“Under the outward form of any story
An inner meaning lies—this story now
Completed, do thou of its mystery
(Whereto the wise hath found himself a way)
Have thy desire—no tale of I and Thou,
Though I and Thou be its interpreters.
What signifies the King? and what the Sage?
And what Salāmān not of woman born?
And what Absāl who drew him to desire?
And what the Kingdom that awaited him