能为已生之人唱歌，我已经满足了，_
尽管那歌非我所有，
可它唱出了我心底的渴望。
“啊，雾霭！我的姐妹！我的雾霭姐妹！
现在我已与你合一。
此后我已非自我。
围墙已倒，
锁链已碎，
我已化作云雾，飞向你！
我们将同游大海，直到再生之日来临。
那时黎明将把你化为露滴，洒向花园，
并将我变作妇人怀中的婴儿。”_
第三十六章
Almustafa,_the_chosen_and_the_beloved,_who_was_a_noon_unto_his_own_day,_returned_to_the_isle_of_his_birth_in_the_month_of_Tichreen,_which_is_the_month_of_remembrance._
And_as_his_ship_approached_the_harbour,_he_stood_upon_its_prow,_and_his_mariners_were_about_him._And_there_was_a_homecoming_in_his_heart._
And_he_spoke,_and_the_sea_was_in_his_voice,_and_he_said,“Behold,_the_isle_of_our_birth._Even_here_the_earth_heaved_us,_a_song_and_a_riddle;_a_song_unto_the_sky,_a_riddle_unto_the_earth;_and_what_is_there_between_earth_and_sky_that_shall_carry_the_song_and_solve_the_riddle_save_our_own_passion?_
“The_sea_yields_us_once_more_to_these_shores._We_are_but_another_wave_of_her_waves._She_sends_us_forth_to_sound_her_speech,_but_how_shall_we_do_so_unless_we_break_the_symmetry_of_our_heart_on_rock_and_sand?_
“For_this_is_the_law_of_mariners_and_the_sea:_If_you_would_be_freedom,_you_must__turn_to_mist._The_formless_is_for_ever_seeking_form,_even_as_the_countless_nebulae_would_become_suns_and_moons;_and_we_who_have_sought_much_and_return_now_to_this_isle,_rigid_moulds,_we_must_become_mist_once_more_and_learn_of_the_beginning._And_what_is_there_that_shall_live_and_rise_unto_the_heights_except_it_is_broken_unto_passion_and_freedom?_
“For_ever_shall_we_be_in_quest_of_the_shores,_that_we_may_sing_and_be_heard._But_what_of_the_wave_that_breaks_where_no_ear_shall_hear?_It_is_the_unheard_in_us_that_nurses_our_deeper_sorrow._Yet_it_is_also_the_unheard_which_carves_our_soul_to_form_and_fashion_our_destiny.”
Then_one_of_his_mariners_came_forth_and_said,“Master,_you_have_captained_our_longing_for_this_harbour,_and_behold,_we_have_come._Yet_you_speak_of_sorrow,_and_of_hearts_that_shall_be_broken.”
And_he_answered_him_and_said,“Did_I_not_speak_of_freedom,_and_of_the_mist_which_is_our_greater_freedom?_Yet_it_is_in_pain_I_make_pilgrimage_to_the_isle_where_I_was_born,_even_like_unto_a_ghost_of_one_slain_come_to_kneel_before_those_who_have_slain_him.”
And_another_mariner_spoke_and_said,“Behold,_the_multitudes_on_the_seawall._In_their_silence_they_have_foretold_even_the_day_and_the_hour_of_your_coming,_and_they_have_gathered_from_their_fields_and_vineyards_in_their_loving_need,_to_await_you.”
And_Almustafa_looked_afar_upon_the_multitudes,_and_his_heart_was_mindful_of_their_yearning,_and_he_was_silent._
Then_a_cry_came_from_the_people,_and_it_was_a_cry_of_remembrance_and_of_entreaty._
And_he_looked_upon_his_mariners_and_said,“And_what_have_I_brought_them?_A_hunter_was_I,_in_a_distant_land._With_aim_and_might_I_have_spent_the_golden_arrows_they_gave_me,_but_I_have_brought_down_no_game._I_followed_not_the_arrows._Mayhap_they_are_spreading_now_in_the_sun_with_the_pinions_of_wounded_eagles_that_would_not_fall_to_the_earth._And_mayhap_the_arrowheads_have_fallen_into_the_hands_of_those_who_had_need_of_them_for_bread_and_wine._
“I_know_not_where_they_have_spent_their_flight,_but_this_I_know:_they_have_made_their_curve_in_the_sky._
“Even_so,_love’s_hand_is_still_upon_me,_and_you,_my_mariners,_still_sail_my_vision,_and_I_shall_not_be_dumb._I_shall_cry_out_when_the_hand_of_the_seasons_is_upon_my_throat,_and_I_shall_sing_my_words_when_my_lips_are_burned_with_flames.”
And_they_were_troubled_in_their_hearts_because_he_spoke_of_these_things.And_one_said,“Master,_teach_us_all,_and_mayhap_because_your_blood_flows_in_our_veins,_and_our_breath_is_of_your_fragrance,_we_shall_understand.”
Then_he_answered_them,_and_the_wind_was_in_his_voice,_and_he_said,__“Brought_you_me_to_the_isle_of_my_birth_to_be_a_teacher?_Not_yet_have_I_been_caged_by_wisdom._Too_young_am_I_and_too_verdant_to_speak_of_aught_but_self,_which_is_for_ever_the_deep_calling_upon_the_deep._
“Let_him_who_would_have_wisdom_seek_it_in_the_buttercup_or_in_a_pinch_of_red_clay._I_am_still_the_singer._Still_I_shall_sing_the_earth,_and_I_shall_sing_your_lost_dreaming_that_walks_the_day_between_sleep_and_sleep._But_I_shall_gaze_upon_the_sea.”
And_now_the_ship_entered_the_harbour_and_reached_the_seawall,_and_he_came_thus_to_the_isle_of_his_birth_and_stood_once_more_amongst_his_own_people._And_a_great_cry_arose_from_their_hearts_so_that_the_loneliness_of_his_homecoming_was_shaken_within_him._
And_they_were_silent_awaiting_his_word,_but_he_answered_them_not,_for_the_sadness_of_memory_was_upon_him,_and_he_said_in_his_heart_,_“Have_I_said_that_I_shall_sing?_Nay,_I_can_but_open_my_lips_that_the_voice_of_life_may_come_forth_and_go_out_to_the_wind_for_joy_and_support.”_
Then_Karima,_she_who_had_played_with_him,_a_child,_in_the_Garden_of_his_mother,_spoke_and_said,_“Twelve_years_have_you_hidden_your_face_from_us,_and_for_twelve_years_have_we_hungered_and_thirsted_for_your_voice.”
And_he_looked_upon_her_with_exceeding_tenderness,_for_it_was_she_who_had_closed_the_eyes_of_his_mother_when_the_white_wings_of_death_had_gathered_her._
And_he_answered_and_said,_“Twelve_years?_Said_you_twelve_years,_Karima?_I_measured_not_my_longing_with_the_starry_rod,_nor_did_I_sound_the_depth_thereof._For_love_when_love_is_homesick_exhausts_time’s_measurements_and_time’s_soundings._
“There_are_moments_that_hold_aeons_of_separation._Yet_parting_is_naught_but_an_exhaustion_of_the_mind._Perhaps_we_have_not_parted.”
And_Almustafa_looked_upon_the_people,_and_he_saw_them_all,the_youth_and_the_aged,_the_stalwart_and_the_puny,_those_who_were_ruddy_with_the_touch_of_wind_and_sun,_and_those_who_were_of_pallid_countenance;_and_upon_their_faces_a_light_of_longing_and_of_questioning._
第三十七章
And_one_spoke_and_said,_“Master,_life_has_dealt_bitterly_with_our_hopes_and_our_desires._Our_hearts_are_troubled,_and_we_do_not_understand._I_pray_you,_comfort_us,_and_open_to_us_the_meanings_of_our_sorrows.”
