I said, ‘O light of Truth, when wilt thou spend

Thy radiance?’ Answer heard I, ‘It may be

This will not alway be denied to thee.’

I said, ‘O Merciful, when wilt to me

Show mercy?’ He replied ‘Till that time is

Endure thou patiently my tyrannies.’

I said again, ‘All-seeing, who dost see

How long is pain, behold’st thou not then too

How short sweet joy was?’—Answer’d he anew,

‘Be not thus comfortless, but comprehend: