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Fruit-GatheringRabindranathTagore

TranslatedfromBengalitoEnglishbytheauthor

TheMacmillanCompany,NewYork,1916

I

BidmeandIshallgathermyfruitstobringtheminfullbasketsintoyourcourtyard,thoughsomearelostandsomenotripe.

Fortheseasongrowsheavywithitsfulness,andthereisaplaintiveshepherd’spipeintheshade.

BidmeandIshallsetsailontheriver.

TheMarchwindisfretful,frettingthelanguidwavesintomurmurs.

Thegardenhasyieldeditsall,andinthewearyhourofeveningthecallcomesfromyourhouseontheshoreinthesunset.

II

Mylifewhenyoungwaslikeaflower—aflowerthatloosensapetalortwofromherabundanceandneverfeelsthelosswhenthespringbreezecomestobegatherdoor.

Nowattheendofyouthmylifeislikeafruit,havingnothingtospare,andwaitingtoofferherselfcompletelywithherfullburdenofsweetness.

III

Issummer’sfestivalonlyforfreshblossomsandnotalsoforwitheredleavesandfadedflowers?

Isthesongoftheseaintuneonlywiththerisingwaves?

Doesitnotalsosingwiththewavesthatfall?

Jewelsarewovenintothecarpetwherestandsmyking,buttherearepatientclodswaitingtobetouchedbyhisfeet.

FewarethewiseandthegreatwhositbymyMaster,buthehastakenthefoolishinhisarmsandmademehisservantforever.

IV

Iwokeandfoundhisletterwiththemorning.

Idonotknowwhatitsays,forIcannotread.

Ishallleavethewisemanalonewithhisbooks,Ishallnottroublehim,forwhoknowsifhecanreadwhatthelettersays.

Letmeholdittomyforeheadandpressittomyheart.

WhenthenightgrowsstillandstarscomeoutonebyoneIwillspreaditonmylapandstaysilent.

Therustlingleaveswillreaditaloudtome,therushingstreamwillchantit,andthesevenwisestarswillsingittomefromthesky.

IcannotfindwhatIseek,IcannotunderstandwhatIwouldlearn;butthisunreadletterhaslightenedmyburdensandturnedmythoughtsintosongs.

V

AhandfulofdustcouldhideyoursignalwhenIdidnotknowitsmeaning.

NowthatIamwiserIreaditinallthathiditbefore.

Itispaintedinpetalsofflowers;wavesflashitfromtheirfoam;hillsholdithighontheirsummits.

Ihadmyfaceturnedfromyou,thereforeIreadthelettersawryandknewnottheirmeaning.

VI

WhereroadsaremadeIlosemyway.

Inthewidewater,intheblueskythereisnolineofatrack.

Thepathwayishiddenbythebirds’wings,bythestar-fires,bytheflowersofthewayfaringseasons.

AndIaskmyheartifitsbloodcarriesthewisdomoftheunseenway.

VII

Alas,Icannotstayinthehouse,andhomehasbecomenohometome,fortheeternalStrangercalls,heisgoingalongtheroad.

Thesoundofhisfootfallknocksatmybreast;itpainsme!

Thewindisup,theseaismoaning.Ileaveallmycaresanddoubtstofollowthehomelesstide,fortheStrangercallsme,heisgoingalongtheroad.

VIII

Bereadytolaunchforth,myheart!andletthoselingerwhomust.

Foryournamehasbeencalledinthemorningsky.

Waitfornone!

Thedesireofthebudisforthenightanddew,buttheblownflowercriesforthefreedomoflight.

Burstyoursheath,myheart,andcomeforth!

IX

WhenIlingeredamongmyhoardedtreasureIfeltlikeawormthatfeedsinthedarkuponthefruitwhereitwasborn.

Ileavethisprisonofdecay.

Icarenottohauntthemouldystillness,forIgoinsearchofeverlastingyouth;Ithrowawayallthatisnotonewithmylifenoraslightasmylaughter.

Irunthroughtimeand,Omyheart,inyourchariotdancesthepoetwhosingswhilehewanders.

X

Youtookmyhandanddrewmetoyourside,mademesitonthehighseatbeforeallmen,tillIbecametimid,unabletostirandwalkmyownway;doubtinganddebatingateverysteplestIshouldtreaduponanythornoftheirdisfavour.

Iamfreedatlast!

Theblowhascome,thedrumofinsultsounded,myseatislaidlowinthedust.

Mypathsareopenbeforeme.

Mywingsarefullofthedesireofthesky.

Igotojointheshootingstarsofmidnight,toplungeintotheprofoundshadow.

Iamlikethestorm-drivencloudofsummerthat,havingcastoffitscrownofgold,hangsasaswordthethunderboltuponachainoflightning.

IndesperatejoyIrunuponthedustypathofthedespised;Idrawneartoyourfinalwelcome.

Thechildfindsitsmotherwhenitleavesherwomb.

WhenIampartedfromyou,thrownoutfromyourhousehold,Iamfreetoseeyourface.

XI

Itdecksmeonlytomockme,thisjewelledchainofmine.

Itbruisesmewhenonmyneck,itstranglesmewhenIstruggletotearitoff.

Itgripsmythroat,itchokesmysinging.

CouldIbutofferittoyourhand,myLord,Iwouldbesaved.

Takeitfromme,andinexchangebindmetoyouwithagarland,forIamashamedtostandbeforeyouwiththisjewelledchainonmyneck.

XII

FarbelowflowedtheJumna,swiftandclear,abovefrownedthejuttingbank.

Hillsdarkwiththewoodsandscarredwiththetorrentsweregatheredaround.

Govinda,thegreatSikhteacher,satontherockreadingscriptures,whenRaghunath,hisdisciple,proudofhiswealth,cameandbowedtohimandsaid,“Ihavebroughtmypoorpresentunworthyofyouracceptance.”

Thussayinghedisplayedbeforetheteacherapairofgoldbangleswroughtwithcostlystones.

Themastertookuponeofthem,twirlingitroundhisfinger,andthediamondsdartedshaftsoflight.

Suddenlyitslippedfromhishandandrolleddownthebankintothewater.

“Alas,”screamedRaghunath,andjumpedintothestream.

Theteachersethiseyesuponhisbook,andthewaterheldandhidwhatitstoleandwentitsway.

ThedaylightfadedwhenRaghunathcamebacktotheteachertiredanddripping.

Hepantedandsaid,“Icanstillgetitbackifyoushowmewhereitfell.”

Theteachertookuptheremainingbangleandthrowingitintothewatersaid,“Itisthere.”

XIII

Tomoveistomeetyoueverymoment,Fellow-traveller!

Itistosingtothefallingofyourfeet.

Hewhomyourbreathtouchesdoesnotglidebytheshelterofthebank.

Hespreadsarecklesssailtothewindandridestheturbulentwater.

Hewhothrowshisdoorsopenandstepsonwardreceivesyourgreeting.

Hedoesnotstaytocounthisgainortomournhisloss;hisheartbeatsthedrumforhismarch,forthatistomarchwithyoueverystep,

Fellow-traveller!

XIV

Myportionofthebestinthisworldwillcomefromyourhands:suchwasyourpromise.

Thereforeyourlightglistensinmytears.

IfeartobeledbyotherslestImissyouwaitinginsomeroadcornertobemyguide.

Iwalkmyownwilfulwaytillmyveryfollytemptsyoutomydoor.

