Page:Masnavi I Ma'navi.pdf/111

STORY I.] THE SUFI'S BEAST. 63 Sufis. In the course of this story there occur anecdotes of God consulting with the angels as to the creation of man, of a king who lost his hawk and found it again in the house of a poor old man, and of Shaikh Ahmad Khizrawiya buying sweetmeats for his creditors.

Why the poet reils his doctrines in fubles (p. 104).

What is it hinders me from expounding my doctrines

But this, that my hearers' heart incline elsewhere.

Their thoughts are intent on that Sufi guest;

They are immersed in his affairs neck deep.

So I am compelled to turn from my discourse

To that story, and to set forth his condition.

But, O friend, think not this Sufi a mere outward form,

As children see in a vine nothing but raisins.

O son, our bodies are as dried grapes and raisins;

If you are a man, cast away these things.

If you pass on to the pure mysteries of God,

You will be exalted above the nine heavenly spheres.

Now hear the outward form of my story,

But yet separate the grain from the chaff.

Why the prophets were sent (p. 106).

God sent the prophets for this purpose,

Namely, to sever infidelity from faith.

God sent the prophets to mankind

That they might gather the pure grain on their tray.

Infidel and faithful, Musulman and Jew,

Before the prophets came, seemed all as one.

Before they came we were all alike,

No one knew whether he was right or wrong.

Genuine coin and base coin were current alike;

The world was a night, and we travellers in the dark,

Till the sun of the prophets arose, and cried,

"Begone, O slumber; welcome, O pure light!"