Classic Poem

Before the Sultan's throne appears
The Mewlana, with lowly brow.
" Thy wisdom's fame hath reached mine ears,
Then answer me one question now.
Four several sects, well knowest thou,
My faithful Mussulmans divide;
Without delay, then, tell me now
With which doth Allah's favor side?
By which of these four pathways, say,
Shall dust attain to Allah's throne?
In doubt I 've waited till to-day;
Now let the certainty be known. "
Thus spake the Sultan, and was dumb.
The Mewlana gazed silently
A moment round the audience-room,
And then he said, with bended knee: —
" Thou in whose smile thy faithful race
The light of Heaven reflected see,
Protect me with thy shield of grace,
Then shall my answer be to thee:
Thou sitt'st enthroned here in a hall,
To which four doors thy slaves admit,
And all thy splendor beams on all,
By whichsoe'er they enter it.
That I did not mistake the way,
Thy messenger the praise must claim,
And, dazzled by the bright array,
I know not now which way I came. "