ForIhaveyourpromisethatmyportionofthebestinthisworldwillcomefromyourhands.

XV

Yourspeechissimple,myMaster,butnottheirswhotalkofyou.

Iunderstandthevoiceofyourstarsandthesilenceofyourtrees.

Iknowthatmyheartwouldopenlikeaflower;thatmylifehasfilleditselfatahiddenfountain.

Yoursongs,likebirdsfromthelonelylandofsnow,arewingingtobuildtheirnestsinmyheartagainstthewarmthofitsApril,andIamcontenttowaitforthemerryseason.

XVI

Theyknewthewayandwenttoseekyoualongthenarrowlane,butIwanderedabroadintothenightforIwasignorant.

Iwasnotschooledenoughtobeafraidofyouinthedark,thereforeIcameuponyourdoorstepunaware.

Thewiserebukedmeandbademebegone,forIhadnotcomebythelane.

Iturnedawayindoubt,butyouheldmefast,andtheirscoldingbecameloudereveryday.

XVII

Ibroughtoutmyearthenlampfrommyhouseandcried,“Come,children,Iwilllightyourpath!”

ThenightwasstilldarkwhenIreturned,leavingtheroadtoitssilence,crying,“Lightme,OFire!formyearthenlampliesbrokeninthedust!”

XVIII

No:itisnotyourstoopenbudsintoblossoms.

Shakethebud,strikeit;itisbeyondyourpowertomakeitblossom.

Yourtouchsoilsit,youtearitspetalstopiecesandstrewtheminthedust.

Butnocoloursappear,andnoperfume.

Ah!itisnotforyoutoopenthebudintoablossom.

Hewhocanopenthebuddoesitsosimply.

Hegivesitaglance,andthelife-sapstirsthroughitsveins.

Athisbreaththeflowerspreadsitswingsandfluttersinthewind.

Coloursflushoutlikeheart-longings,theperfumebetraysasweetsecret.

Hewhocanopenthebuddoesitsosimply.

XIX

Sudâs,thegardener,pluckedfromhistankthelastlotusleftbytheravageofwinterandwenttosellittothekingatthepalacegate.

Therehemetatravellerwhosaidtohim,“Askyourpriceforthelastlotus,—IshallofferittoLordBuddha.”

Sudâssaid,“Ifyoupayonegoldenmâshâitwillbeyours.”

Thetravellerpaidit.

Atthatmomentthekingcameoutandhewishedtobuytheflower,forhewasonhiswaytoseeLordBuddha,andhethought,“Itwouldbeafinethingtolayathisfeetthelotusthatbloomedinwinter.”

Whenthegardenersaidhehadbeenofferedagoldenmâshâthekingofferedhimten,butthetravellerdoubledtheprice.

Thegardener,beinggreedy,imaginedagreatergainfromhimforwhosesaketheywerebidding.Hebowedandsaid,“Icannotsellthislotus.”

InthehushedshadeofthemangogrovebeyondthecitywallSudâsstoodbeforeLordBuddha,onwhoselipssatthesilenceofloveandwhoseeyesbeamedpeacelikethemorningstarofthedew-washedautumn.

Sudâslookedinhisfaceandputthelotusathisfeetandbowedhisheadtothedust.

Buddhasmiledandasked,“Whatisyourwish,myson?”

Sudâscried,“Theleasttouchofyourfeet.”

XX

Makemethypoet,ONight,veiledNight!

Therearesomewhohavesatspeechlessforagesinthyshadow;letmeuttertheirsongs.

Takemeuponthychariotwithoutwheels,runningnoiselesslyfromworldtoworld,thouqueeninthepalaceoftime,thoudarklybeautiful!

Manyaquestioningmindhasstealthilyenteredthycourtyardandroamedthroughthylamplesshouseseekingforanswers.

Frommanyaheart,piercedwiththearrowofjoyfromthehandsoftheUnknown,haveburstforthgladchants,shakingthedarknesstoitsfoundation.

Thosewakefulsoulsgazeinthestarlightinwonderatthetreasuretheyhavesuddenlyfound.

Makemetheirpoet,ONight,thepoetofthyfathomlesssilence.

XXI

IwillmeetonedaytheLifewithinme,thejoythathidesinmylife,thoughthedaysperplexmypathwiththeiridledust.

Ihaveknownitinglimpses,anditsfitfulbreathhascomeuponme,makingmythoughtsfragrantforawhile.

IwillmeetonedaytheJoywithoutmethatdwellsbehindthescreenoflight—andwillstandintheoverflowingsolitudewhereallthingsareseenasbytheircreator.

XXII

Thisautumnmorningistiredwithexcessoflight,andifyoursongsgrowfitfulandlanguidgivemeyourfluteawhile.

Ishallbutplaywithitasthewhimtakesme,—nowtakeitonmylap,nowtouchitwith

mylips,nowkeepitbymysideonthegrass.

ButinthesolemneveningstillnessIshallgatherflowers,todeckitwithwreaths,Ishallfillitwithfragrance;Ishallworshipitwiththelightedlamp.

ThenatnightIshallcometoyouandgiveyoubackyourflute.

Youwillplayonitthemusicofmidnightwhenthelonelycrescentmoonwandersamongthestars.

XXIII

Thepoet’smindfloatsanddancesonthewavesoflifeamidstthevoicesofwindandwater.

Nowwhenthesunhassetandthedarkenedskydrawsuponthesealikedroopinglashesuponawearyeyeitistimetotakeawayhispen,andlethisthoughtssinkintothebottomofthedeepamidtheeternalsecretofthatsilence.

XXIV

Thenightisdarkandyourslumberisdeepinthehushofmybeing.

Wake,OPainofLove,forIknownothowtoopenthedoor,andIstandoutside.

Thehourswait,thestarswatch,thewindisstill,thesilenceisheavyinmyheart.

Wake,Love,wake!brimmyemptycup,andwithabreathofsongrufflethenight.

XXV

Thebirdofthemorningsings.

Whencehashewordofthemorningbeforethemorningbreaks,andwhenthedragonnightstillholdstheskyinitscoldblackcoils?

Tellme,birdofthemorning,how,throughthetwofoldnightoftheskyandtheleaves,hefoundhiswayintoyourdream,themessengeroutoftheeast?

Theworlddidnotbelieveyouwhenyoucried,“Thesunisonhisway,thenightisnomore.”

Osleeper,awake!

Bareyourforehead,waitingforthefirstblessingoflight,andsingwiththebirdofthemorningingladfaith.

XXVI

Thebeggarinmeliftedhisleanhandstothestarlessskyandcriedintonight’searwithhishungryvoice.

HisprayersweretotheblindDarknesswholaylikeafallengodinadesolateheavenoflosthopes.

Thecryofdesireeddiedroundachasmofdespair,awailingbirdcirclingitsemptynest.

ButwhenmorningdroppedanchorattherimoftheEast,thebeggarinmeleaptandcried:

“BlessedamIthatthedeafnightdeniedme—thatitscofferwasempty.”

Hecried,“OLife,OLight,youareprecious!andpreciousisthejoythatatlasthasknownyou!”

XXVII

SanâtanwastellinghisbeadsbytheGangeswhenaBrahmininragscametohimandsaid,“Helpme,Iampoor!”

“Myalms-bowlisallthatismyown,”saidSanâtan,“IhavegivenawayeverythingIhad.”

