Conference-Of-The-Birds

16 The Conference Of The Birds By Farid Ud-Din Attar
could discover any defect therein. They were all unanimous in
declaring that no one had ever before seen such a flawless and stately
mansion. A discordant note was, however, struck by a holy man who
happened to be present.
“Allow me to say, Your Majesty,” said he, “there is an aperture in this
palace, which is a serious defect.”
“What balderdash is this!” exclaimed the monarch in a rage. “I have
never seen any aperture in it anywhere.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” replied the sage; “there is a tiny hole, through
which Izrael, the Angel of Death, will find his way. If you can manage to
fill it up, do so. If not, of what use are your palace and your crown and
your throne The mansion now appears to be as beautiful and lovely
as paradise itself, but when the Angel of Death knocks at the door, it
will be as dreadful and loathsome as hell.”
A love-sick bird then came forward. “My love for my beloved is so
strong,” said he, “that I cannot live for a moment without seeing her
face.”
“This is a mere fancy,” said the Hoopoe. “It is not real love, born
of ma’rifat or divine knowledge. Cure thy heart of such a morbid desire
for appearances.”
Another bird represented that he was terribly afraid of death. “I
apprehend,” said the bird, “that I shall die of fear during the very first
stage of the journey.”
The Hoopoe replied, “We are all foredoomed to death. Although you
may be enjoying sovereignty all your life, you will have to depart one
day. Therefore, renounce the world and prepare for the journey to the
realm of non-existence. Do not spoil the chances of Eternal Life for the
sake of this mean world.”
“Not one of my desires has ever been fulfilled,” was the plaint of
another bird. “I am, therefore, utterly depressed and heart-sick. I do
not think I can undertake this journey.”
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