And_his_heart_was_moved_with_compassion,_and_he_said,_“Life_is_older_than_all_things_living;_even_as_beauty_was_winged_ere_the_beautiful_was_born_on_earth,_and_even_as_truth_was_truth_ere_it_was_uttered._
“Life_sings_in_our_silence,_and_dreams_in_our_slumber._Even_when_we_are_beaten_and_low,_Life_is_enthroned_and_high._And_when_we_weep,_Life_smiles_upon_the_day,_and_is_free_even_when_we_drag_our_chains._
“Oftentimes_we_call_Life_bitter_names,_but_only_when_we_ourselves_are_bitter_and_dark._And_we_deem_her_empty_and_unprofitable,_but_only_when_the_soul_goes_wandering_in_desolate_places,_and_the_heart_is_drunken_with_overmindfulness_of_self._
“Life_is_deep,_high_and_distant;_and_though_only_your_vast_vision_can_reach_even_her_feet,_yet_she_is_near;_and_though_only_the_breath_of_your_breath_reaches_her_heart,_the_shadow_of_your_shadow_crosses_her_face,_and_the_echo_of_your_faintest_cry_becomes_a_spring_and_an_autumn_in_her_breast._
“And_Life_is_veiled_and_hidden,_even_as_your_greater_self_is_hidden_and_veiled._Yet_when_Life_speaks,_all_the_wind_becomes_words;_and_when_she_speaks_again,_the_smiles_upon_your_lips_and_the_tears_in_your_eyes_turn_also_into_words._When_she_sings,_the_deaf_hear_and_are_held;_and_when_she_comes_walking,_the_sightless_behold_her_and_are_amazed_and_follow_her_in_wonder_and_astonishment.”_
And_he_ceased_from_speaking,_and_a_vast_silence_enfolded_the_people,_and_in_the_silence_there_was_an_unheard_song,_and_they_were_comforted_of_their_loneliness_and_their_aching._
2
And_he_left_them_straightway_and_followed_the_path_which_led_to_his_Garden,_which_was_the_Garden_of_his_mother_and_his_father,_wherein_they_lay_asleep,_they_and_their_forefathers._
And_there_were_those_who_would_have_followed_after_him,_seeing_that_it_was_a_homecoming,_and_he_was_alone,_for_there_was_not_one_left_of_all_his_kin_to_spread_the_feast_of_welcome,_after_the_manner_of_his_people._
But_the_captain_of_his_ship_counselled_them_saying,“Suffer_him_to_go_upon_his_way._For_his_bread_is_the_bread_of_aloneness,_and_in_his_cup_is_the_wine_of_remembrance,_which_he_would_drink_alone.”_
And_his_mariners_held_their_steps,_for_they_knew_it_was_even_as_the_captain_of_the_ship_had_told_them._And_all_those_who_gathered_upon_the_seawall_restrained_the_feet_of_their_desire._
Only_Karima_went_after_him,_a_little_way,_yearning_over_his_aloneness_and_his_memories._And_she_spoke_not,_but_turned_and_went_unto_her_own_house,_and_in_the_garden_under_the_almondtree_she_wept,_yet_she_knew_not_wherefore._
3
And_Almustafa_came_and_found_the_Garden_of_his_mother_and_his_father,_and_he_entered_in,_and_closed_the_gate_that_no_man_might_come_after_him._
And_for_forty_days_and_forty_nights_he_dwelt_alone_in_that_house_and_that_Garden,_and_none_came,_not_even_unto_the_gate,_for_it_was_closed,_and_all_the_people_knew_that_he_would_be_alone._
And_when_the_forty_days_and_nights_were_ended,_Almustafa_opened_the_gate_that_they_might_come_in._
And_there_came_nine_men_to_be_with_him_in_the_Garden;_three_mariners_from_his_own_ship;_three_who_had_been_his_comrades_in_play_when_they_were_but_children_together._And_these_were_his_disciples._
And_on_a_morning_his_disciples_sat_around_him,_and_there_were_distances_and_remembrances_in_his_eyes._And_that_disciple_who_was_called_Hafiz_said_unto_him,__“Master,_tell_us_of_the_city_of_Orphalese,_and_of_that_land_wherein_you_tarried_those_twelve_years.”_
And_Almustafa_was_silent,_and_he_looked_away_towards_the_hills_and_toward_the_vast_ether,_and_there_was_a_battle_in_his_silence._
Then_he_said,“My_friends_and_my_roadfellows,_pity_the_nation_that_is_full_of_beliefs_and_empty_of_religion._
“Pity_the_nation_that_wears_a_cloth_it_does_not_weave,_eats_a_bread_it_does_not_harvest,_and_drinks_a_wine_that_flows_not_from_its_own_winepress._
“Pity_the_nation_that_acclaims_the_bully_as_hero,_and_that_deems_the_glittering_conqueror_bountiful._
“Pity_the_nation_that_despises_a_passion_in_its_dream,_yet_submits_in_its_awakening._
“Pity_the_nation_that_raises_not_its_voice_save_when_it_walks_in_a_funeral,_boasts_not_except_when_its_neck_is_laid_between_the_sword_and_the_block._
“Pity_the_nation_whose_statesman_is_a_fox,_whose_philosopher_is_a_juggle,_and_whose_art_is_the_art_of_patching_and_mimicking._
“Pity_the_nation_that_welcomes_its_new_ruler_with_trumpetings,_and_farewells_him_with_hootings,_only_to_welcome_another_with_trumpetings_again._
“Pity_the_nation_whose_sages_are_dumb_with_years_and_whose_strong_men_are_yet_in_the_cradle._
“Pity_the_nation_divided_into_fragments,_each_fragment_deeming_itself_a_nation.”
第三十八章
And_one_said,“Speak_to_us_of_that_which_is_moving_in_your_own_heart_even_now.”_
And_he_looked_upon_that_one,_and_there_was_in_his_voice_a_sound_like_a_star_singing,_and_he_said,“In_your_waking_dream,_when_you_are_hushed_and_listening_to_your_deeper_self,_your_thoughts,_like_snow_flakes,_fall_and_flutter_and_garment_all_the_sounds_of_your_spaces_with_white_silence._
“And_what_are_waking_dreams_but_clouds_that_bud_and_blossom_on_the_skytree_of_your_heart?_And_what_are_your_thoughts_but_the_petals_which_the_winds_of_your_heart_scatter_upon_the_hills_and_its_fields?_
“And_even_as_you_wait_for_peace_until_the_formless_within_you_takes_form,_so_shall_the_cloud_gather_and_drift_until_the_Blessed_Fingers_shape_its_grey_desire_to_little_crystal_suns_and_moons_and_stars.”_
Then_Sarkis,_he_who_was_the_halfdoubter,_spoke_and_said,“But_spring_shall_come,_and_all_the_snows_of_our_dreams_and_our_thoughts_shall_melt_and_be_no_more.”
