The column answered: “Prophet, grief my heart makes bleed.[278]
Against me, in thy sermon, thou’st been used to lean;
A pulpit now thou’st mounted; far from me thou’rt seen.”
The Prophet said: “Thou most affectionate of posts!
Good fortune thee attend, sent by the Lord of Hosts!220
If thou so wish, thou mayst become a fruitful palm;
And men from east and west sing of thy dates in psalm.
Or God may thee transplant to realms of paradise;
Where as a cedar thou eternally mayst rise.”
It answered: “I elect what ne’er will know decay.”