Message

AMESSAGEFROMTHEEAST
AUTHORSPREFACE
TheimpulsethatbroughtforthAMessagefrom the East was provided by the WestOestlicher Divan of the German Philosopher of Life, Goethe, about which Germanys Jewish poet, Heine,writes:
Thisisabouquetofacknowledgmentby the West to the East... The Divan bears witness to the fact that the West, disgusted with its weak and cold spirituality, seeks warmth from the Eastsbreast.
What influences and circumstances led to the writingofthepoemscomprisingtheDivana title chosen by Goethe himselfwhich are among his best works, is a question for answeringwhichitisnecessarytogiveabrief accountofthemovementknowninthehistory of German literature as the Oriental movement. It was originally my intention to discuss the said movement in some detail in this Preface, but, unfortunately, much of the material necessary for that purpose was unavailable in India. Paul Horn, the author of A History of Persian Literature, has in an article discussed the question of the extent to which Goethe was indebted to Persian poets, but I wasunabletoobtain,whetherfromanylibrary inIndiaorfromGermany,theissueoftheNord und Sud in which the article was published. Consequently,Ihavebeencompelledtorelyin writing this Preface partly on what I retain in my memory from my personal study in the past and partly on Mr. Charles Remys brief, butveryuseful,monographonthesubject.
From early youth Goethes versatile mind wasattractedtoOrientalideas.Whilestudying law at Strasbourg, he met that famous and venerablefigureofGermanliterature,Herder, the influence of whose companionship he acknowledges in his autobiography. Herder didnotknowPersian.Nevertheless,becauseof his preoccupation with morals, he was profoundly interested in Sadis writings, so muchsothathetranslatedpartsoftheGulistan intoGerman.ThepoetryofKhwajahHafizdid not appeal to him very much. Drawing the attention of his contemporaries to Sadi, he writes:Wehavewrittenalotofpoetryinthe style of Hafiz. What we now need to do is to followSadi.However,despitehisinterestin Persian literature, there is little trace of the influenceofthatliteratureeitherinhisverseor inhisprosewritings.Similarly,Goethesother contemporary, Schiller, who died before the adventoftheOrientalmovement,isfreefrom Oriental influences, although it should not be overlooked that he borrowed the plot of his drama Turandukht [Turandot in German] from Maulana Nizamis story about the daughteroftheKingoftheFourthRealm(Haft Paikar), beginning with a verse which [translatedintoEnglish]runsthus: HesaidthatamongRussianlands Therewasacityasfairasabride. In 1812, Von Hammer published a complete translation of the Divan of Hafiz, and it was this event that set on foot the Oriental movement in German literature. Goethe was sixtyfive years old at that timea time when the declineoftheGerman nation hadreached
64CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal its nadir in every respect. Goethe was not temperamentally attuned to an active part in hiscountryspoliticalmovements.Hisrestless and highsoaring spirit, tired of the conflicts then endemic in Europe, sought and found a havenforitselfinthepeaceandtranquillityof the Oriental milieu. The music of Hafiz aroused in Goethes imagination a mighty storm, which took a permanent shape in the WestOestlicher Divan. Von Hammers translation, however, was not merely a stimulus for Goethe; it was also the source of his extraordinary ideas. There are passages in theDivanwhichreadlikeliberaltranslationsof Hafizs verses. There are also passages in which his imagination, led on to some new path by a line of Hafiz, throws light on complex and profound problems of life. Goethes wellknown biographer, Bielschowsky,writesasfollows:
InthesongsofthenightingaleofShiraz Goetheperceivedhisownimage.There were times when he experienced the hallucinatory feeling that his spirit had, in an earlier existence, perhaps inhabitedtheEastinthebodyofHafiz. Thereisinhimthesameearthlyjoy,the same heavenly love, the same simplicity, the same depth, the same warmth and fervour, the same catholicity, the same openheartedness, the same freedom from restrictions and conventions; in short, in everything we find him a second Hafiz. Hafiz was a mouthpiece of the hidden and an interpreter of mysteries, and so is Goethe. Just as there is a world of meaningintheapparentlysimplewords of Hafiz, hidden truths manifest themselves in Goethes unstrained utterances. Both elicited admiration from rich and poor alike. Both influencedwiththeirpersonalitiesgreat conquerorsoftheirtimes(viz.Timurin the case of Hafiz, and Napoleon in that ofGoethe,)andpreservingtheirinternal peace and composure, in times of general destruction and ravage, succeeded in going on with their singing.
Apart from Hafiz, Goethe is indebted for his ideas to Shaikh Attar, Sadi, Firdausi, and Islamic literature in general. He has even writtenafewghazalswithrhymesandrhyme adjuncts.HefreelyusesPersianmetaphorsand images in his verses (e.g. gems of verse, dartsofeyelashes,curledringlets).Indeed, in the ardour of his Persianism he does not refrain even from hinting at pederasty. The names of the different parts of the Divan are Persian, such as Mughanninamah, Sakinama, Ishqnamah, Timurnamah, Hikmatnamah. Notwithstanding all this, Goethe is not an imitator of any Persian poet; his poetic genius is completely independent. His singing in the tulipfields of the East is purelyatemporaryphase.Heneverletsgoof his Westernism, and his glance rests only on those Oriental truths which his Western temperament can assimilate. He took no interest whatsoever in Persian mysticism. AlthoughheknewthatintheEasttheversesof Hafiz were interpreted in mystical terms, he himself was dedicated only to the ghazal pure and simple and had no sympathy with the mystical interpretation of Hafiz. Rumis philosophicalveritiesandsapientialutterances appeared to him to be merely vague. It, however, seems that he did not study Rumi carefully; for it is impossible that a man who was an admirer of Spinoza (the Dutch philosopher who believed in the unity of being) and who wrote in support of Bruno (Italys existential philosopher) should not have acknowledged Rumi, if he had known himwellenough. Tosumup,GoethetriedthroughtheWest OestlicherDivantoinstillthePersianspiritinto Germanliterature.Laterpoets,suchasPlaten, Rueckert and Bodenstedt, completed the Oriental movement initiated by the Divan. Platen learned Persian for his literary purposes.Hecomposedghazalsandrubaiyatin which he observed rhymes and rhyme adjunctsandeventherulesofPersianprosody. He even wrote a qasidah on Napoleon. Like Goethe,hefreelyusesPersianmetaphors,such as the rosebride, the musky ringlet and
AMessagefromtheEast65 tulipfaced, and he is devoted to the ghazal pure and simple. Rueckert was well versed in Arabic, Persian and Sanskrit. He thought highly of Rumis philosophy and wrote most of his ghazals in imitation of Rumi. Since he was a scholar of Oriental languages, the sources of his Oriental poems were also more diversified.Hegatheredgemsofwisdomfrom wherever he could lay hands on them, as, for example, from Nizamis Makhzan alAsrar, Jamis Baharistan, Amir Khusraus Kulliyat, Sadis Gulistan, and from Manaqib alArifin, Ayar Danish, Mantiq alTair and Haft Qulzum. In fact, he embellishes his writings even with preIslamictraditionsandstoriesofPersia.He has also beautifully narrated some events of Islamic history, such as the death of Mahmd Ghaznavi, Mahmds assault on Somnat, the deeds of Sultanah Radiyah. The most popular poetoftheOrientalmovementafterGoetheis Bodenstedt, who published his poems under thepseudonymofMirzaShafi.Itwasasmall collection which became so popular that it went through 140 editions within a short period. So perfectly did Bodenstedt assimilate the Persian spirit that for long people in Germany took his poems to be translations of Persianpoems.HeprofitedfromAmirMuizzi andAnvariaswell. I have deliberately refrained from mentioning Goethes famous contemporary, Heine, in this connection. Although his collection of poems entitled New Poems bears markedtracesofPersianinfluenceandhehas very skillfully narrated the story of Mahmud and Firdausi, yet, on the whole, he has no connection with the Oriental movement. In fact,hedidnotaccordmuchvaluetoGerman poetry of the Oriental movement outside Goethes Divan. However, even the heart of this independentminded German poet could not escape the magic charm of Persia. Imagining himself to be a Persian poet exiled toGermany,hewrites:OFirdausi,OJami,O Sadi, your brother, confined in a dismal prison,pinesfortherosesofShiraz. Also deserving mention among minor poets of the Oriental movement are Daumer, the imitator of Hafiz, Hermann Stahl, Loeschke, Stieglitz, Lenthold and Von Shack. Thelastmentionedenjoyedahighpositionin theworldoflearning.Twoofhispoems,The Justice of Mahmd Ghaznavi and The Story of Harut and Marut, are well known and his poetry, on the whole, bears the impress of Umar Khayyams influence. However, a complete history of the Oriental movement and a detailed comparison of German and Persian poets designed to assess the exact extentofPersianinfluencecallforanextensive study,forwhichIhaveatmydisposalneither thetimenorthemeans.Itmaybethatthebrief sketch given here will enthuse someone youngerthanIamtoundertakethenecessary research. I need not say much about A Message from the East, which has been written a hundred odd years after the WestOestlicher Divan. My readers will by themselves appreciate that the main purpose underlying it is to bring out moral, religious and social truths bearing on the inner development of individuals and nations. There is undoubtedly some resemblance between Germany as it was a hundredyearsagoandtodaysEast.Thetruth, however, is that the internal unrest of the worlds nations, which we cannot assess properly because of being ourselves affected byit,istheforerunnerofagreatspiritualand culturalrevolution.EuropesGreatWarwasa catastrophe which destroyed the old world orderinalmosteveryrespect,andnowoutof the ashes of civilization and culture Nature is building up in the depths of life a new Adam and a new world for him to live in, of which wegetafaintsketchinthewritingsofEinstein and Bergson. Europe has seen with its own eyes the horrible consequences of its intellectual,moralandeconomicobjectivesand has also heard from Signor Nitti (a former primeministerofItaly)theheartrendingstory oftheWestsdecline.Itis,however,apitythat Europes perspicacious, but conservative, statesmen have failed to make a proper assessmentofthatwonderfulrevolutionwhich isnowtakingplaceinthehumanmind.
66CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Regardedfromapurelyliterarystandpoint, the debilitation of the forces of life in Europe after the ordeal of the war is unfavourable to the development of a correct and mature literaryideal.Indeed,thefearisthattheminds of the nations may be gripped by that slow pulsed Ajamiyat which runs away from lifes difficulties and which fails to distinguish between the emotions of the heart and the thoughts of the brain. However, America seems to be a healthy element in Western civilization, the reason for which perhaps is that it is free from the trammels of old traditions and that its collective intuition is receptivetonewideasandinfluences. The East, and especially the Muslim East, has opened its eyes after a centurieslong slumber. But the nations of the East should realise that life can bring about no revolution in its surroundings until a revolution takes placeinitsinnerdepthsandthatnonewworld can take shape externally until it is formed in themindsofmen.Thisineluctablelaw,which hasbeenstatedbytheQuraninthesimplebut eloquentwords,Verily,Goddoesnotchange a nation until it changes itself [xiii. 11] governs both the individual and the collective spheres of life; and it is the truth of this law thatIhavetriedtokeepinviewinmyPersian works. Inthepresentdayworld,andespeciallyin Eastern countries, every effort which aims at extending the outlook of individuals and nations beyond geographical boundaries and atrevivingorgeneratinginthemahealthyand stronghumancharacterisworthyofrespect.It is for this reason that I have dedicated these few pages to His Majesty the King of Afghanistan,whoappearstobewellawareof thisfact,thankstohisnaturalintelligenceand keenintellect,andwhoisspeciallykeepingin view the education and training of the Afghans. May God help him in the fulfilment ofthisgrandmission. In the end, I must thank my friend, Chaudhry Muhammad Hussain, M. A., who arrangedforpublicationthemanuscriptsofthe poems presented here. Had he not taken the trouble of doing this, the publication of this collection would have been delayed very much.
IQBAL
[TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]
DEDICATORYEPISTLE TOKINGAMANULLAHKHAN OFAFGHANISTAN

