’Tis Thy behest...

’Tis Thy behest, to whom all thoughts are known, That man with words approach Thy awful throne." 25 His humble supplication proffered so, Sweet mercy's fount at once did overflow. His tears undried, deep slumber on him fell, And heavenly-dulcet tones he heard thus tell: "Glad tidings, prince, to thee this day I bring: Next daydawn at thy gate a guest shall ring; A heav’n-sent stranger, versed in healing art, In him have faith; he's true in speech and heart.

Imagine not his treatment magic's spell; 30 God's power alone can make thy maiden well." The promised hour at hand, the daydawn broke; The sunbeams paled the stars; the prince awoke. An outlook sought he, whence to watch the way, And first th’ expected stranger to survey. One he espied of most majestic mien, Of radiance mild,-as sun, dark clouds between; Or moon at full;-so seem’d he from afar. Mere fancy's pictures ever objects mar.

Things non-existent often frenzy paints; 35 We see mankind deluded over feints. Their peace, their war, not seldom for a sham; Their pride, their shame, some sorry epigram. But visions, such as blessed saints entrance, Reflections are from heaven's inhabitants. The semblance by our prince seen in his swoon, The features wore that now in flesh are shown. The prince, in lieu of ushers, forward came, To meet the heaven-sent guest, in his own name.

Their trains one column formed from mingling bands; 40 Their hearts united, fettered not their hands. The prince: "Would thou’dst my soul enslaved; not she! But here below effect a cause must see. Be my Muhammed! I thy ‘Umar stand, With girded loins awaiting thy command." Pray God to grant thee ever meek respect; The puffed-up fool's remote from Heaven's elect. A shameless monarch to himself's a curse, A firebrand to his realm; nay, even worse.

Food in the wilderness by God was sent; Food without toil, food gratis, without stint. 45 Some graceless scoffers out of Moses’ host Dared to demand the onions, lentils lost. 1 Such toilless food then ceased to fall from Heaven; To dig, to sow, to reap, in lieu is given. Fresh suit, much later, Jesus made; God willed; Again food rife became; men's dishes filled.

That food's a gift from Heaven is clearly said, In Jesu's prayer: "Give us our daily bread." 2 Men's bold presumption Heaven again incensed, When basketsful to beggars were dispensed. 50 Jesus proclaimed the miracle would last;- That food would never lack as in the past.