Poem IV

1David said: ‘O Lord, since thou hast no need of us,Say, then, what wisdom was there in creating the two worlds?’

2God said to him: ‘O temporal man, I was a hidden treasure;I sought that that treasure of lovingkindness and bounty should be revealed.

3I displayed a mirror—its face the heart, its back the world—Its back is better than its face—if the face is unknown to thee.’

4When straw is mixed with clay, how should the mirror be successful?When you part the straw from the clay, the mirror becomes clear.

5Grape-juice does not turn to wine, unless it ferment awhile in the jar;Would you have your heart grow bright, you must take a little trouble.

6The soul which issued forth from the body—my king saith to it:‘Thou art come even as thou wentest: where are the traces of my benefactions?’

7’Tis notorious that copper by alchemy becomes gold:Our copper has been transmuted by this rare alchemy.

8From God’s grace this sun wants no crown or robe:He is cap to a hundred bald men and cloak to ten naked.

9Child, Jesus sate on an ass for humility’s sake:How else should the zephyr ride on the back of an ass?