1916.] Quatrains of 



213 



Avicenna had first met Abu Sa'id at Nishapur, he 

 told his disciples "Abu Sa'id sees all that I 

 know." And Abu Sa'id said of Avicenna "All 

 that he knows, I see." 



67. 



Turn my thoughts, Lord, from this world and the next; 

 Exalt me with the crown of poverty. 

 Reveal unto me the mysteries in the way of the Quest. 

 Turn my steps from the road that leads not to Thee. 



Mansur-ul-Hallaj was once asked : " What is the 

 way to God ? " He answered : " Two paces, and 

 you have arrived there ; one takes you out of this 

 world ; and the other out of the world to come. 

 Then you are with God." 



We are reminded, too, of a passage in the 

 Gulshan-i-Rdz which says that the world to come 

 is of no account beside the u quitting of self/* 

 when man will be " most rich in uttermost 



poverty. 



? ? 



68. 



Send me, O Lord, to the friend who has understanding, 

 Bring the sound of my grief to his echoing heart. 

 I am grief-stricken because of this separation, 

 Send him to me — and send me to him. 



69. 1 



A curse upon their impudent frolics ! 



Their black eyes, and negro forms ! 



From early evening till the last moment of the night 



They are all a-dancing; and I am the harp they twang ! 



70. 



Hide Thou my evil deeds from the sight of men ; 

 Smooth for me life's difficulties. 

 Grant me happiness To-day ; and To-morrow 

 Do unto me that which befits Thy clemency. 



71. 



Lament, if thou hast a voice, declare thyself ; 

 Inform that heedless drunkard. 

 O hand of Love and Saintship, come forth : 

 Help me, O heart of Muhammad's law. 



insects 



other pests." 



