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A Tear and a Smile Kahlil Gibran 1914

CHAPTER 1. THE CREATION The God separated a spirit from Himself and fashioned it into Beauty. He showered upon her all the blessings of gracefulness and kindness. He ga e her the cup of happiness and said! "#rink not from this cup unless you forget the past and the future! for happiness is naught but the moment." $nd He also ga e her a cup of sorrow and said! "#rink from this cup and you will understand the meaning of the fleeting instants of the %oy of life! for sorrow e er abounds." $nd the God bestowed upon her a lo e that would desert he fore er upon her first sigh of earthly satisfaction! and a sweetness that would anish with her first awareness of flattery. $nd He ga e her wisdom from hea en to lead to the all&righteous path! and

placed in the depth of her heart and eye that sees the unseen! and created in he an affection and goodness toward all things. He dressed her with raiment of hopes spun by the angels of hea en from the sinews of the rainbow. $nd He cloaked her in the shadow of confusion! which is the dawn of life and light. Then the God took consuming fire from the furnace of anger! and searing wind from the desert of ignorance! and sharp& cutting sands from the shore of selfishness! and coarse earth from under the feet of ages! and combined them all and fashioned 'an. He ga e to 'an a blind power that rages and dri es him into a madness which e(tinguishes only before gratification of desire! and placed life in him which is the specter of death. $nd the god laughed and cried. He felt an o erwhelming lo e and pity for 'an! and sheltered him beneath His guidance. CHAPTER 2. TWO INFANTS $ prince stood on the balcony of his palace addressing a great multitude summoned for the occasion and said! ")et me offer you and this whole fortunate country my congratulations upon the birth of a new prince who will carry the name of my noble family! and of whom you will be %ustly proud. He is the new bearer of a great and illustrious ancestry! and upon him depends the brilliant future of this realm. *ing and be merry+" The oices of the throngs! full of %oy and thankfulness! flooded the sky with e(hilarating song! welcoming the new tyrant who would affi( the yoke of oppression to their necks by ruling the weak with bitter authority! and e(ploiting their bodies and killing their souls. ,or that destiny! the people were singing and drinking ecstatically to the heady of the new -mir. $nother child entered life and that kingdom at the same time. .hile the crowds were glorifying the strong and belittling themsel es by singing praise to a potential despot! and while the angels of hea en were weeping o er the people/s weakness and ser itude! a sick woman was thinking. *he li ed in an old! deserted ho el and! lying in her hard bed beside her newly born infant wrapped with ragged swaddles! was star ing to death. *he was a penurious and miserable young wife neglected by humanity0 her husband had fallen into the trap of death set by the prince/s oppression! lea ing a solitary woman to whom God had sent! that night! a tiny companion to pre ent her from working and sustaining life. $s the mass dispersed and silence was restored to the icinity! the wretched woman placed the infant on her lap and looked into his face and wept as if she were to bapti1e him with tears. $nd with a hunger weakened oice she spoke to the child saying! ".hy ha e you left the spiritual world and come to share with me the bitterness of earthly life2 .hy ha e you deserted the angels and the spacious firmament and come to this miserable land of humans! filled with

agony! oppression! and heartlessness2 3 ha e nothing to gi e you e(cept tears0 will you be nourished on tears instead of milk2 3 ha e no silk clothes to put on you0 will my naked! shi ering arms gi e you warmth2 The little animals gra1e in the pasture and return safely to their shed0 and the small birds pick the seeds and sleep placidly between the branches. But you! my belo ed! ha e naught sa e a lo ing but destitute mother." Then she took the infant to her withered breast and clasped her arms around him as if wanting to %oin the two bodies in one! as before. *he lifted her burning eyes slowly toward hea en and cried! "God+ Ha e mercy on my unfortunate countrymen+" $t that moment the clouds floated from the face of the moon! whose beams penetrated the transom of that poor home and fell upon two corpses. CHAPTER 3. THE HOUSE OF FORTUNE 'y wearied heart bade me farewell and left for the House of ,ortune. $s he reached that holy city which the soul had blessed and worshipped! he commenced wondering! for he could not find what he had always imagined would be there. The city was empty of power! money! and authority. $nd my heart spoke to the daughter of )o e saying! "4h )o e! where can 3 find 5ontentment2 3 heard that she had come here to %oin you." $nd the daughter of )o e responded! "5ontentment has already gone to preach her gospel in the city! where greed and corruption are paramount0 we are not in need of her." ,ortune cra es not 5ontentment! for it is an earthly hope! and its desires are embraced by union with ob%ects! while 5ontentment is naught but heartfelt. The eternal soul is ne er contented0 it e er seeks e(altation. Then my heart looked upon )ife of Beauty and said6 "Thou art all knowledge0 enlighten me as to the mystery of .oman." $nd he answered! "4h human heart! woman is your own reflection! and whate er you are! she is0 where er you li e! she li es0 she is like religion if not interpreted by the ignorant! and like a moon! if not eiled with clouds! and like a bree1e! if not poisoned with impurities." $nd my heart walked toward Knowledge! the daughter of )o e and Beauty! and said! "Bestow upon me wisdom! that 3 might share it with the people." $nd she responded! "*ay not wisdom! but rather fortune! for real fortune comes not from outside! but begins in the Holy of Holies of life. *hare of thyself with the people." CHAPTER 4. A POET'S DEATH IS HIS LIFE

The dark wings of night enfolded the city upon which 7ature had spread a pure white garment of snow0 and men deserted the streets for their houses in search of warmth! while the north wind probed in contemplation of laying waste the gardens. There in the suburb stood an old hut hea ily laden with snow and on the erge of falling. 3n a dark recess of that ho el was a poor bed in which a dying youth was lying! staring at the dim light of his oil lamp! made to flicker by the entering winds. He a man in the spring of life who foresaw fully that the peaceful hour of freeing himself from the clutches of life was fast nearing. He was awaiting #eath/s isit gratefully! and upon his pale face appeared the dawn of hope0 and on his lops a sorrowful smile0 and in his eyes forgi eness. He was poet perishing from hunger in the city of li ing rich. He was placed in the earthly world to enli en the heart of man with his beautiful and profound sayings. He as noble soul! sent by the Goddess of 8nderstanding to soothe and make gentle the human spirit. But alas+ He gladly bade the cold earth farewell without recei ing a smile from its strange occupants. He was breathing his last and had no one at his bedside sa e the oil lamp! his only companion! and some parchments upon which he had inscribed his heart/s feeling. $s he sal aged the remnants of his withering strength he lifted his hands hea enward0 he mo ed his eyes hopelessly! as if wanting to penetrate the ceiling in order to see the stars from behind the eil clouds. $nd he said! "5ome! oh beautiful #eath0 my soul is longing for you. 5ome close to me and unfasten the irons life! for 3 am weary of dragging them. 5ome! oh sweet #eath! and deli er me from my neighbors who looked upon me as a stranger because 3 interpret to them the language of the angels. Hurry! oh peaceful #eath! and carry me from these multitudes who left me in the dark corner of obli ion because 3 do not bleed the weak as they do. 5ome! oh gentle #eath! and enfold me under your white wings! for my fellowmen are not in want of me. -mbrace me! oh #eath! full of lo e and mercy0 let your lips touch my lips which ne er tasted a mother/s kiss! not touched a sister/s cheeks! not caresses a sweetheart/s fingertips. 5ome and take me! by belo ed #eath." Then! at the bedside of the dying poet appeared an angel who possessed a supernatural and di ine beauty! holding in her hand a wreath of lilies. *he embraced him and closed his eyes so he could see no more! e(cept with the eye of his spirit. *he impressed a deep and long and gently withdrawn kiss that left and eternal smile of fulfillment upon his lips. Then the ho el became empty and nothing was lest sa e parchments and papers which the poet had strewn with bitter futility. Hundreds of years later! when the people of the city arose from the diseases slumber of ignorance and saw the dawn of knowledge! they erected a monument