Successfulheadofagreatmonarchy, Youthfulinyears,oldinsagacity, Inspiredpractitioneroftheroyalart, Possessorofthewisdomoftheheart, Withawillasstrongasyourmountainwalls, Andconstantcircumspectionthatforestalls Allrisks,ambitionashighasmythought, Andorganisingpowerthathasbrought Togetherfeudingtribes,youhaveuntold Giftsmadetoyoubykingssilverandgold, Rubiesandjewels.Oking,sonofaking, Acceptfrommethishumbleoffering. EversinceIfoundoutlifesmystery, Itisasifafireblazedinsideme. Mysongisaflameofthatinnerfire Asongofpassionsungonwisdomslyre. ThatWesternsage,thatbardofGermany, ThatardentloverofthingsPahlavi, SalutedtheEastwithhisgreatDivan, ThattributetothepoetsofIran Andveritablepicturegallery Ofvignettes,allinPersianimagery. Tothatsalutethisbookisareply, ThisgleamofmoonlightintheEasternsky. Withoutdeludingmyself,Iwilldare Totellyouhowthetwoofuscompare. HiswasthevitalsparkoftheyoungWest; MinehasbeenwrungfromtheEastsaged breast. Aflourishingspringgardengavehimbirth; Iamaproductofalongdeadearth. Hewasanightingalethatfilledwithsong Anorchard;Iambutadesertgong, Asignalforthecaravantostart. Webothhavedelvedintotheinmostheart Ofbeing;bothofusaremessages
AMessagefromtheEast67 Oflifeinthemidstofdeathsravages; Twodaggers,morninglustred,mirrorbright; Henaked;Istillsheathed,concealedfrom sight. Twopearls,bothprecious,bothunmatched, arewe, Bothfromthedepthsofanunfathomedsea. Heburstoutofthemotherofpearlswomb, Forhecouldrestnolongerinthattomb. ButI,whostillamlyingshellenshrined, Haveyettobeastirintheseasmind. Noonearoundmeknowsmeproperly: Theygoawaywithemptycupsfrommy Winefount.Iofferthemaroyalstate, WithChosroesthroneforuseastheir footmat. Buttheywantfairytalesoflovefromme, Thegaudytrappingsofmerepoesy. Theyaresopurblindthattheyonlysee Myoutside,notthefervidsoulinme. IhavemadeLovemyverybeingslaw: Inmecanlivetogetherfireandstraw Thetruthsofstatecraftandreligionboth Godhasrevealedtome;soIamloth Toturntoanyotherguide.Frommy Imaginationdotheflowerscomeby Theirhues.EachlineofversethatIcompose Isadropofmyrichheartsbloodthatflows Frommypenspoint.Donotthinkpoetry Ismerelymadness;ifthismadnessbe Complete,thenwisdomisitsname.Alas! Vouchsafedthisgift,Iamcondemnedtopass Mydaysinexileinthisjoylessland, ThisIndia,wherenonecanunderstand ThethingsIsingoflikeanightingale Withnotatulip,notarosetohail Itssonganightingalesingingalone Insomedesertedplace,sadandforlorn. Someanisfortunethatitfavoursfools. Woetothegifted,whodefyitsrules! Yousee,Oking,theMuslimssundimmedby Thedarklingcloudsthatoverhangthesky TheArabinhisdesertgoneastray; Thewayofgodlinessnomorehisway; TheEgyptianinthewhirlpooloftheNile; AndtheTuranianslowpulsedandsenile; TheTurkavictimoftheancientfeud OfEastandWest,bothcoveredwithhis blood; Nooneleftlikethatardentsoul,Salman; HiscreedofLovenowalientoIran, Whichhaslostallitsfervour,allitszest, Theoldfireallcoldashesinitsbreast; TheIndianMuslimunconcernedabout Allsavehisbelly,sunkinlistlessdoubt. Theheroeshavedepartedfromthescene: All,allgoneKhalid,Umar,Saladin. Godhasendowedyouwithafeelingheart, ThatbleedstoseetheMuslimsthus distraught. Acrossthiswildernesspasslikeabreeze Ofspring;blowbackSiddiqsandUmars days. Thisraceofmountaindwellers,theAfghans, Thebloodoflionsflowingintheirveins, Industrious,brave,intelligentandwise, Withthelookoftheeagleintheireyes, Havenot,alas,fulfilledtheirdestiny: Theirstarhasnotyetriseninthesky. Theydwellhemmedinbymountain fastnesses, Shutofffromallrenascentinfluences. Oyou,forwhomnolabouristoogreat, Sparenoendeavourtoameliorate Yourpeople,sothatyoumayaddyourname TothoseofmenwhoworkedforIslams fame. Lifeisastruggle,notbeseechingrights; Andknowledgeisthearmswithwhichone fights. Godrankeditwiththegoodthingsthat abound Andsaiditmustbegrasped,whereverfound. TheonetowhomtheQuranwasrevealed, Fromwhomnoaspectoftruthwasconcealed, BeheldtheEssenceitselfwithhiseye; AndyetGod,teachmestillmorewashis cry. KnowledgeofthingsisAdamsgiftfromGod, TheshiningpalmofMosesandhisrod, ThesecretofthegreatnessoftheWest, Thesourceofallthatithasofthebest. Wewouldsee,ifourspiritshadtruezest, Nothingbutdiamondsintheroadsidedust.
68CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Knowledgeandwealthmakenationssound andstrong, Andthusenablethemtogetalong. Forknowledgecultivateyourpeoplesminds; Forwealthexploityourmineralfinds. Go,plungeadaggerintoyourlandsbowels; LikeSomnatsidolitisfullofjewels. InitdorubiesofBadakhshanlie; InitshillsisthethunderofSinai. Ifyoudesireafirmlyfoundedstate, Thenmakeofmenaproperestimate. ManyanAdamactslikeanIblis; ManyanIblisactslikeanIdris, Withfalsepretencesthatcheatsimplefolk, Histulipheartalampthatisallsmoke; Deceitful,withashowofpiety, Hisheartfullofhateandhypocrisy. Oking,becarefulinassessingthem, Noteverystonethatglittersisagem. ThesageofRum,ofblessedmemory, Hasthussummedupwhynationsliveordie: Theendofnopastnationhasbeengood Whichcouldnottellastonefromaloewood. AkinginIslamisGodsservitor AselflessAliorajustUmar. Amongyourmultifarioustasksofstate Giveyourselftimetothinkandcontemplate. Theambusherofselfcanneverlose Aquarry:quarriesfallintohisnoose. Inroyalrobeslivelikeananchorite: Eyeswideawake,butthoughtofGodhugged tight. Thatsoldierking,theEmperorMurad, Whoselightningspoutingswordkepthisfoes awed, AnArdeshirwithanAbuDharrssoul, Playedbothakingsroleandahermitsrole. Hisbreastworearmourforhissoldierspart, Butinitdweltahairshirtwearersheart. AllMuslimrulerswhoweretrulygreat Ledhermitslivesdespitetheirroyalstate. Asceticismwastheirwayoflife; Tocultivateitwastheirconstantstrife. TheylivedasSalmanlivedinCtesiphon. Arulerhewhodidnotcaretodon Therobesofroyaltyandwhoabhorred AlloutfitsavetheQuranandthesword. ArmedwithloveofMuhammad,one commands Completedominionoverseasandlands. AskGodtograntyousomesmallpart OfthatloveforMuhammadwhichtheheart OfSiddiqandofAlibore,because ThelifeoftheIslamicpeopledraws Itssustenancefromitandit,infact, Isthatwhichkeepstheuniverseintact. ItwasMuhammadwhoseepiphany LaidbaretheessenceofReality. Mysoulhasnopeacebutinloveofhim Alightinmethatnevercangetdim. AriseandmakethecupofLovegoround, AndinyourhillsmakesongsofLove resound. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]
THETULIPOFSINAI
1
AllbeingisamartyrtoHiswhim, AlllifeisgravenwiththeneedofHim: SeestthounottheSun,thatflamestheSky HasleftthescarofWorshiponDawnsrim?
2
Myheartisbrightwithburninginwardly, Mineeyeweepsblood,yetalltheworlddoes see; LethimstilllessLifesmysteryattain WhosaysthatLoveisbutinsanity!
3
LovegivesthegardenthesoftbreezeofMay, Lovelightsthestarbudsinthemeadowgay, Therayofpassionplungesthroughthedeep, Lovegivesthefishessighttoseetheway.
4
Lovereckoneththepriceofeaglescheap, Andgivethpheasantstothefalconsgrip; Ourheartslookcarefullytotheirdefence, Butsuddenly,outofambush,Lovedothleap.
AMessagefromtheEast69
5
TisLovethatpaintsthetulippetalshue, TisLovethatstirsthespiritsbitterrue; Ifthoucouldstcleavethiscarrionofclay, Thoushaltbehold,within,Lovesbloodshed too.
Godcreatedtheworld,butAdammadeit better Adam,perhaps,isGodscoworker.
12
Idonotseekthebeginningortheend; Iamfullofmysteryandseektherealmof mysteries. Evenifthefaceoftruthwereunveiled, Iwouldstillseekthesameperhapsand maybe.
6
NoteverysoulofLovehathcapital, NoteveryspiritrespondethtoLovescall; Thetulipflowerethwithabrandedbreast, Therubyshearthathnotasparkatall.
13
Howlong,myheart,willyoubeasfoolishas themoth? Howlongwillyoubeunlikeamansheart? justforonceletyourownfireconsumeyou Howlongwillyouflyroundthefireof others?
7
AspentscentinthegardenIsuspire, IknownotwhatIseek,whatIrequire, Butbemypassionsatisfied,orno, YethereIburn,amartyrtodesire.
8
Theworldisclay;ourheartsitsharvestbe; Yetisthisdropofblooditsmystery; Surelyoursightisdouble,ortheworld Ofeverymanisinhishearttosee. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
14
Build,withyourhandfulofdust, Abodystrongerthanarockfortress, andinsidethisbodylettherebeaheartthat feelssorrow Likeastreamflowingbyamountain. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
9
Thenightingalesaidtothegardeneratdawn: Onlythetreeofsorrowcantakerootinthis soil: Thewildthornreachesaripeage, Buttherosedieswhenitisstillyoung. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
15
Ofwaterandofclayafigurefine Godwrought,aworldthanEdenmore divine, Andstillthesakifashionedwithhisflame Anotherworldoutofthisdustofmine. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
10
Thisworldofours,whereLossisbornwith Gain, AndDissolutioniswithBeingtwain, Ourheartwillnotendureit,soonorlate: Makenewtheold,andbuilditupagain! [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
16
OntheDayofResurrectiontheBrahminsaid toGod: Thelightoflifewaslikeabrilliantspark; But,ifyoudontmind,Iwillsaythistoyou: Theidollastedlongerthanman. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
11
TothevoiceofloveAdamismusic; Herevealssecrets,butheisasecrethimself
70CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal
17
Swiftpacedthouhastdeparted,starofdawn! Perchancedisgustedthatweslumberedon: ItwasthroughignoranceIlosttheway Wakefulthouearnest,wakefulthouartgone.
24
Thoureachesttothebosomofastar: Yetofthyselfthouartallunaware: Grainlike,uponthyselfopenaneye, Andthoushaltrisefromearthasaplingfair.
18
Thetavernwereexemptofturbulence, Nosparkillumedourclaysindifference; Lovehadnotbeen,norallthealarmofLove, Ifheartpossessedthemindsintelligence.
25
Howsweetabirdsongontheairwasborne Withintheleafygarden,atthedawn Giveoutwhateverinthyheartthouhast Carolormakelament,orsigh,ormourn!
19
Onewfledgedspiritproudlyhovering! Godmadetheealldelightuponthewing; Tisfleshlypassionchecksoursluggardflight, WhilethouecstaticuntoHeavendostspring. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
26
Ifthouwilttakefrommethelessonoflife, Illtelltheeacloseguardedmystery: Havingnosoulinbody,thoumustdie; Thoushaltnotdie,bethereasoulinthee.
27
Ohushyourfableofthecandlesprite, Thetaleofitsburninggratesupontheear: ThatmothaloneIrecognizeassuch Thatlaboursfiercelyandblazeswithgood cheer.
20
Whatjoycomeswithexistence,dearLord! Theheartofeveryatomyearnsforlife: Astherosebudcracksopenthebranch, Itsmileswiththeloveoflife!
21
Ihaveheardthatinpreexistencethemoth said: Grantmejustamomentsradianceinmylife. Youmayscattermyashesatdawn, Butgrantmeonenightofpassionandfire. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
28
Thedraughtthatmakestheestrangerto thyself, OfthatdelightfuljuiceIhavenopart; Thenseeknoothergoodsinmybazaar, For,liketherose,Ihaveableedingheart.
29
Walkinmygarden,andthoultfindbutloss, ExceptthysoulbemartyredtotheQuest; Ishewwhatflowswithintherosesveins, NomagicscentsandhuesmySpring possessed.
22
Muslims!Ihaveawordwithinmyheart MoreradiantthanthesoulofGabriel: IkeepithiddenfromtheSonsofFire, ItisasecretAbrahamknewwell.
23
Oheart,myheart,untoHisstreetthourt gone! Oheart,myheart,thouleavestmealone; Eachinstantthoucreatestnewdesires: Oheart,hastthounaughtothertobedone?
30
Forthfromthisworldofhowandwherefore flee, Thismaelstromofourbeandnottobe! Letselfhoodbethetenantofthyflesh, Andbuild,likeAbraham,asanctuary. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
31
Idonotknowthebirdsinthegarden, OnthebranchwheremynestisbuiltIsing alone. Ifyouareweakofheart,stayawayfromme, Formysongdripsblood. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
37
Wheneerthejoyofmusicbringsmeforth Thevastassemblyrageswithmyfire, ButwhenIwouldalittlebealone WithinmyheartIlosetheworldentire.
38
Enquirestthou,whatisthisheartofthine? Theheartwasborn,whenfireconsumedthe brain: Thejoyofagitationformedtheheart, Andwhenthisceased,itturnedtoclayagain.
32
DearLord,whatsweetcommotionfillsthe world! Thouhastmadealldrunkenwithasingle bowl; Thougavestglancecommunionwithglance, Butpartestheartfromheart,andsoulfrom soul. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
39
TheeyecannotattainHim,saidthemind: YetYearningsglancetremblesinhopearid fear. Itgrowsnotold,thetaleofSinai, AndeveryheartyetwhispersMosesprayer.
33
AlexandergaveKhizrsomegoodadvice: Bepartofthecommotionoflandandsea. Youarewatchingthisbattlefromthesideof thefield; Goanddieinaction,andthenyouwillbe trulyimmortal. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
40
Cathedral,temple,mosque,ormonastery, Naughthastthoumade,thishandofdust apart: Onlytheheartcansavefromalienrule, Andthou,Ofool,thouhastnotfoundaheart.
41
NotinthesebowershaveIboundmyheart, Butfareonfreefromthisimprisonment: AwhileItarried,likethebreathofdawn, And,gavetherosesfragranceasIwent.
34
DustisthethroneofKay,thecrownofJam, Church,temple,dusttheShrineofAbraham; Idonotknowwhatessenceisinme Igazebeyondtheskies,yetdustIam!
42
ThisyouthfulwineIpouredintothecup, Revivestheagedtoperneartodie, For,liketheancientMagians,thiswine IborrowedfromtheSakislanguorouseye.
35
Ifthereweresetwithinthyhandofdust Aheart,ahundredfragmentsofwarmblood, Andofspringscloudsifthoucouldstlearnto ween Tulipsshallblossomfromthysorrowsflood.
43
HiswinehathmademysherdtheCupofJam AndhidtheOceaninthedropIam: Myintellecthadburntanidolhouse; LovemadeofittheShrineofAbraham.
36
Eachbreathnewimagesarebeingcast, NotinoneformfindsLifestability; Ifthytodayreflectsthyyesterday, Novitalsparkwithinthydustcanbe.
44
Themindispastsandpresentsprisoner Andtendstheidolsoftheeyeandear; Ithasanimagehiddeninitssleeve TheBrahmanssonthegirdletooshallwear.
Whichgrasping,afterdeaththoushaltnot die.
51
Whyask,whatlinksmybodyandmysoul? IfallnotinthesnareofHow,HowLong: Awhilemybreathischoked,butwhenIrise Clearofthereedsembrace,Iamasong.
45
Ineachmansheadanintellectisset: Myflesh,likeothers,isofclayandblood; Butinthisfleshtheredwellsaspaceless thought Ionlyhavethissecretunderstood. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
52
Thusspakethewisepreceptoruntome: Thyeverydaythemorrowsmessageis: Preservethyheartfromtheunheedingfair NofootmarktreaditssanctuarybutHis.
46
YouwenttoSinai,beggingtohaveaview; Yoursoulisastrangertoitself. Setoutinsearchofman; GodHimselfissearchingforhim. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
53
WhyaskofRaziwhattheBookdenotes? Behold,itsbestinterpreterIam: Mindlightsaflame,heartburnsthus comprehend ThetaleofNimrodandofAbraham.
47
SpeakthismymessageuntoGabriel: Mybodywasnotmadewithlightaglow; Yetseethefervourofussonsofearth, ThisjoyingriefnoChildofLightcanknow!
54
WhetherIam,ornot,Iholdmypeace TosayIamwereselfidolatry: Whoisthesinger,then,andwhosethesong ThatcriesIamwithintheheartofme?
48
ShallknowledgefallthePhoenixinthenet? Belessassured:letdoubtimprisonthee. Wouldstwork?Thenletthyfaithbemore mature: Onebethouseeking,Onebehold,Onebe!
55
Tellthouformethatpoetofbrightwords: Thoutulipflame,whatprofitdoesitbring? Thoumeltestnotthyselfwithsuchafire, Nolightestupthenightofsorrowing.
56
IdonotknowthyUglyandthyFair: ThoutakestGainandLosstomeasureby. Iamtheloneliestinthiscompany Iviewthevastworldwithanothereye.
49
MindwovetheveilsthatcoverupThyface, Andah!mineeyesthirstuponTheetogaze. Thoughtwithdesireisallthewhileatwar WhattumultinthepoorheartThoudost raise!
57
Perchance,graveminister,thouknowestnot LovetooshallhaveitsJudgmentafterdeath, ButinthatHallnorBooknorBalanceis, Norsin,norinfidelity,norfaith.
50
Thyheartquiverethatthethoughtofdeath. Paleasalimeinterrorthoudostlie: Fearnot;takethouaselfhoodmoremature,
58
Thewaterdrop,whenitisselfillumed, Amidstahundredasonepearlshallbe: Thenatthisfeastofchoristerssolive Totaketheirgardenforanoratory.
64
Strangeritwas,norfaithfulnessdidknow, Itsgazewasrestless,searchingtoandfro: WhenitbeheldHim,frommybreastitflew IknewnotthatHishandhadtaughtitso.
59
Yemenoflearning,Iaminamaze, Themindthismeaningcannotunderstand: HowinahandofDusttherebeatsaheart WhereingazellesofFancyrovetheland. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
65
SpeaknotofLove,andofLoveswizardry: Whatevershapethouwilt,hedothdescend: Withinthebreastheisaspark,nomore, Butonthetongueatalewithoutanend.
66
Sweetnewbornbud,whyartthousoforlorn? Whatseekestthouwithinthisgardenfair? Forhereisdew,ariver,songatmorn, Birdsinthegrass,redroses,summerair.
60
Dontarrangeapartyontheshore, Fortherethesongoflifeisgentleandsoft. Rollwiththeoceanandcontendwithits waves: Struggleandcombatgiveeternallife.
67
Onedayawitheredrosethusspoketome: Ourmanifestingisasparkswiftblown. MyheartisanguishedfortheArtistspain, ThepaintingofHisbrushfadethsosoon! [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
61
Myentirebeingisameaningsealed, Icannotabidethelooksofwordspinners. Icannotbecalledfreeorpredetermined BecauseIamlivingclay,andforever changing! [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
68
Ourinfiniteworldofold Timesoceanswallowsitup. Lookonceinthyheart,andbehold Timesoceansunkinacup. [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson]
62
SpeaknotaboutthePurposeofthislife: Thouhastnotsighttoseeitsblandishments. Ihavesuchjoyintravellingtheroad, Exceptthestonyway,nostageIsense. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
69
Mytalkiswiththesongstersoftheglade; ThetongueoftonguelessrosebudsIwas made; WhenIamdead,Ocastmydustonair Attendingrosesismyonlytrade.
63
Ifyouweremerelytoglanceatapieceof rock, Itwouldturnintoajewelifyousodesired. Slaveofgold,dontmeasureyourselfby gold Itwasyourglancethatturneditintogold. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
70
Thisvaleofroses,isitasitseems? Whatmakesthetulipsfieryhearttoglow? Aseaofcoloursisthemeadweview: Hownightingalesbeholdit,whocanknow?
71
Iamacirclingplanet,Thoumysun, ThelightthatbathesmebyThyglanceis thrown: FarfromThybosomIimperfectam, ThouarttheBook,onechapterIalone.
78
Yourplectrumfillstheinstrumentofthesoul withtunes. HowcanYoubeinthesoulandoutsideitas well? WhyshouldIworry?WithYou,Iamaflame; withoutYouIdie. ButmyUniqueOne,howdoYoumanage withoutme? [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
72
SweetisHisimageinmysighttostay, SweeterHislove,mylifetostealaway; Itwasasubtleteachertaughtmethis Sweeterthanlodgingisthewindingway.
79
TheheavedbreathisabeakerofHissea, Helipsourreed,andplaysourmelody; Wegrowasgrassbyaneternalstream, Hisdewisinourveinandartery.
73
Agirdledinfidel,thisbrainofmine, Itworshipsidolsofitsowndesign; Regardmyheart,weepingforPassions grief Whatistotheemyway,myFaithdivine?
80
ThereisonepainthattorturethThybreast: Thoumadestthisworldofcoloursandof scents, WhydoesitpainTheeelsemyfearlesslove, Whodidstcreatethismightyturbulence?
74
ThefreepacedfirHisbondslavewasbefore, FireintherosescheekHiswinedidpour; Sun,moonandstarsHissanctuaryare, TheheartofAdam,Hisunopeneddoor.
81
Whomseekestthou?Whatfeverfillsthy mind? TisHeispatentthoutheveilbehind: SearchafterHim,andbutthyselfthoultsee, SearchafterselfandnaughtbutHimthoult find.
75
Ahundredworldsstretchedstartofarthest star. Whereerthemindsoared,theretheheavens are ButwhenIlookedwithinuponmyself, Isawamargininfinitelyfar.
82
Leavechildishness,andlearnabetterlore; Abandonrace,iftheeaMuslimbore; Ifofhiscolour,blood,andveinsandskin TheArabboastsanArabhenomore! [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
76
SetnotthechainofFateuponthyfoot; Thereisawaybeyondthisrollingsphere; Ifthoubelievestnot,riseup,andfind Thyfootupliftedleapethintheair.
77
Myhearttoitsownspellisprisoner, Theworldislightenedbyitsradiancefair; Seeknotmydawnandeveninasun Thateremyrisingshoneamanyyear. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
83
WearenotAfghans,TurksorTartars: Offspringofthegarden,wegrewfromthe samebough. Distinctionsofcolourandscentareforbidden tous, Forweareproductsofanewspring.
AMessagefromtheEast75 [TranslatedbyMustansirMir] ButguardLovessorrowthatthyhearthath won.
84
Thereisaworldconcealedwithinmybreast, Heartinmydust,bypassionsgriefpossest, AndoftheWinethatfirstlitupthesoul Onedropwithinmypitcheryetdothrest. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
91
Come,Love,thouheartsmostsecret whispering, Come,thouoursowingandourharvesting; Theseearthlyspiritsaretooagedgrown OutofourclayanotherAdambring!
85
Myheart!Myheart!Myheart! Myocean,myboat,myshore! Didyoufalllikedewonmydustybeing, Ordidyousproutlikeabudoutofmysoil? [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
92
Speechbringethpainandgriefsobestit were; Thislonglamenttomeislovelier; ThejoyIhavenotAlexanderknew BetterthanJamshidsrealmaslow,sweetair.
86
WhatmakethFoulandFair,howshallIsay? Tonguetrembleth,suchariddletodeclare: Withoutthestem,thouseestroseandthorn; Within,norrosenorthornispatentthere.
93
Ihavenoswiftpacedsteedtorideupon, Iamnocourtierofamonarchsson; This,friend,formeishappinessenough That,whenIdugmyheartarubyshone!
87
Whatmaninsecretisnotsorrowful, Hehathabody,buthehathnosoul: Desirestthouaspirit?Thenpursue Thefireandfeverthatshallnevercool.
94
Wouldstthoutheperfectlifeattain?Then learn Onselfalonetofixtheopenedeye; Theworldtoswallowinasingledraught; Tobreakthespellitisencompassedby.
88
OasknotwhatIam,orwhencecameI: TisselfinvolvementIamlivingby: WithinthisseaIamarestlesswave, AndwhenIamnomoreinvolved,Idie.
95
AchildofearthisAdam,thoudostsay. Bondtotheworldofbeinganddecay; YetNaturewroughtamiracleindeed Theseasfoundationsonhisfounttolay! [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
89
WithallThyglory,Thoutheveildostwear. ThepassionofourgazeThoucanstnotbear, Thourunnestinourbloodlikepotentwine, Butah!howstrangeThoucomest,andtoo rare.
96
Toafearlessheartalionisasheep; Toatimidheartadeerisatiger. Ifyouhavenofear,theoceanisadesert; Ifyouarefearful,thereisacrocodileinevery wave. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
90
Hugnottheresthouse;ontheroadwayrun: Keepbrightthevision,asthemoonandsun; ThegoodsofmindandFaithtoothersgive,
97
WineamI,orthebowlwhereitdothlie? Pearl,orthebosomitistreasuredby? Iscanmyheart,andthisisallIsee: Onethingmysoulis,andanotherI.
Ifwhatyoucandoisunique, Itwilldeservearewardevenifitisasin. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
104
Therovingheartlikesnotatbornetostay, Tobecontainedinwater,fire,andclay; Thinknotthatinthebodyisrepose, Thisrollingseacomestonoshoretoplay.
98
Thousayest,Lo,ourbirdisinthesnare, Nomoreshallhestretchwingsandflyinair; Yetgrowsthesoulmoresalientthroughthe flesh Ourdaggerswhettedbyitsscabbardthere.
105
Whychoosestthoutositalone,apart? WithNaturesbeautybeatdalliance: Godgavetotheeaneyewithvisionclear Outofitslustretocreateaglance. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
99
Declare:howintheheartisborndesire, Howinthedwellingburnsthelanternsfire. Whoseeswiththisoursight,andwhathe sees, Andhowthesoulwaslodgedwithinour ware.
106
InthemidstofwaterandearthIsatalone, AndturnedawayfromPlatoandFarabi. Ididnotbeganyoneelseforsight Isawtheworldwithmyeyesalone. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
100
WhenIwasdead,andwalkedinParadise, ThisheavenIcouldclearlysee; Onedoubtyetlingeredinmybaffledsoul Wasittheworld,thatworldofimagery? [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
107
Theoriginsofselfhoodnomanknows, Todawnandevenofellowshipitowes. Iheardthiswisdomfromtheheavenlyguide: NotolderthanitswavetheOceanflows.
101
Ourworld,apieceofworknotyetfinished, Ishostagetothealterationofdayandnight; Thefileoffatewillrubitsmooth Thisclaysculptureisstillbeingmade. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
108
Heart,intherosebudviewLifesmystery! Truthincontingentthereunveiledisshewn; Althoughitspringethfromtheshadowed earth, Itsgazeisfixedupontheradiantsun. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
102
Beingsodistant,heavencirclingsun, Whatmannertomyvisiondostthoucome? Nightotheearthy,fromtheearthsofar! Ovisiondazzler,whitherdostthouroam? [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
109
Hisgloryisseeningardenandjungle; ThecupoftheroseglowswithHiswine. ThereisnoonewhomHeconsignsto everlastingdarkness FromHismarkalampislitineveryheart. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
103
Carveoutyourpathwithyourownpickaxe; Itisatormenttotakethepathofothers.
110
Inthenarcissusbedabuddidrise, Thedewofdawnwashedslumberfromits eyes. Selfoutofselflessnessappeared,andso Whatithadsought,theworlddidrealize.
117
Survivalis,unendinglytoburn; Likefishes,wecannaughtbuttwistandturn; Seeknottheshore,forintheshoresembrace Onemomentstwistingendsindeatheterne.
118
AndiftheBrahman,preacher,biddethus Bowdowntoidols,furrownotthybrow: OurGodHimselfwhoshapedanimagefair, BadeCherubimbeforeanidolbow. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
111
Theworld,thatfindethinitselfnostay, Soughtinthestreetofyearningforaway, Fromtheembraceofnonexistencefled, AndlastinAdamsheartforrefugelay. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
119
Thephilosophershavebrokenahundred idols, ButtheyarestillintheSomnatofwasand is. HowcantheyensnaretheangelsandGod? TheyhavenotyettiedAdamtotheir saddlestraps! [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
112
ThinknotIgrievetodie: TheriddleofbodyandsoulIhavereadplain. Whatcarethoughoneworldvanishfrom mineeye, Whenhundredsinmyconsciousnessremain? [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson]
113
TheRoseandIoneproblemhavetotell; Webothareseizedbytheassemblysspell; Thepetalstonguewasnotmadeeloquent, Butinhiswoundedbreastaheartdothdwell.
120
Outofmyhandofclayworldsspringlike grain; Come,frommyharvestcapitalobtain: Lo,thouhastmissedthewayuntotheFriend; Thenlosethyselfawhileinmyheartsplain.
114
TheselfsowntulipstemperIknowwell, WithinthestemtherosesscentIsmell, Themeadowsongsterlovesmeasafriend, ThetonewhereinhecarolsIcantell.
121
AthousandyearswithNatureIdidmake Nearcomradeship,anddidmyselfforsake; Andallmyhistorywassummedinthis Ifashioned,andIworshipped;andIbrake.
115
Onesongofyearningfillstheworldentire, Thisyearningstringstheuniversallyre; Whateveris,andwasandistobe, IseeonemomentofallTimesdesire.
122
Iflewthebroadplainsofeternity, FromchainsofclayandwaterIwasfree; MyworthisverypreciousinThysight, ForinlifesmarketThouhastofferedme. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
116
Myheartisalltheyearningofunrest, Tumultandagitationfillmybreast; Whatdiscourse,comrade,seekestthouofme? AllIwouldsay,istomyselfaddressed.
123
Insidemeissuchaplayofideaswhatdoes thismean? Outsidemeareallthesemysterieswhat doesthismean? Say,youwhoarewiseandhaveasubtle mind: Thebodyliesstill,butthesoulstirswhat doesthismean? [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
[TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
129
Narcissuslikeunseeingdonotcreep Outofthemead,asscenttherosebudsweep: Godgavetotheeamoreilluminedeye Passnotwithwakingbrain,andheartasleep
130