“ButmylordShivacametomeinmydreams,”saidtheBrahmin,“andcounselledmetocometoyou.”

Sanâtansuddenlyrememberedhehadpickedupastonewithoutpriceamongthepebblesontheriver-bank,andthinkingthatsomeonemightneedithiditinthesands.

HepointedoutthespottotheBrahmin,whowonderingdugupthestone.

TheBrahminsatontheearthandmusedalonetillthesunwentdownbehindthetrees,andcowherdswenthomewiththeircattle.

ThenheroseandcameslowlytoSanâtanandsaid,“Master,givemetheleastfractionofthewealththatdisdainsallthewealthoftheworld.”

Andhethrewthepreciousstoneintothewater.

XXVIII

TimeaftertimeIcametoyourgatewithraisedhands,askingformoreandyetmore.

Yougaveandgave,nowinslowmeasure,nowinsuddenexcess.

Itooksome,andsomethingsIletdrop;somelayheavyonmyhands;someImadeintoplaythingsandbrokethemwhentired;tillthewrecksandthehoardofyourgiftsgrewimmense,hidingyou,andtheceaselessexpectationworemyheartout.

Take,ohtake—hasnowbecomemycry.

Shatterallfromthisbeggar’sbowl:putoutthislampoftheimportunatewatcher:holdmyhands,raisemefromthestill-gatheringheapofyourgiftsintothebareinfinityofyouruncrowdedpresence.

XXIX

Youhavesetmeamongthosewhoaredefeated.

Iknowitisnotformetowin,nortoleavethegame.

Ishallplungeintothepoolalthoughbuttosinktothebottom.

Ishallplaythegameofmyundoing.

IshallstakeallIhaveandwhenIlosemylastpennyIshallstakemyself,andthenIthinkIshallhavewonthroughmyutterdefeat.

XXX

Asmileofmirthspreadovertheskywhenyoudressedmyheartinragsandsentherforthintotheroadtobeg.

Shewentfromdoortodoor,andmanyatimewhenherbowlwasnearlyfullshewasrobbed.

Attheendofthewearydayshecametoyourpalacegateholdingupherpitifulbowl,andyoucameandtookherhandandseatedherbesideyouonyourthrone.

XXXI

“Whoamongyouwilltakeupthedutyoffeedingthehungry?”LordBuddhaaskedhisfollowerswhenfamineragedatShravasti.

Ratnâkar,thebanker,hunghisheadandsaid,“Muchmoreisneededthanallmywealthtofeedthehungry.”

Jaysen,thechiefoftheKing’sarmy,said,“Iwouldgladlygivemylife’sblood,butthereisnotenoughfoodinmyhouse.”

Dharmapâal,whoownedbroadacresofland,saidwithasigh,“Thedroughtdemonhassuckedmyfieldsdry.IknownothowtopayKing’sdues.”

ThenroseSupriyâ,themendicant’sdaughter.

Shebowedtoallandmeeklysaid,“Iwillfeedthehungry.”

“How!”theycriedinsurprise.“Howcanyouhopetofulfilthatvow?”

“Iamthepoorestofyouall,”saidSupriyâ,“thatismystrength.Ihavemycofferandmystoreateachofyourhouses.”

XXXII

Mykingwasunknowntome,thereforewhenheclaimedhistributeIwasboldtothinkIwouldhidemyselfleavingmydebtsunpaid.

Ifledandfledbehindmyday’sworkandmynight’sdreams.

ButhisclaimsfollowedmeateverybreathIdrew.

ThusIcametoknowthatIamknowntohimandnoplaceleftwhichismine.

NowIwishtolaymyallbeforehisfeet,andgaintherighttomyplaceinhiskingdom.

XXXIII

WhenIthoughtIwouldmouldyou,animagefrommylifeformentoworship,Ibroughtmydustanddesiresandallmycoloureddelusionsanddreams.

WhenIaskedyoutomouldwithmylifeanimagefromyourheartforyoutolove,youbroughtyourfireandforce,andtruth,lovelinessandpeace.

XXXIV

“Sire,”announcedtheservanttotheKing,“thesaintNarottamhasneverdeignedtoenteryourroyaltemple.

“HeissingingGod’spraiseunderthetreesbytheopenroad.Thetempleisemptyofworshippers.

“Theyflockroundhimlikebeesroundthewhitelotus,leavingthegoldenjarofhoneyunheeded.”

TheKing,vexedatheart,wenttothespotwhereNarottamsatonthegrass.

Heaskedhim,“Father,whyleavemytempleofthegoldendomeandsitonthedustoutsidetopreachGod’slove?”

“BecauseGodisnotthereinyourtemple,”saidNarottam.

TheKingfrownedandsaid,“Doyouknow,twentymillionsofgoldwenttothemakingofthatmarvelofart,anditwasconsecratedtoGodwithcostlyrites?”

“Yes,Iknowit,”answeredNarottam.“Itwasinthatyearwhenthousandsofyourpeoplewhosehouseshadbeenburnedstoodvainlyaskingforhelpatyourdoor.

“AndGodsaid,‘Thepoorcreaturewhocangivenosheltertohisbrotherswouldbuildmyhouse!’

“Andhetookhisplacewiththeshelterlessunderthetreesbytheroad.

“Andthatgoldenbubbleisemptyofallbuthotvapourofpride.”

TheKingcriedinanger,“Leavemyland.”

Calmlysaidthesaint,“Yes,banishmewhereyouhavebanishedmyGod.”

XXXV

Thetrumpetliesinthedust.

Thewindisweary,thelightisdead.

Ah,theevilday!

Come,fighters,carryingyourflags,andsingers,withyourwar-songs!

Come,pilgrimsofthemarch,hurryingonyourjourney!

Thetrumpetliesinthedustwaitingforus.

Iwasonmywaytothetemplewithmyeveningofferings,seekingforaplaceofrestaftertheday’sdustytoil:hopingmyhurtswouldbehealedandthestainsinmygarmentwashedwhite,whenIfoundthytrumpetlyinginthedust.

Wasitnotthehourformetolightmyeveninglamp?

Hadnotthenightsungitslullabytothestars?

Othoublood-redrose,mypoppiesofsleephavepaledandfaded!

IwascertainmywanderingswereoverandmydebtsallpaidwhensuddenlyIcameuponthytrumpetlyinginthedust.

Strikemydrowsyheartwiththyspellofyouth!

Letmyjoyinlifeblazeupinfire.Lettheshaftsofawakeningflythroughtheheartofnight,andathrillofdreadshakeblindnessandpalsy.

Ihavecometoraisethytrumpetfromthedust.

Sleepisnomoreforme—mywalkshallbethroughshowersofarrows.

Someshallrunoutoftheirhousesandcometomyside—someshallweep.

Someintheirbedsshalltossandgroanindiredreams.

Forto-nightthytrumpetshallbesounded.

FromtheeIhaveaskedpeaceonlytofindshame.

NowIstandbeforethee—helpmetoputonmyarmour!

Lethardblowsoftroublestrikefireintomylife.

Letmyheartbeatinpain,thedrumofthyvictory.

Myhandsshallbeutterlyemptiedtotakeupthytrumpet.

XXXVI

When,madintheirmirth,theyraiseddusttosoilthyrobe,OBeautiful,itmademyheartsick.

Icriedtotheeandsaid,“Takethyrodofpunishmentandjudgethem.”