in the most beautiful garden of the city and celebrated a feast e ery year in honor of that poet! whose writings had freed them. 4h! how cruel is man/s ignorance+ CHAPTER . THE CRI!INAL $ young man of strong body! weakened by hunger! sat on the walker/s portion of the street stretching his hand toward all who passed! begging and repeating his hand toward all who passed! begging and repeating the sad song of his defeat in life! while suffering from hunger and from humiliation. .hen night came! his lips and tongue were parched! while his hand was still as empty as his stomach. He gathered himself and went out from the city! where he sat under a tree and wept bitterly. Then he lifted his pu11led eyes to hea en while hunger was eating his inside! and he said! "4h )ord! 3 went to the rich man and asked for employment! but he turned me away because of my shabbiness0 3 knocked at the school door! but was forbidden solace because 3 was empty& handed0 3 sought any occupation that would gi e me bread! but all to no a ail. 3n desperation 3 asked alms! but They worshippers saw me and said "He is strong and la1y! and he should not beg." "4h )ord! it is Thy will that my mother ga e birth unto me! and now the earth offers me back to 9ou before the -nding." His e(pression then changed. He arose and his eyes now glittered in determination. He fashioned a thick and hea y stick from the branch of the tree! and pointed it toward the city! shouting! "3 asked for bread with all the strength of my oice! and was refused. 7ot 3 shall obtain it by the strength of my muscles+ 3 asked for bread in the name of mercy and lo e! but humanity did not heed. 3 shall take it now in the name of e il+" The passing years rendered the youth a robber! killer and destroyer of souls0 he crushed all who opposed him0 he amassed fabulous wealth with which he won himself o er to those in power. He was admired by colleagues! en ied by other thie es! and feared by the multitudes. His riches and false position pre ailed upon the -mir to appoint him deputy in that city & the sad process pursued by unwise go ernors. Thefts were then legali1ed0 oppression was supported by authority0 crushing of the weak became commonplace0 the throngs curried and praised. Thus does the first touch of humanity/s selfishness make criminals of the humble! and make killers of the sons of peace0 thus does the early greed of humanity

grow and strike back at humanity a thousand fold+ CHAPTER ". SON# OF FORTUNE 'an and 3 are sweethearts He cra es me and 3 long for him! But alas+ Between us has appeared $ ri al who brings us misery. *he is cruel and demanding! :ossessing empty lure. Her name is *ubstance. *he follows where er we go $nd watches like a sentinel! bringing ;estlessness to my lo er. 3 ask for my belo ed in the forest! 8nder the trees! by the lakes. 3 cannot find him! for *ubstance Has spirited him to the clamorous 5ity and placed him on the throne 4f <uaking! metal riches. 3 call for him with the oice of Knowledge and the song of .isdom. He does not hearken! for *ubstance Has enticed him into the dungeon 4f selfishness! where a arice dwells. 3 seek him in the field of 5ontentment! But 3 am alone! for my ri al has 3mprisoned him in the ca e of gluttony $nd greed! and locked him there .ith painful chains of gold. 3 call to him at dawn! when 7ature smiles! But he does not hear! for e(cess has )aden his drugged eyes with sick slumber. 3 beguile him at e entide! when *ilence rules $nd the flowers sleep. But he responds not! ,or his fear o er what the morrow will Bring! shadows his thoughts. He yearns to lo e me0 He asks for me in this own acts. But he .ill find me not e(cept in God/s acts. He seeks me in the edifices of his glory .hich he has built upon the bones of others0 He whispers to me from among His heaps of gold and sil er0 But he will find me only by coming to The house of *implicity which God has built $t the brink of the stream of affection. He desires to kiss me before his coffers! But his lips will ne er touch mine e(cept 3n the richness of the pure bree1e. He asks me to share with him his ,abulous wealth! but 3 will not forsake God/s ,ortune0 3 will not cast off my cloak of beauty. He seeks deceit for medium0 3 seek only The medium of his heart. He bruises his heart in his narrow cell0 3 would enrich his heart with all my lo e. 'y belo ed has learned how to shriek and 5ry for my enemy! *ubstance0 3 would Teach him how to shed tears of affection $nd mercy from the eyes of his soul

,or all things! $nd utter sighs of contentment through Those tears. 'an is my sweetheart0 3 want to belong to him. CHAPTER $. SON# OF THE RAIN 3 am dotted sil er threads dropped from hea en By the gods. 7ature then takes me! to adorn Her fields and alleys. 3 am beautiful pearls! plucked from the 5rown of 3shtar by the daughter of #awn To embellish the gardens. .hen 3 cry the hills laugh0 .hen 3 humble myself the flowers re%oice0 .hen 3 bow! all things are elated. The field and the cloud are lo ers $nd between them 3 am a messenger of mercy. 3 <uench the thirst of one0 3 cure the ailment of the other. The oice of thunder declares my arri al0 The rainbow announces my departure. 3 am like earthly life! which begins at The feet of the mad elements and ends 8nder the upraised wings of death. 3 emerge from the heard of the sea *oar with the bree1e. .hen 3 see a field in 7eed! 3 descend and embrace the flowers and The trees in a million little ways. 3 touch gently at the windows with my *oft fingers! and my announcement is a .elcome song. $ll can hear! but only The sensiti e can understand. The heat in the air gi es birth to me! But in turn 3 kill it! $s woman o ercomes man with The strength she takes from him. 3 am the sigh of the sea0 The laughter of the field0 The tears of hea en. *o with lo e & *ighs from the deep sea of affection0 )aughter from the colorful field of the spirit0 Tears from the endless hea en of memories. CHAPTER %. THE POET He is a link between this and the coming world. He is $ pure spring from which all thirsty souls may drink. He is a tree watered by the ;i er of Beauty! bearing ,ruit which the hungry heart cra es0 He is a nightingale! soothing the depressed *pirit with his beautiful melodies0 He is a white cloud appearing o er the hori1on! $scending and growing until it fills the face of the sky. Then it falls on the flows in the field of )ife! 4pening their petals to admit the light. He is an angel! send by the goddess to :reach the #eity/s gospel0 He is a brilliant lamp! uncon<uered by darkness $nd

ine(tinguishable by the wind. 3t is filled with 4il by 3star of )o e! and lighted by $pollon of 'usic. He is a solitary figure! robed in simplicity and Kindness0 He sits upon the lap of 7ature to draw his 3nspiration! and stays up in the silence of the night! $waiting the descending of the spirit. He is a sower who sows the seeds of his heart in the :rairies of affection! and humanity reaps the Har est for her nourishment. This is the poet && whom the people ignore in this life! $nd who is recogni1ed only when he bids the earthly .orld farewell and returns to his arbor in hea en. This is the poet && who asks naught of Humanity but a smile. This is the poet && whose spirit ascends and ,ills the firmament with beautiful sayings0 9et the people deny themsel es his radiance. 8ntil when shall the people remain asleep2 8ntil when shall they continue to glorify those .ho attain greatness by moments of ad antage2 How long shall they ignore those who enable Them to see the beauty of their spirit! *ymbol of peace and lo e2 8ntil when shall human beings honor the dead $nd forget the li ing! who spend their li es -ncircled in misery! and who consume themsel es )ike burning candles to illuminate the way ,or the ignorant and lead them into the path of light2 :oet! you are the life of this life! and you ha e Triumphed o er the ages of despite their se erity. :oet! you will one day rule the hearts! and Therefore! your kingdom has no ending. :oet! e(amine your crown of thorns0 you will ,ind concealed in it a budding wreath of laurel. CHAPTER &. LAU#HTER AND TEARS $s the *un withdrew his rays from the garden! and the moon threw cushioned beams upon the flowers! 3 sat under the trees pondering upon the phenomena of the atmosphere! looking through the branches at the strewn stars which glittered like chips of sil er upon a blue carpet0 and 3 could hear from a distance the agitated murmur of the ri ulet singing its way briskly into the alley. .hen the birds took shelter among the boughs! and the flowers folded their petals! and tremendous silence descended! 3 heard a rustle of feet though the grass. 3 took heed and saw a young couple approaching my arbor. The say

under a tree where 3 could see them without being seen. $fter he looked about in e ery direction! 3 heard the young man saying! "*it by me! my belo ed! and listen to my heart0 smile! for your happiness is a symbol of our future0 be merry! for the sparkling days re%oice with us. "'y soul is warning me of the doubt in your heart! for doubt in lo e is a sin. "*oon you will be the owner of this ast land! lighted by this beautiful moon0 soon you will be the mistress of my palace! and all the ser ants and maids will obey your commands. "*mile! my belo ed! like the gold smiles from my father/s coffers. "'y heart refuses to deny you its secret. Twel e months of comfort and tra el await us0 for a year we will spend my father/s gold at the blue lakes of *wit1erland! and iewing the edifices of 3taly and -gypt! and resting under the Holy 5edars of )ebanon0 you will meet the princesses who will en y you for your %ewels and clothes. "$ll these things 3 will do for you0 will you be satisfied2" 3n a little while 3 saw them walking and stepping on flowers as the rich step upon the hearts of the poor. $s they disappeared from my sight! 3 commenced to make comparison between lo e and money! and to analy1e their position in the heart. 'oney+ The source of insincere lo e0 the spring of false light and fortune0 the well of poisoned water0 the desperation of old age+ 3 was still wandering in the ast desert of contemplation when a forlorn and specter&like couple passed by me and sat on the grass0 a young man and a young woman who had left their farming shacks in the nearby fields for this cool and solitary place. $fter a few moments of complete silence! 3 heard the following words uttered with sighs from weather&bitten lips! "*hed not tears! my belo ed0 lo e that opens our eyes and ensla es our hearts can gi e us the blessing of patience. Be consoled in our delay our delay! for we ha e taken an oath and entered )o e/s shrine0 for our lo e will e er grow in ad ersity0 for it is in )o e/s name that we are suffering the obstacles of po erty and the sharpness of misery and the emptiness of separation. 3 shall attack these hardships until 3 triumph and place in your hands a strength that will help o er all things to complete the %ourney of life.

