How the beasts gathered round the hare and spoke in praise of him.

Then all the wild beasts assembled, joyous and laughing gleefully in rapture and excitement.

They formed a ring, he (the hare) in the midst like a candle: all the animals of the desert bowed (in homage) to him.

“Art thou a heavenly angel or a peri? No, thou art the Azrael of fierce lions.

1360 Whatever thou art, our souls are offered in sacrifice to thee. Thou hast prevailed. Health to thy hand and arm!

God turned this water into thy stream. Blessing on thy hand and arm!

Explain how thou didst meditate with guile, and how thou didst guilefully wipe out that ruffian.

Explain, in order that the tale may be the means of curing (our malady); explain, that it may be a salve for our souls.

Explain! for in consequence of the iniquity of that tyrant our souls have myriads of wounds.”

1365 “O Sirs,” said he, “it was (by) God’s aid; else, who in the world is a hare (who am I, that I should have been able to do this)?

He (God) bestowed power on me and gave light to my heart: the light in my heart gave strength to hand and foot.”

From God come preferments (to high position), from God also come changes (which bring one to low estate).

God in (due) course and turn is ever displaying this (Divine) aid to doubters and seers (alike).

Take heed! Do not exult in a kingdom bestowed in turns (passing from one to another). O thou who art the bondsman of Vicissitude, do not act as though thou wert free!

1370 (But) those for whom is prepared a kingdom beyond Vicissitude, for them the drums (of sovereignty) are beaten beyond the Seven Planets.

Beyond Vicissitude are the kings everlasting: their spirits are circling with the Cupbearer perpetually.

If thou wilt renounce this drinking (of worldly pleasures) for a day or two (for thy brief lifetime), thou wilt dip thy mouth in the drink of Paradise.