Themorninglightstruckuponthoseeyes,redwiththerevelofnight;theplaceofthewhitelilygreetedtheirburningbreath;thestarsthroughthedepthofthesacreddarkstaredattheircarousing—atthosethatraiseddusttosoilthyrobe,OBeautiful!

Thyjudgmentseatwasintheflowergarden,inthebirds’notesinspringtime:intheshadyriver-banks,wherethetreesmutteredinanswertothemutteringofthewaves.

OmyLover,theywerepitilessintheirpassion.

Theyprowledinthedarktosnatchthyornamentstodecktheirowndesires.

Whentheyhadstrucktheeandthouwertpained,itpiercedmetothequick,andIcriedtotheeandsaid,“Takethysword,OmyLover,andjudgethem!”

Ah,butthyjusticewasvigilant.

Amother’stearswereshedontheirinsolence;theimperishablefaithofaloverhidtheirspearsofrebellioninitsownwounds.

Thyjudgmentwasinthemutepainofsleeplesslove:intheblushofthechaste:inthetearsofthenightofthedesolate:inthepalemorning-lightofforgiveness.

OTerrible,theyintheirrecklessgreedclimbedthygateatnight,breakingintothystorehousetorobthee.

Buttheweightoftheirplundergrewimmense,tooheavytocarryortoremove.

ThereuponIcriedtotheeandsaid,Forgivethem,OTerrible!

Thyforgivenessburstinstorms,throwingthemdown,scatteringtheirtheftsinthedust.

Thyforgivenesswasinthethunder-stone;intheshowerofblood;intheangryredofthesunset.

XXXVII

Upagupta,thediscipleofBuddha,layasleeponthedustbythecitywallofMathura.

Lampswereallout,doorswereallshut,andstarswereallhiddenbythemurkyskyofAugust.

Whosefeetwerethosetinklingwithanklets,touchinghisbreastofasudden?

Hewokeupstartled,andthelightfromawoman’slampstruckhisforgivingeyes.

Itwasthedancinggirl,starredwithjewels,cloudedwithapale-bluemantle,drunkwiththewineofheryouth.

Sheloweredherlampandsawtheyoungface,austerelybeautiful.

“Forgiveme,youngascetic,”saidthewoman;“graciouslycometomyhouse.Thedustyearthisnotafitbedforyou.”

Theasceticanswered,“Woman,goonyourway;whenthetimeisripeIwillcometoyou.”

Suddenlytheblacknightshoweditsteethinaflashoflightning.

Thestormgrowledfromthecornerofthesky,andthewomantrembledinfear.

……

Thebranchesofthewaysidetreeswereachingwithblossom.

Gaynotesoftheflutecamefloatinginthewarmspringairfromafar.

Thecitizenshadgonetothewoods,tothefestivalofflowers.

Fromthemid-skygazedthefullmoonontheshadowsofthesilenttown.

Theyoungasceticwaswalkinginthelonelystreet,whileoverheadthelovesickkoelsurgedfromthemangobranchestheirsleeplessplaint.

Upaguptapassedthroughthecitygates,andstoodatthebaseoftherampart.

Whatwomanlayintheshadowofthewallathisfeet,struckwiththeblackpestilence,herbodyspottedwithsores,hurriedlydrivenawayfromthetown?

Theasceticsatbyherside,takingherheadonhisknees,andmoistenedherlipswithwaterandsmearedherbodywithbalm.

“Whoareyou,mercifulone?”askedthewoman.

“Thetime,atlast,hascometovisityou,andIamhere,”repliedtheyoungascetic.

XXXVIII

Thisisnomeredallyingoflovebetweenus,mylover.

Againandagainhaveswoopeddownuponmethescreamingnightsofstorm,blowingoutmylamp:darkdoubtshavegathered,blottingoutallstarsfrommysky.

Againandagainthebankshaveburst,lettingthefloodsweepawaymyharvest,andwailinganddespairhaverentmyskyfromendtoend.

ThishaveIlearntthatthereareblowsofpaininyourlove,neverthecoldapathyofdeath.

XXXIX

Thewallbreaksasunder,light,likedivinelaughter,burstsin.Victory,OLight!

Theheartofthenightispierced!

Withyourflashingswordcutintwainthetangleofdoubtandfeebledesires!

Victory!

Come,Implacable!

Come,youwhoareterribleinyourwhiteness.

OLight,yourdrumsoundsinthemarchoffire,andtheredtorchisheldonhigh;deathdiesinaburstofsplendour!

XL

Ofire,mybrother,Isingvictorytoyou.

Youarethebrightredimageoffearfulfreedom.

Youswingyourarmsinthesky,yousweepyourimpetuousfingersacrosstheharp-string,yourdancemusicisbeautiful.

Whenmydaysareendedandthegatesareopenedyouwillburntoashesthiscordageofhandsandfeet.

Mybodywillbeonewithyou,myheartwillbecaughtinthewhirlsofyourfrenzy,andtheburningheatthatwasmylifewillflashupandmingleitselfinyourflame.

XLI

TheBoatmanisoutcrossingthewildseaatnight.

Themastisachingbecauseofitsfullsailsfilledwiththeviolentwind.

Stungwiththenight’sfangtheskyfallsuponthesea,poisonedwithblackfear.

Thewavesdashtheirheadsagainstthedarkunseen,andtheBoatmanisoutcrossingthewildsea.

TheBoatmanisout,Iknownotforwhattryst,startlingthenightwiththesuddenwhiteofhissails.

Iknownotatwhatshore,atlast,helandstoreachthesilentcourtyardwherethelampisburningandtofindherwhositsinthedustandwaits.

Whatisthequestthatmakeshisboatcarenotforstormnordarkness?

Isitheavywithgemsandpearls?

Ah,no,theBoatmanbringswithhimnotreasure,butonlyawhiteroseinhishandandasongonhislips.

Itisforherwhowatchesaloneatnightwithherlampburning.

Shedwellsinthewaysidehut.Herloosehairfliesinthewindandhideshereyes.

Thestormshrieksthroughherbrokendoors,thelightflickersinherearthenlampflingingshadowsonthewalls.

Throughthehowlofthewindsshehearshimcallhername,shewhosenameisunknown.

ItislongsincetheBoatmansailed.Itwillbelongbeforethedaybreaksandheknocksatthedoor.

Thedrumswillnotbebeatenandnonewillknow.

Onlylightshallfillthehouse,blessedshallbethedust,andtheheartglad.

AlldoubtsshallvanishinsilencewhentheBoatmancomestotheshore.

XLII

Iclingtothislivingraft,mybody,inthenarrowstreamofmyearthlyyears.

Ileaveitwhenthecrossingisover.Andthen?

Idonotknowifthelightthereandthedarknessarethesame.

TheUnknownistheperpetualfreedom:

Heispitilessinhislove.

Hecrushestheshellforthepearl,dumbintheprisonofthedark.

Youmuseandweepforthedaysthataredone,poorheart!

Begladthatdaysaretocome!

Thehourstrikes,Opilgrim!

Itistimeforyoutotakethepartingoftheways!

Hisfacewillbeunveiledonceagainandyoushallmeet.

XLIII

OvertherelicofLordBuddhaKingBimbisârbuiltashrine,asalutationinwhitemarble.

ThereintheeveningwouldcomeallthebridesanddaughtersoftheKing’shousetoofferflowersandlightlamps.

Whenthesonbecamekinginhistimehewashedhisfather’screedawaywithblood,andlitsacrificialfireswithitssacredbooks.

