XVI. Ali’s Forbearance.
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Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana and Redhouse, James W. (James William), Sir
From ‘Alī may we learn sincerity of meeds.
“God’s Lion” we may hold free from all gross misdeeds.
In fight he’d conquered one who’d earned a hero’s crown.
His sword he’d swiftly raised, his victim to hew down.
That champion spat in ‘Alī’s face, to mark disdain;
The face of one, the Prophet’s pride, all saints’ chieftain.
He spat upon a face to which the moon bowed low,
And offered adoration in the temple’s show.
That instant ‘Alī dropped his sword, high poised in air,
And left the spitter harmless;—action debonnair.5
This raised the foe’s astonishment; called forth his awe.
That pardon, that forgiveness, grew not from war’s law.
He said to ‘Alī: “Thou thy sword hadst raised to slay.
Why hast thou dropt it now,—prolonged my forfeit day?
What hast thou seen, surpassing prowess of my arm,
That thus thou hast repented,—left me free from harm?
What may it be has calmed the fury of thy breast,
Which as the lightning gleamed, and straightway sank to rest?
What didst thou see, that, by reflection on me cast,
A spark has leapt to life in my despairing breast?10
What was thy vision, far above the world of fact,
Than life far sweeter, whence my life receives new pact?
For bravery, ‘God’s Lion’ art thou justly named.
For kindness, I now know, thou art too little famed.
For generosity, thou’rt Moses’ cloud divine,
From which poured forth the quails and manna, as from mine!”
The clouds rain wheat. Man, then, by labour and by skill,
Reduces this to food, when finely ground in mill.
But Moses’ cloud, more generous far, with open hand,
Sent down in plenty food prepared, by God’s command.15
For them who ate at Providence’s table, free,
God’s mercy was displayed;—a banner all could see.
For forty years that daily bread—abounding grace—
Failed not. Fond expectation’s utmost stretch took place.
But satisfaction followed not. The thankless crew
Demanded “leeks and onions;” as of old they knew.408
Ye who are Ahmed’s people, graced beyond compare,
Are promised spiritual blessings till last judgment’s blare.
Whoever says, at heart: “My trust is in the Lord,”409
God’s promise: “Him I’ll feed,” will find a faithful word.41020