Persian Psalms

8/14/2019 Persian Psalms

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PERSIANPSALMS

TOTHEREADER

Astraw,attimes,becomesthescreenofmy

eye;

Andwith

one

look,

at

times,

I

have

seen

both

theworlds.

TheValleyofLoveisalongwayaway,and

yet,attimes,

Thejourneyofahundredyearsiscoveredin

asigh.

Persistinyoursearch,anddonotletgoofthe

hemofhope

Thereisatreasurethat,attimes,youwillfind

bytheway.

[TranslatedbyMustansirMir]

PERSIANPSALMS

PARTONE

Passingoveroutdoormatters,

Ihavespokenofinsidematters;

WithwhatboldabandonIhavesaid

things

Thathadbeenleftunsaid!

[TranslatedbyMustansirMir]INVOCATION

Ipraythee,Lord,tomeimpart

Withinmybreastaconsciousheart:

Givemethevisiontodivine

Therapturepulsingthroughthewine,

Itneverpleasedme,toreceive

Anothersbreath,thatImightlive:

Givemeabreathaslightasmorn,

Asighthatinthehomewasborn.

Iamatorrent:donotset

Medribblinginarivulet,

Butgivemywatersspacetospill

Oervalleybroadandspreadinghill.

Isitthywilltofashionme

Arivaltotheboundlesssea,

Amidthetumultofthemain

Grantmethepearlsreposetogain.

ThouhadstthefalconthatIam

Followtheleopardforhisgame:

Givemehighwill,asharperclaw,

Towinmyvictimtomymaw.

ThesmallfowloftheSanctuaryImarkedmypreciouspreytobe:

Grantmeanarrowthat,unsped,

Unerringflies,andstrikesthemdead.

Illuminatemylifelessclay

WithanthemsDavidusedtoplay;

Letallmyatomsswiftlyspring

Upborneuponanemberswing.

1

TumultuousLovewhereeritrove

UntoThy

street

is

brought;

WhatboastethhewhofindethThee

Thatforhimselfhesought?

[TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]2

Theardentlonginginourhearts

Wheredoesitcomefrom?


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PersianPsalms229Oursisthetumbler,butthewinewithin


Iknowthatthisworldismeredust,

Andthatwe,too,areahandfulofdust.

Butthispainofquestthatrunsthroughour

beingWheredoesitcomefrom?

OurglancesreachthenecklineoftheGalaxy;

Thisobsessionofours,thistumultand

clamor


[TranslatedbyMustansirMir]3

Obringmebackthesinging,

Theairsoflongago;

Bringbackthesweet,sadmusic

Tosetcoldheartsaglow.

Toohushedismosqueandtemple,

Toosilentchurchandshrine;

Stirupathousandtumults

WiththatdarkglanceofThine.

Fillmethefierygoblet

Thatmademydusttoflame:

Youththirstsanew,desirous,

Andyouthshallquaffthesame.

Thepipethatsetsadancing

Theheartwithinthebreast,

Thewinethatmovesthespirit

Andmeltsandsouloppressed

SoftamidPersiasrushes

Thebreezeofmorningsings:

Bringmethesparkthattrickles

Fromthosemelodiousstrings.

4

Thouwhodidstmakemoreardent

Mysighingandmytears,

Oletmyanthemquicken

Dustofathousandyears.

WhatwiltThouofmyheart,then,

Whowiththewineoflife

Excitestinthegoblet

Thispassionandthisstrife?

Andwhenmybreathcaressing

Shallsoftly,sweetlyblow,

Thewitheredheartwillblossom,

Thetulipnewlyglow.

Myfantasyissoaring

Beyondthestarsandsun;WhylurkestThouinhiding,

Whenhuntingstobedone?

OMaster,guardthehonour

Ofhimwhobegsofthee;

Hellletnowineofothers

Withinhisgobletbe.


FrommyhandfulofdustYoudrawouta

hundredlaments;

YouarenearerthanthesoulforallYourshy

reserve.

Hidinginthegentlebreeze,thieflikeYou

enterthegarden;

Youmixwiththeflowersperfume,andblend

withthebud.

TheWestisindifferenttoYou,theEastisall

legends;

Itistimeyouetchedanewdesigninthe

world.

Hewhoisheadywiththeambitionofworld

conquest

SoothehiscrazewiththelancetofGenghis.

Anunreinedbondsman,Imightslipaway

again

SupposeYouhungthesecurlytressesaround

myneck!

LamentisallIknow,buttheysayIama

singerofghazal;WhatisthisdewlikethingYouarepouringonmyheart?


Thoughdust,anddarkasdust,amI,

Ihavealittleheart,whereby

Withvisionopenasastar


3/54

230 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalIgazeonbeautyfromafar.

PrayingThyfingersmaycaress,

Unutteredismyheartsdistress;

AndThousupposestthatmaybe

Mylyrehaslostitsminstrelsy.

DoThousoquickenmydesire

That,withamelodyoffire,

Imaytheearthyheartmakebright,

Andwhollymelttheheartoflight.

Theburningfeverofmybreed

Issymptomofmysogreatneed;

Thou,whoartGod,andlackestnaught,

Knowstnottheanguishinmewrought,

Ineversoughttomakethisplain

Orkeepithidfromanyman;

Mysecrethasitselfdisplayed,Andsomymelodywasmade.

7

Withasongofagony,

Withasweet,softmelody,

Toadyingworldathirst

Lo:lifesflagonIhaveburst.

Inthewayasbeggarsare

Thouhastsetthatworldajar

Eretheambitiontoattain

Everspranginmortalbrain.

TwasThysurmahshadedeye

Heartandsoulwereravishedby;

O,thearcheryofit,

Withoneshafttwomarkstohit!

Whataspringtimeofdelight

Greetsmyunderservingsight!

Hearmeinthemeadowsing,

Likeanewthrushcaroling.

Notsostrange,ifmonarchs,twain

Inonekingdomcannotreign,Asthatboththeworldsareless

Thanonedervishtopossess.

8

Onfaithandinfidelity

OscatterwideThyClemency;

Atlasttheveilofdarknessraise

FromthefullsplendourofThyFace.

Playonceagaintheancientsong,

Andswiftlypassthewinealong;

LettheflamefeverofThycup

Irradiateusaswesup.

Why,withThyringletsforasnare,

ForthtothegardendostThoufare,

WhenonThyroofabirdtherebe,

MoreworthyofThyvenery?

ExpectantwaitstheIraqisand,

AthirstisHijazdesertland;

ToSyriaandKufagive

Husainsspilledblood,thattheymaylive.

Lovespurneththeattendantguide,

Aloneuponthewayhellride,

NoryieldtoanymanscontrolThereiningofhisstubbornsoul.

ToconventfoolishlyIwent,

Uponthatthresholdtolament,

UntilIfoundmyroadtobe

DirectuntoGodssanctuary.

Beholdthislonebirdonthewing,

FirstofthecaravanofSpring,

Whoinhissolitarycage

Carolsthemessageofhisage!

9

Aflameisinmyminstrelsy,

Afearlessness,atragedy;

Asparkissmoulderinginmycorn,

Andsprightlyblowsthebreathofmorn.

Lovekeepsnostate,nomannergrand.

AndyetanaxeisinLoveshand

Wherewiththemountainsheartishued

AllinnocentofParvizblood.

Itprickedmyheart,thissubtlety

Anoratoroncetoldtome:Thelovedonesglancehathmoretoteach

Thanallthewizardryofspeech.

Cometomypillowonceagain;

Sitforonemoment;forthepain

Ofseparationwracksmysoul,

Mycupoflonelinessisfull.


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PersianPsalms231AwhileintothemeadIcame,

Nakedmyanguishedspiritsflame;

Thebreezeofmorningfiercerblew,

Myheartwassprinkledoerwithdew.

Thesecretsignwilloverset

Theloversshrineentire;andyetItisthefearlessglanceIneed

Thatmakesthelovershearttobleed.

Waterstheseatofboth,andclay;

Whatisthemysterythen,Ipray,

Theminddothliketheclayrightwell,

Buttheretheheartislothtodwell?

Behold,andsee!inIndsdomain

Thoushaltnotfindthelikeagain,

That,thoughaBrahmanssonIbe,

Tabriz

and

Rum

stand

wide

to

me.


TheeyesandheartthatIhavetakesuch

delightinview

WhatismyfaultifIshouldcarveidolsoutof

roughstone?

ForallYourmanifestgloryYouareveiled

Youcannotsufferlooks!

Tellme,mymoon,whatismyrecourseother

thanlament?

WhatharmwouldcomeifYoustrolledbythe

lodgingsofacaravan,

Whoseonlyunworthypossessionisalittle,

brokenheart?

Isangoutaghazal,hopingthatexpressionwouldbringrelief

Theflamedoesnotdiedownwithonespark

breakingoff.

ThelivinmgheartYougavemeisillatease

withveilsGivemeaneyethatwillseethefireinthe

rock.

Everypieceofmyheartsharesinthejoyit

gives

HowdidYouvestYoursorrowinaheartofa

thousandpieces?

Highwavesneverwreckedanyonesboatin

thesea;

Thedangerthatloveseesliesinthesafetyof

theshore.

WithastatelydisregardIpassedbythelords

oftheworldLikeafullmoonpassingbythestars.


Thoughthefalconofthebrain

Yearnethonthewingtobe,

Archersinthisdesertplain

Waituponhimsecretly!

Yetthetiedandtwistedcord

Lackethnotforremedy:

Singingcanthecureafford

Ofthishardperplexity.

Ifthepowerofspeechbethere,

Yetisknowledgenotpossessed;

Haplessservant,whodothbear

Suchasecretinhisbreast!

Thoughahundredvariedways

Theyshouldburnandravageme,

Thereiscomfortinmyblaze

Andagladfelicity.

Dust,anddeadasdust,arewe,

Yetaheartwemerited:

Lo!thelivingdeity

Heartengenderedinthedead.

Inmybreastthereisaflame

Settethallthehouseaglow,

Yetitistheverysame

Thatthehousedothoverthrow.

Platosmindtheworlddescribed,

YetIwillnottrustinit,

ForaheartisinmysideBoldtoviewtheinfinite.

12

Whatistheworld?Thetempleofmythought,

Theseenprojectionofmywakefuleye;

Itsfarhorizons,instanttoespy,

Acirclebymyspinningcompasswrought.


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232 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalAsIbehold,ornot,isaught,ornaught;

Time,space,withinmymindaudaciouslie,

Movement,repose,aremyheartswizardry

Wherebyaresecretsknown,andmysteries

taught.

Thatotherworld,wherereapedisallour

sown,

Itslightandfireareofmyrosarymade;

Iamfatesinstrument,whoseantiphon

Respondstoeverystringthoughteverplayed,

WhereisThysign?InTheemylifeisstayed;

WhereisThyworld?Thesetwainaremine

alone.

13

Itis

the

season

of

the

spring

Andnightingalesarecarolling;

Osmileonme,andchantasong,

Andfreelypassthewinealong.

BeholdthetearsthatIhaveshed,

ThenonThybeautyturnThyhead;

Osetmyheartofreedsafire

Withtheswiftlightningofdesire.

Andbidthebreezeofspring,Ipray,

Untomyfancytakeitsway

Andpaintthevalleyandtheplain

Withbeauteousimagesagain.

Flowerinthemeadthatblossometh,

Receivenewfreshnessfrommybreath;

AmidThybower,sinceIwasborn,

Ilivedbesidetheroseandthorn.

Onmyheartstouchstonethenassay

Thisworldofwaterandofclay;

Myheartshallproveamirrorbright

ReflectingallThyshadeandlight.

ThoustnevergambledwithThyheart,

Noroftheworldhadanypart;

WheninThypresenceIwouldbe,

WhatdayofreckoningIsee!

Theagedringdovcintheglade

Hearkenedtomylament,andsaid,

Nosongbirdevercarolledhere

Sosweetanairofyesterday.

14

Fromlifeandbeingstwistedskein

Letmebefree;

Inresignationistogain

Trueliberty.