AftermylikenessIanimagemade: IboundonGodthefashionthatIwore: WhereforeIcannotoutofselfdepart Whateverbemyguise,selfIadore.
124
Iboast,Iamabeggarwithoutneed; Ishake,Iburn,Imelt;Iplaymyreed; Mymelodyhassettheeallablaze: MirrorsImake,beingAlexandersbreed.
131
Thusspakethenewsprungblossomtothe dew: Wemeadowchildrenhavenopiercingeye: Inthisbroadplain,thatholdsahundredsuns, Whatdifferenceexiststwixtlowandhigh?
125
Ifthouwellknowestallthyquality, Laydownthydew,andbuildthereonthesea: Howlongthisbeggingatthemoon,my heart? Lightupthydarkwiththyownradiancy!
132
Takeearth,heavensmysteriestounderstand, Byfinitespaceletspacelessnessbespanned; EachatomfliestowardtheFriendsabode Thenmarktheroadwaybytheshiftingsand.
126
Whysorrowestthou?Theheartlivesnotby breath, ItisnotchainedtoBeingandtoDeath. Fearnottodie,Othouoflittlesight Thoughthebreathstop,theheartcontinueth.
133
ThouonlyartintheCreatorsBe! ThouonlyarttheSignthatnonemaysee: Thentreadmorefearlesslytheroadoflife, Theworldsbroadplaincontainethonlythee.
127
Heart,whilethousittestinthebreastofme Bettermyrug,thansovereigndignity: Wiltthoubeinmybosomafterdeath? Lo,allmyhopesandfearsarefixedonthee. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
134
Earthisthedustuponmytaverndoor, Heavenonepassingofmycup,nomore; Longisthestoryofmypassionsgrief. Theworldisbutthepreludeofmylore. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
128
OnmybehalftellthepureheartedSufis ThoseseekersafterGodandpossessorsofthe truth: Iwouldhumblyservethatresolute selfworshipper WhoseesGodinthelightofhisownkhudi.
135
Alexanderisgone,withhisswordand banner, Therevenuehecollected,andhistreasures fromminesandoceans.
AMessagefromtheEast79 Youmustbelievethatnationsaremore lastingthankings: DontyouseethatIransurvives,butnot Jamshid? [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
141
ThesoulofPersiakindlesatmysong, Thecaravanmoveson,mycallisstrong; LikeUrfiIwillliftalivelierlilt, Forheavyistheload,thewaysleepslong.
136
Mybreastwastorn,andthouhastseizedmy heart, Yea,withmydearestprizethoudidstdepart; Whomgavestthoumypassionsprecious store? Whathastthoudonewithmymostcherished smart?
142
Outofmyrestlessspirittheflamesstart, IntheEastsbosomIhavestirredaheart, Itsclayissetafirebymylament, LikelightningtoitsinmostsoulIdart.
143
Iamawandererlikethebreezeofmorn, Roselikemyheartisintofragmentstorn, Myglance,whichcannotseetheevident, Amartyrtothejoyofsightisborne.
137
Theworldofcolourandoffragrancy, Earth,sky,dimension,allaregonefromme: DidstthoudesertHistumult,Omyheart OrhathHelefttheetothyprivacy?
144
Cottontoclothofgoldthemindcanbring. Stonesturntomirrors,byitspolishing: Thepoet,withhismagicalmelody, TohoneyedpotiondothconvertLifessting.
138
Idonotknowtheinstrumentorkey, YetwellIrecognizeLifesmelody; SosangIinthebrambles,thattherose Askedofthethrush,Whatcarollerishe?
145
IhaveconsumedthefruitofPassionstree. AndunderstoodLifesinmostmystery; Lo,Ihavebroughtthemessageofthe Spring BewaretheGardener,Lordofarchery!
139
InthegreatthrongsorapturousIdidplay, IstruckthesparkofLifeoutoftheirclay, Ilittheheartwiththemindsradiance, Andprobedthemindagainstthehearts assay. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
146
MythoughtplucksflowersthatinEdengrew Toshapeandfashionfanciesrareandnew, Thenshakesmyheartaleafwithinmybreast, ApetaltremblingneaththeSummerdew.
140
Ajambecameyoungagainthroughmy songs; Myfrenzyraisedthepriceofitswares. Itwasacrowdlostinthewilderness: Thesoundofmybellmadeitacaravan. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
147
Persiasaseathatnevercomestoshore, Whereinarepearlsofdiamantinehue, YetIllnotsailmybarqueuponasea Withinwhosewavesisneverasharktoview.
148
Saynot,theworldsaffairsunstablebe; Oureverymomentveilseternity:
80CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal HoldfirmlytoToday:foryetremains TomorrowinthemindofDestiny. Withinthysoulathingistobeseen.
156
Iam,andGodisnot,thousayestso: Waterandclayintotheboundlessgo; YetIhavenotresolvedthismystery Whetheritismineeyethatsees,orno.
149
ThouhastescapedthemasteryoftheWest Andyettotombanddomethoustilldost pray: Thouartsowellinuredtoservitude. Thoucarvstamasterofthestonyway!
157
Ihavenoroastedfowlonwhichtosup, Nomirrorshiningwineisinmycup, Upongreengrassesgrazesmygazelle, Yetfragrantmuskfillethhisheartbloodup. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
150
HowlongLifesgarmentpartedshredby shred? Howlonglikeantsmakeintheearththybed? Riseuponwings,andlearnthefalconsway; Norsearchforeverinthestrawforbread.
158
MypassionputsfireintotheMuslimveins, Andmyrestivetearsdropfromhiseyes; Butstillheisnotawareofthetumultinmy soul Forhehasnotseentheworldwithmyeyes. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
151
Nestamidrosesandanemones, Learnfromthethrushhisplangentmelodies; Ifimpotencehasmadetheegreyandold, Fromtheworldsyouthavitalportionseize!
152
Itwasthesoulthebodysimagehewed, Therosebloomeddouble,yearningtobe shewn; Therestlesssoulathousandhabitshath, Andturnstoflesh,whenitisusedtoone.
159
Wordsaretoofrail,abodelessnesstobear. Lookinwardly,andseethispointisclear: Thesoulhassuchaseatwithintheflesh Onecannotsay,Itisnothere,butthere!
153
Iheardavoiceproclaimingfromthegrave: Beneaththedustlifecanbelivedagain, Breathbepossessed;buthehasnosoul, Wholivestopleasethewhimofothermen.
160
Loveplayswitheveryheartadifferentrole, Nowasastone,andnowacrystalbowl: Loverobbedtheeofthyselfandgavethee tears Butbroughtmeeverclosertomysoul.
154
Thisbandofdustthatscatterethintoair Notlongendureth;yetdonotdespair; WhenNaturefashionethalivingform. Itneedanage,tomakeperfectionthere.
161
Fromclayandwaterthouartnotyetfree, ThousayestthouartAfghan,Turkoman: FirstIamman,andhavenootherhue, ThereafterIndian,Turanian.
155
Itmustbeknown,thisworldofscentand sheen; Theymustbeplucked,therosesinthedene; Yetdonotclosethineeyesupontheself,
162
Theloveofspeechfirstfilledmyheartwith blood Andsetaflamethedustupontheroad;
AMessagefromtheEast81 ButwhenIopedmylips,tospeakoflove, Wordsveiledthissecretinathickershroud. Intulipsheartsagain.
THENEWMOONOFEID
NewmoonofEid, Youcannotmanagetoevade Theeagerview Ofpeoplewaitingforasightofyou. Athousandglanceshave Conspiredtoweave Anettocatchyouin. Openyoureyes Toyourself.Donotgrieve Thatyouareabareoutline. Withinyoulies Arealfullmoon. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]
163
Atlastfromsubtlereasonhehasfled; Hisselfwilledheartknewpassion,andit bled; WhataskestthouofIqbalintheclouds? Ourwisephilosopherhaslosthishead. [TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]
REFLECTIONS
THEFIRSTROSE
Idonotfindasinglecomradeinthegarden yet: ForspringtimeisapproachingandIaman earlyrose. Ilookatmyselfinthemirroroftherivulet, Creatingacompanionthroughthisself deludingpose. ThepenthatDestinyemployedinwriting Beingsscroll Inscribedamessageonmyleavesfor everyonetoread. Myheartiswiththepast;myeyeisonthe presentsroll. Aprophetofthefuture,Iproclaimthe futurescreed. IsprangupoutofdustandIassumedaroses robe; Butam,infact,thePleiadesthatwaslostin theblueglobe.
CONQUESTOFNATURE
I.THEBIRTHOFADAM
APRAYER
OYouwhofilledmyglasswithwinegalore FromNaturesownwinestore, Seetoitthatmyglassismeltedby ThisfiresentfromYoursky. Oletmyspiritedlamentprovide Lovewithitswealthofpride. WouldthatthedustofmySinaibecame Anallconsumingflame. WhenIdie,letmyashesformabed Wheretulipswillbebred, SothatmyPassionswounds,revived,may shine
Loveexclaimed,Nowonehasbeenborn Whowouldrollhisheartinblood! Beautytrembledwhensherealised Thatonewithapenetratinglookhadbeen born! Naturewasdistraughtbecause, Fromthedustofaworldwithoutwill, Onehadbeenbornwhocould Makeandunmakehimself, Andwatchoverhimself. Fromtheheavensthenewswentout Toeternityssleepingchamber: Beware,youwhoareveiled Onehasbeenbornwhowilltearawayall veils! Desire,restinginthelapoflife Andforgetfulofitself, Openeditseyes,andanewworldwasborn. Lifesaid,Throughallmyyears Ilayinthedustandconvulsed, Untilatlastadoorappeared Inthisancientdome
II.IBLISSREFUSAL
Iamnotsuchafoolishangel ThatIwouldbowtoAdam! Heismadeofdust,butmyelementisfire. Itismyardourthatheatstheblood
82CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Intheveinsoftheuniverse: Iamintheragingstorm Andthecrashingthunder; Iamthebondthatholdstheatomstogether, Andthelawthatrulestheelements; Iburnandgiveform Iamthealchemistsfire. WhatIhavemyselfmadeIbreakinpieces, Onlytocreatenewformsfromtheolddust. Frommysearisesthewave Oftheheavensthatknownorest Thesplendourandgloryofmyelement Fashionstheworld. ThestarsowetheirexistencetoYou, Buttheyowetheirmotiontome: Iamthesouloftheworld, Thehiddenlifethatisseenbynone. Yougivethesoultothebody, ButIsetthatsoulastir. Yourobonthehighwaybycausingsloth, Iguidealongtherightpathwithburning passion. Ididnotbegpauperstobowdownbefore me: Iammighty,butdonotneedahell; Iamajudge,butdonotneedresurrection. Adamthatcreatureofdust, Thatshortsightedignoramus Wasborninyourlap Butwillgrowoldinmyarms!
III.THESEDUCTIONOFADAM
Come,riseup,sothatImayshowyouanew kingdom! Openyoureyesandgoabout Seeingthesightstheworldhastooffer. Nowyouareadropofwaterworthnothing, Becomealuminouspearl! Comedownfromtheheavens, Andliveintheocean. Youareaflashingsword, Striketerrorintotheworldssoul; Comeoutofthescabbardandshowyour mettle. Spreadaneagleswings Andspillthepheasantsblood. Forafalcon,livinginthenestspellsdeath. Youdonotyetknowthis, Butwithunioncomestheendoflonging: Whatiseternallife? Toburnandkeeponburning!
IV.ADAMSPEAKSONCOMINGOUTOF
PARADISE Howgooditis Tofilllifewithpassionandlonging; Inonebreathtomelttheheart Ofdesert,mountainandwild; Toopenthedoorofthecage Ontoaspaciousgarden; Totakethepathtotheheavens, Andspeakwiththestarsinconfidence; Tocastattimeswithsecretlonging, Butwithashowofhumilityattimes AknowingglanceatthesanctumofHis Glory; Attimestosee NothingbutTheOneinthrongsoftulips, Butattimestotell Thepricklythornapartfromtherose! Mywholebeingisaflamethatburnsforever, Andisfullofthepainofdesire. Iwouldexchangecertaintyfordoubt ForIamdyingtoknowanddiscover.
V.THEMORNOFRESURRECTION
Alifeofpassionandlonging Isbetterthaneternalquiet, Evenadovethatiscaughtinatrap, Butkeepsflappingitswings, Changesintoaneagle. Youdonomorethanbowdowninhumility; Riselikethetallcypresstree,youwhoare slowtoact! ThewatersofKawtharandTasnim Haverobbedyouofthejoyofaction. Takewinefromthejug, Realwineclearascrystal,madefromgrapes. Goodandbadarefigments OftheimaginationofyourLord. Takepleasureinaction, Stepoutandtakewhatyoudesire.
AdaminthepresenceofGod You,whosesungivesthestaroflifeits splendour, Withmyheartyoulit
AMessagefromtheEast83 Thecandleofthesightlessworld! Myskillshavepouredanoceanintoastrait, Mypickaxemakesmilkflowfromtheheartof stone. Venusismycaptive,themoonworshipsme; Myreason,whichdoesgreatdeeds, Subduesandcontrolstheuniverse. 1havegonedownintotheearth, Andbeenupintotheheavens, Boththeatomandtheradiantsun Areunderthespellofmymagic. Althoughhissorcerydeludedme, Excusemyfault,forgivemysin: Ifhissorceryhadnottakenmein, Theworldcouldnothavebeensubdued. Withoutthehalterofhumility, Pridecouldnotbetakenprisoner. Tomeltthisstonestatueswithmyhotsighs, Ihadtodonhiszunnar. Reasoncatchesartfulnatureinanet AndthusAhriman,bornoffire, Bowsdownbeforethecreatureofdust!
THESONGOFTIME
SunandstarsinmybosomIhold; Byme,whoamnothing,thouartensouled. Inlightandindarkness,incityandwold, Iampain,Iambalm,Iamlifemanifold. DestroyerandQuickenerfromofold. Genghis,Taimurspecksofmydustthey came, AndEuropesturmoilisasparkofflame. ManandhisworldIfashionandframe, Bloodofhisheartmyspringflowersclaim. HellfireandParadiseI,beittold. Ireststill,Imovewondroussightforthine eyes! IntheglassofTodayseeTomorrowarise, Seeathousandfairworldswheremythought deeplies, Seeathousandswiftstars,athousandblue skies! MansgarmentamI,GodIenfold; Fateismyspell,freewillisthychant. OloverofLayla,thyfrenzyIhaunt; Asthespiritpure,Itranscendthyvaunt. ThouandIareeachothersinnermostwant; Thoushowestmeforth,hidstmetoointhy mould. Thoumyjourneysend,thoumyharvest grain, TheAssemblysflowandthemusicsstrain. Owanderer,hometothyheartagain! Beholdinacuptheshorelessmain! Fromthyloftywavemyoceanrolled. [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson]
THEPERFUMEOFTHEFLOWER
Inabowerofheavensgarden, Ahouribecameanxiousandsaid: Nooneevertoldusabouttheregion Onthatsideoftheheavens. Idonotunderstand Aboutdayandnight.,morning,andevening, AndIamatmywitsend Whentheytalkaboutbirthanddeath. Shebecameawaftofperfume Andemergedfromaflowerbranch; Thusshesetfoot Intheworldofyesterdayandtomorrow. Sheopenedhereyes, Becameabud,andforatimesmiled; Sheturnedintoaflower, Whichsoonwitheredandcrumbledtothe ground. Thememoryofthatlovelymaiden- Herfeetunshackled- Iskeptalive Bythatsighofherswhichiscalledperfume. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
SPRING
Arise,forinplain,hillanddale,springclouds havepitchedtheirtent. Thenightingalesingsjubilant Songstoachoirsaccompaniment. Alongthestreambankswholeextent Blendtulipstintandrosesscent. Letyoureyewitnessthisevent. Arise,forinplain,hillanddalespringclouds havepitchedtheirtent.
84CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Arise,fortothefieldshascometheflowers caravan. Thebreezesofspringblowagain. Thebirdssingsongsinunison. Thespringmadtulipsdressistorn. Thereisanewrosetoadorn Beauty,andforloveanewthorn. Arise,fortothefieldshascometheflowers caravan. Thenightingalesarecarolling,theringdoves cooaloud Allwarmedupisthegardensblood. Oyou,insilencecloseted, Breakallcommandsofyoursanehead; Getdrunkwithmysticwineinstead; Singandgoinrosepetalsclad Thenightingalesarecaroling,theringdove cooaloud Abandonyourretreatandintofieldsand pasturesgo. Sitbyabrookletsmarginso Thatyoumaywatchitswatersflow. Springsfavourite,thenarcissus,how Theprideofbeautymakesitglow. Oplantasoftkissonitsbrow, Abandonyourretreatandintofieldsand pasturesgo. Oyou,whocannotseetheobvious,open yourmindseye. Seetulipsrowonrow,andsee Theirbodiesonfireseemingly, Buttheirheartsinwardlysoothedby Thedawndewstearfulministry Starsinatwilightreddenedsky. Oyou,whocannotseetheobvious,open yourmindseye. Sproutsfromthegardenssoil,thesecretof Creationsheart Theshadowplayofattribute; Howessencebringsitselftolight; Life,asweallimagineit; Anddeath,whichislifesopposite; Oallthisiswithoutaroot. Sproutsfromthegardenssoilthesecretof Creationsheart.
ETERNALLIFE
DonotimaginethattheworkoftheWine makeriscomplete. Withunknownquantitiesofundrunkwine thevineisstillreplete. Thegardenisahappyplace,butyoucannot surviveasbuds Initforlong;thebreezewillcomeandtear yourbeingsrobetoshreds. Ifyoupossessthefaintestknowledgeoflifes awesomemystery, Thendonotseekaheartentirelyfreefrom longingsagony. Belikeamountain,graveandlofty,withyour nativedignity, Andnotlikestraw.Beware,thereisawildfire ragingsavagely.
REFLECTIONSOFTHESTARS
Ihearastarsaidtoanotherstar: Weareadriftonaseawithnoshore. Wewerecreatedwithawanderlust: Ourcaravanwillnotstopanymore. Ifwestillarewhatwewerelongago, Thenwhatuseisthisshiningonandon? WeareallofuscaptivesinTimesnet. Luckyaretheywhohavenotyetbeenborn. Noonecanbearthisheavyloadforlong. Farbetterwereitnevertohavebeen. Idonotlikethisazurespaceatall; Thatnetherworldpresentsafairerscene. Howhappyismanwithhisrestlesssoul, SogailyridingonthesteedofTime. Lifeisagarmenttailormadeforhim, Becauseheisamakerofnewthings.
LIFE
SadmoanedthecloudofSpring, Thislifesalongweeping. Criedthelightning,flashingandleaping, Tisalaughonthewing. Idonotknowwhotookittothegarden, Buttheroseandthedewarenowdiscussingit.
AMessagefromtheEast85 [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson]1 Andourlongpathwayslimitlesscurve Thegageofourimmortality Theheavensrevolveatourdesire;wewatch andjourneyon. Thismansionofthesense,hall Ofidolsshapedbymortalseeing, Mleofbeingandnotbeing, Stormandsurgeofcreation,all Thisrealmofthehoursswiftwingedorslow, wewatchandjourneyon. Battlefieldsthatwarsflameshave seared, Thoselunaciesofsubtlewits, Thrones,diadems,andscaffoldsreared ForsovereignsonwhomFortunespits, Allplaythingsoftheribaldtimes,wewatch andjourneyon. Themasterfromhisseatdeposed, Thethrallsetloosefromslavery, ThebookofTsarandKaiserclosed, FierceAlexandersdaygoneby, Imageandimagemakerfled,wewatchand journeyon. Mansdustsostill,soturbulent, Dwarfishofstature,giantintoil, Nowloudinroistering,merriment, Nowcarriedshoulderhigh,deaths spoil, Lordoftheworldandbrandedslave,we watchandjourneyon. Likeagazellethesnarehascaught, Quiveringinmiseryandpain, Youpantinthetangledwebof thought, Yourmindplungesandgropesinvain; Fromourhighcitadeloftheskieswewatch andjourneyon. Whatisthecurtaincalledthe Apparent? Whencedoourlightanddarkness flow, Oreyeandheartandreasongrow?
ADIALOGUEBETWEENKNOWLEDGE ANDLOVE
KNOWLEDGE
Myeyeshavewitnessed Thesecretsofthesevenandthefour, AndwithmylassoIhavecapturedthe world. Iamaneye,andwhenIwasopenedI turnedthisway WhyshouldIbotherabouttheothersideof theheavens? Ahundredsongsflowfrommyinstrument; IbringtomarketeverysecretIknow.
LOVE
Becauseofthespellyouhavecasttheseais inflames, Theairspewsfireandisfilledwithpoison. WhenyouandIwerefriends,youwerea light; Butyoubrokewithme,andyourlight becameafire. Youwerebornintheinnermostsanctumof theDivinity, ButthenfellintoSatanstrap. Cometurnthisearthlyworldintoa garden, Andmaketheoldworldyoungagain. Cometakejustalittleofmyhearts solicitude, Andbuild,undertheheavens,an everlastingparadise. Wehavebeenonintimatetermssincethe dayofcreation, Andarethehighandlownotesofthesame song. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
SONGOFTHESTARS
Ournatureisallthelawweserve, Fromallbutitsownrapturefree,
ThelasttwolinesareprovidedbytheEditors sinceNicholsondidnttranslatethem.
1
86CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Whatisthisnature,restless,errant, ThisuniverseofFarandNear?wewatch andjourneyon. Yourvasttousislittleroom, Youryearourmoment.Youwhohold Anoceaninyourbreast,yetwhom Onedewdropflatters!onwardrolled Insearchofworldsandotherworlds,we watchandjourneyon. [TranslatedbyV.G.Kiernan] Whatalowly,fearfullottheyare Theywipetheirbeakscleanwithdusts! Afalconthatcopiesthewaysofhisprey Becomespreyhimself. Manyapredator,descendingtoearth, Hasperishedonassociatingwithgraineaters. Guardyourselfandlivethelife Ofoneofgoodcheer,brave,robustand rugged. Letthequailhavehissoftanddelicatebody; Growaveinhardasadeershorn. Allthejoyintheworld Comesfromhardship,toil,andfullnessof breath. Whatfineadviceitwasthattheeaglegaveits son: Asingledropofbloodisbetterthanthe purestwine! Donotseekoutcompanylikethedeeror sheep, Butgointoseclusionasyourancestorsdid. Iremembertheoldfalconsadvice: Donotmakeyournestonthebranchofa tree. Wedonotmakenestsinagardenorafield Wehaveourownparadiseinmountainsand deserts. Weregardpickingupgrainfromtheground asanerror, ForGodhasgivenusthevastnessoftheskies. Ifabirdofnoblestockscrapeshisfeetonthe ground, Hebecomesmoredespicablethanahouse bird. Thekinglyfalconusesrockslikeacarpet Walkingonthemsharpenshisclaws. Youareoneoftheyelloweyedofthedesert, And,likethesimurgh,areofnoblenature; Youarethatnobleyouthwho,onthedayof battle, Plucksoutthepupilofthetigerseye. Youflywiththemajestyofangels, Andinyourveinsisthebloodofthekafuri falcon. Underthishumpbacked,revolvingsky Eatwhatyoucatch,whetheritissoftorhard Donottakefoodfromthehandofanother; Begoodandtakeadvicefromthegood.
THEMORNINGBREEZE
Trippingovermountaintopsandskipping overseas, Icomenooneknowsfromwhere, Andbringtidingsofspringscoming, Asitwere, Totheautumnwearybirds, Liningtheirnestswiththesilver Ofwhitelilies. Irollonthegrassandfrolic Withthetulipbranches, Coaxingsmellsandcoloursflowersoutof them. GentlydoIstrokethepetals Ofthetulipandtherose, Lesttheirstemsshouldbendundermy weight. Whenapoetbreaksintosong Withthefrenzyoflovessorrow, WithhisbreathIjoinmyown. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]
THEFALCONSADVICETOITS YOUNGSTER
Youknowthatinessenceallfalconsareone Amerehandfuloffeathers,butwiththeheart ofalion. Conductyourselfwellandletyourstrategy bewellconsidered; Bedaring,maintainyourdignity,andhunt biggame. Donotmixwithpartridges,pheasants,and starlings- Unlessyouwantthemasprey.
AMessagefromtheEast87 [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
THETULIP
Iamtheflame whichon Creationsdawn waskindledinlovesheart beforethenightingaleandthemothcame toplaytheirsacrificialpart. Iamfarbiggerthanthesun, andpour intoeachatomscore apotionofmylight: Ilendmysparktoeveryone, anditwasIwhomadetheheavenssobright. Residinglikeitslifebreathin thegardensbreast, inpristinerest, Iwasdrawnupintoitsbosomby atreestem,delicateandthin, assapthatrisesuptowardsthesky. Itquenchedmyinnerfire And,wantingtobeguile me,itsaid,Stayawhile, anddontgooutintotheday; butmyheartslongrepresseddesire couldbrooknomoredelay. Iwrithedandwrithedwithinthetree, encaged, enraged, untiltheessenceofmybeingfounditsway tosummitsoftheecstasy ofselfdisplay. Withitspearlsofthepurestwaterdew bestrewedmyway, asiftosay, Owhatagloriousbirth! Themorninglaugheditsbrightesthue: thebreezesblewinhymenealmirth. Thenightingaleheardfromtherose thatIhadthrown awaymyown primordialconsumingflame. Itsaid,becausethiscrowneditswoes, Hepaidaheavypricetothrive.Forshame!
THEBOOKWORMANDTHEMOTH
Ihearthatinmylibraryonenight Abookwormspokethustoamoth: IhavelonglodgedinSinastomes AndhaveconsumedmuchofFarabis manuscript. ButIhavenotlearnedanything Aboutlifesmystery, Andamjustasmuchinthedark Aboutitasbefore. Thehalfburntmothgaveitafinereply: Youwillnotfindlifesmystery Explainedinbooks. However,hereitis: Whatgivestolifeintensity Isardency. Itlendslifewings Withwhichtofly.
VANITY
Saidsnowincoldsuperiorsyllablestothe mountainstream: Obabbler,Iamwearyofyourmeaningless uproar. Youtalksoimpudentlyandyouwalkso saucily, Andeverbolderareyourgaitandglances thanbefore. Youarenotfittobeamemberofourfamily; Soneverclaimtobeacreaturewhomthe mountainbore. Youroamandrollandtumblelikeanurchin inthedust. Gotothefeldsandplainsandletushearof younomore. Thestreamreplied,Odonotspeaksuch hurtfulwordstome. Donotbesoproudand,whatismore,donot beaboor. Igobecausethemountainhouseholdistoo highforme; Butyoubecarefullestthesunshouldmelt youtothecore.
88CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Inowstandby, mybreastrentopento thesunseffulgenceso thatitmaysetablaze againthefireofmy prenataldays. Amoonfacedstarlet,livinginitsisolated bower, Cameoutofitinordertolookcloseratthe lower Planetthanfromitshightower. Agentlybeamingmoonlettolditselfthatit wouldowe Itslightnolongertothebountyofthesun, andso Whereveritlikesitcango. Oglowworm,yourwholebodyismadeof thestuffoflight. Asequenceofitsintermittentflashesisyour flight Thusflitthingsinandoutofsight. Youareatorchforbirdsthatintheevening flytorest; Butwhatandwhencethisrestlesspassion burninginyourbreast, Whichkeepsyouinunceasingquest? Likeyouweenteredintothisworldbyearths dustydoor. Wesawandtossedabout;wedidnotsee,and tossedaboutthemore. Oneverdidwereachtheshore. Ispeakfromripeexperienceandtrueiswhat Isay, Dontthinkoflosthorizonsandbesteadfast onyourway: Keepshininglikethiswhileyoumay.
PHILOSOPHYANDPOETRY
BuAli gotlost Inthedust Kickedupby Laylasdromedary. Rumishand Seizedthecurtain Ofherlitter. Thisonedived Deeper,deeperstill, Tillhecame Uponthepearl Hewasafter. Buttheother Gotcaughtin Awhirlpoollikeapieceofstraw. Ifthetruth Hasnofervour, Itisplainphilosophy. Ifithastheproperfervour, Itispoetry.
THEGLOWWORM
Atinyatomfounditselfalivingthingby chance. Aquiverwithlifesardouritbeganamoth likedance, Andsetaglowthenightsexpanse. Adormantsunbeamreawokeandshotup withadash. Thealchemyoflifeconvertedittogoldfrom trash Camevisiontoitinaflash. Arestlesslyafluttermothwasboldenoughto dart Intothecandlesflame,becameonewithits fieryheart, Andceasedtobeathingapart.
REALITY
Theeagle,whoseesfar,saidtotheswan, Myeyesseenothingbutabrightmirage. Thattruthfulbirdreplied,Yousee,andI Knowthatyousee,awateryexpanse. Fromtheseasdeptharoseafishscry, Thereissomethinginanunceasingdance.
SONGOFTHEHIJAZICAMELDRIVER
Myfleetfooteddromedary, MydoeoftheTartarcountry, Omyriches,Omymoney, Omyentirepatrimony, Omyfortune,Omyplenty,
AMessagefromtheEast89 Quickenyourpacejustalittle;journeysend isnotfaroff. Oyoubrightandbeautifulthing, Youarelovely,youarecharming, Oyouhouriofmydreaming, You,theLaylaofwhombardssing, You,thedesertssprightlyoffspring, Quickenyourpacejustalittle;journeysend isnotfaroff. Whenthesunofnoontideblazes, Youdiveintoclearmirages; Andinmoonlitnightsbrightreaches Youflashasacometflashes Withaneyethatnevercloses, Quickenyourpacejustalittle;journeysend isnotfaroff. Likethecloudsaconstantroamer; Saillessboatwithsandforriver; BornpathknowerlikeaKhizr, Carrierwhodoesnotmurmur, Darlingofthecameldriver, Quickenyourpacejustalittle;journeysend isnotfaroff. Inyourreinisstimulation; Travelisyourinspiration; Withaveryscantyration, Youarenightanddayinmotion, Neverrestingatonestation, Quickenyourpacejustalittle;journeysend isnotfaroff. IfatduskyouareinYaman, ThenatdawnyouareinQaran. Roughsandofyournativeregion Istoyourfeetsoftlikejasmine. OyoufleetgazelleofKhotan, Quickenyourpacejustalittle;journeysend isnotfaroff. Nowthemoon,herjourneyover, Goesintohersandhillshelter, Dawnsanewday,somuchbrighter Thanthemoonforallhersplendour. Blowsthedesertwindofsummer, Quickenyourpacejustalittle;journeysend isnotfaroff. LivelyisthesongthatIsing; Lively,butfullofforeboding Forthecaravanawarning Thatthehourhasstruckforstarting. KisseroftheHaramspaving, Quickenyourpacejustalittle;journeysend isnotfaroff.
THERAINDROPANDTHESEA
Iquotewhatsomeoneelsehassaid, Butwishtomakeanewpointwithitsaid. Araindropfellintothesea. Andawed Byitsexpanse,itthought: ByGod, Iamamerenonentity Besidethesea. Ifitexists,thensurelyIdonot. Therecameoutoftheseaasound, Loudandprofound, Asofavoice,anditdeclaimed Youdonothavetobeashamed Ofbeingsmall Andfeelsosad. Forall Yoursmallness,youhavehad Experienceswhichweregreat. Youhavewatcheddawnandevening alternate. Youhaveseenorchard,plainandglade. Suspendedonablade Ofgrassoracloudflake, You.havereflectedthesunsrays. Therehavebeendays Onwhichitfelltoyoutoslake Thethirstofdesertshrubs.Again, Thereweredayswhenyousoothedthepain Intherentbosomofarose. Attimesyouslumberedinthevine Towakeupasapotentliquidwine. Atothertimesabed Indust,youmademeremud. Itwasoutofmywavesthatyouarose. Bornofme,youcomebacktome, Comebacktobe Apartofme.Nowrest Inmybroadbreast,
90CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Andmakemymirrorgleam Withonemorebeam Oflight.Becomeapearlandbe Lodgedinthedepthsofme Mymoon,mystar, Asbrightasthoseoftheskyare. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]

