Page:Masnavi I Ma'navi.pdf/109

 BOOK II. PROLOGUE.

THE composition of this Masnavi has been delayed for a season. ¹

Time is needed for blood to become milk.

Till thy fortune comes forth as a new-born babe,

Blood becomes not milk, sweet and pleasant to the mind.

When that light of God, Husámu-'d-Din

Turned his course down from the summit of heaven,-

While he had ascended to sublimest verities,

In the absence of his spring the buds blossomed not,-

But when out of that sea he came to shore,

The lute of the poesy of the Masnavi sounded again.

This Masnavi, which is the polisher of spirits,-

Its recommencement occurred on the day of "Opening."

The commencement date of this precious work

Was the year six hundred and sixty-two of the Flight.

The Bulbul started on this date and became a hawk;

Yea, a hawk to hunt out these mysteries.

May the wrist of the King be the resting-place of this hawk.

And may this door be open to the people for ever! 1 The delay was caused by the grief of Husam for the death of his wife.