The Book of Akbar 396.1

396.1

This time which was the beginning of the spring time of the spiritual king was the beginning of the earthly spring (Rabi‘). There was a spiritual as well as a physical banquet of joy. The Great Light, the lamp of the universe, entered his house of exaltation (Aries) with a thousand blessings and felicities after the elapse of three hours and forty-nine minutes of Wednesday the 5th Rajab, 969 (11th March, 1562). The force of vegetation was set in motion, the door of abundance was opened anew before the world. The procession of King Rose (Khusrū-i-gul) arrived after his orbicular course and he displayed his splendour on his garden-throne. The birds of the meadow and the garden upraised the strains of Bārbad and Nāgīsa (Nakīsa). The vernal clouds washed and cleansed the recruits to the armies of fragrant plants. Verse The heart of the flower with the tongue of verdure Gave thanks to God for spring’s balminess In the production of living forms The stars became dyers and embroiderers The branches were necklaces full of pearls The buds like the musk-bags of the deer.