A Fruit

A Fruit of the Pine, Cedar, Juniper,

and Black Cypress Trees

in the Uplands of Barla

[While being a part of the Eleventh Letter, this has been included here on account of its station.]

One time during my captivity a gentle breeze was blowing as I gazed at the majestic and wonderful forms of the pine, cedar, and juniper trees on the mountain top. Then the scene was transformed into a magnificent, delightful, and clamorous display of dancing and a rapturous performance of praise and glorification, and the delight at beholding became instruction for my eyes and wisdom for my ears. I suddenly recalled the Kurdish lines of Ahmad al-Jizri, whose meaning is:

“Everyone has hastened to gaze upon You and Your beauty; all are acting coyly before Your loveliness.”

My heart wept as follows, so as to express their instructive meanings. The meaning of the Persian verses written at Tepelice in the mountains of Barla, the fruit of the pine, cedar, juniper, and black cypress trees, is this:

Living creatures have appeared from everywhere on the face of the earth, Your art, to gaze on You.

From above and below they emerge like heralds, and call out.

The herald-like trees take pleasure at the beauty of Your embroideries, and they dance.

They are filled with joy at the perfection of Your art, and utter truly beautiful sounds.

It is as if the sweetness of their voices fills them with joy too, inducing them to chant a delicate melody.

In response the trees have started dancing and are seeking ecstasy.

It is through these works of divine mercy that all the living creatures receive instruction in their particular glorifications and prayers.

After receiving instruction, on the high rocks the trees raise their heads to the divine throne.

Each, like Shahbaz Qalandar, [^8] stretches out a hundred hands to the Court of God, and assumes an imposing position of worship.

[^8]:Shahbaz Qalandar was a famous hero who through the guidance of Shaykh Geylani took refuge at the divine court and rose to the degree of sainthood.