")o e & which is God & will consider our sighs and tears as incense burned at His altar and He will reward us with fortitude. Good&bye! my belo ed0 3 must lea e before the heartening moon anishes." $ pure oice! combined of the consuming flame of lo e! and the hopeless bitterness of longing and the resol ed sweetness of patience! said! "Good&bye! my belo ed." They separated! and the elegy to their union was smothered by the wails of my crying heart. 3 looked upon slumbering 7ature! and with deep reflection disco ered the reality of a ast and infinite thing && something no power could demand! influence ac<uire! nor riches purchase. 7or could it be effaced by the tears of time or deadened by sorrow0 a thing which cannot be disco ered by the blue lakes of *wit1erland or the beautiful edifices of 3taly. 3t is something that gathers strength with patience! grows despite obstacles! warms in winter! flourishes in spring! casts a bree1e in summer! and bears fruit in autumn && 3 found )o e. CHAPTER 1'. (ISION There in the middle of the field! by the side of a crystalline stream! 3 saw a bird& cage whose rods and hinges were fashioned by an e(pert/s hands. 3n one corner lay a dead bird! and in another were two basins && one empty of water and the other of seeds. 3 stood there re erently! as if the lifeless bird and the murmur of the water were worthy of deep silence and respect && something worth of e(amination and meditation by the heard and conscience. $s 3 engrossed myself in iew and thought! 3 found that the poor creature had died of thirst beside a stream of water! and of hunger in the midst of a rich field! cradle of life0 like a rich man locked inside his iron safe! perishing from hunger amid heaps of gold. Before my eyes 3 saw the cage turned suddenly into a human skeleton! and the dead bird into a man/s heart which was bleeding from a deep wound that looked like the lips of a sorrowing woman. $ oice came from that wound saying! "3 am the human heart! prisoner of substance and ictim of earthly laws. "3n God/s field of Beauty! at the edge of the stream of life! 3 was imprisoned in the cage of laws made by man. "3n the center of beautiful 5reation 3 died neglected because 3 was kept from

en%oying the freedom of God/s bounty. "- erything of beauty that awakens my lo e and desire is a disgrace! according to man/s conceptions0 e erything of goodness that 3 cra e is but naught! according to his %udgment. "3 am the lost human heart! imprisoned in the foul dungeon of man/s dictates! tied with chains of earthly authority! dead and forgotten by laughing humanity whose tongue is tied and whose eyes are empty of isible tears." $ll these words 3 heard! and 3 saw them emerging with a stream of e er thinning blood from that wounded heart. 'ore was said! but my misted eyes and crying should pre ented further sight or hearing. CHAPTER 11. TWO WISHES 3n the silence of the night #eath descended from God toward the earth. He ho ered abo e a city and pierced the dwellings with his eyes. He say the spirits floating on wings of dreams! and the people who were surrendered to the *lumber. .hen the moon fell below the hori1on and the city became black! #eath walked silently among the houses && careful to touch nothing && until he reached a palace. He entered through the bolted gates undisturbed! and stood by the rich man/s bed0 and as #eath touched his forehead! the sleeper/s eyes opened! showing great fright. .hen he saw the specter! he summoned a oice mingled with fear and anger! and said! "God away! oh horrible dream0 lea e me! you dreadful ghost. .ho are you2 How did you enter this place2 .hat do you want2 )ea e this place at once! for 3 am the lord of the house and will call my sla es and guards! and order them to kill you+" Then #eath spoke! softly but with smoldering thunder! "3 am #eath. *tand and bow+" The man responded! ".hat do you want2 .hat ha e you come here when 3 ha e not yet finished my affairs2 .hat see you from strength such as mine2 Go to the weak man! and take him away+ "3 loathe the sight of your bloody paws and hollow face! and my eyes take sick at your horrible ribbed winds and cada erous body."

$fter a moment of fearful reali1ation he added! "7o! 7o! oh merciful #eath+ 'ind not talk! for e en fear re eals what the heart forbids. "Take a bushelful of my gold! or a handful of my sla e/s souls! but lea e me. 3 ha e accounts with )ife re<uiring settling0 3 ha e due from people much gold0 my ships ha e not reached the harbor0 my demand! but spare my life. #eath! 3 own harems of supernatural beauty0 your choice is my gift to you. Gi e heed! #eath && 3 ha e but one child! and 3 lo e him dearly for he is my only %oy in this life. 3 offer supreme sacrifice && take him! but spare me+" #eath murmured! "9ou are not rich! but pitifully poor." Then #eath took the hand of that earthly sla e! remo ed his reality! and ga e to the angels the hea y task of correction. $nd #eath walked slowly amidst the dwellings of the poor until he reached the most miserable he could find. He entered and approached a bed upon which a youth slept fitfully. #eath touched his eyes0 the lad sprang up as he saw #eath standing by! and! with a oice full of lo e and hope he said! "Here 3 am! my beautiful #eath. $ccept my soul! for you are the hope of my dreams. Be their accomplishment+ -mbrace me! oh belo ed #eath+ 9ou are merciful0 do not lea e me. 9ou are God/s messenger0 deli er me to Him. 9ou are the right hand of Truth and the heart of Kindness0 do not neglect me. "3 ha e begged for you many times! but you did not come0 3 ha e sought you! but you a oided me0 3 called out to you! but you listened not. 9ou hear me now && embrace my soul! belo ed #eath+" #eath placed his softened hand upon the trembling lips! remo ed all reality! and enfolded it beneath his wings for secure conduct. $nd returning to the sky! #eath looked back and whispered his warning6 "4nly those return to -ternity .ho on earth seek out -ternity." CHAPTER 12. )ESTERDA) AND TODA) The gold&hoarder walked in his palace park and with him walked his troubles. $nd o er his head ho ered worries as a ulture ho ers o er a carcass! until he reached a beautiful lake surrounded by magnificent marble statuary. He sat there pondering the water which poured from the mouths of the statues like thoughts flowing freely from a lo er/s imagination! and contemplating hea ily his palace which stood upon a knoll like a birth&mark upon the cheek of a maiden. His fancy re ealed to him the pages of his life/s drama which he read with falling tears that eiled his eyes and pre ented him from iewing man/s

feeble additions to 7ature. He looked back with piercing regret to the images of his early life! wo en into pattern by the gods! until he could no longer control his anguish. He said aloud! "9esterday 3 was gra1ing my sheep in the green alley! en%oying my e(istence! sounding my flute! and holding my head high. Today 3 am a prisoner of greed. Gold leads into gold! then into restlessness and finally into crushing misery. "9esterday 3 was like a singing bird! soaring freely here and there in the fields. Today 3 am a sla e to fickle wealth! society/s rules! and city/s customs! and purchased friends! pleasing the people by conforming to the strange and narrow laws of man. 3 was born to be free and en%oy the bounty of life! but 3 find myself like a beast of burden so hea ily laden with gold that his back is breaking. ".here are the spacious plains! the singing brooks! the pure bree1e! the closeness of 7ature2 .here is my deity2 3 ha e lost all+ 7aught remains sa e loneliness that saddens me! gold that ridicules me! sla es who curse to my back! and a palace that 3 ha e erected as a tomb for my happiness! and in whose greatness 3 ha e lost my heart. "9esterday 3 roamed the prairies and the hills together with the Bedouin/s daughter0 =irtue was our companion! )o e our delight! and the moon our guardian. Today 3 am among women with shallow beauty who sell themsel es for gold and diamonds. "9esterday 3 was carefree! sharing with the shepherds all the %oy of life0 eating! playing! working! singing! and dancing together to the music of the heart/s truth. Today 3 find myself among the people like a frightened lamb among the wol es. $s 3 walk in the roads! they ga1e at me with hateful eyes and point at me with scorn and %ealousy! and as 3 steal through the park 3 see frowning faces all about me. "9esterday 3 was rich in happiness and today 3 am poor in gold. "9esterday 3 was a happy shepherd looking upon his head as a merciful king looks with pleasure upon his contented sub%ects. Today 3 am a sla e standing before my wealth! my wealth which robbed me of the beauty of life 3 once knew. ",orgi e me! my >udge+ 3 did not know that riches would put my life in fragments and lead me into the dungeons of harshness and stupidity. .hat 3 thought was glory is naught but an eternal inferno." He gathered himself wearily and walked slowly toward the palace! sighing and repeating! "3s this what people call wealth2 3s this the god 3 am ser ing and

