The Book of Akbar 306.9

306.9

The world, a deer which had o’erleapt the snares of mighty hunters of the forest (i.e., former kings), became his Fortune’s prey and exultingly sang— Verse. When my star has tied me to his Fortune’s saddle-straps How can any think me worthless game. Fortune, sovereignty’s potent generalissimo gratefully recited her honours. Verse. ’Taken up from earth (Khāk) I am grown a great Khāqān, Drawn above the sky I’m a great ruler (Dārā-i-Akbar) By his presence I am revered in public and in private, And am strong inwardly and outwardly by his prestige, From his bounty is this my rose-garden irrigated, From his banquet is this my brimming bowl. Dominion the variegated one of the world’s picture-gallery became all of one colour (i.e., harmonious or unanimous) and spake thus: Verse. My cheek is freed from the stain of particolour, I’m a white diamond and a red ruby, The beauteous garden of the king is my carpet The atr of his holy spirit is the smoke in my censer Whilst my speech’s jewel is heaven’s earring I’ll laud his throne and invoke his diadem. The sky girt with a baldric of stars came dancing and cried: Verse. I wear the girdle of service and the torque of slavery, In his presence let me not have other gem or jewel My troops are victorious o’er hosts of foes Because I’m of the clan of the slaves of the conquering Lord. Felicity (Sa‘ādat), the wellwisher of sovereignty’s mansion described himself thus: Verse.