{"collection":"Islam","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/isl/saab/saab05.htm","path":"isl/saab/saab05.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/isl/saab/saab05.htm","text":"Salaman and Absal, by Jami, tr. Edward Fitzgerald, [1904]\nWhen Night had thus far brought me with my Book,\n In middle Thought Sleep robb\u2019d me of myself;\n And in a Dream Myself I seem\u2019d to see,\n Walking along a straight and even Road,\n And clean as is the Soul of the Sufi;\n A Road whose spotless Surface neither Breeze\n Lifted in Dust, nor mix\u2019d the Rain to Mire.\n There I, methought, was pacing tranquilly,\n When, on a sudden, the tumultuous Shout\n Of Soldiery behind broke on mine Ear,\n And took away my Wit and Strength for Fear.\n I look\u2019d about for Refuge, and Behold!\n A Palace was before me; whither running\n For Refuge from the coming Soldiery,\nSuddenly from the Troop a Sh\u00e1hzem\u00e1n,\n By Name and Nature Hasan\u2014on the Horse\n Of Honour mounted\u2014robed in Royal Robes,\n And wearing a White Turban on his Head,\n Turn\u2019d his Rein tow\u2019rd me, and with smiling Lips\n Open\u2019d before my Eyes the Door of Peace.\n Then, riding up to me, dismounted; kiss\u2019d\n My Hand, and did me Courtesy; and I,\n How glad of his Protection, and the Grace\n He gave it with!\u2014Who then of gracious Speech\n Many a Jewel utter\u2019d; but of these\n Not one that in my Ear till Morning hung.\n When, waking on my Bed, my waking Wit\n I question\u2019d what the Vision meant, it answered;\n \"This Courtesy and Favour of the Shah\n Foreshadows the fair Acceptance of thy Verse,\n Which lose no moment pushing to Conclusion.\"\n This hearing, I address\u2019d me like a Pen\n To steady Writing; for perchance, I thought,\n From the same Fountain whence the Vision grew\n The Interpretation also may come True.\nUntil Thou hast thy Purpose by the Hilt,\n Catch at it boldly\u2014or Thou never wilt.","title":"Salaman and Absal: Sal\u00e1m\u00e1n and Abs\u00e1l: III","type":"page"}