worshipping2 3s this what 3 seek of the earth2 .hy can 3 not trade it for one particle of contentment2 .ho would sell me one beautiful thought for a ton of gold2 .ho would gi e me one moment of lo e for a handful of gems2 .ho would grant me an eye that can see others/ hearts! and take all my coffers in barter2" $s he reached the palace gates he turned and looked toward the city as >eremiah ga1ed toward >erusalem. He raised his arms in woeful lament and shouted! "4h people of the noisome city! who are li ing in darkness! hastening toward misery! preaching falsehood! and speaking with stupidity...until when shall you remain ignorant2 8nit when shall you abide in the filth of life and continue to desert its gardens2 .hy wear you tattered robes of narrowness while the silk raiment of 7ature/s beauty is fashioned for you2 The lamp of wisdom is dimming0 it is time to furnish it with oil. The house of true fortune is being destroyed0 it is time to rebuild it and guard it. The thie es of ignorance ha e stolen the treasure of your peace0 it is time to retake it+" $t that moment a poor man stood before him and stretched forth his hand for alms. $s he looked at the beggar! his lips parted! his eyes brightened with a softness! and his face radiated kindness. 3t was as if the yesterday he had lamented by the lake had come to greet him. He embraced the pauper with affection and filled his hands with gold! and with a oice sincere with the sweetness of lo e he said! "5ome back tomorrow and bring with you your fellow sufferers. $ll your possessions will be restored." He entered his palace saying! "- erything in life is good0 e en gold! for it teaches a lesson. 'oney is like a stringed instrument0 he who does not know how to use it properly will hear only discordant music. 'oney is like lo e0 it kills slowly and painfully the one who withholds it! and it enli ens the other who turns it upon his fellow man." CHAPTER 13. LEA(E !E* !) +LA!ER )ea e me! my blamer! ,or the sake of the lo e .hich unites your soul with That of your belo ed one0 ,or the sake of that which >oins spirit with mothers $ffection! and ties your Heart with filial lo e. Go! $nd lea e me to my own .eeping heart. )et me sail in the ocean of 'y dreams0 .ait until Tomorrow 5omes! for tomorrow is free to #o with me as he wishes. 9our )aying is naught but shadow That walks with the spirit to The tomb of abashment! and shows Heard the cold! solid earth. 3 ha e a little heart within me $nd 3 like to bring him out of His prison and carry him on the :alm of my hand to e(amine him 3n depth and e(tract his secret. $im

not your arrows at him! lest He takes fright and anish /ere he :ours the secrets blood as a *acrifice at the altar of his 4wn faith! gi en him by #eity .hen he fashioned him of lo e and beauty. The sun is rising and the nightingale 3s singing! and the myrtle is Breathing its fragrance into space. 3 want to free myself from the ?uilted slumber of wrong. #o not #etain me! my blamer+ 5a il me not by mention of the )ions of the forest or the *nakes of the alley! for 'e soul knows no fear of earth and $ccepts no warning of e il before - il comes. $d ise me not! my blamer! for 5alamities ha e opened my heart and Tears ha e cleanses my eyes! and -rrors ha e taught me the language 4f the hearts. Talk not of banishment! for conscience 3s my %udge and he will %ustify me $nd protect me if 3 am innocent! and .ill deny me of life if 3 am a criminal. )o e/s procession is mo ing0 Beauty is wa ing her banner0 9outh is sounding the trumpet of %oy0 #isturb not my contrition! my blamer. )et me walk! for the path is rich .ith roses and mint! and the air 3s scented with cleanliness. ;elate not the tales of wealth and Greatness! for my soul is rich .ith bounty and great with God/s glory. *peak not of peoples and laws and Kingdoms! for the whole earth is 'y birthplace and all humans are 'y brothers. Go from me! for you are taking away )ife & gi ing repentance and bringing 7eedless words. CHAPTER 14. THE +EAUT) OF DEATH )et me sleep! for my soul is into(icated with lo e and )et me rest! for my spirit has had its bounty of days and nights0 )ight the candles and burn the incense around my bed! and *catter lea es of %asmine and roses o er my body0 -mbalm my hair with frankincense and sprinkle my feet with perfume! $nd read what the hand of #eath has written on my forehead. )et me rest in the arms of *lumber! for my open eyes are tired0 )et the sil er& stringed lyre <ui er and soothe my spirit0 .ea e from the harp and lute a eil around my withering heart. *ing of the past as you behold the dawn of hope in my eyes! for 3t/s magic meaning is a soft bed upon which my heart rests.

#ry your tears! my friends! and raise your heads as the flowers ;aise their crowns to greet the dawn. )ook at the bride of #eath standing like a column of light Between my bed and the infinite0 Hold your breath and listen with me to the beckoning rustle of Her white wings. 5ome close and bid me farewell0 touch my eyes with smiling lips. )et the children grasp my hands with soft and rosy fingers0 )et the ages place their eined hands upon my head and bless me0 )et the irgins come close and see the shadow of God in my eyes! $nd hear the echo of His will racing with my breath. :art Two & The $scending 3 ha e passed a mountain peak and my soul is soaring in the ,irmament of complete and unbound freedom0 3 am far! far away! my companions! and the clouds are Hiding the hills from my eyes. The alleys are becoming flooded with an ocean of silence! and the Hands of obli ion are engulfing the roads and the houses0 The prairies and fields are disappearing behind a white specter That looks like the spring cloud! yellow as the candlelight $nd red as the twilight. The songs of the wa es and the hymns of the streams $re scattered! and the oices of the throngs reduced to silence0 $nd 3 can hear naught but the music of -ternity 3n e(act harmony with the spirit/s desires. 3 am cloaked in full whiteness0 3 am in comfort0 3 am in peace. :art Three & The ;emains 8nwrap me from this white linen shroud and clothe me .ith lea es of %asmine and lilies0 Take my body from the i ory casket and let it rest 8pon pillows of orange blossoms. )ament me not! but sing songs of youth and %oy0 *hed not tears upon me! but sing of har est and the winepress0 8tter no sigh of agony! but draw upon my face with your ,inger the symbol of )o e and >oy. #isturb not the air/s tran<uility with chanting and re<uiems! But let your hearts sing with me the song of -ternal )ife0 'ourn me not with apparel of black! But dress in color and re%oice with me0 Talk not of my departure with sighs in your hearts0 close 9our eyes and you will see me with you fore ermore. :lace me upon clusters of lea es and 5arry my upon your friendly shoulders and .alk slowly to the deserted forest. Take me not to the crowded burying ground lest my slumber Be disrupted by the rattling of bones and skulls. 5arry me to the cypress woods and dig my gra e where iolets $nd poppies grow not in the other/s shadow0 )et my gra e be deep so that the flood will not 5arry my bones to the open alley0 )et my grace be wide! so that the twilight shadows .ill come and sit by me.

Take from me all earthly raiment and place me deep in my 'other -arth0 and place me with care upon my mother/s breast. 5o er me with soft earth! and let each handful be mi(ed .ith seeds of %asmine! lilies and myrtle0 and when they Grow abo e me! and thri e on my body/s element they will Breathe the fragrance of my heart into space0 $nd re eal e en to the sun the secret of my peace0 $nd sail with the bree1e and comfort the wayfarer. )ea e me then! friends & lea e me and depart on mute feet! $s the silence walks in the deserted alley0 )ea e me to God and disperse yoursel es slowly! as the almond $nd apple blossoms disperse under the ibration of 7isan/s bree1e. Go back to the %oy of your dwellings and you will find there That which #eath cannot remo e from you and me. )ea e with place! for what you see here is far away in meaning ,rom the earthly world. )ea e me. CHAPTER 1 . A POET'S (OICE :art 4ne The power of charity sows deep in my heart! and 3 reap and gather the wheat in bundles and gi e them to the hungry. 'y soul gi es life to the grape ine and 3 press its bunches and gi e the %uice to the thirsty. Hea en fills my lamp with oil and 3 place it at my window to direct the stranger through the dark. 3 do all these things because 3 li e in them0 and if destiny should tie my hands and pre ent me from so doing! then death would be my only desire. ,or 3 am a poet! and if 3 cannot gi e! 3 shall refuse to recei e. Humanity rages like a tempest! but 3 sigh in silence for 3 know the storm must pass away while a sigh goes to God. Human kinds cling to earthly things! but 3 seek e er to embrace the torch of lo e so it will purify me by its fire and sear inhumanity from my heart. *ubstantial things deaden a man without suffering0 lo e awakens him with enli ening pains. Humans are di ided into different clans and tribes! and belong to countries and towns. But 3 find myself a stranger to all communities and belong to no settlement. The uni erse is my country and the human family is my tribe. 'en are weak! and it is sad that they di ide amongst themsel es. The world is

