بخش 190 - مهمان آمدن در آن مسجد

(So it continued) till a guest arrived at nightfall who had heard that marvellous rumour.

He was testing (it) in order to put (it) to the proof, for he was very valiant and surfeited with life.

He said (to himself), “I take little account of a (sheep's) head and belly: suppose that one grain is gone from the spirit's treasure, (what does it matter?)

Let the bodily form go: who am I (in reality)? Is not the (bodily) figure of small account when I am enduring for ever?

Since by the grace of God the (Divine) spirit was breathed into me, I am the breath of God (which is) kept apart from the windpipe of the body,

To the end that the sound of His breathing should not fall in this direction, and that that (spiritual) pearl should escape from the narrow (bodily) shell.

Since God said, ‘Desire death, O ye that are sincere,’ I am sincere: I will lavish my soul upon this (I will sacrifice my life for this object).”