IX. The Poor Scenite Arab and his Wife.
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Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana and Redhouse, James W. (James William), Sir
That I may do whatever lies within my power,
Do thou observe my heart’s condition in its bower.
The wife observed: “A very sun of good is risen;
Through whom a gladsome world’s enlarged from want’s sad prison.
Vicegerent of th’ All-Merciful, Caliph of God,
Fair Bagdād’s city prides itself to kiss his rod.
If unto him thou have recourse, a prince thou’lt be.
Why, then, to misery cleave, such as we hourly see?
Companionship with fortune’s minions brings good luck;
Where’s an elixir like their power, my dearest duck?445
Ahmed’s esteem raised Abū-Bekr such a height;
For once confirming Ahmed’s word, ‘Faithful’ he’s hight!”
The man demurred: “How can I gain access at court?
Without an introduction, how find sure passport?
Connection we must seek; or else invent excuse.
No artizan can work without his tools. The deuce!
Thus Mejnūn, when he’d heard by chance from passing wight,
His Laylā was an invalid (which caused him fright),
Exclaimed: ‘Alas! Without excuse I cannot go!
And if I visit not the sick one, I’m all woe!450
Would that I were physician, with his healing art;
Then could I see my Laylā; none would dare me thwart!’
And now he cries: ‘I have it! I’ve a right to go!
No bashfulness shall keep me from her portico!’
Had bats but eyes, with which to see and find their way,
They’d fly about, disport themselves, jocund, by day.”
The wife replied: “The Caliph’s public pageant is
For all who introduction lack; their griefs are his.
To be, and have a grief, is introduction sure.
Thus poverty and lowliness work their own cure.”455
He still objected: “Shall I fall in love with want,
That I may urge my need as matter for some grant?
E’en then, a witness credible I should require
T’ attest my indigence, when almoners inquire.
Point out for me a witness; not mere words and wiles;
That so the sovereign’s favour may be won, and smiles.
For, otherwise, a mere pretext, without a proof,
In justice’ court would fail, and bring reproof.
A witness credible is, then, sine quâ non.
For suitor’s plea to stand, proof it must rest upon.”460