Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume IV. The Higher Life. 1904. | | | | VII. Death: Immortality: Heaven | | “To heaven approached a Sufi Saint” | | Jalal ad-Din Rumi (1207–1273) |
| | From the Persian by William R. Alger |
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TO heaven approached a Sufi Saint, | |
| From groping in the darkness late, | |
| And, tapping timidly and faint, | |
| Besought admission at God’s gate. | |
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| Said God, “Who seeks to enter here?” | 5 |
| “’T is I, dear Friend,” the Saint replied, | |
| And trembling much with hope and fear. | |
| “If it be thou, without abide.” | |
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| Sadly to earth the poor Saint turned, | |
| To bear the scourging of life’s rods; | 10 |
| But aye his heart within him yearned | |
| To mix and lose its love in God’s. | |
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| He roamed alone through weary years, | |
| By cruel men still scorned and mocked, | |
| Until from faith’s pure fires and tears | 15 |
| Again he rose, and modest knocked. | |
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| Asked God, “Who now is at the door?” | |
| “It is thyself, belovèd Lord,” | |
| Answered the Saint, in doubt no more, | |
| But clasped and rapt in his reward. | 20 | | |
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