Lovequivered,andwithinthisfield

Ofbarrenspring

Sprinkledathousandseeds,toyield

Myharvesting.

IndeedIknownotwhatHisglance

Viewedinmyclay

Uponthestoneoftimeandchance

Metoassay.

WithstubbleandwithstrawHecame

Aworldtofound,

ThengavetomeaheartofflameToprovemesound.

Otakethegobletfrommyhand,

Forhopeispast;

Thesakiplayedatglances,and

Myheartwaslost.

15

Rise!anduponthethirstyland

Sprinklelifeswinewithlavishhand;

Kindleanewthespiritsfire,

Andbidtheflameinusexpire.

Thetavernwineisdrainedandgone,

Thedrinkersfindoblivion;

Theschoolreechoestotheshout,

Andeverylamphasflickeredout.

Reasonsaknotresolvingslave,

Faithmidconventionslaidtograve,

Forinthebreasttherebeatsaheart,

Theunseentargetoflovesdart,

Bothareinquestofoneabode

Andbothwouldleadupontheroad:Reasontrieseverystratagem,

Butlovepullsgentlybythehem.

Lovetothedustruinhurled

Thetabernacleoftheworld,

Andstretcheshighhisfingers,even

Untothecanopyofheaven.


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PersianPsalms23316

ThinkestThouthattothethreshold

Ihavemadethispilgrimage?

Withthemasterofthehousehold

Ihavebusinesstoengage.

OdenymenotThypresence,

Forawan,palesparkamI

Thattowinamomentslustre

Ineternalfeverlie.

NevermorewillIlookbackward

OntheroadthatIhavetraced;

Tistogainthefartomorrow

That,likeTime,Iforwardhaste.

Lo,lovesoceanismyvessel,

Andlovesoceanismystrand;

FornoothershipIhanker,Nordesireanotherland.

Scatternowaspark,butgently,

Suchasparkaswillnotburn;

Iamnewlyfledgedtoneeding,

TothenestIwouldreturn.

Inthefar,fondhopethat,haply,

Thouwilthuntformeoneday,

Fromthespinningnooseofprinces

LikeafawnIleaptaway.

AndifThouwiltbesogracious,Iwillgivethesefriendsofmine

Abrightglassortwodelightful

Ofmynightconsolingwine.

17

Withaglanceatuswhositbytheway

Hegoesridingby:

Conceive,ifThoucanst,mysoulsdismay

SoredistraughtamI.

WhathaveItotellofthelovelyfair

Untoanyone?Withagazeasswiftasasparkintheair

Heispastandgone.

Tothefriendsabodeitishardtotread

Andtheroadisfar;

Butloverideshigh,andisquicklysped

Onthebackofastar.

Whatcausetodespair,thoughthecirclingsky

Bewrappedinaveil?

Itwillpiercearock,theaudaciouseye,

Anditcannotfail.

Oursprinkleddewisanoceanwide,

Andtheskyitsshore;Letalonewavebreak,anditsswellingtide

Shallyethighersoar.

WhenThoushaltstandwithHimfacetoface,

Donotliftthineeyes;

Forsightisvaininthatholyplace,

Andthevisiondies.

HowshouldIweep,thoughsorrowsears?

Formybrokenheart

Isborneonthefloodofmybittertears,

And

wi1l

soon

depart.

18

Betteristherobberstrain

Thantheheavenpacingbrain,

Betteronedistressofheart

ThanallPlatoslearnedart.

YesterdaytheMagianboy

Toldmeoflovessecretjoy:

Betterthatsalttearofthine

Thanthesweetandrubywine.

Betterpoverty,thatgainsBloodlesslytheheartsdomains,

ThantherealmDariuswon,

Feridunsdominion.

IntheMagiantemplecry;

LetThyvoicebeheardonhigh!

ButwithintheSuficell

Betteristhewhisperedspell.

Withourriverofheartsblood

NeedisnoneofNoahsflood;

Better

there

one

swelling

wave

ThanwhereOxuswaterslave.

Lo,Thytorrentsweepingdown

Threatenstoengulfthetown!

BetterletThyhavocbe

Inthedesertsprivacy.

SingerIqbal,soothtotell,

Callhimnotaninfidel:


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234 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalBetterhewereoutofschool

Tillhisfeveredbrainshallcool!


Eitherdo

not

tell

the

Muslim

to

put

his

life

at

risk,

Orelsebreatheanewsoulintothiswornout

frame.

Doonethingortheother!

EithertelltheBrahmintocarveanewidol,

Orgoanddwellinzunnarwearers hearts

Yourself


EitheranewAdam,alittlelessevilthanIblis

OranotherIblistochallengefaithandreason!


Eitheranewworldoranewtest!

Forhowlongwillyougoontreatinguslike

this?


Giveuspoverty?Doit,butgivesusChosroes

gloryaswell!

OrgiveusreasontogetherwithGabriels

disposition.


Eitherkillthedesireforrevolutionthatstirs

inmyheart,

Orcompletelychangetheseheavensandthe

earth.



Intellectispassiontoo,

Anditknowsthejoytoview,

Butthepoorunfortunate

Daresnotastheinebriate.

ThoughIknowthefantasy

Ofthestagewasshapedbyme,

Yetitwereacowardsway

Onthejourneytodelay.

Everymomentismyprayer

ThatImayyetfurtherfare,

Tillmyfollysgovernor

Saysthereisnodesertmore.

Insuchfrenzyofthesoul

StillIdonotyieldcontrol:

Everymadmancannotboast

Thattoselfheisnotlost!

21

AllthatinlifeIlovethebest

IsthesweetfeverofThyquest;

Thewayislikeanadderssting,

Benottotheemywayfaring.

Lo,Gabrielwithnakedheart

Outoflovesbosomdothdepart,

Hopefultocatchasparkoffire

FromthevastflameofThydesire.

AnonIrendmyveilintwain,

Yearningthevisiontoattain;

Anonwithunavailingsight

IveilmyselfbeforeThylight.

WhetherinquestoftheeIgo,

Oratthelastmyselftoknow,

Intellect,heart,sightallastray

BlindlythewanderonThyway.

IwasaseedlingofThymead;

SprinkleThydewuponmyhead;

Theblossomsheartwillquicken,yetNodrophalllacktherivulet.

22

Thenightgrowslate,therouteisup,

Noneedforsakinoworcup;

PassmeThygoblet,friendofmine,

Illpourtheetheremainingwine.

Whoeverfromthegoldenbowl

Quaffsthesweetpoisonofthesoul,

Inmyclayjarthebitterjuice

Isthesoleantidoteofuse.

Lo,frommydustthesparksunspire:

WhosespiritshallIsetafire?

Twaswrong,tokindleinmybreast

Thisfurnaceofdesiresunrest!

Alas,theWesternmindhathsoiled

Thespringsofknowledgeundefiled;


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PersianPsalms235StoicalikeandPlatonist

Haveshroudedalltheworldinmist.

Ah!Iampoisonedhark,thecry

Oftheworldsheartascendethhigh;

Reasonreplieslamentingly,

Iknownocharm,noremedy.

Letitbepriest,orbeggarpoor,

King,ortheslavethatkeepshisdoor,

Allseeksuccessofmerchandise

Amidhypocrisyandlies.

Themoneychangersinthemart

Areblindofhead,andblackofheart;

Thebrightergleamsmyglowinggem,

Themeanerisitsworthtothem.

23

Saki,onmyheartbestow

Liquidflamewithlivingglow;

Lettheresurrectionday

Dawntremendousonmyclay.

He,foronesmallgrainofcorn,

Castmetotheearthinscorn;

Pouroneglass,andseemerise

Glorifiedbeyondtheskies.

GivetoloveThyliquor,then,

Strongtoloosethethighsofmen;

TosstheliquorssedimentsInthebeakerofthesense.

Wisdomandphilosophy

Areagrievousloadonme;

Heavenlyguide!StretchoutThyhand,

Liftmyburden,letmestand.

Ifhotliquorprovethvain

Toilluminatethebrain,

Suffermeasecondchance,

SavemewithThyflashingglance.

FearandhopeareyetatoddsInourbanquetofthegods;

Makeusallinignorancebe

Ofthewheelofdestiny!

Rosesandanemones

Scatterattheautumnbreeze;

Yetwithinourancientbough

Setthenewsaprisingnow!

24

Thejuicethatmakethtulipsspring

Withintheheartabumperbring,

Saki!andlettheAprilgust

Scatteratwillmybodysdust.

IdranktheWestsenamelledbowl,

Anddarknesssettledoermysoul;

Ogivemesighttoseetheway

AndwhereIwentsosoreastray.

Uponthewaveofeverybreeze

LikechaffIturnedasitmightplease;

Tumultuousbeatstheheartofme

Withvainsurmise;givecertainty!

Myspiritsfretfulsmalldesire

Glowswanlyasasparkoffire;

Givemedesireofheartsdelight,Astartoshineuponmynight.

Thougavestinmyhandapen

Skilfultopaintakingofmen;

Thoumadestmeascribe;thengive

Atablet,thatmycreedmaylive!

25

Ofeveryimagethattheheart

TakesfromtheeyeIhavenopart;

Perceptionweighethnotwithme,

Ibegforpurereality.

Anonatouchofmadnesslies

Intheconventionsofthewise;

Icomewithcollartorn,afool,

ForallIwenttowisdomsschool.

AnonIwrapmeintheworld,

Anonaboutmetisenfurled;

Passroundthewine,andpassagain,

ThatImaybreakthistangledskein.

NoSakisglanceenchantsmehere,

Noranytalkoflovesincere;FromMullahsboardandSufisfeast

Inothinggainbutcareincreased.

Thtimethattheyhadmuchtodo

Withme,Thychoiceandfavouredfew:

Thedesertwasmyupbringing;

Ifearlessstridebeforetheking.


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236 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal26

Againstthelight,aninfidel,

Myheart,unfettered,dothrebel;

ItbowsbeforeGodssanctuary,

Andidolsserves,indifferently.

Itsetsabalance,toaccess

Thevalueofitsrighteousness,

Readytostrikeabargainsmart

WithGod,inresurrectionsmart.

Itwouldhaveearthandheavenfulfil

Alltherequirementsofitswill,

Andclaims,thoughdust,ajudgetobe

Withadivineauthority.

AnonitwillwithGodaccord,

AnonitfightsagainsttheLord,

Standsforatimeastruthsally.Andthenitdoththetruthdeny.

Whileinitsessencevoidofhue,

Itpaintsalyingimage,too:

AMoses,whothepartdothbear

Ofprophet,andofsorcerer!

Itsglanceatouchoftheinsane

Impartethtotheprudentbrain,

Andyetalancetitcanuse

Themadmansswellingtoreduce.

Whenshallthistravellerreachhisgoal,Theinnerchamberofthesoul,

Thatdoththesethousandyearsabide

Atfalsehoodsshrine,inslothfulpride?

27

WhyintheconcoursedostThouseek

Thepoetswild,ecstaticshriek,

Orlookestforanothersriot,

Whoseheartistroubledandunquiet?

Myaffluentmusewastaughtbythee

Toswimthewavesofmelody;WhyseekestThouthegem?Behold,

Mypiercedheartdoththeseaenfold.

ExceptwithinThypresencethere

Istand.Icannotbreathemyprayer:

MyheartbeforeThyfeetIfling

Whatelseshouldunbelieverbring?

28

Faithandinfidelity

Fightnotforthemindofme;

NodelightsofParadise

Domystrickensoulentice.

Cleavemyheartandlayitbare,

ThoushallfindThyimagethere,

Gleampervasive,shadowless,

Moonlightonawilderness.

29

Thineisthehawkuponthewing

Andthinethethrushsweetcarolling,

Thineisthelightandjoyoflife

Andthineitsfireandbanefulstrife.

Thougayestmeaheartawake

And,throughtheworldmywaytotake,

Alittledustamoonforlorn

Uponanightdarklitterborne.

Myeverythoughtfromtheedothstart,

Whetheronliporintheheart;

Whetherthepearlbebroughtfromsea,

Orleftenfoundered,tisofthee.

