The people now came flocking to the Caliph’s gate, In marvel, that, through water, fire would not abate. 215 He told them that the fire burnt by divine command; That all those flames arose from their too frugal hand: “What use are water, vinegar? Distribute bread; Eschew cold avarice, if by me you’ll be led.” They answered: “Wide our doors stand open every day, We’ve ever lavish been; almsgiving is our play.” ‘Umer replied: “In form and custom, bread you’ve given. But not from love of God. You’re hands to dole were driven. ’Twas pride and ostentation led to your display; Not charity, not pity, sense of duty, say. 220 Your riches are your seed. Cast not such seed to waste. Place not a sword in robber’s hand with senseless haste. Distinction make ’twixt friend and foe to truth divine; Seek out God’s saints, and leave them not to starve, to pine. You’ve spent your stuff upon your cherished kindred sole, And fancied stupidly you’d followed God’s law whole.” 223 XVI. Ali’s Forbearance. From ‘Alī may we learn sincerity of meeds. “God’s Lion” we may hold free from all gross misdeeds. In fight he’d conquered one who’d earned a hero’s crown. His sword he’d swiftly raised, his victim to hew down. That champion spat in ‘Alī’s face, to mark disdain; The face of one, the Prophet’s pride, all saints’ chieftain. He spat upon a face to which the moon bowed low, And offered adoration in the temple’s show. That instant ‘Alī dropped his sword, high poised in air, And left the spitter harmless;--action debonnair. 5 This raised the foe’s astonishment; called forth his awe. That pardon, that forgiveness, grew not from war’s law. He said to ‘Alī: “Thou thy sword hadst raised to slay. Why hast thou dropt it now,--prolonged my forfeit day? What hast thou seen, surpassing prowess of my arm, That thus thou hast repented,--left me free from harm? What may it be has calmed the fury of thy breast, Which as the lightning gleamed, and straightway sank to rest? What didst thou see, that, by reflection on me cast, A spark has leapt to life in my despairing breast? 10 What was thy vision, far above the world of fact, Than life far sweeter, whence my life receives new pact? For bravery, ‘God’s Lion’ art thou justly named. For kindness, I now know, thou art too little famed. For generosity, thou’rt Moses’ cloud divine, From which poured forth the quails and manna, as from mine!”