narrow and it is unwise to clea e it into kingdoms! empires! and pro inces. Human kinds unite themsel es one to destroy the temples of the soul! and they %oin hands to build edifices for earthly bodies. 3 stand alone listening to the oice of hope in my deep self saying! "$s lo e enli ens a man/s heart with pain! so ignorance teaches him the way of knowledge." :ain and ignorance lead to great %oy and knowledge because the *upreme Being has created nothing ain under the sun. :art Two 3 ha e a yearning for my beautiful country! and 3 lo e its people because of their misery. But if my people rose! stimulated by plunder and moti ated by what they call "patriotic spirit" to murder! and in aded my neighbor/s country! then upon the committing of any human atrocity 3 would hate my people and my country. 3 sing the praise of my birthplace and long to see the home of my children0 but if the people in that home refused to shelter and feed the needy wayfarer! 3 would con ert my praise into anger and my longing to forgetfulness. 'y inner oice would say! "The house that does not comfort the need is worthy of naught by destruction." 3 lo e my nati e illage with some of my lo e for my country0 and 3 lo e my country with part of my lo e for the earth! all of which is my country0 and 3 lo e the earth will all of myself because it is the ha en of humanity! the manifest spirit of God. Humanity is the spirit of the *upreme Being on earth! and that humanity is standing amidst ruins! hiding its nakedness behind tattered rags! shedding tears upon hollow cheeks! and calling for its children with pitiful oice. But the children are busy singing their clan/s anthem0 they are busy sharpening the swords and cannot hear the cry of their mothers. Humanity appeals to its people but they listen not. .ere one to listen! and console a mother by wiping her tears! other would say! "He is weak! affected by sentiment." Humanity is the spirit of the *upreme Being on earth! and that *upreme Being preaches lo e and good&will. But the people ridicule such teachings. The 7a1arene >esus listened! and crucifi(ion was his lot0 *ocrates heard the oice and followed it! and he too fell ictim in body. The followers of The 7a1arene and *ocrates are the followers of #eity! and since people will not kill them! they deride them! saying! ";idicule is more bitter than killing."

>erusalem could not kill The 7a1arene! nor $thens *ocrates0 they are li ing yet and shall li e eternally. ;idicule cannot triumph o er the followers of #eity. They li e and grow fore er. :art Three Thou art my brother because you are a human! and we both are sons of one Holy *pirit0 we are e<ual and made of the same earth. 9ou are here as my companion along the path of life! and my aid in understanding the meaning of hidden Truth. 9ou are a human! and! that fact sufficing! 3 lo e you as a brother. 9ou may speak of me as you choose! for Tomorrow shall take you away and will use your talk as e idence for his %udgment! and you shall recei e %ustice. 9ou may depri e me of whate er 3 possess! for my greed instigated the amassing of wealth and you are entitled to my lot if it will satisfy you. 9ou may do unto me whate er you wish! but you shall not be able to touch my Truth. 9ou may shed my blood and burn my body! but you cannot kill or hurt my spirit. 9ou may tie my hands with chains and my feet with shackles! and put me in the dark prison! but who shall not ensla e my thinking! for it is free! like the bree1e in the spacious sky. 9ou are my brother and 3 lo e you. 3 lo e you worshipping in your church! kneeling in your temple! and praying in your mos<ue. 9ou and 3 and all are children of one religion! for the aried paths of religion are but the fingers of the lo ing hand of the *upreme Being! e(tended to all! offering completeness of spirit to all! an(ious to recei e all. 3 lo e you for your Truth! deri ed from your knowledge0 that Truth which 3 cannot see because of my ignorance. But 3 respect it as a di ine thing! for it is the deed of the spirit. 9our Truth shall meet my Truth in the coming world and blend together like the fragrance of flowers and becoming one whole and eternal Truth! perpetuating and li ing in the eternity of )o e and Beauty. 3 lo e you because you are weak before the strong oppressor! and poor before the greedy rich. ,or these reasons 3 shed tears and comfort you0 and from behind my tears 3 see you embraced in the arms of >ustice! smiling and forgi ing your persecutors. 9ou are my brother and 3 lo e you.

:art ,our 9ou are my brother! but why are you <uarreling with me2 .hy do you in ade my country and try to sub%ugate me for the sake of pleasing those who are seeking glory and authority2 .hy do you lea e your wife and children and follow #eath to the distant land for the sake of those who buy glory with your blood! and high honor with your mother/s tears2 3s it an honor for a man to kill his brother man2 3f you deem it an honor! let it be an act of worship! and erect a temple to 5ain who slew his brother $bel. 3s self&preser ation the first law of 7ature2 .hy! then! does Greed urge you to self&sacrifice in order only to achie e his aim in hurting your brothers2 Beware! my brother! of the leader who says! ")o e of e(istence obliges us to depri e the people of their rights+" 3 say unto you but this6 protecting others/ rights is the noblest and most beautiful human act0 if my e(istence re<uires that 3 kill others! then death is more honorable to me! and if 3 cannot find someone to kill me for the protection of my honor! 3 will not hesitate to take my life by my own hands for the sake of -ternity before -ternity comes. *elfishness! my brother! is the cause of blind superiority! and superiority creates clanship! and clanship creates authority which leads to discord and sub%ugation. The soul belie es in the power of knowledge and %ustice o er dark ignorance0 it denies the authority that supplies the swords to defend and strengthen ignorance and oppression & that authority which destroyed Babylon and shook the foundation of >erusalem and left ;ome in ruins. 3t is that which made people call criminals great mean0 made writers respect their names0 made historians relate the stories of their inhumanity in manner of praise. The only authority 3 obey is the knowledge of guarding and ac<uiescing in the 7atural )aw of >ustice. .hat %ustice does authority display when it kills the killer2 .hen it imprisons the robber2 .hen it descends on a neighborhood country and slays its people2 .hat does %ustice think of the authority under which a killer punishes the one who kills! and a thief sentences the one who steals2 9ou are my brother! and 3 lo e you0 and )o e is %ustice with its full intensity and dignity. 3f %ustice did not support my lo e for you! regardless of your tribe and community! 3 would be a decei er concealing the ugliness of selfishness behind

the outer garment of pure lo e. 5onclusion 'y soul is my friend who consoles me in misery and distress of life. He who does not befriend his soul is an enemy of humanity! and he who does not find human guidance within himself will perish desperatly. )ife emerges from within! and deri es not from en irons. 3 came to say a word and 3 shall say it now. But if death pre ents its uttering! it will be said by Tomorrow! for Tomorrow ne er lea es a secret in the book of -ternity. 3 came to li e in the glory of )o e and the light of Beauty! which are the reflections of God. 3 am here li ing! and the people are unable to e(ile me from the domain of life for they know 3 will li e in death. 3f they pluck my eyes 3 will hearken to the murmurs of )o e and the songs of Beauty. 3f they close my ears 3 will en%oy the touch of the bree1e mi(ed with the incense of )o e and the fragrance of Beauty. 3f they place me in a acuum! 3 will li e together with my soul! the child of )o e and Beauty. 3 came here to be for all and with all! and what 3 do today in my solitude will be echoed by Tomorrow to the people. .hat 3 say now with one heart will be said tomorrow by many hearts CHAPTER 1". THE LIFE OF LO(E *pring 5ome! my belo ed0 let us walk amidst the knolls! ,or the snow is water! and )ife is ali e from its *lumber and is roaming the hills and alleys. )et us follow the footprints of *pring into the #istant fields! and mount the hilltops to draw 3nspiration high abo e the cool green plains. #awn of *pring has unfolded her winter&kept garment $nd placed it on the peach and citrus trees0 and They appear as brides in the ceremonial custom of the 7ight of Kedre. The sprigs of grape ine embrace each other like *weethearts! and the brooks burst out in dance Between the rocks! repeating the song of %oy0 $nd the flowers bud suddenly from the heart of 7ature! like foam from the rich heart of the sea. 5ome! my belo ed0 let us drink the last of .inter/s Tears from the cupped lilies!

