THE DAY CAME for the image from the temple to be drawn round the holy town in its chariot. The Queen said to the King, 'Let us go and attend the festival.' Only one man out of the whole household did not join in the pilgrimage. His work was to collect stalks of spear-grass to make brooms for the King's house. The chief of the servants said in pity to him, 'You may come with us.' He bowed his head, saying, 'It cannot be.' The man dwelt by the road along which the King's followers had to pass. And when the Minister's elephant reached this spot, he called to him and said, 'Come with us and see the God ride in his chariot!' I dare not seek God after the King's fashion,' said the man. 'How should you ever have such luck again as to see the God in his chariot?' asked the Minister. 'When God himself comes to my door,' answered the man. The Minister laughed loud and said, 'Fool! "When God comes to your door!" yet a King must travel to see him!' 'Who except God visits the poor?' said the man.
BLESSINGS HAVE I won in this life of the Beautiful. In the vessel of man's affection I taste His own divine nectar. Sorrow, hard to bear, has shown me the unhurt, unconquered soul. On the day when I felt death's impending shadow, fear's defeat has not been mine. The great ones of the Earth have not deprived me of their touch, their undying words have I stored in my heart. Grace I had from the god of life: this memory let me leave in grateful words.
