O men of God, believers, now attend,
And for a tale of miracles prepare.
        This happened when beloved All
Was in the mosque, his mind consumed by prayer.

He knelt with reverence, transfixed against
The altar, with his gaze upon the Book.
        Of his companions, young and old,
None were without reflection in their look,

When through an archway flew a ring-necked dove.
All saw it. When its flight was done,
        It settled by him. Lo, it spoke:
"Salaam aleykum, All, Bravest One."

In clearest voice, the supernatural bird
Declared, "You're all that's said or sung
        Of faith and holiness. I've flown
From distant fields, wherein I have five young.

"To feed my flightless brood I flit from earth
To heaven's height and all that lies between.
        I am as much a child of God
As countrysides where I seek food are green.

"0 Bravest One, my search led everywhere
And gratitude to God flew in my breast.
        Singing, I garnered up the grains
So needful for my young within the nest.

"I never thought of enemies1 not I !
Carefree was I, except the care I own
        For those I nourish. Suddenly -
The shadow of a foe flashed o'er the sown.

"A falcon swift and speckled soared above -
Free as air and fast as breeze. From high
        It plunged the moment that I looked.
Could I fly half as fast, Ah? Not I

"Yet driven by the fear that powers a wing
I cut the air, the wind itself I shaved:
        And now upon your threshold, pray
Your mercy, Ah, Brave One, to be saved."

To all of nature Ah was friend
Who, listening gravely to this tale of flight,
        Beckoned the bird with gentle hand.
"Poor feathered thing, I'll shield you in your plight."

Cooing, the dove came forward, ruffled still
With fear, and sought refuge in Ah's sleeve.
        It did so. Next, the falcon came,
Bright-winged, and calling, "Ah, by your leave,

"Hark to my tale as well," and with salaams
It added, "Then decide." In Ah's face
        The bird dared look with hooded eye;
Forthwith before its judge it put its case:

'My territory covers arid plain,
Mountains and scree wherein no rivers run.
        Here must I seek such morsels as
I can. Your dove? Mere meat to me, Brave One!

"Feather and bone am I, my craw untouched
By food these three days past. I'm not divine1
        Just flesh1 as God decreed. I starve!
Give me the dove Law designates as mine."

He flattered Ah then3 addressing him
As Wielder of the great Sword Zulfiqar,
        The King who broke Duldul the Horse.
But Ah rose to call his slave Kanbar.

Kanbar abased himself and begged to serve
The Brave One whom - he said - all must revere.
        With stemness1 Ah ordered thus:
"Go then, and bring my jewelled dagger here."

The falcon now with apprehensive voice
Asks Ah what he means to do. "Abide
        My will, 0 bird. Touch not this dove.
Instead you'll eat of meat sliced from my side."

The dagger came, and straightaway was unsheathed,
Its blade agleam like sunlight, bright and fresh.
        As Ah made to plunge it down,
The falcon cried, "Don't mar your holy flesh !",

And with his talons seized the lifted arm.
"For those Unborn who dream of being made -
        And for the Blessed - the hope lies in
Your sacred hand. Pray drop this murder blade!"

The falcon ceased then in his birdlike shape
And stood transformed. Cried he, "Ah, the Blessed,
        I am no bird - nor is this dove.
Our aim's fulfilled, and you have passed the test."

Courage, compassion these were not in doubt.
They stood before the King, and by-and-by
        Took wing like angels, feathered bright1
High to the hectares of unmeasured sky.

It matters not what form the Spirit takes -
Be sure to load with alms a beggar's bowl:
        The scent of Kindness pleases God.
Forgiveness is the essence of the Soul.

So ends this verse and, like an ancient scroll,
Is furled. If words may elevate the world
        Then Makhtumkuli is a star
With Master Ah in the sun's dance whirled.