VII. The Merchant and the Parrot.
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Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana and Redhouse, James W. (James William), Sir
That odour will draw thee to where the flowers grow,238
The joys of sweet paradise, “where rivers flow.”239
Of hope it perfume is that leads our souls on;
As hope led forth Jacob in quest of his son.240
Bad tidings and fearful cost Jacob his sight.
Reunion, in hope, to him brought back the light.
If thou’rt not a Joseph, a Jacob be yet.
As he did, weep, mourn; joy, like him, thou shalt get.
If thou art not Shīrīn, thou may’st Ferhād be;241
And if not Laylà dear, Majnūn’s ravings see.242365
Accept the advice of old Gazna’s sage, wise.243
To thee, ever, new life from old life may rise:
“To give one’s self airs, requires, first, a fair face;
If beauty thou hast not, run not thou that race.”
An ugly face ugly is, all the world round.
A blind eye’s affliction, where’er it be found.
In presence of Joseph, no coquetries use.244
But humble thyself; soft entreaties infuse.
The parrot had death simulated, as prayer.
Do thou to pride die; thou mayest so live for e’er.370
From Jesus a breath may, then, blow upon thee;
Transform thee to what he was, what thou mayest be.
A stone will not blossom because it is spring.
As earth make thyself; flowers around thee may cling.
For years thou a stone ’st been; lay this well to heart.
Try patience a short time; ’twill give a fresh start.373