Theautumndaywasdying.Theeveninghourofworshipwasnear.

Shrimati,thequeen’smaid,devotedtoLordBuddha,havingbathedinholywater,anddeckedthegoldentraywithlampsandfreshwhiteblossoms,silentlyraisedherdarkeyestothequeen’sface.

Thequeenshudderedinfearandsaid,“Doyounotknow,foolishgirl,thatdeathisthepenaltyforwhoeverbringsworshiptoBuddha’sshrine?

“Suchistheking’swill.”

Shrimatibowedtothequeen,andturningawayfromherdoorcameandstoodbeforeAmitâ,thenewlywedbrideoftheking’sson.

Amirrorofburnishedgoldonherlap,thenewlywedbridewasbraidingherdarklongtressesandpaintingtheredspotofgoodluckatthepartingofherhair.

Herhandstrembledwhenshesawtheyoungmaid,andshecried,“Whatfearfulperilwouldyoubringme!Leavemethisinstant.”

PrincessShuklâsatatthewindowreadingherbookofromancebythelightofthesettingsun.

Shestartedwhenshesawatherdoorthemaidwiththesacredofferings.

Herbookfelldownfromherlap,andshewhisperedinShrimati’sears,“Rushnottodeath,daringwoman!”

Shrimatiwalkedfromdoortodoor.Sheraisedherheadandcried,“Owomenoftheking’shouse,hasten!

“ThetimeforourLord’sworshipiscome!”

Someshuttheirdoorsinherfaceandsomereviledher.

Thelastgleamofdaylightfadedfromthebronzedomeofthepalacetower.

Deepshadowssettledinstreetcorners:thebustleofthecitywashushed:thegongatthetempleofShivaannouncedthetimeoftheeveningprayer.

Inthedarkoftheautumnevening,deepasalimpidlake,starsthrobbedwithlight,whentheguardsofthepalacegardenwerestartledtoseethroughthetreesarowoflampsburningattheshrineofBuddha.

Theyranwiththeirswordsunsheathed,crying,“Whoareyou,foolishone,recklessofdeath?”

“IamShrimati,”repliedasweetvoice,“theservantofLordBuddha.”

Thenextmomentherheart’sbloodcolouredthecoldmarblewithitsred.

Andinthestillhourofstarsdiedthelightofthelastlampofworshipatthefootoftheshrine.

XLIV

Thedaythatstandsbetweenyouandmemakesherlastbowoffarewell.

Thenightdrawsherveiloverherface,andhidestheonelampburninginmychamber.

Yourdarkservantcomesnoiselesslyandspreadsthebridalcarpetforyoutotakeyourseattherealonewithmeinthewordlesssilencetillnightisdone.

XLV

Mynighthaspassedonthebedofsorrow,andmyeyesaretired.Myheavyheartisnotyetreadytomeetmorningwithitscrowdedjoys.

Drawaveiloverthisnakedlight,beckonasidefrommethisglaringflashanddanceoflife.

Letthemantleoftenderdarknesscovermeinitsfolds,andcovermypainawhilefromthepressureoftheworld.

XLVI

ThetimeispastwhenIcouldrepayherforallthatIreceived.

Hernighthasfounditsmorningandthouhasttakenhertothyarms:andtotheeIbringmygratitudeandmygiftsthatwereforher.

ForallhurtsandoffencestoherIcometotheeforforgiveness.

Ioffertothyservicethoseflowersofmylovethatremainedinbudwhenshewaitedforthemtoopen.

XLVII

Ifoundafewoldlettersofminecarefullyhiddeninherbox—afewsmalltoysforher

memorytoplaywith.

Withatimorousheartshetriedtostealthesetriflesfromtime’sturbulentstream,andsaid,“Thesearemineonly!”

Ah,thereisnoonenowtoclaimthem,whocanpaytheirpricewithlovingcare,yetheretheyarestill.

Surelythereisloveinthisworldtosaveherfromutterloss,evenlikethisloveofhersthatsavedtheseletterswithsuchfondcare.

XLVIII

Bringbeautyandorderintomyforlornlife,woman,asyoubroughtthemintomyhousewhenyoulived.

Sweepawaythedustyfragmentsofthehours,filltheemptyjars,andmendallthathasbeenneglected.

Thenopentheinnerdooroftheshrine,lightthecandle,andletusmeetthereinsilencebeforeourGod.

XLIX

Thepainwasgreatwhenthestringswerebeingtuned,myMaster!

Beginyourmusic,andletmeforgetthepain;letmefeelinbeautywhatyouhadinyourmindthroughthosepitilessdays.

Thewaningnightlingersatmydoors,lethertakeherleaveinsongs.

Pouryourheartintomylifestrings,myMaster,intunesthatdescendfromyourstars.

L

InthelightningflashofamomentIhaveseentheimmensityofyourcreationinmylife—creationthroughmanyadeathfromworldtoworld.

IweepatmyunworthinesswhenIseemylifeinthehandsoftheunmeaninghours,—butwhenIseeitinyourhandsIknowitistooprecioustobesquanderedamongshadows.

LI

Iknowthatatthedimendofsomedaythesunwillbidmeitsfarewell.

Shepherdswillplaytheirpipesbeneaththebanyantrees,andcattlegrazeontheslopebytheriver,whilemydayswillpassintothedark.

Thisismyprayer,thatImayknowbeforeIleavewhytheearthcalledmetoherarms.

Whyhernight’ssilencespoketomeofstars,andherdaylightkissedmythoughtsintoflower.

BeforeIgomayIlingerovermylastrefrain,completingitsmusic,maythelampbelittoseeyourfaceandthewreathwoventocrownyou.

LII

Whatmusicisthatinwhosemeasuretheworldisrocked?

Welaughwhenitbeatsuponthecrestoflife,weshrinkinterrorwhenitreturnsintothedark.

Buttheplayisthesamethatcomesandgoeswiththerhythmoftheendlessmusic.

Youhideyourtreasureinthepalmofyourhand,andwecrythatwearerobbed.

Butopenandshutyourpalmasyouwill,thegainandthelossarethesame.

Atthegameyouplaywithyourownselfyouloseandwinatonce.

LIII

Ihavekissedthisworldwithmyeyesandmylimbs;Ihavewraptitwithinmyheartinnumberlessfolds;Ihavefloodeditsdaysandnightswiththoughtstilltheworldandmylifehavegrownone,—andIlovemylifebecauseIlovethelightoftheskysoenwovenwithme.

Iftoleavethisworldbeasrealastoloveit—thentheremustbeameaninginthemeetingandthepartingoflife.

Ifthatloveweredeceivedindeath,thenthecankerofthisdeceitwouldeatintoallthings,andthestarswouldshrivelandgrowblack.

LIV

TheCloudsaidtome,“Ivanish”;theNightsaid,“Iplungeintothefierydawn.”

ThePainsaid,“Iremainindeepsilenceashisfootprint.”

“Idieintothefulness,”saidmylifetome.

TheEarthsaid,“Mylightskissyourthoughtseverymoment.”

“Thedayspass,”Lovesaid,“butIwaitforyou.”

Deathsaid,“Iplytheboatofyourlifeacrossthesea.”

LV

Tulsidas,thepoet,waswandering,deepinthought,bytheGanges,inthatlonelyspotwheretheyburntheirdead.

Hefoundawomansittingatthefeetofthecorpseofherdeadhusband,gailydressedasforawedding.

