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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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–

lines904–22

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,’

lines959–76

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.

lines977–97

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.’

lines1015–30

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.

lines1031–50

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.

lines1051–68

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.

lines1069–88

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.

lines1089–1110

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

lines1111–29

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,

lines1130–52

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

lines1153–71

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.

lines1172–91

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.

lines1192–1212

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

lines1213–34

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,

lines2455–72

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?

lines2490–2508

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:

lines2630–46

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.

lines2661–80

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.

lines2908–19

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;

lines2942–58

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

lines3675–91

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,

lines3692–3707

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.”

lines3708–28

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;

lines3729–47

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?”

lines3748–65

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;

lines3466–91

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

lines3792–3811

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”,

lines3830–49

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.

lines3850–72

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.

lines3873–93

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.

lines3915–30

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.

lines3931–48

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

lines3967–86

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.

lines4005–22

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’.