asylum,thenItsglorywillblotouttheworldofmen.
Therestlessfoolandthedervish
AfooldashedonwardatarecklesspaceTillinthedeserthecamefacetofaceWithonewhoworetheraggeddervishcloak,Andasked:“Whatisyourwork?”Thedervishspoke:“Poorshallowwretch,canyounotseeIfaintWiththisstrictpressureoftheworld’sconstraint?”“Constraint?Thatcan’tberight,”themanreplied;“Theemptydesertstretchesfarandwide.”Thedervishsaid:“IfthereisnostrictWay,Howhasitledyoutomeheretoday?”
Amyriadpromisesbeguileyourmind,Butflamesofgreedareallthatyoucanfind.Whataresuchflames?Treaddowntheworld’sdesire,Andlikealionshunthisragingfire.Accomplishthis,andyouwillfindyourheart;Therewaitsyourpalace,pureineverypart.Fireblocksthepath,thegoalislongdelayed–Yourheart’sacaptiveandyoursoul’safraid,ButinthemidstofsuchanenterpriseYouwillescapethisuniverseoflies.Whenworldlypleasurescloy,preparetodie–Theworldgivesneithernamenortruth,passby!Themoreyouseeofitthelessyousee,HowoftenmustIwarnyoutobreakfree?
Seeingtheworld
Amournerfollowingacoffincried:“Youhardlysawtheworld,andyetyou’vedied.”
lines2214–29
Afoolremarked:“Suchnoise!You’dthinkthatheHadseentheworldhimselfrepeatedly!”
Ifyouwouldtaketheworldwithyou,youmustDescendwithalltheworldunseentodust;Yourushtosavourlife,andsolifegoesWhileyouignorethebalmforallitswoes;UntiltheSelfissacrificedyoursoulIslostinfilth,dividedfromitsgoal.
Aperfumedwoodwasburning,anditsscentMadesomeonesighwithsomnolentcontent.Onesaidtohim:“Yoursighmeansecstasy;Thinkofthewood,whosesighmeansmisery”.’
Abirdwhocannotleavehisbeloved
‘Greathoopoe,’saidanotherbird,‘mylove
Hasloadedmewithchains,Icannotmove.Thisbandit,Love,confrontedmeandstoleMyintellect,myheart,myinmostsoul–TheimageofherfaceislikeathiefWhofirestheharvestandleavesonlygrief.WithoutherIendurethepangsofhell,Ravingandcursinglikeaninfidel;HowcanItravelwhenmyheartmuststayLappedhereinblood?AndonthatwearyWay,Howmanyemptyvalleyslieahead,Howmanyhorrorswaitforus?IdreadOnemomentabsentfromherlovelyface;HowcouldIseektheWayandleavethisplace?Mypainexceedsallcureorremedy;I’vepassedbeyondbothfaithandblasphemy–Myblasphemyandfaithareloveforher;Mysoulisherabjectidolater–AndthoughcompanionlessIweepandgroan,Myfriendissorrow;Iamnotalone.Mylovehasbroughtmecountlessmiseries,
lines2230–47
Butinherhairliecountlessmysteries;Withoutherface,bloodchokesme,Iamdrowned,I’mdustblownaimlesslyacrosstheground.Believeme,everythingIsayistrue–
Thisismystate;nowtellmewhattodo.’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘YouaretheprisonerofAppearances,asuperficiallove;Thisloveisnotdivine;itismeregreedForflesh–ananimal,instinctiveneed.Tolovewhatisdeficient,trappedintime,Ismorethanfoolishness,itisacrime–AndblasphemousthestruggletoevadeThatperfectbeautywhichcanneverfade.YouwouldcompareafaceofbloodandbileTothefullmoon–yetwhatcouldbemorevileInalltheworldthanthatsamefacewhenbloodAndbilearegone?–itisnomorethanmud.Thisisthefleshlybeautyyouadore;Thisisitsbeing,thisandnothingmore.Howlongthenwillyouseekforbeautyhere?Seektheunseen,andbeautywillappear.WhenthatlastveilisliftedneithermenNoralltheirglorywillbeseenagain,Theuniversewillfade–thismightyshowInallitsmajestyandpompwillgo,Andthosewho-lovedappearanceswillproveEachother’senemiesandforfeitlove,Whilethosewholovedtheabsent,unseenFriend
Willenterthatpurelovewhichknowsnoend.
Shebliandamanwhosefriendhaddied
OnceSheblisawapoorwretchweeping.“WhyThesetears?”thesheikhinquired.“Whatmakesyoucry?”Hesaid:“Osheikh,Ihadafriendwhoseface
lines2248–64
Refreshedmysoulwithitsyoung,candidgrace–Butyesterdayhedied;sincethenI’mdead,There’snothingthatcoulddrythetearsIshed.”Thesheikhreplied:“Andisthatallyoumiss?Don’tgrieve,myfriend,you’reworthmuchmorethanthis.Choosenowanotherfriendwhocannotdie–ForHisdeathyouwillneverhavetocry.Thefriendfromwhom,throughdeath,wemustsoonpartBringsonlysorrowtothebaffledheart;Whoeverlovestheworld’sbrightsurfacesEnduresinloveahundredmiseries;Toosoonthesurfacefleeshisgropinghand,Andsorrowcomeswhichnomancanwithstand.”
Amerchantwhosoldhisfavouriteslave
Therewasamerchantoncewhohadaslave
Assweetassugarhowdidhebehave?Hesoldthatgirlbeyondcomparison–AndO,howheregrettedwhathe’ddoneHeofferedhernewmasterheapsofgoldAndwouldhavepaidherpriceathousandfold;Hisheart4nflames,hispoorheadinawhirl,Hebeggedherownertoresellthegirl.Buthewasadamantandwouldnotsell;Themerchantpacedthestreet,hismindinhell,Andgroaned:“IcannotbearthissearingpainButanyonewhogiveshisloveforgain,Whostitchestighttheeyesofcommon-senseDeservesasmuchforhisimprovidence–Tothinkthatonthatfatalmarket-dayItrickedmyselfandgavethebestaway.”
Yourbreathsarejewels,eachatomisaguideToleadyoutotheTruth,andglorifiedFromheadtofootwithHisgreatwealthyoustand;O,ifyoucouldentirelyunderstandYourabsencefromHim,thenyouwouldnotwait
lines2265–82
Inuredbypatiencetoyourwretchedfate–Godnourishedyouinloveandholypride,
ButignorancedetainsyoufromHisside.
Akingandhisgreyhound
Aroyalhuntsweptoutacrosstheplain.ThemonarchcalledforsomeoneinhistrainTobringagreyhound,andthehandlerbroughtAdark,sleekdog,intelligent,well-taught;Ajewelledgoldcollarsparkledatitsthroat,Itsbackwascoveredbyasatincoat–Goldankletsclaspeditspaws;itsleashwasmadeOfsilkthreadstwistedinaglisteningbraid.Thekingthoughthimadogwho’dunderstand,Andtookthesilkleashinhisroyalhand;Thedogranjustbehindhislord,thenfoundApieceofboneabandonedontheground–Hestoopedtosniff,andwhenthekingsawwhy,Aglanceoffuryflashedoutfromhiseye.“Whenyou’rewithme,”hesaid,“yoursovereignking,Howdareyoulookatanyotherthing?”Hesnappedtheleashandtohishandlercried:“Letthisill-manneredbruteroamfarandwide.He’sminenomore–betterforhimifheHadswallowedpinsthanfoundsuchliberty!”Thehandlerstaredandtriedtoremonstrate:“Thedog,mylord,deservesanoutcast’sfate;Butweshouldkeepthesatinandthegold.”
Thekingsaid:“No,dojustasyouaretold;Drivehim,exactlyasheis,away–Andwhenhecomesbacktohimselfsomeday,He’llseetherichesthathebearsandknowThathewasmine,aking’s,butlongago.”
Andyou,whohadakingonceasyourfriend,AndlostHimthroughyournegligence,attend:
lines2283–98
GiveyourselfwhollytotheloveofTruth;Drinkwiththisdragonlikearecklessyouth–Nowisthedragon’stime–thelovermustSubmitandseehisthroat’sbloodstainthedust;Whatterrifiesthehumansoul’ssoslight–Anantatmost–inthisvastdragon’ssight;Hislovers’thirstwillnotbequenchedtilltheyDrinktheirownbloodandtaketheselflessWay.
ThemartyrdomofHallaj
HallajwastakentothegallowstreeAndcried:“IamtheTruth”;theycouldnotseeThemeaningofhiswordsandhackedathim,Tearinghisbleedingcarcasslimbfromlimb.
ThenashisfacegrewdeathlypaleheraisedThebleedingstumpsofbrokenarmsandglazedHismoon-likefacewithglitteringblood.Hesaid:“Sinceitisbloodwhichpaintsaman’sfacered,I’vepaintedminethatnooneheremaysay‘Hallajturnedpaleonthatlastbloodyday’–Ifanysawmepalethey’dthinkthatIFeltfeartofacemytorturersanddie–Myfear’soflessthanonehair’sconsequence;Lookonmypaintedfaceforevidence!Whenhemustdieandseesthegallowsnear,Thehero’scourageleavesnoroomforfear–Sincealltheworldislikealittle‘O’,WhyshouldIfearwhateveritmayshow?Whoknowstheseven-headeddragon’slair,Andsleepsandeatsthroughsummer’sdog-daysthere,Seesmanygameslikethis–thegallowsseems
Theleastofallhistransitorydreams.”*
lines2299–2314
Thatseaoffaith,Junaid,inBaghdadonceDiscoursedwithsuchpersuasiveeloquenceItseemedthestarsboweddowntohearhimspeak.ThisstalwartguideandcomfortoftheweakDelightedinhisson,alovelychildWhoashisfatherlecturedwasbeguiled
Andmurderedbyagang–theytossedhisheadInthatassembly’smidstandquicklyfled.JunaidlookedsteadfastlyatthiscruelsightAnddidnotweepbutsaid:“WhatseemstonightSostrangewascertainfrometernity;Whathappenshappensfromnecessity”.’
Abirdwhofearsdeath
Anotherbirdspokeup:‘TheWayislong,AndIamneithervaliantnorstrong.I’mterrifiedofdeath;IknowthatI–Beforethefirststageiscomplete–mustdie;Itrembleatthethought;whendeathdrawsnear,IknowI’llshriekandgroaninsnivellingfear.WhoeverfightsdeathwithhisswordwillmeetInevitable,absolutedefeat;Hisswordandhandliesmashed.Alas!WhatgriefTheygraspwhograsptheswordastheirbelief!’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘Howfeeblyyoucomplain!Howlongwillthiswornbagofbonesremain?Whatareyoubutafewbones?–andatheartEachboneissoftandhastenstodepart.
Aren’tyouawarethatlife,frombirthtodeath,Islittlemorethanoneprecariousbreath?Thatallwhosufferbirthmustalsodie,Theirbeingscatteredtothewindysky?Asyouarerearedtolive,sofromyourbirth
lines2315–33
You’realsorestedtoonedayleavethisearth.Theskyislikesomehuge,invertedbowlWhichsunsetfillswithbloodfrompoletopole–Thesunseemsthenanexecutioner,Beheadingthousandswithhisscimitar.Ifyouareprofligate,ifyouarepure,Youarebutwatermixedwithdust,nomore–Adropoftremblinginstability,Andcanadropresistthesurgingsea?Thoughintheworldyouaxeaking,youmustInsorrowanddespairreturntodust.
Thephoenix
InIndialivesabirdthatisunique:Thelovelyphoenixhasalong,hardbeakPiercedwithahundredholes,justlikeaflute–Ithasnomate,itsreignisabsolute.Eachopeninghasadifferentsound;eachsound
Meanssomethingsecret,subtleandprofound–Andastheseshrill,lamentingnotesareheard,Asilencefallsoneverylisteningbird;Eventhefishgrowstill.ItwasfromthisSadchantasagelearntmusic’sartifice.Thephoenix’lifeenduresathousandyearsAnd,longbefore,heknowswhendeathappears;Whendeath’ssharppangsassailhistiringheart,Andallsignstellhimhemustnowdepart,HebuildsapyrefromlogsandmassytreesAndfromitscentresingssadthrenodies–Eachplaintivenotetrillsout,fromeachpiercedholeComesevidenceofhisuntarnishedsoul–Nowlikeamourner’sululatingcries,Nowwithaninwardcarethecadencedies–Andashesingsofdeath,death’sbittergriefThrillsthroughhimandhetrembleslikealeaf.Thendrawntohimbyhisheart-piercingcalls
lines2334–55
Thebirdsapproach,andsavageanimals–Theywatch,andwatchinggrieve;eachinhismindDetermineshewillleavetheworldbehind.Someweepinsympathyandsomegrowfaint;Somedietohearhispassionatecomplaint.Sodeathdrawsnear,andasthephoenixsings
Hefanstheairwithhistremendouswings,Aflamedartsoutandlicksacrossthepyre–Nowwoodandphoenixarearagingfire,WhichslowlysinksfromthatfirstlividflashTosoft,collapsingcharcoal,thentoash:Thepyre’sconsumed–andfromtheashybedAlittlephoenixpushesupitshead.Whatothercreaturecan–throughouttheearth–Afterdeathtakeshim,tohimselfgivebirth?Ifyouweregivenallthephoenix’years,Stillyouwouldhavetodiewhendeathappears.ForyearshesingsinsolitarypainAndmustcompanionless,unmated,reign;NochildrencheerhisageandathisdeathHisashisscatteredbythewind’scoldbreath.Nowunderstandthatnone,howeversly,Canslippastdeath’ssharpclaws–weallmustdie;Noneisimmortalintheworld’svastlength;ThiswondershowsnocreaturehasthestrengthTokeepdeath’sruthlessvehemenceincheck–Butwemustsoftenhisimperiousneck;Thoughmanytaskswillfalltous,thistaskRemainsthehardestthattheWaywillask.
Amourningson
Beforehisfather’scoffinwalkedason–
Itseemedhistearswouldneverceasetorun.“Nodayformeislikethedayyoudied;Mywoundedsouldespairs,”thepoormancried.Apassingsufisaid:“Andsuchaday
lines2356–70
Hasnevercomeyourwretchedfather’sway!”Thesonknowssorrow,butdonotcompareSuchgriefwithallhisfatherhastobear.Youcomeintotheworldahelplesschild,Andspendyourlifebyfoolishnessbeguiled–Howyourheartlongsforsovereignty!–alas,Likewindthroughoutstretchedfingersyouwillpass.
Avice-royatthepointofdeath
Avice-roylingeredclosetodeath.Onesaid:“Youareinsightofsecretsallmendread–Whatdoyoufeel?”“There’snothingIcansay,”Themanreplied,“exceptthateveryday’Ilivedwaswastedonwhat’strivial,AndnowIshallbedust–andthatisall.”Toseekdeathisdeath’sonlycure–theleafGrowshecticandmustfall;ourlifeisbrief.Knowweareborntodie;thesoulmoveson;Theheartispledgedandhastenstobegone.
KingSolomon,whosesealsubduedalllands,Isdustcompoundedwiththedesertsands,AndtyrantswhosedecreesspeltbloodydoomDecaytonothinginthenarrowtomb:Howmanysleepbeneaththeground!AndsleepLiketheirsisbitter,turbulentanddeep.Lookhardatdeath–inourlongpilgrimageThegraveitselfisbutthefirstgrimstage;HowyoursweetlifewouldchangeifyoucouldguessThetasteofdeath’sunequalledbitterness.
Jesusandthestream
OnceJesusreachedaclearstream’sshadedbank–Hescoopedupwaterinhispalmsanddrank;Howsweetthatwaterwas!asifitwere
lines2371–88
Somerose-sweetsherbetoranelixir;Onewithhimfilledajug,andontheywent.WhenJesusdrank,tohisastonishment,Thejugseemedfilledwithbitterness.“Howstrange,”Hesaid,“thatwatercansoquicklychange–Theywerethesame;whatcanthisdifferencemean?Whattastedsweetisbrackishandunclean!”Thejugspoke:“Lord,onceItoohadasoul
Andwasaman–butIhavebeenabowl,Acruse,apitcherofcrudeearthenware,Remadeathousandtimes;andallformsshare
Thebitternessofdeath–whichwouldremain
ThoughIwerebakedathousandtimesagain;
NowatercouldbesweetwhichIcontain.”
Ocarelessofyourfate!Fromthisjuglearn,Andfromyourinattentivefollyturn;Opilgrim,youhavelostyourself–beforeDeathtakesyouseekthehiddenWayoncemore!IfwhileyouliveandbreatheyoufailtoseeThenatureofyourownreality,Howcanyousearchwhendead?ThemanwholivesAnddoesnotstriveislost;hismothergivesHimlifebuthecannotbecomeaman–Hestrays,aself-deludedcharlatan.Howmanyveilsobstructthesufi’squest,Howlonghissearchtilltruthismanifest!
ThedeathofSocrates
WhenSocrateslayclosetodeath,ayouth–Whowashisstudentinthesearchfortruth–Said:“Master,whenwe’vewashedthemanweknewAndbroughtyourshroud,whereshouldweburyyou?”Hesaid:“IfyoucanfindmewhenI’vedied,Thenburymewhereveryoudecide–
1neverfoundmyself;IcannotseeHowwhenI’mdeadyoucoulddiscoverme.
lines2389–2402
ThroughoutmylifenotonesmallparticleHadanyknowledgeofitselfatall!”’
Abirdcomplainsofhisbadluck
Anotherbirdsaid:‘Hoopoe,it’snogood.ThingsneverhappenasI’dhopedtheywould;I’vespentmytimeinmiserysincebirth,Themostunluckywretchinalltheearth–MyheartknowssomuchtormentthatitseemsEachatomofmybodyravesandscreams;Mylifehastroddenoutahopelessway;GoddamnmeifI’vehadonehappyday!Thesesorrowslockmeinmyself–howcanIundertakethisjourneywhichyouplan?IfIwerehappyIwouldgladlystart;Whatstopsmeisthissorrowinmyheart.WhatcanIdo?Look,Iappealtoyou–I’vetoldyoueverything,whatcanIdo?’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘HowarrogantyouareTothinkyourwretchedselfsosingular!ThedisappointmentsofthisworldwilldieInlesstimethantheblinkingofaneye,Andastheearthmustpass,passbytheearth–Don’tevenglanceatit,knowwhatit’sworth;WhatemptyfoolishnessitistocareForwhatmustonedaybedispersedtoair.
Themanwhorefusedtodrink
TherewasamanadvancedalongtheWayWhoalways,tohispuzzledfriends’dismay,Refusedtodrinksweetsherbet.“Whyisthis?”
lines2403–16
Oneasked:“Whatcouldexplainthisprejudice?”Hesaid:“IseeamanwhostandsonguardAndnoteswhodrinks–hiseyesarecoldandhard,AndifIdrank,thesweetestsherbetwould,Iknow,actlikeapoisoninmyblood.WhilehestandsherethecontentsofthebowlAreliquidfiretosearthedrinker’ssoul.”Whateverlastsamoment’sonlyworthOnebarleygrain–thoughitwerealltheearth;HowcanItrustwhathasnorootedpower
Andholdsexistenceforatransienthour?Ifyouachieveyoureverywish,whyboastOfgloryinsubstantialasaghost?Ifdisappointmentsdarkenallyourdays,Youneednotgrieve,fornothingworldlystays–ItisyourpassionformagnificenceThatpromptsyourtears,notfanciedindigence.Whatisyourgriefcomparedwithallthepain
God’smartyrssufferedonKerbelah’splain?*
InHisclearsightthehardshipsyouendureShowlikeatreasure,glitteringandpure–EachbreathyoubreatheHiskindnessreachesyou,Anduntoldloveenvelopsallyoudo–ButyouforgetHisgrace,andnegligenceMakesfriendshiplooklikemeaninglesspretence.
lines2417–35
Thekingwhogavehisslaveanapple
Agoodkind-heartedmonarchonedaygaveArosyappletohisfavouriteslave,WhoseemedtoeatthefruitwithsuchdelightThelaughingkingsaid:“Here,givemeabite!”Theslavereturnedhimhalf,butwhenthekingBitintoititseemedapaltrything,Unripeandtart.Frowninghesaid:“Andhow
Iswhatappearedsosweetsobitternow?”Theslavereplied:“Mylord,you’vegivenmeSuchproofsofconstantgenerosity,IcouldnotfinditinmygratefulheartTogrumblejustbecauseoneapple’start–Imustacceptwhateveryoubestow;Noharmcancometomefromyou,Iknow.”IfyoumeettribulationsherebesureThatwealthwillcomefromallyoumustendure;ThepathsofGodareintricateandstrange–Whatcanyoudo?Acceptwhatwillnotchange!ThewiseknoweverymouthfulonthisWayTastesbitterwiththeirblood.UntilthatdayWhenasHisgueststheybreaktheirbread,theymustConsumeinsufferingeachbrokencrust.
Oneaskedasufihowhespenthistime.Hesaid:“I’mthirsty,filthy,smearedwithgrime,Burntinthisstovemencalltheworld,butIShallkeepmycourageupuntilIdie.”IfinthisworldyouseekforhappinessYouareasleep,yoursearchismeaningless–Ifyouseekhappinessyouwoulddowell
Tothinkofthatthinbridgearchedoverhell.*
lines2455–72
Theworld’sapparentjoycannotcompareWithwhatweseek–itisn’tworthahair;HeretheSelfrageslikeanunquenchedfire,Andnothingsatisfiestheheart’sdesire–Encompassalltheearth,youwillnotfindOnehappyheartoronecontentedmind.
Awomanwhowishedtoprayforhappiness
Anold,sadwomantalkedtoMahna’ssheikh:“Teachmetoprayforjoy,forpity’ssake–I’vesufferedsomuchthatIcannotbearTothinkoffuturegrief–givemesomeprayerTomurmureveryday.”Thesheikhreplied:“HowmanyyearsIwanderedfarandwideUntilIfoundthefortressthatyouseekItistheknee,bendit,accept,bemeek;Ifoundnootherway–thisremedy,Andonlythis,willcureyourmisery.”
OnesatbeforeJunaid.“YouareGod’sprey,”Hesaid,“yetyouarefreeineverywayTellme,whendoesamanknowhappiness?Whendoeshisheartrejoice?Icannotguess.”Junaidreplied:“Thathourhefindstheheart.”Unlesswereachourkingwçmustdepart–Withallourcouragewasted–intonight.
Weatomsareamazed,andlackthelightOftheimmortalsun;whatcircumstance,‘Whatsuffering,couldcleanseourignorance?AnatomlookedatfromwhichwayyouwillRemainsunalterablyanatomstill;Andonewhohasanatom’snatureshowsThatstubbornfact,nomatterhowhegrows.IfhewerelostwithintheblazingsunHe’dstayanatomtillhislifeweredone,And,goodorbad,nomatterhowhestrains,
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Atinyatomiswhatheremains.Oatom,weavinglikeadrunkuntilYoureachthesun–unsettled,neverstill–Mypatienceknowsthatonedayyouwillsee,Besidethesun,yourinsufficiency.
Thebatwhowantedtoseethesun
Onenightabatsaid:“HowisitthatIHaveneverseenthesun;Iwonderwhy?Ilongtolosemyselfinkspurelight;Insteadmywretchedlifeisonelongnight–ButthoughItravelwithmyeyesshutfastIknowI’llreachthatpromisedblazeatlast.”
Aseerhadoverheardandsaid:“Whatpride!Athousandyearsmightbringyoutoitsside;Youarebewildered,lostyoucouldassoonAttainthesunascouldanantthemoon.”Theunpersuadedbatsaid:“Nevermind,I’llflyaboutandseewhatIcanfind.”Foryearsheflewindismalignorance,TillhecollapsedinanexhaustedtranceAndmurmuredashetriedinvaintofly:“Whereisthesun?PerhapsI’vepasseditby?”Theseerwasthereandsaid:“You’vemanagedoneShortstep,andyetyouthinkyou’vepassedthesun;Youliveindreams!”Shamecrushedthebat;hefeltThelastthinremnantsofhiscouragemelt.Humbleandwretched,hesoughtouttheWay–“Heunderstands,”hesaid,“Iwillobey”.’
Abirdacceptsthehoopoe’sleadership
Anotherbirdsaid:‘Hoopoe,you’reourguide.HowwoulditbeifIletyoudecide?I’mignorantofrightandwrong–I’llwait
lines2473–89
Foranyordersthatyoustipulate.
WhateveryoucommandI’llgladlydo,Delightedtosubmitmyselftoyou.’
‘Bravo!’thehoopoecried.‘ByfarthebestDecisionistheonethatyousuggest;WhoeverwillbeguidedfindsreliefFromFate’sadversity,frominwardgrief;OnehourofguidancebenefitsyoumoreThanallyourmortallife,howeverpure.Thosewhowillnotsubmitlikelostdogsstray,Besetbymisery,andlosetheirway-.Howmuchadogendures!andallinvain;Withoutaguidehispainissimplypain.ButonewhosuffersandisguidedgivesHismerittotheworld;hetrulylives.Takerefugeintheordersofyourguide,Andlikeaslavesubdueyourrestivepride.
Thekingwhostoppedattheprisongates
Akingreturnedoncetohiscapital.Hissubjectshadpreparedafestival,AndeachtoshowhishomagetothecrownHadhelpedtodecoratetheglitteringtown.Theprisonershadnowealthbutirongyves,Chains,severedheads,rackedlimbsandruinedlives–
WithsuchhorrificornamentstheymadeAsighttogreettheirmonarch’scavalcade.ThekingrodethroughthetownandsawthewayHissubjectssolemnizedthehappyday,ButnothingstoppedtheprogressofhistrainTillheapproachedtheprisonanddrewrein.TherehedismountedandhadeachmantoldThathewasfreeandwouldbepaidingold.Acourtieraskedtheking:“Whatdoesthismean?
