V. The Lion and the Beasts.
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Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana and Redhouse, James W. (James William), Sir
Pray, tell us all about it. How was such thing done?
How couldst thou compass to deceive th’ experienced drone?
Relate in full. ’Twill comfort give to all our souls.
Detail the facts; balm will they be for bygone doles.
Recount at length; for, ah, how many tyrannies
Did we not suffer from him, who now stark dead lies!”
Quoth he: “Most venerable Sirs! God’s grace did all.
What could a hare accomplish without Him at call?
He strength of purpose gave me,—light from heaven above.
That light it was that nerved me in my every move.485
God granteth crowning grace, to further cause of truth,
’Tis God also who sends vicissitudes on earth.
He, ’tis, alternately, who parties makes prevail.
Now mere opinionists, now men of light avail.
If then, in turn, thou now thyself find uppermost,
Why let hypocrisy, presumption, make thee boast?”
Joy not o’er great prosperity. It does not last.
Airs give not thou thyself; thou’rt but a passing guest.
They whose eternal kingship lasts beyond all times,177
Who sing God’s praise beyond the seven spheres and climes,490
They more endure than transient reigns of kings’ short rolls.
They are the never-failing feeders of men’s souls.
If thou the pleasures of the world short time forego,
Eternal bliss may compensate th’ imbroglio.
Know that this nether world but for a period lasts.
T’ abandon it, eternal rest to man forecasts.
Give ear. Forsake all mundane ease, all earthly rest;
Then will thy soul enjoy heaven’s cup with double zest.
Cast thou the carcase vile of earthly pomp to dogs.
The cup of mere surmise reject; the soul it clogs.495