And Solomon's countenance rose. "By the sceptre of Elshaddai, I charge thee to speak, thou ancient man.” Then he began: "My study is myself; my acts, my sentiments. I learn how frail I am; I of myself can know nothing. I listen to that voice within, and I know all; I can do all." Then he spoke of his glees, his glooms, and his hopes; his aspirations, his faith. He spoke of nature, the modest trees, the pure, golden stars. When he came to Him who is All in All, he bowed his face and was dumb. "Give him the ring," said Solomon. He knows himself; he is the wisest. The spirit of the Holy is in him." 66 "Take back thy gift," said the sage; "I need it not. He that knows himself needs no reward,he knows God, he sees the All of things. Alas! I do but feebly know myself—I deserve no ring. Let me return to my home and my duty." ANONYMOUS 57 SOLOMON AND THE SOWER In open field King Solomon Beneath the sky sets up his throne; SOLOMON AND THE ANT 157 "What dost thou there?" exclaimed the king; "The ground here can no harvest bring; Break off from such unwise beginning,Thou'lt get no crop that's worth the winning." The sower hears; his arm he sinks, And, doubtful, he stands still and thinks; "I've nothing else but this one field; The corn from me,-from God the blessing." FRIEDRICH RUECKERT Translation from the German by N. L. Frothingham 58 SOLOMON AND THE ANT Say Ar-Raheem! call Him "Compassionate," 'Tis written that the serving-angels stand eyes, To do their Master's heavenly embassies. Quicker than thought His high commands they read, Swifter than light to execute them speed; Bearing the word of power from star to star, Some hither and some thither, near and far. And unto these naught is too high or low, How Gabriel, watching by the gates of gold, * Of twofold mandate uttered by the Lord: A thousand steeds with nostrils all aflame "Also, upon the slope of Arafat, Beneath a lote-tree which is fallen flat, SOLOMON AND THE ANTS Toileth a yellow ant who carrieth home 159 Food for her nest, but so far hath she come, Of the black rock." Silently Gabriel left The Presence, and prevented the king's sin, O Thou whose love is wide and great, SIR EDWIN ARNOLD 59 SOLOMON AND THE ANTS Of all the kings of fallen earth, The sun has never shone On one to match in power and worth Master of Genii and of Men, He ruled o'er sea and land; So passed he, gloriously arrayed, The creatures God on earth has made, Well busied in a valley near, A troop of ants perceived The coming pomp, and, struck with fear, Death close at hand believed. They cried: "What care the King and Priests That here in splendor meet; What care the Genii, birds or beasts, 66 For us beneath their feet? For what are we to them, and who Shall check their mighty way? Fly to your inmost homes, or rue The son of David's wondrous ear No haughty mood beguiled; He, bent the Ant's small voice to hear, And prayed: "O God! the great, the good; Preserve my progress free from blood, Or hurt to loving thing! Comfort these humble creatures' fear; Let all Thy servants know That I, Thy servant too, am here Thy power, not mine, to show. That, 'mid the tumult and the tread Of myriads, I will guard Secure from hurt each little head, As Thou wilt me reward.” |