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Tothinkofallthepageantryyou’veseen–Brocadeandsatinshiningeverywhere,Muskandsweetambergristoscenttheair,Jewelsscatteredbythehandfulontheground–Andnotsomuchasoncedidyoulookround;Yethereyoustop–beforetheprisongate!Areseveredheadsawaytocelebrate?Whatisthereheretogiveyousuchdelight?Tornlimbsandcarcasses?Agrislysight!Andwhydidyoudismount?ShouldyousitdownWithallthethievesandmurderersintown?”Thekingreplied:“TheothersmakeanoiseLikerowdychildrenplayingwithnewtoys;Eachtakeshispartinsomefestivity,Carefultopleasehimselfasmuchasme–
Theydotheirdutyandarequitecontent,Buthereinprisonmorethanduty’smeant.Mywordislawhere,andthey’veplainlyshownThisspectaclewasmadeformealone.Iseeobediencehere;needIexplainWhyitishereI’mhappytodrawrein?Theotherscelebrateinpompouspride,Conceited,giddyandself-satisfied,ButthesepoorcaptivessacrificetheirwillAndbowtomycommandsthroughgoodandill–TheyhavenobusinessbuttospendeachbreathInexpectationofthenooseanddeath,Yettheysubmit–andtomygratefuleyesTheirprisonisaflower-strewnparadise.”Wisdomacceptsauthorityandwaits;Thekingpausedonlyattheprisongates.
AsufiwhosurpassedBayazidandTarmazi
AmasteroftheWayoncesaid:“LastnightIsawastrange,unprecedentedsight–IdreamtthatBayazidandTarmazi
lines2509–30
Werewalking,andtheybothgavewaytome–Iwastheirguide!Isoughttounderstand
Howtwosuchsheikhswereundermycommand,AndthenrememberedthatonedistantdawnAsighwasfrommyveryentrailstorn;ThatsighhadclearedtheWay–amassivegateSwungopen,andIenteredthedebateOfsheikhsanddervishes.AllquestionedmeButBayazid,whowascontenttoseeThatIwasthere;heutterednorequestButsaid:‘Iheardthesighthattoreyourbreast,AndknewImustacceptyouasyouare,Notseekforthisorthatparticular–Embracethesoulanddisregardthepain,Orweighupwhatislossandwhatisgain;Yourwishismycommand,forwhoamIToquestionthosecommandsortoreply?Yourfaithfulslavecannotdemurortire;Iwillperformwhateveryoudesire.’ThisshowswhyBayazidandTarmazi,Thoughtheyaregreat,gaveprecedencetome.”WhenonceaslaveacceptshisLord’scontrolAndhearsHimwhisperinhisinmostsoulHedoesnotboast,nooutwardsignsareshown,Butwhenlife’scrisescome–thenheisknown.
ThedeathofSheikhKherghan
WhenSheikhKherghanlayneartodeathhecried:
“Ifmencouldsplitmyheartandseeinside,They’dtelltheworldmymiseryandpain,Awiseman’ssecretdoctrinewouldbeplain:Forsakeidolatry;ifyoudothisYouareHisslave,andcannotgoamiss;Allelseispride.IfyouareneitherslaveNorGodyou’resubstanceless,howeverbrave–Icallyou‘No-one’;turnnow,no-one,seek
lines2531–44
Devotion’spath,behumbled,lowly,meek.Butwhenyoubowtheheadinslavery,Beresolute,bowdownwithdignity:Thekingwhoseesacringing,stupidslaveWhohasnonotionhowheshouldbehaveExpelshimfromhiscourt,andMecca’sshrineIsclosedtoloutsandfools.IfyoucombineTrueservitudewithdignityyourLordWillnotdenyyouyourdesiredreward.”
Theslavewhowasgivenasplendidrobe
Aslavewasgiven,fromhissovereign’shand,Asplendidrobe–andfeelingverygrandHeputitontowanderthroughthetown.Bychance,asheparadedupanddown,
Somemudsplashedinhisface,andwithhissleeveHequicklywipeditoff:whoshouldperceiveHisactionbutasneakingsycophant–Thekingwastoldandhangedthemiscreant.FromthisunhappystoryyoucanseeHowkingstreatthosewhohavenodignity.’
Abirdquestionsthehoopoeaboutpurity
Anotherbirdspokenext:‘Dearhoopoe,sayWhatpurityconsistsofonthisWay,Itseemsasettledheart’sforbiddenme–AllthatIgainIloseimmediately.It’seitherscatteredtothewindsorturnsToscorpionsinmyhands;mybeingyearnsForthisgreatquest,I’mboundtonothinghere–Ismashedallworldlychainsandknewnofear;Withpurityofheart,whoknows,ImightBeholdHisfacewithmyunaidedsight.’
lines2545–61
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘OurWaydoesnotbelongToanyone,buttothepureandstrong–
TothosewholetgoeveryinterestAndgivethemselvesentirelytoourquest;Allyourpossessionsarenotworthahair.(Don’tmendwhat’storn,what’ssewntogethertear!)Consignthemtothefire,andwhenitsflashHasburntthem,raketogetheralltheashAndsitonit–thenyouwillknowtheirworth.ButyouwillcursethedaythatgaveyoubirthIfyouignoremywords.UntilyourheartIsfreeofownershipyoucannotstart–Sincewemustleavethisprisonanditspains,Detachyourselffromallthatitcontains;Willwhatyouownbribedeath?Willdeathdelay?Ifyouwouldenteronthepilgrim’sWay,Tieupyourgraspinghands:allyouendureIsvaluelessifyousetoutimpure.
AsheikhofTurkestanoncesaid:“AboveAllotherthingstherearejusttwoIlove.Myswiftlytrottingpiebaldhorseisone–ThesecondisnoneotherthanmysonIfdeathshouldtakemysonI’dsacrificeMyhorseinthanks–Iknowthesetwoentice,Asidolswould,myspiritfromtheWay.”Don’tbragofpurityuntilthedayYouflareascandlesdowhosesubstanceturnsTonothingastheflameleapsupandburns;
Whoeverboastsapure,unsulliednameWillfindhisactionscontradicthisclaim,Whenpuritygiveswaytogreed,thepowerOfretributionstrikeswithinthehour.
lines2562–80
SheikhKherghaniandtheaubergine
OnedaySheikhKherghani’sdevoutroutineWasspoiltbycravingsforanaubergine.HismotherwasunsurewhatshouldbedoneButhesitantlygavehimhalfaone–ThemomentthathebititsfleshacrewOfruffiansseizedhissonandranhimthrough.Thatnight,outsidethesheikh’sfrontdoortheylaidHisboy’sheadhackedoffbyacutlassblade.Thesheikhcriedout:“HowoftenI’dforeseenDisasterifItastedaubergine!”ThemanwhohasbeenchosenbythisGuideMustfollowHimandneverswerveaside–Hisserviceismoreterriblethanwar,Thanshamethatcringestoaconqueror.Itisnotknowledgekeepsamansecure–Withallhisunderstanding,fateissure;Eachmomentwereceiveadifferentguest,Andeachthatcomespresentsanothertest,
Althoughahundredsorrowswringyoursoul,Thefuturewillnotbowtoyourcontrol.Butonewhobreaksillusion’sholdwillfindMisfortunewillnotalwayscloudhismind.AhundredthousandofHisloverssighTosacrificethemselvesforHimanddie;HowmanywastetheiridlelivesuntilTheybleedandgroan,subservienttoHiswill.
AvoicespeakstoZulnoon
Zulnoonsaid:“Iwasinthedesertonce.TrustinginGod,I’dbroughtnosustenance–Icameonfortymenaheadofme,Dressedallinrags,aclosedcommunity.Myheartwasmoved.‘OGod,’Icried,‘takeheed,Whatwretchedlivesyoumakeyourpilgrimslead!’
lines2581–98
‘Weknowtheirlifeanddeath,’avoicereplied;‘Wekillthesepilgrimsfirst;whentheyhavediedWecompensatethemforthebloodweshed.’Iasked,‘Whenwillthiskillingstop?’Hesaid:
‘Whenmyexchequerhasnolove*togive,WhileIcanpayfordeaththeyshallnotlive,Idrinkmyservant’sbloodandheishurled
Infrenziedturbulenceabouttheworld–ThenwhenheisdestroyedandcannotfindHishead,hisfeet,hispassionsorhismind,IclothehiminthesplendourhehaswonAndgraceenfoldshim,radiantasthesun:ThoughIwillhavehisfacebedaubedbyblood,Astarvedasceticsmearedwithdustandmud,Adenizenofshadowsandthenight–YetIwillrisebeforehimrobedinlight,Andwhenthatsun,Mycountenance,ishereWhatcantheseshadowsdobutdisappear?’”Shadowsareswallowedbythesun,andheWho’slostinGodisfromhimselfsetfree;Don’tchatteraboutloss–belostRepent,Andgiveupvain,self-centredargument;IfonecanlosetheSelf,inalltheearthNootherbeingcanapproachhisworth.
IknowofnooneintheworldprofoundAsPharaoh’ssorcerers:thewealththeyfoundWasfaith’strueWay,whichistosiftapartThegrosserSelffromtheaspiringheart.Theworld’sknownnothingofthemsincethatdayTheytookthisfirstshortstepalongtheWay–AndintheworldnowisdomcouldprovideAsurerpaththanthis,abetterguide!’
lines2599–2612
Abirdwhoburnswithaspiration
‘Ohoopoe,’criedanotherofthebirds,‘Whatloftyardourblazesfromyourwords!AlthoughIseemdespondent,weakandlame,Iburnwithaspiration’snobleflame–AndthoughI’mnotobedientIfeelMysouldevouredbyaninsatiatezeal.’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘Thisstrange,magneticforceThatholdsGod’sancientloverstotheircourseStillshowstheTruth:ifyouwillbutaspireYouwillattaintoallthatyoudesire.BeforeanatomofsuchneedthesunSeemsdimandmurkybycomparison–Itislife’sstrength,thewingsbywhichweflyBeyondthefurtherreachesofthesky.
TheoldwomanwhowantedtobuyJoseph
WhenJosephwasforsale,themarketplace
TeemedwithEgyptianswildtoseehisface;SomanygatheredtherefromdawntoduskTheaskingpricewasfivewholetubsofmusk.AnancientcronepushedforwardinherhandSheheldafewthreadstwistedstrandbystrand;Shebrandishedthemandyelledwithallhermight:“Hey,you,theselleroftheCanaanite!I’mmadwithlongingforthislovelychild–I’vespunthesethreadsforhim,hedrivesmewild!YoutakethethreadsandI’lltakehimaway–Don’targuenow,Ihaven’tgotallday!”Themerchantlaughedandsaid:“Comeon,oldgirl,It’snotforyoutopurchasesuchapearl
lines2613–29
Hisvalue’sreckonedupingoldandjewels;Hecan’tbesoldforthreadstoancientfools!”“O,Iknewthatbefore,”theoldcronesaid;“1knewyouwouldn’tsellhimformythreadButit’senoughthateveryonewillay‘ShebidforJosephonthatsplendidday’.”TheheartthatdoesnotstrivecannevergainTheendlesskingdom’sgatesandlivesinvain;ItwaspureaspirationmadeakingSetfiretoallheownedtoeverythingAndwhenhisgoodshadvanishedwithouttrace
Athousandkingdomssprangupintheirplace.Whennobleaspirationseizedhismind,Helefttheworld’scorruptedwealthbehind–CanonewhocravesthesunbesatisfiedWithpettyignorance?Isthishisguide?
ThepovertyofIbrahimAdham
Iknowofonewhowhinedunceasingly,Complainingofhisabjectpoverty,TillIbrahimAdhamsaid:“DoyouweepBecauseyouboughtyourpovertytoocheap?”Themanreplied:“What'sthatsupposedtomean?Topurchasepovertywouldbeobscene.”Hesaid:“Igaveakingdomupformine,ButfortheearthlyrealmwhichIresignIstillreceive,eachmomentthatIlive,Ahundredworlds:myrealmwasfugitive–Isaidfarewelltoit,toalltheearth,Andputmytrustingoodsofprovenworth.Iknowwhatvalueis;IpraiseHisname–Andyouknowneither,toyourlastingshame.”Thosewhoaspirerenouncebothheartandsoul,Contentthroughyearstosufferfortheirgoal;ThebirdofaspirationseeksHisthrone,Outsoaringfaithandalltheworld,alone:
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Butifyoulackthiszeal,beoffwithyou–You’requiteunfitforallwehavetodo.
SheikhGhouriandPrinceSanjar
WhenSheikhGhouri,anadeptoftheWay,TookrefugeunderneathabridgeonedayTogetherwithagroupofcrazyfools,Sanjarrodeby,resplendentinhisjewels,Andsaid:“Who’shuddledoverthere?”“Oking,”Thesheikhreplied,“wehaven’tgotathing,Butwe’vedecidedonachoiceforyou–Begoodtous,andbidtheworldadieu,Orbeourenemy,andyouwillfindItisyourfaiththatyoumustleavebehind.Ifyouwilljoinusforamomenthere,Yourprideandgorgeouspompwilldisappear–LookatourfriendshipandourenmityAndmakeyourmindup;whichisittobe?”Sanjarreplied:“I’mnotthemanforyou.It’snotyourkindmyhateandlovepursue;You’renotmyenemy,you’renotmyfriend;Myheart’sdirectedtoadifferentend.InfrontofyouI’veneitherpridenorshameAndhavenobusinesswithyourpraiseorblame.”
ThebirdofaspirationspreadsitswingsAndquicklysoarsbeyondterrestrialthings–Beyondthelowerworld’scomplacentguessOfwhatistemperance,whatdrunkenness.
Thefeathersofthesoul
OnenightafoolofGodweptbitterlyAndsaid:“Theworld,asfarasIcansee,Islikeabox,andwearelockedinside,Lostinthedarknessofoursinandpride;Whendeathremovesthelidweflyaway–
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Ifwehavefeathers–toeternalday,Butthosewhohavenofeathersmuststayhere,Tormentedinthisboxbypainandfear.”Givewingstoaspiration;lovethemind;Andifatdeathyou’dleavethisboxbehind,Growwingsandfeathersforthesoul;ifnot,Burnallyourhopes,foryouwilldieandrot.’
Abirdquestionsthehoopoeaboutjusticeandloyalty
Anotherbirdsaid:‘WhatareloyaltyAndjustice,putbesidesuchmajesty?
GodgavemeboundlessloyaltyandI’veNotbeenunjusttoanymanalive–WhatistheghostlyrankofthosewhoownSuchqualities,beforeoursovereign’sthrone?’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘Salvation’sLordisjust,Andjusticeraisesmanabovethedust;TolivewithjusticeinyourheartexceedsAlifetime’searnestprayerandpiousdeeds;AndtalesoflavishgenerosityArelessthanonejustactdonesecretly(ThoughjusticegiveninapublicplaceSuggestsdeceitbeneaththesmilingface).Thejustmandoesnotargueforhisrights;Itisforothersthathestandsandfights.
AhmadHanbalandthebeggar
AhmadHanbal,amanrenownedandwise,Whoseknowledgenoonedaredtocriticize,WouldwhenhefelthismindinadequateConsultabarefootbeggarathisgate.
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Ifanyonediscoveredhimthey’dsay:“Butyou’reourwisestmanineveryway;WhenoneofusiscalledupontospeakYouscarcelyhearourwords–yethereyouseekAbarefootbeggarout;whatcanitmean?”AhmadHanbalreplied:“Asyouhaveseen,Mycommentarieshavecarriedofftheprize;
Inmattersofhadith*andlawI’mwise–Iknowmoreworldlythingsthanhim,it’strue,ButheknowsGod–muchmorethanIcando.”LookatthisactionwellbeforeyouclaimAjusticethatdoesnotdeservethename.
AnIndianking
AsMahmoud’sarmymovedthroughIndia,TheychancedtotakeanoldkingprisonerWholearnttheMoslemfaithatMahmoud’scourtAndcountedthisworldandthenextasnought.Alone,ahermitinaraggedtent,Helivedforprayer,anearnestpenitent,Hisfacebatheddayandnightinscaldingtears–AtlastthenewsofthisreachedMahmoud’sears.Hesummonedhimandsaid:“I’llgivetoyouAhundredkingdomsandtheirrevenue;It’snotforyoutoweep,youareaking;Ipromisetoreturnyoueverything!”
TothistheIndiankingreplied:“Mylord,It’snotmykingdomconqueredbyyourswordThatmakesmeweep,butthoughtsofJudgementDay;ForattheresurrectionGodwillsay‘Ofaithlesswretch,youhadnothoughtsofMeTillyouwerecrushedbyMahmoud’scavalry–Ittookanarmy’smighttochangeyourmind,
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Andtillyoustooddefencelessyouwereblind–DoesthismakeyouMyfriendorenemy?HowlongdidItreatyouwithloyaltyAndinreturnendureyourthanMehate?Isthisthefriendshipthatyouadvocate?’IfCodsaysthis,whatanswercanIgiveTocontradictthedamningnarrative?Youngman,ifyoucouldunderstandmyfearsYou’dknowthereasonforanoldman’stears.”Learnfromthesefaithfulwords,andifyourheartHoldsfaithlikethis,preparenowtodepart;Butifyourheartisfaithless,giveupnow,Forgetourstruggleandrenounceyourvow;ThefaithlesshavenoplaceonanypageWithinthevolumeofourpilgrimage.
ThefaithlessMoslemandthefaithfulinfidel
AMoslemfoughtaninfidelonedayAndastheyfoughtrequestedtimetopray.Heprayedandfoughtagain–theinfidelThenaskedfortimetosayhisprayersaswell;HewentasidetofindacleanerplaceAndtherebeforehisidolbowedhisface.TheMoslem,whenhesawhimkneelandbow,Said:“VictoryismineifIstrikenow.”Butasheraisedhisswordforthatlaststroke,Awarningvoicefromhighestheavenspoke:“Oviciouswretch–fromheadtofootdeceit–Whatpromisesarethese,youfaithlesscheat?Hisbladewassheathedwhenyouaskedhimfortime;Foryoutostrikehimnowwouldbeacrime–HaveyounotreadinOurKorantheverse‘Fulfilyourpromises’?AndwillyoucurseThewordyougave?Theinfidelwastrue;Hekepthispromises,andsoshouldyou.Youofferevilinreturnforgood–
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Withothersactastoyourselfyouwould!Theinfidelkeptfaithwithyou,andwhereIsyourfidelity,forallyourprayer?YouareaMoslem,butfalsepietyIslessthanthispoorpagan’sloyalty.”
TheMoslemheardthisspeechandwentapart;Sweatpouredfromhim,remorseaccusedhisheart.Thepagansawhimasifspell-boundstand,Tearsinhiseyes,hisswordstillinhishand,Andasked:“Whydoyouweep?”Themanreplied:“MyshameisnotamatterIcanhide”–HetoldhimofthevoicethathehadheardReproachinghimwhenhewouldbreakhisword,Andendingsaid:“MytearsanticipateThefuryofyourvengeanceandyourhate.”Butwhentheinfidelhadheardthistale,Hiseyeswerefilledwithtears,hisfaceturnedpale–“GodcensuresyouforyourdisloyaltyAndguardsthelifeofHisswornenemy–CanIcontinuetobefaithlessnow?I’llburnmygods,toAllahIwillbow,ExpoundHislaw!ToolongmyhearthaslainIndarknessboundbysuperstition’schain.”Whatinfidelityyougiveforlove!ButIshallwaituntiltheheavensaboveConfrontyouwiththeactionsyouhavedoneAndnumberthembeforeyou,onebyone.
Josephandhisbrothers
TenstarvingbrotherslefttheirhometostandInJoseph’spresence,inaforeignland,
AndbeggedforsomebenevolentreliefToeasethetormentsoftheirwretchedgrief.NowJoseph’sfacewasveiled;hetookabowlAndstruckithard–asoundasifasoulCriedoutinmiserywasheard.Hesaid:
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“Doyouknowwhatthismeans?”Eachshookhishead.“Lord,nooneintheworld,searchfarandwide,Couldgivethisnoiseameaning,”theyreplied.ThenJosephsaid:“Itspeakstoyou;itsaysYouhadabrotheronce,informerdays,Morepreciousthanthisbowl–heborethenameOfJoseph;anditsaysthat,toyourshame,Hisgoodnessovershadowedallofyou.”Oncemorehestruckthebowl.“ItsaysyouthrewThisJosephinawell,thenstainedhiscloakWithwolf’sblood;anditsaysthesmearedragsbrokePoorJacob’sheart.”Hetouchedthebowlagain:“ItsaysyoubroughtyourfatherneedlesspainAndsoldthelovelyJoseph.Isthistrue?MayGodbestowremorsetochastenyou!”ThesebrotherswhohadcometobegforbreadStoodspeechless,faintwithapprehensivedread:WhentheygaveJosephforthemerchant’sgold,Itwasthemselves,andalltheworld,theysold–
Andwhentheythrewtheirbrotherinthatwell,Theythrewthemselvesintheabyssofhell.WhoeverhearsthesewordsandcannotfindHowtheyapplytohimistrulyblind.Thereisnoneedtoscrutinizemytale,Itisyourown;whenthoughtlesslyyoufailTorenderloyaltyitsproperdue,Howcanthelightoffriendshipshineforyou?But,tillyou’rewoken,sleep–toosoonyou’llseeYourshamefulcrimes,yourinfidelity,AndwhenyoustandaprisonerinthatplaceThey’llcountthemonebyonebeforeyourface;There,whenthebowlisstruck,youtoowillfindThatfeardissolvesyourreasonandyourmind.You’relikealameantstrugglingforitssoul,Aimlesslysliding,caughtinsidethisbowl–Bloodfillsit,butavoicebeyonditsrimStillcallstoyou–risenow,andflytoHim.’
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Abirdquestionsthehoopoeaboutaudacity
Anotherbirdsaid:‘IsaudacityAllowablebeforesuchmajesty?Oneneedsaudacitytoconquerfear–
ButisitrightinHisexaltedsphere?’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘ThosewhoareworthyreachAsubtleunderstandingnonecanteach;TheyguardthesecretsofourgloriouskingAndthereforearenotkeptfromanything–ButhowcouldonewhoknowssuchsecretsbeConvictedoftheleastaudacity?Sinceheisfilledwithreverencetothebrim,Abreathofboldnessispermittedhim.(Theignorant,it’strue,cannevershareThesecretsofourking.IfoneshoulddareToapethewaysoftheinitiate,Whatdoeshedobutblindlyimitate?He’slikesomesoldierwhokicksupadinAndspoilstherankswithhisindiscipline.)Butthinkofsomenewpilgrim,someyoungboy,Whoseboldnesscomesfrommereexcessofjoy;HehasnocertainknowledgeoftheWayAndwhatseemsrudenessisbutlovingplay–He’slikeamadman–love’saudacityWillhavehimwalkingontherestlesssea.Suchwaysarelaudable;weshouldadmireThislovethatturnshimtoablazingfire;Onecan’texpectdiscretionfromaflame,
AndmadmenarebeyondreproachorblameWhenmadnesschoosesyoutobeitspreyWe’llhearwhatcrazythingsyouhavetosay.
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Thedervishwhoenviedaking’sslavesOnceKhorasanenjoyedgreataffluenceBeneathaprinceofprovedbenevolence–Hisslaveswerelovelyasthemoonatdusk,Straight-limbedandsilver,scentedwithsoftmusk,AndintheirearsshonepearlswhosemilkylightReflecteddaytimeinthedarkestnight.GoldornamentshalfhidandhalfrevealedTheirsilverlimbs;eachheldagoldenshield.Brightgemsadornedtheirbelts;awhitehorseboreEachslaveasifhewereaconqueror.WhoeversawthisshiningarmygaveHishearttothem,theslaves’contentedslave.Abarefoot,hungrydervishonce,bychance,Caughtsightofthisuniquemagnificence,Andwonderingasked:“Whathourismightthesebe?”Thecrowdexclaimed:“ThesplendidtroopyouseeAreslavesbelongingtoournoblelord.”Thedervishwrithedasifinpain,thenroared:“GreatGod,lookdownfromyourexaltedsphere–Learnhowtotreatyourslavesfromthismanhere!”
Ifyouaremadlikehim,ifyoupossessSuchleavesofTruth,forgetallbashfulness,Bebold!Butiftheseleavesarenotyourstyle,Controlyourself,andwipeawayyoursmile.Boldnesslikethisdoesnotdeserveourblame;Suchmenaremoths,ambitiousfortheflame–TheyonlyseetheirgoalandcannotsayWhat’sgoodorbadalongthepilgrims’Way.
Amadmanseeksshelter
Anakedmadman,gnawedbyhunger,wentAlongtheroad–hisshiveringframewasbentBeneaththeicysleet;nohousestoodthereTooffershelterfromthewintryair.
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HesawaruinedhutandwithadashStoodunderneathitsroof;asuddencrashRangout–atilehadfallenonhishead,Andhowthegapinggashitcuttherebled!Helookedupattheskyandyelled:“Enough!Whycan’tyouclobbermewithbetterstuff?”
Thepoorman,therichmanandtheass
Apoormanlivinginadrainage-ditchOnceborrowedfromhisneighbour(whowasrich)Avaluedass,androdeittothemill.Hesleptthere,andtheassmadeoffatwill–Awolfdevouredthebeast;withindignationTheownermadeaclaimforcompensation.Thepoormanandhisneighbourwenttocourt,Submittinganexhaustive,fullreport–“Nowwhoshouldpay?”theyasked.Thejudgereplied:
“Whoever*letsthiswolfhuntfarandwide,Whoeverputhimheretoroamabout,Shouldcompensateyoubothwithoutadoubt–OGod,whoisthedebtor,whocansay?It’scertainthatnomortaloughttopay.”AsEgypt’snoblemaidensswoonedtoseeDearJoseph’sradiantface,soecstasyIsmirroredinthesufi’smaddenedheart–ThenhehaslosthimselfandmovesapartFromallthatweperceive–theworldgrowsdimAsalltheworldresolvestofollowhim.
AfamineinEgypt
InEgyptonceabalefulfaminespread–
Thepeopleperishedastheybeggedforbread.
