"Become not Thou the Fuel of its Fires. Thou art a Shepherd, and thy Flock the People, To save and not destroy; nor at their Loss To lift Thyself above the Shepherd's calling. For which is for the other, Flock or Shepherd? And join with Thee true Men to keep the Flock. Dogs, if you will—but Trusty—head in leash, Whose Teeth are for the Wolf, not for the Lamb, And least of all the Wolf's Accomplices, Their Jaws blood-dripping from the Tyrant's Shambles. For Shahs must have Vizírs—but be they Wise And Trusty—knowing well the Realm's Estate— (For who eats Profit of a Fool? and least A wise King girdled by a Foolish Council)— Knowing how far to Shah and Subject bound On either Hand—not by Extortion, Nor Usury wrung from the People's purse, Their Master's and their own Estates (to whom Enough is apt enough to make them Rebel) Feeding to such a Surplus as feeds Hell. Proper in Soul and Body be They—pitiful To Poverty—hospitable to the Saint— Their sweet Access a Salve to wounded Hearts, Their Vengeance terrible to the Evil Doer, Thy Heralds through the Country bringing Thee Report of Good or Ill—which to confirm By thy peculiar Eye—and least of all Suffering Accuser also to be Judge— By surest Steps builds up Prosperity." XXIX. EPILOGUE. 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 Shah? and what the Sage? And what Salámán not of Woman born? And what Absál who drew him to Desire? And what the Kingdom that awaited him When he had drawn his Garment from her Hand? What means that Fiery Pile? and what The Sea? And what that Heavenly Zuhrah who at last Clear'd Absál from the Mirror of his Soul? Learn part by part the Mystery from me; All Ear from Head to Foot and Understanding be. XXX.