ADIALOGUEBETWEENGODANDMAN
GOD
Whatfascinatingbeautyand Whatunabashedselfpride! Owhatamellifluoussong, Inwhatalovelytune, Fromsomebirdhiddeninatree, Singingasifalone! Thestarlingandthenightingale Withsongresuscitate Thespiritinthebodyand Oldlongingsinthespirit. Fromhighperchednestsupinthetrees Thesongsterswarblingsseem Tocascadedownandminglewith Thebabblingsofthestream. YouwouldthinkGodhadgraciously SentdownHisParadise Andplaceditatamountainsfoot Forhumanearsandeyes. Tohearandsee,inorderto Sparemanthelongsuspense Andagonyofwaitingtill Hesreadytogohence. WhatbetterthingscouldIwishfor Insuchapleasuregarden Thanwine,abook,aluteandah! Afaircompanion? Mylife,Omoonfacedsaki,for Asinglegraciousboon: Awakeninmememories Offorebearslongsincegone. Comepourintomyemptyglass Thestuffwhichhasnoname, Whichlightsthesouluplikealamp Andburnsitlikeaflame. Ipraytoyoumaketulipsgrow Frommyexhaustedclay Andbuildaparadisefromdust Nowmoulderingaway. Odontyouknowthateastandwest, FromKashghartoKashan, Thereisgoinguponegrandsong Repletewithlifeselan?
Imadethewholeworldwiththesame waterandclay, ButyoucreatedIran,Tartary,andEthiopia. FromtheearthIbroughtforthpureiron, Butyoumadefromthatironsword,arrow, andgun. Youmadeanaxeforthetreeinthegarden, Andacageforthesongbird.

