V. The Lion and the Beasts.
Project Gutenberg EPUB edition
Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana and Redhouse, James W. (James William), Sir
In realm of nullity that seed received a form,
Existent with its God; nor less, nor more; a worm.
Result thereof sprung forth the essence of our name
With the Creator, who will be our final aim.
He each one names according to his last estate,
Not with respect to that which is but passing fate.
So soon as mind of man with light has gained its strength,
It spies the soul, and mysteries of every name, at length.
When man perceives therein the kingdom of truth’s rays,
He falls in adoration, worships, spends his days.365
That Adam’s praise, whose blessed name we’re proud to bear,172
Should I recite till judgment-day, would not end there.
Decree of Providence so willed, with all his lore,
One single prohibition known, cost him right sore.
He asked: “Was prohibition laid, joy to prevent;
Or can, by gloss, evasion unto it be lent?”
To his mind, explanation having been inferred,
His appetites, perplexed, to taste the wheat preferred.173
A thorn the foot of Eden’s gardener thus rent.
A thief the chance perceived, the garden robbed, and went.370
Amazement o’er, the gardener’s himself again.174
He saw the thief had carried off th’ unguarded train.
He sobbed aloud: “My God, I’ve deeply sinned;” and sighed:
“A darkness came, and from the road I turn’d aside.”
Decree of God was thus a cloud the sun to veil.
A lion, dragon, were a mouse beneath that bale.
When judgment’s needed, should I not detect a snare,
Not I alone am blind, my weakness others share.
Blest he, whose steadfast feet have never gone astray!
Who waywardness has shunned, and taught his tongue to pray!375
Should God’s decree encompass thee with blackest night,
The same decree will readily help set thee right.
Should Providence at times thy life to menace seem,
’Twas Providence that gave it, can prolong its gleam.
Should life’s events appear to threaten every way,
God can in heaven prepare a home for thee to stay.
What ’tis thou tremblest at, a special favour count,
Designed to bring thee safe to Zion’s holy mount.
And now we turn again from morals,—they’ve no end,—
To see how fares it with our lion and his friend.380