Deathfilledtheroads;thelivinggnawedthedead.
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AcrazydervishsawtheirwretchedplightAndcried:“OGod,lookdownfromYourgreatheight–Ifthere’snofoodforthem,makefewermen!”AmanwhospeakslikethisaskspardonwhenHecomesbacktohimself–ifhe’stoblameHeknowsthewaystocancelallhisshame.
Adervishdeceivedbyahailstorm
AdervishsufferedbruisesandsorebonesFromchildrenwhocontinuallythrewstones.Hefoundaruinedhutandinhestole,Notnoticingitsroofcontainedahole.Ahailstormstarted–throughtheleakyshedThehailcamebouncingontheoldman’shead.Thehailwasstonesforallthathecouldtell–Helosthistemperandbegantoyell.Convincedthattheywerethrowingstonesoncemore,Hescreamedoutfilthynames,fumed,stampedandswore–Thenthought:“Thisdark’ssothickit’spossibleIt’snotthechildrenthistimeafterall.”Adoorblewopenandrevealedthehail;Hesawhiserrorandbegantowail:“Thedarknesstrickedme,God–andonmyheadBeallthefoolish,filthynamesIsaid.”
IfcrazydervishesbehavelikethisIt’snotforyoutotaketheirwordsamiss;Iftheyseemdrunktoyou,controlyourscorn–Theirlivesarepainful,savageandforlorn;Theymustendurealifetime’shopelessnessAndeverymomentbringssomenewdistress–Don’tmeddlewiththeirconduct;don’treproveThosegivenuptomadnessandtolove.Youwouldexcusethem–nothingismoresure–Ifyoucouldsharethedarknesstheyendure.
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AlVasatipassestheJewishcemetery
AlVasati,castdownbygriefoneday,Proceededonhistroubled,wearywayUntilhesawtheJewishcemeteryAndsaid:“Thesesoulsarepardonedandgofree;Butthisisnotatruththatcanbetaught.“Hiswordswereheardandhewashaledtocourt,Whereangryjudgesaskedhimwhathemeant–AlVasatireplied:“YourgovernmentAccusesthem;theirpardon’sheaven-sent”.’
AbirdclaimsthathelivesonlyfortheSimorgh
Anotherbirdspokeup:‘Iliveforlove,ForHimandforthegloriousworldabove–ForHimI’vecutmyselffromeverything;Mylife’sonesongoflovetoourgreatking.I’veseentheworld’sinhabitants,andknowIcouldnotworshipanyherebelow;Myardentlove’sforHimalone;howfewCanmanagetoadoreHimasIdo!ButthoughI’vestruggledonwithallmysoul,ItseemsIhaven’tquiteachievedourgoal.Thetimehascome–mySelfwilldisappear;I’lldrinkthewineofmeeknessanddrawnear;Hisbeautywillilluminatemyheart;Hisneckwillknowmytouch;weshallnotpart.‘ThehoopoeanswershimThehoopoesaid:‘TheSimorghisn’twonByboastsofwhoyouareandwhatyou’vedone–Don’tbragoflove;He’snotdeceivedbylies,Andnoonepullsthewoolacrosshiseyes.Hiscallislikesomelightlywaftedbreeze
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Liftingtheveilfromhiddenmysteries–ThenHewilldrawyoutoHimself,alone;YourplacewillbewithHim,besideHisthrone(Thoughifmereprideofplacepromptsyourdesire,
Yourlovepreparesyouforeternalfire).
Bayazidafterdeath
WhenBayazidhadlefttheworldbehind,HecamethatnightbeforethedreamingmindOfoneofhisdisciples,whoinfear
Askedhowhe’dfaredwithMonkarandNakir.*
Hesaid:“WhenthosetwoangelsquestionedmeAbouttheLord,ItoldthemIcouldseeNoprofitinourtalk–ifIshouldsay‘HeismyGod’,myanswerwouldbetrayAproud,ambitiousheart;theyshouldreturnToGodandaskhimwhattheywishedtolearn–GodsayswhoisHisslave;theslaveisdumb,WaitingforHimtosay:‘Goodservant,come!’”IfgraceisgivenyoufromGodabove,ThenyouarewhollyworthyofHislove;AndifHekindlesjoyinyou,thefireWillburstoutanditsflamesbeateverhigher–ItisHisworksthatact,notyours,youfool;WhenwilltheseduncesunderstandHisrule!
AdervishinlovewithGod
AdervishwepttofeeltheviolenceofTheinextinguishablefiresoflove.
Hisspiritmelted,andhissoulbecameAseethingmassofincandescentflame;Heweptasheproceededonhisway,
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Andthroughhisscaldingtearswasheardtosay:“ForhowmuchlongermustIweep?DesireHasburntmylifeinitsconsumingfire.”“What’sallthisboastingfor?”avoicereplied,“CanyouapproachHimwithsuchsenselesspride?”“AndwhendidIapproachHim?”askedthesaint;“No,Heapproachesme;that’smycomplaint–HowcouldawretchedthinglikemepretendTohavetheworthtoclaimHimasmyfriends?Look–Idonothing;HeperformsalldeedsAndHeenduresthepainwhenmyheartbleeds.”WhenHedrawsnearandgrantsyouaudienceShouldyouhangbackintongue-tieddiffidence?WhenwillyourcautiousheartconsenttogoBeyondthehomelyboundariesyouknow?Oslave,ifHeshouldshowHislovetoyou,LovewhichHisdeedsperpetuallyrenew,Youwillbenothing,youwilldisappear–LeavealltoHimwhoacts,andhavenofear.Ifthereisany“you”,ifanywraithOfSelfpersists,you’vestrayedoutsideourfaith.
ShahMahmoudandthestokeratthepublicbaths
ShahMahmoud,fullofsorrow,wentonenightToonewhokeepsthebaths’hugefiresalight;Themanmaderoomamongtheashandgrime(Feedingthefurnace-mouthfromtimetotime),Thenbroughtthekingsomestale,unwholesomebread.“WhenheknowswhoIam,”ShahMahmoudsaid,“He’llbegtobeallowedtokeephishead!”When,finally,thekingpreparedtogo,Thepoormansaid:“Ihaven’tmuchtoshow–You’veseenmyhomeandfood(Ibroughtthebest;Youwerearatherunexpectedguest),Butifinfutureyoufeelsorrow’spainIhopeyou’llcomeandbemyguestagain.
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Ifyouweren’tkingyoucouldbehappy,sire;I’mhappyshovellingwoodonthisgreatfire–SoI’mnotlessthanyouormore,youseeI’mnothingnexttoyou,yourmajesty.”Thekingwassoimpressedthathereturned,Andseventimessawhowthatfurnaceburned–Atlasthesaid:“StopstokingthisgreatfireAndaskfrommewhateveryourequire.”“1amabeggar,lord,”themanreplied;
“Andwithakingallneedsaresatisfied.”ShahMahmoudsaid:“Speakup,askanything–Youcanforgetthefurnaceandbeking!”Hesaid:“Myhopeisthis,thatnowandthenMykingwillvisitmeinthisdarkdenThedusthetreadsonisacrowntome;Hispresenceherewillbemymonarchy.Yoursisthekingdomandthehandthatgives,Butthat’snothowabathattendantlives.BettertositwithyouinthisfoulplaceThanreigninstateandneverseeyourface.Thisspothasbroughtmeluck,andI’dbewrongToleavethefurnace-mouthwhereIbelong–Besides,it’shereImadefriendswithmyking,Iwouldn’tgivethisupforanything–Whenyouareherethebath-houseshinesanew;WhatmorecouldIdesirefromyouthanyou?MaymyperverseheartdieifitshouldcraveAnotherfatethantoremainyourslaveWhat’ssovereigntytome?AllIrequestIsthatfromtimetotimeyou’llbemyguest.”Thebathattendant’sloveshouldteachyouyours;Learnfromhimallthelovingheartendures–Andifthislovehasstirredinyou,thenclingWithpassiontothegarmentsofyourking;Hetooismoved;holdfastanddonotstop–Heisasea;Heasksofyouonedrop.
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Twowater-sellers
AmanwholivedbysellingwaterfoundHe’dverylittleleft;helookedaroundAndsawanotherwater-sellerthere–“Haveyougotanywateryoucouldspare?”Heasked.“No,fool,Icertainlyhavenot,”Theothersnapped;“makedowithwhatyou’vegot!”“O,givemesome,”themanbegantoplead;“I’msickofwhatIhave;it’syoursIneed.”WhenAdam’sheartgrewtiredofallheknew,Heyearnedforwheat,asubstancestrangeandnew–Hegaveupallheownedforonesmallgrain,Andnakedsufferedlove’srelentlesspain;Hedisappearedinlove’sintensity–Theoldandnewweregoneandsowashe;Hewasannihilated,lost,madenaught–Nothingnessswallowedallhishandshadsought.Toturnfromwhatweare,toyearnanddieIsnotforustochooseortodeny.’
Abirdwhoclaimstobesatisfiedwithhisspiritualstate
Anotherbirdsquawked:‘Therecanbenodoubt
I’vemademyselfunworldlyanddevout.ToreachthiswiseperfectionwhichyouseeI’velivedalifeofcruelausterity,AndasI’vegainedthesumofwisdomhere,Ireallycouldn’tmove,Ihopethat’sclear.WhatfoolwouldleavehistreasurytoroamIndesertsanddrymountainsfarfromhome?’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘Hell’spridehasfilledyoursoul;Lostinself-love,youdreadourdistantgoal.Yourarrogancedeceivesyou,andyoustrayFurtherandfurtherfromthespirit’sWay.
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YourSelfhastrappedyoursoulandmadeitblind;Thedevil’sthroneisyourcomplacentmind.Thelightthatguidesyouisafantasy,Yourloveaself-inducedabsurdity–Allyourausteritiesarejustacheat,Andallyousayisnothingbutdeceit.Don’ttrustthelightwhichshowsyouwhereyougo;YourownSelfshedsthisdim,misleadingglow–Ithasnosword,butsuchanenemyWillthreatenanyman’ssecurity.
Ifit’syourSelf’slightwhichtheroadreveals,It’slikethescorpion’sstingwhichparsleyheals;Don’tbedeceivedbythisfalseglow,butrunAndbeanatomsinceyou’renotthesun(Don’tgrievebecausetheWayisdarkasnight,Orstrivetoemulatethesun’spurelight);WhilstyouarelockedwithinyourselfyourcaresAreworthlessasyourworthlesscriesandprayers.Ifyouwouldsoarbeyondthecirclingsky,Firstfreeyourselffromthoughtsof“me”and“I”;IfanythoughtofselfhoodstainsyourmindAnemptyvoidisalltheSelfwillfind,IfanytasteofselfhoodstayswithyouThenyouaredamnedwhateveryoumaydo.IfselfhoodbeckonsyouforbutonebreathArainofarrowswilldecideyourdeath.Whileyouexistendurethespirit’spain;Ahundredtimesbowdown,thenbowagain–Butifyouclingtoselfhoodanditscrimes,YourneckwillfeelFate’syokeahundredtimes.
HowSheikhAbouBakr’sself-satisfactionwasreproved
SheikhAbouBakrofNeishapouronedayLedhisdisciplesthroughawearyway.Hisdonkeycarriedhim,aloof,apart–Andthenthebeastletoutamonstrousfart!
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ThesheikhbegantotearhisclothesandcryTilloneofhisdisciplesaskedhimwhy.Thesheikhsaid:“WhenIlookedIsawaseaOfmydisciplessworntofollowme;TheyfilledtheroadsandinmymindthereslidThethought:‘ByGod,IequalBayazid!Somanypraiseme,canIdoubtthissignThatheaven’sboundlessglorieswillbemine?’ThenasItriumphedinmyinmostheart,Mydonkeyansweredme–andwithafart;Mypompous,self-deceivingsoulawoke,AndthisiswhyIweepandtearmycloak.”HowfarawaythetruthremainswhileyouArelostinpraiseforallyousayanddo–Destroyyourarrogance,andfeedthefireWiththatvainSelfyoufoolishlyadmire.Youchangeyourfaceeachmoment,butdeepdownYouareaPharaohandyouwearhiscrown,Whilstonesmallatomofthis“you”survivesHypocrisyenjoysahundredlives.Ifyouputallyourtrustin“I”and“me”You’vechosenbothworldsasyourenemy–ButifyoukilltheSelf,thedarkestnightWillbeilluminatedwithyourlight.Ifyouwouldfleefromevilanditspain
Swearnevertorepeatthis“I”again!
Thedevil’ssecret
GodsaidtoMosesonce:“GooutandfindThesecrettruththathauntsthedevil’smind.”WhenMosesmetthedevilthatsamedayHeaskedforhisadviceandheardhimsay:“Rememberthis,repeatitconstantly,Don’tspeakof‘me’,oryouwillbelikeme.”Iflifestillholdsyoubyasinglehair,Theendofallyourtoilwillbedespair;
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Nomatterhowyouprosper,therewillriseBeforeyourfaceahundredsmirking“I”s.
Asaintoncesaid:“ThenoviceoughttoseeAdoorthatopensonobscurity–Thenseasoflovewillinundatehismind,Andhewillleaveourearthlylifebehind;Ifheseesanythingbutdarknessthere,Heisdeceivedandworshipsemptyair.”Thoughothersseethem,youhavenottheartTorecognizethepassionsinyourheart.
Thereisadeninyouwheredragonsthrive;Yourfollykeepstheprowlingbeastsalive–BydayandnightyouwatchthemsleepandeatAndcossetthem,andtossthemblood-soakedmeat.Fromdustandbloodyourearthlybeinggrew–Isitnotstrangethatbothshouldbetaboo?Thatblood,whichflowswithinyoureveryvein,Isanimpurity,anuncleanstain?Whatyoumostlovedefiles,anddeepwithinThechambersofyourhearthideguiltandsin;Ifyouhaveseenthisfilth,whydoyousitSmilingasifyou’dneverheardofit?
Thesheikhandthedog
Adogbrushedupagainstasheikh,whomadeNomovetodrawhisskirtsinorevadeThefilthystray–apuzzledpasser-byWho’dnoticedhisbehaviouraskedhimwhy.Hesaid:“Thedogisfilthy,asyousee,ButwhatisoutsidehimisinsidemeWhat’sclearonhimishiddeninmyheart;Whyshouldsuchclosecompanionsstayapart?”Ifinwardfilthisslightorifit’sgreat,Theoutcomeisthesamedisgustingstate–
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Ifstrawsimpedeyou,oramountain-top,Whereisthedifferenceifyouhavetostop?
Theanchoritewholovedhisbeard
InMoses’timetherelivedananchoriteWhoprayedincessantlybydayandnight,Andyetderivednopleasurefromhisquest;Nosunhadriseninhistroubledbreast.Hehadabeard,ofwhichhetookgreatcare,Lovingtocombithairbysilkyhair.IthappenedthatthispiousmanonedayCaughtsightofMoseswalkingfaraway–Herantohimandcried:“MountSinai’slord,AskGodwhyhedeniesmemyreward,”WhennextonSinai’sslopesgoodMosestrod,Heputthispoorman’squestiontohisGod,Whoanswered:“Tellthiswould-besaintthathePaysmoreattentiontohisbeardthanMe.”WhenMosestoldthemanofGod’sreply,Hetorehisbeardoutwithapiteouscry–ThenGabrielappearedtothemandsaid:“Concernforthatgreybeardstillfillshishead;Heloveditthen,andnowhepullsitout,Hiswretchedloveisevenmoredevout.”Whateverstageyou’vereached,tospendonebreathUnmindfulofyourGodisworsethandeath–
Andwhatofyou,stillwrappedupinyourbeard,Forwhomgrief’soceanhasnotyetappeared?ForgetthisbeardandyouwillunderstandHowyoucanswimacrossandgaindryland–ButkeepitasyouenterthatprofoundUngovernedsea,andwithityou’llbedrowned.
Adrowningfool
AfoolwithanenormousbeardoncefellIntoaviolentsea’stumultuousswell.
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Ashewasstrugglingheheardsomeoneshout:“Thatbagtiedonyourcollar–throwitout!”“It’snotabag,it’smyhugebeard!”hecried.“Well,that’sjustmarvellous,”themanreplied,“Asplendidgrowth;butnowtheharvest’scome.”Yourgoatishbeardshavemadeyouquarrelsome,Self-willedandvain,thedevil’sfollowers,StruttinglikePharaohandhisministers.ButbeardthisPharaoh,asdidMosesonce,AndsetoutontheWaywithconfidence–Thepilgrimhasnotimetopreenandcomb;Longsufferingwillattendhisjourneyhome.Ifbleaching’shisprofessionhe’llcomplain
Thereisnosun–ifcrops,thereisnorain.
Asufiwashinghisclothes
Once,asasufiwashedhisclothes,acloudFilledalltheheavenslikeadarkeningshroud–Butthoughtheworldseemedplungedindeepestnight,Thesufi’sclothesshonecleanandstrangelybright.He’dbeenabouttofindagrocer’sstallTobuysomesoap–“Idon’tneedsoapatall,”Hetoldhimself,andthenhesaidaloud:“I’llbuysomeraisins,thankstoyou,Ocloud–Youdofarmorethangrocer’spowderscould,I’vewashedmyhandsofearthlysoapforgood!”‘
Abirdasksforhelpandadvice
Anotherbirdspokenext:‘Dearhoopoe,sayWhatwillsustainmyheartalongtheWay–TotravelasIshouldIneedyouraid;IfyoucanhelpmeI’llbelessafraid–Tomakemestartthisquest,thenpersevere,ImustbetoldhowIcanconquerfear.
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Ispurnthecrowd’sadvice;I’mquitealone
Andhaven’tanywisdomofmyown.’
Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘TrustHim,andwhileyoulive,Avoidwhoeverseemstootalkative.WithHimyouwillrejoice–whenHeisthereThesaddestsoulisfreedfromeverycare;ThereisnosorrowHecannotconsole–OnHimdependsthesky’srevolvingbowl.LetHisjoyteachyouyours,asplanetsmoveWithintheorbitofsustaininglove;WhatisHisequal?Saythatnothingis,Thenhappinessisyours,andyouareHis.
Adervishinecstasy
Afrenzieddervish,madwithloveforGod,Soughtoutbarehillswherenonehadevertrod.Wildleopardskeptthismadmancompany–Hisheartwasplungedinrestlessecstasy;Helivedwithinthisstatefortwentydays,Dancingandsinginginexultantpraise:“There’snodivision;wetwoarealoneTheworldishappinessandgriefhasflown.”Dietoyourself–nolongerstayapart,ButgivetoHimwhoasksforityourheart;
ThemanwhosehappinessderivesfromHimEscapesexistence,andtheworldgrowsdim;RejoiceforeverintheFriend,rejoiceTillyouarenothing,butapraisingvoice.
“ForseventyyearsmyhappyhearthasledAlifeofconstantbliss,”asufisaid.“MyGodhasbeensogoodtomethatI
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AmboundtoHimuntilthedayIdie.”YouseekforfaultstocensureandsuppressAndhavenotimeforinwardhappiness–HowcanyouknowGod’ssecretmajestyIfyoulookoutforsinincessantly?ToshareHishiddengloryyoumustlearnThatothers’errorsarenotyourconcern–Whensomeoneelse’sfailingsaredennedWhathairsyousplit–buttoyourownyou’reblind!Gracecomestothose,nomatterhowthey’vestrayed,Whoknowtheirownsin’sstrength,andareafraid.
Adrunkardaccusesadrunkard
Asotbecameextremelydrunk–hislegs
Andheadsanklistless,weighedbywine’sthickdregs.AsoberneighbourputhiminasackAndtookhimhomewardshoistedonhisback.Anotherdrunkwentstumblingbythefirst,Whowokeandstuckhisheadoutsideandcursed.“Hey,you,youlousydipsomaniac,”Heyelledashewasborneoffinthesack,“Ifyou’dhadfewerdrinks,justtwoorthree,Youwouldbewalkingnowaswellasme.”Hesawtheother’sstatebutnothisown,Andinthisblindnessheisnotalone;Youcannotlove,andthisiswhyyouseekTofindmenvicious,ordepraved,orweak–IfyoucouldsearchforloveandpersevereThesinsofothermenwoulddisappear.
Theloverwhosawablemishinhisbeloved’seye
Alion-heartedherometdefeat–Fiveyearsheloved,andslaverywassweet.Thegirlforwhomhewascontenttosigh
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Hadonesmallblemishlurkinginhereye,Andthough,asoftenasshewouldpermit,Hegazedatherhenevernoticedit.
(HowcouldamanpossessedbyfrenzyseeThisunimportant,faintdeformity?)Thenimperceptiblyloveceasedtoreign;Abalmwasfoundtoeasehisachingpain–ThegirlandallherblandishmentsBecameamatterofindifference;Andnowtheblemishinhereyewasclear–Heaskedher:“Whendidthatwhitespeckappear?”Sheanswered:“Asyourlovebegantodie,Thisspeckwasbroughttobeinginmyeye.“Howlongwillothers’faultsdistractyourmind?Yourownaccuseyou,butyourheartisblind.Yoursinsareheavy,andwhiletheyarethere,Another’sguiltisnoneofyouraffair.
Thedrunkandtheconstable
AmanwhosejobitwastokeepthepeaceBeatupadrunk,whofoughtforhisreleaseAndcried:“It’syouwho’stippledtoomuchwine;Yourrowdinessistentimesworsethanmine–Who’scausingthisdisturbance,youorme?Butyoursisdrunkennessthatmencan’tsee;Leavemealone!Letjusticedoitsworst–Enforcethelawandbeatyourselfupfirst!”
AbirdwonderswhatgiftheshouldaskforfromtheSimorgh
Anotherbirdsaid:‘Leaderofmysoul,WhatshallIaskforifIreachourgoal?Hislightwillfilltheworld,butI’mnotsureWhatspecialgiftIshouldbelookingfor–I’llaskHimforwhateveryousuggest.’
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Thehoopoeanswershim
Thehoopoesaid:‘Poorfool,makeonerequest;SeekonlyHim–ofallthingsHeisbest;Ifyou’reawareofHim,inalltheearthWhatcouldyouwishforofagreaterworth?WhoeverjoinsHiminthatsecretplaceIsstepbystepadmittedtoHisgrace–NobribecanturnasidethepenitentWhoknowsthefragranceofHisthreshold’sscent.
ThedeathofBouAliRoudbar
WhenBouAliRoudbardrewneartodeath,Hesaid:“Impatiencehastensmylastbreath.Iseethegatesofheavenpartandrise;Athroneofgloryshinesbeforemyeyes–Angelicvoicesfilltheglisteningdome;
Likenightingalestheycallmyardourhome.‘Rejoice!’theysing,‘nomanhaseverknownThisradiantsplendourwhichisyoursalone.’ThoughIbelieveinthisrefulgentstate,It’snotforthismysoulandspiritwait;Theymurmurtome:‘Whatisthistoyou?Wasitforthisyoubidtheworldadieu?’IcannotsharethecravingsofthattribeWhosneakandbowandsnatcheachpettybribe–InfusemysoulwithYoursustaininglove,AndIknowneitherhellnorheavenabove;IknowbutYou;nofaithorblasphemyCouldmakemeswervefrommyfidelity;IlovebutYou;toYouImustresignMythirstingsoulandtakeYoursoulformine–BothworldsformeareYou;Youaremycreed;Irecognizenootherhopeorneed–Ahair’sbreadthliesbetweenusnow–removeThislastimpedimenttoperfectlove,
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AndifmywaywardsoulattemptstostirOurmingledwhisperswilladmonishher.”
GodsaidtoDavid:“Tellmyservantsprayer
Shouldbecreation’sall-consumingcare;Thoughhellwerenothisfearnorheavenhisgoal,TheLordshouldwhollyoccupyman’ssoul.Butifthesundidnotlightuptheday,TheywouldnotthinkofMe,noreverpray–Theirprayersknownothingoflove’sselflesspain;Notloveinspiresthembutmerelustforgain.TrueprayerseeksGodalone;itsmotivesstartDeepinthecentreofacontriteheart.TellthemtoturnfromallthatisnotMe;ToworshipnonebutGodcontinuously;Toheaptogetheralltheworldcanshow;Tobreakitpiecebypieceandblowbyblow;Tobumthesefragmentsinonevividflash,Andscatteronthewindstheswirlingash–WhentheyhavedonethistheywillunderstandTheashtheygraspedforwitheachgreedyhand.”IfitisparadiseforwhichyouprayYoucanbesurethatyouhavelostyourway.
AstoryofMahmoudandAyaz
ShahMahmoudcalledAyaztohimandgaveHiscrownandthronetothisbewitchingslave,Thensaid:“Youarethesovereignoftheselands;Iplacemymightyarmyinyourhands–Iwishforyouunrivalledmajesty,
Thatyouenslavetheveryskyandsea.”Butwhenthesoldiersheardofthis,theireyesGrewblackwithenvytheycouldnotdisguise.“WhatemperorinalltheWorld,”theysaid,“Hasheapedsuchhonoursonaservilehead?”ThoughevenastheymurmuredAyazwept
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Thatwhatthekingdecreedhemustaccept;Thecourtierssaidtohim:“YouareinsaneTochangefromslavetokingandthencomplain!”ButAyazansweredthem:“O,rathersayMykingdesiresmetobefaraway,ToleadthearmyandbeoccupiedInalmostanyplacebutbyhisside.WhathecommandsI’lldo,butinmyheartWeshallnotforoneinstant–liveapart;AndwhathaveItodowithmajesty?Toseemykingisrealmenoughforme.”IfyouwouldbeapilgrimoftheTruth,Learnhowtoworshipfromthislovelyyouth.Dayfollowsnight–youargueandprotestAndcannotpassthefirststageofourquest;EachnightyouchatterasthehourspassbyAndsendOriondownthedawningsky,Andstillyoulinger–thoughanotherday
Hasbroken,you’renofurtheronyourway.Fromhighestheaventheycametowelcomeyou,Andyoumadelameexcusesandwithdrew!Alas!You’renotthemanforthis;yourthoughtsSeehell’sdespairandheaven’swondrouscourts–Forgetthesetwo,andglory’sradiantlightWillstagebystageemergefromdarkestnight;Thepilgrimdoesnotlongforparadise–Keepbackyourheart;Heonlywillsuffice.