And_he_answered_saying,“When_Spring_comes_to_seek_His_beloved_amongst_the_slumbering_groves_and_vineyards,_the_snow_shall_indeed_melt_and_shall_run_in_streams_to_seek_the_river_in_the_valley,_to_be_the_cupbearer_to_the_myrtletrees_and_laurel._
“So_shall_the_snow_of_your_heart_melt_when_your_Spring_is_come,_and_thus_shall_your_secret_run_in_streams_to_seek_the_river_of_life_in_the_valley._And_the_river_shall_enfold_your_secret_and_carry_it_to_the_great_sea._
“All_things_shall_melt_and_turn_into_songs_when_Spring_comes._Even_the_stars,_the_vast_snowflakes_that_fall_slowly_upon_the_larger_fields,_shall_melt_into_singing_streams._When_the_sun_of_His_face_shall_rise_above_the_wider_horizon,_then_what_frozen_symmetry_would_not_turn_into_liquid_melody?_And_who_among_you_would_not_be_the_cupbearer_to_the_myrtle_and_the_laurel?_
“It_was_but_yesterday_that_you_were_moving_with_the_moving_sea,_and_you_were_shoreless_and_without_a_self._Then_the_wind,_the_breath_of_Life,_wove_you,_a_veil_of_light_on_her_face;_then_her_hand_gathered_you_and_gave_you_form,_and_with_a_head_held_high_you_sought_the_heights._But_the_sea_followed_after_you,_and_her_song_is_still_with_you._And_though_you_have_forgotten_your_parentage,_she_will_for_ever_assert_her_motherhood,_and_for_ever_will_she_call_you_unto_her._
“In_your_wanderings_among_the_mountains_and_the_desert_you_will_always_remember_the_depth_of_her_cool_heart._And_though_oftentimes_you_will_not_know_for_what_you_long,_it_is_indeed_for_her_vast_and_rhythmic_peace._
“And_how_else_can_it_be?_In_grove_and_in_bower_when_the_rain_dances_in_leaves_upon_the_hill,_when_snow_falls,_a_blessing_and_a_covenant;_in_the_valley_when_you_lead_your_flocks_to_the_river;_in_your_fields_where_brooks,_like_silver_streams,_join_together_the_green_garment;_in_your_gardens_when_the_early_dews_mirror_the_heavens;_in_your_meadows_when_the_mist_of_evening_half_veils_your_way;_in_all_these_the_sea_is_with_you,_a_witness_to_your_heritage,_and_a_claim_upon_your_love._
“It_is_the_snowflake_in_you_running_down_to_the_sea.”_
第三十九章
And_on_a_morning_as_they_walked_in_the_Garden,_there_appeared_before_the_gate_a_woman,_and_it_was_Karima,_she_whom_Almustafa_had_loved_even_as_a_sister_in_his_boyhood._And_she_stood_without,_asking_nothing,_nor_knocking_with_her_hand_upon_the_gate,_but_only_gazing_with_longing_and_sadness_into_the_Garden._
And_Almustafa_saw_the_desire_upon_her_eyelids,_and_with_swift_steps_he_came_to_the_wall_and_the_gate_and_opened_unto_her,_and_she_came_in_and_was_made_welcome._
And_she_spoke_and_said,_“Wherefore_have_you_withdrawn_yourself_from_us_altogether,_that_we_may_not_live_in_the_light_of_your_countenance?_For_behold,_these_many_years_have_we_loved_you_and_waited_with_longing_for_your_safe_return._And_now_the_people_cry_for_you_and_would_have_speech_with_you;_and_I_am_their_messenger_coming_to_beseech_you_that_you_will_show_yourself_to_the_people,_and_speak_to_them_out_of_your_wisdom,_and_comfort_the_broken_of_heart_and_instruct_our_foolishness.”_
And_looking_upon_her,_he_said,_“Call_me_not_wise_unless_you_call_all_men_wise._A_young_fruit_am_I,_still_clinging_to_the_branch,_and_it_was_only_yesterday_that_I_was_but_a_blossom._
_“And_call_none_among_you_foolish,_for_in_truth_we_are_neither_wise_nor_foolish._We_are_green_leaves_upon_the_tree_of_life,_and_life_itself_is_beyond_wisdom,_and_surely_beyond_foolishness._
“And_have_I_indeed_withdrawn_myself_from_you?_Know_you_not_that_there_is_no_distance_save_that_which_the_soul_does_not_span_in_fancy?_And_when_the_soul_shall_span_that_distance,_it_becomes_a_rhythm_in_the_soul._
“The_space_that_lies_between_you_and_your_near_neighbour_unbefriended_is_indeed_greater_than_that_which_lies_between_you_and_your_beloved_who_dwells_beyond_seven_lands_and_seven_seas._
“For_in_remembrance_there_are_no_distances;_and_only_in_oblivion_is_there_a_gulf_that_neither_your_voice_nor_your_eye_can_abridge._
“Between_the_shores_of_the_oceans_and_the_summit_of_the_highest_mountain_there_is_a_secret_road_which_you_must_needs_travel_ere_you_become_one_with_the_sons_of_earth._
“And_between_your_knowledge_and_your_understanding_there_is_a_secret_path_which_you_must_needs_discover_ere_you_become_one_with_man,_and_therefore_one_with_yourself._
“Between_your_right_hand_that_gives_and_your_left_hand_that_receives_there_is_a_great_space._Only_by_deeming_them_both_giving_and_receiving_can_you_bring_them_into_spacelessness,_for_it_is_only_in_knowing_that_you_have_naught_to_give_and_naught_to_receive_that_you_can_overcome_space._
“Verily_the_vastest_distance_is_that_which_lies_between_your_sleepvision_and_your_wakefulness;_and_between_that_which_is_but_a_deed_and_that_which_is_a_desire._
“And_there_is_still_another_road_which_you_must_needs_travel_ere_you_become_one_with_Life._But_of_that_road_I_shall_not_speak_now,_seeing_that_you_are_weary_already_of_travelling.”_
第四十章
Then_he_went_forth_with_the_woman,_and_the_nine,_even_unto_the_marketplace,_and_he_spoke_to_the_people,_his_friends_and_his_neighbours,_and_there_was_joy_in_their_hearts_and_upon_their_eyelids._
And_he_said,“You_grow_in_sleep,_and_live_your_fuller_life_in_you_dreaming._For_all_your_days_are_spent_in_thanksgiving_for_that_which_you_have_received_in_the_stillness_of_the_night._
“Oftentimes_you_think_and_speak_of_night_as_the_season_of_rest,_yet_in_truth_night_is_the_season_of_seeking_and_finding._
“The_day_gives_unto_you_the_power_of_knowledge_and_teaches_your_fingers_to_become_versed_in_the_art_of_receiving;_but_it_is_night_that_leads_you_to_the_treasurehouse_of_Life._
“The_sun_teaches_to_all_things_that_grow_their_longing_for_the_light._But_it_is_night_that_raises_them_to_the_stars._
“It_is_indeed_the_stillness_of_the_night_that_weaves_a_weddingveil_over_the_trees_in_the_forest,_and_the_flowers_in_the_garden,_and_then_spreads_the_lavish_feast_and_makes_ready_the_nuptial_chamber;_and_in_that_holy_silence_tomorrow_is_conceived_in_the_womb_of_Time._
“Thus_it_is_with_you,_and_thus,_in_seeking,_you_find_meat_and_fulfillment._And_though_at_dawn_your_awakening_erases_the_memory,_the_board_of_dreams_is_for_ever_spread,_and_the_nuptial_chamber_waiting.”