Iamtheselfsamecloudofdust

Sweptidlyasthewinddothlust;

Tulip,andspringtimesscattereddew.

Thouarttheirsolecreatortoo.

Thouartthepainter;Thydesign

Inspiresandmovesthisbrushofmine;

Thyhandsthelivingworldadorn,

Andshapetheagesyetunborn.

MuchsorrowinmyheartIhad

Thatbythetonguecouldnotbesaid:

Love,lovelessness,troth,treachery

Allthingsalikearesprungofthee.

30

Onesteponfriendshipsroad

FairerIsee

Thanthemoatpressingload

Ofpiety.

TakeforThyrestawhile

Thisheartofmine

AndlayasideThytoil


10/54

PersianPsalms237Andtaskdivine.

Ocome;andtidingsbring

Howstandsmyheart,

WhereIamwandering,

AndwhereThouart.

Recallthoseglancespure

Ofloveintense

HowlongmustIendure

Indifference?

Lastnighttheburningmoon

Didmeaddress:

Accepttheanguish,son,

Ofunaccess.

Fairspakeshe;but,ahyes,

Mycreedoflove

ToliveinlonelinessDothnotapprove.

BeforetheeIhavelaid

Thisheartofmine;

Haplythetwistthread

Thoucanstuntwine.

31

Inmyheartsempire,see

HowHeridesspitefully,

Rideswithimperiouswill

Toravage,andtokill!

Noheartisthere,butbright

Gleamethinthatmoonslight;

Athousandmirrors,see!

ReflectHiscoquetry.

Toeachhandhehathwon

TenrealmsofSolomon,

Yetgambleswithitall

Togainapoor,meanthrall.

Theheartsofsuchasknow

SwiftHeassaults;butlo:Beforetheunwise,unskilled,

HecastethdownHisshield.

32

Upontheroadofhighdesire

Myloadyetliethinthemire,

Becausemyheartwouldstillengage

Withtrappings,caravan,andstage.

Whereisthelightningofthegaze

Thatshallmydwellingburnandraze?

FainwouldIyetabargainkeep

Withwhatmensow,andwhatmenreap.

Oletthislaymansvesselride

Uponafull,tempestuoustide:

Thewaveaffrightethmesosore,

Ifixmygazeupontheshore.

Ah,whatadventureistogain

Toquiver,nevertoattain:

Thricehappyhe,whoevennow

Behindthetraindothridinggo.

Buthewhoneverknewhisheart

Fromthetwoworldstodwellapart,

HestillbemusedandcheatedisByunsubstantialimages.

Asingle,briefepiphany

Consolethnotthepassionateeye:

WhereshallItakethewoundingdart

Thatprickethevenyetmyheart?

Inthegladpresenceofthefriend

Ahistoryisthathathnoend,

Asstillthesesorrowsyetunsaid

Lieinmyheartdeepburied.

33

Thedaysareended

Ofwinterlong;

Thebranchesquiver

Withlivingsong.

Thebreezeinbeauty

Arraystherose

Asfromtheriver

Itgentlyblows.

Thetulipslantern

IndesertbareIsfannedtobrightness,

Bythespringair.

Sad,midtheroses,

Myheartdothdwell,

Yea,fromthemeadow

Fleesthegazelle;


11/54

238 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalAlittleeases

Withgriefandpain

Orlikeabillstream

Lamentsagain.

Lestmyheartspassion

Maysoftergrow,Nottothetrusty

Illtellmywoe.

34

Athometoloiterneverdidmeplease,

AroverI,strangerineveryland.

Atdawn,theashesthusaddressedthebreeze:

Thisdesertsairputoutmyflamingbrand;

Passgently;scattermenotwithThyhand;

Iyetrecallthecaravanssunease.

Mytears,likedew,trickleduponthesand,I,too,beingdustontheworldspassages.

TheninmyheartIheardasoftvoicesing:

Thestreamoftimedidfrommyfountain

spring.

Thepastisallmyfeverandfireofyore,

ThefutureallthatIamyearningfor:

Thinknotuponthydust,Othinknomore

Lo,bythelife,Iknownoperishing!

35

BytheSakiseye

HeartenflamedIlie;

Drunkwithoutwine

Odelightdivine!

Allunveiled,desire

Burnsafiercerfire;

Letmeseeorno,

Yetmysoulsaglow.

Seetherebecsstring

Atmyfingering

LikeacandleswickFlamethbrightandquick.

Savemyheartcanbe

Lodgingnoneforme,

Naughtismeassigned,

NeerawayIfind.

Tillthesunarise

Fromtheeasternskies

Sleeptomedenied.

LikethestarsIride.

36

Thoudidstturnmynighttodawning;

OThousunofpresencebright,

LikethesunThouartinbrightness,

Lightunveiled,mostworthylight!

CamestThoutoeasemysorrow,

Andwithinmythoughtdidstrest,

Thendidstvanishfrommyvision

Withsoswift,impetuoushaste.

Thouassayoftheassayless,

Easeofthereposelessmind,

Cureoftheafflictedspirit,

SavetoorareThouarttofind!Passionssorrow,passionspleasure,

Twofoldislovesinfluence:

Nowanagonyandburning,

Nowthedrunkardsturbulence.

Speakmethen,fortrueThouknowest:

Ofmyheartthehistorytell

Whereisnowmyheartinhiding?

Inmybreastitdothnotdwell.

BythemajestyIswearit,

NodesiremyspiritmovesSavetheprayer:Aneaglespirit,

Lord,bestowuponThydoves!

37

Noneotherinthistavernis,

Saki,tosharemymysteries;

AmIthefirst(Owhocantell)

Conceivedinheaven,onearthtodwell?

Awhilethisspentandwearyframe

Thoumakestdust;andonthesame

Scatterestwater;loIseeFireintheashespresently

Bringmethatfortuneevernew,

Thecupwhereliestheworldtoview,

For,inthepalaceoftheEast,

AnotherJamshidsitstofeast.


12/54

PersianPsalms23938

Tellmethis:whatisThyshare

Inthisworldofpainandcare?

KnowestThouthespiritssmart?

HastThouanuneasefulheart?

Ofsuchbittertearsthatwell

Fromtheeye,whatcanstThoutell?

See,Thyrosespetalshold

Dewypearlsofpriceuntold!

Orthesoul,thatnumbereth

Lifedepartingateachbreath,

Borrowedspirit,griefoftime

ShallIspeaktheeinrhyme?


Ifasightcauseslossofself,itisbetterhidden

fromview:

Idonotacceptthedeal,Yourpriceistoo

high.

Speaktousunveiled,thetimeforbeing

reservedisgone

WhenotherstolduswhateveritwasYou

wantedofus.

Myinsolenteyeshavepiercedthebluesky.

Ifyouwanttohaveabarrierbetweenus,

buildanotherworld.

HowYoulookoutforYourself!ForallYour

unconcern,

Youdemandthebloodoffriendstoprove

youexist.

Worshipisonestation,loveisanother:

Youwantangelstobowbeforeyou,butmen

todostillmore.

WithloveIconvertthecrudecopperIhave

intogold,

ForwhenImeetyoutomorrow,Youwill

wantagiftfromme.


Thylightdefinethallthingsonebyone:

Black,white,sea,mountain,valley,moonand

sun;

Thouseekestonefamiliarwiththelight,

MyquestisHewhocannotbearthesight.

41

Givemetheheartwhoserapturefine

Flamesfromadraughtofitsownwine,

Andtaketheheartthat,selfeffaced,

Byalienfancyisembraced.

Givemetheheart,givemetheheart

Thatoftheworldwillhavenopart;

Iyieldtheheartrightgladlyoer

Thatisaslavetolessandmore.

Odrawmeforth,Thouhuntsmanbold,

OutoffatesquiverThoudosthold;

Excepttheshaftbeputtobow,Howshallitlaythequarrylow?

Thislifeisneerawearything

Whiletherebeworldsforconquerring:

Behold,oneworldliesboundandtied

IntoanotherworldIride.

42

AhandofdustisallIown;

Iscatteritupontheway,

BecauseIhopethatonaday

Itshallascendtoheavensthrone.

WhatstratagemhaveI,whatart?

Foronthebranchofwisdomstree

Nothornhaseversprungforme

ThatImightthrustintomyheart.

Thefiresofseparationgive

Abriefeffulgencetomyflame,

AndwhenIwoulddampdownthesame,

ThatverybreathInomorelive.

Letitnotvanishfrommyvein,

Thewineanddrunkennessoflove;Isuffernonetriumphof

Myheart,totakeitbackagain.

UponthetabletsThoudidstwrite

Theargumententireandwhole;

Andnow,sodisciplinemysoul

ThatImayreadthescriptaright.


13/54

240 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalIfinThypresenceoneghazal

Ievermadebesungtothee,

Whatwoulditcost,thecourtesy

Towhisper,Yes,Iknowhimwell?

43

LetthisheartThougavestme

Overflowwithcertainty,

Andmyworldbeholdingglass

Allitsradiancesurpass.

Letthebitterpotionpoured

Bytheheavensinmygourd

Onthistoperstongueofmine

Tasteassweetashoneyedwine.

44

Topassionsslavesletnomaneer

ThemysteryofThylovedeclare:

Itisnotmeetforstrawstohear

Talkoftheblazingbrazier.

Iwastoeloquencedesigned,

AndThouhastbidmespeakmymind;

Suchthingsareinthebreastofme

Asuntononemayutteredbe.

Deepinmyheartsrecesseslies

Thesweetestsongthatyearnstorise;

Amongtheleavesmynotesshallring,

ButinthecageIcannotsing.

Tispassingstrange,ifyearningbe

Notborntoimmortality;

HowcanThyhistorybesaid

Inthesefewbreaths,ereIamdead?

45

Ah,thewine,thelute,thepiping,

Thedearmemoriesofold,

WhenIheldthebrimmingbeaker

Andmyfriendabowlofgold.

AnThoucomesttomybosom,

Inmyautumnspringshallglow;

AnThoucomenot,Mayliesmourning

ColderthanDecemberssnow.

Mutemysoul,whenThouartabsent,

Likeaharpwithbrokenstrings;

Frommybreast,whenThouartwithme,

Risemelodiouswhisperings.

WellThouknowestwhatconveying

UntopassionsfeastIwent:

Wineinvat,ameadofroses,

Andareedbedoflament.

Nowrenewlovesolddominion,

Thatbyvirtueofitssway

Equalshallthevagrantsmatbe

TotheroyalthroneofKay.

Crythefriendswithgladrejoicing

Thatawandererishome;

ThoughItrodthepathsofknowledge,

InmydesertstillIroam.

46

Starsonmybosomshine

Weptfromtheseeyesofmine:

Lo,beyondheavensheight;

Castmethejoyofsight;

Soared,thoughindustIlay,

Highoerthestarryway,

Lifeoftheembersglow

Likesmenot,Thoudostknow.

Alltheworldseveandmorn

Areofmywhirlingborn;

Thouknowstthismornandeve

Mysoulcanscarcereceive.

Winebrimmedinheavenscup;

Itookanddrankitup;

Saki!notsparingbe

Anotherbowlforme!

Notboththeworldssuffice

Myfollysavarice;

Earthisapassingday,

Heavenapassageway.

47

TheEast,thatholdstheheavensfast

Withinthenooseitsfancycast,

Itsspiritsbondsareallunited,

Theflamesofitsdesirehavedied.

Theburningglowoflivingbirth

Pulsesnomoreinitsdarkearth;

Itstandsupontheriverside


14/54

PersianPsalms241Andgazesatthesurgingtide.

Faint,faintthefiresofworshipbe

Intempleandinsanctuary;

TheMagianstillhiscupwouldpass,

Butstalethewineisinhisglass.

ThevisionoftheWestisblind,

IllusionfillstheWesternmind;

Drunkenwithmagicscentandhue,

Itbowsbeforethegreatuntrue.

Swifteritspinsthanheavenssphere;

Deathisagentlerravisher;

Itsfingershavesotornmysoul,

Neveragaincanitbewhole.

Oftheearthearthy,itwouldtry

Toemulatetheancientsky;

Arogue,acheat,ofworksimmense,Withpivotnone,andlittlesense.

