BOOK II. PROLOGUE.
THE composition of this Masnavi has been delayed for a season. ¹
Time is needed for blood to become milk.
Till thy fortune comes forth as a new-born babe,
Blood becomes not milk, sweet and pleasant to the mind.
When that light of God, Husámu-'d-Din
Turned his course down from the summit of heaven,-
While he had ascended to sublimest verities,
In the absence of his spring the buds blossomed not,-
But when out of that sea he came to shore,
The lute of the poesy of the Masnavi sounded again.
This Masnavi, which is the polisher of spirits,-
Its recommencement occurred on the day of "Opening."
The commencement date of this precious work
Was the year six hundred and sixty-two of the Flight.
The Bulbul started on this date and became a hawk;
Yea, a hawk to hunt out these mysteries.
May the wrist of the King be the resting-place of this hawk.
And may this door be open to the people for ever!1 The delay was caused by the grief of Husam for the death of his wife.