MAN
Youmadethenight,Imadethelamp; Youmadetheearthenbowl,Imadethe goblet. Youmadedeserts,mountainsandvalleys; Imadegardens,meadowsandparks. Iamonewhomakesamirroroutofstone, Andturnspoisonintosweet,deliciousdrink. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
SAKINAMA
WritteninNishatBagh,Kashmir Owhatahappyseasonthis! Owhatajoyoustime! Themeadowsarestarspangledwith Freshflowersinspringsprime. Likepartridgewingsthegroundispied Withvariegatedflowers. Howbountifulthewaterfall! Whatdiamondsitshowers! Ofrosesandoftulipswhat Ariotmeetstheeye! Thebreezesfrolicsomelyroll Onmilesofgreenery. Haveyouseenmirroredinthestream Theselfadmiringbud?
AMessagefromtheEast91 Thepeopleseyehasshedatlast Thatpurestofalltears Whosemagiccancompeltherose Togrowonpricklypears. Butoh!thispoorKashmiriwho, Inslaverybornandbred, Isbusycarvingidolsfrom Thetombstonesofthedead. Hismindisblankandquitedevoid Ofanyhigherthought; Soignorantofhisownself Andbyselfshamedistraught! Hismastergoescladinfinesilk, Allwovenwithhissweat; Buttatters,patches,ragsandshreds Areallhisbodyslot. Thereisnotinhiseyethelight Ofvisionthatreveals, Nordoesthereinhisbosombeat Thelivingheartthatfeels. Comepouradropuponhimof Yoursoulenkindlingwine, Andfromhissmoulderingashesmake Asparkleapupandshine. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]
THEYOUNGFISHANDTHEEAGLET
Theyoungfishspokewithpassionandzest, Itsfacebeamedasitspoke. Theeagletlaughed.Fromtheshoreitrose Intotheair,sayingoutloud: Iamaneagle,whathaveItodowithearth?; Seaordeserteverythingisunderourwings! Leavethewater, Befriendthevastnessofspace! Onlyanobservanteye Willseethepointofit. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
THEGLOWWORM
Iheartheglowwormsaidtoitself,I Amnotaninsectthathurtswithitssting. Onecanburninonesownfire.Sodonot Regardmeasamoththathastofling Itselfintoaflame.Ifthenightbe Darkasdeerseyes,Ilightmypathmyself. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]
SOLITUDE
Iwentdowntothesea, Andsaidtotherestlesswave, Youareforeversearchingwhatisyour trouble? Yourbagcontainsathousandglowing pearls Butdoyou,likeme,haveinyourbreast Apearlofaheart? Itwrithedinpainanddrewawayfromthe shore Itdidnotsayaword. Iwentuptothemountainandsaid, Howunfeelingyouare! Havethesighsandscreamsofasoulin torment Everreachedyourears?Ifwithinyourrocks Thereisonlyonediamondformedfroma dropofblood, Thencomeforamoment Andtalktoawretchedmanlikeme. Itwithdrewintoitselfandhelditsbreath Itdidnotsayaword. Itravelledfar,andaskedthemoon, Yourlotistokeeptravelling,
Asprightlyyoungfishsaidtoaneaglet: Thissuccessionofwavesthatyousee Isasinglesea,anditcontains Crocodilesthatbellowmoreloudlythan thunderclouds; Itschestisastorehouse Ofhazardsanddangersknownand unknown. Itshugefloodtravelsswiftlyandcoversthe land; Ithassparklingdiamondsandlustrous pearls. Onecannotescapeitsallenvelopingflood: Aboveourheads,underourfeetitis everywhere! Youngandforevercoursingalong! Revolutionsoftimehavenotaddedtoit Ordiminishedit.
92CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Isitalsoyourlottoreachadestination? Yourfacesendsoutrays ThatturntheworldintoalandofJasmine. Butdoestheradianceofthescaronyourface Comefromtheglowofaheartornot? Itcastajealousglanceatthestar Itdidnotsayaword. Ileftthemoonandthesunbehind, AndreachedthepresenceofGod. Isaid,NotoneatominYourworld Isintimatewithme. Theworldhasnoheart, ButI,thoughahandfulofdust,amallheart. Itisapleasantgarden,butunworthyofmy song! AsmileappearedonHislips Hedidnotsayaword. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir] Andwhatisinthebreezesheart? Whatisthisgardeninwhichtheydisport? Itis,Isaid,Abattlefieldoflifeswar ragingeverywhere, Aunityofmany,eachoneseparatelyself aware. Tobreatheistosingsongsoffire. Thesoul?Theinnerbeingsselfexposure. ThisisthesecretofGodsempire. Ihavedescendedfromtheskiesandyou havegrownupoutofdust. Theybothareformsofselfdisplay,myfall andyourupthrust. Youwrithedwithinatreestemfirst Untilyourhundredveilswereburst Andthenyoureachedyourbeingscrest. Thesapthatrisesintheworldsveinsisour morningtears; Ourownillusionarethoseupperandthese lowerspheres. Partofourbeingarethestars, Ourkithandkinandourconfreres: Theyareoureyesandwetheseers. Justlikeaneedleinadamselsgarmentis therosesthorn: Closetotherose,itsbooncompanionand withittwinborn: Allthinandwanlikeonelovelorn, Thoughinthedearonesbosomborne Anotherprankofthespringmorn. Ariseandreengageyourheartwith friendshipsoftheearlydays; Andwiththesun,thetulipofthesky, exchangeaknowinggaze. Consortwiththosewithseeingeyes; Likemetaketocelestialways Haveyouthewilltosoartheskies?
DEW
Comedown,thevoicessaidtome,from yourremotecelestialheights. Recoiluponyourselfandgetembroiledwith stormyoceantides. Ridewherethebillowrides, Andmakenewwavesbesides. Ariseaspearlswhosesheenabides. Ididnotbuytheluxuryoflosingmyselfin thesea; Ididnottastethewinewhichrobsyouof yourselfidentity. AnotherIrefusedtobe: Saidgoodbyetothesky Andchosethetulipscompany. Thetulipsaid,Owhatisallthistumultof birdsong? Andwhydoallthosemorningsongsterson thetreetopsthrong? Whyallthisflittingupanddowndaylong? Andshouldtherosetothornsbelong? Oisnotthisquitewrong? WhoareyouandwhoamIandwhydowe thusconsort? Andwhereforearemybranchesallthese singingbirdsresort? Whatistheirsingingslongandshort?
LOVE
Mythought,engagedinfindingoutthefinal truth, WenttotheKabahandtheidoltempleboth. Iwanderedwidelyininquiryswilderness, Collectingmyskirtslikethewhirlwinds flowingdress,
AMessagefromtheEast93 Boundforanunknowndestinationwithno guide, Onmyimaginationsshouldersborneastride, Demandingwinewithjustabrokencupin hand, Broadcastinglikethedawnanettocatchthe wind, Recoilinguponmyselflikewavesinthesea, Roamingthedesertinawhirlwindsagony, ButsuddenlyYourlovecameandassailedmy heart AndwithamightyblowitcuttheGordian Knot. Ittaughtmeallthatbeingandnonbeing mean; Itchangedmyidoltempletoaholyshrine; Andstrikinglightningfashionmyselfs granary, Ittaughtmyheartthejoyofburningsilently. AllinaraptureIwascarriedoffmyfeet; AndIbecameashadow,frommyselfdiscrete. ThesublimatingforceofwhatYoutaughtmy heart SentmydustsoaringrightuptoHeavens starryheight. Mybeingsstormtossedshipatlonglast cametoport, Andintobeautyschannelallmyugliness waspoured. Ihavenotaletotellexceptthetaleoflove; Idonotcareifmenapproveordisapprove. OflearningslightIdonothavetheslightest need; AndallIhavetodoisburnandmeltand bleed. Fordangerbringsoutwhatisbestinyou: Itisthetouchstoneofallthatistrue.
THEWORLDOFACTION
Thisworldisafreetavern,andtoallwho cometoit Wineisservedinaccordancewiththeir bowlscapacity. Thesecretthathasnotyetbeenexpressedin words Hasbeenexpressedhereinwines overbrimmingcharactery. Thosewhocomeheregetdrunkwithaction andnotwithmerewords. Dregsatthebottomoflifescupismere philosophy. Wehaveendeavouredhardtomakelifetake toactionspath, Andnowitsmorningssunisnearthemargin ofthesky. Oyouwhotrytobeconsistentwithyourpast mistakes, Whateveryouregardasrestisheremobility. Wewhohavecomeouttopursuethepathof seekinghave Convertedknowledgeintoactionandthus madeitlive. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]
LIFE
IaskedaloftysagewhatLifemightbe. Thewinewhosebitterestcupisbest,said he. SaidI,Avilewormrearingheadfrommire. Saidhe,Asalamanderbornoffire. Itsnaturesteepedinevil,Ipursued. Saidhe,Tisjustthisevilmakesitgood. Itwindsnottothegoal,thoughitaspire. Thegoal,saidhe,lieshidinthatdesire. SaidI,Ofearthitcomes,toearthitgoes. Saidhe,Theseedburstsearth,andisthe rose. [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson]
LIVEDANGEROUSLY
Saidonegazelletoanother,Iwill TakeshelterintheHaremfromnowon; Fortherearehuntersatlargeinthewild, Andthereisnopeacehereforagazelle. FromfearofhuntersIwanttobefree. OhowIlongforsomesecurity. Hisfriendreplied,Livedangerously,my Wisefriend,ifitislifeyoutrulyseek. Likeaswordoffinemettlehurlyourself Uponthewhettingstone;staysharpthereby.
THEWISDOMOFTHEWEST
ThestorygoesthatinIran Aworthyman, Intelligentandwise, Died,sufferinggreatagonies, Departingwithaheart Fullofdistressandsmart, HewentuptoGodsthrone Andsaid:GodIamone GrievedatthewaythatI Wasmadetodie. YourangelofDeathis Supposedtobeaspecialist, Andyethehasnoexpertise, Noknowledgeofthenewskillsthatexist Inthefineartofkilling.He Kills,butdoesitsoclumsily. Theworldisgoingrapidlyahead, Buthisgrowthhasstoppeddead. Thewestdevelopswonderfulnewskills Inthisasinsomanyotherfields. Finearethewaysitkills, Andgreatareitsskillsyields. Ithasencompassedeventhoughtwithdeath. Deathisallitsphilosophieslifebreath Itiswhatallitssciencesdevise. Itssubmarinesarecrocodiles, Withalltheirpredatorywiles. Itsbombersraindestructionfromtheskies. Itsgasessoobscurethesky Theyblindthesunsworldseeingeye. Itsgunsdealdeathsofast TheAngelofDeathstandsaghast, Quiteoutofbreath Incopingwiththisrateofdeath. DispatchthisoldfooltotheWest Tolearntheartofkillingfastandbest. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]
Yoursigh,yoursong. Withyoursongyouhavemade Suchalovelyworld Thatparadiseitselfappearstome Tobesomeconjurerstrick.

