XV. Zeyd’s Inspiration.
Project Gutenberg EPUB edition
Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana and Redhouse, James W. (James William), Sir
The rivers four of paradise are at our beck;
Not by our merit, but by God’s constraining check.
Where’er we will, they flow, obedient to our call;
Like magical effect, magician’s docile thrall.
So also are our eyes, those founts of sentient beams,
Subservient to our will, whichever way it streams.
As we direct, they look; see what’s like adder’s sting;
Or notice facts that to our minds their warnings bring.
If so we will, they scrutinise objectiveness;
As we desire, they lend themselves to study dress.65
By our direction, universals are their bound;
If so we wish, they prisoners are in partials’ ground.
Each of the senses five acts thus but as a spout,
To bring unto the mind that which it cares about.
Whichever way the heart directs them forth to stroll,
They turn, and glean a harvest for its pleasure sole.
The hands and feet are servants to the heart’s request,
As Moses’ rod obedient was to his behest.
At heart’s desire, the feet begin the nimble dance,
Or seek advantage, or avoid some sore mischance.70
The heart commands, the hands to calculations fall;
Should it prefer, they write a book or treatise small.
A hand there is, ’twould seem, within these hands of ours;
A hidden hand, that moves the body’s wondrous powers.
If that incites, this wages battle with the foe;
Should that induce, this aids a friend to stand tiptoe.
It pushes; straightway spoon’s plunged into soup;
It wills; a ponderous club forthwith attacks some group.
What is it that the heart says to them all by turns?
Most wonderful accord! Most marvellous alterns!75
The ancient seal of Solomon the heart has found!
With that alone it guides the senses o’er their ground.
Externally, five senses serve its high command;
Internally, five faculties obey its hand.
Ten senses, thus, seven organs, wait upon its wants;
Besides a host of minor servants, confidants.
As Solomon thou sittest, O heart! Thou reignest supreme!
On fairy and on demon, set thy seal, thy scheme.
In this thy realm be upright; practise thou no fraud;
No demon, then, shall rob thee of thy seal, thy gaud.39080