Rabe’eh’sprayer
ThiswasthecommonhymnofRabe’eh:“OGod,whoknowsallsecrets,”shewouldpray,“Mayfortunefavourallmyenemies,Andmaymyfriendstasteheaven’secstasies;ItisnotthisworldorthenextIcraveBut,foronemoment,tobecalledYourslave–WithpassionIembracethispoverty;
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SuchendlessblessingsflowfromYoutomeIfIdesirethisworldorshrinkfromhell,Iamnobetterthananinfidel.”AmanhaseverythingwhoknowshisLord–Theworldandallitssevenseasafford.
AllthattheuniversehasevershownCanfinditsmatchbutGod,whoisalone;AndonlyHe,whereveryoumayseek,Isabsolute,abiding,andunique.
GodcounselledDavid:“ThereisnothinghereOfgoodorbad,unseenorfarornear,Whichdoesnothavesomecunningcomplement;ForonlyIhavenoequivalent.Iamalone;makemeyoursinglegoal–Mypresenceissufficientforyoursoul;IamyourGod,youronenecessity–WitheverybreathyoubreatherememberMe;MakeGodyouronedesire,foronlyIShallliveeternallyandneverdie.”Andyou–obsessedwithwhattheworldcontains,Subjecteddayandnighttoenvy’spains–Turnnowandputourjourneytothetest;InthisworldandthenextmakeHimyourquest;TochoosewhatisnotGodistopreferTobesomeworthlessidol’sworshipper,Andifthisidolisyoursoul,yourcreedIsnothingmorethanirreligiousgreed.
ShahMahmoudatSomnat
WhenMahmoud’sarmyhadattackedSomnat
Theyfoundanidoltherethatmencalled“Lat”.*
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ItsworshippersflungtreasureonthegroundAndasaransomgavetheglitteringmound;ButMahmoudwouldnotcedetotheirdesireAndburnttheidolinaragingfire.Acourtiersaid:“NowifithadbeensoldWe’dhavewhat’sbetterthananidol–gold!”ShahMahmoudsaid:“IfearedGod’sJudgementDay;IwasafraidthatIshouldhearHimsay‘Heretwo–AzarandMahmoud–stand,behold!Onecarvedhisidols,onehadidolssold!’”Andastheidolburned,brightjewelsfellout–SoMahmoudwasenrichedbutstayeddevout;Hesaid:“ThisidolLathasherreward,Andhereismine,providedbytheLord.”Destroytheidolsinyourheart,oryouWillonedaybeabrokenidoltoo–FirstburntheSelf,andasitsfateissealedThegemsthisidolhideswillberevealed.YoursoulhasheardtheLord’scommandingcall;Accept,andatHisthresholdhumblyfall.YoursoulandGodhaveformedacovenant;Donotturnbackfromthatfirstfirmassent–
Willyouobjecttowhatyouonceaverred,Sweartrueallegianceandthenbreakyourword?YoursoulneedsonlyHim–throughgoodandillKeepfaith,andwhatyoupromisedHimfulfil.
AnotherstoryofShahMahmoudinIndia
MahmoudbeganhisIndiancampaignAndsawbeforehim,drawnupontheplain,Themassivearmyofhisenemy–InfearheprayedtoGodforvictoryAndsaid:“IfIshouldwinthisdoubtfulday,Thedervisheswillbearthespoilsaway.”Theyfought,andMahmoud’sconquestwascomplete–Hiscaptivespiledtheirtreasuresathisfeet.
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Thekingdeclared:“1willfulfilmyvow;Thedervishesshallhavethisbootynow,”Butallhiscourtierscried:“CangoldandjewelsBegiventothatcrowdofcringingfools?
Rewardthesoldierswhohavewonthiswar,
Orhaveitpiledupintheroyalstore.”
Whatshouldhedo?ShahMahmoudwasunsure.
JustthenhiseyecaughtsightofBoulHossein,Apiousfoolwhommanythoughtinsane;
Hesaid:“Whateverthatmansays,I’lldo–Nokingsorarmiesinfluencehisview.”Theycalledthemadmanovertotheking,Whowelcomedhimandtoldhimeverything.Themadmansaid:“Oking,theseanxiouspainsArenotworthmorethantwosmallbarleygrains–IfallyourdealingswiththeLordceasehere,forgetthevowyoumadeandneverfear;ButifyouthinkyoumightneedHimagainThenkeepyourpromisetothefinalgrain.Godgavethevictorytoyou;nowwhereInthisagreementisyourlordship’sshare?”SoMabmoudgavethegoldwhereitwasowed,Andtookhiswayalongtheroyalroad.’
AbirdaskswhatgiftsheshouldtaketheSimorgh
Anotherbirdsaid:‘Youhaveseenourking–Whatgiftswoulditberightformetobring?I’llgladlygetwhateveryouadvise;Whatwouldbewelcometooursovereign’seyes?Akingdeservesaquitedistinctivegift;Onlyamiserwouldberuledbythrift!’
Thehoopoeanswershim
‘Beruledbyme,’thehoopoesaid.‘TakecareTooffersomethingwhichislackingthere–Whereisthepointindraggingallthatway
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Acostlypresentcommonthereasday?Theremysteryresidesandconfidence,Pureknowledgeandthesoul’sobedience–Buttakethetormentofaheartalone,Thesoul’sdistress,forthesearethereunknown,AndlettheanguishyouendureariseBorneupwardtothekinginbittersighs;Ifonesighrisesfromtheinmostsoul,Thatmanissaved,andhasattainedourgoal.
ZuleikhahasJosephwhipped
ZuleikhausedhergreatauthorityTohavepoorJosephkeptincustody–Shegavehercallousorderstotheguard:“Givethatmanfiftylashes,goodandhard!DealwiththisJoseph’sbodysothatIFromfarawaycanhearhimgroanandsigh.”ButwhentheguardsawJoseph’sfacehefeltThecoldindifferenceofhiscallingmelt.Therewasaleathercoatleftontheground,
Andwithhiswhiphemadethisskinresound–Aseveryblowdescendedonthecoat,AscreamofpainwentupfromJoseph’sthroat.ButwhenZuleikhaheardhisvoiceshecried:“Youaretoosoft;whipharder,breakhispride!”Theguardsaid:“What,dearJoseph,canIdo?ZuleikhaonlyhastolookatyouAndseenowealsorbruisesonyourback,AndI’llbetorntopiecesontherack–Sobareyourshoulderstothelash;somesignMustmaryourskinifI’mtorescuemine.”WhenJosephstrippedinreadiness,asoundOfmourningspreadfromheaventotheground;Theguard’srightarmwasraised,anditsdescentProducedacrythatsplitthefirmament–Zuleikhasaid:“NowJosephcannotbluff;
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Thissighisfromhisinmostsoul–enough!Thissighwasrealandfromhisessencecame–Hisformergroanswerenothingbutagame.”
Themournersatafuneral
Ahundredmournersatafuneralgrieved;Onetrulysighed–themanwhowasbereaved.
Theywerearing,butonlyoneofthemWassetwithinthatcircleasagem–Tillyouhavetrulymournedbesidethegrave,Youcannottakeyourplaceamongthebrave.Lovedrivesthewanderingpilgrimonhisquest;Andwherebydayornightwillhefindrest?
Thedevoutslave
AnegrohadaslavedevoutandwiseWhoatanearlyhourwouldwakeandrise,Thenprayuntilthesuncamepeepingthrough.Hismastersaid:“Wakemeupearlytoo,Andwecanpraytogethertillthedawn.”Theslavesaid:“Justbeforeababy’sborn,Whotellsthemother‘Nowyourtimedrawsnear’?Sheknowsitdoes–herpainhasmadeitclear;Ifyouhavefeltthispainyouareawake–Noothermancanfeelitforyoursake.Ifsomeonehastorouseyoueveryday,Thensomeoneelseinsteadofyoushouldpray.”Themanwithoutthispainisnotaman;Maygriefdestroythebraggingcharlatan!ButonewhoisentangledinitsspellForgetsallthoughtsofheavenorofhell.
Avisionofheavenandhell
SheikhBouAliTousi’slongpilgrimage(Hewasthewisestsavantofhisage)
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ConductedhimsofarthatIknownoneWhocoulddrawneartowhatthismanhasdone.Hesaid:“ThewretchesdamnedinhellwillcryTothoseinparadise:‘O,testifyTousthenatureofyourhappiness;Describethesacredjoyswhichyoupossess!’Andtheywillsay:‘IneffabledelightShinesintheradianceofHisface;itslightDrawsnearus,andthisvastcelestialframe–Theeightfoldheaven–darkens,bowedbyshame.’Andthenthetorturedsoulsinhellwillsay:‘Fromjoysofparadiseyouturnaway;Suchlowlyhappinessisnotforyou–Allthatyousayistrue,weknowhowtrue!Inhell’saccursedprovinceswereignClothedheadtofootinfire’sdevouringpain;ButwhenweglimpsethatradiantfaceandknowThatwemustliveforeverherebelow,Cutoffthroughalleternityfromgrace–Suchlongingseizesusforthatfarface,Suchunappeasableandwildregret,Thatinouranguishedtormentweforget
Thepitofhellandallitsragingfire;Forwhatareflamestocomfortlessdesire?’”ThemanwhofeelssuchlongingtakesnopartInpublicprayers;heprayswithinhisheart.Regretandsighsshouldbeyourportionhere;Insighsrejoice,inlongingpersevere–Andifbeneaththesky’soppressivedomeWoundsscaryou,youdrawnearertoyourhome;Don’tflinchfrompainorsearchhereforitscure.Uncauterizedyourwoundsmustbleed;endure!
Themanwhowantedaprayer-mat
OncesomeoneaskedtheProphettoprovideAprayer-mat,andthebestofmenreplied:
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“Thedesert’saridsandsareburningnow.Praythere;againstthehotdustpressyourbrowAndfeelitsearyourflesh;thewoundedskinWillbeanemblemofthewoundwithin.”Ifnoscarmarksyourheart,thecountenanceOflovewillpassyoubywithoutaglance;Butheart’swoundsshowthatonthebattlefieldYourfriendshavefoundamanwhowillnotyield.’
Abirdaskshowlongthejourneyis,andthehoopoedescribesthesevenvalleysoftheWay
Anotherbirdsaid:‘Hoopoe,youcanfindThewayfromhere,butwearealmostblind–Thepathseemsfullofterrorsanddespair.Dearhoopoe,howmuchfurthertillwe’rethere?’
‘Beforewereachourgoal,’thehoopoesaid,‘Thejourney’ssevenvalleyslieahead;Howfarthisistheworldhasneverlearned,Fornoonewhohasgonetherehasreturned–Impatientbird,whowouldretracethistrail?Thereisnomessengertotellthetale,Andtheyarelosttoourconcernsbelow–Howcanmentellyouwhattheydonotknow?ThefirststageistheValleyoftheQuest;ThenLove’swidevalleyisoursecondtest;ThethirdisInsightintoMystery,ThefourthDetachmentandSerenity–ThefifthisUnity;thesixthisAwe,AdeepBewildermentunknownbefore,TheseventhPovertyandNothingness–Andthereyouaresuspended,motionless,Tillyouaredrawn–theimpulseisnotyours–Adropabsorbedinseasthathavenoshores.
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TheValleyoftheQuest
WhenyoubegintheValleyoftheQuestMisfortuneswilldepriveyouofallrest,Eachmomentsomenewtroubleterrifies,Andparrotstherearepanic-strickenflies.Thereyearsmustvanishwhileyoustriveandgrieve;Thereistheheartofallyouwillachieve–Renouncetheworld,yourpowerandallyouown,Andinyourheart’sbloodjourneyonalone.Whenonceyourhandsareempty,thenyourheartMustpurifyitselfandmoveapartFromeverythingthatis–whenthisisdone,TheLord’slightblazesbrighterthanthesun,YourheartisbathedinsplendourandthequestExpandsathousandfoldwithinyourbreast.Thoughfireflaresupacrosshispath,andthoughAhundredmonsterspeeroutfromitsglow,ThepilgrimdrivenonbyhisdesireWilllikeamothrushgladlyonthefire.Whenloveinspireshishearthebegsforwine,Onedroptobevouchsafedhimasasign–Andwhenhedrinksthisdropbothworldsaregone;Dry-lippedhefoundersinoblivion.Hiszealtoknowfaith’smysterieswillmake
Himfightwithdragonsforsalvation’ssake–Thoughblasphemyandcursescrowdthegate,Untilitopenshewillcalmlywait,Andthenwhereisthisfaith?thisblasphemy?Bothvanishintostrengthlessvacancy.
Eblis*andGod’scurse
GodbreathedthepuresoulintoAdam’sdust,AndasHedidsosaidtheangelsmust,
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InsightofAdam,bowdowntotheground(Goddidnotwishthissecrettobefound).Allbowed,andnotonesawwhatGodhaddone,ExceptEblis,whobowedhimselftonone.Hesaid:“WhonoticesifIdon’tbow?Idon’tcareiftheycutmyheadoffnow;IknowthisAdam’smorethandust–I’llseeWhyGodhasorderedallthissecrecy.”
Hehidhimselfandkeptwatchlikeaspy.
Godsaid:“Comeout–Iseeyoupeerandpry;
Youknowmytreasure’shomeandyoumustdie.
ThekingswhohideatreasureexecuteTheirsecret’switnessestokeepthemmute–Yousawtheplace,andshallthefactbespread
Throughalltheworld?Preparetoloseyourhead!”Eblisreplied:“Lord,pityme;IcraveFormercy,Lord;havemercyonyourslave.”Godansweredhim:“Well,IwillmitigateTherigourandthejusticeofyourfate;ButroundyourneckwillshinearingtoshowYourtreacherytoalltheworldbelow–ForfraudulenceandguileyouwillbeknownUntiltheworldendsandthelasttrump’sblown.”Eblisreplied:“Andwhatisthattome?IsawthetreasureandInowgofree!TocursebelongstoYouandtoforgive,Allcreaturesoftheworldandhowtheylive;Curseon!Thispoison’spartofYourgreatschemeAndlifeismorethanjustanopium-dream.AllcreaturesseekthroughouttheuniverseWhatwillbemineforevernow–Yourcurse!”SearchforHimendlesslybydayandnight,Tillvictoryrewardsyourstubbornfight;AndifHeseemselusiveHeisthere–Yoursearchisincomplete;donotdespair.
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ThedeathofShebli
AsShebli’sdeathapproachedhiseyesgrewdim;
Wildtormentsofimpatiencetroubledhim–Butstrangestwasthatroundhiswaisthetied
Aheathen’sbelt,*andweepingsatbesideHeapedash,withwhichhesmearedhishairandhead.“Whywaitfordeathlikethis?”astrangersaid,AndSheblicried:“Whatwillbecomeofme?Imelt,Iburnwithfeveredjealousy,AndthoughIhaverenouncedtheuniverseIcovetwhatEblisprocured–God’scurse.”SoSheblimourned,uncaringifhisLordGaveothermortalsthisorthatreward;
BrightjewelsandstonesareequalfromHishand,
AndifHisgemsareallthatyoudemand,
OursisaWayyoucannotunderstand–
Thinkofthestonesandjewelshegivesasone;Theyarenotyourstohopeforortoshun.Thestoneyourangryloverflingsmayhurt,Butothers’jewelscomparedwithitaredirt.EachmomentofthisquestamanmustfeelHissoulisspilt,andunremittingzealShouldforcehimonwardatwhatevercost–Themanwhopausesonourpathislost.
MajnounsearchesforLeili
OncesomeonesawMajnoun,oppressedwithpain,Siftingthedustyhighwaygrainbygrain,
Andasked:“Whatareyousearchingfor,myfriend?”Hecried:“MysearchforLeilihasnoend.”Themanprotested:“Leiliisagirl,Anddustwillnotconcealthispreciouspearl!”Majnounreplied:“Isearchineveryplace;WhoknowswhereImayglimpseherlovelyface?”
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YusefofHamadan,alearnedseer,Oncesaid:“Above,below,ineverysphere,EachatomisaJacobferventlySearchingforJosephthrougheternity.”BypainandgriefthepilgrimisperplexedButstrugglesonthroughthisworldandthenext–Andifthegoalseemsendlesslyconcealed,Donotgiveupyourquest;refusetoyield.WhatpatiencemustbetheirswhoundertakeThepilgrim’sjourneyforsalvation’ssake!Now,likeababycurledinsidethewomb,Waitpatientlywithinyournarrowroom;Ignoretheworld–bloodisyourelement;
Bloodistheunbornchild’ssolenourishment.*
Whatistheworldbutwretchednessandfear?Endure,besteadfasttillyourtimedrawsnear.
SheikhMahnaandthepeasant
IndeepdespairSheikhMahnamadehiswayAcrosstheemptydesertwastesoneday.Apeasantwithacowcameintosight,Andfromhisbodyplayedalambentlight–HehailedthemanandstartedtonarrateThehopelessturmoilofhiswretchedstate.Theoldmanheard,thensaid:“OBouSa’id,ImaginesomeonepiledupmilletseedFromheretohighestheaven’sunknowndimes,Andthenrepeatedthisahundredtimes;AndnowimaginethatabirdappearsAndpecksonegrainupeverythousandyears,Thenfliesaroundtheearth’scircumferenceAhundredtimes–fromheaven’seminenceInallthoseyearsnosignwouldcometoshowSheikhBouSa’idtheTruthhelongstoknow.”
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Suchisthepatiencethatourpilgrimsneed,Andmanystartourquest,butfewsucceed;Throughpainandbloodtheirjourneylies–bloodhidesThepreciousmuskthehunteddeerprovides;Andhewhodoesnotseekislikeawall,Dead,blankandbland,nolivingmanatall;Heis,Godpardonme,awalkingskin,Apicturewithnolifeorsoulwithin.
Ifyoudiscoverinyourquestajewel,Donot,likesomedelighteddotingfool,Gloatoverit–searchon,you’renotitsslave;Itisnottreasuresbythewayyoucrave.TomakeanidolofthegemsyoufindIstobedrunk,tocloudthesearchingmind–Atthisfirstglassyoursoulshouldnotsubmit;Seekoutthewine-pressoftheinfinite.
ShahMahmoudandthesweeper
ShahMahmoudrodewithoutaguardonenight.Amanwhosweptthestreetscameintosight,Siftingthroughdust-heapspilebyfilthypile.ThekingdrewreinandwithagracioussmileFlungdownhisbraceletonthenearestheap;Thenlikethewindheleftthesearchingsweep.SomelaternightthekingreturnedandsawThemanengagedexactlyasbefore.Hesaid:“Ithrewabraceletontheground;Youcouldredeemtheworldwithwhatyoufound!Youcouldbelikeaking,alordofmen,AndyetIfindyousiftingdustagain!”Thesweepreplied:“ThetreasurethatyougaveMademeahidden,greatertreasure’sslave–IhaveperceivedthedoortowealthandIShallsiftthroughdust-heapstillthedayIdie.”
SearchfortheWay!Thedoorstandsopen,butYoureyesthatshouldperceivethedoorareshut!
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OncesomeonecriedtoGod:“Lord,letmeseeThedoorbetweenusopeneduntome!”AndRabe’ehsaid:“Fooltochatterso–Whenhasthedoorbeenclosed,I’dliketoknow?”
TheValleyofLove
Love’svalleyisthenext,andheredesireWillplungethepilgrimintoseasoffire,UntilhisverybeingisenflamedAndthosewhomfirerejectsturnbackashamed.Theloverisamanwhoflaresandbums,Whosefaceisfevered,whoinfrenzyyearns,Whoknowsnoprudence,whowillgladlysendAhundredworldstowardtheirblazingend,Whoknowsofneitherfaithnorblasphemy,Whohasnotimefordoubtorcertainty,Towhombothgoodandevilarethesame,Andwhoisneither,butalivingflame.
Butyou!Lukewarminallyousayordo,Backsliding,weak–O,no,thisisnotyouTrueloversgiveupeverythingtheyownTostealonemomentwiththeFriendalone–Theymakenovague,procrastinatingvow,Butrisktheirlivelihoodandriskitnow.Untiltheirheartsareburnt,howcantheyfleeFromtheirdesire’sincessantmisery?TheyarethefalconwhenitfliesdistressedIncircles,searchingforitsabsentnest–TheyarethefishcastupuponthelandThatseekstheseaandshuddersonthesand.Lovehereisfire;itsthicksmokecloudsthehead–Whenlovehascometheintellecthasfled;Itcannottutorlove,andallitscareSuppliesnoremedyforlove’sdespair.Ifyoucouldseektheunseenyouwouldfind
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Love’shome,whichisnotreasonorthemind,Andlove’sintoxicationtumblesdownTheworld’sdesignsforgloryandrenown–IfyoucouldpenetratetheirpassingshowAndseetheworld’swildatoms,youwouldknowThatreason’seyeswillneverglimpseonesparkOfshininglovetomitigatethedark.
LoveleadswhoeverstartsalongourWay;Thenoblestbowtoloveandmustobey–Butyou,unwillingbothtoloveandtreadThepilgrim’spath,youmightaswellbedead!Theloverchafes,impatienttodepart,Andlongstosacrificehislifeandheart.
Alordwholovedabeer-seller
Loveledalordthroughpathsofmisery.HelefthissplendidhouseandfamilyAndactedlikeadrunkardtobenearTheboyheloved,wholivedbysellingbeer–HesoldhishouseandslavesandallhehadTogetthemeanstobuybeerfromthislad.WheneverythingwasgoneandhegrewpoorHislovegrewstronger,moreandthenyetmore–Thoughfoodwasgivenhimbypassers-by,Hisendlesshungermadehimlongtodie(Eachmorselthathehadwoulddisappear,Nottobeeatenbutexchangedforbeer,Andhewashappytoendurethepain,Knowingthatsoonhecouldbuybeeragain).Whensomeoneasked:“Whatisthislove?”hecried:“Itistoselltheworldandallitspride–Ahundredtimes–tobuyonedropofbeer.”Suchactsdenotetruelove,anditisclear
ThatthosewhocannotmatchthisdevoteeHavenoacquaintancewithlove’smisery.
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Majnoun’sloveforLeili
WhenLeili’striberefusedMajnoun,hefoundTheywouldnotlethimneartheircamping-ground.Distraughtwithlove,hemetashepherdthereAndaskedhimforasheepskinhecouldwear,Andthen,beneaththeskin,begantocreepOnhandsandkneesasifhewereasheep.“Nowleadyourflock,”hecried,“pastLeili’stent;ItmaybeIshallcatchherlovelyscentAndhiddenbythismattedfleecereceiveFromuntoldmiseryonehour’sreprieve.”AndsoMajnoun,disguisedbeneaththeskin,Drewnearhisloveunnoticedbyherkin–JoywelledinhimandinitswildexcessThefrenziedloverlostallconsciousness;Love’sfirehaddriedthefluidsofhisbrain–Hefaintedandlaystretchedoutontheplain;TheshepherdborehimtoashadedplaceAndsplashedcoldwateronhisburningface.Later,MajnounwastalkingwithsomefriendsWhenonesaid:“Whatatatteredfleecedefends
Yourbodyfromthecold;buttrustinmeI’llbringyouallyouneedimmediately.”Majnounreplied:“Nogarment’sworthyofDearLeili,butIwearthisskinforlove–Iknowhowfortunefavoursme,andIBurnruetoturnawaytheEvilEye.”Thefleeceforhimwassilkandrarebrocade;Withwhatelseshouldaloverbearrayed?Itoohaveknownlovescentthepassingair–WhatotherfinergarmentcouldIwear?Ifyouwouldscouryourselfofeachdefect,Letpassionweanyoufromtheintellect–ToleavesuchtoysandsacrificethesoulIsstillthefirstsmallsteptowardsourgoal.Begin,ifyoucansetasideallshame–Toriskyourlifeisnotsomechildishgame.
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ThebeggarwhofellinlovewithAyaz
AbeggarfellinloveoncewithAyaz–Thenewssoonspreadthroughmarketsandbazaars,AndwhenherodeaboutthegapingtownTherewasthebeggarrunningupanddown;OrifAyazoncehaltedinthesquare,Hiseyeswouldmeetthebeggar’shungrystare.
ButsomeonegossipedtoMahmoud,whowentTotryandapprehendthemiscreant–Ayazrodeout;MahmoudwashorrifiedToseethebeggarrunningathisside,Andfromhishiding-placethemonarchsawThebeggar’sface,wastedlikeyellowstraw,Hisbackbentlikeapolo-mallet’scurve–Fromsidetosidehewatchedhimduckandswerve,Asifhehadnoself-controlatallButmovedwhenhitjustlikeapolo-ball.Hesummonedhim,thensaid:“AndsoyouthoughtAbeggarcouldbeequaltothecourt?”Themanreplied:“Inmattersofdesire,Abeggarishismonarch’sequal,sire–Youcannotsunderlovefrompauper’srags;They’relikearichmanandhismoneybags–Andpovertyinloveresemblessalt:Itgiveslovetaste;youcan’tcallthatafault!Youhavetheworldandloveyoursovereignty–Youshouldleavepassiontothelikesofme!Yourloveiswithyou;youneedneverknowThepainsofabsenceloveshouldundergo.O,youareproudtohavehim,butlove’strialWouldcomeifyoushouldlosehimforawhile.”Thekingsaid:“Youareignorant,that’sall–Staringasifhewereapolo-ball!”“It’smewhoistheball,”themanreplied;
“Look–bothofusarestruckfromsidetoside;Eachsharestheother’spain,eachfeelstheforceOfAyazwhenheridesbyonhishorse–
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We’rebothbewilderedbyhismallet’sblows,Andwherewe’regoingneitherofusknows.ButifwesharethesamepredicamentAndseemingrieftobeequivalent,YetstilltheballdoesmorethanIcandoAndsometimesgetstokisshishorse’sshoe.Thoughbotharehurt,mineisthegrimmerpart–Itsskinisscarred,myscarsareinmyheart.Ayazpursuestheballhehits–butIInunregardedagonymustsigh;TheballwillsometimeslandatAyaz’feet,ButwhenshallAyazandabeggarmeet?TheballwillknowthescentofvictoryButallsuchjoyshavebeendeniedtome!”Thekingcried:“Youmayboastthatyouarepoor,Butwhere’syourwitness?HowcanIbesure?”“Idon’tbelonghere,sire,”thebeggarsaid,“ButI’mnotpoorandyouhavebeenmisled;Youwantawitness–ifIsacrificeMylivingsoulforlove,willthatsuffice?OMahmoud,lovelikeyoursismeaningless;
Dieifyouwanttoboastofyourdistress!”Then,inthesilenceafterhereplied,Hesankathisbeloved’sfeetanddied–AndwhenhesawthelifelessbodythereTheworldwasdarkenedbyMahmoud’sdespair.Preparetoriskyourbeingwhileyoulive,Andknowtheglorysacrificewillgive–Ifyouaresummonedbythatdistantcall,Pursuethefadingsounduntilyoufall;AndasyoufallthenewsyoulongedtofindWillbreakatlastonyourbewilderedmind.
