Precious Pearls — Page 99
101 Alas! The virtuous ones have all passed away. Their sermons from the pulpits are entirely abuses; Their meetings are all given to cursing and backbiting. Wherever you look, this world has become the goal They constantly entice people unto it everywhere. (260) If they get pricked by a single thorn for the sake of Faith, They run away screaming as an ass runs from a lion. If they fail, they constantly complain about it Unconcerned with the religion, they mourn for the world. Whatever the people may say, my aims are different I dote upon the Dear though a million swords are drawn. O my Dearest, pray tell how can Thou be pleased It will be a blessèd day when we are sacrificed for Thee. Just as Thou art afar, I too am far from people There is no one who is privy to my heart’s secrets. (265) Good presumption is the path of the righteous people But I’m behind a hundred veils; I appear not upon them. Those who call me bad or good, they are both unaware, They do not have a whit of knowledge about my inside. I’m the Son of Mary but I’ve descended not from the sky; I am Mahdi 137 , too, but without sword and fighting. I am not concerned with the country or the battles; My task is to conquer the hearts, not the land. Kaiser 138 may ever have the crown and throne of India; In his monarchy I find peace in the daily life. (270) What need have I for lands? My land is apart from others’. What do I do with crowns? My crown is the Dear’s joy! We dwell in the skies; what do we need this earth for? What enmity do the sky dwellers have with the earth? There is nothing like the monarchy of the spiritual world Though many a rich and crowned have lived on the earth. To desire the worldly pomp and honour is accursed Whoso wishes may injure his body with such mark. What do we have to do with honour and with fame? If abasing pleases Him, a hundred honours are sacrificed for it. (275) We belong to Him Who has become ours; We found that Belovèd after leaving this base world. I see my heart as the Throne of the Lord of the worlds; Our nearness increased so much, the Belovèd descended in me. ‘Tis strange friendship that leads to immolation for two: Love joining with love, ruling over the two hearts. See what great effect love and affection possess