THEPOET
Youcharmtravellersheartswithpointed talk Exceptthat,inthepleasureitgives, Onecannotcompareitwiththesharpthorn. WhatcanIdo,forbynatureIamnot someone Whocanliveforlonginoneplace! Myheartisrestless, Likethewestwindinafieldoftulips. Themomentmyeyeslightuponapretty face, Myheartbeginstolongforoneprettierstill. InthesparkIseekastar,inthestarasun: Ihavenowishforadestination, ForifIstopIdie. WhenIgetup,havingdrunk Acupofwinematuredbyonespring, Ibegintosinganotherverse, Andlongforyetanotherspring. Iseektheendofwhathasnoend Witharestlesseye,andhopeinmyheart. Theloversheartdiesinaneternalheaven Initnoafflictedsoulcries, Thereisnosorrow,andnoonetodrive sorrowaway! [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
LIFEANDACTION
(INREPLYTOAPOEMOFHEINE) Ihavelivedalong,longwhile,saidafallen shore; WhatIamknowasillasIknewofyore. ThenswiftlyadvancedwavefromtheSea upshot; IfIroll,Iam,itsaid;ifIrest,Iamnot. [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson]
THEHOURIANDTHEPOET
THEHOURI
Youarenotattractedtowine, Andyoudonotlookatme: Howsurprisingthatyoudonotknow Theartofmixing! Itisbutatuneofquest,aflameofdesire,
GODSCOUNTRY
WhenTariqburnedhisboatsonAndalusias coast,
AMessagefromtheEast95 Hismenobserved:Itwasanunwisethingto do. Wearesofarfromhome;howshallwenow return? ForegoingmeansiswrongintheDivine Lawsview. Helaughedand,puttinghishandonhis sword,declared: AlllandsareGodsandtheyareallour homelandtoo. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain] Towardstheshorelessoceanhowmerrily itflows; Linkedwithitself,unlinkedwithall,it flows. Ahundredbrooksfromwoodsandmeadows, fromvalesandgardensandvillascried: Othouwithwhomaccordstheearths expanse! Strickenwithdrought,wehavefallenbythe way; Protectusfromthepillageofthesandy waste! ItopeneditsbreasttothewindsoftheEast andtheWest, Claspingitsweakandwailingfellow travelers. Towardstheshorelessoceanhowmerrily itflows; Withahundredthousandmatchlesspearls itflows. Thesurgingriverwentoverdamdyke, Wentoverthenarrowgorgeofvalley,hilland glen, Madeone,likeatorrent,eachhollowand eminence, Wentoverthekingspalaceandrampartand fieldandorchard. Passionateandfierceandsharp,restlessand heartinflaming. EachtimeitarrivedattheNewandwent beyondtheOld. Towardstheshorelessoceanhowmerrily itflows; Linkedwithitself,unlinkedwithall,it flows. [TranslatedbyProf.HamidAhmadKhan]
THESTREAM1
Beholdthestream!Howmerrilyitflows Rightthroughthemeadow,liketheMilky Way! Twassoundasleepinthecradleofthe clouds; Openeditswonderingeyeinthelapofthe mountains. Fromthepebblesitsgracefulmotionmusic strikes; Itsbrowschasteandunsulliedlikethemirror! Towardstheshorelessoceanhowmerrily itflows; Linkedwithitself,unlinkedwithall,it flows. ArounditstrackSpringfashionedafairyland: Narcissusbloomed,andtulip,andjessamine. Therosesaidtemptingly:Staywithushere awhile; Therosebudlaughedandpulledthehelmof itsskirt. Unmindfulofthesegreenrobedbeauty vendors, Itcleftthedesertandrentthebreastofhill anddale.
ALAMGIRSLETTER
Iqbalsfootnote:TheStreamisafreerendering ofGoethescelebratedpoem,MohametsGesang, whichwascomposedlongbeforeWestOsetlicher Divan.InittheGermanpoethasexquisitely broughtforththeIslamicconceptoflife.Infact,it formedpartoftheplanneddramaonIslamwhich hecouldnotcomplete.Thetranslationismeant onlytoshowGoethespointofview.