Sheroseasshesawhim,bowedtohim,andsaid,“Permitme,Master,withyourblessing,tofollowmyhusbandtoheaven.”

“Whysuchhurry,mydaughter?”askedTulsidas.“IsnotthisearthalsoHiswhomadeheaven?”

“ForheavenIdonotlong,”saidthewoman.“Iwantmyhusband.”

Tulsidassmiledandsaidtoher,“Gobacktoyourhome,mychild.Beforethemonthisoveryouwillfindyourhusband.”

Thewomanwentbackwithgladhope.Tulsidascametohereverydayandgaveherhighthoughtstothink,tillherheartwasfilledtothebrimwithdivinelove.

Whenthemonthwasscarcelyover,herneighbourscametoher,asking,“Woman,haveyoufoundyourhusband?”

Thewidowsmiledandsaid,“Ihave.”

Eagerlytheyasked,“Whereishe?”

“Inmyheartismylord,onewithme,”saidthewoman.

LVI

Youcameforamomenttomysideandtouchedmewiththegreatmysteryofthewomanthatthereisintheheartofcreation.

ShewhoiseverreturningtoGodhisownoutflowingofsweetness;sheistheeverfreshbeautyandyouthinnature;shedancesinthebubblingstreamsandsingsinthemorninglight;shewithheavingwavessucklesthethirstyearth;inhertheEternalOnebreaksintwoinajoythatnolongermaycontainitself,andoverflowsinthepainoflove.

LVII

Whoisshewhodwellsinmyheart,thewomanforlornforever?

IwooedherandIfailedtowinher.Ideckedherwithwreathsandsanginherpraise.

Asmileshoneinherfaceforamoment,thenitfaded.

“Ihavenojoyinthee,”shecried,thewomaninsorrow.

Iboughtherjewelledankletsandfannedherwithafangem-studded;Imadeherabedonabedsteadofgold.

Thereflickeredagleamofgladnessinhereyes,thenitdied.

“Ihavenojoyinthese,”shecried,thewomaninsorrow.

Iseatedheruponacaroftriumphanddroveherfromendtoendoftheearth.

Conqueredheartsboweddownatherfeet,andshoutsofapplauseranginthesky.

Prideshoneinhereyesforamoment,thenitwasdimmedintears.

“Ihavenojoyinconquest,”shecried,thewomaninsorrow.

Iaskedher,“Tellmewhomdoyouseek?”

Sheonlysaid,“Iwaitforhimoftheunknownname.”

Dayspassbyandshecries,“WhenwillmybelovedcomewhomIknownot,andbeknowntomeforever?”

LVIII

Yoursisthelightthatbreaksforthfromthedark,andthegoodthatsproutsfromthecleftheartofstrife.

Yoursisthehousethatopensupontheworld,andthelovethatcallstothebattlefield.

Yoursisthegiftthatstillisagainwheneverythingisaloss,andthelifethatflowsthroughthecavernsofdeath.

Yoursistheheaventhatliesinthecommondust,andyouarethereforme,youarethereforall.

LIX

Whenthewearinessoftheroadisuponme,andthethirstofthesultryday;whentheghostlyhoursoftheduskthrowtheirshadowsacrossmylife,thenIcrynotforyourvoiceonly,myfriend,butforyourtouch.

Thereisananguishinmyheartfortheburdenofitsrichesnotgiventoyou.

Putoutyourhandthroughthenight,letmeholditandfillitandkeepit;letmefeelitstouchalongthelengtheningstretchofmyloneliness.

LX

Theodourcriesinthebud,“Ahme,thedaydeparts,thehappydayofspring,andIamaprisonerinpetals!”

Donotloseheart,timidthing!Yourbondswillburst,thebudwillopenintoflower,andwhenyoudieinthefulnessoflife,eventhenthespringwillliveon.

Theodourpantsandflutterswithinthebud,crying,“Ahme,thehourspassby,yetIdonotknowwhereIgo,orwhatitisIseek!”

Donotloseheart,timidthing!Thespringbreezehasoverheardyourdesire,thedaywillnotendbeforeyouhavefulfilledyourbeing.

Darkisthefuturetoher,andtheodourcriesindespair,“Ahme,throughwhosefaultismylifesounmeaning?

“Whocantellme,whyIamatall?”Donotloseheart,timidthing!Theperfectdawnisnearwhenyouwillmingleyourlifewithalllifeandknowatlastyourpurpose.

LXI

Sheisstillachild,mylord.

Sherunsaboutyourpalaceandplays,andtriestomakeofyouaplaythingaswell.

Sheheedsnotwhenherhairtumblesdownandhercarelessgarmentdragsinthedust.

Shefallsasleepwhenyouspeaktoherandanswersnot—andthefloweryougiveherinthemorningslipstothedustfromherhands.

Whenthestormburstsanddarknessisovertheskysheissleepless;herdollsliescatteredontheearthandsheclingstoyouinterror.

Sheisafraidthatshemayfailinservicetoyou.

Butwithasmileyouwatchherathergame.

Youknowher.

Thechildsittinginthedustisyourdestinedbride;herplaywillbestilledanddeepenedintolove.

LXII

“Whatistherebutthesky,OSun,thatcanholdthineimage?”

“Idreamofthee,buttoservetheeIcanneverhope,”thedewdropweptandsaid,“Iamtoosmalltotaketheeuntome,greatlord,andmylifeisalltears.”

“Iilluminethelimitlesssky,yetIcanyieldmyselfuptoatinydropofdew,”thustheSunsaid;“Ishallbecomebutasparkleoflightandfillyou,andyourlittlelifewillbealaughingorb.”

LXIII

Notformeisthelovethatknowsnorestraint,butlikethefoamingwinethathavingburstitsvesselinamomentwouldruntowaste.

Sendmethelovewhichiscoolandpurelikeyourrainthatblessesthethirstyearthandfillsthehomelyearthenjars.

Sendmethelovethatwouldsoakdownintothecentreofbeing,andfromtherewouldspreadliketheunseensapthroughthebranchingtreeoflife,givingbirthtofruitsandflowers.

Sendmethelovethatkeepstheheartstillwiththefulnessofpeace.

LXIV

Thesunhadsetonthewesternmarginoftheriveramongthetangleoftheforest.

Thehermitboyshadbroughtthecattlehome,andsatroundthefiretolistentothemaster,Guatama,whenastrangeboycame,andgreetedhimwithfruitsandflowers,and,bowinglowathisfeet,spokeinabird-likevoice—“Lord,IhavecometotheetobetakenintothepathofthesupremeTruth.

“MynameisSatyakâma.”

“Blessingsbeonthyhead,”saidthemaster.

“Ofwhatclanartthou,mychild?ItisonlyfittingforaBrahmintoaspiretothehighestwisdom.”

“Master,”answeredtheboy,“IknownotofwhatclanIam.Ishallgoandaskmymother.”

Thussaying,Satyakâmatookleave,andwadingacrosstheshallowstream,camebacktohismother’shut,whichstoodattheendofthesandywasteattheedgeofthesleepingvillage.

Thelampburntdimlyintheroom,andthemotherstoodatthedoorinthedarkwaitingforherson’sreturn.

Sheclaspedhimtoherbosom,kissedhimonhishair,andaskedhimofhiserrandtothemaster.

“Whatisthenameofmyfather,dearmother?”askedtheboy.

