بخش 89 - در بیان آنک دعای عارف واصل و درخواست او از حق هم‌چو درخواست حقست از خویشتن کی کنت له سمعا و بصرا و لسانا و یدا و قوله و ما رمیت اذ رمیت و لکن الله رمی و آیات و اخبار و آثار درین بسیارست و شرح سبب ساختن حق تا مجرم را گوش گرفته بتوبهٔ نصوح آورد

That prayer traversed the Seven Heavens: the fortune of the miserable wretch (Nasúh) at last became good;

For the prayer of a Shaykh (Spiritual Director) is not like every prayer: he is naughted (fání) and his words are the words of God.

Since God asks and begs of Himself, how, then, should He refuse to grant His own prayer?

The action of the Almighty produced a means that delivered him (Nasúh) from execration and woe.

(Whilst) he was filling a basin in the bath, a jewel belonging to the King's daughter was lost.

A jewel was lost from her ear-rings, and every woman (in the bath began to take part) in the search (for it).

Then they bolted the door of the bath (and made it) fast, in order that they might first look for the jewel in the folds of the furniture.

They searched (all) these articles, but it was not brought to light (there), nor was any person who had stolen the jewel discovered either.

Then they began to search incontinently with all their might in the mouths and ears (of the bathers) and in every cleft.

In rima inferiore et superiore and everywhere they searched for the pearl belonging to a beauteous oyster- shell.

Proclamation was made: “Strip, all (of you), whoever ye are, whether ye are old or young!”

The lady-in-waiting began to search them, one by one, (in the hope) that the marvellous pearl might be discovered.

Nasúh, (stricken) with fear, went into a private place: his face (was) yellow (pale) and his lips blue on account of a (great) terror (which possessed him).

He saw death before his eyes: he went (to hide himself), trembling like a leaf.

He cried, “O Lord, many a time have I turned away (from evil courses) and (then) broken my vows of penitence and my promises.

I have done the (foul) things that were fit to be done by me, so that such a black flood (of calamity) has arrived.

If my turn to be searched shall come, oh, what cruel sufferings must my soul endure!

A hundred sparks of fire have fallen on my heart: perceive in my orisons the smell of my (burning) heart.

May anguish like this not be the infidel's (portion)! I clutch the skirt of (Thy) mercy. Help, help!

Would that my mother had not borne me, or that a lion had devoured me in the pasture!

O God, do Thou what is worthy to be done by Thee, for from every hole a snake is biting me.

I have a soul of stone, and my heart is of iron, otherwise they would have turned into blood in this sorrow and lamentation.

The time presses and I have (only) one moment (left): act in kingly fashion, come to my aid!

If Thou wilt cover me up (conceal my sin) this time, (henceforth) I repent of everything that ought not to be done.

Accept my repentance this once more, that I may gird myself with a hundred belts for repentance.

If I commit any fault (in keeping my vow) this time, then do not hearken again to my prayer and words (of entreaty).”

Thus was he moaning while a hundred tears flowed (from his eyes). “I have fallen,” he cried, “into the hands of the executioner and policeman.

Let no Frank die such a death: may no mulhid (Ismá‘ílí or ‘Assassin’) have (cause to make) this lamentation!”

He was uttering cries of mourning over his soul, (for) he saw the face of Azrael (coming) nearer and nearer.

He cried “O God, O God” so often that door and wall joined with him (echoed his words).

He was deep in “O Lord” and “O Lord” (when suddenly) from amidst the (people engaged in) search came the (following) announcement.