1
(Tooneofhissonswhousedtoprayforthe fathersdeath) Doyouknowthattopunishandreward HasbeenfromoldthebusinessoftheLord? Hehasheardmanyanguishinglaments Fromthisbenightedplanetsresidents, ButdidacryescapeHislips?Ohno.
96CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal LikeShabbirHehasseenstreamsofblood flow. WhileJacobwept,Helookedonunimpressed; AndbyJobswailingHewasnotdistressed. Donotthinkthatyouevercanensnare ThatseasonedHunterwithyourfoolish prayer. Ofshrubsthatinterlace. Thetulipsburstforthfromtheearth; Thewavesleapupinstreams. Lookatthesparksthedustputsforth Andthewavessilverseams. Comebringyourluteandstrikeitsstrings, Andfillyourcupwithwine, Andlettherebegaygatherings Togreetspringscaravan. LookatthathighbornBrahminmaid, Lilylimbed,tulipfaced, Lookatherandfeelyourselffade Intosomeonelowplaced.
PARADISE
Thisworldofoursisfullofastrangejugglery. Heavendoesnothavethiskindofarevolving sky. ItsJosephisastrangertoimprisonment; AnditsZuleikhasheartdoesnotknowhow tocry. ItsAbrahamhasnotbeencastintoafire. ItsMosesdoesnothavealivesparkinhis soul. Itsbarquehasneverhadtocopewithstormy winds, Andneverhasbeentossedaboutbyseasthat roll. Therecertaintyhasneverbeenassailedby doubt. Thereunionisnotplaguedbyseparations fear. Howcanyouhavethejoyofstrayingfrom thepath, Ifthepaththatyouhavetotreadisfixedand clear? Neverliveinaworlddevoidofjoyandzest, WhereGodexists,butBeelzebubdoesnot exist.
LOVE
ToIntellect,which,ifitchose, Couldsettheuniverseaflame, LearnsfromLovetoilluminate, Insteadofburningup,itsframe. ToLoveitisthatyoursoulowes Itsheightenedstatesengenderment FromRumisardentpassionto Farabissolemnwonderment. Isingthesejoyinspiringwords Isingthemanddancewithdelight Loveisabalsamfortheheart Despiteitssoultormentingmight. Noteverysubtlepointcanbe Expressedinwords.Consultawhile Yourownheart:maybeyouwillsee Mypointmadeintheheartsownstyle.
KASHMIR
RepairtoKashmirslandandsee Hills,meadows,pastures,wealds. Seemilesonmilesofgreenery Andendlesstulipfields. Whiffafterwhiffspringbreezesblow, Andhostsofbirdsofspring Thethrush,thequail,thedoveallgo Fromplacetoplaceandsing. Tohideitfromthejealoussky Theearthveilsitsfairface Behindacomplextracery
HUMANITY
Lastnightaninfidelwinevendorsaidtome: AttendtothewisecounselIgiveandhold fast Toit.Thecustomofthedrinkersofthepast Wastogofromthetaverndrunkquite merrily, Butintheirsensesstill.Idonotaskthatyou Shouldnotsayyourheartssay;butsayit withalldue Respectandonlydrinkwhatyoucancarry well. AsforGodsrole,Oitisgrand;butletmetell
AMessagefromtheEast97 You,dustthatweare,strivingisourquality: DonotsellforGodspoweryourhumanity. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]
TOAMUSLIMMISSIONARYINENGLAND
TimehasrekindledNimrodsfire SothatthemettleofIslammayonceagainbe proved. Come,letuslifttheveilfromourhearts wound, Foritisthesunsnakednessthatmakesit shineovertheworld. Youhavemademanysubtlepointsbeforethe charmersoftheWest, Andmeltedmanyidolsheartswiththeheat ofyourarguments. Come,nowgivesomenewsofthecityof SulaymatothepeopleofHijaz, Andflingasparkintothedead,cold conscienceofthepeopleofTuran. Oknowerofmaqam,strikethenoteofiraqand khurasan; Revivethesingingofghazalsintheassemblies oftheAjamis. ItisalongtimesincetheAfghansluteawaits theplectrumsstrokes. Whatmelodieshaveturnedtoblood,pentup withinitsbreast. WhytellLovesstorytoapeoplegivento lust? WhyputthesurmaofwiseSolomonintoants eyes?
SLAVERY
Manlethimself,dullthing,bewooed Byhisownkindtoservitude, Andcastthedearestpearlhehad BeforeJamshedandKaikobad; Tillsoingrainedhiscringingswere, Hegrewmoreabjectthanacur Whoeversawatonedogsfrown Anotherdogsmeekheadbowdown? [TranslatedbyV.G.Kiernan]
THERIDDLEOFTHESWORD
Namethatverykeencontender Whichdrawslusterjustlikewater Fromastone, Butwhich,unlikeAlexander, DoesnotoweittoaKhizr Asaboon, Andwhich,likeatearwashedvision, Purifiedbythatablution, Isagleam, Neatandcleanandclearandlimpid, Withitsraimentquiteunwetted Inmidstream. Itsthemeneedsnolongerstatement Thanasingleline,iftrenchant.
GHANIKASHMIRI
Thatnightingaleofpoetry,Ghani, WhosanginKashmirsparadisalland, Used,whileathome,toshutupallthedoors, Butleavethemopenwhileawayfromhome. Somebodyquestionedhimconcerningthis. Ocharmingbard,hesaid,Whydoyoudo Thisstrangething,whichnobody understands Themeaningof?Ghani,whohadnowealth Excepthisgiftofpoetry,replied: Whatpeopleseemedoingisquiteright. Thereisnothingofanyvalueinmyhouse Exceptmyself.WhenIamin,thehouse Istobeguardedlikeatreasurehouse. WhenIamout,itisanemptyplace, Whichnobodywouldcaretowalkinto.
DEMOCRACY
Youseekthetreasuresofanalienphilosophy Fromcommon,lowgradepeople,themselves poorofmind. Antscrawlingonthegroundcannotattain TheheightsofwisdomofaSolomon. Avoidthemethodofdemocracy; Becomethebondmanofsomeoneofripe intelligence; Forafewhundreddonkeyscannothave, combined, Thebrainsofoneman,ofonehomosapiens.
LINESADDRESSEDTOMUSTAFAKAMAL PASHA
Therewasonceanunletteredman, Thankstowhosewisdomwelearnedall Aboutthemysteries Ofhumandestiny. Inoriginwewere Nothingbutafaintspark. Helookedatus,andwebecame Aworldilluminatingsun. TheoldmanoftheHaremwiped TheimprintofLovefromhisheart, Andwewerehumbledintheworld Inkeepingwithoursinsdegree. Itisthedesertwindthatsuits Ournaturalmakeup. Themorningbreezesbreathturnedus Intobudswithconstrictedhearts. Othattumultuousdinofourswhichonce Usedtoshootupabovethesky, Reducedtotrebleandbass, Becameamerelament. Howmanyquarriesweoncecaught Withoutnetsandtiedtooursaddlestraps! Butnow,withbowsandarrowsunder armpits,we Ourselvesbecameourquarriesprey. Whereveryoucanfindaway Raceyourhorsethither,for Wehavebeenoutdonemanytimes Onthismaneuveringground.1
Isthisouraeroplane, Withspeedierwingsthanangelswings, Inflightaroyalfalconand Aneagleinsheerstrength, Withfarflungregionsinitsrange! Whileinthesky,itthundersanditroars; Butinitsnestitisasquietasafish. OurwisdomhascreatedGabriels Fromcommonclay, Andhasmadeoftheearthaproofofheaven. Onhearingmyspeechthatwisebird Lookedatmeinaknowingway. Then,scratchinghiswingswithhisbeak, Hesaid:Idonotmarvelatyourwords; Buttellme,Oyou,whocansee Thehowandwhyofthings, Whosemagicholdsswayovereverything, Beithigh,beitlow, Haveyoudonewellyourtasksonearth Thatyouaremeddlingwiththesky?
LOVE
Letmeexposetoyouwhoheard, Andwhere, Thatheartenkindlingword Whichis,andwhichisnot,amystery. Dewstoleitfromthesky, Anddroppeditintherosesear. Therosepasseditontothenightingale, Whichsangittothebreezesasawail.
CIVILIZATION
Man,whohasbrighteneduphisface Withcivilizationsrouge, Displaysthedarkdustwhichishe Asifitwereamirror. Hehideshisironfist Underavelvetglove. Charmedbythepen, Hehaslaidoffthesword. Thisslaveoflustoncebuilt Anidoltempleofworldpeace, Anddancedarounditto Themusicofthepipesofpeace. Butwhenwartoretheveil Offitspretence,
THEAEROPLANE
Perchedonarosebushbranch Onemorning,abirdsaid Tootherbirds: Thesonofmanhasnotbeengivenwings, Andsothispoorfoolisearthbound. Isaidtohim:Olittlebird, Whotalksoairily, DonotmindifIspeakthetruthtoyou. Wehavemadeoftheaeroplaneourwings, Andsohavefoundawaytoheaven. Whataskysoaringbird
Thequotationisfromthesixteenthcentury MughalpoetNaziriNishapuri.
1
AMessagefromtheEast99 Itstoodexposed Asmansbloodthirstyenemy. Aroundmygrave Stoodinaring Abevyoffairmourners, Allcomely,winsome,lilywhite. Thecaravanofrosesandoftulipshas Alightedinthegarden. Owherefromcome Somanythingswithbleedinghearts? Youseekgoodmanners,learning,taste Intheschoolroom. Butnoonebuyswinefrom Aglasswarefactory. TheteachingoftheWestsphilosophers Increasedmywisdomsfund. Thecompanyofseerslitup Mybeingsverycore. Bringoutthemusicwhich Isinyournaturesmakeup. Oselfobliviousman, Castoutofyourheadotherstunes. Noonehasrealised ThatItoohavesomeworth. Iamapreciousobjectfallen Intothehandsofblindmen. Ourthoughtisconstantlyengaged Infashioningnewgods. Releasedfromonebond,it Entanglesitselfinanother. Cometotherooftopandremove UnhesitatinglyYourfacesveil. ThereisnobodyinYourstreet MoreeagertoseeYouthanI. Iamsojealousof Theseeingpowerofmyeyes ThatIweavewithmysight OnemoreveilforYourface. Onelook,oneflittingsmile, Oneshiningtear Otherthanthesethereis Nopledgeoflove.
THEWINEREMAINING
(GHAZALS) Whenspringmadeofthegarden Averitableconcerthall, Thenightingalesimpassionedsongs Madebudsopentheireyes. Donotimaginethattheclayweare Wasfashionedwhentheworldwasmade; Forwearestillathought InBeingsmind. Donotpreenyourselfonyourscholarship. Ittakesmuchmoretodrinkwithdecorum. Thecityjurist,whenhedrank, Spilledhiswinealloverhisdress. Allthatspringdidwasthatitput Togetherscatteredleaves. Itisoureyethatlends Colourandbrightnesstothetulip. Thisisthesignofonewhohas Hiseyefixedonhisinnerself: Hespeaksnomoreofpresentthings Andabsentthings. Onenightawittyoldmaninthetavernmade Anaptremark.Hesaid: IneveryagethereisanAbraham, AndthereisalsoNimrodsfire. WhatformsIshaped Inlifesworkshop! Whatpassingthingshavepassedaway! Andwhatthingsthatweretherearenowno more! Speakgentlytotheidolworshipper; ForLove,thatbrooksnoslight, Laidthefoundationsofanidolhouse InMahmudsheartitself. InIndialifesanthemis Devoidofalleffect; ForevenDavidssongs Cannotbreathelifeintothedead.
100CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Iamproudofmylove,whichwith Thegriefofseparationforged Anotherbondofpain ConnectingYouandme. Inorderthatyoursong,Obirdofspring, Maybemorelively,take Alittlemorefirefrom Thesanctuaryofmyheart. TheharpoftheTimuridsbroke: Itsmusicisalive. Itburstforthfrom AnotherinstrumentofSamarkand. CustodianoftheHarem, DonotadmitIqbal; Forhehasuphissleeve Newidolseveryday. Ihavethisoddcomplaint Againstmyseeingeyes: WhenYouunveilYourself, Mysightactsasaveil. Fromme,acreatureofmereclay, Tellcreaturesoflightthis: Bewareapinchofdust Whichisawareofitsidentity. Wesingandburn Inspringsassemblyhall. Ourmorningsong Hassetourwingsaflame. Howcanonewhohaslosthimself Knowwheremysongscomefrom? Myworldisnot Hisworld. Ifellinanookofthegarden, Bleedinglikeatulip. Adartfromsomeoneseyes Struckatmyheart. Inlivingmenscreedlife Isapursuitofhardships. IhavenotvisitedtheKabah.Whynot? Becausethejourneyissosafe. Untoldassemblieshavebeenorganised, Onlytobedissolved, Inthissmallhaltingplace Illuminedbythemoon. Ariseandmakeaman Outofthedustyouare. Thetimeallowedtoyou Isonlythedurationofaspark. Assumingyouarenotamanoflust, Letmegiveyouatip: Lovegathersstrengthfromplaints Thatgowithouteffect. Mysonghasrelitoldfires InPersia,butArabia Isstillastrangerto Myardentlays. Thisismywayoffindinginthiscompany Aconfidant: IsingghazalsandthroughthemI ConveythemessageofmyFriend. Inthatpeculiarprivacy Wherespeechactsasaveil Iletmyheart Speakinthelanguageoftheeyes. Inordertocleanseit AndmakeitfittoseeYourface, Iwashmysight Withtears. Thoughmyaffairsaretiedupinaknot, Justlikeabud,Igrow Withabudseagerness Towitnessthesunsglory. Mybeingisawave, Whichfearsnoflood. DonotthinkthatIseekashore Whileswimmingintheseaoflife. Heistome Whatsightistotheeye. Evenatthefarthestremove IalwaysamwithHim. Hepaintedonmyeyesscreen Thepictureofaworld. ItisasifIwere Underamagicmakersspell.
AMessagefromtheEast101 Itsdomewithitsdoorsshut Cannotcontainme. Iamathorn Inthesideofthisancientsky. Thejoyofbeingonthewing Willnotletmerestinmynest. Onemomentonatreebranch, ThenextIamonthestreamsbrink. Ariseandwakennotes Aslumberintheorganskeys. Teachsingingbirds Freshtunes. Thepathislikeatulipbed Withpassersbysblooddrops. Whoistheonewhoseproudmighthas WaylaidthecaravanofhumbleLove? SinceYouhaveopenedtothegarden Itssleepyeye, Givethenarcissustime Sufficientforaglance. Toinmatesoftheinnersanctuarysay Thisfromme,tonguelessasIam: Wordsneverutteredbyyouare Onlittlechildrenslips. Oyouwholengthenoutyourprayers Infrontofothermen, Whenyoubowyourheadontheground, Theunbelieverswatchingfumeindignantly. Althoughtheintellect RatesLovenotveryhigh, Iwouldnotgivealoversanguishedsigh ForJamshidsthrone. ABrahminsaidtoGhaznavi: Lookatmymagicpowers; Youwhobrokeidolshavebecome YourselfAyazsslave. Letmetellasecretto Theservantsoftheking: Youcanmakethewholeworldyours Withamovingsong. Whyprideyourselfonyourriches? Inthecityofthelovesick Mahmudsbrokenheart IsnotworthAyazssmile. Histheprideofindependence, Histhewealthofpoverty. Onewho,thoughpoor,isnobeggar Makesakingsheartquakeinfear. YouaskmewhereIreside: Intheheartsenchantedworld, Wheredepressionsarenotsolow Andwhereheightsarenotsohigh. Leavealonethepathofreason. ThereareotherwaystoHim Humblenessofheart, Chastityofeye. StillimperfectonYourpath, ImmaturethroughYourneglect, Ihaveasoulhalfonfire, Youhaveaneyebuthalfopen. Myprostrationshavestrewnroses Ontheidoltemplespath. Toogreatismyheartsdevotion Formeretwoprostrationpraying. Whatpride,whathumility Arethereinaloversquarrel! Eyespretendingnonchalance, Andheartignoringthepretence. Come,forasakiwitharoselikeface Isplayingonalute. Theairofspringhasmadethegardenlook AsifitwereapaintingfromArzhang. Thetulipbridehasusedforhenna Thebeartsbloodofthespring. Howgreedily,howlustily, Shehankersaftercolour! Theeyecangrasp, Withtheaidofaheartysong, Ameaningthatistoobigfor Thegarmentofmerewords. LookwiththeeyesofLove SothatyoufindsometraceofHim.
102CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Toreasonseyetheworld Isnothingbutillusionanddeceit. FromLovelearnhowtoact, Andthendowhatyoulike; ForLoveisthequintessenceof Sagacityandsense. Yourfinalgoalandmine Arehigherthantheheavens. Thesunisbutamilestoneon Thehighwayofourcaravan. Youhavesurpassedyourself, Owaterdrop. Itwereagreatshametogettothesea, Andthennotcomeupasapearl. Youdonotknowyourworth. Theshiningrubyis Amerestone:itacquires Itspreciousnessfromyou. Ineverworshippedforms; Ibroketheidolhouse. Iamarushingflood, Whichburstsallbounds. Aboutmybeingornonbeing Thoughtwasindoubt. ButLovemademanifest ThefactthatIexist. Iworshipintheidolhouse, AndIprayintheKabah, Aroundmyneckthesacredthread, Andinmyhandtherosary. Idarenotwastethewealthofgrief Youhavebestowedonme. SoIsteminmyeyesthetears Thatwellupfrommyheart. Wiseinmywords, Iammadinmydeeds. Drunkwiththewineofloveforyou, Iamstillfullysober. Thebreezeofspringmakesof Thegardenawinetavern. Itcastsbudsintojarshapes, Andmakesofflowerscups. Whenloveattainsitsclimax,then Norivalryremains. Inflittingroundacandlemoths Joinhandswithoneanother. Lifebuilds,butalsoburns; Andwhatitburnsitbuildsagain. Howruthlesslyitburns! Howeagerlyitbuilds! Aneagleinacage, Whenheacceptsfoodoffered, Becomessotimidthathetrembles Onseeingshadowsofquailswings. Ogardener,tellIqbal Tobeofffromthegarden, Forthisspellbindingsinger Makesmenforgettheroses. Conveymysalutation TothatfireeatingTurk Whosetaflamewithoneglance Acityfuloflonging. Thepointofthiswillbeseenby Asympatheticheart: Isworetodrinknomore, Butdidnotbreakthejarofwine. Onightingale,Iwarnedyoumanytimes Againsttherosesinfidelity; Butyoupersistinclingingto Itsscentlessskeleton. Thesecretoflife,ifyouwant Toknowit,liesinrestlessness. Itwouldbeshamefulforastream Togoonrestinginthesea. OIamhappythattolovers YouHavegrantedrestlesssouls AndthatYouhavecreatedno Cureforthemaladyofseeking. DonotseekunionwithMe, ForItranscendallthought. BysayingthisYougavemytears Anewexcuseforflowing.
AMessagefromtheEast103 Createafurorinthegarden, Stormitwithyourlament. Untilbreathgetschokedinyourbreast Donotgiveupyourwailing. Youhavemadeeverythorn Prickusandknowourtale. Youtookustothewilderness Ofmadness,andleteverybodyknow. Ourfaultwasweateofagrain, Andhisthatherefusedtobow. Youneverpardonedthatpoordevil, NorhaveYouyetforgivenus. Ahundredworldsspringuplikeflowers Fromourimaginationssoil. Thereisbutonerealworld;andthattoo Youhavemadeofthebloodofmurdered wishes. LikecolourthereflectionofYourbeauty Shinesthroughtheglass. Youhavemadeofthegobletswall AscreenforYourself,justlikewine. O,laysomenewfoundation,for Wehappentolikenovelty. WhatisthisgiddypeepshowYouhavemade Ofyesterdays,tomorrowsandtodays? Happythemanwhoburnedwithflamesof wine Hisintellectualgoods. Hegainedanewthingfromtheflames, Richlikethetulipsfieryhue. Comeyou,too,giveyourface Avernalfreshnesswithacupofwine, ForspringmakespiousSufissell Theirgarmentsforthatstuff. Ifeltgreatpityfor Thejurist,whenIheard Thetavernerrefusedtobuyofhim Alegalrulingforacupofwine. Donotjudgemusicby Myineffectualsongs. Alightningflashofitcanburn AnAlexanderswholedomain. Omorningbreeze,convey MygreetingstothehappyWeimartown. Thelightthatradiatedfromithas Illuminedmanysagesminds. Fetchwine,fortheheavens Haveturnedinourfavour. Songsaregerminating Likebudsfromthebranches. Idrinkinremembrance Ofthatholyperson Whowouldnotdrinkwinebut Withhisbooncompanions. Maythetribeincreaseof Thatsagaciousmanwho Saidthatthelightofhope Isatorchonlifespath. WhatIsingistoohigh Formylikelylisteners. SoIsingwherenoone Listenstomysinging. Verseissuchathingas Teststhebuyersjudgment. Iamgladthatnoone Buysmypoetry. Fromhispleasingverses ItisclearthatIqbal, Teacherofphilosophy, TurnedtoLovesvocation. Ilongformanlyweapons Bow,dagger,spearandsword. O,donotcomewithme, FormineisShabbirsway. Lookatmegathering Strawforanest, Andlookatmeagain, Wishingforfiretoburnitoff. Hesaid:Keepyourlipssealed. LetnotMysecretbebetrayed. Isaid:Ono,Imust ProclaimthatYouaregreat.
104CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Hesaid:Askfor Whateverisyourwish. Isaid:Iwishtoknow Themysteryoffate. AllthatIknow Aboutmylifeisthis: Adreamforgotten,whichIwish Tohaveinterpretedforme. Owhereisthatalluringglance Thatcaptivatedmyheartfirst? Godblessyou,Idesire Thatarrowonceagain. Learnhowtoputarosary Beadonthesacredthread, Andifyoureyesseedouble, Thenlearnhownottosee. Comeforthlikefragrancefrom Theclosetofthebud, Mixwiththemorningbreeze, Andthuslearnhowtoblow. Ifyouhavebeencreatedas Ahumbledropofdew, Ariseandlearnhowtofallon Atulipsheart. Ifyouhavebeencreatedasathorn Adheringtoafreshblownrose, Maintainthegardenshonour: Learnhowtoprick. Ifyouareweededbythegardenerout Ofyourownflowerbed, Learnhowtogrow Afreshasgrass. Sothatyoucomeoutstrongerand Morebitterstill, Remaininthewinecellar,and Beseasonedthere. Howlongwillyouremain Underanotherswings? Learnhowtofly Withfreedominthegardenair. WhenIknockedatthetaverndoor, Thetavernkeepersaid: Go,lightafireintheHaremitself, Andletitsetyourheartaflame. Fromyourowndustelicitthefire Thatisnotyetaflame. Itisnotworthwhileborrowing Theradianceofothers. Iwouldnotgive ForJamshidsrealm Nazirisline: Onewhohasnotbeenkilledcanneverhave beenfromourtribe. Thatsorcerer,theintellect, Attacksyouwithahost; Butdonotbedismayed, ForLoveisnotalone. Youdonotknowtherah, Andyouareignorantofthemaqam. Thereisnotune WhichisnotinSulaymaslute. Ihavemyeyessofixedonmyselfthat, AlthoughthebeautyofmyFriend Hasconqueredthewholeworld, Ihavenotimetolookatit. Come,letusmakeanuproarin Thecityofthelovely. Themadnessofthelivelydoesnotseek Adesertforaroamingground. Come,tellataleabout Thehuntingofthemonstersofthesea. Donotsaythatyourboat Isunusedtotheseasways. OIadmirethecourageof Atravellerwhodoesnottread Aneasypaththatdoesnotpass Throughdeserts,overmountains,across streams. Liveinthecompany Oflivelyrevellers. Shunthediscipleshipofone Whoisnotanuproariousman. Theacmeofexpressionis Nottospeakinbare,literalterms.
AMessagefromtheEast105 Thespeechofinmatesoftheinnercircleis Alwaysinsymbolsandinsigns. Awavecanwellbeseveredfrom Thebosomofthesea, Andyoucanwellenclosetheboundlesssea Withinthechannelofyourprivatestream. Acityfulofheartscanwellbemadetobleed Withapoignantsong. Agardenfulofflowerscanwellbepierced Byawhiffofthemorningbreeze. ThemightyGabrielcanwellbeturned Intoahandtrainedsparrow. Hiswingscanwellbetiedupwith Asinglenearsingedhair. OAlexander,kingshipis MorefrailthanJamshidscup. Awholeworldfulofmirrorscanbesmashed Withbutasinglestone. Ifyouarestableinyourself, Whatharmcanadestructiveflooddoyou? Foryoucansettleatitsbottomas Apearldoesatthebottomofthesea. AsceticthatIam,too.proud Toask,mycreedisthis: ThatIhadratherseemybodybreaktobits Thanseekamedicinetokeepitwhole. Ahundrednightsofwailing, Ahundredmorningsoftravail, Ahundredfireemittingsighs. Theproduct?Onepoignantverse. Doyouknowhow Youcantelllovefromlust? TheformerisFarhadspickaxe, ThelatterisParvezsguile. Tellthosebehindtheinnercurtainthis: ThehandfulofdustthatisI Isdustthatsees, Isdustthatraisesstorms. Apleasingsongsungby Anearlymorningbird Intoxicatesmeandenrapturesme, Osaki,Omusician. FromSamarkand,Ifear, Theremayariseagain ThethreatofaHulakuor TheterrorofaGenghisKhan. Osinger,singaghazaloracoupletof TheholyguideofRum, Sothatmysoulmaybeimmersed InthefireofTabriz. Letsurmabrightenonceagain Yourmagicworkingeyes, Andletmyfrenziedurgetosing Aboutthembeintensified. Inventanotherpattern,and Createanew,maturerman. ItdoesnotsuitaGod Tofashiondollsofclay. Thestoryofmyheartisbestuntold, Myanguishbestconcealed. But,Omyconfidants,whatshallIdo Aboutthepleasureofcomplaining? Whereisthebreastinflamingsigh Andwheretheheartdissolvingtear? Stonestohurlatthemirrorof Theknotresolvingintellect. Assembleinthegardenandthemeadow, Andplaythelute, Drinkwine,singghazals,and Unbuttonyourqabas. Itisdaybreak.Thecaravan Hassaiditsprayersandisallsettostart. Perhapsyouhavenotheard Thestartingbell. Idonotbearwithmonarchsairs, NordoIseektheirfavours. Ogreeddeludedman, Lookatapaupersbravery. Theintellectsdeceitfulness Isworthyofremark: Itistheleaderofthecaravan, Yetfondofhighwayrobbery.
106CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Donotseekguidancefrom Thatjackofalltrades,intellect. ApplytoLove,foritisperfectin Theonlyartitpractises. AlthoughtheWestconverseswiththestars, Beware, Thereisinallitdoes Ataintofsorcery. WhatcanIsayconcerninglife Anddeath?Forinthisancientinn Lifeisslowdeath, Anddeathlifesfinalagony. Pullupyourhorsesometimes Atthegravesofusmartyrs; Oursilencehas Somethingtosay. PitchyourtentinthedesertofArabiaagain, ForPersiaisconvivialcompany, Whichhasstalewine Andbreakablewinecups. Nocityshaykh,nopoet,and Noholyman,Iqbal Isbutaroadsidebeggar,but Hehasaproud,contentedheart. OIlongforasight Ofthatfullmoon. SoIstandhandonheart, Eyesfixedonahousetop. Myday,saidBeauty,knows Noevening. Iburneternally, SaidLove. Iamaprisonerofnoyesterday, Ofnotomorrow,notoday, Ihave Nostation,highorlow. Iamthewineofmystery Insearchofonetodrinkmeup. SointheMagiswinehouseI Rotatelikeawinecup. Donotpassunconcernedly Bymydistractedsong, ForIamacelestialbird ChargedwithamessagefromtheFriend. Idrawthecurtainand Behinditspeak. OIamabloodsheddingsword, ButIkeepmyselfsheathed. Thesapinthetreeofourlife Comesfromourthirst. Toseekthespringofimmortality Istobeunadventurous. WhomshallItellthestoryofmyheart? Andinwhatway? Forsighsareineffectual Andlookingisirreverence. Chantyourghazals, Butletthekeybeverylow; Forbirdsonghere Isstillinundertones. MenofHijazhaverobbed Ourcaravanofallitsgoods. Butsilence!Forourfriend IsfromArabia. ThetreeoftheTurkshasbornefruitbecause ItwasstruckbythelightningoftheWest. TheadventoftheChosenOnetookplace BecauseofAbuLahabism. DonotassesswhatIsingby ThestandardsofIranandHindustan. Itisagemwhichistheproductof Nocturnaltears. Come,Ihavebrought FromthevatoftheguideofRum Thewineofpoesy, Muchyoungerthanthewineofgrapes. Atrueloverdoesnotdifferentiate BetweentheKabahandtheidolhouse. TheoneistheBelovedsprivacy, TheotherHisappearingpublicly. Iamgladmygravehasbeenbuilt IntheHaremsownstreet. WithmyeyelashesIwilldig
AMessagefromtheEast107 AtunnelfromtheKabahtotheidolhouse. Betterthananycompany Inthisworldorthenext Areasagaciousfriend Andtwogobletsofwine. Hereeveryonehaseyes Andeveryoneatongue. Soinyourcompany Onestorybreedsanother. WhoisHeWhohaslaunched Anightattackonhearts, WholikeaTurkhasplundered Ahundredcitiesofdesire? WhereIroaminmymadpursuit TheangelGabrielisbutsmallgame. Come,Omymanlycourage,cast AlassouponGodHimself. Iqbalhasinthepulpitblurtedout Asecretthatwasnottoberevealed. Well,hehadissuedforthstillraw Fromthewinetavernsprivacy. ThereisnowakingupwithoutYoufrom Nonbeingssleep, NobeingwithoutYou, NononbeingwithYou. Areourmindsintheworld, Oristheworldwithinourminds? Keepyourmouthshut;thisknot Canneverberesolved. Myfriendsmindsaredisturbed Bymydistractedsongs. Mymindisrestlessowingto Asongthatnevercanbesung. Ozephyr,afterall, Whatcandewstinysprinklingdo? Thefervourinthetulipsheart Cannotbeassuaged. AttachyourhearttoGod, Andseeknohelpfromkings. Theirsisathresholdonwhichone Shouldneverrubonesbrow. Thisazuresky, Allthatishigh,allthatislow, Forallitsvastness,is Encompassedintheloversheart. Ifyoudesiretoknowthesecretofeternity, Thenopenyoureyestoyourself, Foryouaremany,youareone, Youareconcealedandyouaremanifest. Omyafflictedheart, Younowknowwhatislove. Youcannotrestwithinmybreast Andpouryourselfoutthroughmyeyes. Arise,forspring Haslittheflowerslamps. Ariseandspendsomemomentswith Thetulipsofthewilderness. Lovesmagiccharmsarenumberless, AndcountlessBeautysways. Oweareinfinite, BothYouandI. Ahundredtimeswereraisedtoheaven, Ahundredtimeswereburiedintheearth Thepowerandthepomp OfKhaqansandFaghfurs,ofDarasand Jamshids. Alonewithmyself,yetwithHim.Owhatis this? Arewetogetherorapart? Whatdoyousay,Ointellect? Whatdoyousay,OLove? LinesAddressedToASufi NeitherhaveInoryouthewish TogotoLaylashouse. NeitherhaveInoryoutheheart Tobearthedesertheat. Iamayoungwineserverand Youkeeperofanoldwineshop. Thecompanyisthirsty,yet Wineneitheryouhave,norhaveI. Wehavepledgedourheartsandourfaith ToAjamslovelyones.
108CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal TheflameofloveforSulayma. Burnsneitheryounorme. Therewasanemptyshell Thatwepickedupontheseashore. Thepreciouspearl HaveneitheryounorI. Donottalkanymoreabout TheJosephwehavelost. ThewarmthofaZulaikhasheart HaveneitheryounorI. Itisbestthatwemakedowithalamp Thathasourgarmentsskirtforshade. ThepowertofaceSinaislamp HaveneitheryounorI. Iamaguidepostto Thegoalofheartsdesire.Adheretome. Mixwithyourdust Asparkofmypurefire. Thetulipbride Hascomeoutofitsboudoir. Come,letmefireyoursoul Withpassionstimulatingtalk. ThetaleofFarhadsgrief AndofParvezshappiness Istoldineveryage Indifferentways. ThoughborninIndia, Idrawmyinspirationfrom Thehalloweddust OfKabulandBokharaandTabriz Intheworldofourheart Therearenophasesofthemoon. Thereisarevolution,but Nomorningandnoevening. Woetothecaravan Which,lackingenterprise, Looksforaroad Thatisnotdangerous. Abandonreasonandbecomeembroiled InthewavesoftheseaofLove, Inreasonslittlestream Therearenopearls. Whateveristheobjectof Thestrivingsofourthought Isinoureyes, Butlikeoursightinvisible. Ourwailingiswithouteffect, Andfruitlessareourcries. Thegainfromallthisardency? Aheartwhosesongsaresteepedinblood. InferventquestofHimtheheart CreatedtempleandHarem. WelongforHim: Hewatchesuswithunconcern. Theveiledoneshaveunveiledthemselves, WhileIhavegoneintomyselfsretreat. Lookatmyselfrespectinglove. Whoisfondofdisplaysay,theyorI? Thesingeratthetavernmade Asubtlepointlastnight.Hesaid: Thetastingofwineisasin; Thedrinkingofitnone: Wayfarerslifeconsists Inhurryingfromplacetoplace. Thecaravanofwaves Hasnoroadandnogoal. OurgoalisGod. ThissayingoftheguideofRum Waslikeaflameflungat Thestrawthatismyself. Theferventqualityofverse Comesfromtheheartsecstaticcry. Thiscandleisalight Thankstotheheart,whichisitsmoth. Ahandfulofmeredust, Wehadnogustoforlament. Ourclamourisalldue Totherotationoftheheartswinecup. Thisdarkabodeofdust, Whichyouhavenamedtheworld, Isjustawornoutimagefrom Theidoltempleoftheheart.
AMessagefromtheEast109 Sittinginhisobservatory, Thestargazingastronomer Islookingfortheboundary Oftheheartswilderness. Celestialbeingsarecaughtin ThelassoofHisglance. TheSufiisavictimof Thedepredationsoftheheart. MahmudofGhazna,who Razedidolhousestotheground, Himselfbecameavotary Oftheheartsidolhouse. Onemoreinsouciantthan TheMuslimIhaveneverseen. Hehasaheartinhisbreast,yet Heisastrangertotheheart. Themajestyissnatchedaway Frommountainsandbestowedonleaves Ofgrass.Aroyalcrown Isputontheheadofaroadsidebeggar. InLoveswaywhoiswho Isoflittleaccount. ThewhitepalmofaMosesis Conferredonablackman. Sometimeskingshipisnotbestowed Onthesonofaking; Sometimesitisbestowedupon Aprisonerinawell. Awaysidebeggarmaybeturnedinto Aconquerorandruleroftheworld Byhavinggrantedtohiseyes Thecuttingpowerofasword. Lovehasbeenoverthrownbyreason,and Theworldisupsidedown. ItmaybethatIshall Begivenfreedomtowailoverthis. YoucannotfitintotheHarem,nor Intotheidolhouse. ButOhoweagerlyYoucome TothosewhoseekYoueagerly. Setfootmoreboldlyin ThesanctumofYourlovershearts. Youarethemasterofthehouse. WhydoYoucomeinstealthily? Youplunderthepossessionsof TheSayersoftherosary, AndYoumakenightraidsonthehearts Ofwearersofthesacredthread. SometimesYouraiseahundredhosts Toshedthebloodoffriends, Andsometimescomeintothecompany Equippedwithmeasureandwithcups. OnthebushofaMosesYou Hurlflamessoruthlessly, AndtothecandleofanorphanYou Comegladlylikeamoth. Come,quaffacupofwine,Iqbal, Fromthewinecellaroftheself. YouarebackfromthetavernoftheWest Astrangertoyourself. TheanimationintheidoltempleofAjam Doesnotmatchthegreatardourofmyheart, ForwithoneglanceMuhammadofArabia HasconqueredtheHijazthatisinme. WhatshallIdo?Thewilyintellect Hastiedmeupinknots. Oneglance,Ipray.ThemotionofYoureye Perhapswillbreakitsfictionsspell. Themagictricksofreasondonottouch Thefervourofalivingheart. Forsakethetempleofphilosophy, Andcomeintothesanctumofmyheart. Donotbelikeamirror,whichistakenup Withothersbeauty.Cast Awaythethought Ofothersfromyourmind. Acquirefirefromthesingingof TheHarembirds,andburnaway Thenestthatyouhavebuilt Inotherpeoplestree.
110CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Inthisworldlearn Tounfurlyourownwings, Foryoucanneverfly Withotherswings. Iamanindependentman Andamsoselfrespectingtoo Thatyoucouldkillmewithaglass Ofwaterthatbelongedtosomeoneelse. OYou,closertomysoulthanallelse, Yethiddenfrommysight, Yourseparationfrommeis Dearertomethanunionwithallothers. Nolordshipandnomastership DoestheworldofLoveknow. Itisenough Thatitknowshowtoserve. Noteveryonewhowalksaroundanidol Andtiesthesacredthreadaroundhisneck Canclaimtoknowtherules Ofidolworshipandofunbelief. ThereareathousandKhybershere, Ahundredkindsofdragonstoo. Noteveryonewholivesonbarleybread CanknowaHydersways. BetterthanAlexanderin Theeyesofthewiseisaman, Beheabeggar,whoknowswhat TheendofAlexanderismis. Whatisthereintheblandishments Offairfacedyouth? Come,jointhecircleofanoldmanwho Knowshowtoconquerhearts. TheWestmakesglass, Andfashionsjarsandcups. Iamsurpriseditthinkstheglassitself Tobethefairyintheglass. WhatcanIsayaboutaMuslimwho IsnotaMusliminhisways, Savethisthat,thoughascionofAbraham, HefollowsAzarswayoflife. Comeintomyabodeofwoes Justforawhileandsee Howwellanillstarredman Hasmasteredalchemy. ComeandjoinIqbalscompany, Andshareadrinkortwowithhim. Althoughhedoesnotshavehishead, Heknowsqalandarsways. Thereisnomasterwhodoesnot AdoreHimlikeaslave. Thereisnoslavewho,ifhewere Amaster,wouldnotbidforHim. Althoughthepreachertalksalot ConcerningMosesandSinai, Themirrorofhistalkdoesnotreflect Thelightofthattheophany. Ourguidethinksitexpedient Tospeakinmetaphors; Butotherwisehehasnothingtodo Withfairfacedones. AttachyourhearttoHimandshun Thesewearersofpatchedclothes. Donotbecomethequarryofgazelles WhichdonotcomefromHisownTartary. Youwantamelodyofpeace Playedonmylute. HowamItoextractfromitatone Thatisnotinitsstrings? Myheartappliedtheqashqatothebrow, AndtooktoBrahminsways; Butdidsoinamannerwhich Didnotbefititssacredthread. Lovespeaksoutinthecompany Thatitfindsinthetavern. InidolhouseandinHarem. Itfindsnoconfidant. Come,forthelovemadnightingale Isbusysingingsongs. Thetulipbride Isallbewitcheryandgrace. Oconnoisseurofmusic,melody Comesforthfromstringsinvisible, Notfromthesingersthroat,
AMessagefromtheEast111 Norfromthefretsofluteorharp. Whoeverstrikesthestrings Oflifeslutewithaplectrumis, Takeitfromme, Amanwhoknowsthemysteries. Ihavebeengivenknowledgeof Whatisbehindveilsintheworld; Butdarenotopenmymouth,for Theheavensaresoperverse. Donotspeakharshly,try Thewayofamity. ThatyouandIareheretogetheris Apuregodsend. Whatisthedestinationof Thisdarkabodeofdust? Whateverthereisinitis Likeshiftingsand. Mybodyisaflowerfrom AflowerbedinKashmirsparadise. MyheartisfromthesanctumofHijaz. MysongisfromShiraz. Wearemeredust,butplanetlike Weswiftlymove, Andseektheshore Ofthisbluesea. Weoweourbeingto Asingleflameoflife; But,fromthejoyofselfhood,we Aresplitupassomanysparks. Otellthecreaturesoflightthis: Thatbydintoftheintellect Wecreaturesofdustride Thestars. Inloveweare Budsshakinginthemorningbreeze; Butinthebusinessoflifewe Arequiteashardasgranite. Likethenarcissuswe Havegrowneyesinthisgarden. OlifttheveilthathidesYourface; WearealleyesforYou. OmayArabiabecomeatulipfield, Thankstomytearsofblood. MayAjam,whichhaslostitsfragrance,find Anewspringinmybreath. Lifeisallrestlessness, Andrestlessnesseternal. Mayeveryatomofmydust Becomearestlessheart. Itdoesnotsticktoanypath; Itknowsnohaltingplace. Suchismyheart,mytraveler. MayGodbewithitalways. Bewareofreason,whichcreates Mereimagesofhopelessness. Itcharmsuswithfalseinstruments. Maytheirstringssnap. Youareayouthasyethalfbaked, Andmyverseisallheat. OmaytheghazalsIsingprove Agreeabletoyou. Inmyheart,ifyouenterit, Youwillfindnodesirebutthat Thedewthatisyoumaybecome Aboundlesssea. Mayitnotbeyourspiritsfate Thatitshouldfindamomentsrest. Omaytherestlessnessoflife Beevidencedtoyou. Yourseeingisallerror, Yourwisdomalldefect. Youneverwillgetanywhere Exceptthroughrevelation. Thepathisblind. Diveintoyourself,traveler. Fishneverlosetheirway Deepinthesea. Aselfrespectingman Doesnotgowithhisneedstokings. Amountaincannotstoop Tobealeafofgrass.
112CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Donotpassbymysong, Forinityouwillfind Thesecretofasceticlivingand Thetreasuredwealthofroyalty. Mybreathwilldotoyou Whatmorningbreezesdotobuds, Ifyouknowhowdelectable Aremorningsighs. Oheavens,youreyeshavestill Apitiless,forebodinglook. Ifearthatyouintendtostage Onemoregrimshow. Thereisnobreakerofwinejars NotmerrilydrunkwithYourwine. Thereisnosweettonguedpoetwho HasnotsuckedraptureatYourrubytinted lips. InArabdressyouare Mostpleasingtotheeyes, Butthereisnodresswhich Doesnotsuityou. Yourlipsaresilent,but Youreyesarenot. Othereisnotathingthatthey Donotsaytomybleedingheart. Iholdpoeticgatherings OnlytosingofYou,forotherwise ThereisnogatheringthatIcannot Conjureupinmysolitude. OMuslim,learnagain HowtoworkmiracleslikeSolomon. ThereisnoAhriman Whodoesnothaveaneyeuponyourring. Althoughhedoesnotwear Acrownordiadem, ThebeggarinYourstreet Isnolessthanaking. Theyoungaresleeping,while Theoldaredeadofheart. Thereisnobodyinwhoselot Aremorningsighs. Donotsitdownonseekingsroad Onthispretext Thatinourage Thereisnoonewhoknowsthepath. Howunconcernedyouare Aboutyourtime! Learnofatimeincalculable Intermsofmonthsandyears. Inthisoldinn Youlookforpeace! Itseemsthatyoudonotknowof Thestruggleforexistence. Whatcantheangelscribes Recordaboutoursins? ForourlotinYourworld Wasnothingbutspectatorship. Come,letuscatchholdof TheskirtofIqbalsrobe, Forheisnotoneofthosemenwhogoabout Inpatchedupdressesatsaintsshrines. Myloveinitsabandonhas Aliveflameinitsarms. Mysterilewisdomcannotraise Asinglespark. Lovesmeekness,whencomplete, IsonewithBeautyspride. SoinmydesertQais IsgivenLaylasname. FromIndiahaveIcomewithanurge Toprostratemyselfonyourthreshold Anurgewhichhas Turnedtobloodinmybrow. Putintothisoldunbelievershand Theswordofla, Andthenseehowthetumultof MyIllaragesintheworld. Thereoughttobearevolutionfor Theheavenstobringagain Outoftimeswombmyyesterdays Inmytomorrowsguise. Thewholeworldbenefits FromYouraboundinggrace,
AMessagefromtheEast113 ButYoudonotgrantmySinai Anytheophanyatall. InveiledtermsdoIsaytoGod, Buttoyou,ProphetofGod,openly, ThatHeisallthatisconcealedfromme, Andyouallthatismanifest. Oyouhavecarvednewimages, Alas! Youhavenotdugintoyourinnerself, Alas! Youhavebeenmeltedso BytheheatoftheWest Thatyouhavedroppedfromyourowneyes Justlikeatear.Alas! Inastreetwheremerecommondust Gainspreciousness Youdidnotprovethatyouwereevenworth Anamoroushalfglance.Alas! Itakeitthatyouhavereadthrough Thebookofwisdom,but Youhavenotunderstood ThemeaningofLovesnarrative.Alas! YouwentaroundtheKabah,and Youwentaroundtheidolhouse. Butyoudidnotengage Yourvisionwithyourself.Alas! [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain] ItisnotstrangethatyouhavetheMessiahs healingtouch: Whatisstrangeisyourpatientisthemoresick foryourcure. Thoughyouhavegatheredknowledge, youhavethrownawaytheheart; Withwhataprecioustreasureyouhave thoughtitfittopart! Thecourtingofphilosophyisavainquest, indeed; ForinitsschoolLovesloftyregimenisnot decreed. Suchareitsblandishments,itleadsastraythe pupilsheart: Thereisnomischiefitscoquettishglancesdo notbreed. Butitscoldfirecanneversettheseekers heartaflame: ItcannotgivetheheartLovessweetpain, thoughitmakesitbleed. Thoughithasroamedthedeserts,ithas capturednogazelle; Thoughithassearchedthegarden,ithasnota roseformeed. Thewisestthingthatwecandoisto appealtoLove; Forourdesiresfulfilmentweshould alwayskneeltoLove. Wisdom,sinceitsetfootonlifeslabyrinthine way, Hassettheseaonfireandmadethewhole worldgoawry. Itsalchemyconvertedworthlessgrainsof sandtogold; Butoh!itgavethewoundedheartnolove balmtoapply. Alas!weweresofoolishastoletitstealour wits: Itwaylaidus,subjectingustohighway robbery. Itraisedupmuchdustfromthecivilizationof theWest TocastintothatcivilizationsHolySaviours eye. Ohowlongcanyougoonsowingsparks andreapingflames,
APICTUREOFEUROPE
AMESSAGETOTHEWEST
Omorningbreeze,conveythistotheWestern sagefromme: Withwingsunfolded,Wisdomisacaptiveall themore. Ittamesthelightning,butLoveletsitstrike itsveryheart: IncourageLoveexcelsthatcleversorcererby far. Theeyeseesjustthecolourofthetulipand therose; Butfarmoreobvious,couldweseeit,isthe flowerscore.
114CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Andtyingupyourheartinknotswhich bearnewfanglednames? Theselfabsorbedandworldregarding wisdomaretwothings. Thenightingaleandfalconhavetwodifferent kindsofwings. Itisonethingtopickupstraygrainlyingon theground; AnothertopeckatgemsinthePleiades earrings. Itisonethingtoroamthegardenlikethe morningbreeze; Anothertodelveintherosesinmost ponderings. Itisonethingtoletdoubtandconjecturebog youdown; Anothertolookupandseecelestial happenings. BlestistheWisdomwhichhasboththe worldsinitsdomain, Whichcallsmansheartsfireaswellas theangelslightitsown. We,sinceweissuedforthoutofthesacred shrineofLove, Haveburnishedmirrorbrighttheverydust beneathourfeet. Olookatouradventurousnessinthegameof life; Forwehaverobbedthewealthofboththe worldsandboldlystakedit. Wewatchthedayandnightprocessionmove beforeoureyes, Withourtentspitchedrightonthemarginof arunningstreamlet. Onceinourheart,whichlaunchedanight raidonthisancientfane, Therewasafirewhichwebreathedintoall things,dryorwet. Wewereaflame;weflickered,broke downandbecameaspark: Andsincethenweburnfitfully,with yearningsvagueanddark. Lovelearnedthegreedywaysofearthlylust andburstallbounds: Itcaughtmeninitstoilsasfisharecaughtby fishermen. Preferringwartopeace,itreareduparmies everywhere, Whichplungedtheirswordsintotheheartsof theirownkithandkin. Itgavethenameofempiretoitsactsof banditry; Andheavysatitsyokeonthosewholivedin itsdomain. Now,holdinginitshandagobletfullof humanblood, Itdancesmadlytothetuneoffluteand tambourine. Itishightimethatwewashedcleanthe tabletofourheart: Itishightimethatwithacleanslatewe madeafreshstart. Theroyalcrownhaspassedintothehandsof highwaymen. HushedisthesongofDarius;muteis Alexandersflute. Farhadhaschangedhispickaxeforthe sceptreofParvez. Gonearethejoyofmastership,thetoilof servitude. Freedfromhisbondage,Josephsitson Pharaohshighthrone: ThetalesandwilesofPotipharswifecannot winhersuit. Oldsecretsthatwereveiledstandunveiledin themarketplace: Nolongeraretheysubjectsofdebateforthe elite. Unveilyoureyesandyouwillseethatin fullviewofyou Lifeiscreatingforitselfaworld completelynew. InthisourancientdustIfindthepuregoldof thesoul: Eachatomofitisastarseyewiththepower tosee. Ineverygrainofsandlodgedinthewombof motherearth Iseethepromiseofamanybranchedfruit ladentree. Ifndthemountainaslightasatinybladeof grass,
AMessagefromtheEast115 Andheavyasamountainseemsabladeof grasstome. Arevolutiontoobigfortheuniversesmind Isee,Iknownothow:Iseeitjustabouttobe. Ohappyhewhoseesthehorseman,not thedustalone, Whointhethrobbingofthestringssees musicsessencedrawn. Lifeis,andaslongasitlasts,willbea runningstream: Thisoldwinesyouthfuleffervescensewill alwaysbenew. Whathasbeenbutshouldnothavebeenwill notbeanymore: Whatshouldhavebeenbuthasnotbeenwill beitmustbeso. LoveisalleyesforBeautysrevelationsyetto be: AndBeauty,fondofselfdisplay,mustalways beonview: DeepintheearththatIhavewateredwithmy bloodstainedtears Myteardropswillremainembedded,gemsof arichhue. Iseeinthedarknightaportentofthe comingdawn. Mycandlehasbeenputout,buttogreet therisingsun. Itthoughtthetulipwasbrandedwiththe bloodofinnocents; IntheclosedbuditsawtheguileofSpring. Fromthecriesofburningwoeahoopoes heartcaughtfire. Thehoopoewithhisbeakdrewforththe thornfromitsbody. Saying,Gettheprofitoutofloss: Therosehascreatedpuregoldbyrendingher breast. Ifthouartwounded,makethepainthy remedy. Accustomthyselftothorns,thatthoumayst becomeentirelyonewiththegarden. [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson]
PHILOSOPHYANDPOLITICS
Philosopherwithstatesmanweighnotthou: Thosearesunblinded,thesearetearlesseyes. Oneshapesafalseargumentforhistruth, Theotherablockoflogicforhislies. [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson]
ANASSEMBLAGEINTHEOTHERWORLD
TOLSTOY
THELEAGUEOFNATIONS
Totheendthatwarsmayceaseonthisold planet, Thesufferingpeoplesoftheworldhave foundedanewinstitution. SofarasIseeitamountstothis: Anumberofundertakershaveformeda companytoallotthegraves. [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson]
Ahrimanshirelings, Warriorsofkings, Drawoppressionssword Foraloafofbread. Evilistheirgood, Andthehusktheirfood. Friendsofothers,these Aretheirownkinsfoes. Country,churchandcrown Arenarcoticsgrown Bythemastersto Buytheirslavessoulswith.
KARLMARX
SCHOPENHAUERANDNIETZSCHE
Abirdflewfromitsnestandrangedabout thegarden; Itssoftbreastwaspiercedbyarosethorn. ItreviledthenatureofTimesgarden; Itthrobbedwithitsownpainandpainof others.
Forallhiswisdom,manisnotyetself aware, Andcapitalismhasrenderedmanmans murderer.

