Salaman and Absal · 15 of 32

XIII

While a Full Year was counted by the Moon, Salámán and Absál rejoiced together, And for so long he stood not in the face Of Sage or Shah, and their bereavéd Hearts Were torn in twain with the Desire of Him. They question’d those about him, and from them Heard something; then Himself in Presence summon’d,

And, subtly sifting on all sides, so plied Interrogation till it hit the Mark, And all the Truth was told. Then Sage and Shah Struck out with Hand and Foot in his Redress. And First with Reason, which is also Best; Reason that rights the Retrograde—completes The Imperfect—Reason that unties the Knot: For Reason is the Fountain from of old From which the Prophets drew, and none beside. Who boasts of other Inspiration lies— There are no other Prophets than The Wise.