TheArabinPersia
ThroughPersiaonceanArabtookhisway,Whereforeigncustomsfilledhimwithdismay–
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Hemetagroupofdervishes,whohadRenouncedtheworldandseemedtohimquitemad(Butdon’tbefooled–iftheyseemfilthythievesTheyarefarpurerthantheworldbelieves,AndthoughindrunkennesstheyseemtosinkTheecstasytheyknowisnotfromdrink).
TheArabsawthesemen;withoutasound
Hefaintedandlaystretchedoutontheground–
Theyquicklysplashedhisfacetobringhimround
Andthencried:“Enter,no-one,enterhere!”Andinhewent,thoughtornbydoubtandfear.Theymadehimdrunk,helosthimself,andsoonHismindhadfounderedinavacantswoon;Hisgold,hisjewels,hisverylivelihoodWerestolenthereanddisappearedforgood–Adervishgavehimmoretodrink,andthenTheypushedhimnakedoutofdoorsagain.Dry-lippedandpoorthemanwasforcedtoroam,Anakedbeggar,tillhereachedhishome,AndtheretheArabssaid:“Butwhat’sgonewrong?Whereisyourwealth,wherehaveyoubeensolong?Yourgoldandsilver’sgone,whatcanyoudo?ThisPersianexpedition’sruinedyou!Didthievesattackyou?Youdon’tsayaword–Youseemsodifferent;telluswhatoccurred.”Hesaid:“Iwentasusual–fullofpride–Thensawadervishbythehighway’sside.ButthenwhathappenednextIcan’tbesure;MygoldandsilverwentandnowI’mpoor!”Theysaid:“Describethismanwhoblockedyourway.”Hesaid:“Ihave;there’snothingmoretosay.”HismindwasstillelsewhereandallheheardSeemedidlechatter,emptyandabsurd.
EntertheWayorseeksomeothergoal,Butdosototheutmostofyoursoul;Riskall,andasanakedbeggarroamIfyouwouldhearthat“Enter”callyouhome.
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Theloverwhowantedtokillhisbeloved
AselflessyouthhadlosthishearttooneWhosebeautybeggaredallcomparison,Butthenthegirlgrewsick(asFatedecreed),Asthinandyellowasarottenreed.Nowdeathapproached–sheseemedtowasteaway;Darknightdescendedonthebrightestday.Whenhewastoldhislovedespairedoflife,Theyouthranriot,brandishingaknife,Andcried:“IfDeath–whichnomancanwithstand–Hascome,thenletherperishbymyhand!”
Butsomeonegrabbedthewildyouth’sarmandsaid:
“Whatpointismurder,fool?Whyshouldyoushed
Herbloodwheninthehourshewillbedead?”
“ButifIkillher,”cametheyouth’sreply,“ThelawdecreesthatItoohavetodie,AndattheresurrectionhellwillbeMyburningdoomthroughalleternity;ThusIshalldieforhertodayandlight
Acandleforherinthefuture’snight–Todieforherismysupremedesire,Todie,andburnforherinendlessfire.”TrueloverstreadthispathandturnasideFromthisworldandthenextunsatisfied;TheirsoulsriseupfromdeathandseekaboveTheundiscovered,secrethomeoflove.
ThedeathofAbraham
AsAbrahamapproachedhislife’slastbreath,HefoughtwithAzra’elandparrieddeath.“Goback,”hecried,“andtellmykingtowait;Theking’sfriendwillarrivealittlelate.”Godansweredhim:“Butifyouaremyfriend,Youareprepared,andglad,toreachlife’send.”Thensomeonesaid:“Whatmakesyoursoulrebel
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AndseektohideitselffromAzra’el?True-heartedloversrisktheirlives;sowhyAreyoureluctantorafraidtodie?”Andhereplied:“HowcanIgivemysoulWhenAzra’elobscuresthelonged-forgoal?WhenGabrielhimselfappearedinfireAndaskedmetodescribemyheart’sdesire,
Ididnotglanceathim;thepathItrodHadthenasnownoothergoalbutGod–IturnedmyheadasidefromGabriel,AndshallIhandmysoultoAzra’el?IshallnotgivethissouluntilIhearThewordofGodcommandmetodrawnear;AndwhenIhearHisvoicethislifewillbeLessusethanhalfabarleygraintome–HowcouldIgivemysoultoanyoneButHim?Enough,myexplanation’sdone!”
TheValleyofInsightintoMystery
ThenextbroadvalleywhichthetravellerseesBringsinsightintohiddenmysteries;Hereeverypilgrimtakesadifferentway,Anddifferentspiritsdifferentrulesobey.EachsoulandbodyhasitslevelhereAndclimbsorfallswithinitspropersphere–Therearesomanyroads,andeachisfitForthatonepilgrimwhomustfollowit.HowcouldaspideroratinyantTreadthesamepathassomehugeelephant?Eachpilgrim’sprogressiscommensurateWithhisspecificqualitiesandstate(Nomatterhowitstrives,whatgnatcouldfly
Asswiftlyasthewindsthatscourthesky?).Ourpathwaysdiffer–nobirdeverknowsThesecretroutebywhichanothergoes.Ourinsightcomestousbydifferentsigns;
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Onepraysinmosquesandoneinidols’shrines–ButwhenTruth’ssunlightclearstheupperair,Eachpilgrimseesthatheiswelcomedthere.Hisessencewillshineforth;theworldthatseemedAfurnacewillbesweeterthanhedreamed.Hewillperceivethemarrow,nottheskin–TheSelfwilldisappear;then,fromwithinTheheartofallhesees,therewillascendThelonged-forfaceoftheimmortalFriend.AhundredthousandsecretswillbeknownWhenthatunveiled,surpassingfaceisshown–AhundredthousandmenmustfaintandfailTilloneshalldrawasidethesecrets’veil–Perfected,ofrarecouragehemustbeTodivethroughthatimmense,unchartedsea.IfyoudiscernsuchhiddentruthsandfeelJoyfloodyourlife,donotrelaxyourzeal;Thoughthirstisquenched,thoughyouarebathedinblissBeyondallpossiblehypothesis,ThoughyoushouldreachthethroneofGod,implore
Himstillunceasingly:“Isthereyetmore?”Nowlettheseaofgnosisdrownyourmind,Ordustanddeathareallthatyouwillfind.Ifyouignoreourquestandidlysleep,YouwillnotglimpsetheFriend;risenowandweep.AndifyoucannotfindHisbeautyhere,SeekoutTruth’smysteriesandpersevere!Butshameonyou,youfool!Bowdownyourhead;Acceptadonkey’sbridleandbeled!
Thestoneman
AmaninChinahasbecomeastone;Hesitsandmourns,andateachmuffledgroanWeepsmelancholytears,whichthenarefoundCongealedaspebblesscatteredontheground(Whatmiserytheworldwouldknow,whatpain,
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Ifcloudsshouldshedsuchadamantinerain!).ThismanisKnowledge(sensible,devout;IfyoushouldgotoChinaseekhimout),Buthehasturnedtostonefromsecretgrief,Fromlackofzeal,indifference,unbelief.Theworldisdark,andKnowledgeisalight,Asparklingjeweltoleadyouthroughthenight–
Withoutityouwouldwandermystified,LikeAlexanderlostwithoutaguide;Butifyoutrustitslighttoomuch,despairWillbethesequelofpedanticcare,AndifyouunderestimatethisjewelDespairwillmarkyouasarighteousfool(Ignoreorovervaluethisbrightstone,Andwretchednesswillclaimyouforherown).Ifyoucanstepoutsidethestageweknow,Thedarkconfusionsofourlifebelow,Andreachman’sproperstate,youwillpossessWisdomatwhichtheworldcanneverguess.Thepathbringssorrowandbewilderedfear,ButventureonuntiltheWayisclear,Andneithersleepbynightnordrinkbyday,Butgiveyourlife–completely–totheWay.
Theloverwhoslept
Alover,tiredoutbythetearshewept,Layinexhaustionontheearthandslept;Whenhisbelovedcameandsawhimthere,Sunkfastinsleep,atpeace,withoutacare,Shetookapenandinaninstantwrote,Thenfastenedtohissleeve,alittlenote.Whenheawokeandreadherwordshispain(Increasedathousandfold)returnedagain–
“Ifyousellsilverinthetown,”heread,“Themarket’sopened,rouseyoursleepyhead;Iffaithisyourconcern,praythroughthenight–
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Prostrateyourselfuntilthedawninglight;Butifyouarealover,blushwithshame;Sleepisunworthyofthelover’sname!Hewatcheswiththewindthroughouttheday;Heseesthemoonriseupandfadeaway–Butyoudoneither,thoughyouweepandsigh;Yourloveformelookslikeanemptylie.Amanwhosleepsbeforedeath’ssleepIcallAloverofhimself,andthatisall!You’venoideaoflove,andmayyoursleepBelikeyourignorance–prolongedanddeep!”
Awatchmaninlove
Awatchmanfellinlove–thepoormankeptLove’svigildayandnightandneverslept.Afriendreprovedthislover.“Sleep!”hecried,“sleepforonemoment!”Butthemanreplied:“Iamaloverandawatchman;howCouldIknowsleepandbreakthisdoublevow?Howcanawatchmansleep?especially
Awretchedwatchmanwho’sinlovelikeme?MyearthlydutiesandmyloveuniteTowardoffsleepthroughoutthelongestnight.There’snosleepinme–canIaskafriendForsleep?It’snotasubstanceyoucanlend!Eachnightloveputshiswatchmantothetest,Watchingtoseethewatchmanhasnorest,Beatingadrumasiftowakethedead,Orslappingmeaboutthefaceandhead–AndifIsleptamoment,sleeplessloveWouldraiseatumulttotheskiesabove.”Hisfriendsaid:“Butyouneverevenblink;Allnightyouburnandcannotsleepawink!”Heansweredhim:“Awatchmanneversleeps;Heknowsnowaterbutthetearsheweeps–Awatchman’sdutyistostayawake,
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Andloversparchwiththirstforpassion’ssake;Sincelovers’eyesarefilledwithflowingtearsSweetsleepisdrivenoutanddisappears–Aloverandawatchmanshouldagree,Sinceneithersleepsthroughalleternity.Lovehelpsthewatchman’svigilance;itspainWillbanishslumberfromhisfeveredbrain.”Shunsleepifyouwouldbethissentinel
(Thoughifyourvigilismeretalk,sleepwell!).Pacetheheart’sstreets;thieveslurkinambushthere,Waitingforyoutowaverinyourcare;ButasyouscanthedarknessyouwillfindNewloveandinsightwakewithinyourmind;Themanwhosuffers,whowillwatchandwait,Isgiveninsightbyhissleeplessstate,AndsleeplessnightsenablehimtobringAtriedandwakefulheartbeforehisking.Sincesleeplesswatchesnourishvigilance,Sleeplittle,guardyourheartwithdiligence–WhatshallIsay?WhatwordshaveeverfoundAmeanstosavethesinking?Youaredrowned!Butloversjourneyonbeforeusall;Intoxicatedbytheirlove,theyfall–Strive,drinkastheyhavedrunk,discoverlove,Thekeytothisworldandtheworldabove;Awomanwillbecomeaman,amanAseawhosedepthsnomortalmindmayscan.
Abbassehtoldawanderingscholaronce:“Themanwho’skindledbylove’sradianceWillgivebirthtoawoman;whenlove’sfireQuickenswithinawomanthisdesire,Shegivesbirthtoaman;isitdeniedThatAdamboreawomanfromhisside,
ThatMaryboreaman?UntilthislightShinesout,suchtruthsarehiddenfromyoursight;Butwhenitsglorycomesyouwillreceive
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Blessingsfargreaterthanyoucanconceive.Countthisaswealth;hereisthefaithyouneed.Butiftheworld’sbasegloryisyourcreed,Yoursoulislost–seekthewealthinsightgives;Ininsightoureternalkingdomlives.Whoeverdrinksthemystics’wineiskingOfalltheworldcanshow,ofeverything–Itsrealmsarespecksofhisauthority,Theheavensbutashiponhiswidesea;IfallthesultansoftheworldcouldknowThatshorelesssea,itsmightyebbandflow,They’dsitandmourntheirwretchedimpotenceWitheyesashamedtomeeteachother’sglance.
Mahmoudandadervish
OnceinaruinedpalaceMahmoudmetAdervishbowedbysorrowandregret,Whowhenhesawhisnoblesovereigncried:“GetoutofhereorIshalltanyourhide–Youcallyourselfaking;you’rejustalout,
Athankless,selfishinfidel–getout!”Thekingsaid:“IamMahmoud;IsuggestThat‘infidel’isnothowI’maddressed!”Thedervishansweredhim:“Osplendidyouth,IfyoubutknewhowfaryouarefromTruth,YouwouldnotsmearyourhumbledheadandfaceWithdustandash;livecoalswouldtaketheirplace.”
TheValleyofDetachment
NextcomestheValleyofDetachment;hereAllclaims,alllustformeaningdisappear.Awintrytempestblowswithboisteroushaste;Itscoursthelandandlaysthevalleywaste–Thesevenplanetsseemafadingspark,Thesevenseasapool,andheaven’sarc
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Ismorelikedustanddeaththanparadise;Thesevenburninghellsfreezecoldasice.Morewonderfulthanthis,atinyantIsherefarstrongerthananelephant;And,whilearavenfeeds,acaravanOfcountlesssoulswillperishtoaman.Ahundredthousandangelsweptwhenlight
ShoneoutinAdamanddispelledthenight;AhundredthousanddrowningcreaturesdiedWhenNoah’sarkrodeouttherisingtide;ForAbraham,asmanygnatsweresentTohumbleNinirod’sviciousgovernment;AsmanychildrenperishedbytheswordTillMoses’sightwascleansedbeforetheLord;AsmanywalkedinwilfulheresyWhenJesussawTruth’shiddenmystery;AsmanysoulsenduredtheirwretchedfateBeforeMohammadrosetoheaven’sgate.Hereneitheroldnornewattemptsprevail,Andresolutionisofnoavail.Ifyoushouldseetheworldconsumedinflame,Itisadreamcomparedtothis,agame;Ifthousandsweretodiehere,theywouldbeOnedropofdewabsorbedwithinthesea;AhundredthousandfoolswouldbeasoneBriefatom’sshadowintheblazingsun;Ifallthestarsandheavenscametogrief,They’dbethesheddingofonewitheredleaf;Ifalltheworldsweresweptawaytohell,They’dbeacrawlinganttrappeddownawell;Ifearthandheavenweretopassaway,Onegrainofgravelwouldhavegoneastray;Ifmenandfiendswereneverseenagain,They’dvanishlikeatinysplashofrain;
Andshouldtheyperish,brokenbydespair,Thinkthatsomebeasthaslostasinglehair;Ifpartandwholearewreckedandseennomore,
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Thinkthattheearthhaslostasinglestraw;Andiftheninerevolvingheavensstop,Thinkthattheseahaslostasingledrop.
Ayouthwhotumbledintoawell
AfineyouthlivinginourvillagefellIntoadeepanddangerous,darkwell–Hisfalldislodgedthedust;alongtimepassedBeforetheygottheyoungmanoutatlast,Buthehadsufferedunderneaththegrime–Itseemedhisrescuerswerejustintime(Mohammadwasthepoorboy’sname);hisbreathWaslabouredandhelingereddosetodeath.Hisfatherwhimpered:“Omyprideandjoy,Mohammad,speaktome,mypreciousboy.”“WhereisMohammadnow?”theyouthreplied,“Whereisyourson?Oranyone?”anddied.Goodpilgrim,ask:WhereisMohammad,where?AndwhereisAdamandhiseveryheir?Wherearetheearth,themountainsandthesea?
Wherearetheangelsandhumanity?Wherearethebodiesburiedunderground,Wherearetheirmindssosubtleandprofound?Whereisthepainofdeath?Whereisthesoul?Wherearethesunderedparts?Whereisthewhole?Siftthroughtheuniverse,anditwillseemAnairymaze,aninsubstantialdream.
YusefofHamadan,thatlearndseer,Whoseheartandknowledgewereuniquelyclear,Said:“TraveltothethroneofMajesty,Thentotheendsofalltheearth,andseeThatallthatis,willbe,haseverbeen,Isbutoneatomwhencorrectlyseen.”Theworldisbutadrop–whatwillbemissedIfonesonprospersordoesnotexist?
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Thisvalleyisnoteasy,child–yourmindKnowsnothingofthedangersyouwillfind,AndwhentheWayflowsbloodyourpilgrimageHasonlyjourneyedthroughasinglestage.Traversetheworldfromplacetodistantplace;Whathaveyoumanagedbutasinglepace?Nopilgrimseeshisjourney’send;nocure
Hasyetbeenfoundforallhemustendure.Ifyoustandpetrifiedwithgriefanddread,Youarenobetterthanthesenselessdead;AndifyouhastenonyoucannothearThebellthatsummonsyousoundloudandclear.Hopeliesneitherinmotionnorinrest;Neithertolivenoryettodieisbest.Whatprofithaveyourlaboursbrought?whatgainTheteachersyoupursuedwithsomuchpain?Whatdifferencehavetheseconstanteffortsmade?Besilentnowandseekanothertrade.Strivenottostrive;withdrawandconcentrateOnthatsmallregionyoucancultivate.Theremedyislabour–thisistrue,Butnotthatlabourwhichisknowntoyou–Renouncetheworkyouknow,thetasksyou’vedone,Andlearnwhichtaskstoworkat,whichtoshun.Whatwordscanguideyouwhereyououghttoturn?Itmaybeyouwillhavethewittolearn;Butwhetheryoulamentoridlysing,Actwithdetachmentnowineverything.Detachmentisaflame,alividflash,Thatwillreduceahundredworldstoash;Itsvalleymakescreationdisappear,Andiftheworldhasgone,thenwhereisfear?
Ahoroscopedrawnonsand
AstrologerscanhelpyouunderstandWithfineconfigurationstracedinsand–
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You’veseenonedrawtheheaven’scalendarAndindicateeachfixedandmovingstar,Setoutthezodiacsignbymightysign,Thezenithofthesunanditsdecline–Thecomplexformsthatinfluencetheearth,Thehouseofmournfuldeath,thehouseofbirth,WhichwillenablehimtocalculateYourhappiness,yourgrief,yourfinalfate…Thenbrushthesand–andallthatyouhaveseenHasgone,asthoughthemarkshadneverbeen.Suchisthesolidworldweliveinhere,Asubtlesurfacewhichwilldisappear.Youcannotbearthistruth,thatallmustdie–Seekoutsomecorner;watchtheworldpassby!WhenmenandwomenenterheretheyownNotraceofeitherworld,theyarealone.WhenmountainsweighaslittleasastrawYouhavethestrengthrequired,butnotbefore.
Oncesomeonesaid:“Theveilwasdrawnaside;Isawthesecretworlditsshadowshide–
InblissIheardavoicethatseemedtosay:‘Namewhatyouwishanditisyourstoday.’ButthenIsawthatfrometernityGod’sprophetshaveenduredadversity,That,everywheredisastertakesitscourse,Theyarethefirsttofeelitscrushingforce–AndhowcanIexpectcontentmentwhenSuchmiseriesbesetthebestofmen?Theirgloryandtheirgriefcouldnotbemine!SincepainistheirswhosetforthGod’sdesign,Howcanawretchdesirebeatitude?O,leavemetomyhelplesssolitude!Theprophetsledtheworld,butIamweak–O,letmemournalone,Icannotspeak!”Mywordsmustcomefrommyexperience,Andtillyoushareittheywillmakenosense.
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Youknowthedangersthatthisoceanbrings,Butflounderlikeapartridgewithoutwings–Thewhirlpoolwaits,themonstrouswhale,theshark,Andareyoustilldeterminedtoembark?Imaginationmakesyouwaver–think,Howwillyousaveyourselfifyoushouldsink?
Theflyinthebeehive
Ahungryflyoncesawahiveofbees;Transportedbydeliciousfantasies,Hebuzzed:“Whatnoblefriendwillbemyguide?I’dgiveabarleygraintogetinside–HowmarvellousifIcouldjustcontriveTofindmyselfinthisdelightfulhive.”Apasser-bytookpityonhispain,Liftedhiminandtookthebarleygrain.Butwhenhereachedthehoney-storeatlast,Hefoundhiswingsandhairyjointsstuckfast–Hissticky,strugglinglegsbegantotire,Encumberedbythehoney’sclammymire.Hecried:“WhenfreeIdidn’tknowmyluck;Thishoney’sworsethanpoison.Help!I’mstuck!TogetintothismessIgaveagrain;I’dofferdoubletogetoutagain!”Withinthisvalleynomancanbefree–Yourlifehaspassedinthoughtlessliberty;Butonlyadultscantraversethiswaste:Letchildhoodgo;anewlifemustbefaced!Thevalleywaits;preparenowtodepart;Relinquishyourbeloved,selfishheart–Thatpaganidol,thatdeceptiveguideWhichturnsdetachmentharmlesslyaside.
Asheikhinlove
AdervishsheikhbecameenamouredofAgirlwhosefathertradeddogs.Hislove
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Waslikeasurgingseathathasnoshore–Hesleptamongthedogsoutsidetheirdoor.Hermothersawhimlyingthereandsaid:“Goodsheikh,itseemsmydaughter’sturnedyourhead!Well,ifyouwantheryouwillhavetobeAmanwhomarketsdogs,wholiveslikeme.Takeupthedogtrade;doitforayearAndthenwe’llhavethewedding,neverfear.”Thislove-lornsheikhwasnotamantoshirk–Hetorehisdervishcloakandsettowork,LeadingthedogstomarketeverydayUntilthepromisedyearhadpassedaway.Hesawasufitherewhosaid:“Dearfriend,Whateverledyoutothiswretchedend?Forthirtyyearsyouwereaman–whatfateHasbroughtyoutothisludicrous,sadstate?”Thesheikhreplied:“Idiot,nosermons,please–Ifyoucouldseeintothesemysteries,IfGodshouldshowthesesecrettruthstoyou,You’ddoexactlyasyouseemedo.WhenGodunveilsyourshame,you’llunderstandWhatkindofdog-leashdanglesfromyourhand!”
HowmuchmustIdescribethisjourney’spain?Whoheedsmytalk?HowlongmustIexplain?WhatisthepointofallthesewordsIsay?NotoneofyouhassetoutontheWay,AndtillyousetoutyoucannotperceiveThetruthofallIurgeyoutobelieve–WhosharesthepatientvigilthatIkeep?Whatgood’saleader?–Youareallasleep!
Thepupilwhoaskedforadvice
Therewasapupiloncewhobeggedhissheikh:“Givemesomegoodadvice,forpity’ssake!”Thesheikhcried:“Leaveme–goon,getaway,
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AndifyouitchforwhatI’vegottosay,Firstwashyourface–muskcan’tdriveoutastink;Wordsarenogoodtosomeonesickwithdrink!”
TheValleyofUnity
NextcomestheValleyofpureUnity,placeoflonely,longausterity,AndallwhoenteronthiswastehavefoundTheirvariousnecksbyonetightcollarbound–Ifyouseemanyhereorbutafew,They’reone,howevertheyappeartoyou.Themanyherearemergedinone;oneformInvolvesthemultifarious,thickswarm(Thisistheonenessofdiversity,Notonenesslockedinsingularity);Unitandnumberherehavepassedaway;Forgetfor-everandCreation’sday–Thatdayisgone;eternityisgone;Letthemdepartintooblivion.
Theworldcomparedtoawaxtoy
OncesomeoneaskedadervishtoportrayThenatureofthisworldinwhichwestray.Hesaid:“Thisvariousworldislikeatoy–Acolouredpalm-treegiventoaboy,Butmadeofwax–nowkneaditinyourfist,Andthere’sthewaxofwhichitsshapesconsist;Thelovelyformsandcoloursareundone,Andwhatseemedmanythingsisonlyone.Allthingsareone–thereisn’tanytwo;Itisn’tmewhospeaks;itisn’tyou.”
BouAliandtheoldwoman
AnancientcroneoncewenttoBouAliAndsaid:“Thisgold-leafisagiftfromme.”