HEGEL
Realityisdoublefaced. Theorchardandthedesertare
116CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Twoaspectsofitthatonesees. Toknowthewholetruthonemusttaste Bothgrapesandbittergourds. SofondisNatureofantitheses Thatithassetatwar Employeesandemployers,slavesandlords.

TOLSTOY
NIETZSCHE
Theheartofthephilosopher Bledatmanssinewslaxity Sohisthoughtfashionedanewcastofman. HeraisedafreshstormintheWest Itwasasifalunatic Hadcrashedintoaglasswarefactory.
Thetwofacedintellectwithitsphilosophy Ofegotismbidstheworkersufferpatiently.
MAZDAK
EINSTEIN
LikeMoseshesoughtatheophany Untilhismind,inquestoflight, Unveileditsmystery. Amomentsflightfromheavensheight Totheobserverseye Suchistheunimaginablespeed Ofitsfastbeatingwings,indeed. Sequestered,itliesatthecore Ofblackcoalinapit. Whenmanifestinitsfullglory,it BurnsuplikestrawabushonMountSinai. Unchanginginthismagicworldofmore Orless,ofhighandlow, Offarandnear,oftoandfro, Itsmakeuphasinittwosets Ofqualities,engagedinmutualstrife, Likebrightness,darkness,soothing,burning, life Anddeath,oneofwhichsetsbegets Theangelsandthehouris,while TheothershowsinAhrimanthevile. WhatcanIsayaboutthissubtlemindedsage Exceptthatfrom TheraceofMosesandofAarontherehas come AZarathustrainourage?
Iransseedsproutsforthfromthesoil OftheempiresoftheKaisersandtheCzars. Deathdancesanewdanceinkingsandrich menspalaces. ForagesdoesanAbrahamburnina Nimrodsfire Beforehecancastoutoldidolsfrom ThesanctuaryofhisLord. GoneistheageofParvez,wakeupnow, Ovictimsofhistyranny. Wrestbackfromhim Thegoodthingshedeprivedyouof.
KOHKAN
Thoughoutwardlysosimpleandsoshy, Mylovedoneisatyrant,sly Andfullofmischiefanddeceit. Shelooksallamity, Butisafighterinreality. LikeChristshertongueissweet: HerheartishardlikethatofGenghisKhan, Thatcruelman. Myintellecthasbrokendown: Mymadnesswillsoonreachitscrown; Myvisionhasdissolvedintears. Appeartome:Ipineforyou. Mypickaxehaslaidlowahill Atyourcommand;butstill Theworldappears TofavourParvez,asyoudo. Fromearthtoskyallthingsseemrunningin arace. Thecaravanmovesfast:makehaste, increaseyourpace.
BYRON
Flameswouldspringup, Justasroseandtulipdo, Fromthegardenssoil, Ifyoupouredadroportwo Onitfromhiscup, Alwaysontheboil. Englandschillyclimate Didnotsuithisspirit. Hisheartsmessagesgreatardour
AMessagefromtheEast117 Setaflamelovesmessenger. Whatafairylandofbeauty Wascreatedbyhisfancy! Seeinghisepiphanies, Youthgoesintoecstasies. Buthisgenius,thathighsoaringbird, Leftitsnesttofallintoasnare, Whichitpreferred Tosoaringintheair. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain] Fromwhosewordsmeaningsgrow spontaneously Liketulipsriotouslybreakingout. Yousleep,saidhe.Awake,awake.Toply Aboatinamirageisfollysheight. Yourebiddingwisdomguideyouonloves path! Yourelookingforthesunbycandlelight! [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]
PETFI
(AyoungpoetofHungarywhodiedinbattle defendinghiscountryandnoearthlymemorialof whomexists,ashisbodycouldnotbefound) Inthisgarden,forjustonemoment, Yousangofthebridelikerose, Youincreasedthesorrowofsomehearts, Anddispelledthesorrowofothers. Youpaintedthetulipspalmwithyour blood; Andopenedthebudsheartwithyoursighs atdawn. Youarelostinyoursongbecauseyourverse isyourtomb: Youdidnotreturntoearthbecauseyouwere notofearth. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
NIETZSCHE
Ifsongthoucrave,fleeformhim! Thunderroarsinthereedofhispen. HeplungedalancetintoEuropesheart; HishandisredwiththebloodoftheCross. Herearedapagodaontheruinsofthe Temple: Hisheartisatruebeliever,buthisbrainan infidel. BurnthyselfinthefireofthatNimrod, ForthegardenofAbrahamisproducedfrom fire. [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson]
JALALANDHEGEL
OnenightIwasengagedinteasingout TheknotsofHegelsphilosophicthought, Whichtoretheveiloftransient,finitethings, Layingbaretheinfinite,theabsolute, Andwhoseconceptionsgrand,imposing range Madetheworldshrinkintoatinymote. WhenIplungedintothattempestuoussea, Mymindbecamejustlikeastormtossed boat. Butsoonaspelllulledmetoslumberand Shutoutthefiniteandtheinfinite. Myinnervisionsharpened,Iobserved Anoldmanwhosefacewasagodlysight Themanwhosespiritsglory,likethesun, HasmadetheskyofRumandSyriabright; Whoseflameinthisbenightedwilderness Shineslikeapathilluminatinglight;
DIALOGUEBETWEENAUGUSTECOMTE ANDTHELABOURER
COMTE
Allmenareoneanotherslimbs, Theleavesandstems Ofonebigtree. Ifmansbrainistheseat Ofintellectandifhisfeet Trailontheground, Thisisbecausetheybotharebound ByNaturesineluctabledecree. Onemancommands,anotherworks,both born Toit.AMahmudcannotdo TheworkofanAyaz. Doyounotseeitisbecause Workisdividedbetweenyou
118CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Thatlifebecomesagarden,withbothrose andthorn?

THELABOURER
Philosopher,youcheatmewhenyousay ThatIcanneverbreakmyway Outofthismagiccirclethatyouweave. Youpassbasebrassforgold, Andteachmetoresignmyselftofate. WithmypickaxeIexcavate Longwaterways,inwhichIhold Theveryoceanprisoner,andretrieve MilkandhoneyfromNaturesstores. Purveyorofstrangesubtleties, YougivepoorKohkansprize,forall hissores, Totheidle,richandslyParvez. Donottrypassingwrongforright Withyourphilosophy. YoucannotdupeaKhizrssight Withamiragestrickery. Thecapitalist,withnothingtodobut Eatandsleep,isaburdenonthis earth, Whichthrivesbecauseofthosewho workonit. Doyounotknowthisidlerisathief bybirth? Thecrimethatheexistsyouwant excused. Withallyourwisdomyouhavebeen bemused.
Whereisapoetofsuchstature! Thoughnotaprophet,heispossessedof scripture! Totheonewhoknewdivinesecrets HereadaboutthepactofIblisandthedoctor. Rumisaid,Youwhobringwordstolife, AndhuntangelsandGod Yourthoughthasmadeitshome Intheinnerrecessesoftheheart, Andcreatedthisoldworldanew. Atoneandthesametimeinthebodysframe, Youhaveseenthetranquillityandthe restlessnessofthesoul, Youhavebeenawitnesstothebirthofthe pearlintheshell. Noteveryoneknowsthesecretoflove; Orisfittoreachtheseportals. Hewhoisblest,andaconfidant,knows ThatcunningcomesfromIblisandlovefrom Adam. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
BERGSONSMESSAGE
IfthouwouldstreadLifeasanopenbook, Benotasparkdividedfromthebrand. Beingthefamiliareye,thefriendlylook, Norvisitstrangelikethynativeland. Othoubyvainimaginingsbefooled, GettheeareasonwhichtheHearthath schooled! [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson]
HEGEL
Histhoughtisfullyrational Andunrelatedtothesensuous, Althoughhisideas Aredeckedoutinthegarbofbrides. Doyouknowwhatkindofabird Ishishighsoaringthought? Itisahenwhichthroughexcessofheat Conceiveswithoutamate. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]
THEWINESHOPOFTHEWEST
Iwellrecallthedays ThatIspentintheWineShopoftheWest. Itswinebowlsshine LikeAlexanderslookingglass. Itssakiseyesareas Intoxicatingasitswine, Andeveryglanceoftheirsconveys Amessagetosomedrinkersbreast. ButOithasnoMosesto Experienceepiphanies, NoAbrahamtoundergo Ordealsbyfire. ThereIntellectwithcarelessease
JALALANDGOETHE
InparadisethatperceptiveGerman HappenedupontheMasteroftheEast.
AMessagefromtheEast119 RobsLoveofitsentire Possessions,andthereisnoheat Initsairofaferventsigh. Nooneissointoxicatedby Itswineastoswayonhisfeet.

KANT
Bynatureithadataste Forwinethatislikecrystal: Itisfrometernityssleepingchamber Thatitbringsitsshining,starlikecup.

BERGSON
DIALOGUEBETWEENLENINANDKAISER WILHELM
LENIN
Itislongsinceinthisoldworldpoorman Isbeinggroundlikegrainbetween millstones. HehasbeendupedbyKaisersandbyCzars, Andhasbeencaughtinthesnareofthe Church. Haveyounotseenthehungryslaveatlast Teartoshredshislordsgarment,dyedred with Hisblood?Democracyssparkhasburntup TherobesoftheChurcheldersandthe kings.
THEKAISER
Itdidnotbringeitherwine Oracupfrometernity: Thetulipgetsitseternalpassion Fromthescarinitsownheart. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]
POETS
BROWNING
Therewasnothingtofortifylifes effervescentwine: ItooksomeaquavitaefromKhizrand addedit.

BYRON
Whyblameidolsfortheirwinsomeways? ItisintheBrahminsnaturetoadore. Hekeepsfashioningnewidols;for Hegetsboredstiffwiththeoneshehas. Donottellmeofthehighwaymen: Hisownrobberisthetravelerhere. Ifyoucrownthecommonpeople,then Youwillfindoppressionisstillthere. Neverdoesgreeddieoutofmenshearts: Inafurnacefiremustalwaysblaze. Powerssorceresshasthesamearts Irrespectiveofthepartsheplays. Shirinsbeautynevergoesabegging: KhusroesorFarhadsareneverlacking. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]
WhyshouldonebeobligedtoKhizrforhis aquasloan? Ipouredalittleofmyheartsbloodintothe winecup.

GHALIB
Tomakethewinestillbittererandmychest stillmoresore, Imeltedtheglassitselfandaddedittomy wine.

RUMI
Howcandilutionsbeasgoodasthereal stuffitself? Ipressedwineoutofgrapesdirectandfilled mycupwithit.
THETAVERNOFTHEWEST
Lastnight,whileIwasinthetavernofthe West, Iwasdelightedbyawittythingadrinker said. Thisplaceisnotachurch,saidhe,thatyou shouldfind Hereprettygirlsandorganmusicandsweet songs. ThisisthetavernoftheWest,wherewine
PHILOSOPHERS
LOCKE
Itwasdawnthatlitupthetulipscup Withadrinkfromthesun; Forthetulipitselfboreanemptycup Whenitjoinedthecompanyofflowers.
120CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Hastheeffectofmakingthingsthatare consideredbadseemgood, Wehaveweighedgoodandevilonanother kindofscales. ThescalesoftheJewsandtheChristianswere askew. Whatisgoodinyouwillbebad,ifyoushould breakyourfist. Whatisbadinyouwillbegood,ifyou increaseyourmight. Ifyoulookcarefully,youwillfindlifeisall hypocrisy. Whoeverfollowsthepathoftruthand sincerity, Justceasestoexist. Claimsoftruthandsincerity Areonlycoversforhypocrisy. Ourmastersaysthatbrassmusthaveonita silverplate. Ihaverevealedtoyouthesecretofsuccessin life. Letnooneknowofit,ifyoucareforsuccess. YoursEdenwithitsSidrahanditsTuba. Strongliquorwithahangoverismine, ForyoudrinkcomesfromAdamandEves brewery. Duck,pheasant,pigeonaremybirds:huma Andanqaareyourroyalproperty. Theearthandwhatisinitsbowelsaremine; Fromearthtoheavenallisyourterritory.
THELABOURERSSONG
Thehardworkofthecottonwearinglabourer Providestheidlerichwiththeirsilkrobes. Thegemintheemployersringismadeupof mysweat. Therubiesinhishorsesreinsaremychilds tears. TheChurchisfatthroughsuckingmyblood likealeech. Myarmsstrengthformsthesinewsofthe state. Mymorningtearsmakegardensofwaste lands. Myheartsbloodglistensinthetulipandthe rose. Come,timesharpistensewithnew melodies. Come,pouroutstrongwinethatwillmeltthe veryglass. Letusgiveanewordertothetavernandthe taverner, Andletusrazeallancienttavernstothe ground. Letusavengethetulipsbloodonthosewho laidthegardenwaste. Forroseandrosebudsgatheringsletus establishanewstyle. Howlongshallweexistlikemothsthatflit roundcandleflames? Howlongshallweexistforgetfulofourselves likethis? [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]
AWORDTOENGLAND
AnEasternertastedoncethewineinEuropes glass; Nowonderifhebrokeoldvowsinreckless glee. Thebloodcamesurgingupintheveinsofhis newbornthought: Predestinationsbondslavehelearnedthat Manisfree. Letnotthysoulbevexedwiththedrunkards noiseandrout! Osaki,tellmefairly,whowastthatbroached thisjar? Thescentoftheroseshowedfirsttheway intothegarden; Else,howshouldthenightingalehaveknown thatrosesare? [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson]
DIVISIONBETWEENTHECAPITALISTAND THELABOURER
Mineisthedinofthesteelfactory, Andyoursisthechurchorgansmelody. Mineisthebushthatpaysthekingatax,
THEFREEDOMOFTHESEA
Aducksaid,Thelanesoftheseaarenow free! TheedictfromthecourtofKhizrsaysso! Acrocodilesaid,Goanywhereyoulike,
AMessagefromtheEast121 Butneverforgettowatchoutforus! [TranslatedbyMustansirMir] Myheartstillwants ThatIshouldgoonseeking,thoughIhaveset foot Onapaththinnerthanahair. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain] SweetisthetimeofSpring,theredRosecried; Sweeteranhourherethananageoutside; Beforesomeloverplucksyouforhiscap, Sweetesttodieinthisgreengardenslap. [TranslatedbyV.G.Kiernan] Thepoetischild,youthandoldmanallin one Distinctionsofageareunknowntopoetry. Threethingsmakeyourvisionbetter: Greenery,runningwaterandfairfaces. Threethingstendtomakeyoufatter: Silkrobes,goodsmellsandacarefreeheart. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain] Whenatthesightofaburstbubbleheturns pale? Inthisworldeitherbeahillstream,which Observesheightsanddepressionsinits course, Orbeaheadlongflood,whichjustignores Heightsanddepressionsasitrusheson. Oyouwhopluckedarose, Donotcomplainaboutthethorn, Forliketherosethethornisborn Ofthespringbreeze. Donotapplyahairdyeto Youreyebrowsandyourbeard, Foryoucannotgetbackyouryouth Bystealingyearsfromtime.
TRIFLES
Agonyineveryatomofourbeing, Everybreathofusarisingfromthedead. ToSikandarlostamidsttheLandofDarkness, HardisDeath,butLifeisharder,Khizr said. [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson] Thepearlisusedtothewaysofthesea. Whatcanitknowaboutthemillstonethat grindgrain? Thereedpen,beinghollow,makesanoise; Thepencil,beingsolidlead,makesnone. Iamonewhohaswalkedaround TheHaremwithanidolundermyarms. IamonewhohasshoutedAllahsname Whenidolswereinfrontofme. OfLife,Obrother,Igivetheeatokentohold andkeep; Sleepisalighterdeath,andDeathaheavier sleep. [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson] Ifyoudonotpossess Thepowertoforgive, Go,gettogripswiththose Whohavewrongedyou. Donotnursehatredinyourheart. Odonotmakeyourhoneysour Bymixingvinegarwithit. Donotspeaktomeofhissensitive,finemind, Ourpoetscrystalbreaksatamerebreathof wind. Oflifesgrimwarhowcanheevertellthe tale,
122CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Lovehasnouseforthosewhodonotdare. Tocatchdeadbirdsaneagledoesnotcare. Thepoetsproductisnotsaleable. Thesilverofawhiterosewillnotbuyyou bread. Howniceathingitwere Ifeverytraveller Whowantstotravelfarandfast Couldgofreefromthetrammelsofthepast. Ifblindconformityweregood, TheProphethimselfwould Havegonetheway OfArabsinanearlierday. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]

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AMESSAGEFROMTHEEAST

DEDICATORYEPISTLE TOKINGAMANULLAHKHAN OFAFGHANISTAN

Godcreatedtheworld,butAdammadeit better Adam,perhaps,isGodscoworker.

AMessagefromtheEast75 [TranslatedbyMustansirMir] ButguardLovessorrowthatthyhearthath won.

Ifwhatyoucandoisunique, Itwilldeservearewardevenifitisasin. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]

AMessagefromtheEast79 Youmustbelievethatnationsaremore lastingthankings: DontyouseethatIransurvives,butnot Jamshid? [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]

80CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal HoldfirmlytoToday:foryetremains TomorrowinthemindofDestiny. Withinthysoulathingistobeseen.

AMessagefromtheEast81 ButwhenIopedmylips,tospeakoflove, Wordsveiledthissecretinathickershroud. Intulipsheartsagain.

Iamnotsuchafoolishangel ThatIwouldbowtoAdam! Heismadeofdust,butmyelementisfire. Itismyardourthatheatstheblood

AdaminthepresenceofGod You,whosesungivesthestaroflifeits splendour, Withmyheartyoulit

90CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Andmakemymirrorgleam Withonemorebeam Oflight.Becomeapearlandbe Lodgedinthedepthsofme Mymoon,mystar, Asbrightasthoseoftheskyare. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]

Imadethewholeworldwiththesame waterandclay, ButyoucreatedIran,Tartary,andEthiopia. FromtheearthIbroughtforthpureiron, Butyoumadefromthatironsword,arrow, andgun. Youmadeanaxeforthetreeinthegarden, Andacageforthesongbird.

Youmadethenight,Imadethelamp; Youmadetheearthenbowl,Imadethe goblet. Youmadedeserts,mountainsandvalleys; Imadegardens,meadowsandparks. Iamonewhomakesamirroroutofstone, Andturnspoisonintosweet,deliciousdrink. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]

Yoursigh,yoursong. Withyoursongyouhavemade Suchalovelyworld Thatparadiseitselfappearstome Tobesomeconjurerstrick.

Youarenotattractedtowine, Andyoudonotlookatme: Howsurprisingthatyoudonotknow Theartofmixing! Itisbutatuneofquest,aflameofdesire,

(Tooneofhissonswhousedtoprayforthe fathersdeath) Doyouknowthattopunishandreward HasbeenfromoldthebusinessoftheLord? Hehasheardmanyanguishinglaments Fromthisbenightedplanetsresidents, ButdidacryescapeHislips?Ohno.

AMessagefromtheEast97 You,dustthatweare,strivingisourquality: DonotsellforGodspoweryourhumanity. [TranslatedbyM.HadiHusain]

Forallhiswisdom,manisnotyetself aware, Andcapitalismhasrenderedmanmans murderer.

116CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Twoaspectsofitthatonesees. Toknowthewholetruthonemusttaste Bothgrapesandbittergourds. SofondisNatureofantitheses Thatithassetatwar Employeesandemployers,slavesandlords.

118CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Thatlifebecomesagarden,withbothrose andthorn?

AMessagefromtheEast119 RobsLoveofitsentire Possessions,andthereisnoheat Initsairofaferventsigh. Nooneissointoxicatedby Itswineastoswayonhisfeet.

Bynatureithadataste Forwinethatislikecrystal: Itisfrometernityssleepingchamber Thatitbringsitsshining,starlikecup.

Itdidnotbringeitherwine Oracupfrometernity: Thetulipgetsitseternalpassion Fromthescarinitsownheart. [TranslatedbyMustansirMir]

Therewasnothingtofortifylifes effervescentwine: ItooksomeaquavitaefromKhizrand addedit.

WhyshouldonebeobligedtoKhizrforhis aquasloan? Ipouredalittleofmyheartsbloodintothe winecup.

Tomakethewinestillbittererandmychest stillmoresore, Imeltedtheglassitselfandaddedittomy wine.

Howcandilutionsbeasgoodasthereal stuffitself? Ipressedwineoutofgrapesdirectandfilled mycupwithit.

Itwasdawnthatlitupthetulipscup Withadrinkfromthesun; Forthetulipitselfboreanemptycup Whenitjoinedthecompanyofflowers.

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