The Book of Akbar 14.1

14.1

the designs of the celestials, I might tell how, after long questing and searching, they clothed, with the glorious robe of existence, the Arranger of the world of reality and the Disposer of the outer world, and how they brought him from the hidden cradle of wondrous works and from the holy inner chambers, to the wondrous bridal-chamber of manifestation and splendid nuptial bed. But the description of heavenly exultation and of the joys of pure spirits is beyond the range of speech. As soon as the light of glory deigned to emerge from the orient of fortune, they despatched swift couriers and hard-riding horsemen to convey the life-increasing news and the heart-expanding tidings to the tents of fortune and encampment of glory. This had been sixteen miles off, but on the morrow of the night which had been pregnant with the day of auspiciousness, the army marched at dawn from that station, and encamped about midday at a spot which was very charming and salubrious, with clear water and delightful trees. There his Majesty Jahanbani Jannat Ashiyani had halted and a number of courtiers were assembled and in attendance. Verse. Verdant trees with heaven-brushing tops, Casting shade o'er the head shadowed by the bird of paradise. The melodious singing of the birds of the meadow Poured joyous notes over the banquet.