‘Umer told all the stations passed through by his soul;— Its flights, fights, tribulations, ere it was made whole. He spoke of times when flight of time’s of no account; Of Holiness’s station, glorious to recount. He talked of atmospheres in which his righteous soul Had soared to seek fresh conquests of devotion’s whole. 70 Its every flight had been beyond th’ horizon scant; Beyond the hope, or e’en desire, of aspirant. He found a willing list’ner in the stranger guest, Whose mind was framed t’ investigate such mysteries blest. The teacher was perfection; novice full of zeal; Like clever jockey on a steed with lightning heel. He found his scholar apt, of great capacity. So good seed sowed in fertile soil sagacity. Th’ ambassador now asked: “Of true believers Prince! How can a soul from heaven come down to earth’s province;— 75 How can so great a bird be cooped up in a cage?” He answered: “God speaks words of power, most sage. Those words, addressed to nothings without eyes or ears, Set them in motion. Like a ferment, fruit it bears. Those words no sooner spoken, quick those nothings all In motion put themselves, and reach existence’ hall. Or He commands these beings, creatures of His own; And they return to nothing, whence He them had drawn. He speaks unto the flowers; they forthwith burst in bloom. His voice the flint hears; lo, it’s a cornelian stone. 80 A spell He laid on matter; spirit it became. By charm from Him the sun sprang forth, a lambent flame. If He but whisper words of awe, the sun again Is seized with darkness of eclipse, like night amain. What is’t He says, by which the teeming eye of cloud Sheds forth its tears, as drops from water-skin unsewed?