LOVERS, IT IS TIME TO FORSAKE THE WORLD
O lovers, lovers, it is time to forsake the world: heaven’s departure drum is sounding in my soul’s ear.
The camel driver has risen, made ready the caravan, and asks us to forgive him: ‘O travellers, why are you asleep?’
All around us are the sounds of departure and camel bells; at every moment a soul and a spirit leaves for the Placeless.
The stars shine like candles behind a deep-blue veil, and a wondrous people issues forth to make the invisible visible.
You have been in a deep sleep beneath the turning spheres; Be warned! Sleep is heavy but life is light and brief.
O heart, go seek the Beloved! O friend, seek the Friend! O watchman, wake up! A watchman is not here to sleep.
Everywhere there is noise and movement, candles and torches; for tonight this pregnant world gives birth to the Eternal.
You were clay, now you are spirit; ignorant, now wise. That which has drawn you this far will draw you yet further.
As He draws you to Himself, how sweet your suffering becomes; His fires are like water; do not be troubled by them.
His mission is to dwell in the heart and break your vows of contrition. Through His diverse designs, these atoms tremble to the core.
O arrogant fool, jumping up from your hole to cry ‘I am lord of all’. How long will you remain jumped-up? Bow down, or else be bowed.
You have nurtured the seeds of hypocrisy and indulged in derision. You denied the existence of Truth, you whoremonger!
Like an ass, you crave for straw; like a cauldron, you are black; you are better off at the bottom of a well, you disgusting creature.
Within me there is Another who makes my eyes spark; If water scalds, it is because of the fire. Let this be known!
I have no stone in my hand; I have no quarrel with anyone; I rebuke no one, for I possess the sweetness of the rose garden.
My eye is from that Source, from another world. One world here, another there – I am sitting on the threshold.
Only those on the threshold know the eloquence of silence. Enough has been said. Say no more. Hold the tongue.
(D 1789: A2:222)