The beasts a clamour raised; they would not be repressed: “They who on means depend, are urged by greed confessed. 50 The millions upon millions, man and womankind, Are pinched by want; they suffer need; they food scarce find. By millions and by millions, since creation’s day,— Insatiate dragons,--they their gaping jaws display. A crowd of would-be wise men stratagems invent, Enough to upset mountains, could they give them vent. So God himself described in His most holy book Their arts: ‘By which they’d tear away the hills.’[143] Just look. Except the lot decreed by Providence of yore, By hunting or by toiling none can swell his store. 55 Device of man, his plans, shall all be brought to naught. God’s dispensations sole will stand, with wisdom fraught. Strive not then, man of sense; except good name to leave. Exertion’s a delusion. Out! Thou sottish knave!” A simpleton one morning rushing came in haste, Where Solomon his court of justice then had placed. His cheeks were blanched, his lips were blue; effects of fright. Said Solomon to him: “What ails thee? Say aright.” Him answer’d that poor wretch: “The angel, Lord, of death,[144] Upon me fixed, just now, a look that stopped my breath.” 60 Said Solomon: “What wilt thou I should do for thee?” He answered: “That the wind may now commanded be[145] To carry me away forthwith to Hindūstān. Perchance by fleeing thither, save my life I can.” See how mankind do shun the garb of poverty. Hence they’re a prey to greed and dire necessity. This fear of poverty is like that man’s dismay, Its Hindūstān, remark, is greed and grasping’s sway. So Solomon the wind commanded, him, forthwith, To bear to Hindūstān; and land him near some frith. 65 Another day as Solomon his court did hold, Death’s angel came; the king to him the matter told: “Thy wrathful look, the other day, upon that man, Has driven him his home to quit for Hindūstān. Didst thou in wrath survey the pious man that way, That he might wander forth a waif, like sheep astray? Or was thy look’s intent, so dreadful to behold, His soul to separate from its corporeal fold?” To him replied the angel: “King of sprites and men! His fancy him misled; he’ll ne’er do so again. 70 ’Twas not in anger then that I did look on him; ’Twas wonder him to see here, looking hale and prim. For God had me commanded: ‘Go this very day, And take his soul in Hindūstān, his debt to pay.’ In wonder, then, I said within myself: ‘Had he A hundred wings, in Hindūstān he could not be.’ But going, still, by God’s command, to Hindūstān, Him there I found, and took his soul with my own hand.”