The Heavenly Decree — Page 15
15 away from this world in this very state of subjugation. If, in order to cover up public disrepute, he does conjure up a triumphant countenance to please himself for a few minutes, why should I mind it? In fact, if we look at it sympathetically, he even deserves it. For I know that he has had to bear a lot of grief and anger at being routed at my hands. In his last days, his heart has been gripped by such shame and embarrassment that if he had not drummed up a false victory to seek some solace, in such old age his weak heart could surely not have born the shock! So perhaps it was out of his need to preserve his life that he permitted himself such a great lie. Even now I had no need to destroy his false sense of joy by revealing the plain truth, since it is dishonourable to keep one’s eyes on victory or defeat. The lovers of truth seek the truth whether it is to be found in the mantle of victory or in the garb of defeat. People, however, are apt to be deceived by such false and hostile writings and, being impressed by false publicity, start to believe that these writings are true and authentic, and their faith is adversely affected. It was, therefore, incumbent upon me to reveal the truth, and it was a duty which I had no choice but to fulfil. But I am still sorry for having to refresh Mi yan Sahib’s wounds in his old age. It would not be out of place to mention that one of the injustices Mi yan Sahib has inflicted on me is that he let loose Bat a law i against me and was pleased to