TheEastiswasteanddesolate,

TheWestismorebewilderedyet

Theardentquestinspiresnomore,

Deathreignssupremethewholeworldoer.

Bringmethewineofheartsdelight,

Andspreadthebanquetofthenight;

Givemethebold,adventurouseye,

Andinlovestransportletmedie.

48

Leavenoquartertoresist

Tothisrestlessheartofmine

GiveThycurlsanothertwist,

LetThytressesintertwine.

InmyheartThylightningshone

Radiantasflashinggold,

Whichtheexpectantsunandmoon

Marvelledsorelytobehold.

Holyjoytodwellwiththee

Fashionedworldidolatry;Lovewithhisdeceitfulart

Evercheatsthehopefulheart.

Comethemeadowbirdagain

Tothegreenandmeadowedplain,

Thatwithminddevoidofcare

Imaytuneasweet,newair.

AhighsoulThougavestme;

Loosemybonds,andsetmefree?

KinglyraimentIwouldspurn

IfThysackclothImayearn.

Iftheaxe(aslegendsays)

Cleavetherock,shallthatamazeLoveuponhisshoulderbears

Suchamountainrangeofcares!

49

Mysoul,embattled

Withfortuneever,

Weepslikeariver

Amongthemountains.

Openandsecret

Fateisassailing,

TotheunfailingFickleandfaithless.

Mountainanddesert,

Oceanandprairie

Secretunwary

Unsympathising.

Strangertopassion,

Strangertoyearning

Rivuletsturning,

Sprayofthefountains.

PalelamentationsFlamelessoutpouring

Nightingalessoaring

Songinthethicket.

Burnsinmybosom

Thebrandofpassion;

Insuchafashion

Burnsnotthetulip.

NowineofSaki,

Nospiritsriot;

ThesoulunquietBitterlysuffers.

50

InThyhandsInowdeliver

Onceagainmyrestlessheart;

Itwillneverceasefromlabour

FortheeaseThouwouldstimpart


15/54

242 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalHaplessheart!whosewholeaffliction

Isthecountingofthebreath,

Havingnotwithinitspower

Tobelordoflifeanddeath.

InThythoughtasIwasslumbring

Thou,desirousofdisplay,ThisThypearloflustrousbeauty

FromThybreastdidstcastaway.

Loudcomplainttheylaidagainstthee,

Moonandstars(didstThounothear?)

ThatThysparkThouhastenkindled

Inmyashesdarkanddrear.

InmybreastHisarrowpricking

Thereisglory,thereisfame!

IfIcastmyselfbeforeHim,

Hed

not

seize

me

for

His

game.

51

Asinglewordsufficethwell

Thepassionofaworldtotell:

Thejoytoviewtheenighttome

Movedmetothislonghistory.

TakeThouthefacultyofspeech

FromsuchasyearnThyhearttoreach,

KnowestThounot,thatloveconveys

Eloquenceinthetonguelessgaze?

TosonsoflightnaughtelseisknownExceptthemessengeralone;

Thesonofearth,inranksobase,

Highheavenholdsinhisembrace.

IfbutoneatomImustgive

OfthisthefabricthatIlive,

Toogreatapricewerethat,forme

Topurchaseimmortality.

Greatocean,infinitelyvast,

IntoThywavemyselfIcast;

Yet

not

ambitious

to

obtain

Thepearl,orthatfarcoasttogain.

Intomysoulthismeaningtrue

Thoupourestlikethesummerdew,

Whereofwithsorrowandwithsighs

Anewworlddawnsuponmineeyes.

52

Howlongtheveilofeveanddawn

AboutThybeautyshallbedrawn?

Thycheekdisplay:makewholetome

Thisincompleteepiphany.

Ogladconsuming!rapturefine!

Thyselfwouldstbegofmeforwine

IfuntotheeIdidrelate

Theintoxicationofmystate.

Iaddedtothesongoflife

Thecounterpointoffierystrife;

Scatterthedewthatquenchesdrowth

Intothetulipsthirstymouth.

Mindsearchedthevolumethroandthro

Lovefoundatoncethesubtleclue;

ThecleverbirdwillevergainBeneaththesnarethehiddengrain.

Whereisthesong,andhethatsung?

Wordsarealyrepretencehasstrung;

Idrawtowardsthecameltrain

Theerringbeastwithoutarein.

InriddlesyetIspake,forsooth;

Nowisthetimefornakedtruth;

DoThoudeclare,whereIshalllead

Myfellowtravellersintheirneed.

53

Onebyonewecountourbreath

Onthenarrowroadtodeath;

Likearagingseaweroar

Aswewalkalongtheshore.

Thoughtheterrorofthesea

Givestononesecurity,

Inthesecretoftheshell

Selfpreservingwemaydwell.

Askthemnottopricetheheart,

Moneychangersofthemart;Wecanestimatealone

Thetruemeritofourstone.

Tributenoneisaskedofus

Forourfiefdomruinous;

Beggarssittingbytheroad,

Weareprincesofourblood.


16/54

PersianPsalms243Thereisone(Owonderful!)

Dwellsbesidemeinmysoul;

Whoshallsay,ifitbethee

Ormyself,Imeetinme?

Drawasidefatesveil,Ipray,

FromthisAdamshapedofclay;OnThypathprecipitate

Forourcomingweawait.

54

Nolament,nosighIuttered;

Naughtavaillamentsandsighs;

Bestunspoken,theheartssorrow;

Therebefewtosympathise.

Intheshrineandinthetemple

Thereislovetalkeverywhere,

YetthroughalltheworldnoneknowethThisgreatsecret thatweshare.

Herearethingstoofineforvision;

Asthesparksthatupwardsoar

Guardourworldforabriefmoment,

Andthenextitisnomore.

Comingbythepathofseeing

Thoudidstpastintomymind,

ButsosuddenwasThypassing

Inthathourmyeyeswereblind.

TheythattelltheworthofjewelsWouldnotheedmyjewelledring;

Sincetheworldwillnotregardit,

UntotheemygemIbring.

Lo,thegobletmindilluming

ThattheWesthathgivenme,

Allthesunsaglowwithinit;

OfthedawnnosignIsee.

55

Tremulousasthemoonlight

ToourfarabodeWecame;andnomanknoweth

Howwetrodthisroad.

OfourheartsgriefThouspakest

Tothewatchfulspies;

Wecamewithlamentation

Shamefulofoursighs.

UnveilThyhiddenbeauty!

Asthedawningsun

Alleyestogazeuponthee

Earlywerun.

Confirmourresolution

Withastrongerfaith:Wecomeunhorsed,unarmoured

Tothisfieldofdeath.

Whatafargazemayfashion

ArtThounotaware?

SofaredweinThypresence,

Onourlipsaprayer.

56

Lord,whodidstbringthestarstobirth,

Lookdownuponmyscatteredearth;

Theatomdothitselfenfold;Thisboundlesswildernessbehold.

Insolitudewithinmybreast

Immortalbeautyliesatrest;

Beneaththisenvelopeofclay

Regardthesunseffulgentray.

TumultuousloveThoudidstimpart

Tothismyfrailandmortalheart;

SeenowThyconflagrationroll

Amongtherushesofmysoul.

ClothedintherobesofolddisgraceNotehowIlabourtoefface

Byhardendeavoureverystain,

Andwashlifesgarmentwhiteagain.

Mydustascendingintheair

Seeksanewheaventoprepare;

Thisatom,Thatisnaught,andless,

Wouldpopulateawilderness!

[TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]

PERSIANPSALMS

PARTTWO

YouareabranchoftheSidrahtree,


17/54

244 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalDonotbecomethethornsandthistlesof

thegarden.

IfyouhavedeniedHisexistence,

Donotdenyyourown.

BothworldsmaybeseeninthewinepitchesI

have!WhereistheeyetoviewthesightsIsee?

Therewillcomeanotherman,possessed,who

willshouthu!inthecity;Twohundredcommotionswillarisefromthe

obsessionIhave.

Donotworry,ignorantone,atthe

approachingdarknessofnights

Forthescarofmyforeheadsparkleslikestars.

Youtakemeasyourcompanion,butIam

afraidThatyouarenotuptothetumultanduproar

Ihaveraised.


Riseup!Thehourishere

ThatAdamshallappear;

Thestarsbow,astheymust,

Tothishandfulofdust.

Thesecret,thatatrest

WashidinBeingsbreast,

ByClayandWaterstirred

Ismagicallyheard.

2

Ontheroadwayofdesire

Swifttogazeandtoaspire,

Glanceassaying,clearofhead,

Moonandstartogethertread.

Say,whatvisionsofdelight

Inthedustamazedtheirsight,

Thattheyturnedthemfromtheskies

Andhavefixedonustheireyes.

3

Thoucanstpass,likemorningsbreeze,

Deepintotheanemones,

Withasinglebreathdisclose

Thelockedsecretsoftherose.

WhatisLife?Theworld,andall,

Tomakespiritscaptivethrall;

Sincetheworldhasprisonedthee,

Howshaltthoubringthistobe?

Twasdecreed,longsinceenow,

Sunandmoontotheeshouldbow,Butasyetthouknowestnot

Howthoucanstachieve,andwhat.

Takethouthenaflaskofwine

Fromthistavernthatismine,

Andofonepoorclodofearth

Thoushaltbringaworldtobirth.

Iqbal!Whatbrightlampisit

Inthybosomthouhastlit,

Thatthethingsthyselfcanstdo

Thou

in

us

canst

fashion,

too?

4

Ifitbethywilltogain

ThesafeshoreofPassionsmain,

Withathousandbrandsoffire

Onefaintflameisthydesire.

Godhastaughtmehowtospring

Joyouslyuponthewing;

Thouaspirestbuttorest

Coweringinthymeadowsnest.

SeekestthoutowinperchanceTheBelovedssecretglance?

Firstawhilebeclutchingthen

Sotheskirtsofconscientmen.

Withnomadnessinthybreast

Throughthetownthouclamourest;

Pitchershatteredfromthygrip,

Thouwouldstyettherevelkeep.

Practicetootheamorousart,

Learntocaptivatetheheart,

If

thou

dost

desire

of

me

Lovesimmortalminstrelsy.

5

Timeisthewingedmessenger

OftheHeartsDesire;

Wondrousherald!Tidingsfair

Ishislifeentire.


18/54

PersianPsalms245Thinknot,thoushaltneverwin

TheBelovedtoview:

Thedesirethybreastwithin

Stillisraw,andnew!

WellIknowthatthoudostsoar

Hawklikehighinair;Yetbewaretheflower,for

Ancientishissnare.

HowmayGabrielaspire

WhereMansdustshallfly?

Ifhispresentfameishigher,

Tishisroofthatshigh!

Allthylifeisbreathtotake,

Knowingnot,frailman,

Thattruelivingistobreak

The

days

talisman.

OfthescienceoftheWest

ThismuchIwillspeak:

Sweetaresighsandtearsexpressed

Whilethegazeisweak.

OertheCrescentandtheCross

Iamraisedsublime;

Othertumultnowdothtoss

InthebrainofTime.

6OftheFriendsingenuouswitIcanrelatenomore:

Bymypillowhedidsit,

Andspakeuponthecure!

Thoughthetongueisboldenough,

Theargumentrightfair,

WhatcanIdeclareofLove,

Savethatnonecandeclare?

Happyhe,whodaredtoreach

DeepintoBeingsbrain

Anddrew

forth

like

jewels

speech,

Andfluentspokeagain.

DesolatewithjoyamI

That,recognizingme,

InreproachHewhispered,sly,

Poor,homelessvagrant,see!

Grievenot,thatthisworldofours

Itssecretstillconceals;

Whatisspeechlesstotheflowers,

Thebirdslamentreveals.

Passionsmessage,thatanew

Itellunfeignedly,

Tothetulipspakethedew,

Butspakeinsecrecy.

Ifmyspeechisalldistraught,

Whatwonderwereinthis?

OfHistresseswhospeaksaught,

Histaledistressfulis.

