I. The Prince and the Handmaid.
Project Gutenberg EPUB edition
Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana and Redhouse, James W. (James William), Sir
The holy altar, there, he bowed before;
With flood of tears he bathed its sacred floor.
Then, heart-relieved with sorrow’s fierce outbreak,
’Mid praise and blessing, thus his suit he spake:
“To Thee, whose meanest gift is world-wide sway,
Who know’st each secret wish, why need I pray?
Our refuge art Thou in our every need;
We’ve erred again; do Thou in mercy lead.
’Tis Thy behest, to whom all thoughts are known,
That man with words approach Thy awful throne.”25
His humble supplication proffered so,
Sweet mercy’s fount at once did overflow.
His tears undried, deep slumber on him fell,
And heavenly-dulcet tones he heard thus tell:
“Glad tidings, prince, to thee this day I bring:
Next daydawn at thy gate a guest shall ring;
A heav’n-sent stranger, versed in healing art,
In him have faith; he’s true in speech and heart.
Imagine not his treatment magic’s spell;
God’s power alone can make thy maiden well.”30
The promised hour at hand, the daydawn broke;
The sunbeams paled the stars; the prince awoke.
An outlook sought he, whence to watch the way,
And first th’ expected stranger to survey.
One he espied of most majestic mien,
Of radiance mild,—as sun, dark clouds between;
Or moon at full;—so seem’d he from afar.
Mere fancy’s pictures ever objects mar.
Things non-existent often frenzy paints;
We see mankind deluded over feints.35
Their peace, their war, not seldom for a sham;
Their pride, their shame, some sorry epigram.
But visions, such as blessed saints entrance,
Reflections are from heaven’s inhabitants.
The semblance by our prince seen in his swoon,
The features wore that now in flesh are shown.
The prince, in lieu of ushers, forward came,
To meet the heaven-sent guest, in his own name.
Their trains one column formed from mingling bands;
Their hearts united, fettered not their hands.40