And_he_was_silent_for_a_space,_and_they_also,_awaiting_his_words._Then_he_spoke_again,_saying,_“You_are_spirits_though_you_move_in_bodies;_and_like_oil_that_burns_in_the_dark,_you_are_flames_though_held_in_lamps._
“If_you_were_naught_save_bodies,_then_my_standing_before_you_and_speaking_unto_you_would_be_but_emptiness,_even_as_the_dead_calling_unto_the_dead._But_this_is_not_so._All_that_is_deathless_in_you_is_free_unto_the_day_and_the_night_and_cannot_be_housed_nor_fettered,_for_this_is_the_will_of_the_Most_High._You_are_His_breath_even_as_the_wind_that_shall_be_neither_caught_nor_caged._And_I_am_also_the_breath_of_His_breath.”_
And_he_went_from_their_midst_walking_swiftly_and_entered_again_into_the_Garden._
And_Sarkis,_he_who_was_the_halfdoubter,_spoke_and_said,_“And_what_of_ugliness,_Master?_You_speak_never_of_ugliness.”_
And_Almustafa_answered_him,_and_there_was_a_whip_in_his_words,_and_he_said,__“My_friend,_what_man_shall_call_you_inhospitable_if_he_shall_pass_by_your_house,_yet_would_not_knock_at_your_door?_
“And_who_shall_deem_you_deaf_and_unmindful_if_he_shall_speak_to_you_in_a_strange_tongue_of_which_you_understand_nothing?_
“Is_it_not_that_which_you_have_never_striven_to_reach,_into_whose_heart_you_have_never_desired_to_enter,_that_you_deem_ugliness?_
“If_ugliness_is_aught,_indeed,_it_is_but_the_scales_upon_our_eyes,_and_the_wax_filling_our_ears._
“Call_nothing_ugly,_my_friend,_save_the_fear_of_a_soul_in_the_presence_of_its_own_memories.”_
And_upon_a_day_as_they_sat_in_the_long_shadows_of_the_white_poplars,_one_spoke_saying,_“Master,_I_am_afraid_of_time._It_passes_over_us_and_robs_us_of_our_youth,_and_what_does_it_give_in_return?”
And_he_answered_and_said,_“Take_up_now_a_handful_of_good_earth._Do_you_find_in_it_a_seed,_and_perhaps_a_worm?_If_your_hands_were_spacious_and_enduring_enough,_the_seed_might_become_a_forest,_and_the_worm_a_flock_of_angels._And_forget_not_that_the_years_which_turn_seeds_to_forests,_and_worms_to_angels,_belong_to_this_Now,_all_of_the_years,_this_very_Now._
“And_what_are_the_seasons_of_the_years_save_your_own_thoughts_changing?_spring_is_an_awakening_in_your_breast,_and_summer_but_a_recognition_of_your_own_fruitfulness._Is_not_autumn_the_ancient_in_you_singing_a_lullaby_to_that_which_is_still_a_child_in_your_being?_And_what,_I_ask_you,_is_winter_save_sleep_big_with_the_dreams_of_all_the_other_seasons.”
And_the_Mannus,_the_inquisitive_disciple,_looked_about_him_and_he_saw_plants_in_flower_cleaving_unto_the_sycamoretree._And_he_said,_“Behold_the_parasites,_Master._What_say_you_of_them?_They_are_thieves_with_weary_eyelids_who_steal_the_light_from_the_strong_children_of_the_sun,_and_make_fair_of_the_sap_that_running_into_their_branches_and_their_leaves.”
And_he_answered_him_saying,_“My_friend,_we_are_all_parasites._We_who_labour_to_turn_the_sod_into_pulsing_life_are_not_above_those_who_receive_life_directly_from_the_sod_without_knowing_the_sod._
“Shall_a_mother_say_to_her_child,_‘I_give_you_back_to_the_forest,_which_is_your_greater_mother,_for_you_weary_me,_heart_and_hand?’_
“Or_shall_the_singer_rebuke_his_own_song,_saying,_‘Return_now_to_the_cave_of_echoes_from_whence_you_came,_for_your_voice_consumes_my_breath?’_
“And_shall_the_shepherd_say_to_his_yearling,_‘I_have_no_pasture_whereunto_I_may_lead_you;_therefore_be_cut_off_and_become_a_sacrifice_for_this_cause?_’
“Nay,_my_friend,_all_these_things_are_answered_even_before_they_are_asked,_and,_like_your_dreams,_are_fulfilled_ere_you_sleep._
“We_live_upon_one_another_according_to_the_law,_ancient_and_timeless._Let_us_live_thus_in_lovingkindness._We_seek_one_another_in_our_aloneness,_and_we_walk_the_road_when_we_have_no_hearth_to_sit_beside._
“My_friends_and_my_brothers,_the_wider_road_is_your_fellowman._
“These_plants_that_live_upon_the_tree_draw_milk_of_the_earth_in_the_sweet_stillness_of_night,_and_the_earth_in_her_tranquil_dreaming_sucks_at_the_breast_of_the_sun._
“And_the_sun,_even_as_you_and_I_and_all_there_is,_sits_in_equal_honour_at_the_banquet_of_the_Prince_whose_door_is_always_open_and_whose_board_is_always_spread._
“Mannus,_my_friend,_all_there_is_lives_always_upon_all_there_is;_and_all_there_is_lives_in_the_faith,_shoreless,_upon_the_bounty_of_the_Most_High.”
第四十二章
And_on_a_morning_when_the_sky_was_yet_pale_with_dawn,_they_walked_all_together_in_the_Garden_and_looked_unto_the_East_and_were_silent_in_the_presence_of_the_rising_sun._
And_after_a_while_Almustafa_pointed_with_his_hand,_and_said,__“The_image_of_the_morning_sun_in_a_dewdrop_is_not_less_than_the_sun._The_reflection_of_life_in_your_soul_is_not_less_than_life._
“The_dewdrop_mirrors_the_light_because_it_is_one_with_light,_and_you_reflect_life_because_you_and_life_are_one._
“When_darkness_is_upon_you,_say,‘This_darkness_is_dawn_not_yet_born;_and_though_night’s_travail_be_full_upon_me,_yet_shall_dawn_be_born_unto_me_even_as_unto_the_hills.’_
“The_dewdrop_rounding_its_sphere_in_the_dusk_of_the_lily_is_not_unlike_yourself_gathering_your_soul_in_the_heart_of_God._
“Shall_a_dewdrop_say,‘But_once_in_a_thousand_years_I_am_a_dewdrop,’speak_you_and_answer_it_saying,_‘Know_you_not_that_the_light_of_all_the_years_is_shining_in_your_circle?’”