7

Mind,thatiseverquesting,

Andfinding,withoutresting,

Firedbythejoyofviewing

Wasvisionstillpursuing.

Seekthoupurerevelation

Pastsunandmoonslowstation,

Forallthingsherereported

Byvisionaredistorted.

8

Iamtheslaveofeachlivingheart

Whoseloveispure,refined,

Notcloisteredmonkswhodwellapart,

Theirheartstononeresigned.

Withsuchaheartasknowsthehue,

Yetfromallhueisfree,

Inmosque,andinn,andtemple,too,

Thetouchstonesuretheybe.

BeyondthemoonandPleiades

Theirgazeisliftedhigh,

TheMilkyWaycontentsnotthese

Forthemtonestthereby.

Withinthemultitudearethey,

Yetoutofitwithal;

Inspiritssolitudetheystay,

Whiledwellingamidall.

Regardnotmeanly,nordespise

Thetrulylovingman;

Thoughlittleworth,tismerchandise

FitforLifescaravan.

Thecharteroftheirliberty

Iswritforslavestokeep;


19/54

246 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalAndnowtheShaykhandBrahmanbe

Shepherdswithouttheirsheep.

Takethouthegobletinthyhold;

Winelawfulis,theytell

Althoughthetalebestrange,tistold

Byspeakerscredible.

9

Thetulipofthismeadowland

Isyetallfleckedwithhue;

Castnottheshieldoutofthyhand,

Forbattleflaresanew.

Atumult,inwhoseswellingbreast

Twohundredtumultswait

Thatmaidenis,whodwellscaressed

InEuropescradleyet.

Othouwhosittestatthyease

Besidetheshore,arise!

Thewhirlpoolroarsacrosstheseas,

Thesharkinmenacelies.

Nopartofwisdomtis,Itrow,

Thetrustyaxetoshun;

Withintherocksheart,evennow,

Arerubiestobewon.

Await!andIwillraisetheveil,

Thatothersongsmaythrill;

WhatshouldIofsuchmusictellTheluteconcealethstill?

WhentheworldswondrousArtistviewed

Themadnessinmybrain,

Hecried,Toomightyswellsthymood,

Thisruintocontain!

10

Faithdependsonarguments

Andonmagiceloquence;

YetanonmenservetheLord

Withthelanceandfearlesssword.

Oftthedervishrobesconceal

Underneathacoatofsteel;

Lovers,slavestopassionsmood,

Withsucharmourareendued.

Whentheworldtoooldisgrown,

Itisburntandoverthrown,

Thenitswateranditsclay

Menfornewfoundationlay.

Storedandcherishedcapital,

Foroneglancetheyyielditall:

Whatapeoplethese,whotake

Profitofthelosstheymake!

Whatuponabladeofgrass

Etherbornetheybringtopass,

Ttisnotstrangethattheycanprove,

Ponderousmountainchainstomove.

Loveisasamerchandise;

InLifesmarketplaceitlies,

Nowatlittlepriceissold,

Andanonformightygold.

Ihavesunglamentingly

Outofsleeptowakenthee,ElseisLovealabourdone

Sighlessly,withoutagroan.

11

Drunkwithselfhoodlikeawave

Plungeintothestormylave;

Whocommandedtheetosit

Withthyskirtsaboutthyfeet?

Letthetigerbethyprey;

Leavethemeadandflowersgay,

Outtowardthemountainpress,Tenttheeinthewilderness.

Castthystranglingropeonhigh,

Circlesunandmooninsky,

Seizeastarfromheavenssphere,

Stitchitonthysleevetowear.

Selfhoodswine,asIhaveguessed,

Tartandbitteristotaste,

Yetregardthypainwithin

Drainourdesperatemedicine

12

OutofHijazandthelonelyplain

TheGuideoftheTimeiscome,

Backfromthefar,farvaleagain

TheCaravanhastenshome.

Lo,onthebrowoftheslavesIsee

TheSultanssplendourbright,


20/54

PersianPsalms247ThedustofAyazshinesradiantly

WithMahmudstorchalight.

InKabahandTemplelong,longyears

Thedeeplamentarose,

TillfromLovesbanquetnowappears

OneManwhotheSecretknows.

Thesighsthatoutofthebosombreak

Ofapeopleatearnestprayer

Abraveandnewfoundationmake

InLifesmindeverywhere.

Otakethetremblinglutefromme,

Formyhandcanplaynomore;

Instreamsofbloodmymelody

Fromtheheartoftheharpdothpour.

13

OftheSultanIwouldtake

Onegaze,ifsoImay;

MuslimI,Idonotmake

Agodofclay.

See,theindependentheart

ThatinmybreastIbear

Tothebeggardothimpart

Aregalair.

Whatdothonthetulipfall

Outofthestarrysky,

OertheverdantherbageallNowscatterI.

RangingthroughtheInfinite

Mythoughtbegsneverboon,

AsthePleiadescravelight

Fromsunandmoon.

Butifanywanderingsun

Towardmypathshouldstray,

WithasmileImakeitrun

Farfromtheway.

WiththelustreandtheflameThatNaturehathendowed

LikealightningflashIgleam

Inadarkcloud.

WellIknowthewontandway

Ofthemthatrule,aloof

Josephsinthewell,andthey

Asses,onroof!

14

Likethedervishdrunkenbe;

Quaffthewinecupinstantly,

And,whenthouartboldergrown,

HurlthyselfonJamshidsthrone

Thisourworld,theyaskedofme,

Istcongenialtothee?

Nay,Ianswered;andtheycried,

Breakandstrewitfarandwide!

InthetavernsIsawnone

Meettobecompanion;

Gettheelesswithtavernboys

SmitewithRustamandrejoice!

Tulipinthedesertbright,

Burnthounotinlonelylight;

LetthyheartconsumingglowBlazeinAdamsbosom,too.

ThourtHisfieryinwardmood,

ThouthefeverofHisblood;

Dostthounotbelieve?Go,rend

Thisworldsbody,endtoend.

IstheMindthylamp?Today,

Setitoutuponthewar;

IsthybeakerLove?Drinkwine

Withsometrustymateofthine.

Ah,myheartisallaglow,Frommineeyesthebloodstreamsflow;

See,myrubyoffering;

Take,andwearthisinthyring.

15Greedisactingstillhisplay

Thisworldtodominate;

Whatnewturbulence,Ipray,

BehindHeavensveildothwait?

NowandnowMindbreakeththrough

Whatidolsitdesigned;Come,forLovebelievethtrue,

AndinfidelisMind.

ThourttheLeaderofthetrain;

Thenlabourfiercelystill;

Inourtribe,heruledothgain

Whohathawarriorswill.


21/54

248 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalThouhastclosedthineeyes,andsaid,

Theworldsadream,noless:

Opethineeyes;thisdreamabed

Isallofwakefulness.

Inthysolitude,alone,

Createacompany:Love,thatsmadetoknowtheOne,

TheManylovestosee.

Butaninstantquiveredbe

Eretothesaddlebound

Fortunategazelle,tohe

Sosingledouttowound!

Inthegardenandthemead

Isowmyjewelledair;

Preciousgoods,yetcheapindeed

When

there

are

none

to

hear.

16AlthoughtheAngeldwellsbeyond

Thetalismanoftheskies,

Yetonthishandofdustinfond

Affectionresthiseyes.

Thinknotupononefashiongoes

Thegameofloveforlorn;

Sanearethetulipandtherose

Andyettheirrobeistorn.

ThetaleofpassiontoldmaybeWheretheFriendsojourneth

Alone,withalamentthatsfree

Ofalldefilingbreath.

Sofromastaramanmayclutch

Theappleofitseye;

Mindisafalconathistouch

Eagerandswifttofly.

Unveilthyface;forHeWhospake,

ThoushaltnotgazeonMe

Ahand

of

dust

in

view

to

take

Stillwaitethpatiently.

Whosangwithintheflowerymead?

Say,whencehisanthemcame

Thatlo!therosebudhidesherhead,

Therosesblushforshame.

17WhereistheArab,torevive

Theoldnightrevelry,

AndwherethePersian,tobringalive

Thelovelutesminstrelsy?

UndertheSufieldersgown

Theflagonisbareanddry;

Alas,fornonecantellinthetown

Whereyoungredwinestobuy.

Everymaninthisgrassymead

Fashionsandtakeshisrest,

Butwhereishe,ah,whereindeed,

Whowillmake,andburn,hisnest?

Athousandcaravantrainshavestared

Likeastranger,andthenpassedon,

ButhethatcloseasaloverdaredTogazeisthereanyone?

Riselikeawave,andsurgingflow

Intheoceaneternally?

Thouseeksttheshore,anddostnotknow

Whereevertheshoremaybe.

Hither(forinthytendrilsvein

Thefreshyoungblooddothbound)

Hitherhasten,noraskagain

WheretheMagianwineisfound.

TwistintoonevastwararrayAllagesthateverwere;

Laterandsoonerarepassedaway;

WherenowisTime,ah,where?

18

Riselikethemorningair

Andlearntoblowagain;

Tulipandrosearefair;

Playgentlywiththeirtrain;

Deepintherosebudsheart

Learnhow

to

stab

thy

dart.

Thougherminewrapsthybreast,

Thoutremblestlistlessly;

Thiswaythoushiverest

Willnothingprofitthee;

Intheassemblylearn

Withlovetoshake,andburn.

Faithless!thyheartastray


22/54

PersianPsalms249OncemoreuponHimbind;

Breakfromallelseaway,

Noruntoselfbeblind;

Learnwiththyeyestoview,

Andhowtoclosethem,too.

Breathisamessenger,Unhearditsmessagetold;

Thydustavisionclear,

Yetthoucanstnotbehold;

Learnonceagaintosee,

Andhearinggetforthee!

Nofalconsheartofrage

Wehave,noeagleseye;

Likehomebirdsinacage

Welackthejoytofly;

Homebirdsencaged!arise,

Andsoarintotheskies.

Dariusroyalthrone

Mensellnotbytheway;

Thatmightymountofstone

Theybarternotforhay;

Learnwiththyownheartsblood

Topurchasetheethisgood.

Thouweepst;yetDestiny

Unchangingdothabide;

Thechainthatcircleththee

Wasaye

as

firmly

tied;

Despairnot,butanew

Learnhowtoweepforrue.

Artthouconsumed?Takeflame

Outofthyheartsdesire

Andwraptheeinthesame,

Andsetthereedsafire;

Alongthestubblelearn

Torunatorch,andburn!

19Little

flower

fast

asleep,

Risenarcissuslike,andpeep;

Lo,thebowerdroopsanddies

Wastedbycoldgriefs;arise!

Nowthatbirdsongfillstheair

Andmuezzinscalltoprayer,

Listentotheburningsighs

Ofthepassionatehearts,andrise!

Outofleadensleep,

Outofslumberdeep

Arise!

Outofslumberdeep

Arise!

Nowthesun,thatdothadornWithhisraysthebrowofmorn,

Dothsuffusethecheeksthereof

Withthecrimsonblushoflove.

Overmountain,overplain

Caravanstakerouteagain;

Brightandworldbeholdingeyes,

Gazeupontheworld,andrise!

Outofleadensleep,

Outofslumberdeep

Arise!

Outof

slumber

deep

Arise!

AlltheOrientdothlie

Likestrewndust,theroadwayby,

Orastillandbushedlament

Andawastedsighandspent:

Yeteachatomofthisearth

Isagazeoftorturedbirth.

UnderIndsandPersiasskies,

ThroughArabiasplains,Orise!

Outofleadensleep,

Outof

slumber

deep

Arise!

Outofslumberdeep

Arise!

See,thyoceanisatrest,

Slumbrousasadesertwaste;

Yea,nowaxingorincrease

Eerdisturbsthyoceanspeace.

Neerthyoceanknowethstorm

OrLeviathansdreadswarm:

Renditsbreastand,billowwise

Swellinginto

tumult,

rise!

Outofleadensleep,

Outofslumberdeep

Arise!

Outofslumberdeep

Arise!

