The Book of Akbar 306.1

306.1

IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE MERCIFUL, THE COMPASSIONATE. The chain of arrangements in Creation’s workshop, which is a truth-showing exhibition of evidence, and an illustration of self-existent power, needs to be linked to the sway of a lofty soul which may, by help of the Divine arm, sustain the burden of the universe, and can, by the strength of its perfect intelligence, supply both substance and system to the work of the terrene and terrestrials. The splendour of glory streams from his fortune’s forehead; the lightning of sublimity shines from the tablet of his actions; the beam of justice’s balance is steadied by his potent arm; the institutes of sovereignty’s forum receive lustre and currency from his care and consideration. Ingots of fine gold, which are the coins of heaven’s treasury, receive their perfect assay from his true die, and night-gleaming jewels, which are polished stellar orbs, behold greatness by being set in his tiara. The parterres of the Caliphate are watered by the stream of his scimitar, and the hexagonal earth irradiated by his banner’s Crescent. The echo of his dread drums o’erpowers the roar of the world’s calamities; the gleaming ensign of his greatness lightens up the dark, dust-stained world. He lays the dust of discord by the water of his world-opening sword, and quenches calamity’s lightning by the cloud of his sphere-shading umbrella.