XVI. Ali’s Forbearance.
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Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana and Redhouse, James W. (James William), Sir
And when he finds unrighteousness as service told,
His torment is redoubled, heartache twenty-fold.
“Come in! A door I’ve opened for thy entrance, wide.
Thou spattest on me. I reply with favour’s tide.
On him who injured me I benefits bestow;418
My head I lay before the feet of friends, below;
Thou mayest conceive what gifts I hold in store for them,
My faithful servants;—treasures, thrones, and diadem.
I’m such a man that whoso strives to shed my blood
Forgiven is, and overwhelmed with favour’s flood.125
The Prophet quiet notice whispered to my slave,
The day would come when he to take my life would crave.
Me, also, he informed, through revelation’s voice,
That I should die, smote by a hand of my own choice.
That servant begged and prayed for instant death’s release,
So he’d be spared from sin so heinous,—love’s decease.
But I replied: ‘Since ’tis decreed that by thy hand
My life be ta’en, why should I seek a countermand?’
Before me prone he fell, this prayer he warmly made:
‘Hew me in twain! For love of God, let me persuade!130
Pray save me from so vile, so villainous, a fate.
Remorse for ever as its prey will hold my hate.’
“Again I firmly answered him,—decidedly:
‘No counsel will avail. Pen’s mark must needs apply.
I bear no grudge against thee in my inmost soul;
I hold thee not responsible for deed so foul.
Thou’rt but the instrument, ’tis God that strikes the blow!
How can I chide His instrument,—His arrow’s bow?’
“He asked: ‘Why, then, this sentence sternly passed on me?’
My answer was: ‘God knows the germ of His decree!135
Should He find fault with what results from His resolve,
From reprehension’s self He can a heaven evolve.
He hath a right to take exception to His deed.
He’s Lord of grace. But Lord of wrath, also! Take heed!
He’s Prince of all within this sphere of new events.
He’s Arbiter of all;—of kingdoms, as of tents.
If He see fit to break the weapon of His will,
The broken tool still hastens His word to fulfil.
“The mystery of His word: ‘We abrogate, annul,’419
Remember, straight is followed by: ‘We better cull.’420140