He thought within himself...

He thought within himself: "I've many princes seen; In sovereign presence I have ever welcome been. This fit of awe and trembling's very strange to me; And yet without dismay this man I cannot see. I've been in forests where the lions make their lair; I've met them face to face; yet knew not what was fear. In battle I've been, oft; in thickest of the fight. 50 My arm's upheld our cause, when in most desperate plight.

Wounds have I dealt, received, that threatened life to take, Among the brave, the bravest; my heart knew no quake. This man is weaponless, supine upon the ground. Why then this tremor? It my every limb has bound. A ghostly awe is this; it's not a mortal fear. Most certainly it's not a dread of this man here. He who fears God has admonition of the Lord; Both men and demons stand in awe of his mere word." Mute he remained in reverential attitude, Till ‘Umer woke from his trance of beatitude.

55 Profound obeisance and grave salutation made, As said the Prophet: "First, salute; then, embassade." The Caliph answered: "And on thee be peace! Draw near;" Assured him of protection; bade him put off fear. "Fear not" a word of comfort is to trembling soul; A generous tribute ’tis, when strong with weak condole. Men set at ease the object whom they wish to raise,- Relieve his heart from palpitation; bid fears cease. But unto one who feals no dread how say: "Fear not "?

What lesson's this thou givest to one whose lesson's got? 60 So ‘Umer put at ease that much perturbed man; And calmed his wavering mind, as noble hearts best can. To him he then addressed some subtle words of sense, Set forth the attributes of God,-man's best defence, Declared the goodness of the Lord to all who trust In Him alone; the rank they gain in trance combust. Saint's ecstasy springs from a glimpse of God, his pride. His station's that of intimate. He's bridegroom; God is bride.

1 A bride's veiled graces are not seen by groom alone; Her unveiled charms solely to him in private shown. 65 In state she first appears before the people all; Her veil removed, the groom alone is at her call. Entranced are many Gnostic worshippers, I ween; Few gain admission to the presence-chamber scene. ‘Umer told all the stations passed through by his soul;- Its flights, fights, tribulations, ere it was made whole.

He spoke of times when flight of time's of no account; Of Holiness's station, glorious to recount.