The Book of Akbar 8.7

8.7

How many ages have passed away ! How many planetary conjunctions occurred, That this happy star might come forth from heaven ! It is an ancient custom and established institute that the messengers of the eternal city and the heralds of the opening of the gates of munificence, before the appearance of an elect one,—such that one only comes into existence after thousands of years,—rejoice the privileged and wakeful-hearted, by the glad tidings of his approach. For every event is stationed behind the veil of a time and the proper moment (of its appearance) is concealed and hidden. Yet before it become a certainty, they open a wicket in the invisible world in face of the senses, and the window-fronts hold a lattice of indications. Sometimes the manifestations occur in the visible world, and sometimes their lustre is exhibited in dreamland,—which is an image of the world of mortals,—so that the recipients may have hope while on the highway of desire, and may await the wished-for light and may be observing the ascension of the auspicious star, for expectation enhances joy, and joy is the ornament of felicity. And whatever takes form after longing and striving, and obtains its fulfilment after watching and waiting, has a charm about it which is not met with otherwise.