and soothe our spirits .ith the shower of notes from the birds! and wander 3n e(hilaration through the into(icating bree1e. )et us sit by that rock! where iolets hide0 let us :ursue their e(change of the sweetness of kisses. *ummer )et us go into the fields! my belo ed! for the Time of har est approaches! and the sun/s eyes $re ripening the grain. )et us tend the fruit of the earth! as the *pirit nourishes the grains of >oy from the *eeds of )o e! sowed deep in our hearts. )et us fill our bins with the products of 7ature! as life fills so abundantly the #omain of our hearts with her endless bounty. )et us make the flowers our bed! and the *ky our blanket! and rest our heads together 8pon pillows of soft hay. )et us rela( after the day/s toil! and listen To the pro oking murmur of the brook. $utumn )et us go and gather grapes in the ineyard ,or the winepress! and keep the wine in old =ases! as the spirit keeps Knowledge of the $ges in eternal essels. )et us return to our dwelling! for the wind has 5aused the yellow lea es to fall and shroud the .ithering flowers that whisper elegy to *ummer. 5ome home! my eternal sweetheart! for the birds Ha e made pilgrimage to warmth and lest the chilled :rairies suffering pangs of solitude. The %asmine $nd myrtle ha e no more tears. )et us retreat! for the tired brook has 5eased its song0 and the bubblesome springs $re drained of their copious weeping0 and Their cautious old hills ha e stored away Their colorful garments. 5ome! my belo ed0 7ature is %ustly weary $nd is bidding her enthusiasm farewell .ith <uiet and contented melody. .inter 5ome close to me! oh companion of my full life0 5ome close to me and let not .inter/s touch -nter between us. *it by me before the hearth! ,or fire is the only fruit of .inter. *peak to me of the glory of your heart! for That is greater than the shrieking elements Beyond our door. Bind the door and seal the transoms! for the $ngry countenance of the hea en depresses my *pirit! and the face of our snow&laden

fields 'akes my soul cry. ,eed the lamp with oil and let it not dim! and :lace it by you! so 3 can read with tears what 9our life with me has written upon your face. Bring $utumn/s wine. )et us drink and sing the *ong of remembrance to *pring/s carefree sowing! $nd *ummer/s watchful tending! and $utumn/s ;eward in har est. 5ome close to me! oh belo ed of my soul0 the ,ire is cooling and fleeing under the ashes. -mbrace me! for 3 fear loneliness0 the lamp is #im! and the wine which we pressed is closing 4ur eyes. )et us look upon each other before They are shut. ,ind me with your arms and embrace me0 let *lumber then embrace our souls as one. Kiss me! my belo ed! for .inter has stolen $ll but our mo ing lips. 9ou are close by me! 'y ,ore er. How deep and wide will be the ocean of *lumber! $nd how recent was the dawn+ CHAPTER 1$. SON# OF THE WA(E The strong shore is my belo ed $nd 3 am his sweetheart. .e are at last united by lo e! and Then the moon draws me from him. 3 go to him in haste and depart ;eluctantly! with many )ittle farewells. 3 steal swiftly from behind the Blue hori1on to cast the sil er of 'y foam upon the gold of his sand! and .e blend in melted brilliance. 3 <uench his thirst and submerge his Heart0 he softens my oice and subdues 'y temper. $t dawn 3 recite the rules of lo e upon His ears! and he embraces me longingly. $t e entide 3 sing to him the song of Hope! and then print smooth hisses upon His face0 3 am swift and fearful! but he 3s <uiet! patient! and thoughtful. His Broad bosom soothes my restlessness. $s the tide comes we caress each other! .hen it withdraws! 3 drop to his feet in :rayer. 'any times ha e 3 danced around mermaids $s they rose from the depths and rested 8pon my crest to watch the stars0 'any times ha e 3 heard lo ers complain 4f their smallness! and 3 helped them to sigh. 'any times ha e 3 teased the great rocks $nd fondled them with a smile! but ne er Ha e 3 recei ed laughter from them0 'any times ha e 3 lifted drowning

souls $nd carried them tenderly to my belo ed *hore. He gi es them strength as he Takes mine. 'any times ha e 3 stolen gems from the #epths and presented them to my belo ed *hore. He takes them in silence! but still 3 gi e fro he welcomes me e er. 3n the hea iness of night! when all 5reatures seek the ghost of *lumber! 3 *it up! singing at one time and sighing $t another. 3 am awake always. $las+ *leeplessness has weakened me+ But 3 am a lo er! and the truth of lo e 3s strong. 3 may be weary! but 3 shall ne er die. CHAPTER 1%. PEACE The tempest calmed after bending the branches of the trees and leaning hea ily upon the grain in the field. The stars appeared as broken remnants of lightning! but now silence pre ailed o er all! as if 7ature/s war had ne er been fought. $t that hour a young woman entered her chamber and knelt by her bed sobbing bitterly. Her heart flamed with agony but she could finally open her lips and say! "4h )ord! bring him home safely to me. 3 ha e e(hausted my tears and can offer no more! oh )ord! full of lo e and mercy. 'y patience is drained and calamity is seeking possession of my heart. *a e him! oh )ord! from the iron paws of .ar0 deli er him from such unmerciful #eath! for he is weak! go erned by the strong. 4h )ord! sa e my belo ed! who is Thine own son! from the foe! who is Thy foe. Keep him from the forced pathway to #eath/s door0 let him see me! or come and take me to him." ?uietly a young man entered. His head was wrapped in bandage soaked with escaping life. He approached he with a greeting of tears and laughter! then took her hand and placed against it his flaming lips. $nd with a oice with bespoke past sorrow! and %oy of union! and uncertainty of her reaction! he said! ",ear me not! for 3 am the ob%ect of your plea. Be glad! for :eace has carried me back safely to you! and humanity has restored what greed essayed to take from us. Be not sad! but smile! my belo ed. #o not e(press bewilderment! for )o e has power that dispels #eath0 charm that con<uers the enemy. 3 am your one. Think me not a specter emerging from the House of #eath to isit your Home of Beauty. "#o not be frightened! for 3 am now Truth! spared from swords and fire to re eal to the people the triumph of )o e o er .ar. 3 am .ord uttering introduction to the play of happiness and peace."

Then the young man became speechless and his tears spoke the language of the heart0 and the angels of >oy ho ered about that dwelling! and the two hearts restored the singleness which had been taken from them. $t dawn the two stood in the middle of the field contemplating the beauty of 7ature in%ured by the tempest. $fter a deep and comforting silence! the soldier said to his sweetheart! ")ook at the #arkness! gi ing birth to the *un." CHAPTER 1&. THE PLA)#ROUND OF LIFE 4ne hour de oted to the pursuit of Beauty $nd )o e is worth a full century of glory Gi en by the frightened weak to the strong. ,rom that hour comes man/s Truth0 and #uring that century Truth sleeps between The restless arms of disturbing dreams. 3n that hour the soul sees for herself The 7atural )aw! and for that century she 3mprisons herself behind the law of man0 $nd she is shackled with irons of oppression. That hour was the inspiration of the *ongs 4f *olomon! an that century was the blind :ower which destroyed the temple of Baalbek. That hour was the birth of the *ermon on the 'ount! and that century wrecked the castles of :almyra and the Tower of Babylon. That hour was the Hegira of 'ohammed and that 5entury forgot $llah! Golgotha! and *inai. 4ne hour de oted to mourning and lamenting the *tolen e<uality of the weak is nobler than a 5entury filled with greed and usurpation. 3t is at that hour when the heart is :urified by flaming sorrow and 3lluminated by the torch of )o e. $nd in that century! desires for Truth $re buried in the bosom of the earth. That hour is the root which must flourish. That hour of meditation! the hour of :rayer! and the hour of a new era of good. $nd that century is a life of 7ero spent 4n self&in estment taken solely from -arthly substance. This is life. :ortrayed on the stage for ages0 ;ecorded earthly for centuries0 )i ed in strangeness for years0 *ung as a hymn for days0 -(alted but for an hour! but the Hour is treasured by -ternity as a %ewel. CHAPTER 2'. THE CIT) OF THE DEAD

