(Masnavi Book 3: 32) Story of the dervish who had secluded himself in the mountains

Story of the dervish who had secluded himself in the mountains, with an account of the sweetness of severance (from the world) and seclusion and of entering upon this path, for (God has said), “I am the companion of them that commemorate Me and the friend of them that take Me as their friend.

If you art with all, you art without all when you art without Me; And if you art without all, you art with all when you art with Me.”

There was a dervish dwelling in a mountainous place: solitude was his bedfellow and boon- companion.

1615. Since the refreshing breeze (of favour) was coming for him from the Creator, he was weary of the breaths of man and woman.

Just as staying at home is easy to us, so travelling is easy to another class of people.

In the same way as you art in love with dominion, that worthy man is in love with the ironsmith's handicraft.

Every one has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that (work) has been put

into his heart.

How should hand and foot be set in motion without desire? How should sticks and straws go

(from their place) without any water or wind?

1620. If you see (that) your desire (is) towards Heaven, unfold the wings of empire, like the

Humá;

But if you see (that) your desire (is) towards the earth, keep lamenting, cease not at all from moaning.

The wise, indeed, make lamentations at first; the foolish beat their heads at the last.

From the beginning of the affair discern the end (thereof), so that you mayst not be repenting on the Day of Judgement.