The lion thus replied: “’Tis true. But still, the Lord A ladder sets before our feet to be explor’d. Step after step we have to mount unto the roof. Th’ idea of compulsion’s quite devoid of proof. Two feet thou hast. Then why thyself hold to be lame? Two hands also. Why maimed account thyself in name? Whene’er a master puts a spade in hand of slave, He has no need to speak; the act expression gave. Our hands just so are given; spades they are to us. Think out this problem well; it needs not any fuss. 35 When thou hast laid this unction to thy soul amain, In duty’s path to lay down life thou’lt count as gain. Those symbols indices are, whence are secrets known. Responsibility’s from thee withdrawn; work shown. Thou’rt surely burdened. Borne also most truly art. Recipient; hence accepted;--fully on His part. Recipient be of God’s command; content thou’lt be. Seek unto Him; and to Him joined thyself thou’lt see. To strive to give thanks power provides this to perform. Allege compulsion. Gratitude’s ground thou’lt deform. 40 Thanks for thy powers the power of thanks tenfold expands. Take favour for compulsion. Power will leave thy hands. Compulsion dost affirm? That’s sleeping by the way. Go not to sleep until thou’st fairly won the day. Sleep not, Compulsionist! Thou man, with folly rife! Until thou reach the goal, the fruitful Tree of Life. The cool breeze there will rustle through its leaves profuse, Each moment scattering fruits for food and future use. Compulsion’s creed is sleep among the highwaymen; Unseasonable bird is mercilessly slain.[142] 45 If thou at God’s signs carp and peck, so finding fault, Though man thou count thyself, ’tis womanlike assault. The little sense thou hadst has really taken flight; A head that has no brains is tail turn’d round to sight. Ungrateful men are ever cursed of God on earth; And after death are flung to hell-fire’s vengeful hearth. If thou repose thy trust in God’s almighty pow’r, Sow first thy seed; and then, await the harvest hour.”