And_on_an_evening_a_great_storm_visited_the_place,_and_Almustafa_and_his_disciples,_the_nine,_went_within_and_sat_about_the_fire_and_were_silent._
Then_one_of_the_disciples_said,_“I_am_alone,_Master,_and_the_hoofs_of_the_hours_beat_heavily_upon_my_breast.”_
And_Almustafa_rose_up_and_stood_in_their_midst,_and_he_said_in_a_voice_like_unto_the_sound_of_a_great_wind,_“Alone!_And_what_of_it?_You_came_alone,_and_alone_shall_you_pass_into_the_mist._
“Therefore_drink_your_cup_alone_and_in_silence._The_autumn_days_have_given_other_lips_other_cups_and_filled_them_with_wine_bitter_and_sweet,_even_as_they_have_filled_your_cup._
“Drink_your_cup_alone_though_it_taste_of_your_own_blood_and_tears,_and_praise_life_for_the_gift_of_thirst._For_without_thirst_your_heart_is_but_the_shore_of_a_barren_sea,_songless_and_without_a_tide._
“Drink_your_cup_alone,_and_drink_it_with_cheers._
“Raise_it_high_above_your_head_and_drink_deep_to_those_who_drink_alone._
“Once_I_sought_the_company_of_men_and_sat_with_them_at_their_banquettables_and_drank_deep_with_them;_but_their_wine_did_not_rise_to_my_head,_nor_did_it_flow_into_my_bosom._It_only_descended_to_my_feet._My_wisdom_was_left_dry_and_my_heart_was_locked_and_sealed._Only_my_feet_were_with_them_in_their_fog._
“And_I_sought_the_company_of_men_no_more,_nor_drank_wine_with_them_at_their_board._
“Therefore_I_say_unto_you,_though_the_hoofs_of_the_hours_beat_heavily_upon_your_bosom,_what_of_it?_It_is_well_for_you_to_drink_your_cup_of_sorrow_alone,_and_your_cup_of_joy_shall_you_drink_alone_also.”_
And_on_a_day,_as_Phardrous,_the_Greek,_walked_in_the_Garden,_he_struck_his_foot_upon_a_stone_and_he_was_angered._And_he_turned_and_picked_up_the_stone,_saying_in_a_low_voice,_“O_dead_thing_in_my_path!”_and_he_flung_away_the_stone._
And_Almustafa,_the_chosen_and_the_beloved,_said,_“Why_say_you:‘O_dead_thing’?_Have_you_been_thus_long_in_this_Garden_and_know_not_that_there_is_nothing_dead_here?_All_things_live_and_glow_in_the_knowledge_of_the_day_and_the_majesty_of_the_night._You_and_the_stone_are_one._There_is_a_difference_only_in_heartbeats._Your_heart_beats_a_little_faster,_does_it,_my_friend?_Ay,_but_it_is_not_so_tranquil._
“Its_rhythm_may_be_another_rhythm,_but_I_say_unto_you_that_if_you_sound_the_depths_of_your_soul_and_scale_the_heights_of_space,_you_shall_hear_one_melody,_and_in_that_melody_the_stone_and_the_star_sing,_the_one_with_the_other,_in_perfect_unison._
“If_my_words_reach_not_your_understanding,_then_let_be_until_another_dawn._If_you_have_cursed_this_stone_because_in_your_blindness_you_have_stumbled_upon_it,_then_would_you_curse_a_star_if_so_be_your_head_should_encounter_it_in_the_sky._But_the_day_will_come_when_you_will_gather_stones_and_stars_as_a_child_plucks_the_valleylilies,_and_then_shall_you_know_that_all_these_things_are_living_and_fragrant.”_
第四十三章
And_on_the_first_day_of_the_week_when_the_sounds_of_the_temple_bells_sought_their_ears,_one_spoke_and_said,_“Master,_we_hear_much_talk_of_God_hereabout._What_say_you_of_God,_and_who_is_He_in_very_truth？”_
And_he_stood_before_them_like_a_young_tree,_fearless_of_wind_or_tempest,_and_he_answered_saying,_“Think_now,_my_comrades_and_beloved,_of_a_heart_that_contains_all_your_hearts,_a_love_that_encompasses_all_your_loves,_a_spirit_that_envelops_all_your_spirits,_a_voice_enfolding_all_your_voices,_and_a_silence_deeper_than_all_your_silences,_and_timeless._
“Seek_now_to_perceive_in_your_selffulness_a_beauty_more_enchanting_than_all_things_beautiful,_a_song_more_vast_than_the_songs_of_the_sea_and_the_forest,_a_majesty_seated_upon_the_throne_for_which_Orion_is_but_a_footstool,_holding_a_sceptre_in_which_the_Pleiades_are_naught_save_the_glimmer_of_dewdrops._
“You_have_sought_always_only_food_and_shelter,_a_garment_and_a_staff;_seek_now_One_who_is_neither_an_aim_for_your_arrows_nor_a_stony_cave_to_shield_you_from_the_elements._
“And_if_my_words_are_a_rock_and_a_riddle,_then_seek,_none_the_less,_that_your_hearts_may_be_broken,_and_that_your_questionings_may_bring_you_unto_the_love_and_the_wisdom_of_the_Most_High,_whom_men_call_God.”
And_they_were_silent,_every_one,_and_they_were_perplexed_in_their_heart;_and_Almustafa_was_moved_with_compassion_for_them,_and_he_gazed_with_tenderness_upon_them_and_said,_“Let_us_speak_rather_of_the_gods,_your_neighbours,_and_of_your_brothers,_the_elements_that_move_about_your_houses_and_your_fields._
“You_would_rise_up_in_fancy_unto_the_cloud,_and_you_deem_it_height;_and_you_would_pass_over_the_vast_sea_and_claim_it_to_be_distance._But_I_say_unto_you_that_when_you_sow_a_seed_in_the_earth,_you_reach_a_greater_height;_and_when_you_hail_the_beauty_of_the_morning_to_your_neighbour,_you_cross_a_greater_sea._
“Too_often_do_you_sing_God,_the_Infinite,_and_yet_in_truth_you_hear_not_the_song._Would_that_you_might_listen_to_the_songbirds,_and_to_the_leaves_that_forsake_the_branch_when_the_wind_passes_by,_and_forget_not,_my_friends,_that_these_sing_only_when_they_are_separated_from_the_branch!_
“Again_I_bid_you_to_speak_not_so_freely_of_God,_who_is_your_All,_but_speak_rather_and_understand_one_another,_neighbour_unto_neighbour,_a_god_unto_a_god._
“For_what_shall_feed_the_fledgling_in_the_nest_if_the_mother_bird_flies_skyward?_And_what_anemone_in_the_fields_shall_be_fulfilled_unless_it_be_husbanded_by_a_bee_from_another_anemone?_
“It_is_only_when_you_are_lost_in_your_smaller_selves_that_you_seek_the_sky_which_you_call_God._Would_that_you_might_find_paths_into_your_vast_selves;_would_that_you_might_be_less_idle_and_pave_the_roads!_
“My_mariners_and_my_friends,_it_were_wiser_to_speak_less_of_God,_whom_we_cannot_understand,_and_more_of_each_other,_whom_we_may_understand._Yet_I_would_have_you_know_that_we_are_the_breath_and_the_fragrance_of_God._We_are_God,_in_leaf,_in_flower,_and_oftentimes_in_fruit.”_
And_on_a_morning_when_the_sun_was_high,_one_of_the_disciples,_one_of_those_three_who_had_played_with_him_in_childhood,_approached_him_saying,_“Master,_my_garment_is_worn,_and_I_have_no_other._Give_me_leave_to_go_unto_the_marketplace_and_bargain_that_perchance_I_may_procure_me_new_raiment.”_
And_Almustafa_looked_upon_the_young_man,_and_he_said,“Give_me_your_garment.”And_he_did_so_and_stood_naked_in_the_noonday._
And_Almustafa_said_in_a_voice_that_was_like_a_young_steed_running_upon_a_road,_“Only_the_naked_live_in_the_sun._Only_the_artless_ride_the_wind._And_he_alone_who_loses_his_way_a_thousand_times_shall_have_a_homecoming._
“The_angels_are_tired_of_the_clever._And_it_was_but_yesterday_that_an_angel_said_to_me,‘We_created_hell_for_those_who_glitter._What_else_but_fire_can_erase_a_shining_surface_and_melt_a_thing_to_its_core?’
“And_I_said,_‘But_in_creating_hell_you_created_devils_to_govern_hell.’_But_the_angel_answered,_‘Nay,_hell_is_governed_by_those_who_do_not_yield_to_fire.’
“Wise_angel!_He_knows_the_ways_of_men_and_the_ways_of_halfmen._He_is_one_of_the_seraphim_who_come_to_minister_unto_the_prophets_when_they_are_tempted_by_the_clever._And_no_doubt_he_smiled_when_the_prophets_smile,_and_weeps_also_when_they_weep._
“My_friends_and_my_mariners,_only_the_naked_live_in_the_sun._Only_the_rudderless_can_sail_the_greater_sea._Only_he_who_is_dark_with_the_night_shall_wake_with_the_dawn,_and_only_he_who_sleeps_with_the_roots_under_the_snow_shall_reach_the_spring._
“For_you_are_even_like_roots,_and_like_roots_are_you_simple,_yet_you_have_wisdom_from_the_earth._And_you_are_silent,_yet_you_have_within_your_unborn_branches_the_choir_of_the_four_winds._
“You_are_frail_and_you_are_formless,_yet_you_are_the_beginning_of_giant_oaks,_and_of_the_halfpencilled_patterned_of_the_willows_against_the_sky._
“Once_more_I_say,_you_are_but_roots_betwixt_the_dark_sod_and_the_moving_heavens._And_oftentimes_have_I_seen_you_rising_to_dance_with_the_light,_but_I_have_also_seen_you_shy._All_roots_are_shy._They_have_hidden_their_hearts_so_long_that_they_know_not_what_to_do_with_their_hearts._
“But_May_shall_come,_and_May_is_a_restless_virgin,_and_she_shall_mother_the_hills_and_plains.”_
第四十四章
And_one_who_had_served_in_the_Temple_besought_him_saying,_“Teach_us,_Master,_that_our_words_may_be_even_as_your_words,_a_chant_and_an_incense_unto_the_people.”
And_Almustafa_answered_and_said,_“You_shall_rise_beyond_your_words,_but_your_path_shall_remain,_a_rhythm_and_a_fragrance;_a_rhythm_for_lovers_and_for_all_who_are_beloved,_and_a_fragrance_for_those_who_would_live_life_in_a_garden._
“But_you_shall_rise_beyond_your_words_to_a_summit_whereon_the_stardust_falls,_and_you_shall_open_your_hands_until_they_are_filled;_then_you_shall_lie_down_and_sleep_like_a_white_fledgling_in_a_white_nest,_and_you_shall_dream_of_your_tomorrow_as_white_violets_dream_of_spring._
“Ay,_and_you_shall_go_down_deeper_than_your_words._You_shall_seek_the_lost_fountainheads_of_the_streams,_and_you_shall_be_a_hidden_cave_echoing_the_faint_voices_of_the_depths_which_now_you_do_not_even_hear._
“You_shall_go_down_deeper_than_your_words,_ay,_deeper_than_all_sounds,_to_the_very_heart_of_the_earth,_and_there_you_shall_be_alone_with_Him_who_walks_also_upon_the_Milky_Way.”_
And_after_a_space_one_of_the_disciples_asked_him_saying,_“Master,_speak_to_us_of_being._What_is_it_to_be?”_
And_Almustafa_looked_long_upon_him_and_loved_him._And_he_stood_up_and_walked_a_distance_away_from_them;_then_returning,_he_said,_“In_this_Garden_my_father_and_my_mother_lie,_buried_by_the_hands_of_the_living;_and_in_this_Garden_lie_buried_the_seeds_of_yesteryear,_bought_hither_upon_the_wings_of_the_wind._A_thousand_times_shall_my_mother_and_my_father_be_buried_here,_and_a_thousand_times_shall_the_wind_bury_the_seed;_and_a_thousand_years_hence_shall_you_and_I_and_these_flowers_come_together_in_this_Garden_even_as_now,and_we_shall_be,_loving_life,_and_we_shall_be,_dreaming_of_space,_and_we_shall_be,_rising_towards_the_sun._
“But_now_today_to_be_is_to_be_wise,_though_not_a_stranger_to_the_foolish;_it_is_to_be_strong,_but_not_to_the_undoing_of_the_weak;_to_play_with_young_children,_not_as_fathers,_but_rather_as_playmates_who_would_learn_their_games;_
“To_be_simple_and_guileless_with_old_men_and_women,_and_to_sit_with_them_in_the_shade_of_the_ancient_oaktrees,_though_you_are_still_walking_with_Spring;_
“To_seek_a_poet_though_he_may_live_beyond_the_seven_rivers,_and_to_be_at_peace_in_his_presence,_nothing_wanting,_nothing_doubting,_and_with_no_question_upon_your_lips;_
“To_know_that_the_saint_and_the_sinner_are_twin_brothers,_whose_father_is_our_Gracious_King,_and_that_one_was_born_but_the_moment_before_the_other,_wherefore_we_regard_his_as_the_Crowned_Prince;_
“To_follow_Beauty_even_when_she_shall_lead_you_to_the_verge_of_the_precipice;_and_though_she_is_winged_and_you_are_wingless,_and_though_she_shall_pass_beyond_the_verge,_follow_her,_for_where_Beauty_is_not,_there_is_nothing;_
“To_be_a_garden_without_walls,_a_vineyard_without_a_guardian,_a_treasurehouse_for_ever_open_to_passersby;_
“To_be_robbed,_cheated,_deceived,_ay,_misled_and_trapped_and_then_mocked,_yet_with_it_all_to_look_down_from_the_height_of_your_larger_self_and_smile,_knowing_that_there_is_spring_that_will_come_to_your_garden_to_dance_in_your_leaves,_and_an_autumn_to_ripen_your_grapes;_knowing_that_if_but_one_of_your_windows_is_open_to_the_East,_you_shall_never_be_empty;_knowing_that_all_those_deemed_wrongdoers_and_robbers,_cheaters_and_deceivers_are_your_brothers_in_need,_and_that_you_are_perchance_all_of_these_in_the_eyes_of_the_blessed_inhabitants_of_that_City_Invisible,_above_this_city._
“And_now,_to_you_also_whose_hands_fashion_and_find_all_things_that_are_needful_for_the_comfort_of_our_days_and_our_nights—_
“To_be_is_to_be_a_weaver_with_seeing_fingers,_a_builder_mindful_of_light_and_space;_to_be_a_ploughman_and_feel_that_you_are_hiding_a_treasure_with_every_seed_you_sow;_to_be_a_fisherman_and_a_hunter_with_a_pity_for_the_fish_and_for_the_beast,_yet_a_still_greater_pity_for_the_hunger_and_need_of_man._
“And,_above_all,_I_say_this:_I_would_have_you_each_and_every_one_partners_to_the_purpose_of_every_man,_for_only_so_shall_you_hope_to_obtain_your_own_good_purpose._
“My_comrades_and_my_beloved,_be_bold_and_not_meek;_be_spacious_and_not_confined;_and_until_my_final_hour_and_yours_be_indeed_your_greater_self.”_
And_he_ceased_speaking_and_there_fell_a_deep_gloom_upon_the_nine,_and_their_heart_was_turned_away_from_him,_for_they_understood_not_his_words._
And_behold,_the_three_men_who_were_mariners_longed_for_the_sea;_and_they_who_had_served_in_the_Temple_yearned_for_the_consolation_of_her_santuary;_and_they_who_had_been_his_playfellows_desired_the_marketplace._They_all_were_deaf_to_his_words,_so_that_the_sound_of_them_returned_unto_him_like_weary_and_homeless_birds_seeking_refuge._