9esterday 3 drew myself from the noisome throngs and proceeded into the field until 3 reached a knoll upon which 7ature had spread her comely garments. 7ow 3 could breathe. 3 looked back! and the city appeared with its magnificent mos<ues and stately residences eiled by the smoke of the shops. 3 commenced analy1ing man/s mission! but could conclude only that most of his life was identified with struggle and hardship. Then 3 tried not to ponder o er what the sons of $dam had done! and centered my eyes on the field which is the throne of God/s glory. 3n one secluded corner of the field 3 obser ed a burying ground surrounded by poplar trees. There! between the city of the dead and the city of the li ing! 3 meditated. 3 thought of the eternal silence in the first and the endless sorrow in the second. 3n the city of the li ing 3 found hope and despair0 lo e and hatred! %oy and sorrow! wealth and po erty! faith and infidelity. 3n the city of the dead there is buried earth in earth that 7ature con erts! in the night/s silence! into egetation! and then into animal! and then into man. $s my mind wandered in this fashion! 3 saw a procession mo ing slowly and re erently! accompanied by pieces of music that filled the sky with sad melody. 3t was an elaborate funeral. The dead was followed by the li ing who wept and lamented his going. $s the cortege reached the place of interment the priests commenced praying and burning incense! and musicians blowing and plucking their instruments! mourning the departed. Then the leaders came forward one after the other and recited their eulogies with fine choice of words. $t last the multitude departed! lea ing the dead resting in a most spacious and beautiful ault! e(pertly designed in stone and iron! and surrounded by the most e(pensi ely&entwined wreaths of flowers. The farewell&bidders returned to the city and 3 remained! watching them from a distance and speaking softly to myself while the sun was descending to the hori1on and 7ature was making her many preparations for slumber. Then 3 saw two men laboring under the weight of a wooden casket! and behind them a shabby&appearing woman carrying an infant on her arms. ,ollowing last was a dog who! with heartbreaking eyes! stared first at the woman and then at the casket. 3t was a poor funeral. This guest of #eath left to cold society a miserable wife and an infant to share her sorrows and a faithful dog whose heart knew of his

companion/s departure. $s they reached the burial place they deposited the casket into a ditch away from the tended shrubs and marble stones! and retreated after a few simple words to God. The dog made one last turn to look at his friend/s gra e as the small group disappeared behind the trees. 3 looked at the city of the li ing and said to myself! "That place belongs to the few." Then 3 looked upon the trim city of the dead and said! "That place! too! belongs to the few. 4h )ord! where is the ha en of all the people2" $s 3 said this! 3 looked toward the clouds! mingled with the sun/s longest and most beautiful golden rays. $nd 3 heard a oice within me saying! "4 er there+" CHAPTER 21. THE WIDOW AND HER SON 7ight fell o er 7orth )ebanon and snow was co ering the illages surrounded by the Kadeesha =alley! gi ing the fields and prairies the appearance of a great sheet of parchment upon which the furious 7ature was recording her many deeds. 'en came home from the streets while silence engulfed the night. 3n a lone house near those illages li ed a woman who sat by her fireside spinning wool! and at her side was her only child! staring now at the fire and then at his mother. $ terrible roar of thunder shook the house and the little boy shook with fright. He threw his arms about his mother! seeking protection from 7ature in her affection. *he took him to her bosom and kissed him0 then she say him on her lap and said! "#o not fear! my son! for 7ature is but comparing her great power to man/s weakness. There is a *upreme Being beyond the falling snow and the hea y clouds and the blowing wind! and He knows the needs of the earth! for He made it0 and He looks upon the weak with merciful eyes. "Be bra e! my boy. 7ature smiles in *pring and laughs in *ummer and yawns in $utumn! but now she is weeping0 and with her tears she waters life! hidden under the earth. "*leep! my dear child0 your father is iewing us from -ternity. The snow and thunder bring us closer to him at this time. "*leep! my belo ed! for this white blanket which makes us cold! keeps the seeds warm! and these war&like things will produce beautiful flowers when 7isan comes. "Thus! my child! man cannot reap lo e until after sad and re ealing separation!

and bitter patience! and desperate hardship. *leep! my little boy0 sweet dreams will find your soul who is unafraid of the terrible darkness of night and the biting frost." The little boy looked upon his mother with sleep&laden eyes and said! "'other! my eyes are hea y! but 3 cannot go to bed without saying my prayer." The woman looked at his angelic face! her ision blurred by misted eyes! and said! ";epeat with me! my boy & /God! ha e mercy on the poor and protect them from the winter0 warm their thin&clad bodies with Thy merciful hands0 look upon the orphans who are sleeping in wretched houses! suffering from hunger and cold. Hear! oh )ord! the call of widows who are helpless and shi ering with fear for their young. 4pen! oh )ord! the hearts of all humans! that they may see the misery of the weak. Ha e mercy upon the sufferers who knock on doors! and lead the wayfarers into warm places. .atch! oh )ord! o er the little birds and protect the trees and fields from the anger of the storm0 for Thou art merciful and full of lo e./" $s *lumber captured the boy/s spirit! his mother placed him in the bed and kissed his eyes with <ui ering lips. Then she went back and sat by the hearth! spinning the wool to make him raiment. CHAPTER 22. SON# OF THE SOUL 3n the depth of my soul there is $ wordless song & a song that li es 3n the seed of my heart. 3t refuses to melt with ink on :archment0 it engulfs my affection 3n a transparent cloak and flows! But not upon my lips. How can 3 sigh it2 3 fear it may 'ingle with earthly ether0 To whom shall 3 sing it2 3t dwells 3n the house of my soul! in fear of Harsh ears. .hen 3 look into my inner eyes 3 see the shadow of its shadow0 .hen 3 touch my fingertips 3 feel its ibrations. The deeds of my hands heed its :resence as a lake must reflect The glittering stars0 my tears ;e eal it! as bright drops of dew ;e eal the secret of a withering rose. 3t is a song composed by contemplation! $nd published by silence! $nd shunned by clamor! $nd folded by truth! $nd repeated by dreams! $nd understood by lo e! $nd hidden by awakening! $nd sung by the soul. 3t is the song of lo e0 .hat 5ain or -sau could sing it2

3t is more fragrant than %asmine0 .hat oice could ensla e it2 3t is heartbound! as a irgin/s secret0 .hat string could <ui er it2 .ho dares unite the roar of the sea $nd the singing of the nightingale2 .ho dares compare the shrieking tempest To the sigh of an infant2 .ho dares speak aloud the words 3ntended for the heart to speak2 .hat human dares sing in oice The song of God2 CHAPTER 23. SON# OF THE FLOWER 3 am a kind word uttered and repeated By the oice of 7ature0 3 am a star fallen from the Blue tent upon the green carpet. 3 am the daughter of the elements .ith whom .inter concei ed0 To whom *pring ga e birth0 3 was ;eared in the lap of *ummer and 3 *lept in the bed of $utumn. $t dawn 3 unite with the bree1e To announce the coming of light0 $t e entide 3 %oin the birds 3n bidding the light farewell. The plains are decorated with 'y beautiful colors! and the air 3s scented with my fragrance. $s 3 embrace *lumber the eyes of 7ight watch o er me! and as 3 $waken 3 stare at the sun! which is The only eye of the day. 3 drink dew for wine! and hearken to The oices of the birds! and dance To the rhythmic swaying of the grass. 3 am the lo er/s gift0 3 am the wedding wreath0 3 am the memory of a moment of happiness0 3 am the last gift of the li ing to the dead0 3 am a part of %oy and a part of sorrow. But 3 look up high to see only the light! $nd ne er look down to see my shadow. This is wisdom which man must learn. CHAPTER 24. SON# OF LO(E 3 am the lo er/s eyes! and the spirit/s .ine! and the heart/s nourishment. 3 am a rose. 'y heart opens at dawn and The irgin kisses me and places me 8pon her breast. 3 am the house of true fortune! and the 4rigin of pleasure! and the beginning 4f peace and tran<uility. 3 am the gentle *mile upon his lips of beauty. .hen youth 4 ertakes me he forgets his toil! and his .hole life becomes reality of sweet dreams.

3 am the poet/s elation! $nd the artist/s re elation! $nd the musician/s inspiration. 3 am a sacred shrine in the heart of a 5hild! adored by a merciful mother. 3 appear to a heart/s cry0 3 shun a demand0 'y fullness pursues the heart/s desire0 3t shuns the empty claim of the oice. 3 appeared to $dam through - e $nd e(ile was his lot0 9et 3 re ealed myself to *olomon! and He drew wisdom from my presence. 3 smiled at Helena and she destroyed Tarwada0 9et 3 crowned 5leopatra and peace dominated The =alley of the 7ile. 3 am like the ages && building today $nd destroying tomorrow0 3 am like a god! who creates and ruins0 3 am sweeter than a iolet/s sigh0 3 am more iolent than a raging tempest. Gifts alone do not entice me0 :arting does not discourage me0 :o erty does not chase me0 >ealousy does not pro e my awareness0 'adness does not e idence my presence. 4h seekers! 3 am Truth! beseeching Truth0 $nd your Truth in seeking and recei ing $nd protecting me shall determine my Beha ior. CHAPTER 2 . SON# OF !AN 3 was here from the moment of the Beginning! and here 3 am still. $nd 3 shall remain here until the end 4f the world! for there is no -nding to my grief& stricken being. 3 roamed the infinite sky! and *oared in the ideal world! and ,loated through the firmament. But Here 3 am! prisoner of measurement. 3 heard the teachings of 5onfucius0 3 listened to Brahma/s wisdom0 3 sat by Buddha under the Tree of Knowledge. 9et here 3 am! e(isting with ignorance $nd heresy. 3 was on *inai when >eho ah approached 'oses0 3 saw the 7a1arene/s miracles at the >ordan0 3 was in 'edina when 'ohammed isited. 9et 3 here 3 am! prisoner of bewilderment. Then 3 witnessed the might of Babylon0 3 learned of the glory of -gypt0 3 iewed the warring greatness of ;ome. 9et my earlier teachings showed the .eakness and sorrow of those achie ements. 3 con ersed with the magicians of $in #our0 3 debated with the priests of