Listentothissubtlety

Thatrevealsallmystery:


23/54

250 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalEmpireisthebodysdust;

Spirit,trueReligionstrust;

Bodylivesandspiritlives

Bythelifetheiruniongives.

Lanceinhand,andswordatthighs,

Cloaked,andwiththyprayermat,rise!

Outofleadensleep,

Outofslumberdeep

Arise!

Outofslumberdeep

Arise!

Thouarttrueandworshipful

GuardianofeternalRule,

Thouthelefthandandtheright

OftheWorldpossessorsmight.

Shackledslaveofearthyrace,

Thouart

Time,

and

thou

art

Space:

Wineoffaiththatfeardefies

Drink, andfromdoubtsprisonrise!

Outofleadensleep,

Outofslumberdeep

Arise!

Outofslumberdeep

Arise!

AgainstEuropeIprotest,

AndtheattractionoftheWest:

WoeforEuropeandhercharm,

Swiftto

capture

and

disarm!

Europeshordeswithflameandfire

Desolatetheworldentire;

ArchitectofSanctuaries,

Earthawaitsrebuilding;rise

Outofleadensleep,

Outofslumberdeep

Arise!

Outofslumberdeep

Arise

20

Ourworldisdustyclay

Trampledupontheway;

Idonotthinkourbreath

Returnethoutofdeath.

Thisnight,whoseonlyhome

Isinthestrangerstomb,

Nomoon,nostarshereburn;

Todawnhowshallitturn?

Theheart,whosewholedesire

Iquenchlessflameandfire,

Whoknows,ifitshallgrow

Tolightningflash,orglow?

Highfancy,passionsglance,

Andlifesexuberance,

Fearnot,fortheseallthree

Dustoftheroadshallbe.

Solive,thatifourdeath

Forayecontinueth,

Godshallbeshamed,toknow

WhatthingsHewroughtbelow.

21

Sleeper,risethouup,andfast!

Onceagainuponthepast

Andthefuturefixthygaze;

Thoumustthinkonotherways.

Lovehathlaidhisheavyload

OnTimessaddletotheroad:

Artthoulover?Inthyneed

Eveanddawnmustbethysteed.

Eldersaid,Thisworldbelow

Innocertaingaitdothgo;

Wemustcloseoureyes,norcare

Whatisfoulherein,orfair.

If,theworldbeingwhollyspurned,

UntoHimthymindisturned,

Firstofallthethingstodo

Isthyownlifetoforgo.

Ah,withinmyheart,saidI,

Yetunbrokenidolslie:

Thenthistemple,answeredhe,

Mustbeshatteredutterly!

22

Mymindawhilewasgone

Abouttheheavenstopace,

Highonthebackofthemoon,

Fastinthestarsembrace.

Thinknotweareenfurled

Withinthisglobeofclay;

Eachseparatestarsaworld,


24/54

PersianPsalms251Orwasaworldoneday.

Thelowlyemmetsees

Invisionclearandtrue

Athousandmysteries

Whichwelacksighttoview.

Earthonherbackdothbear

Amanymountaintall;

We,forthedustwewere

Layheaviestofall.

Thepantingtulipsighed;

Howdeeply,wellIknow;

Hercupwithbloodisdyed,

Herheartsabrandaglow.

23Amelodysweptmethroughandthrough

Andnobodyknew;

Theairandthenoteisalltheyknow.

Thehighandlow.

Loveinmyheartwasmadetochime

Withthoughtsublime;

NotlikethemoonIwaxandwane;

Ineverattain.

Weepnomore,butwithbravehearttake

Disunionsache;

Love,tillitsigheth,scarcecanguess

Itsattractiveness.

Bethouatorch,andsetafire

Thebushandbriar;

Menofclayhavenorighttobe

Inlifessanctuary.

Afalconthouart;yieldnotthysoul

Todomesticfowl;

Rise,spreadthywingandpinion,andsoar

Bothhighandfar.

Thepoetsaglowthatgivethlight

Inlifesdarknight;Aradianceshinesinhiswingsanon,

Andsometimesnone.

Iqbalinhissonghisselfhasbared

Andtruthdeclared;

Thisnewunbelieverknowethnaught

Ofcloisterrote.

24

NoJamshidsmemory,thewine

Thatflowethinthisinnofmine,

Itisthepressingofmysoul

ThatsparklethinmyPersianbowl.

Manlikeabillowquivereth

IneagerquestofBeingsbreath,

Whileyethisarrowliesencased

Aboutannihilationswaist.

Come,letusshatter(forwecan)

LikeAbrahamthistalisman;

Withinthetemple,idolsbe

WhateverIhaveseen,butthee.

Untilthoudeeplyenterest

TheveryheartinBeingsbreast,

ToleavethegazetospeculateIswickedness,andsinmostgreat.

Towanderidly,withoutguide,

Peculiarpleasureis,beside;

HappyamI,thatourabode

Isfar,andeverwindstheroad.

Thecasualglance,thatgavetome

Theleavetowander,andtosee,

Twasbetterfar,thatcasualglance,

Thanraptattentiontomychance.

ThoughIwasnourishedallmydaysWhereinfideltoidolprays,

Behold,myopenedlipsimpart

ThesecretoftheKabahsheart.

25

Iamablossomoftheplain;

Carrymebackfromtheavenue

Tomountainandwildernessagain

Whereairstobreathe,andthevasttoview.

FarfromselfIhavegoneastray,

Learntmethefoxyandfurtivewont;Carryme,helpersoftheway,

Backtothereeds,myancienthaunt.

OnceIhadawordinmyheart;

Nowithasvanishedfrommybreast;

ThoughIamold,letmedepart

Backtotheschoolthattaughtmebest.


25/54

252 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalIamahushedandsilentlute;

Nowinmyheadisanew,sweetair;

Oletmystringsbenolongermute,

Takemetohimwhomwillrepair.

Inthisnightthatenshroudethme

Sufficientsunismyancientbrand;Takeawayfrommydormitory

Theshutteredlampthatisinthyhand.

Lo,totheslavesIhavedeclareed

Truekingshipsinnermostmystery;

Iamaslavewhogreatlyerred;

TothekingforjudgementOcarryme!

26

Iutteredanewword,

Buttherewasnonethatheard;

Visiontorapturegrew,Butglancewasnonetoview.

Bethouastone,andpass

Withintheseworksofglass;

Woe,stonetoidolwrought

Thatgobletshatterednot!

Breakdowntheold,andthen

Rebuildtheworldagain;

WhoinNoGodremained

HasneerExceptattained.

OhappyrivuletInselfhoodpassionate,

Whotoearthsheartdostflee

Andflowestnotsosea!

ToMoseslessonlist;

ForEuropesscientist

Thoughoceansdepthheplumb,

CouldneertoSinaicome.

Lovesselflearntquiveringsart

Fromthisourtremblingheart;

Our

spark

it

was

that

spired

Untilthemothexpired.

27

Neverlovertrueishe

Wholamentethdolefully;

Loverhe,whoinhishold

Haththedoubleworldcontrolled.

Lovertrueispassionate

Selfhoodsworldtorecreate,

Notcontenttobeenfurled

Byabounded,finiteworld.

Wakefulheartwasnevergiven

Europesscientistbyheaven;AllthatGodhasmarkedhimby

Isthespeculativeeye.

Loveheknowsnot,andtheBrain

Snakelikebitesintohisvein,

Eventhoughhisgoldencup

Flowingrubyfillethup.

TaketheleesIgive;forlo!

InthetavernsthatIknow

Agedvintnernevermore

Stands,

the

young,

fierce

wine

to

pour

28

Intheheartofthebirds,thatrange

Thisgarden,iseverchange;

Tisonewiththeroseatbreast,

Andotherwithinthenest.

Lookthoutothyselfintent;

Oftheworldwhatcausetolament?

Theresadifferentworldtosee,

Betherechangeofsightinthee.

Eachmoment,ifbutthineeyeRegardethattentively,

Changeththetavernroad

AndtheMagianswontedmode.

Thecaravansleadergreet

Withmyblessing,andthenrepeat:

Thoughthewayunchangedremain,

Tisadifferentcaravan!

29

WearegoneastrayfromGod;

Heissearchingupontheroad,Forlikeus,Heisneedentire

Andtheprisonerofdesire.

OnthetulipspetalHewrites

ThemessageHisheartindites,

Yea,andHisvoiceisheard

Inthepassionatesongofthebird.


26/54

PersianPsalms253Helayintheirisfold

Ourlovelinesstobehold;

Brightcupoftheardentgaze

Whoseglanceisahymnofpraise!

Partedfromus,forlorn

Hesighswiththebreathofmorn,WithinandoutHedothstand,

Around,andoneveryhand.

GreatriotcreatedHe

Acreatureofclaytosee,

Fashionedthepiercingview

Togazeuponmortalhue.

Hiddenineverygrain

NotyetisHeknowntoman,

Thoughbrightasthefullmoonsgrace

In

cottage

and

street

is

His

face.

Inourenvelopeallofdust

Thejeweloflifeislost;

Isitwe,orHimself(Osay),

Thispearlthatisgoneastray?

30

Ofthehirelingssbloodoutpoured

Lustrousrubiesmakesthelord;

Tyrantsquiretoswellhiswealth

Desolatesthepeasantstillth.

Revolt,

I

cry!

Revolt,defy!

Revolt,ordie!

Cityshaykhwithstringofbeads

Manyafaithfulheartmisleads,

Brahmanbaffleswithhisthread

ManyasimpleHinduhead.

Revolt,Icry!

Revolt,defy!

Revolt,ordie!

PrinceandSultangamblinggo,

Loadedarethedicetheythrow.Subjectssoulfrombodystrip

Whiletheirsubjectsareasleep,

Revolt,Icry!

Revolt,defy!

Revolt,ordie!

Preachersatthemosque,hisson

Tothekindergartengone;

Greybirdisachild,intruth,

Childagreybird,spitehisyouth.

Revolt,Icry!

Revolt,defy!

Revolt,ordie!

BrotherMuslims!woetousForthehavocsciencedoes;

Ahrimanischeapenough,

Godisrare,scarceofferedstuff.

Revolt,Icry!

Revolt,defy

Revolt,ordie!

SeehowFalsehoodsblandishment

ShadowsTruth,withillintent,

HowtheBat,withblindedeyes,

PlotsagainsttheSuntorise.

Revolt,Icry!Revolt,defy!

Revolt,ordie!

IntheChurches,JesusChrist

OntheCrossissacrificed,

WithGodsBookMuhammadtoo

FromtheKabahfleesanew.

Revolt,Icry!

Revolt,defy!

Revolt,ordie!

Ihave

seen

into

the

bowls

Furnishedbythisageforsouls;

Suchthevenomtheycontain,

Serpentstwistandwritheinpain.

Revolt,Icry!

Revolt,defy!

Revolt,ordie!

Yettheweakaregivenatlength

Lionsheartandtigersstrength;

Inthisbubblinglantern,lo!

Haplyyetaflamewillglow.

Revolt,I

cry!

Revolt,defy!

Revolt,ordie!

31

Althoughthesoul,Iknow,

Onedayunveiledshallbe,

Thinknotitshallbeso


27/54

254 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalBywrithingendlessly.

Itneedsablow,tostir

Thesleepingsoulfromearth

Unswept,theharpcanneer

Bringmelodytobirth.

Thycupreplenishstill

Withtearsandmidnightsighs,

Replenishituntil

Theradiantsunshallrise.

Sofaintamotethouart,

Ifearthoultvanishquite;

Thenfortifythyheart

Tomeetthemorninglight.

Transcendthedust,nortake

Thyselfbutdusttobe;

Ifthouthybreastwillbreak,Themoonshallshinefromthee.

Ifinthyfacetheylock

Thegatetoselfhoodsshrine,

Strikeheadupontherock

Andseetherubyshine.

32

Whethertheworldbefoulorfair,

Withasmilefareon;

Forthfromthenest,thecage,thesnare,

Thebower,begone!

Thoughstrangerthouart,anddostnotknow

Howthewaydothwend,

Inabold,familiarmannergo

InthelaneoftheFriend.