“ItisonlyfittingforaBrahmintoaspiretothehighestwisdom,saidLordGuatamatome.”

Thewomanloweredhereyes,andspokeinawhisper.

“InmyyouthIwaspoorandhadmanymasters.ThoudidstcometothymotherJabâlâ‘sarms,mydarling,whohadnohusband.”

Theearlyraysofthesunglistenedonthetree-topsoftheforesthermitage.

Thestudents,withtheirtangledhairstillwetwiththeirmorningbath,satundertheancienttree,beforethemaster.

TherecameSatyakâma.

Hebowedlowatthefeetofthesage,andstoodsilent.

“Tellme,”thegreatteacheraskedhim,“ofwhatclanartthou?”

“Mylord,”heanswered,“Iknowitnot.MymothersaidwhenIaskedher,‘Ihadservedmanymastersinmyyouth,andthouhadstcometothymotherJabâlâ‘sarms,whohadnohusband.’”

Thereroseamurmurliketheangryhumofbeesdisturbedintheirhive;andthestudentsmutteredattheshamelessinsolenceofthatoutcast.

MasterGuatamarosefromhisseat,stretchedouthisarms,tooktheboytohisbosom,andsaid,“BestofallBrahminsartthou,mychild.Thouhastthenoblestheritageoftruth.”

LXV

Maybethereisonehouseinthiscitywherethegateopensforeverthismorningatthetouchofthesunrise,wheretheerrandofthelightisfulfilled.

Theflowershaveopenedinhedgesandgardens,andmaybethereisoneheartthathasfoundinthemthismorningthegiftthathasbeenonitsvoyagefromendlesstime.

LXVI

Listen,myheart,inhisfluteisthemusicofthesmellofwildflowers,oftheglisteningleavesandgleamingwater,ofshadowsresonantwithbees’wings.

Theflutestealshissmilefrommyfriend’slipsandspreadsitovermylife.

LXVII

Youalwaysstandalonebeyondthestreamofmysongs.

ThewavesofmytuneswashyourfeetbutIknownothowtoreachthem.

Thisplayofminewithyouisaplayfromafar.

Itisthepainofseparationthatmeltsintomelodythroughmyflute.

Iwaitforthetimewhenyourboatcrossesovertomyshoreandyoutakemyfluteintoyourownhands.

LXVIII

Suddenlythewindowofmyheartflewopenthismorning,thewindowthatlooksoutonyourheart.

IwonderedtoseethatthenamebywhichyouknowmeiswritteninAprilleavesandflowers,andIsatsilent.

Thecurtainwasblownawayforamomentbetweenmysongsandyours.

Ifoundthatyourmorninglightwasfullofmyownmutesongsunsung;IthoughtthatIwouldlearnthematyourfeet—andIsatsilent.

LXIX

Youwereinthecentreofmyheart,thereforewhenmyheartwanderedsheneverfoundyou;youhidyourselffrommylovesandhopestillthelast,foryouwerealwaysinthem.

Youweretheinmostjoyintheplayofmyyouth,andwhenIwastoobusywiththeplaythejoywaspassedby.

YousangtomeintheecstasiesofmylifeandIforgottosingtoyou.

LXX

Whenyouholdyourlampintheskyitthrowsitslightonmyfaceanditsshadowfallsoveryou.

WhenIholdthelampofloveinmyheartitslightfallsonyouandIamleftstandingbehindintheshadow.

LXXI

Othewaves,thesky-devouringwaves,glisteningwithlight,dancingwithlife,thewavesofeddyingjoy,rushingforever.

Thestarsrockuponthem,thoughtsofeverytintarecastupoutofthedeepandscatteredonthebeachoflife.

Birthanddeathriseandfallwiththeirrhythm,andthesea-gullofmyheartspreadsitswingscryingindelight.

LXXII

Thejoyranfromalltheworldtobuildmybody.

Thelightsoftheskieskissedandkissedhertillshewoke.

Flowersofhurryingsummerssighedinherbreathandvoicesofwindsandwatersanginhermovements.

Thepassionofthetideofcoloursincloudsandinforestsflowedintoherlife,andthemusicofallthingscaressedherlimbsintoshape.

Sheismybride,—shehaslightedherlampinmyhouse.

LXXIII

Thespringwithitsleavesandflowershascomeintomybody.

Thebeeshumtherethemorninglong,andthewindsidlyplaywiththeshadows.

Asweetfountainspringsupfromtheheartofmyheart.

Myeyesarewashedwithdelightlikethedew-bathedmorning,andlifeisquiveringinallmylimbslikethesoundingstringsofthelute.

Areyouwanderingalonebytheshoreofmylife,wherethetideisinflood,Oloverofmyendlessdays?

Aremydreamsflittingroundyoulikethemothswiththeirmany-colouredwings?

Andarethoseyoursongsthatareechoinginthedarkeavesofmybeing?

Whobutyoucanhearthehumofthecrowdedhoursthatsoundsinmyveinsto-day,thegladstepsthatdanceinmybreast,theclamouroftherestlesslifebeatingitswingsinmybody?

LXXIV

Mybondsarecut,mydebtsarepaid,mydoorhasbeenopened,Igoeverywhere.

Theycrouchintheircornerandweavetheirwebofpalehours,theycounttheircoinssittinginthedustandcallmeback.

Butmyswordisforged,myarmourisputon,myhorseiseagertorun.

Ishallwinmykingdom.

LXXV

ItwasonlytheotherdaythatIcametoyourearth,nakedandnameless,withawailingcry.

To-daymyvoiceisglad,whileyou,mylord,standasidetomakeroomthatImayfillmylife.

EvenwhenIbringyoumysongsforanofferingIhavethesecrethopethatmenwillcomeandlovemeforthem.

YoulovetodiscoverthatIlovethisworldwhereyouhavebroughtme.

LXXVI

TimidlyIcoweredintheshadowofsafety,butnow,whenthesurgeofjoycarriesmyheartuponitscrest,myheartclingstothecruelrockofitstrouble.

Isataloneinacornerofmyhousethinkingittoonarrowforanyguest,butnowwhenitsdoorisflungopenbyanunbiddenjoyIfindthereisroomfortheeandforalltheworld.

Iwalkedupontiptoe,carefulofmyperson,perfumed,andadorned—butnowwhenagladwhirlwindhasoverthrownmeinthedustIlaughandrollontheearthatthyfeetlikeachild.

LXXVII

Theworldisyoursatonceandforever.

Andbecauseyouhavenowant,myking,youhavenopleasureinyourwealth.

Itisasthoughitwerenaught.Thereforethroughslowtimeyougivemewhatisyours,andceaselesslywinyourkingdominme.

Dayafterdayyoubuyyoursunrisefrommyheart,andyoufindyourlovecarvenintothe

imageofmylife.

LXXVIII

Tothebirdsyougavesongs,thebirdsgaveyousongsinreturn.

Yougavemeonlyvoice,yetaskedformore,andIsing.

Youmadeyourwindslightandtheyarefleetintheirservice.YouburdenedmyhandsthatImyselfmaylightenthem,andatlast,gainunburdenedfreedomforyourservice.

YoucreatedyourEarthfillingitsshadowswithfragmentsoflight.

Thereyoupaused;youleftmeempty-handedinthedusttocreateyourheaven.

Toallthingselseyougive;frommeyouask.

