Page:Masnavi I Ma'navi.pdf/103

STORY XV.] COUNSELS OF RESERVE. 55 To look straight at the light of the sun in heaven,

What need were there of stars, O humble one,

To one who was guided by the light of the sun?

Neither moon nor planets would be needed

By one who saw directly the Sun of 'The Truth.'

The Moon [1] declares, as also the clouds and shadows,

I am a man, yet it hath been revealed to me.[2]

Like you, I was naturally dark, 'Twas the Sun's revelation that gave me such light.

I still am dark compared to the Sun,

Though I am light compared to the dark souls of men.

Therefore is my light weak, that you may bear it,

For you are not strong enough to bear the dazzling Sun.

I have, as it were, mixed honey with vinegar,

To succour the sickness of your hearts.

When you are cured of your sickness, O invalid,

Then leave out the vinegar and eat pure honey.

When the heart is garnished and swept clear of lust,

Therein 'The God of Mercy sitteth on His throne.' [3]

Then God rules the heart immediately,

When it has gained this inmediate connection with Him.

This subject is endless; but where is Zaid,

That I may tell him again not to seek notoriety?

"Tis not wise to publish these mysteries,

Since the last day is approaching to reveal all things."

Now you will not find Zaid, for he is fled, He sprang from the place where the shoes were left, [4]

Scattering the shoes in his hurry.

If you had been Zaid, you too would have been lost,

As a star is lost when the sun shines on it;

For then you see no trace or sign of it,

No place or track of it in the milky way.

Our senses and our endless discourses

Are annihilated in the light of the knowledge of our King.

Our senses and our reason within us I.e., the Prophet. 2 Koran xviii, 110. 55 & Koran xx. 4.. I.., the vestibule of the house.