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I’vetakengiftsfromnooneexceptGod.”Thewomanlaughed:“Wellsaid,andnomistakeHowmanycanyousee,0reverendsheikh?ThemanwhotreadstheWayseesonealoneAndcountsatempleastheKa’abah’sstone.”Listen!AttendtoallHehastosay,ForHisexistencecannotpassaway;ThepilgrimseesnoformbutHisandknowsThatHesubsistsbeneathallpassingshows–ThepilgrimcomesfromHimwhomhecansee,LivesinHim,withHim,andbeyondallthree.BelostinUnity’sinclusivespan,Oryouarehumanbutnotyetaman.Whoeverlives,thewickedandtheblessed,Containsahiddensunwithinhisbreast–Itslightmustdawnthoughdoggedbylongdelay;Thecloudsthatveilitmustbetornaway–WhoeverreachestohishiddensunSurpassesgoodandbadandknowstheOne.Thisgoodandbadareherewhileyouarehere;
Surpassyourselfandtheywilldisappear.YoucomefromnothingbuthecaughtwithinThecumbersomeentanglementsofsin–Wouldthatyourfirstblankstatewerewithyouyet,Beforeexistencetrappedyouinksnet.Firstfreeyourselffromsin’sadhesiveloam,Thenbedispersedindustandwind-sweptfoam.Howcouldyouguesswhatillswithinyoulurk,Thefoulnessoftheirhaunts,thedrippingmurk,Wheresnakeandscorpionslitherthroughthedeep,Thenundiscoveredlosethemselvesinsleep?Wakethem,encouragethem,andtheywillswellIntoahundredmonstersloosedfromhell.Allmencontainthisevilintheirhearts,Andhellisyourstilleverysnakedeparts–Workfreeofeachinsinuatingcoil;
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Yoursoul’ssalvationwillrewardyourtoil.Ifnot,youarethehiddenscorpion’sprey,Thequicksnake’squarrytillGod’sJudgementDay;AndthosewhowillnotseekthisfreedomcrawlLikewormswhohavenohigherlifeatall…’Attar!Enoughofallthisoratory;Resumeyourtale,you’dgotto‘Unity’.‘Whenoncethepilgrimhasattainedthisstage,
Hewillhavepassedbeyondmerepilgrimage;Hewillbelostanddumb–forGodwillspeak,TheGodwhomallthesewanderingpilgrimsseek–Beyondallnotionsofthepart,theWhole,Ofqualitiesandtheessentialsoul.Allfourofthemwillriseupfromallfour;Ahundredthousandstateswillriseandmore.InthisstrangeschooltheinwardeyedetectsAhundredthousandyearningintellects,Butfailuredogstheanalyticmind,Whichwhimperslikeachildborndeafandblind.ToglimpsethissecretistoturnasideFrombothworlds,fromallegocentricpride–Thepilgrimhasnobeing,yetwillbeApartofBeingforeternity.
Aslave’sfreedom
LoghmanofSarrakhscried:“DearGod,beholdYourfaithfulservant,poor,bewildered,old–Anoldslaveispermittedtogofree;I’vespentmylifeinpatientloyalty,I’mbentwithgrief,myblackhair’sturnedtosnow;Grantmanumission,Lord,andletmego.”Avoicereplied:“WhenyouhavegainedreleaseFrommindandthought,yourslaverywillcease;Youwillbefreewhenthesetwodisappear.”
Hesaid:“Lord,itisYouwhomIrevere;Whatarethemindandallitswaystome?”
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Andleftthemthereandthen–inecstasyHedancedandclappedhishandsandboldlycried:“WhoamInow?TheslaveIwashasdied;What’sfreedom,servitude,andwherearethey?Bothhappinessandgriefhavefledaway;Ineitherownnorlackallqualities;Myblindnesslooksonsecretmysteries–IknownotwhetherYouareI,IYou;IlosemyselfinYou;thereisnotwo.”
Theloverwhosavedhisbelovedfromdrowning
Agirlfellinariver–inaflashHerloverdivedinwithamightysplash,Andfoughtthecurrenttillhereachedherside.Whentheyweresafeagain,thepoorgirlcried:“BychanceItumbledin,butwhyshouldyouComeaftermeandhazardyourlifetoo?”Hesaid:“1divedbecausethedifferenceOf‘I’and‘you’toloversmakesnosense–Alongtimepassedwhenwewereseparate,Butnowthatwehavereachedthissinglestate
WhenyouaremeandIamwhollyyou,Whatuseisittotalkofusastwo?”Alltalkoftwoimpliesplurality–WhentwohasgonetherewillbeUnity.
MahmoudoffersAyazthecommandofhisarmies
OnedayMahmoud’sunconqueredarmiesmadeAsplendidpageantdrawnuponparade;Andonamountain-sidetowatchtheshowOfelephantsandsoldiersspreadbelow,Thekingandhistwofavouritecourtiersstood,Hassan,theslaveAyaz,andShahMahmoud.Theserriedsoldiers,jostlingelephants,Seemedlikeaplagueoflocustsorofants;
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MorearmiesatthatmomentfilledtheplainThanalltheworldhasseenorwillagain,AndMahmoudsaid:“Ayaz,mychild,lookdown–Allthisisyours,dearboy;acceptthecrown.”Thegreatkingspoke–Ayazseemedquiteunmoved,Lostinhisprivatethoughts;HassanreprovedTheyouthandsaid:“Whereareyourmanners,slave?Thinkofthehonourthatourkingjustgave!Andyetyoustandtherelikeanimbecile,
Anddonotevenmurmurthanksorkneel–Howcanyoujustifysuchgrossneglect?Isthisthewayyoushowyourkingrespect?”Ayazwassilenttillthissermon’send,Thensaid:“Twoanswerscometome,myfriend.Firstthen,aslavecouldgrovelonthegroundOrgabblethanksandhavetheheavensresoundWithsomeself-advertising,longaddress–Andclimbabovethekingorsayfarless;ButwhoamItointerposemyvoiceBetweenthekingandhisassertedchoice?Theslaveishis,andregaldignityDemandsthathedecideandact,notme.IfinhispraiseIseebothworldsunite,Itisnomorethansuchamonarch’sright;CanI–unworthytobecalledhisslave–Commentonhowhechoosestobehave?”AndwhenHassanhadheardhimspeakhesaid:
“Ayaz,athousandblessingsonyourhead;
YourwordsconvincemeandInowbelieveThatyoudeservethefavoursyoureceive–Butwhat’sthesecondofyouranswers,pray?”Ayazreplied:“Hassan,IcannotsayWhilstyouarehere–youdonotsharethethrone.Thismysteryisforthekingalone.”
ThekingdismissedHassan.“There’snoonehere,”Hesaid;“nowmakeyourhiddensecretclear.”Ayazreplied:“Whengenerosity
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Persuadesmysovereignlordtoglanceatme,MybeingvanishesinthatbrightlightWhichradiatesfromhisrefulgentsight;Hissplendourshines,andpurifiedIrise,Dispersedtonothingbyhissun-likeeyes.Existencehasdesertedme,sohowCouldIprostratemyselfbeforeyounow?Ifyouseeanyoneoranything,Itisnotmeyousee–itistheking!ThehonoursyoucontinuallyrenewAreoffered,givenandreceivedbyyou;AndfromashadowlostwithinthesunWhatkindofservicecouldyouhopefor?None!ThatshadowcalledAyazmustdisappear–Dowhatyouwish;youknowheisnothere.”
TheValleyofBewilderment
NextcomestheValleyofBewilderment,Aplaceofpainandgnawingdiscontent–
Eachsecondyouwillsigh,andeverybreathWillbeaswordtomakeyoulongfordeath;Blindedbygrief,youwillnotrecognizeThedaysandnightsthatpassbeforeyoureyes.Blooddripsfromeveryhairandwrites“Alas”Besidethehighwaywherethepilgrimspass;Iniceyoufry,infireyoufreeze–theWayIslost,withindecisivestepsyoustray–TheUnityyouknewhasgone;yoursoulIsscatteredandknowsnothingoftheWhole.Ifsomeoneasks:“Whatisyourpresentstate;Isdrunkennessorsobersenseyourfate,Anddoyouflourishnoworfadeaway?”Thepilgrimwillconfess:“Icannotsay;Ihavenocertainknowledgeanymore;Idoubtmydoubt,doubtitselfisunsure;
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Ilove,butwhoisitforwhomIsigh?NotMoslem,yetnotheathen;whoamI?Myheartisempty,yetwithloveisfull;Myownloveistomeincredible.”
Thestoryoftheprincesswholovedaslave
Agreatkinghadadaughterwhosefairface
Waslikethefullmooninitsradiantgrace,SheseemedaJoseph,andherdimpledchinThewellthatlovelyyouthwashiddenin–Herfacewaslikeaparadise;herhairReducedahundredheartstolove’sdespair;HereyebrowsweretwobowsbentbacktoshootThearrowsoflove’spassionatedispute;ThepointedlashesofherhumideyesWerethornsstrewninthepathwayofthewise;ThebeautyofthissundeceivedthetrainOfstarsattendantonthemoon’spalereign;TherubiesofhermouthwerelikeaspellTofascinatetheangelGabriel–Besidehersmile,hersweet,revivingbreath,Thewatersofeternallifeseemeddeath;WhoeversawherchinwaslostandfellLamentingintolove’sunfathomedwell;Andthosesheglancedatsankwithoutasound–Whatropecouldreachthedepthsinwhichtheydrowned?IthappenedthatahandsomeslavewasbroughtTojointheretinuethatservedatcourt,Aslave,butwhataslave!ComparedwithhimThesunandmoonlookedovercastanddim.Hewasuniquelybeautiful–andwhenHeleftthepalace,women,children,menWouldcrowdintothestreetsandmarket-place,Ahundredthousandwildtoseehisface.
Onedaytheprincess,bysomefatefulchance,Caughtsightofthissurpassingelegante”,
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Andassheglimpsedhisfaceshefeltherheart,Herintellect,herself-controldepart–Nowreasonfledandloveusurpeditsreign;Hersweetsoultrembledinlove’sbitterpain.Fordaysshemeditated,struggled,strove,ButbowedatlastbeforetheforceofloveAndgaveherselftolonging,tothefireOfpassionate,insatiabledesire.
AttendantonthedaughterofthekingWeretenmusicians,slavegirlswhocouldsingLikenightingales–whosecaptivatingcharmsWouldrivalDavid’swhenhesangthepsalms.TheprincesssetasidehernoblenameAndwhisperedtothesegirlshersecretshame(WhenlovehasfirstappearedwhocanexpectThefrenziedlovertobecircumspect?),Thensaid:“IfIamhonestwiththisslaveAndtellmylove,whoknowshowhe’llbehave?Myhonour’slostifheshouldoncediscoverHisprincesswishesthatshewerehislover!
ButifIcan’tmakemyaffectionplainI’lldie,I’llwasteawayinsecretpain;I’vereadahundredbooksonchastityAndstillIburn–whatgoodaretheytome?No,Imusthavehim;thisseductiveyouthMustsleepwithmeandneverknowthetruth–IfIcansecretlyachievemygoalLove’sblisswillsatisfymythirstingsoul.”Hergirlssaid:“Don’tdespair;tonightwe’llbringYourloverhereandhewon’tknowathing.”Oneofthemwenttohim–shesimpered,smiled,AndO!howeasilyhewasbeguiled;Hetookthedruggedwineshe’dprepared–hedrank,Thenswooned–unconsciousinherarmshesank,Andinthatinstantallherworkwasdone;Hesleptuntilthesettingofthesun.
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Nightcameandallwasquietasthegrave;Now,stealthily,themaidensbroughtthisslave,Wrappedinablanket,totheirmistress’bedAndlaidhimdownwithjewelsabouthishead.Midnight:heopenedhisdazed,lovelyeyesAndstaredabouthimwithamutesurprise–Thebedwasmassygold;thechamberseemedAnearthlyparadisethathehaddreamed;
TwocandlesmadeofambergrisburntthereAndwiththeirfaintingfragrancefilledtheair;TheslavegirlsmadesuchmusicthathissoulSeemedbeckonedonwardtosomedistantgoal;Winepassedfromhandtohand;thecandles’lightFlaredlikeasuntodriveawaythenight.ButallthejoysofthiscelestialplaceCouldnotcomparewithherbewitchingface,Atwhichhestaredasifstrucksenseless,dumb,Lostbothtothisworldandtheworldtocome–Hisheartacknowledgedlove’ssupremacy;Hissoulsubmittedtolove’secstasy;Hiseyeswerefixedonhers,whiletohisearsThegirls’songseemedthemusicofthespheres;Hesmelttheburningcandles’ambergris;Hismouthburntwiththewine,thenwithherkiss;Hecouldnotlookaway,hecouldnotspeak,Buttearsofeloquencecourseddownhischeek–Andshetoowept,sothateachkisswasgracedWithsaltysweetnessmingledinonetaste,OrhewouldpushasideherstubbornhairAndonherlovelyeyesinwonderstare.Thus,ineachother’sarms,theypassedthenightUntil,wornoutbysensualdelight,Bypassion,bythevigiltheyhadkept,Asdawn’scoolbreezeawoke,theyoungmanslept.
Then,asheslept,theycarriedhimoncemoreAndlaidhimgentlyonhisownhardfloor.
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Hewoke,heslowlyknewhimselfagain–Astonishment,regret,grief’sachingpainSweptoverhim(thoughwhatcouldgriefachieve?Thescenehadfledanditwasvaintogrieve).Hebaredhisbody,rippedhistatteredshirt,Toreouthishair,besmearedhisheadwithdirt–Andwhenhisfriendsaskedwhatassailedhisheart,Hecried:“HowcanIsay?WherecouldIstart?Nodreamer,no,noseercouldeverseeWhatIsawinthatdrunkenecstasy;NooneinalltheworldhaseverknownTheblissvouchsafedtome,tomealone–IcannottellyouwhatIsaw;IsawAstrangersightthananyseenbefore.”Theysaid:“Trytorememberwhatyou’vedone,Andofahundredjoysdescribejustone.”Heanswered:“Wasitmewhosawthatface?Ordidsomeotherstandthereinmyplace?Ineithersawnorheardathing,andyetIsawandheardwhatnomancouldforget.”Afoolsuggested:“It’ssomedreamyouhad;
Somesleepyfantasyhassentyoumad.”Heasked:“Wasitadream,orwasittrue?WasIdrunkorsober?IwishIknew–Theworldhasneverknownastatelikethis,Thisparadoxbeyondanalysis,WhichhauntsmysoulwithwhatIcannotfind,Whichmakesmespeechlessspeakandseeingblind.Isawperfection’simage,beauty’squeen,Avisionthatnomanhaseverseen(Whatisthesunbeforethatface?–GodknowsItisamote,aspeckthatcomesandgoes!).ButdidIseeher?WhatmorecanIsay?Betweenthis‘yes’and‘no’I’velostmyway!”
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Thegrievingmotherandthesufi
Besideherdaughter’sgraveamothergrieved.Asufisaid:“ThiswomanhasperceivedThenatureofherloss;herheartknowswhyShecomestomourn,forwhom-shehastocry–Shegrieves,butknowledgemakesherfortunate:Considernowthesufi’swretchedstate!Whatdaily,nightlyvigilsImustkeepAndneverknowforwhomitisIweep;Imourninlonelydarkness,unaware
Whoseabsenceisthecauseofmydespair.Sincesheknowswhathascausedheragony,Sheisathousandtimesmoreblestthanme–Ihavenonotionofwhatmakesmeweep,WhatpromptsthepainfulvigilsImustkeep.Myheartislost,andhereIcannotfindThatropebywhichmenlive,therationalmind–Thekeytothoughtislost;toreachthisfarMeanstodespairofwhoandwhatyouare.Andyetitistoseewithinthesoul–Andatastroke–themeaningoftheWhole.”
Themanwhohadlosthiskey
Asufiheardacry:“I’velostmykey;Ifit’sbeenfound,pleasegiveitbacktome–Mydoor’slockedfast;IwishtoGodIknewHowIcouldgetbackin.WhatcanIdo?”Thesufisaid:“Andwhyshouldyoucomplain?Youknowwherethisdooris;ifyouremainOutsideit–evenifitisshutfast–Someonenodoubtwillopenitatlast.Youmakethisfussfornothing;howmuchmoreShouldIcomplain,who’velostbothkeyanddoor!”Butifthissufipresseson,he’llfindTheclosedoropendoorwhichhauntshismind.
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Mencannotunderstandthesuns’state,ThatdeepBewildermentwhichistheirfate.Tothosewhoask:“WhatcanIdo?”reply:“Bidallthatyouhavedonetillnowgoodbye!”OnceintheValleyofBewildermentThepilgrimsuffersendlessdiscontent,Crying:“HowlongmustIenduredelay,Uncertainty?WhenshallIseetheWay?WhenshallIknow?O,when?”ButknowledgehereIsturnedagaintoindecisivefear;ComplaintsbecomeagratefuleulogyAndblasphemyisfaith,faithblasphemy.
TheoldageofSheikhNasrabad
SheikhNasrabadmadeMecca’spilgrimageTwicetwentytimes,yetthiscouldnotassuageHisyearningheart.Thiswhite-hairedsheikhbecameApilgrimofthepagans’sacredflame,AnakedbeggarinwhosehearttheirfireWasmirroredbytheblazeofhisdesire.Apasser-bysaid:“Shameonyou,Osheikh,Shameonthesewretchedorisonsyoumake;HaveyouperformedtheMoslems’pilgrimageTobeaninfidelinyouroldage?
Thisismerechildishness;suchblasphemyCanonlybringthesufisinfamy.Whatsheikhhasfollowedthispervertedway?Whatisthispaganfiretowhichyoupray?”Thesheikhsaid:“Ihavesufferedfromthisflame,Whichburntmyclothes,myhouse,mynoblename,Theharvestofmylife,allthatIknew,Mylearning,wisdom,reputationtoo–Andwhatislefttome?–Bewilderment,Theknowledgeofmyburningdiscontent;AllthoughtsofreputationsoondepartWhensuchfierceconflagrationsfiretheheart.
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InmydespairIturnwithequalhateBothfromtheKa’abahandthistemple’sgate–IfthisBewildermentshouldcometoyouThenyouwillgrieve,asIamforcedtodo.”
Anoviceseeshisdeadmaster
AnoviceinwhoseheartthefaithshonebrightMetwithhisteacherinadreamonenightAndsaid:“Itrembleinbewilderedfear;Howisit,master,thatIseeyouhere?Myheartbecameacandlewhenyouwent,
Aflamethatflickerswithastonishment;IseekTruth’ssecretslikeasearchingslave–Explaintomeyourstatebeyondthegrave!”Histeachersaid:“Icannotunderstand–Amazed,Ignawtheknucklesofmyhand.Yousaythatyou’rebewildered–inthispitBewildermentseemsendless,infinite!AhundredmountainswouldbelesstomeThanonebriefspeckofsuchuncertaintyI”
TheValleyofPovertyandNothingness
Nextcomesthatvalleywordscannotexpress,TheValeofPovertyandNothingness:Hereyouarelameanddeaf,themindhasgone;Youenteranobscureoblivion.WhensunlightpenetratestheatmosphereAhundredthousandshadowsdisappear,AndwhentheseaariseswhatcansaveThepatternsonthesurfaceofeachwave?Thetwoworldsarethosepatterns,andinvainMentellthemselveswhatpasseswillremain.WhoeversinkswithinthisseaisblestAndinself-lossobtainseternalrest;Theheartthatwouldbelostinthiswidesea
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Dispersesinprofoundtranquillity,AndifitshouldemergeagainitknowsThesecretwaysinwhichtheworldarose.ThepilgrimwhohasgrownwiseintheQuest,Thesufiwhohasweatheredeverytest,Arelostwhentheyapproachthispainfulplace,Andothermenleavenotasingletrace;Becausealldisappear,youmightbelieveThatallareequal(justasyouperceiveThattwigsandincenseofferedtoaflameBothturntopowderedashandlookthesame).Butthoughtheyseemtoshareacommonstate,Theirinwardessencesareseparate,AndevilsoulssunkinthismightyseaRetainunchangedtheirbaseidentity;ButifapuresoulsinksthewavessurroundHisfadingform,inbeautyheisdrowned–Heisnot,yetheis;whatcouldthismean?Itisastatethemindhasneverseen.
Onenightthatseaofsecrets,thatlovedseerOfTous,saidtoapupilstandingnear:“Whenyouarewornoutbylove’sfiercedespairAndinyourweaknesstremblelikeahair,
YouwillbecomethathairandtakeyourplaceIncurlsthatdusterroundthelovedone’sface–WhoeverwastesawayforloveismadeAhairconcealedwithinthosetresses’shade–Butifyouwillnotwasteaway,yoursoulHasmadethesevengatesofhellitsgoal.”
Afrenziedloverwept;apasser-byInquiredthecause,andthiswashisreply:“TheysaythatwhenatlasttheLordappears,Hewillreceive,forfortythousandyears,Themenwhoaredeservinginthisplace;Thenfromthatsummitofcelestialgrace
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TheywillreturnandknowthemselvesoncemoreBereftoflight,thepoorestofthepoor.Iwillbeshownmyself–IweeptothinkThatfromsuchheightstosuchdepthsImustsink;Ihavenoneedofmyidentity–Ilongfordeath;whatuseis‘T’tome?IlivewithevilwhilemySelfishere;WithGodbothSelfandevildisappear.WhenIescapetheSelfIwillariseAndbeasGod;theyearningpilgrimflies
FromthisdarkprovinceofmortalityToNothingnessandtoEternity.Andthough,myheart,youbidtheworldfarewellTocrossthebridgethatarchesoverhell,Donotdespair–thinkoftheoil-lamp’sglowThatsendsupsmokeasblackasanycrow;ItsoilischangedandwhatwastherebeforeTheshiningflameflaredupexistsnomore.Soyou,myquakingheart,whenyouendureThesethreateningflames,willriseuprareandpure.”
FirstputasidetheSelf,andthenprepare
TomountBoraq*andjourneythroughtheair;DrinkdownthecupofNothingness;putonThecloakthatsignifiesoblivion–Yourstirrupisthevoid;absencemustbeThehorsethatbearsyouintovacancy.DestroythebodyandadornyoursightWithkohlofinsubstantial,darkestnight.Firstloseyourself,thenlosethislossandthenWithdrawfromallthatyouhavelostagain–Gopeacefully,andstagebystageprogressUntilyougaintherealmsofNothingness;Butifyouclingtoanyworldlytrace,Nonewswillreachyoufromthatpromisedplace.
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Themothsandtheflame
MothsgatheredinaflutteringthrongonenightTolearnthetruthaboutthecandle’slight,AndtheydecidedoneofthemshouldgoTogathernewsoftheelusiveglow.OneflewtillinthedistancehediscernedApalacewindowwhereacandleburned–Andwentnonearer;backagainheflewTotelltheotherswhathethoughtheknew.Thementorofthemothsdismissedhisclaim,Remarking:“Heknowsnothingoftheflame.”AmothmoreeagerthantheonebeforeSetoutandpassedbeyondthepalacedoor.Hehoveredintheauraofthefire,Atremblingbluroftimorousdesire,Thenheadedbacktosayhowfarhe’dbeen,Andhowmuchhehadundergoneandseen.Thementorsaid:“YoudonotbearthesignsOfonewho’sfathomedhowthecandleshines.”Anothermothflewout–hisdizzyflightTurnedtoanardentwooingofthelight;Hedippedandsoared,andinhisfrenziedtranceBothSelfandfireweremingledbyhisdance–Theflameengulfedhiswing-tips,body,head;
Hisbeingglowedafiercetranslucentred;Andwhenthementorsawthatsuddenblaze,Themoth’sformlostwithintheglowingrays,Hesaid:“Heknows,heknowsthetruthweseek,Thathiddentruthofwhichwecannotspeak.”TogobeyondallknowledgeistofindThatcomprehensionwhicheludesthemind,Andyoucannevergainthelonged-forgoalUntilyoufirstoutsoarbothfleshandsoul;Butshouldonepartremain,asinglehairWilldragyoubackandplungeyouindespair–Nocreature’sSelfcanbeadmittedhere,Whereallidentitymustdisappear.
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Thesufiwhothoughthehadlefttheworld
Asufionce,withnothingonhismind,Was–withoutwarning–struckatfrombehind.Heturnedandmurmured,chokingbackthetears:“Themanyouhit’sbeendeadforthirtyyears;He’sleftthisworld!”Themanwho’dstruckhimsaid:“Youtalkalotforsomeonewhoisdead!Buttalk’snotaction–whileyouboast,youstrayFurtherandfurtherfromthesecretWay,Andwhileahairofyouremains,yourheart
AndTrutharestillahundredworldsapart.”Burnallyouhave,allthatyouthoughtandknew(Evenyourshroudmustgo;letthatburntoo),Thenleapintotheflames,andasyouburnYourpridewillfalter,you’llbegintolearn.ButkeeponeneedlebackandyouwillmeetAhundredthieveswhoforceyoutoretreat(Thinkofthattinyneedlewhichbecame
ThenegligiblecauseofJesus’shame*).Asyouapproachthisstage’sfinalveil,Kingdomsandwealth,substanceandwaterfail;Withdrawintoyourself,andonebyoneGiveupthethingsyouown–whenthisisdone,BestillinselflessnessandpassbeyondAllthoughtsofgoodandevil;breakthisbond,AndasitshattersyouareworthyofOblivion,theNothingnessoflove.
Thedervishwholovedaprince
AgreatkinghadasonwhoseslendergraceRecalledthecomelyJoseph’sformandface–Hehadnorival;nonecouldemulate
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Thisprince’sdignifiedandsplendidstate.
Lordswerehisslaves;beautybowedindefeat;Theloveliestweredustbeneathhisfeet,Andifhewalkedthedesert’swastesatnightItseemedasecondsundiffuseditslight.Thatheeclipsedthemoon’smagnificenceIsscantpraiseforhislovelycountenance;ThedarknessofhiscurlswaslikeawellInwhichahundredthousandloversfell;Thebeautyofthathairwaslikeafire–Aflamethattantalizedtheworld’sdesire(ButfiftyyearsandmorecouldnotsufficeTopaintthetumblingcurlsofparadise).AglancefromthosenarcissuseyeswaslikeThesearingfirewhenboltsoflightningstrike.HislaughwashoneyandhissmilecouldbringAhundredthousandblossomsnewsofspring–ButofhiswondrousmouthIcannotspeak:Thereself-hoodvanishes;Iamtooweak.WhenheappeareditseemedthateveryhairReducedahundredheartstolove’sdespair–Hewasfarlovelierthanwordsconvey;Theworldadoredhim,whatmorecanIsay?Whenherodeouttowardthemarket-place,Anakedswordwasheldbeforehisface;Anotherfollowedhim;andthosewhotriedTostandandstarewerequicklypushedaside.
