the same. Wherefore of this realm it is
written, "No work withholdeth Him from another."(125) And of another state
it is said: "Every day doth some new work employ Him."(126) This is the
food whose savor changeth not, whose color altereth not. If thou eatest
thereof, thou shalt verily chant this verse: "I turn my face to Him Who
hath created the Heavens and the earth ... I am not one of those who add
gods to God."(127) "And thus did we show Abraham the Kingdom of the
Heavens and of the Earth, that He might be established in knowledge."(128)
Wherefore, put thy hand into thy bosom, then stretch it forth with power,
and behold, thou shalt find it a light unto all the world."(129)

How crystal this cool water that the Cup-Bearer bringeth! How bright this
pure wine in the hands of the Beloved! How delicate this draught from the
Heavenly Cup! May it do them good, whoso drink thereof, and taste of its
sweetness and attain to its knowledge.

It is not fitting that I tell thee more,
For the stream's bed cannot hold the sea.(130)

For the mystery of this utterance is hid within the storehouse of the
Great Infallibility(131) and laid up in the treasuries of power. It is
sanctified above the jewels of explanation; it is beyond what the most
subtle of tongues can tell.

Astonishment here is highly prized, and utter poverty essential. Wherefore
hath it been said, "Poverty is My pride."(132) And again: "God hath a
people beneath the dome of glory, whom He hideth in the clothing of
radiant poverty."(133) These are they who see with His eyes, hear with His
ears, as it is written in the well-known tradition.

Concerning this realm, there is many a tradition and many a verse, of
broad or special relevancy, but two of these will suffice to serve as a
light for men of mind and heart.

The first is His statement: "O My Servant! Obey Me and I shall make thee
like unto Myself. I say 'Be,' and it is, and thou shalt say 'Be,' and it
shall be."

And the second: "O Son of Adam! Seek fellowship with none until thou hast
found Me, and whenever thou shalt long for Me, thou shalt find Me close to
thee."

Whatever high proofs and wondrous allusions are recounted herein, concern
but a single Letter, a single Point. "Such hath been the way of God ...
and no change canst thou find in the way of God."(134)

I began this epistle some time ago, in thy remembrance, and since thy
letter had not reached me then, I began with some words of reproac