Discourses of Rumi

78 V DISCOURSES OF RUMIThe man acted accordingly. He filled a pitcherwith water and went around the congregation inthe mosque like a water-carrier. He was wanderingbetween the ranks of the worshippers whensuddenly he was seized with ecstasy. He uttered aloud cry, and the pitcher fell from his hand. Heremained in a corner of the mosque unconscious.All the people left. When he came to his senses hesaw that he was alone. He could not see the spiritualking who had gazed upon him, but he hadgained his goal.There are certain lovers of God, who, becauseof their great majesty and jealousy for God, donot show themselves openly, but they cause disciplesto attain important goals and bestow giftsupon them. Such mighty spiritual saints are rareand precious.Someone said: “Do the great ones come beforeyou?”Rumi answered: There is no “before” left tome. It has been a long time since I have had any“before.” If they come, they come before animage they believe to be me. Some people said toJesus, “We will come to your house.” Jesus