Therewasadervish,apoorsimpleton,Whofellinlovewiththisgreatmonarch’sson–Tooweaktochatter,hewouldsitandsigh,Beyondallhelpandhope,preparedtodie.Hesatoutsidethepalacenightandday,Butclosedhiseyestoallwhopassedthatway;Hehadnofriend,nocomradewhocouldshareLove’spain,orsympathizewithhisdespair.Hisheartwasbroken;tearsofsilverrolled
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Downsunkencheeksthatlookedlikesallowgold;Andwhatkepthimalive?Attimeshe’dseeTheprinceridebyindistantmajesty.ThencrowdsofpeopleranfromnearandfarTogatherinthenoisy,packedbazaar–Theypushedandshoved;shoutsfilledtheatmosphere,You’dthinkthatresurrectiondaywashere–Distractedheraldstriedtocleartheway,Ragingatstragglerswhowouldnotobey–Theushersyelled,thencalledthearmyin,Toclearamileorsoandquellthedin.Andwhenourdervishheardtheheralds’sound,Hefaintedandlaystretchedoutontheground;Itseemedhelefthimself,andecstasy
Wasstrangelymingledwithhismisery(Thoughnoonenoticedhim,thereshouldhavebeenAhundredthousandmournersatthescene).Hisbodywouldturnblue,ortohiseyesGreatgoutsofbloodinsteadoftearswouldrise;Histearswouldfreezewithgrief,andthendesireWouldmakethemscaldhisfacelikeliquidfire.Buthowcouldsuchawretch(whobeggedforbread,Askinnywraithhalflivingandhalfdead,Amanwithhalfashadow,whichthesunAppeareddeterminedtoreducetonone)ExpecttobebefriendedbyaprinceWhoselikehasnotbeenseenbeforeorsince?
Ithappenedthatonedaytheprincerodeout.Thebeggarsentupanecstaticshout:“Love’sconflagrationfillsmyheartandhead;Allpatience,reason,strengthhaveturnedandfled!”Heravedandranted,andateverygroanDashedhisbewilderedheadagainstastone,UntilunconsciousnesshadquenchedhissighsAndthickbloodspurtedfromhisearsandeyes.Aheraldoftheprincesaweverything,
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Andhurriedtodenouncehimtotheking.“Mylord,”hepanted,“somethingmustbedone;Afilthylibertineadoresyourson!”Themonarchfelthishonourwasatstake,Andforhisinjuredreputation’ssakeCried:“Chainhisfeetanddraghimthroughthetown,Thenfromthegibbethanghimupside-down.”TheroyalguardssetoffatonceandmadeAringaroundthehaplessrenegade–Theydraggedhimtothepublicgibbet,whereAhuge,blood-thirstymobhadfilledthesquare,Andnooneknewhispain,orthoughttopleadOnhisbehalf,ortriedtointercede.Acourtierbroughthimtothegallowstree,Wherehescreamedoutinmortalagony:“GrantmethetimetoworshipGodbeforeThegallowsclaimsme;letmeprayoncemore.”TheangrycourtiersignalledhisassentAndgavehimtimetomakehistestament.Buthalfwaythroughhisprayershegroaned:“O,whyShouldkingsdecreethatguiltlessmenmustdie?BeforeI’mmurderedinthiswretchedplace,Lord,letmeseethatboy’sseductiveface,AndwhenhestandshereIwillgladlygiveMysoulforhimandhavenowishtolive.I’dgiveahundredthousandlivestoseeThatprincelypatternofnobility;
OGod,thisisyourservant’slastrequest–Ilove,andthosewhodieforlovedieblest,AndthoughforhimIbidtheworldfarewell,Lovecannotmakelove’sslaveaninfidel.Howmanycountlessprayersyougrant,dearLord–Grantmine;grantmylife’svigilitsreward!”
Thisarrowreacheditsmark;thecourtierfeltHisadamantineheartbegintomelt–Hehurriedtothekingandtheremadeplain
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Thesecretcausesofthissufi’spain,Weeping,hetoldhowhalfwaythroughhisprayerThesufihadsuccumbedtolove’sdespair.Themonarch’sangerpassed,andclemencyMadehimrevokehisformerharshdecree.Heturnedthentohissonandgentlysaid:“DonotdistressthiswretchwhohangshalfdeadBeneaththegibbet’sarm–gotohimnow,Andspeaktohimasonlyyouknowhow.Hisheartisinyourhands;useallyourartTocomforthimandgivehimbackhisheart.Youwerethepoisoneddraughtthatsearedhisthroat;Drinkwithhimnow,bepoison’santidote!
Lethappinessreplacehismisery;Renewhislife,thenbringhimheretome.”O,clapyourhands,dance,stampyournimblefeet,Rejoice,prosperityisnowcomplete!Thisprincesoughtoutabeggar;thisbrightsunSoughtouttheunregardedsimpleton;ThisoceanofrichtreasuresdidnotstopUntilhehadunitedwithadrop!TheprincespedlikeanangelthroughthetownAndsawthebeggarhangingupside-down–Thebodyshuddered,swayedandfoughtforbreath,Clinginghalfconsciousattheedgeofdeath.BeneaththegallowstreehistearsandbloodHadcloggedtheswirlingdusttoviscidmud,Andseeinghimtheprince’snobleeyesFloodedwithtearsthathecouldnotdisguise.Hewishedtohidethemfromhisarmy’ssight,Buttearsinprincesareasignofmight.TheyflowedlikerainandinthatmomentheIncreasedahundredtimeshissovereignty.Endureinlove,besteadfastandsincere–Atlasttheoneyoulongforwillappear;Actasthisbeggardid,lamentandsighUntilthegloriousprincegiveshisreply.
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HesawtheprinceapproachfromfarawayButcouldnotcatchthewordshetriedtosay;Hetwisted,struggled,raisedhisfaceandthereTheprince’sweepingeyesreturnedhisstare.Hetrembled,weakaswaterwithdesire;Heshuddered,burntbylove’sconsumingfire,Andwithhislastlaborious,hoarsebreathGasped:“Prince,youseemeatthepointofdeath–Yourwordscankillmenow;youdidnotneedGuardsandagibbettoperformthisdeed.”ThenasadyingcandleflareshecriedThelastexultantlaughofdeathanddied;MadeonewithhisbelovedhebecameTheNothingnessofanextinguishedflame.Truepilgrimsfathom,evenastheyfight,Thepassionofannihilation’snight–Yourbeinghereismixedwithnothingness,Andnojoycomestoyouwithoutdistress;Ifyoucannotendure,howwillyoufindThepromisedpeacethathauntsyourtroubledmind?Youleaptlikelightningonce,yetnowyoustandLikemarshywatercloggedwithdesertsand–Renewyourcourage,putasideyourfearAndinlove’sfireletreasondisappear.Tobeunsure,topineforliberty,Istoresistourjourney’salchemy.Howlongwillcautionmakeyouhesitate?
Flybeyondthoughtbeforeitistoolate!Toreachthatplacewheretruedelightiswon,AcceptthedervishpathasIhavedone–Ispeakof“I”;intruththereisno“I”Wherelogicfaltersandthemindmustdie.Ilosemyselfwithinmyself;IseekForstrengthinbeingpoor,despisedandweak.Whenpoverty’sbrightsunshinesoverme,Awindowopensonreality;4120–35IseebothworldsandinthatlightIseemLikewaterlostinwater’smovingstream.AllthatIeverlostoreverfoundIsinthedepthsofthatblackdelugedrowned.Itooamlost;Ileavenotrace,nomark;Iamashadowcastuponthedark,Adropsunkinthesea,anditisvainTosearchtheseaforthatonedropagain.ThisNothingnessisnotforeveryone,YetmanyseekitoutasIhavedone;AndwhowouldreachthisfarandnotaspireToNothingness,thepilgrim’slastdesire?
Nouriwasquestionedbyonepureinsoul:“Howfarisituntilwereachourgoal?”Andsaid:“Wepassthroughfireandsplendourfirst;
Thensevenoceanshavetobetraversed.
Afish*(nowlistencarefullytome,AndIwillshowyouhowtocrossthissea)Willdrawyoubyitsbreath–amightywhale,Vastbutinvisiblefromheadtotail,WhodeepinsolitudedelightstoswimAndbyhisbreathingdrawstheworldtohim”.’
Thejourney
Thehoopoepaused,andwhenthegrouphadheardHisdiscourse,tremblingfearfilledeverybird.TheysawthebowofthisgreatenterpriseCouldnotbedrawnbyweakness,slothorlies,AndsomeweresocastdownthatthenandthereTheyturnedasideandperishedindespair.Withfearandapprehensionineachheart,
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Theremnantroseupreadytodepart.Theytravelledonforyears;alifetimepassedBeforethelonged-forgoalwasreachedatlast.WhathappenedastheyflewIcannotsay,ButifyoujourneyonthatnarrowWay,Thenyouwillactastheyoncedidandknow
Themiseriestheyhadtoundergo.Ofallthearmythatsetout,howfewSurvivedtheWay;ofthatgreatretinueAhandfulliveduntilthevoyagewasdone–Ofeverythousandthereremainedbutone.Ofmanywhosetoutnotracewasfound.Somedeepwithintheocean’sdepthsweredrowned;Somediedonmountain-tops;somediedofheat;Someflewtoonearthesunintheirconceit,Theirheartsonfirewithlove–toolatetheylearnedTheirfollywhentheirwingsandfeathersburned;Somemettheirdeathbetweenthelion’sclaws,Andsomewererippedtodeathbymonsters’jaws;Somediedofthirst;somehungersentinsane,Tillsuicidereleasedthemfromtheirpain;Somebecameweakandcouldnolongerfly(Theyfaltered,fainted,andwerelefttodie);SomepausedbewilderedandthenturnedasideTogazeatmarvelsasifstupefied;Somelookedforpleasure’spathandsoonconfessedTheysawnopurposeinthepilgrims’quest;Notoneineverythousandsoulsarrived–Ineveryhundredthousandonesurvived.
Thebirdsarriveandaregreetedbyaherald
Aworldofbirdssetout,andthereremained
Butthirtywhenthepromisedgoalwasgained,Thirtyexhausted,wretched,brokenthings,Withhopelessheartsandtattered,trailingwings,
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WhosawthatnamelessGlorywhichthemindAcknowledgesasever-undefined,WhosesolitaryflameeachmomentturnsAhundredworldstonothingnessandburnsWithpowerahundredthousandtimesmorebrightThansunandstarsandeverynaturallight.Theawe-struckgroup,bewilderedandamazed,Likeinsubstantial,tremblingatoms,gazedAndchirmed:‘Howcanweliveorprosperhere,Whereifthesuncameitwoulddisappear?Ourheartsweretornfromallweloved;weboreTheperilsofapathunknownbefore;Andallforthis?ItwasnotthisrewardThatweexpectedfromourlonged-forLord.’Itseemedtheirthroatswerecut,asiftheybledAndweaklywhimpereduntilleftfordead,WaitingforsplendourtoannihilateTheirinsubstantial,transitorystate.Timepassed;thenfromthehighestcourtthereflewAheraldofthestarryretinue,Whosawthethirtybirds,trembling,afraid,
Theirbodiesbrokenandtheirfeathersfrayed,Andsaid:‘Whatcityareyoufrom?Whatrace?Whatbusinessbringsyoutothisdistantplace?Whatareyournames?Youseemdestroyedbyfear;Whatmadeyouleaveyourhomesandtravelhere?Whatwereyouintheworld?Whatuseareyou?Whatcansuchweakandclumsycreaturesdo?’Thegroupreplied:‘Weflewhereforonething,ToclaimtheSimorghasourrightfulking;WecomeassuppliantsandwehavesoughtThroughgrievouspathsthethresholdofHiscourt–HowlongtheWaywastocompleteourvow;Ofthousandsweareonlythirtynow!Wasthathopefalsewhichledustothisplace,Orshallwenowbeholdoursovereign’sface?’
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Theheraldtellsthebirdstoturnback
Theheraldsaid:‘ThiskingforwhomyougrieveGovernsingloryyoucannotconceive–AhundredthousandarmiesaretoHimAnantthatclambersupHisthreshold’srim,Andwhatareyou?Griefisyourfate–goback;Retraceyourstepsalongthepilgrims’track!’Andwhentheyheardtheherald’sfearsomewords,
Adeathlyhopelessnessassailedthebirds;Buttheyreplied:‘OurkingwillnotrepayWithsorrowallthehazardsoftheWay;Griefcannotcometousfrommajesty;Griefcannotlivebesidesuchdignity.ThinkofMajnoun,whosaid:“IfalltheearthShouldeverypassingmomentpraisemyworth,IwouldpreferabusefromLeili’sheartToallcreation’seulogizingart–Theworld’spraisecannotequalLeili’sblame;BothworldsarelesstomethanLeili’sname,”Wetoldyouourdesire–ifgriefmustcome,Thenwearereadyandshallnotsuccumb.’
Theheraldsaid:‘TheblazeofMajestyReducessoulstounreality,Andifyoursoulsareburnt,thenallthepainThatyouhavesufferedwillhavebeeninvain.’Theyansweredhim:‘HowcanamothfleefireWhenfirecontainsitsultimatedesire?AndifwedonotjoinHim,yetwe’llburn,Anditisthisforwhichourspiritsyearn–Itisnotunionforwhichwehope;Weknowthatgoalremainsbeyondourscope.’
Thebirdsnarratedthenthemoth’sbrieftale:‘Theytoldthemoth:“Youaretooslight,toofrailTobearthevividcandle-flameyouseek–
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Thisgameisforthenoble,nottheweak;Whydiefromignorance?”Themothreplied:“WithinthatfireIcannothopetohide–IknowIcouldnotpenetratetheflame;Simplytoreachitismyhumbleaim”.’
Thoughgriefengulfedtheraggedgroup,lovemadeThebirdsimpetuousandunafraid;Theherald’sself-possessionwasunmoved,Buttheirresiliencewasnotreproved–Now,gently,heunlockedtheguardeddoor;Ahundredveilsdrewback,andtherebeforeThebirds’incredulous,bewilderedsightShonetheunveiled,theinmostLightofLight.Heledthemtoanoblethrone,aplaceOfintimacy,dignityandgrace,ThengavethemallawrittenpageandsaidThatwhenitscontentshadbeendulyreadThemeaningthattheirjourneyhadconcealed,Andofthestagethey’dreached,wouldberevealed.
Joseph’sbrothersreadoftheirtreachery
WhenMalekDarboughtJosephasaslave,Thepriceagreed(andwhichhegladlygave)Seemedfartoolow–tobequitesurehemadeThebrotherssignanoteforwhathe’dpaid;AndwhenthewickedpurchasewascompleteHeleftwithJosephandthesealedreceipt.AtlastwhenJosephruledinEgypt’scourtHisbrotherscainetobegandlittlethoughtTowhomitwaseachbowedhishumbledheadAndasasuppliantappealedforbread.ThenJosephheldascrollupinhishandAndsaid:‘NocourtierherecanunderstandTheseHebrewcharacters–ifyoucanreadThisnoteI’llgiveyouallthebreadyouneed.’
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ThebrotherscouldreadHebreweasilyAndcried:‘Giveusthenote,yourmajesty!’(IfanyofmyreaderscannotfindHimselfinthisaccount,thefoolisblind.)WhenJosephgavethemthatshortdocumentTheylooked–andtrembledwithastonishment.TheydidnotreadalinebutindismayDebatedinwardlywhattheyshouldsay.
Theirpastsinssilencedthem;theyweretooweakToofferanexcuseorevenspeak.ThenJosephsaid:‘Whydon’tyouread?YouseemDistracted,hauntedbysomedreadfuldream.’Andtheyreplied:‘BettertoholdourbreathThanreadandinsodoingmeritdeath.’
ThebirdsdiscovertheSimorgh
ThethirtybirdsreadthroughthefatefulpageAndtherediscovered,stagebydetailedstage,Theirlives,theiractions,setoutonebyone–Allthattheirsoulshadeverbeenordone:Andthiswasbadenough,butastheyreadTheyunderstoodthatitwastheywho’dledThelovelyJosephintoslavery–WhohaddeprivedhimofhislibertyDeepinawell,thenignorantlysoldTheircaptivetoapassingchiefforgold.(CanyounotseethatateachbreathyousellTheJosephyouimprisonedinthatwell,ThathewillbethekingtowhomyoumustNakedandhungrybowdowninthedust?)ThechastenedspiritsofthesebirdsbecameLikecrumbledpowder,andtheyshrankwithshame.Then,asbyshametheirspiritswererefinedOfalltheworld’sweight,theybegantofind
AnewlifeflowtowardsthemfromthatbrightCelestialandever-livingLight–
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Theirsoulsrosefreeofallthey’dbeenbefore;Thepastandallitsactionswerenomore.Theirlifecamefromthatclose,insistentsunAndinitsvividraystheyshoneasone.
ThereintheSimorgh’s*radiantfacetheysawThemselves,theSimorghoftheworld–withaweTheygazed,anddaredatlasttocomprehendTheyweretheSimorghandthejourney’send.TheyseetheSimorgh–atthemselvestheystare,AndseeasecondSimorghstandingthere;Theylookatbothandseethetwoareone,Thatthisisthat,thatthis,thegoaliswon.Theyask(butinwardly;theymakenosound)ThemeaningofthesemysteriesthatconfoundTheirpuzzledignorance–howisittrueThat‘we’isnotdistinguishedherefrom‘you’?AndsilentlytheirshiningLordreplies:‘Iamamirrorsetbeforeyoureyes,AndallwhocomebeforemysplendourseeThemselves,theirownuniquereality;YoucameasthirtybirdsandthereforesawTheseselfsamethirtybirds,notlessnormore;
Ifyouhadcomeasforty,fifty–hereAnansweringforty,fifty,wouldappear;Thoughyouhavestruggled,wandered,travelledfar,Itisyourselvesyouseeandwhatyouare.’(WhoseestheLord?Itishimselfeachsees;Whatant’ssightcoulddiscernthePleiades?Whatanvilcouldbeliftedbyanant?Orcouldaflysubdueanelephant?)‘Howmuchyouthoughtyouknewandsaw;butyouNowknowthatallyoutrustedwasuntrue.ThoughyoutraversedtheValleys’depthsandfought
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Withallthedangersthatthejourneybrought,ThejourneywasinMe,thedeedswereMine–YousleptsecureinBeing’sinmostshrine.Andsinceyoucameasthirtybirds,youseeThesethirtybirdswhenyoudiscoverMe,TheSimorgh,Truth’slastflawlessjewel,thelightInwhichyouwillbelosttomortalsight,DispersedtonothingnessuntiloncemoreYoufindinMetheselvesyouwerebefore.’Then,astheylistenedtotheSimorgh’swords,Atremblingdissolutionfilledthebirds–Thesubstanceoftheirbeingwasundone,Andtheywerelostlikeshadebeforethesun;
Neitherthepilgrimsnortheirguideremained.TheSimorghceasedtospeak,andsilencereigned.
TheashesofHallaj
Hallaj’scorpsewasburntandwhentheflameSubsided,tothepyreasuficameWhostirredtheasheswithhisstaffandsaid:
‘Wherehasthatcry“lamtheTruthhl*nowfled?Allthatyoucried,allthatyousawandknew,Wasbutthepreludetowhatnowistrue.Theessencelives;risenowandhavenofear,Riseupfromruin,riseanddisappear–AllshadowsaremadenothingintheoneUnchanginglightofTruth’seternalsun,’
Ahundredthousandcenturieswentby,Andthenthosebirds,whowerecontenttodie,Tovanishinannihilation,sawTheirSelveshadbeenrestoredtothemoncemore,ThatafterNothingnesstheyhadattained
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EternalLife,andself-hoodwasregained.ThisNothingness,thisLife,arestatesnotongue
Atanytimehasadequatelysung–ThosewhocanspeakstillwanderfarawayFromthatdarktruththeystruggle.toconvey,AndbyanalogiestheytrytoshowTheformsmen’spartialknowledgecannotknow.(Butthesearenotthesubjectformyrhyme;Theyneedanotherbook,anothertime–AndthosewhomeritthemwillonedayseeThisNothingnessandthisEternity;Whileyoustilltravelinyourworldlystate,Youcannotpassbeyondthisgloriousgate.)Whydoyouwasteyourlifeinslothfulsleep?Riseup,forthereisnothingyoucankeep;WhatwillitprofityoutocomprehendThepresentworldwhenitmusthaveanend?KnowHehasmademan’sseedandnourisheditSothatitgrowsinwisdomuntilfitTounderstandHismysteries,toseeThehiddensecretsofEternity.Butinthatgloriousstateitcannotrest–Industitwillbehumbled,dispossessed,BroughtbacktoNothingness,castdown,destroyed,Absorbedoncemorewithintheprimalvoid–There,lostinnon-existence,itwillhearThetruthsthatmakethisdarknessdisappear,And,asHebringsmantoblankvacancy,Hegivesmanlifetoalleternity.
Youhavenoknowledgeofwhatliesahead;Thinkdeeply,ponder,donotbemisled–UntilourkingexcludesyoufromHisgrace,YoucannothopetoseeHimfacetoface;YoucannothopeforLifetillyouprogressThroughsomesmallshadowofthisNothingness.FirstHewillhumbleyouindustandmire,Andthenbestowthegloryyoudesire.
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Benothingfirst!andthenyouwillexist,YoucannotlivewhilstlifeandSelfpersist–TillyoureachNothingnessyoucannotseeTheLifeyoulongforineternity.
Thekingwhoorderedhisbelovedtobekilled
Therewasamonarchonceofsevenlands,AsecondAlexander,whosecommandsSentarmiesforthfrompoletopole,whosemightEclipsedthesplendourofthemoonatnight.HehadaministerwhosewiseadviceWaswell-informed,sagaciousandprecise.Thisministerwasfathertoason,Abeauteousyouth,apeerlessparagon;Nomanhaseverseensuchcomelygrace
Asglancedoutfromthatboy’sbewitchingface(HedarednotleavethepalacesaveatnightForfearofcausingsometumultuousfight;SincealltheworldbegannoyouthhasknownThelove,theadoration,hewasshown).Hisfacewaslikethesun;hiscurlslikedusk,Atwilightscentedwithdeliciousmusk;HislittlemouthwasfresherthanthebrookThatgiveseternallife,andinhislookAhundredstarsseemedgatheredasaguideTotemptwhoeversawhimtohisside;Histhick,spell-bindinghairspilleddownhisbackIntwistedtresses,glisteningsmoothandblack;AndroundhisfacetheclusteredringletsseemedLikelittlemiraclesasainthaddreamed;Hiseyebrows’curvewaslikeabow(whatarmCouldeverdrawitorresistitscharm?),TheeyesthemselvesasorcerytoquellAhundredheartswiththeirhypnoticspell;HislipswerelikethefreshetthatbestowsAsweet,newlifeonspring’srevivingrose;
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HisyouthfulbeardwaslikethefledglinggrassThatre-emergeswherespring’srunnelspass;Hisserriedteethwerelike…O,whobutfools
Wouldtrytorepresentsuchshiningjewels!Andonhischeektherewasamusk-likemole,ThatseemedaportentofTime’shiddensoul;WhatcanIsay?–noeloquenceconveysAbeautythatsurpassedallmortalpraise.Hiskingcaughtsightofhim–andpassionmadeThismonarchlikeadrunkenrenegade.ThatfullmooncausedhissovereigntoappearAsthinasisthenewmoon,wanwithfear.Hisloveobsessedtheking;amomentspentWithoutthatyouthwastorture,banishment–Hecouldnotrestawayfromhim;desireDestroyedhispatienceinitsragingfire.Hesattheboybesidehimdayandnight,WhisperingsecretstillthelastdimlightLeftthatbelovedface–whendarknessfell,Sleepdidnottouchthissovereignsentinel;Andwhentheboy’sheaddroopedthemonarchkeptAguardianvigilwhilehisservantslept,Thefacelitbyacandle’ssofteninglightWatchedbytheweepingkingthroughoutthenight.Thekingthrewblossomsinhislovedone’shair,Orcombedithourbyhourwithtendercare,Andthenforsuddenlovewouldcryaloud,Weeptearslikeraindropsscatteredfromacloud,Ormakeapublicbanquetfortheboy,Ordrinkwithhimalone,insecretjoy–
Hecouldnotbeartobewithouthisface,Toseehimabsentforamoment’sspace.Theyouthchafedinwardly,buthewastiedByterrortohisroyalmaster’sside,AfraidthatifhewentawaybutonceThekingwouldhanghimforhisimpudence(Evenhisparentswereafraidtosay
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Theywishedtoseetheirsonfromdaytoday–TheydarednotoffersuccourorsupportToonewhoseemedtheprisonerofthecourt).
Therewasagirlatcourt,alovelychildWhofilledtheroomwithsunlightwhenshesmiled.Thisyouthcaughtsightofher,andlikeafireLovekindledhisimpetuousdesire.Onenight(thekingwasdrunk)heslippedawayAndinherroomthetwotogetherlay.Atmidnight,thoughthekingcouldhardlystand,Hestaggeredout,adaggerinhishand,Andsearchedthecourt,prowlingfromplacetoplace,Untilhefoundthemlockedinlove’sembrace.Thenhateandlovecouldnotbeheldapart;Wildflamesofjealousysweptthroughhisheart.
