XI. The Lion’s Hunt, in Company.
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Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana and Redhouse, James W. (James William), Sir
Whoe’er ’gainst the hidden lion in saint’s form
Upraise the voice of pride, like to our wolf, base worm,
Shall, like that wolf, be torn by lion piecemeal quite;
The text: “On them we vengeance took” he shall recite.338
A stroke shall lay him low, as wolf by lion’s paw.
A madman must he be who’d rush in lion’s maw.
O that the stroke had fallen upon the body frail;
And that the heart and faith had ’scaped! ’Twere vast avail!125
Upon this point I feel my strength must all give way.
How shall I tell the secrets of this mystic play?
Just like the fox, do you yourselves deny in all.
In lion’s presence raise no cavil, or you’ll fall.
Relinquish thoughts of “I” and “We” when “He” ’s afield.
The kingdom is the Lord’s; to God the kingdom yield.
The straight way enter all, like paupers as you are.
The lion and the prey will both fall to your share.
God is a spirit pure. All-Glorious is His name!
He hath no need of praise, of honour, glory, fame!130
All these, and all besides, whatever may befall,
Upon His servants He bestows. He’s Lord of all!
God hath no envy, wish, desire for creatures’ ruths;
And blessed is he who takes to heart this truth of truths.
’Twas He created both worlds;—all their pomp and pride.
Shall He desire what He hath made in His own tide?
Keep, then, your hearts pure in the sight of God the Lord,
That you may never be ashamed of thought or word.
He knows the secrets, aims, desires of all your hearts;
They’re patent to Him, as a hair in milk at marts.135
Whoever hath a breast cleansed from all thoughts of guile,
His breast a mirror is, where heavenly truths will smile.
Its secrets are all known to God;—its every part;
“Believer’s heart’s the mirror of believer’s heart.”
He tries our metal on the touchstone of His law.
The fine, the base, He will distinguish, without flaw.
Our talents being tried by His omniscient skill,
What’s good, what’s bad, will sure appear, plain, by His will.139