And_Almustafa_walked_a_distance_from_them_in_the_Garden,_saying_nothing,_nor_looking_upon_them._
And_they_began_to_reason_among_themselves_and_to_seek_excuse_for_their_longing_to_be_gone._
And_behold,_they_turned_and_went_every_man_to_his_own_place,_so_that_Almustafa,_the_chosen_and_the_beloved,_was_left_alone._
And_when_the_night_was_fully_come,_he_took_his_steps_to_the_graveside_of_his_mother_and_sat_beneath_the_cedartree_which_grew_above_the_place._And_there_came_the_shadow_of_a_great_light_upon_the_sky,_and_the_Garden_shone_like_a_fair_jewel_upon_the_breast_of_earth._
And_Almustafa_cried_out_in_the_aloneness_of_his_spirit,_and_he_said,
“Heavyladen_is_my_soul_with_her_own_ripe_fruit._Who_is_there_would_come_and_take_and_be_satisfied?_Is_there_not_one_who_has_fasted_and_who_is_kindly_and_generous_in_heart,_to_come_and_break_his_fast_upon_my_first_yieldings_to_the_sun_and_thus_ease_me_of_the_weight_of_mine_own_abundance?_
“My_soul_is_running_over_with_the_wine_of_the_ages._Is_there_no_thirsty_one_to_come_and_drink?_
“Behold,_there_was_a_man_standing_at_the_crossroads_with_hands_stretched_forth_unto_the_passersby,_and_his_hands_were_filled_with_jewels._And_he_called_upon_the_passersby,_saying,_‘Pity_me,_and_take_from_me._In_God’s_name,_take_out_of_my_hands_and_console_me.’_
“But_the_passersby_only_looked_upon_him,_and_none_took_out_of_his_hand._
“Would_rather_that_he_were_a_beggar_stretching_forth_his_hand_to_receive_—ay,_a_shivering_hand,_and_brought_back_empty_to_his_bosom—_than_to_stretch_it_forth_full_of_rich_gifts_and_find_none_to_receive._
“And_behold,_there_was_also_the_gracious_prince_who_raised_up_his_silken_tents_between_the_mountain_and_the_desert_and_bade_his_servants_to_burn_fire,_a_sign_to_the_stranger_and_the_wanderer;_and_who_sent_forth_his_slaves_to_watch_the_road_that_they_might_fetch_a_guest._But_the_roads_and_the_paths_of_the_desert_were_unyielding,_and_they_found_no_one._
“Would_rather_that_prince_were_a_man_of_nowhere_and_nowhen,_seeking_food_and_shelter._Would_that_he_were_the_wanderer_with_naught_but_his_staff_and_an_earthen_vessel._For_then_at_nightfall_would_he_meet_with_his_kind,_and_with_the_poets_of_nowhere_and_nowhen,_and_share_their_beggary_and_their_remembrances_and_their_dreaming._
“And_behold,_the_daughter_of_the_great_king_rose_from_sleep_and_put_upon_her_her_silken_raiment_and_her_pearls_and_rubies,_and_she_scattered_musk_upon_her_hair_and_dipped_her_fingers_in_amber._Then_she_descended_from_her_tower_to_her_garden,_where_the_dew_of_night_found_her_golden_sandals._
“In_the_stillness_of_the_night_the_daughter_of_a_ploughman,_tending_his_sheep_in_a_field,_and_returning_to_her_father’s_house_at_eventide_with_the_dust_of_the_curving_roads_upon_her_feet,_and_the_fragrance_of_the_vineyards_in_the_folds_of_her_garment.And_when_the_night_is_come,_and_the_angel_of_the_night_is_upon_the_world,_she_would_steal_her_steps_to_the_rivervalley_where_her_lover_awaits._
“Would_that_she_were_a_nun_in_a_cloister_burning_her_heart_for_incense,_that_her_heart_may_rise_to_the_wind,_and_exhausting_her_spirit,_a_candle,_for_a_light_arising_toward_the_greater_light,_together_with_all_those_who_worship_and_those_who_love_and_are_beloved._
“Would_rather_that_she_were_a_woman_ancient_of_years,_sitting_in_the_sun_and_remembering_who_had_shared_her_youth.”
And_the_night_waxed_deep,_and_Almustafa_was_dark_with_the_night,_and_his_spirit_was_as_a_cloud_unspent._And_he_cried_again:_
“Heavyladen_is_my_soul_with_her_own_ripe_fruit,
Heavyladen_is_my_soul_with_her_fruit._
Who_now_will_come_and_eat_and_be_fulfilled?_
My_soul_is_overflowing_with_her_wine._
Who_now_will_pour_and_drink_and_be_cooled_of_the_desert_heat?_
“Would_that_I_were_a_tree_flowerless_and_fruitless,_
For_the_pain_of_abundance_is_more_bitter_than_barrenness,_
And_the_sorrow_of_the_rich_from_whom_no_one_will_take_
Is_greater_than_the_grief_of_the_beggar_to_whom_none_would_give._
“Would_that_I_were_a_well,_dry_and_parched_,_and_men_throwing_stones_into_me;_
For_this_were_better_and_easier_to_be_borne_than_to_be_a_source_of_living_water_
When_men_pass_by_and_will_not_drink._
“Would_that_I_were_a_reed_trodden_under_foot,_
For_that_were_better_than_to_be_a_lyre_of_silvery_strings_
In_a_house_whose_lord_has_no_fingers_
And_whose_children_are_deaf.”_
第四十五章
Now,_for_seven_days_and_seven_nights_no_man_came_nigh_the_Garden,_and_he_was_alone_with_is_memories_and_his_pain;_for_even_those_who_had_heard_his_words_with_love_and_patience_had_turned_away_to_the_pursuits_of_other_days._
Only_Karima_came,_with_silence_upon_her_face_like_a_veil;_and_with_cup_and_plate_within_her_hand,_drink_and_meat_for_his_aloneness_and_his_hunger._And_after_setting_these_before_him,_she_walked_her_way._
And_Almustafa_came_again_to_the_company_of_the_white_poplars_within_the_gate,_and_he_sat_looking_upon_the_road._And_after_a_while_he_beheld_as_it_were_a_cloud_of_dust_blown_above_the_road_and_coming_toward_him._And_from_out_the_cloud_came_the_nine,_and_before_them_Karima_guiding_them._
And_Almustafa_advanced_and_met_them_upon_the_road,_and_they_passed_through_the_gate,_and_all_was_well,_as_though_they_had_gone_their_path_but_an_hour_ago._
They_came_in_and_supped_with_him_at_his_frugal_board,_after_that_Karima_had_laid_upon_it_the_bread_and_the_fish_and_poured_the_last_of_the_wine_into_the_cups._And_as_she_poured,_she_besought_the_Master_saying,_“Give_me_leave_that_I_go_into_the_city_and_fetch_wine_to_replenish_your_cups,_for_this_is_spent.”
And_he_looked_upon_her,_and_in_his_eyes_were_a_journey_and_a_far_country,_and_he_said,_“Nay,_for_it_is_sufficent_unto_the_hour.”