$ssyria0 3 gleaned depth from the prophets of :alestine. 9et! 3 am still seeking truth. 3 gathered wisdom from <uiet 3ndia0 3 probed the anti<uity of $rabia0 3 heard all that can be heard. 9et! my heart is deaf and blind. 3 suffered at the hands of despotic rulers0 3 suffered sla ery under insane in aders0 3 suffered hunger imposed by tyranny0 9et! 3 still possess some inner power .ith which 3 struggle to great each day. 'y mind is filled! but my heart is empty0 'y body is old! but my heart is an infant. :erhaps in youth my heart will grow! but 3 :ray to grow old and reach the moment of 'y return to God. 4nly then will my heart fill+ 3 was here from the moment of the Beginning! and here 3 am still. $nd 3 shall remain here until the end 4f of world! for there is no -nding to my grief&stricken being. CHAPTER 2". +EFORE THE THRONE OF +EAUT) 4ne hea y day 3 ran away from the grim face of society and the di11ying clamor of the city and directed my weary step to the spacious alley. 3 pursued the beckoning course of the ri ulet and the musical sounds of the birds until 3 reached a lonely spot where the flowing branches of the trees pre ented the sun from the touching the earth. 3 stood there! and it was entertaining to my soul & my thirsty soul who had seen naught but the mirage of life instead of its sweetness. 3 was engrossed deeply in thought and my spirits were sailing the firmament when a hour! wearing a sprig of grape ine that co ered part of her naked body! and a wreath of poppies about her golden hair! suddenly appeared to me. $s she she reali1ed my astonishment! she greeted me saying! ",ear me not0 3 am the 7ymph of the >ungle." "How can beauty like yours be committed to li e in this place2 :lease tell me who your are! and whence you come2" 3 asked. *he sat gracefully on the green grass and responded! "3 am the symbol of nature+ 3 am the e er irgin your forefathers worshipped! and to my honor they erected shrines and temples at Baalbek and >beil." $nd 3 dared say! "But those temples and shrines were laid waste and the bones of my adoring ancestors became a part of the earth0 nothing was left to commemorate their goddess sa e a pitiful few and the forgotten pages in the book of history." *he replied! "*ome goddesses li e in the li es of their worshippers and die in

their deaths! while some li e an eternal and infinite life. 'y life is sustained by the world of beauty which you will see where e er you rest your eyes! and this beauty is nature itself0 it is the beginning of the shepherds %oy among the hills! and a illagers happiness in the fields! and the pleasure of the awe filled tribes between the mountains and the plains. This Beauty promotes the wise into the throne the truth." Then 3 said! "Beauty is a terrible power+" $nd she retorted! "Human beings fear all things! e en yoursel es. 9ou fear hea en! the source of spiritual peace0 you fear nature! the ha en of rest and tran<uility0 you fear the God of goodness and accuse him of anger! while he is full of lo e and mercy." $fter a deep silence! mingled with sweet dreams! 3 asked! "*peak to me of that beauty which the people interpret and define! each one according to his own conception0 3 ha e seen her honored and worshipped in different ways and manners." *he answered! "Beauty is that which attracts your soul! and that which lo es to gi e and not to recei e. .hen you meet Beauty! you feel that the hands deep within your inner self are stretched forth to bring her into the domain of your heart. 3t is the magnificence combined of sorrow and %oy0 it is the 8nseen which you see! and the =ague which you understand! and the 'ute which you hear & it is the Holy of Holies that begins in yourself and ends astly beyond your earthly imagination." Then the 7ymph of the >ungle approached me and laid her scented hands upon my eyes. $nd as she withdrew! 3 found me alone in the alley. .hen 3 returned to the city! whose turbulence no longer e(ed me! 3 repeated her words6 "Beauty is that which attracts your soul! and that which lo es to gi e and not to recei e." CHAPTER 2$. A LO(ER'S CALL .here are you! my belo ed2 $re you in that little :aradise! watering the flowers who look upon you $s infants look upon the breast of their mothers2 4r are you in your chamber where the shrine of =irtue has been placed in your honor! and upon .hich you offer my heart and soul as sacrifice2 4r amongst the books! seeking human knowledge! .hile you are replete with hea enly wisdom2 4h companion of my soul! where are you2 $re you :raying in the temple2 4r

calling 7ature in the ,ield! ha en of your dreams2 $re you in the huts of the poor! consoling the Broken&hearted with the sweetness of your soul! and ,illing their hands with your bounty2 9ou are God/s spirit e erywhere0 9ou are stronger than the ages. #o you ha e memory of the day we met! when the halo of 9ou spirit surrounded us! and the $ngels of )o e ,loated about! singing the praise of the soul/s deed2 #o you recollect our sitting in the shade of the Branches! sheltering oursel es from Humanity! as the ribs :rotect the di ine secret of the heart from in%ury2 ;emember you the trails and forest we walked! with hands >oined! and our heads leaning against each other! as if .e were hiding oursel es within oursel es2 ;ecall you the hour 3 bade you farewell! $nd the 'aritime kiss you placed on my lips2 That kiss taught me that %oining of lips in )o e ;e eals hea enly secrets which the tongue cannot utter+ That kiss was introduction to a great sigh! )ike the $lmighty/s breath that turned earth into man. That sigh led my way into the spiritual world! $nnouncing the glory of my soul0 and there 3t shall perpetuate until again we meet. 3 remember when you kissed me and kissed me! .ith tears coursing your cheeks! and you said! "-arthly bodies must often separate for earthly purpose! $nd must li e apart impelled by worldly intent. "But the spirit remains %oined safely in the hands of )o e! until death arri es and takes %oined souls to God. "Go! my belo ed0 )o e has chosen you her delegate0 4 er her! for she is Beauty who offers to her follower The cup of the sweetness of life. $s for my own empty arms! your lo e shall remain my 5omforting groom0 you memory! my -ternal wedding." .here are you now! my other self2 $re you awake in The silence of the night2 )et the clean bree1e con ey To you my heart/s e ery beat and affection. $re you fondling my face in your memory2 That image 3s no longer my own! for *orrow has dropped his *hadow on my happy countenance of the past.

*obs ha e withered my eyes which reflected your beauty $nd dried my lips which you sweetened with kisses. .here are you! my belo ed2 #o you hear my weeping ,rom beyond the ocean2 #o you understand my need2 #o you know the greatness of my patience2 3s there any spirit in the air capable of con eying To you the breath of this dying youth2 3s there any *ecret communication between angels that will carry to 9ou my complaint2 .here are you! my beautiful star2 The obscurity of life Has cast me upon its bosom0 sorrow has con<uered me. *ail your smile into the air0 it will reach and enli en me+ Breathe your fragrance into the air0 it will sustain me+ .here are you! me belo ed2 4h! how great is )o e+ $nd how little am 3+ CHAPTER 2%. THE PALACE AND THE HUT :art 4ne $s night fell and the light glittered in the great house! the ser ants stood at the massi e door awaiting the coming of the guests0 and upon their el et garments shown golden buttons. The magnificent carriages drew into the palace park and the nobles entered! dressed in gorgeous raiment and decorated with %ewels. The instruments filled the air with pleasant melodies while the dignitaries danced to the soothing music. $t midnight the finest and most palatable foods were ser ed on a beautiful table embellished with all kinds of the rarest flowers. The feasters dined and drank abundantly! until the se<uence of the wine began to play its part. $t dawn the throng dispersed boisterously! after spending a long night of into(ication and gluttony which hurried their worn bodies into their deep beds with unnatural sleep. :art Two $t e entide! a man attired in the dress of hea y work stood before the door of his small house and knocked at the door. $s it opened! he entered and greeted the occupants in a cheerful manner! and then sat between his children who were playing at the fireplace. 3n a short time! his wife had the meal prepared and they sat at a wooden table consuming their food. $fter eating they gathered around

the oil lamp and talked of the day/s e ents. .hen the early night had lapsed! all stood silently and surrendered themsel es to the King of *lumber with a song of praise and a prayer of gratitude on their lips. THE END

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