TheharvestofmyliferipensinthesunandtheshowertillIreapmorethanyousowed,gladdeningyourheart,OMasterofthegoldengranary.

LXXIX

Letmenotpraytobeshelteredfromdangersbuttobefearlessinfacingthem.

Letmenotbegforthestillingofmypainbutforthehearttoconquerit.

Letmenotlookforalliesinlife’sbattlefieldbuttomyownstrength.

Letmenotcraveinanxiousfeartobesavedbuthopeforthepatiencetowinmyfreedom.

GrantmethatImaynotbeacoward,feelingyourmercyinmysuccessalone;butletmefindthegraspofyourhandinmyfailure.

LXXX

Youdidnotknowyourselfwhenyoudweltalone,andtherewasnocryingofanerrandwhenthewindranfromthehithertothefarthershore.

Icameandyouwoke,andtheskiesblossomedwithlights.

Youmademeopeninmanyflowers;rockedmeinthecradlesofmanyforms;hidmeindeathandfoundmeagaininlife.

Icameandyourheartheaved;paincametoyouandjoy.

Youtouchedmeandtingledintolove.

Butinmyeyesthereisafilmofshameandinmybreastaflickeroffear;myfaceisveiled

andIweepwhenIcannotseeyou.

YetIknowtheendlessthirstinyourheartforsightofme,thethirstthatcriesatmydoorintherepeatedknockingsofsunrise.

LXXXI

You,inyourtimelesswatch,listentomyapproachingstepswhileyourgladnessgathersinthemorningtwilightandbreaksintheburstoflight.

ThenearerIdrawtoyouthedeepergrowsthefervourinthedanceofthesea.

Yourworldisabranchingsprayoflightfillingyourhands,butyourheavenisinmysecretheart;itslowlyopensitsbudsinshylove.

LXXXII

Iwillutteryourname,sittingaloneamongtheshadowsofmysilentthoughts.

Iwillutteritwithoutwords,Iwillutteritwithoutpurpose.

ForIamlikeachildthatcallsitsmotheranhundredtimes,gladthatitcansay“Mother.”

LXXXIII

I

Ifeelthatallthestarsshineinme.Theworldbreaksintomylifelikeaflood.

Theflowersblossominmybody.Alltheyouthfulnessoflandandwatersmokeslikeanincenseinmyheart;andthebreathofallthingsplaysonmythoughtsasonaflute.

II

WhentheworldsleepsIcometoyourdoor.

Thestarsaresilent,andIamafraidtosing.

Iwaitandwatch,tillyourshadowpassesbythebalconyofnightandIreturnwithafullheart.

TheninthemorningIsingbytheroadside;

Theflowersinthehedgegivemeanswerandthemorningairlistens,

Thetravellerssuddenlystopandlookinmyface,thinkingIhavecalledthembytheirnames.

III

Keepmeatyourdooreverattendingtoyourwishes,andletmegoaboutinyourKingdomacceptingyourcall.

Letmenotsinkanddisappearinthedepthoflanguor.

Letnotmylifebewornouttotattersbypenuryofwaste.

Letnotthosedoubtsencompassme,—thedustofdistractions.

Letmenotpursuemanypathstogathermanythings.

Letmenotbendmyhearttotheyokeofthemany.

Letmeholdmyheadhighinthecourageandprideofbeingyourservant.

LXXXIV

THEOARSMEN

Doyouhearthetumultofdeathafar,Thecallmidstthefire-floodsandpoisonousclouds—TheCaptain’scalltothesteersmantoturntheshiptoanunnamedshore,Forthattimeisover—thestagnanttimeintheport—Wherethesameoldmerchandiseisboughtandsoldinanendlessround,Wheredeadthingsdriftintheexhaustionandemptinessoftruth.

Theywakeupinsuddenfearandask,“Comrades,whathourhasstruck?Whenshallthedawnbegin?”Thecloudshaveblottedawaythestars—Whoistherethencanseethebeckoningfingeroftheday?Theyrunoutwithoarsinhand,thebedsareemptied,themotherprays,thewifewatchesbythedoor;Thereisawailofpartingthatrisestothesky,AndthereistheCaptain’svoiceinthedark:“Come,sailors,forthetimeintheharbourisover!”

Alltheblackevilsintheworldhaveoverflowedtheirbanks,Yet,oarsmen,takeyourplaceswiththeblessingofsorrowinyoursouls!Whomdoyoublame,brothers?Bowyourheadsdown!

Thesinhasbeenyoursandours.TheheatgrowingintheheartofGodforages—Thecowardiceoftheweak,thearroganceofthestrong,thegreedoffatprosperity,therancourofthewronged,prideofrace,andinsulttoman—HasburstGod’speace,raginginstorm.

Likearipepod,letthetempestbreakitsheartintopieces,scatteringthunders.Stopyourblusterofdispraiseandofself-praise,Andwiththecalmofsilentprayeronyourforeheadssailtothatunnamedshore.

Wehaveknownsinsandevilseverydayanddeathwehaveknown;Theypassoverourworldlikecloudsmockinguswiththeirtransientlightninglaughter.Suddenlytheyhavestopped,becomeaprodigy,Andmenmuststandbeforethemsaying:“Wedonotfearyou,OMonster!forwehavelivedeverydaybyconqueringyou,“AndwediewiththefaiththatPeaceistrue,andGoodistrue,andtrueistheeternalOne!”

IftheDeathlessdwellnotintheheartofdeath,Ifgladwisdombloomnotburstingthesheathofsorrow,Ifsindonotdieofitsownrevealment,Ifpridebreaknotunderitsloadofdecorations,Thenwhencecomesthehopethatdrivesthesemenfromtheirhomeslikestarsrushingtotheirdeathinthemorninglight?Shallthevalueofthemartyrs’bloodandmothers’tearsbeutterlylostinthedustoftheearth,notbuyingHeavenwiththeirprice?AndwhenManburstshismortalbounds,isnottheBoundlessrevealedthatmoment?

LXXXV

THESONGOFTHEDEFEATED

MyMasterhasbidmewhileIstandattheroadside,tosingthesongofDefeat,forthatisthebridewhomHewoosinsecret.

Shehasputonthedarkveil,hidingherfacefromthecrowd,butthejewelglowsonherbreastinthedark.

Sheisforsakenoftheday,andGod’snightiswaitingforherwithitslampslightedandflowerswetwithdew.

Sheissilentwithhereyesdowncast;shehasleftherhomebehindher,fromherhomehascomethatwailinginthewind.

Butthestarsaresingingthelove-songoftheeternaltoafacesweetwithshameandsuffering.

Thedoorhasbeenopenedinthelonelychamber,thecallhassounded,andtheheartofthedarknessthrobswithawebecauseofthecomingtryst.

LXXXVI

THANKSGIVING

Thosewhowalkonthepathofpridecrushingthelowlylifeundertheirtread,coveringthetendergreenoftheearthwiththeirfootprintsinblood;

Letthemrejoice,andthankthee,Lord,forthedayistheirs.

ButIamthankfulthatmylotlieswiththehumblewhosufferandbeartheburdenofpower,andhidetheirfacesandstifletheirsobsinthedark.

Foreverythroboftheirpainhaspulsedinthesecretdepthofthynight,andeveryinsulthasbeengatheredintothygreatsilence.Andthemorrowistheirs.

OSun,riseuponthebleedingheartsblossominginflowersofthemorning,andthetorchlightrevelryofprideshrunkentoashes.

THEEND