And_they_ate_and_drank_and_were_satisfied._And_when_it_was_finished,_Almustafa_spoke_in_a_vast_voice,_deep_as_the_sea_and_full_as_a_great_tide_under_the_moon,_and_he_said,_“My_comradess_and_my_roadfellows,_we_must_needs_part_this_day._Long_have_we_climbed_the_steepest_mountain_and_we_have_wrestled_with_the_storms._We_have_known_hunger,_but_we_have_also_sat_at_weddingfeasts._Oftentimes_have_we_been_naked,_but_we_have_also_worn_kingly_raiment._We_have_indeed_travelled_far,_but_now_we_part._Together_you_shall_go_your_way,_and_alone_must_I_go_mine._
“And_though_the_seas_and_the_vast_lands_shall_separate_us,_still_we_shall_be_companions_upon_our_journey_to_the_Holy_Mountain._
“But_before_we_go_our_severed_roads,_I_would_give_unto_you_the_harvest_and_the_gleaning_of_my_heart:_
“Go_you_upon_your_way_with_singing,_but_let_each_song_be_brief,_for_only_the_songs_that_die_young_upon_your_lips_shall_live_in_human_hearts._
“Tell_a_lovely_truth_in_little_words,_but_never_an_ugly_truth_in_any_words._Tell_the_maiden_whose_hair_shines_in_the_sun_that_she_is_the_daughter_of_the_morning._But_if_you_shall_behold_the_sightless,_say_not_to_him_that_he_is_one_with_night._
“Listen_to_the_fluteplayer_as_it_were_listening_to_April,_but_if_you_shall_hear_the_critic_and_the_faultfinder_speak,_be_deaf_as_your_own_bones_and_as_distant_as_your_fancy._
“My_comrades_and_my_beloved,_upon_your_way_you_shall_meet_men_with_hoofs;_give_them_your_wings._And_men_with_horns;_give_them_wreaths_of_laurel._And_men_with_claws;_give_them_petals_for_fingers._And_men_with_forked_tongues;_give_them_honey_words._
“Ay,_you_shall_meet_all_these_and_more;_you_shall_meet_the_lame_selling_crutches;_and_the_blind,_mirrors._And_you_shall_meet_the_rich_men_begging_at_the_gate_of_the_Temple._
“To_the_lame_give_your_swiftness,_to_the_blind_of_your_vision;_and_see_that_you_give_of_yourself_to_the_rich_beggars;_they_are_the_most_needy_of_all,_for_surely_no_man_would_stretch_a_hand_for_alms_unless_he_be_poor_indeed,_though_of_great_possessions._
“My_comrades_and_my_friends,_I_charge_you_by_our_love_that_you_be_countless_paths_which_cross_one_another_in_the_desert,_where_the_lions_and_the_rabbits_walk,_and_also_the_wolves_and_the_sheep._
“And_remember_this_of_me:_I_teach_you_not_giving,_but_receiving;_not_denial,_but_fulfilment;_and_not_yielding,_but_understanding,_with_the_smile_upon_the_lips._
“I_teach_you_not_silence,_but_rather_a_song_not_overloud._
“I_teach_you_your_larger_self,_which_contains_all_men.”_
And_he_rose_from_the_board_and_went_out_straightway_into_the_Garden_and_walked_under_the_shadow_of_the_cypresstrees_as_the_day_waned._And_they_followed_him,_at_a_little_distance,_for_their_hearts_were_heavy,_and_their_tongues_clave_to_the_roof_of_their_mouths._
Only_Karima,_after_she_had_put_by_the_fragments,_came_unto_him_and_said,“Master,_I_would_that_you_suffer_me_to_prepare_food_against_the_morrow_and_your_journey.”_
And_he_looked_upon_her_with_eyes_that_saw_other_worlds,_and_he_said,_“My_sister,_and_my_beloved,_it_is_done,_even_from_the_beginning_of_time._The_food_and_the_drink_is_ready,_for_the_morrow,_even_as_for_our_yesterday_and_our_today._
“I_go,_but_if_I_go_with_a_truth_not_yet_voiced,_that_very_truth_will_again_seek_me_and_gather_me,_though_my_elements_be_scattered_throughout_the_silences_of_eternity,_and_again_shall_I_come_before_you_that_I_may_speak_with_a_voice_born_anew_out_of_the_heart_of_those_boundless_silences._
“And_if_there_be_aught_of_beauty_that_I_have_declared_not_unto_you,_then_once_again_shall_I_be_called,_ay,_even_by_mine_own_name,_Almustafa,_and_I_shall_give_you_a_sign,_that_you_may_know_I_have_come_back_to_speak_all_that_is_lacking,_for_God_will_not_suffer_Himself_to_be_hidden_from_man,_nor_His_word_to_lie_covered_in_the_abyss_of_the_heart_of_man._
“I_shall_live_beyond_death,_and_I_shall_sing_in_your_ears_
Even_after_the_vast_seawave_carries_me_back_
To_the_vast_seadepth._
I_shall_sit_at_your_board_though_without_a_body,_
And_I_shall_go_with_you_to_your_fields,_a_spirit_invisible._
I_shall_come_to_you_at_your_fireside,_a_guest_unseen._
Death_changes_nothing_but_the_masks_that_cover_our_faces._
The_woodsman_shall_be_still_a_woodsman,_
The_ploughman,_a_ploughman,_
And_he_who_sang_his_song_to_the_wind_shall_sing_it_also_to_the_moving_spheres.”_
And_the_disciples_were_as_still_as_stones,_and_grieved_in_their_heart_for_that_he_had_said,_“I_go.”_But_no_man_put_out_his_hand_to_stay_the_Master,_nor_did_any_follow_after_his_footsteps._
And_Almustafa_went_out_from_the_Garden_of_his_mother,_and_his_feet_were_swift_and_they_were_soundless;_and_in_a_moment,_like_a_blown_leaf_in_a_strong_wind,_he_was_far_gone_from_them,_and_they_saw,_as_it_were,_a_pale_light_moving_up_to_the_heights._
And_the_nine_walked_their_ways_down_the_road._But_the_woman_still_stood_in_the_gathering_night,_and_she_beheld_how_the_light_and_the_twilight_were_become_one;_and_she_comforted_her_desolation_and_her_aloneness_with_his_words,_“I_go,_but_if_I_go_with_a_truth_not_yet_voiced,_that_very_truth_will_seek_me_and_gather_me,_and_again_shall_I_come.”
第四十六章
And_now_it_was_eventide._
And_he_had_reached_the_hills._His_steps_had_led_him_to_the_mist,_and_he_stood_among_the_rocks_and_the_white_cypresstrees_hidden_from_all_things,_and_he_spoke_and_said,
“O_Mist,_my_sister,_white_breath_not_yet_held_in_a_mould,_
I_return_to_you,_a_breath_white_and_voiceless,_
A_word_not_yet_uttered._
“O_Mist,_my_winged_sister_mist,_we_are_together_now,_
And_together_we_shall_be_till_life’s_second_day,_
Whose_dawn_shall_lay_you,_dewdrops_in_a_garden,_
And_me_a_babe_upon_the_breast_of_a_woman,_
And_we_shall_remember._
“O_Mist,_my_sister,_I_come_back,_a_heart_listening_in_its_depths,_
Even_as_your_heart,_
A_desire_throbbing_and_aimless_even_as_your_desire,_
A_thought_not_yet_gathered,_even_as_your_thought._
“O_Mist,_my_sister,_firstborn_of_my_mother,_
My_hands_still_hold_the_green_seeds_you_bid_me_scatter,_
And_my_lips_are_sealed_upon_the_song_you_bid_me_sing;_
And_I_bring_you_no_fruit,_and_I_bring_you_no_echoes_
For_my_hands_were_blind,_and_my_lips_unyielding._
“O_Mist,_my_sister,_much_did_I_love_the_world,_and_the_world_loved_me,_
For_all_my_smiles_were_upon_her_lips,_and_all_her_tears_were_in_my_eyes._
Yet_there_was_between_us_a_gulf_of_silence_which_she_would_not_abridge_
And_I_could_not_overstep._
“O_Mist,_my_sister,_my_deathless_sister_Mist,_
I_sang_the_ancient_songs_unto_my_little_children,_
And_they_listened,_and_there_was_wondering_upon_their_face;_
But_tomorrow_perchance_they_will_forget_the_song,_
And_I_know_not_to_whom_the_wind_will_carry_the_song._
And_though_it_was_not_mine_own,_yet_it_came_to_my_heart_
And_dwelt_for_a_moment_upon_my_lips._
“O_Mist,_my_sister,_though_all_this_came_to_pass,_
I_am_at_peace._
It_was_enough_to_sing_to_those_already_born._
And_though_the_singing_is_indeed_not_mine,_
Yet_it_is_of_my_heart’s_deepest_desire._
“O_Mist,_my_sister,_my_sister_Mist,_
I_am_one_with_you_now._
No_longer_am_I_a_self._
The_walls_have_fallen,_
And_the_chains_have_broken;_
I_rise_to_you,_a_mist,_
And_together_we_shall_float_upon_the_sea_until_life’s_second_day,_
When_dawn_shall_lay_you,_dewdrops_in_a_garden,_
And_me_a_babe_upon_the_breast_of_a_woman.”
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