‘Howcouldyouchooseanotherlove?’hecried,‘Whatidiocyisthis,whatselfishpride?TothinkofallthatIhavedoneforyou(Farmorethananyothermanwoulddo!).Isthisthenmyreward?–Continue,please!You’reexpertatit,everyoneagrees!Butthink–mycoffer’skeywasinyourhand;Mynoblemenwereunderyourcommand;Iruledwithyourassistanceandconsent;Youweremyclosestfriend,myconfidant;Andyetyousneakinsecrettothiswhore–Foulslave,youaremyconfidantnomore!’Hepaused,thenorderedthattheyouthbeboundAnddraggedinchainsalongthefilthyground–ThesilverpallorofhislovelybackWasattheking’scommandmentbeatenblack,AndwherehisthronehadbeenthesoldiersbuiltThegibbetthatwouldshowtheworldhisguilt.‘Firstflaythefaithlesswretch,’theirmonarchsaid,’thenhanghimupside-downuntilhe’sdead–Andthenthosechosenformylovewillsee
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Theireyesshouldglanceatnooneelsebutme.’Themonarch’scourtiershurriedtocomply–Gasping,headdown,theyouthwaslefttodie.
Butwhentheminister,hisfather,heardThepunishmentthisloverhadincurred,Heweptandcried:‘WhatharshnecessityHasmadethekingmyson’sswornenemy?’Twoslaveshadseizedtheboy–tothemhewent,Tothemhemadehisfatherlylament,Andashegavethemeachapearlhesaid:’drinkhasconfusedournoblemonarch’shead;Hewillregretmyson’suncalled-forfate,Butwhenhe’ssoberitwillbetoolate;Whoeverkillsmysonwillthenbekilled.’Theysaid:‘Ifhiscommandsarenotfulfilled,It’swewho’lldie–ifhecomeshereandseesNobloodycorpse,thenextdeathshedecreesAreours!’ThewilyministerthenbroughtAmurderer,convictedbythecourt,Whowaitedinaprison-cellfordeath–Theystrippedthevillain,flayedhim,stoppedhisbreath,Thenhangedhimupside-downuntilthemudBeneaththegibbetreddenedwithhisblood(TheboywashiddeninaprivateplaceTillitwassafeforhimtoshowhisface).
Thenextdaydawned;thekingwassobernow,
Butangerstillstampedfurrowsonhisbrow.Hecalledtheslavesandasked:‘WhatdidyoudoWiththatabhorrentdogIgavetoyou?’Theysaid:‘Weflayedthewretch,thenhangedhimwhereThecourtcouldwitnesshislast,crueldespair–Hehangstherenow,mylord,headdownanddead.’Thekingrejoicedtohearthewordstheysaid(Hethereandthenmadeeachofthemalord,Andgavethempresentsasafitreward).
lines4375–98
‘Lethimhangthere,’hecried,‘tilllatetonight–Thereisalessoninthisshamefulsight!’ButwhenhispeopleheardthetaletheyfeltTheirheartsinsurreptitiouspitymelt;Theycametostare,butnonecouldrecognizeTheyouthinthathackedcorpsewhichmettheireyes.Theysawthebeaten,blood-stainedfleshbutkeptTheirthoughtsasecretandinsecretwept;Alldaythecitymournedwithsmotheredcries,Tearshastilysuppressedandinwardsighs.
Afewdayspassed;theking’sragevanishedtoo,Andashisangerwenthissorrowgrew–Lovemadehimweak;thislion-heartedking
Becameanant,afraidofeverything.ThenherememberedhowtheyusedtositFordaysandnights,whenloveseemedinfinite,Drinkingtheirwineinhomelyprivacy,Andmoredrunkwitheachother’scompany–Hecouldnotbearthethought;hefelttearsriseTooverflowhisweeping,downcasteyes.Regretconsumedhim;reason,patiencefled,Andinthedusthebowedhisnoblehead.Hedressedinmourning,neitheratenorslept,’But,shutawayinlonelyanguish,wept.Nightcame;hedroveoffthatstill-gapingcrowdWhichstoodbeneaththegallowstree,and,bowedBylonelygrief,toldoveronebyoneTheactionsofhisabsentparagon.Thenaseachloved,lostdeedwascalledtomind,Hegroanedthathehadbeensorash,soblind.Paingrippedhisheart;histearsflowedlikeaflood;Hesmearedhisfeatureswiththecorpse’sblood,Grovelledindust,clawedathispamperedskin,Weptcountlessstormsforhisunthinkingsin–Heraved,and,asacandleburnsaway,Wastedwithgriefuntilthebreakofday,
lines4399–4422
Andwhendawn’sgentlebreezearosereturned
Tohisapartments’hearth,andstillheburned.
ForfortynightstheashesofdespairReducedhimtothestatureofahair;ForfortynightsnonedaredapproachthethroneOrspeaktohim,andhewasleftalone.Forfortydayshefasted,thenonenightHedreamthesawtheboy–hisfacewaswhiteAndsmearedwithtricklingtears;fromfoottoheadWereblood-stainswherehisgapingwoundshadbled.Thekingcried:‘Comfortofmysoul,whatchanceReducedyoutothisevilcircumstance?’‘Iamlikethis,’theweepingboyreplied,‘Becauseofyouringratitudeandpride–Isthisfidelity,toflaymyskinForsomeimaginedslight,somepaltrysin?Isthishowloversact?NoinfidelWouldmakehisloverundergosuchhell;WhathaveIdonethatIshouldhanganddie,Ashamefulspectacletopassers-by?Godwillrevengemydeath;IturnawayButIshallfaceyouonHisJudgementDay!’Thekingwoketremblingfromhistroubledsleep;Griefoverwhelmedhim;hebegantoweepAndinhiswretchedagonyhesawInsanityswingopenlikeadoor.
Hecried:‘Dearheartandsoul,yourshamefuldeathBereavesmyheartandsoulofvitalbreath–Youlovedmeandyoudiedforme;whatfoolWouldsmash,asIdid,hismostpreciousjewel?0,Ihavekilledmyonlylove,andIDeservetosuffertortureandtodie!Whereveryouarenow,mychild,donotLetallourvowsoffriendshipbeforgot;ItwasmyselfIkilled!DonotgivebackTheblacknessofmydeedswithdeedsasblack;
lines4423–41
ItisforyouIgrieve,foryouIgroan,ForyouIbowdowninthedustalone–Takepityonmenow;wherecanIfindSometraceofyoutocomfortmypoormind?Itrickedyou,butbebountifulandtrue–DonotservemeasonceIdealtwithyou.Ispiltyourbody’sblood,butyouhavespiltMyspirit’sbloodtoexpiatemyguilt–ThedeedwasdonewhenIwasdrunk;somefateConspiredagainstmeandmysovereignstate.Ifyouhavelefttheworldbeforeme,howCanIenduretheworldwithoutyounow?Onemoment’sabsencekillsmylifeandheart;Onemomentmore,mylifeandbodypart–
Yourking’ssoulhoversreadynowtopay-Blood-vengeanceforyourdeathanddieaway!O,itisnotmydeathwhichtroublesme,Butmyunthinking,vicioustreachery;HoweverlongIbegandsueandplead,Iknowthatnothingcanforgivethisdeed.OGod,thatyouhadcutmythroat,thatIUntouchedbygriefhadbeencondemnedtodie!Mysoulisburntwithpassionanddespair;ThereisnopartofmethatdoesnotbearThescarsofwildregret–howlong,OLord,Mustabsencebemyfateandmyreward?JustGod,destroymenow;IgladlygiveMysoultodeath;Ihavenowilltolive.’Hefellbewilderedinastrengthlessfaint,Andsilenceclosedhispassionatecomplaint.Buthelpwasnear;theministerhadheardEachconscience-strickenandrepentantword–Heslippedoutfromhishiding-placeanddressedHissonasifheweresomehonouredguest,Thensenthimtotheking.TheyouthappearedLikemoonlightwhentheheaven’scloudshavecleared;Dressedallinwhitehekneltbeforetheking,
lines4442–55
Andweptascloudsweepraindropsinthespring.
Then,whenthewakenedmonarchsawtheboy,Therewerenowordsthatcouldexpresshisjoy.Theyknewthatstateofwhichnomancanspeak;
Thispearlcannotbepierced;*wearetooweak.TheabsencethatthekingenduredwasgoneAndtheywithdrew,unitednowasone.
Nostrangerfollowedthem,orcouldunfoldThesecretstheytooneanothertold–Aloneatlast,togethertheyconferred;Blindlytheysawthemselvesanddeaftheyheard–Butwhocanspeakofthis?IknowifIBetrayedmyknowledgeIwouldsurelydie;IfitwerelawfulformetorelateSuchtruthstothosewhohavenotreachedthisstate,Thosegonebeforeuswouldhavemadesomesign;Butnosigncomes,andsilencemustbemine.Hereeloquencecanfindnojewelbutone,Thatsilencewhenthelonged-forgoaliswon.ThegreatestoratorwouldherebemadeInlovewithsilenceandforgethistrade,AndItoocease:IhavedescribedtheWay–Now,youmustact–thereisnomoretosay.
BIOGRAPHICALINDEX
This includes most of the characters unfamiliar to western readers towhom Attar refers, together with entries on one or two well-knownfigures(e.g.Joseph)whoseroleinIslamicliteraturediffersslightlyfromthewesternconceptionoftheirlegends.Ithasnotbeenpossibletotraceafewcharacters;someof these(e.g.SheikhNoughani)probablyhadapurelylocalfameinNeishapour.AttarmayhaveinventedAbbasseh–hegiveshernoprovenanceandreportsnoanecdotesabouther.
IbrahimAdham:AbouEshaqIbrahimibnAdhamwasaprinceborninBalkhwhorenouncedtheworldandlivedasawanderingdervish.ThesimilarityofhisstorytothatoftheBuddhahasoftenbeenremarkedon,anditisofespecialinterestbecauseBalkhhadbeenaBuddhistarea.Hediedc.782.HeistheAboubenAdhamofLeighHunt’spoem,andthestoryonwhichthisisbasedistoldinAttar’sTadhkiratal-Auliya.(p.133)
Ayaz:AyazibnAymaqAbou-NajmwasthefavouriteslaveofSultanMahmoudofGhazna(q.v.).ThoughAyazactuallyexisted(hediedin1057),hislifewasquicklyoverlaidwithlegend.Hisstorybecamethearchetypaltaleoftheslaveraisedtothehighesthonoursbyhisking;hisrelationshipwithMahmoudisusedasametaphorofthemystic’srelationshipwithGod.ThestoryobviouslyappealedtoAttar,whoreturnstoitfrequently,(pp.55–6,158–9,175–6,194–6)
Azar:thefatherofAbraham,wholivedbycarvingidols,(p.93,161)Bayazid(Bistam):seetheIntroduction,13–14.(76–7,126–7,145,150)Dar(MalekDar):seeJoseph,(p.217)
Dinar:MalekibnDinarwasthesonofaPersianslave.HewastaughtbyHasanofBasra,whohadknownmanyoftheCompanionsoftheProphet.Heachievedfameasacalligrapher;perhapsthisiswhatAttarisreferringtowhenhehasMalekDinarsaythathereceiveshisbread‘fromGod’sownhands’,ashewasacopyistoftheKoran.Hediedc.748.(pp.99–100)
Gharoun:KorahinNumbersCh.16.(p.90)
Ghouri:seeSanjar.(p.134)
Hallaj:seetheIntroduction,p.12–13.(pp.114,220)
Hanbal:AhmadibnMohammadibnHanbalwasoneofthemostimportantIslamictheologiansandthefounderofoneofthefourschoolsoforthodoxIslam.Hewasbornin780inBaghdadanddiedinthesamecityin855.(pp.135–6)
Jacob:thepainofseparationfromsomeonedearlylovedisacommonmetaphorinPersianpoetryforthesoul’slongingforGod;Jacob’slongingforhissonJosephisfrequentlyusedasanexampleofthis.(pp.50,139,170)
Joseph:thefavouritesonofJacob,hewashiddeninawellbyhisjealousbrothersandsoldtoMalekDar,whotookhimtoEgypt.Herehebecameoverseerofthestategranaries(Attarseemstobelievehealsobecameking).ThestoriesofhisrelationshipwithZuleikha(q.v.)andhisconfrontinghisbrotherswiththeirtreacheryarefrequently
alludedtoinPersianpoetry.Hewasofunsurpassedbeauty,andforthisreasonbeautifulheroes(andheroines)areusuallycomparedtohim.JosephisthemostfrequentlymentionedcharacterinTheConferenceoftheBirds,closelyfollowedbyMahmoudofGhazna;inbothcases.Attarisdearlyinterestedinthesamethemes:physicalbeauty(JosephandAyaz),gratitude,authoritytemperedbyunderstandingandmercy,(pp.31,50,58,59,104,132–3,138–9,142,163–4,170,197,207,217–18)
Junaid:Abou’lQasimibnMohammadibnal-Junaidwasoneofthemostcelebratedofsufisandthechiefexpounderofthe’sober’schoolofsufism.OfthestateoffanaorannihilationinGodhewrote:‘Foratthattimethouwiltbeaddressed,thyselfaddressing;questionedconcerningthytidings,thyselfquestioning’anditisinterestingtocomparethiswithwhathappenswhenAttar’sbirdsreachtheSimorgh.Hediedin910.(pp.115,123)
Kherghani(orKhergan;Attargivesbothforms):Abou’lHasanKherghaniwasaPersiansufiofthelatetenthandearlyeleventhcenturies.HelivednearBistaninnorth-westIran.(pp.127–8,130)
Khezr:theimmortalguardianofaspringwhosewatersbestowimmortality.Hisoriginalname,al-Khadir,means‘thegreenman’heisclearlyafigurefrompre-Islamiclegend,andpartsofhisstoryrecallthetaleofUtnapishtiminTheEpicofGilgamesh.(p.31,38,39)
Khosroe:thenameofatleastthreeoftheSassaniankingswhoruledIranfrom229to652.LikethenameCaesaritcametomeananyemperororimportantking.(p.44)
LeiliandherloverMajnounarethearchetypalloversinArabic,PersianandTurkishpoetry.ThestoryisoriginallyArabic.Theywerethechildrenofhostiletribes,andtheirassociationwasforbiddenbyLeili’sfather.Majnoun,drivenmadbylove,livedonthefringesofthedesertamongwildanimals;bothloverseventuallydiedofgrief.Therearemanynarrativepoemsbasedonthisstory,themostfamousbeingthatofthePersianpoetNezami.Majnoun’smadnessisafrequentsymbolinIslamicmysticalpoetryofthesoul’slongingforGod.(p.169,174,216)
LoghmanofSarrakhs:oneofthe‘wisemadmen’(aqalamajaniri)whowerecompanionsofAbouSa’idAboulKheir(q.v.underMahna).(pp.193–4)
Mahmoud:SultanMahmoudofGhazna(theruinsofGhaznaareinmodernAfghanistan,ontheroadfromKandahartoKabul)reignedfrom998to1030.Duringthisperiodheconsiderablyextendedtheareaoverwhichheruled.Heinvadedandconqueredmuchofnorth-westIndia,andwhenhediedhiskingdomstretchedfromSamarqandtoKashmir.Apoethimself,hefilledhiscourtwithpoetsandphilosophers;hisrelationshipwithAyaz(q.v.)iscelebratedinmanyPersianpoems.Attarobviouslythoughtofhimasabenignandtolerantruler,butthehistoricalMahmoudwas,accordingtoE.G.Browne,‘greedyofwealth…fanatical,crueltoMoslemhereticsaswellastoHindus(ofwhomheslewanincalculablenumber),fickle,anduncertainintemper’.SeealsoJoseph,(pp.44,81–3,136–7,146–7,158–9,160–62,171–2,175–6,184,194–6)
Mahna:asmalltowninKhavaran,aprovinceofKhorasan;‘Manna’s
sheikh’wastheimportantpoetAbouSa’idAboulKheir,wholivedintheeleventhcenturyandiscreditedwithhavingbeenthefirsttousethemysticalthemesandmetaphorsthatbecametypicalofPersiansufipoetry,(pp.123,170)
Majnoun:seeLeili.
Mas’oud:manykings,particularlyofGhazna,werecalledbythisname,andthereisnowayofknowingwhichoneAttarhadinmindinhisstoryofMas’oudandthefisherboy.AtleasttwomanuscriptsgivethestorytoSultanMahmoud.(pp.79–80)
Nasrabad:Abou’lGhasemIbrahimNasrabadi,amysticofthetenthcentury,(pp.202–3)
Nimrod:theenemyandoppressorofAbraham.HewasdefeatedbyanarmyofgnatssentbyGod;oneenteredhisbrainandbyitsbuzzingsenthimmad.(pp.29,87,185)
Nouri:Abou’lHosainAhmadibnMohammadNouriwasasufiofBaghdad,prominentinthecirclewhichgatheredaroundJunaid(q.v.).Hediedin908.(p.213)
Rabe’eh(pronouncedasthreesyllables,thelastrhymingwith‘way’):Rabe’ehbintEsmailal-Adawiya,oneofthefirstandmostimportantwomanmysticsofIslam.Shelivedintheeighthcentury.Asachildshewassoldintoslavery,andshespentmostofherlifeingreatpovertyinBasra.Shebecamefamousinherownlifetimeforherpietyandwasvisitedbyothercontemporarymystics.SheiscreditedwiththeintroductionofthethemeofDivineLoveintoIslamicmysticism,andifthisistrueherinfluenceonthesubsequentcourse
ofsufismisincalculable.ThereisaninterestingbookinEnglishonherlifebyMargaretSmith,Rabi’atheMysticandherFellowSaints(Cambridge,1928).(pp.86,104,159–60,172)
Roudbar:AbouAllAhmadibnMohammadibnalQasemibnMansouralRoudbari,asufiofthetenthcentury,(pp.157–8)
Saleh:aprophet,mentionedintheKoran,senttoanArabtribe.Godalsosentthetribeashe-camelwhichSalehsaidtheyshouldfeedandwater.Insteadtheykilledit,andastormfollowedbyadestructiveearthquakepunishedtheirlackofbelief,(p.29)
Sam’an:thestoryofSheikhSam’aniseasilythelongestinAttar’spoem.AttarsometimescallshimSam’anandsometimesSan’an.DrSadeghGouharinmakestheinterestingsuggestionthatthenameSam’anistakenfromamonasteryofthatnamenearDamascus.HealsosuggeststhatthestoryismodelleddistantlyonthatofaSheikhibnSaghawhotravelledtoRomeandbecameaChristian.Attar’sstorymadeagreatimpressiononhisearlyaudienceandwastakenasafactualnarrative–somuchsothatAttarhimselfwassaidtohavebeenoneofthesheikh’sdiscipleswhofollowedhimtoRome.(pp.57–75)
Sanjar:aSeljukprincewhoruledoverKhorasanfrom1096to1157.HeexpandedhiskingdomuntilitincludedalloftheSeljukempire(i.e.virtuallyallofIslamicAsia)andwasformallyproclaimedkingatBaghdadon4September1119.Thelateryearsofhisreignweremarredbysuccessfulrebellionsagainsthisrule.Tothenorth-easthispossessionswereconstantlythreatenedbythekingsofGhour,anditispossiblethattherivalrybetweentheobscure’sheikhGhouri’and
SanjarinAttar’sstoryistosomedegreeametaphorforthisstruggle.IfAttarwasborninabout1120hewasSanjar’ssubjectforthefirstthirtyyearsorsoofhislife.(p.134)
Shebli:AbouBakrDolafibnJahdaral-Shebliwaswell-bornandenteredtheserviceoftheBaghdadcourt.LaterhejoinedthegroupofsufisassociatedwithJunaid(q.v.)andbecameknownforhisextravagantbehaviour,forwhicheventuallyhewasconfinedinanasylum.Hediedin946.(pp.93,111–12,169)
Tarmazi:AbouAbdallahMohammadibnAliibnal-HosainalHakimal-Tarmazihasbeencalled‘oneoftheoutstandingcreativethinkersofIslamicmysticism’(A.J.Arberry).HetaughtatNeishapourandindirectlyinfluencedbothal-GhazaliandIbnArabi.Helivedduringthelatterpartoftheninthandthebeginningofthetenthcenturies,(pp.126–7)
Tousi:AbouAlial-FazlibnMohammadFaramadiofTous(asmalltownnearMashhadinKhorasan)wasasufioftheeleventhcenturyassociatedwiththepoetandmysticAbouSa’idAboulKheir.(pp.164–5,204)
Vasati:AbouBakrMohammadibnMousaalVasatiwasasufiofthetenthcentury,(p.144)
YusefofHamadan:acompanionofAbouAliFaramadiofTous;helivedintheeleventhcenturyanddiedontheroadtoMerv,acityinsouthernRussia,nearSamarqand.HamadanisinwesternIranonthesiteoftheancientEcbatana.(pp.170,186)
Zuleikha:thewomanknownintheBibleasPotiphar’swife.Herillicit
loveforJoseph,whobyvirtueofhisperfectbeautywasconsideredasymboloftheDivine,isoftenusedasametaphorforthesoul’sneedforGod.(163–4)
Zulghamin:hisstoryistoldintheeighteenthchapteroftheKoran,whereheisrepresentedasalawgiverandtheconquerorofYajujandMajuj(GogandMagog),(p.32)
Zulnoon:Abou’t-FaizThaubanibnIbrahimal-MesriwasanEgyptianwholivedfromc.796to859.HetravelledinSyriaandIraqandwasforatimeimprisonedforheresyatBaghdad;afterhisreleasehereturnedtoEgypt,wherehedied.HeiscreditedbylaterIslamicmysticswithhavingbeenoneofthefirstandmostimportantoftheirnumber;healsohadareputationasanalchemist,(pp.130–31)
*ALiteraryHistoryofPersia(1906;Cambridge,1928edition),Vol.2,509.
*op.cit.,Vol.2,319.
*AreferencetotheCompanionoftheCave.DuringaperiodofdangertheProphetMohammadandaclosecompanion,AbouBakr,hidforawhileinacaveonMountThaur.Inmysticalpoetrythisepisodebecameasymbolofwithdrawalfromtheworld.
*‘InthenameofGod’:theopeningwordsoftheKoran.
*Amythicalbirdwhoseshadowwouldfallonafutureking.
†TwoofthemostillustriousofthelegendarykingsofancientPersia.
*BluewasthecolourofmourninginancientPersia;theepicpoetFerdowsi(loth-nthcenturies)mentionsitasbeingwornbythefirstofthelegendaryPersianlongs,Keyumars,wheninmourningforhissonSiyamak.
†Astreamthatflowsthroughparadise.
*AbuildingofgreystoneatthecentreofthegreatmosqueinMecca,circumambulatedbyeverypilgrimseventimes.ItisthegeographicalcentreofIslam.
*Thezonnar,abeltorcordwornbyEasternChristiansandJews;thusasymbolofheresy.
*i.e.thedervishcloak.
*Agoddessinpre-IslamicArabia,lines1919–35
*Theangelofdeath.
*ThelastfourlinesofthispassageareAttar’sparaphraseofapoembyHallaj.InthisandthefollowinganecdoteAttarjuxtaposestheattitudetodeathofthe‘ecstatic’mystic(Hallaj)andthatofthe‘sober’mystic(Junaid).
*ItwasatKerbelahthatHusain,thesonofAliandgrandsonoftheProphetMohammad,waskilled.HusainrefusedtoswearallegiancetotheCaliphYazid;heandhisfollowersweresurroundedatKerbelah,andaswiftdecisivebattleresultedinvictoryforYazid’stroops.ItisHusain’sdeathwhichisrememberedwithsuchfervourbyShi’aMoslemsthroughthemourningmonthofMoharram.BeforethebattleHusain’swater-supplywascutoff,andheandhisfollowerssufferedgreatlyfromthirst.DuringMoharram,andparticularlyontheanniversaryofHusain’sdeath,manyMoslemswillrefusetodrinkincommemorationofthisthirst.Itisthismemorywhichisbehindtheotherwiseratherobscureanecdoteaboutthesufiwhorefusedtotouchsherbet,whichprecedesthementionofKerbelah.
*Sirat:ahair-thinbridgeoverthepitofhell.Thegoodwillbeabletocrossit;thewickedwillslipandplungeintothepit(cf.the‘brigo’dread’intheLykeWakeDirge).
*Themetaphorisbasedonthenotionofblood-money.Amurdercouldbecompensated,ifthevictim’srelativesagreed,bypaymentofasumofmoney;Goddestroysthedervishes,thenpaysforthis‘crime’withHislove;HewillcontinuetodothisuntilHehasnomorelovetogive,i.e.forever.
*Actionsor(moreparticularly)sayingsoftheProphetMohammad.Thescholar’staskistosortoutwhicharegenuine.
*i.e.God.
*Twoangelswhoquestionthedeadontheirfaith.
*LatwasthenameofanArabianpre-Islamicgoddess.MahmoudattackedandconqueredSomnatinnorth-westIndiain1026anddestroyedtheHindutemplethere;AttarhaseitherconfusedtheArabianandIndiandeities,orusedthename‘Lat’generically,orhasbeenseducedbythefortuitousrhyme.
*Thedevil.
*Thezonnar(seethenoteon61).
*Thecomparisondependsonapun;to‘feedonblood’isto’suffer’,
*ThefabulousbeasttheProphetmountedonthenightofhisascenttoheaven
*Jesushadaneedlewithhimwhenheenteredheaven,breakingGod’sprohibitiononearthlypossessions.
*ItispossiblethatthisreferstoJesus.Jesus’breathisanimportantelementinMoslemstoriesaboutHim(itwasreputedtohavevivifyingpowers),anditmaybethatAttarhadheardoftheChristianuseofthefishtosignifyJesus.
*Thiscrucialmomentdependsonapun:simeans‘thirty’,morghmeans‘bird(s)’thesimorghseethe’simorgh’.ItwasprobablythispunwhichsuggestedtheideaofthepoemtoAttar.
*Hallajwasexecutedfor,amongotherthings,cryingout‘IamtheTruth’whileinastateofreligiousexaltation.
*ThestringingofpearlsonanecklaceisastockmetaphorinPersianverseforthewritingofpoetry;Attarissuggestingthatthisparticular‘pearl’isbeyondthescopeofhis,orany,poem–itistoodifficultforhimto‘pierce’.
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