How the lion roared wrathfully because the hare was late in coming.

As (for example) the hare who struck against the lion: how was his spirit analogous to his stature?

The lion from fury and rage was saying, “By means of my ear the enemy has bound up my eye.

The tricks of the necessitarians have bound me (in captivity); their wooden sword has wounded my body.

After this I will not hearken to their palaver: all that is (only meant to deceive, like) the cry of demons and ghouls.

O my heart, tear them to pieces, do not lag; rend their skins, for they have naught but skin.”

What is skin? Specious words, like ripples on water which have no continuance.

Know that these words are as the skin (rind), and the meaning is (as) the kernel; these words are as the form, and the meaning is like the spirit.

The skin hides the defect of the bad kernel; it (also) hides jealously the secrets of the good kernel.

When the pen is of wind and the scroll of water, whatever you write perishes speedily;

It is written on water: if you seek constancy from it, you will return biting your hands (in disappointment).

The wind in men is vanity and desire; when you have abandoned vanity, (then) is (the time for) the message from Him (God).

Sweet are the messages of the Maker, for it (that message) from head to foot (from first to last) is enduring.

The khutbas for kings change (and pass), and their empire; (all will pass) except the empire and khutbas (insignia) of the prophets,

Because the pomp of kings is from (earthly) vanity, (while) the glorious privilege of the prophets is from (Divine) Majesty.

The names of kings are removed from the dirhems, (but) the name of Ahmad (Mohammed) is stamped on them for ever.

The name of Ahmad is the name of all the prophets: when the hundred comes (is counted), ninety is with us as well.