Eachbreaththatthoudrawest,differently

Theworldadorn;

Withinthisancienthostelry

SwiftasTimebeborne.

IfGabriellayhishandonthyrein,

AndtheHouris,too,Withalovingglancepassonagain

Asfaircharmersdo.

33

Whatisthislife?Apearl

Inthyownshelltobear,

Intheflameshearttohurl

Thyself,normelttoair.

Loveiswithspeedtopass

Outofthisshutteredsphere,

Tocastthemoonsbrightglass

Highoverheavenclear.

Powerisfromhandtofling

Thecashofheartandfaith.

Toruletheworld,aking,

Andbravethechanceofdeath.

Philosophyistaught

Bymanlyzealalone,

Towhetthebladeofthought

Upontheworldforstone.

Thelivingspiritstrust

Isnodisordereddream,

ButofthisscattereddustTobuildabraverscheme.

34

Beyondheavensshuttereddome

Ihavefoundawaytocome

Whereswifterthanthoughtmayfly

Thebreathofamorningsigh.

Falconthouart,andhastmade

Thynestinthegrassyglade,

Anditsair,Iamfearful,might

Foreshortenthypinionsflight.

Artthoudustbecome?Itisclear

Thoucanstnotberestinghere;

Onthebreezeofthemorningride,

Sitnotbytheroadwayside.

Fromthestreamofthestarsarise

AndcrosstheNileoftheskies;

Fortheheartmustdierightsoon

Ifitlodge,thoughitbeinthemoon.

Letitsbreastnolongerbeam

Withtherocklesslightningsgleam,LessworththanastrawreckonI

ThemountainofSinai.

Howmenmaythemannerskeep

Ofthethrong,yetconsumingleap

Asknotofus,whomthegaze

Ofthepassingfaironeslays.


28/54

PersianPsalms255WhenIamdead,thismylay

Menwillrecite,andsay:

Oneman,whowasselfaware,

Transformedaworldeverywhere!


Iamasinnerwithselfrespect,Iwilltakeno

wageswithoutlabor;

Iamscarredbecausemyfaulthasbeenput

downtoHisdecree.

Throughbountyofloveandecstasy,Ihave

takenthoughttosuchheights,

That,reachingbehind,Icanplucktheeyesof

theworldbrighteningsun.

SincetheFirstMorning,Ihavebeenadrawer

ofwaveandvortex;

Whentheseabecomescalm,Iinvokethe

stormforhelp.

Ahundredtimesbeforenow,too,Ihavelita

fireundertheworldsfeet;

Myhighandlownotesburntheworldclean

ofpeaceandtranquility.

Ihavedancedbeforeidolsandworntheholy

thread,sothat

TheshaykhofthecitymaybecomeamanofGodbycallingmeaheretic.

Nowtheyrunawayfromme,nowthey

associatewithme;

Inthisdesert,theydonotknowwhetherIam

hunterorprey.

Aheartthatlackswarmthcanillprofitfrom

thecompanyofaman;

Comewithredhotcopper,sothatmyelixir

mayworkonyou.


Theworldhadlostitssight

Andtheglassoftheheartforsook,

Butaneyenowseesthelight

Thatintotheheartcanlook.

Darkisthenight,twiststheroad,

Allfaithlessthewayfarers;

Andthecaravansguidewhatload

Ofproblemsoppressivebears!

Drunkarethefecklessspy,

Thelover,themessenger;

SothewordsofthesweetheartslieInhowmanyloadstowear.

Itsfaithofbelievertrue,

Itsdoubtoftheinfidel

OMuslims,whatshallIdo

Withtheheartthatinmedothdwell?

Sometimesthehelmsmansskill

Thestormdothdisplay,andmore!

Lo,thewaves,impetuouswill

Hathcastourcraftontheshore.

WhofashionedtheseseeingeyesInthewave,farinoceanlost,

Thatthepearlintheseasheartlies,

Andthepotsherdbreaksonthecoast?

Nopartofmysoulsunrest

HathstirredinmyNativeland;

WithmymagicItriedmybest,

Itwaslostonthedesertsand.

IfaNewWorldthouhast

Inthybosom,declarethyfaith!

Wounded

in

heart

and

breast,

Europeisnightodeath.

37

Nofriendintheworldentirethouwiltfind

Sincereinsolicitude

Go,losethyselfinthyself,andmind

Thehonourofloverhood.

Iamgrieved,thatHeWhocreatedus

Inrapturetobedisplayed

Hathconcealedtheinfinitevarious

Manners

of

that

His

trade.

NonebutAyazalonedothknow

Thissubtleandsecrettruth,

HowtheGhaznavidsloveaugmentedso

Hispoorslavesanguishandruth.

Lessthanagrassblade,inmyview,

Theknowledgeandvisionvast

Thatthetrustyswordandthebucklertrue


29/54

256 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalFromthehandofthewarriorcast.

Whateverthepriceofthesegoods,tiswell

Andprofitwillyield,notharm,

Razisintelligencetosell

ForthepowerofHydersarm.

Ifthereisadropofbloodinthyvein,

Afluttertostormtheheight.

Come,learnwithmethewaytoattain

Thefalconsascendingflight.

Ifflutingthouthinkstisbuttakingbreath,

Howlittletruththouhastguessed;

Theminstrelhisskillaccomplisheth

Withthepointoftheswordinhisbreast!

38

Thefinesciencethoudostlearn

Aftervisiondoesnotyearn;

Tisnowandererfarastray,

Butastragglerontheway.

Hewhoseallembracingbrain

Anewuniversedothplan

Burnethstillwithpassionsfire,

Neverlackethhighdesire.

ThoughLovemadethemoontoerr

Ontheroadawayfarer,

Neverblazethinitsbreast

Thevastfurnaceofunrest.

SoHisbeautydothentrance,

Icanneverliftmyglance

FromHisFace,whoheedlessly

Dothnotaglancespareforme.

See,Iqbalinmanlyclothes

Tohisworldlylabourgoes;

Provingthathisdervishood

Neerdependsongownandhood.

39

Visioncanbewon

Asofmorningsun,

Makingthisdarkclay

Radiantasday.

Letthyvisionbe

Needlesharpinthee,

Likeitslustrepass

Throtheheartotheglass.

Inthisgarden,where

Hushediswarblersair,

Aseachburstingbud

Chantthytragicmode.

EarthhidesnotHisgrace,

HeavnveilsnotHisface

Thoumaystview,forsure,

Ifthoucanstendure.

Childlikewatchestthou

Nestsbeneaththebough;

Mountonwings,andsoon

Huntthesunandmoon!

40

Toooftwasthylight

Withstrangerstotakewine,

Tosufferotherslight

Withinthebowltoshine.

Theorientwinebearer

Handstheethepurplecup;

Drink!Letthedrunkardsair

Fromthyparchedearthmountup!

Theheartthatknowethwell

Thefeverofdesire

Mothlikewillhoverstill

Aboutthecandlesfire.

Sprinklethymorningtears

Uponlifesdesertplain;

Newharvestscarceappears

Exceptthousowthygrain.

Passwine!Speaknottome

OfEuropestumultvast;

Caravanscountlessly

Thatdesolationpassed.

41

Lovewentsearchingthrotheearth

UntilAdamcametobirth;

Outofwater,outofclay

Manifestedhisdisplay.

Sun,andmoon,andstarsonhigh,

Thesewerelittletosetby

Sotopurchaseinlifesmart


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PersianPsalms257Adamsdust,thatownedaheart.

42

Come!TheAsiaticman

Hascreatedanewplan:

Gonot,pilgrimagetomake

Totheidolthathebrake.

Whatisthisepiphany

Thatmenshearts,rejoicedtosee,

Fromtheashesoftheway

Gladlyleap,likesparksatplay?

Toattainwhatfarabode

StrivetheTurksupontheroad,

Thattheirbosomfluttereth

Withthequicknessoftheirbreath?

Strivethou,selfhoodsjoytoknow:

Theywhoonthisjourneygo

Shattereveryworldlychain

Thattheymaytoselfattain.

Menwhoseheartsaredeadandcold

Asacellthisworldbehold;

Withtwocupstofilltheirhead,

Fromthewholeoflifetheyfled.

Iwilleverbetheslave

Ofthosehorsemenboldandbrave

Who,withspearuplifted,far

Ride,topierceandthreadastar.

Angelslacktheseasonnow

ProstratetotheirLordtobow;

Creaturesofpurelight,forthey

Rapturousgazeonmenofclay!

43

Iboastalovethatisnotgrieved

Bybeingortobebereaved,

Whoseinfidelitydothneer

Thegirdleofexistencewear.

IfLoveshalleversocommand,

Letpreciouslifeslipfromthyhand;

Loveisthyonebelovedandgoal;

Thereisnogaininlifeofsoul.

Theshatteringoftheidolshrine

Dothinfidelityrefine;

ItneedsMahmudsimmortalire

Tosetthetemplehouseafire.

InMuslimmosqueandchurchofChrist,

Inincensedtemple,tavernspiced,

Althoughahundredcharmsweretried

Theheartwasneversatisfied.

Neverinbowersweetwithscent

Iraisedasorrowfullament,

Butfromthemountaincataract

Ilearnedthismusictoenact.

Wouldestthouapproachme,hereapart?

Comecoldofbreath,andwarmofheart;

Intheeismovementnevercalm;

SuchvervewasnotinDavidsPsalm.

Seeklessmyfaults,buttakemybowl

Tobethemeasureofthysoul;

ThepleasureofmybitterbrewIsneverwithoutspiritsrue.

44

TheSaki,pouringhispurewine

Uponmyrestlessheart

Convertsthisquicksilverofmine

Togold,bymagicart.

Idonotknowifitbelight

Withinmybreast,orflame;

Ionlyknowitsradiancewhite

Shineswithamoonlikegleam.

Nature,allhushed,dothsuddenly

Myquietheartassail;

Theinstrumentinecstasy

Playethitsownsweetscale.

Grievenot,thoufool;thestarryskies

Withinthisdesertwaste

Havemanyfounts,thatsecretrise

Andtothetorrenthaste.

Othouwhodidstmysweetwinetake,

Grievenotatmysharpsting;Itneedsmysting,thatImaywake

Manfromhisslumbering.

45

Brightershallshinemensclay

Thanangelslight,oneday;

EarththroughourDestiny


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258 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalTurntoastarrysky.

Thefanciesinourhead

Thatuponstormswerefed

Onedayshallsoar,andclear

Thewhirlpoolofthesphere.

Whyaskestthouofme?

ConsiderMan,andsee

How,Minddevelopedstill,

Sublimethissubjectwill.

Comefashionedforth,sublime.

Thiscommonthought,intime,

Andwithitsbeautysrapture

EvenGodsheartshallcapture.

46

Ihaveneverdiscoveredwell

Lawsway,andthewontthereof,

Butknowhimaninfidel

WhodenieththepowerofLove.

ThetravellersoftheShrine

OmayGodsuccourandaid,

Thattheymaytrulydivine

Mansrank,whoofclaywasmade.

IdonotaskoftheWay;

TheFriendismyonlyquest,

ForsoIhaveheardmensay,

Thefriend,thentheway,thatsbest!

Europesphilosopher

Somisseththerapturefine,

Intheredbowlshinesmoreclear

Thegleamofthecrimsonwine.

Betteramanwereblind,

Betterathousandwise,

Thanknowledgetohaveinmind

Thattheseeingheartdenies.

Thoughintellectsjugglery

Peculiarjoyimpart,Betterthansubtlety

Isthefaithofasimpleheart.

Ihavewashedmyheartstabletsclean

Ofthelearningthatcharmedmyyouth,

Openedmyteemingbrain

Withthelancetofuttertruth.

Farfromthethresholdnow

OftheSultansgateIhavestrayed;

NoinfidelI,tobow

Toagodwhocannothingaid.

47

Far,farfromeveryothergo

WiththeOneFriendupontheroad;

SeekthouofGodthyselftoknow,

AndseekinselfhoodforthyGod.

Onepiercingglancecanneerimpart

Theconsummationofitall:

Thegaze,theintellect,theheart,

Eachneedsitsvisionseveral.

