The Four Valleys

He is the Strong, the Well-Beloved!

O light of truth, Hisám-i-Dín, the bounteous,

No prince hath the world begot like unto Thee![81]

I am wondering why the tie of love was so abruptly severed, and the firm covenant of friendship broken. Did ever, God forbid, My devotion lessen, or My deep affection fail, that thou hast thus forgot Me and blotted Me from thy thoughts?

What fault of Mine hath made thee cease thy favors?

Is it that We are lowly and thou of high degree?[82] Or is that a single arrow hath driven thee from the battle?[83] Have they not told thee that faithfulness is a duty on those who follow the mystic way, that it is the true guide to His Holy Presence? “But as for those who say, ‘Our Lord is God,’ and who go straight to Him, the angels shall descend to them....”[84]