LoveisatBeingsboardtosup,

Todrainitsglass,tillallisgone;

Seeknottheworldrevealingcup,Seektheworldconqueringhandalone!

Nakedoffootthetravellersare,

Thornytheway,andhardindeed;

Tillthoushallreachthyselfhoodfar,

Takeacquiescenceforthysteed.

Onlyinperfectpoverty

Theproofofkingshipisdisplayed;

Beneaththerushesseek,tosee

TheroyalthroneofKaikobad.

Lookonward;LifeisbutawayThattoanotherworlddothwend;

Fromwhathasbeen,andpassedaway

Depart,andeverseektheend.

ButifFatesbuffetmakeththee

Likethelamentingreedtomoon,

Laydownthewinethoutookstfromme;

Seeklinimenttomendthybone!

48

Theworld,butnotselfhood,thoucanstsee;

Howlonginthyignorancewiltthousit?Withthyancientflameletthenightbelit?

ThehandofMosesissleevedinthee.

Setforththyfootfromthecirclingskies;

Greaterandolderthanthesethouart;

Fearestthoudeathinthydeathlessheart?

Deathsbutapreythatbeforetheelies.


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PersianPsalms259Life,oncegiventhee,nonecantake;

Tisforlackoffaithmenfaintanddie;

Learntobesculptor,evenasI,

Andhaplyanewthyselfhoodmake!

49

Intheaccidentsofnight

Thereisnaughtcanmeaffright,

Seeingthatthenightisborne

Bythewheelingstarstomorn.

Ofitsstationunaware,

Ithasfalleninitsownsnare,

Thisthylove,thatdidarise

Fromthysupplicatingcries.

Whentheheartgivesforthasigh,

Tisofburninginwardly;

Letitnotthylipsdefile;Breakitinthybreast,andsmile!

Noneremainsintavernnow;

BegofNaturessakithou

Therichwinethatcannotpass

Inthedrinkersnarrowglass.

Notwithmosqueandchantedverse,

Notwithlearningschoolsrehearse

Toreposereturnstheheart

WhenitsDarlingdothdepart.

50

Whatmanartthou,andwherethyhome?

Intheblueskies

Thestarshaveopened,toseetheecome,

Athousandeyes!

WhyshallItellwhatthouhastdone,

Whatthounowart?

MahmudisnowwithAyazone

Thisbreaksmyheart!

NoMilkyWaythoumountestup

Atprayertokneel;TheSufisandthepoetscup

Thysouldothsteal.

ThoughEuropemanyknotsuntied

Thatchainedthythought,

Intoxicationmagnified

Hernextdraughtbrought.

MuchoftheBalanceandtheScroll

Iheartheesay;

Strange,thatthouseestnotatall

Thisjudgementday!

Blessedtheman,whoinhisbreast

Theshrinehathknown,Flutteredawhile,thenfromthenest

Ofspeechwasflown.

Nomorethetavernandtheschool

Ivenerate;

Idonotreckonworshipful

Thebrowsweptgate!

51

Intheabodeofpassion,where

Thedustisfraughtwithpain,

ShinethineveryatomtherePurespiritwithoutstain.

NoMagianwinefromMagianboy

Therevellerstheretake;

Oneglanceofraptureandofjoy

Eachfragileglassdothbreak.

Letmadnesssurgenotintheeso

Whenthoudoststandatprayer;

Keepfirmthyreason;donotgo

Withshreddedraimentthere!

52

Theyoungbeloved,theancientwine,

ThemaidsofParadise,

Thesejoysmenreckonrareandfine

Charmnotthetrulywise.

Whateereternalthoudostdeem,

Mountain,andsea,andshore,

Land,plain,whateerassureddothseem,

Thesepass,andarenomore.

ThelearningoftheWesterner,

TheEastsphilosophy,Allisanidolhouseofprayer

Andidolsnothingbe!

Crossnotthisdesertterrified;

Fixonthyselfthythought;

Thouonlyart,andallbeside,

Yea,alltheworld,isnaught!


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260 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalUponthiswaymineeyelashes

Havequarriedoutofstone,

Norstagenorcaravanthereis,

Andshiftingsandsarenone.

53

Qalandars,whototheirsway

Waterstrivetowinandclay,

Fromthemonarchtributebear

Thoughthebeggarsrobetheywear.

Theyappear,androundthesun

Andthemoontheirropeisspun;

Theyretire,andintheirbreast

TimeandSpacereposeatrest.

Whentherevelrulestheday

Brightasshimmeringsilksarethey.

YetwhenbattleistowardForthesacrificeprepared.

Anewordertheydevise

Forthebroadanddappledskies,

Beartheancientstarsandall

Ontheirbackstofuneral.

Timehathfromherfaceuntied

Morrowsveil,tolayaside;

Yettodaymenstilldelight

Inthewineofyesternight.

HoversonmylipthewordThatmustneverbedeclared;

Strange,thelearnedofthetown

Silentare,norevenfrown!

54

AdoublehandledswordamI

Laidnakedbythecirclingsky;

FortunehathsharpenedmeinSpace,

AndwhettedmeuponTimesface.

Iamtheworldoffantasy;

ThegeniusofeternityTheworldofnightingaleandrose

Hathshattered,fashioningmeforthose.

Theyouthfulwinetocheerthesoul

ThatIampouringinthebowl

Isfromthevat,wherebymyjar

Andglassdecantermoltenare.

Thebreathisburninginmybreast;

Thesanctuaryismynest,

Andmenmayrecognizemythroat

Bythegreatardourofmynote.

Wreckedisthebarquetheancientguide

Builtoutofsense,thereintoride;Blestistheonewhofashionedme

Tobehisvesselonthesea.

55

Eachatomsbodylikeaspark

Isetaquivering,

Eachatomquiversthroughthedark

Andsoarsasonawing.

Listtomymusicburningnew!

Eachdiamantinegrain

IfashionlikeadropofdewTotricklesoftasrain.

Frommanifestingsstagewhenbreak

Mysoft,sweetmelodies,

EveninthedeadofnightImake

Thedawndesiretorise.

Joseph,concealedfromsightsolong,

Ihaverevealedanew,

ThatImayfiretheneedythrong

Hisbeautytopursue.

Dearlove,thatdothmanspatiencetry,Todustinecstasy

Hathgiveneyestoweep,andI

Thewondrousjoytosee

56

Evertobeaboutwithmen

Proveththeselfdothnotattain;

Tofriendsbethouastranger,then,

Whoartfamiliarwithpain.

Howlongbeforethepalacegate

Ofprinceswiltthoubowthyface?FromGod,Whodidthysoulcreate,

Learnthoutheprideofmatchlessgrace.

Thewarriorslovewillcomeoneday

Tosuchapointofexcellence

Thatnoticehewillnomorepay

Tomortalbeautysblandishments.


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PersianPsalms261Isangbeforethesanctuary

Sosadasongofheartsdesire,

Thateachinitiatelearnedfromme

Thejoyofseparationsfire.

Unseeingarethebuyerseyes,

AndIrejoiceandjubilateBecauseLovespreciousmerchandise

Remainethstillimmaculate.

Come,letusonthetuliptread

Anddrinkthewinecupfearlessly;

Lawfulitis,ifloversshed

Thebloodofancientpiety.

GoforthfromMuslimcompany,

AndinIslamthyrefugetake;

ForMuslimscountasequity

The

measures

infidel

they

make.

57

LikeatulipsflameIburn

InyourpresenceasIturn;

Bymylife,andyours,Iswear

YouthofPersiaeverfair!

Ihavedived,anddivedagain

Withmythoughtsintolifesbrain

UntilIprevailedtofind

Everysecretofyourmind.

SunandmoonIgazedontheseFarbeyondthePleiades,

Andrebuiltasanctuary

Inyourinfidelity.

Ihavetwistedwelltheblade

Tillitsedgewassharpermade;

Palethegleamandlustreless

Wastedinyourwilderness.

Mythoughtsimagesdispense

TotheOrientsindigence

The

bright

ruby

that

I

gain

FromyourminesofBadakhshan.

Comestheman,tofreeatlast

Slavesconfinedinfettersfast;

Throughthewindowsinthewall

OfyourprisonIseeall.

Makearingaboutmenow;

Inmybreastafiresaglow

Thatyourforebearslitoneday,

Thingsofwaterandofclay.

58

Softmybreathdothpass

SoftasAprilairs;

Jasminesweetthegrass

Springethfrommytears.

Deserttulipglows

WiththebloodIshed

Asinbeakershews

Wineallrubyred.

Soarethsomyflight

Oerthehighestsphere

Thatthesoulsoflight

Seektotrapmethere.

Laboursevernew

Makemansdusttoglow;

Moonandstarstilldo

Aslongtimeago.

MyselfslampIlit,

NowthatMoseshand

Menhavehiddenit

Neaththewristletband.

Come,Ocometoprayer;

Courtnoprincesdoor:

SoourfatherswereWhentheworldwaspoor.

59

Leavehimwhoneverwontosight,

Andbearsreportalone;

Whomakeslongspeech,butthedelight

Ofvisiongivestonone.

TobardandscholarlistenedI,

Philosophertoboot;

Althoughtheirpalmisproudandhigh,

Ityieldsnorleafnorfruit.

Thegleamthathoaryacolyte

Soprideshimselfupon

Revealsathousandshadesofnight,

Butneverglowofdawn.

IhaveachargegainstGodtolay

ThatstillIkeepconcealed;


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262 CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbalHetakesmypreciousheartaway,

AndJosephdoesnotyield.

Neitherinidolhousenorshrine

ThatsakiIcanfind

Togrant,noembersfitfulshine,

Butsplendourunconfined.

60

Itchancedwithinthedesertnigh

Acaravanwaspassingby,

Andpresentlytherereachedmyear

Theleaderscarol,loudandclear.

IffromsomePharaohsdarkredoubt

AJosephmightatlastcomeout,

Openforalltoplunderlies

Acaravanofmerchandise.

61

Fool!Istherethensuchhopeinthee

OfwinningEuropessympathy?

Thefalcongrievesnotovermuch

Aboutthebirdthatsinhisclutch.

Shameonthee,onlytodesire

Rubiesbequeathedtheebythysire!

Istherenotonedelightalone

Towintheerubiesfromthestone.

Speaknotabouttheworldtome,

Ifitbenotorifitbe;

IonlyknowthatIamI,

Theworldillusionletgoby.

Trembleseachtavernglasswithfear

Becausetheofficerishere,

Exceptoneloversbowldothmake

Theverystoneswithdreadtoshake.

Saystthouthatveiledtheselfhoodis?

Sayon;butletmetelltheethis

Tearnotthisveilintoashred;

Narrowsthevisioninthehead.

Theancientbough,beneathwhoseshade

Thylittlesproutingwingswerelaid,

Wereitintoshametomoveatlast

Thynest,whenallitsleavesarecast?

Callthatasong,whichNaturebrings

Toserveasmusicforherstrings;

Whatuseisintheminstrelsy

ThatallwithNaturedothagree?

62

EschewtheWest,anddonotbe

BewitchedbyEuropeswizardry;

Notworthabarley,inmyview,

Isallherancientandhernew.

MightyDarius,Iskandar,

KhusrauandKaikobadallare

Abladeofgrassupontheway

Sweptbyapassingwind,today.

Lifeistheselftobeautify,

Toguardtheselfrightjealously;

Uponacaravanthouart

Fareonwithall,butgoapart!

Radiantthoucamestfromthesky,

Farbrighterthanthesunonhigh;

Solive,thateverymotemaybe

Illuminedbythybrilliancy.

Thouhastnotsparedthypreciousring

IdlytoAhrimantofling

Topledgethewhichitwerenotwell

EventotrustyGabriel.

Thetavernisashamed,because

Sonarrowisbecomeourglass;

Abeakertake,andprudentlyDrinkwineandthenbeoffwiththee!

63

Asecrettis,tisevident

(Thousayst)thisworldofhueandscent:

Go,strikethyselfuponitswire

Thouarttheplectrum,itthelyre.

Thegazedisclos

Persian Psalms

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